'>A0^ % A- ,0' ■3_ o °^ V .^^ :7i^' ■ xv ■ JfV*^*>»- -r? V .V > 0- P ' • o *^ -^^ ^ J • • , -^ =i.. .*'' .• -0 ^-^<^ -^ •<^ *v. ^ ■*. ^*^ O « O ' «,» A a5> ^LM'* > ^. Digitized by tine Internet Arcinive in 2010 witii funding from Tine Library of Congress littp://www.arcliive.org/details/liistoryofstlawreOOIioug •cormnff to Ac; J c .rcgr. .„. ..^._ o'.'.io^o.a/p.A a/nj^mmons.mUu Lie-ksOincccflheMortha-nDistridomSiattafMrork . X . ..../^r^ HISTORY ST. LAWRENCE AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES, NEW YORK, EARLIEST PERIOD TO THE PRESENT TIME. J- FRANKLIN B. ttOUGH, A. M, M. D, CORRESPONDING MEMBER OF THE NEW YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY. ALBANY: LITTLE & CO., 53 STATE STREET. 1853. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1853, by FRANKLIN B. HOUGH, In the Clerk's office of the District Court for the Northern District of New York. f MUNSEII., PEINTER, ALBANY, PREFACE. The interest which was manifested, in a lectui'e delivered in December, 1851, at OgdensburghjOn the early history of the county, led to the belief that the subject was one that commended itself to the attention of the citi- zens generally,and induced the collection of the materials herewith offered to the public. To the numerous persons who have expressed an interest in the work, and in various ways aided in promoting it, our sincere thanks are tendered; but an attempt to enumerate those from whom facts and verbal statements were received, woi^ be impossible. To the Hon. Henry S. Randall, secretary of state, and Mr. Archibald Camp- bell, his deputy, are we indebted, for access to the voluminous data which our state archives afford, and aid in procuring many facts not elsewhere existing. Dr. E. B. O'Callaghan has been of especial service, in directing our attention to various sources of information ; and Dr. T. Romeyn Beck, in the loan of volumes relating to our subjects of investi- gation. To Messrs. James H. Titus and A. O. Brodie, of New York, and to Henry E. Pierrepout, Esq., of Brooklyn, are our acknowledg- ments due, for materials in aid of the work ; as they are also to Dr. Amasa Trowbridge, of Watertown, and P. S. Stewart, Esq., of Carthage. The sketches from which most of the wood engravings were made, were, with the exceptions of the views of Gouverneur and Potsdam, drawn by Miss Levantia J. Woolworth, of Turin. To Elijah B. Allen, president of the Ontario and St. Lawrence Steam Boat Company, and Mr. T. P. Chandler, president of the Northern Rail Road Company, are we especially indebted, for facilities in collecting materials, and to the following citizens, for direct aid, and written me- moranda, used in these pages, viz: the Hon. Messrs. Henry Van Rensse- laer, John Fine, David C. Judson, Preston King, Jas. G. Hopkins, Smith Stilwell and Bishop Perkins; the Rev. Messrs. L. M. Miller, J. P. Jen- nings and H. R. Peters; to Drs, S. N. Sherman and A. Tyler; and to Messrs. A. B. James, James C. Barter, Wm. E. Guest, A. C. Brown, L. Hasbrouck, B. H. Vary, H. F. Lawrence and R. G. Pettibone, of Og- densburgh; D. W. Church and C. Ford, of Morristown; D. W. Baldwin and A. M. Church, of Rossie ; H. D. Smith, Esq., C. Rich and Hon. E. Dodge, of Gouverneur; Dr. D. Clark, Rev. R. Pettibone and Messrs. M. IV PREFACE. Thatcher, J. L. Russell, Geo. S. WinsloVv, F. Wood and I. R. Tupper, of Canton; E. A. Dayton, of Columbia village; I. Ogdeu, of Wadding- ton ; Hon. Wm. A. Dart, L. and W. L. Knovvles, S. Raymond, Wm. H. Wallace, J. Blaisdell, B. G. Baldwin, Rev. I. Allen, E. W. Foster, W. M. Hitchcock, and Rev. Andrews, of Potsdam; L. C. Yale, of Noi'- folk; Rev. W. Whitfield, of Pierrepont; Rev. O. M. Moxley, of Parish- ville ; Hon. H. Horton, Col. Charles L. Schlatter, F. Pellitier, S. C. F. Thorndike, A. B. Parmelee, G. Parker, Dr. E. Man, Dr. T. R. Powell, J. H. Jackson, U. D. Meeker, R. G. Foote,' G. C. Cocton and Rev. A. Parmelee, of Malone ; J. C. Spencer, of Fort Covington ; A. Fulton, ot Hogansburgh; and Rev. F. Marcoux, of St. Regis; and not least because last, to the several editors of the St. Lawrence Republican, Ogdensburgh Sentinel, The Laborer, Canton Independent, Potsdam Courier, St. Law- rence Journal, Franklin Gazette and Frontier Palladium,' are our cordial thanks tendered, for the kind attention they have bestowed upon the enterprise. The indulgence of the reader is solicited towards the typographical errors, that must unavoidably occur among so many names and dates; and the assurance may be received, that such statements only are given, as are believed to be f^cts. It is at all times a delicate task to write upon subjects of history relating to those living, or about which many of the readers must know more than the writer. How nearly truth has been attained, the reader must decide. It has been our aim to be strictly impartial; to injure the feelings or the interests of none*: to do justice to the resoui'ces of the country, and to the memories of those whose acts make up our history. Many links in the chain of events are want- ing, and the data from which history is derived, are daily becoming lost. It has been our aim to rescue from oblivion the incidents that attended the feeble beginnings and early struggles of a district of country ;Which a combination of filvoring causes is destined to place high in rank of wealth and importance ; and if our efforts shall in any degree tend to this end, by making known our resources and our advantages, a promi- nent object which has been constantly before us, will have been attained. FRANKLIN B. HOUGH. Albany, February 7, 1853. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. ABORIGINAL, FREWCH AND ENGLISH HISTORY. Traces of ancient occupancy-Early discoveries-Journals of voyages-Found- ing of mission at la Presentation-Memoir of Picquet-Isle Royal fortified- Its seige and surrender- Account of Oswegatchie tribe, : . . ... 17 CHAPTER II. ST. REGIS. Its sitaation-Origin-Labors Of Father Gordon, a Jesuit-Legend of the bell -Capture of Deerfield-Their action in the revolution-Treaties of various Indian tribes-Account of the Seven Nations of Canada-Their proceedings previous to the treaties-Doings at the first treaty-Account of subsequent treaties-Part taken in the war-Great mortality-^Internal organization- Present condition— Names of places— Lives of several Indian chiefs, . . no CHAPTER III. ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTIES, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, ETC. Original petition for organization of St. Lawrence county-^Act of incorpora- tion-Acts relating to the erection and removal of site of public buildings- Act incorporating Franklin county— Memoranda from county records, 204 CHAPTER IV. HISTORY OF THE LAND TITLES. Tendency to spread of settlements after the Revolution-Early action of legis- lature for sale of lands— Resolutions of land commissioners— Sale of "ten towns '-Macomb's purchase-The islands-Titles of the several towns- Gospel and School lots-Oldjtoljtary purchase— Account of first survevs- ^""^^"ts, ^, y^gg CHAPTER V. ORGANIZATION^D ^SETTLEMENT OF THE SEVERAL TOWNS. List of towns in ft. Lawrence county-Details and incidents relating to each- Lists of supervisors-Memoranda from town records— Religious societies- List of towns in Franklin county, with details, . ! . . . ! . |^ CHAPTER VI. SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS-THE PRESS-HISTORY OF ACADEMIES. Medical societies -Benevolent societies -Lyceums-Irish relief-Religious associations-Societies for mutual benefit-^Masons-Odd Fellows-Rechab- VI' CONTENTS. ites — Sons of Temperance — Protective unions — Agricultural societies — Insurance companies — Banks — Account of the local press — The several academies, 517 CHAPTER VII. INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS, STATISTICS, ETC. Proposed improvement in navigation of St. Lavs^rence — Improvements of the smaller rivers' — Rail road history from the beginning — Statistics of Northern rail road — Potsdam and Watertown rail road — Telegraphs — Steam boats — State roads — Plank roads — Statistics of population — Pensioners in 1840 — Custom districts — Post offices — Lists of civil officers, 554 , CHAPTER VIIL BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. Russell Attwater, Thomas B. Benedict, John Boyd, James Campbell, D. W. Church, Thomas J. Davies. John Fine, S. Foote, D. Ford, N, Ford, Asa Hascall, Louis Hasbrouck, Rosvsfell Hopkins, H. Horton, D. C. Judson, R. McChesney, D. A. Ogden, David Parish, George Parish, H. Powell, B. Raymond, A. Richards, J. Rosseel, J. W. Smith, G. Smith, J. B. Spencer, R. Townsend, W. H. Vining, H. S. Waterhouse, Joseph York, Silas Wright, 584 CHAPTER IX. EVENTS OF THE WAR OF 1812-1815. First military organizations — Events at Ogdensburgh in 1812 — Affair at Tous- sant island — Attempt of the enemy in October — Descent upon Brockville — Capture of Ogdensburgh — Details of Wilkinson's expedition, 617 CHAPTER X. THE PATRIOT WAR OF 1837-1840. Causes — Destruction of steamer Caroline — Of steamer Sir Robert Peel — This act avowed — Affair at the Wind Mill, near Prescott — Official returns of killed and wounded — Outrages upon American steam boats on the St. Law- rence — Affair of the schooner Weeks — Trial and sentence of prisoners, with lists, 656 CHAPTER XI. GEOLOGY, MINERALOGY, METEOROLOGY, ETC. Extent of several rock formations — Mines and metalic veins — List of mineral localities — Meteorological notes, and memoranda of natural history, . . 675 APPENDIX. Proclamation of Gov. Colden, announcing the surrender of Fort Levi — Account of, by Knox — Superstitions — Note on Iroquois language — Biographical note on Stephen Van Rensselaer — On Hezekiah B. Pierrepont — Additional notes on Madrid, : ► , , , 704 Index, , ....,,, 717 INTRODUCTION. EFORE entering upon the history of St. Lawrence and .Franklin Counties, it may not be amiss to glance at the con- dition of the country at the time of its settlement, that the difficulties of forming the first beginning, and the embarrass- ments which delayed their growth, may be duly appreciated. The details of the minor events that make up the annals of rural districts, may want the dignity of history, but not the interest, especially to the citizens of these localities. At the time when settlements began, here, the river front of Canada, for most of the distance above Montreal, had been settled about twenty years, principally by tories, refugees from the States, at the time of the revolution. These were known as U. E. Loyalists,* and many of them suffered extremely from the privations incident to their forlorn condition, as great numbers fled precipitately from their homes, leaving their property to be confiscated, and although the British government gave them lands, and in various ways assisted them in settling on the St. Lawrence, yet there remained many inconveniences which time alone could remedy. In the school of adversity they had learned the bitter- ness of want, and were more willing to extend aid to others, from having felt its need, and they appeared much gratified when they learned that the south shore was to be settled. It is a well known fact, that permanent settlements were made at an early day along the St. Lawi-ence, at several places, and the features of that majestic river were familiar to these enterprising explorers, before New England had a white inhabitant. With an assiduity that does credit to their sagacity and forethought, they began at once the labor of conciH- ating the friendship, and securing the interests of the savages, that had previously roamed through the forest in quest of game, or in stealthy midnight marches in search of some unsuspecting victim of revenge. The few traces which we possess of aboriginal occupation, bespeak a * U. E.— United English. < X INTRODUCTION. settlements diminished more rapidly than they had previously grown. The channel of trade down the St. Lawrence, which was fast becoming established was broken up, and the exigencies of the period, gave origin to the belief, that other avenues to market, independent of the casualties of war should be established, nor was this abandoned until by the most indefatigable exertions under repeated discouragements, the great want has been supplied, and there has not been in its history a period, when the future was opening more pleasantly, than the present, inviting the investment of capital and industry, with the promise of rich returns. In tracing the birth and infancy of our settlements, through the weak- ness, and perhaps the waywardness of inexperienced youth, up to the maturity of manhood, it has been our uniform desire to render impartial justice to the merits of those to whom belongs the ci-edit of having met and overcome the difficulties of anew country, and through a long course of years, with hope deferred, have waited and labored for the accomplish- ment of those objects which were calculated to secure a lasting benefit to the country. About 1818, the first attempt was made to establish the dairy interest, a branch of agriculture which will, to a considerable de- gree, supersede every other, as the broken nature of the surface, in towns underlaid by primary rock, renders pasturage the most profitable use to which much of the land can be applied. The direct access to the mar- kets, at all times, which is now enjoyed, enables the farmer to avail him- self of the calls of the market, and derive every advantage that has hitherto been felt only by those living in the vicinity of large cities. Al- though butter and cheese are required for consumption by millions, yet but a comparatively small part of our .country is capable of producing them. The country that yields these articles is mainly limited to the northern border of the Union; the climate of the central and southern portions not being adapted to the purpose. This species of husbandry likewise possesses the elements of perpetuity within itself, from the very small amount of the produce of fields that are taken away. Of other sources of wealth our counties possess an enviable share, when these resources come to be known and appreciated, they can not but be im- proved. The great and increasing amount of freight business done on the Northern railroad, and the corresponding addition to the commerce of the river and lakes to meet this road, bear evidence that the public are beginning to realize the advantages of the communication, and to reap the benefits to be derived from it. The Canadian system of rail roads in progress, is destined to exert a INTRODUCTION. XI favorable iufluence upon the prospects of this section of the state, by di- recting the tide of travel and business between the seaboard and the great west, through our midst, and the commercial interests of the country, with whom economy of time and money are leading questions, will not be long in finding this as one of the most direct and eligible avenues. There at present exists a strong probability, that the desirable link between the Northern rail road and that from Rome to Cape Vincent, will be shortly built, which must tend greatly to promote the growth and wealth of the district through which it will pass, by placing it in com- munication with the markets. The enterprise which has originated and sustained these and other measures, tending to develop to the extent of their capacity, the resources of the country, may perhaps be traced to the restless progressive spirit characteristic of New England, from whence the mass of our population is derived. Had any accidental circumstances thrown the fortunes of the war ot 1758-1760, into the opposite scale, giving to the French the ascendency, this district might have continued as it begun, inhabited by a French pop- ulation, and exhibiting that stationary and neglected aspect still seen in their settlements below Montreal; unless, perhaps, the commercial wants of the country might have called forth the expenditure of ex- traneous capital, in the opening of lines of communication. Thus the events of a remote historical period have modified the character of all that follow, and with those who take a pleasure in watching the relations of cause and effect, there can be nothing more instructive than observing how necessarily dependent upon the past are the events of the future. The claims of histoiy upon the attention of those who seek probabili- ties in precedents, is therefore d.TCCt; and of an importance proportion- ate to the proximity of time and place, rather than the magnitude of the events. The mighty changes in nations and empires, and the records of the virtues and vices of mankind which adorn or disgrace the pages of ancient history, are instructive as showing the lights and shades of hu- man charactei-, but they have to a great degree lost their practical bearing from their dissimilarity from existing conditions. Their consequences remain, but so interwoven in the fabric" of our civilization, as to be in- separable. The nearer we approach the present, the more obvious are the effects of causes, and there are few prominent events of American history, which have not left their operation upon existing conditions, and between which may be traced the direct relation' of cause and con- sequence. In pursuing the history of any district, nothing is more obvious than the fact, that causes apparently the most trivial, often produce the most last- Xll INTRODUCTION. ing effects; and hence the rnhior details of a settlement, may possess in reality more importance than was attached to them at the time of their occurrence. To borrow the figure of Macauley, " the sources of the noblest rivers, that spread fertility over continents and bear richly laden fleets to the sea, are to be soug-ht in wild and barren mountain tracts, in- correctly laid down in maps, and rarely visited by travelers." To extend this figure we may add, that the slightest causes may give direction to the mountain rill, and thusinflueuce the course of the river, and the con- sequent fertility of the country which it irrigates. The origin of our va- rious institutions, literary, civil, religious, and social, are especially sus- ceptible of receiving their future direction from causes operating at the time of origin; and hence ai'ises the importance of knowing these data, to be able to appreciate in its various bearings existing relations and agencies. If this had been done in times past, an explanation would have been afforded of many events which otherwise appear obscure. The unap- preciated facts of the present, are too apt to pass unrecoi'ded and un- heeded, until at some future time, their value becomes known in their want. The probabilities of the future, both with individuals and com- munities, are derived from the past. By comparing existing facts or cir- cumstances, with similar ones that preceded them, of which the results are known, we infer the probable effects that will ensue in the case be- fore us. To enable us to do this successfully, the past must be known, and thus history becomes our index to the future. By it we ai-e enabled to shun the errors of others by knowing the consequences which ensue from given causes, and to gain those ends in which others have failed, by profiting from their experience. The duties of the histoi*ian have been beautifully summed up by another, in the following language: "To gather from still living witnesses, and preserve for the future annal- ist, the important record of the teeming and romantic past; to seize while yet warm and glowing, and inscribe upon the page which shall be sought hereafter, the bright visions of song, and fair images of story, that gild the gloom and lighten the sorrows of the ever present; to search all his- tory with a careful eye; sound all philosophy with a careful hand; ques- tion all experience with a fearless tongue, and thence draw lessons to fit us for, and light to guide us through, the shadowy but unknown future." It has been our endeavor in the following pages, to act with sfrict im- partiality in relation to local interests and natural advantages; to avoid any appearance that would lead to the suspicion that we wished to pro- mote any sectional or local interest, or advance the personal sectarian or political measures of any person or class of persons. INTRODUCTION. XIH Many subjects have been passed with a brief notice, that but from want of space, would have been more fully discussed, and numerous documents and data having a direct relation to the history of Northern New York, have been for the same reason entirely omitted. To this class belongs much relating to the events of the war, consisting of original letters, official despatches, and verbal statements ; but perhaps enough will be found to satisfy the reader that with whatever merit or wisdom the measures of that period were planned, their execution was attempted in a manner that shows either an incapacity or disinclination on the part of the commanding officers for their successful accomplishment. The latter has been often suggested, but this question belongs not to our inquiries. In coming down to a still more recent period, and giving the details of a movement which threatened to disturb the peace of the country, a difficulty was felt in relating the events of the affiiir from the different and often conflicting statements of the cotemporary press, and the ver- bal accounts of parties who acted with, or who discouraged the affairs. In our relation of these events, by being limited to an account of a few of the many acts that make up the history of the Patriot war, an oppor- tunity was not afforded for exhibiting the movement in the light that would enable otie to form a just estimate of its merits, and perhaps the time has not yet elapsed, when a candid opinion could be safely ex- pressed, without encroaching upon the reputation of some of the agi- tators and promoters of the scheme still living. The blood of the be- trayed and unfortunate youths who fell at the wind mill at Prescott, and who suffered the death penalty in consequence of that affair, is upon the hands of those who incited them to the enterprise, but from which they kept themselves aloof. Tlie tragic issue of this melancholy affair, like other and m^re recent ones of a similar class on the southern border of the Union, should serve as a warning beacon to guard against any move- ment having for its object, the forcing of our institutions upon a people who manifest no wish to receive them, but who, as in the above instan- ces, evinced a spirit of resistance, and a vindictiveness, which proved the sincerity of their feeling. It would have been pleasant, to have been able to extend the last chapter of the work, and especially to relate with greater detail the me- talic and mineral resources of these counties, which deservedly enjoy a high reputation for their extent and value, and which have only begun to be developed. An enumei-ation of localities where metalic ores have been found, or indications observed that lead to the belief of their ex- istence, would show that they are widely scattered over the primitive XIV INTRODUCTION. region, and will without doubt hereafter form a branch of industry of great prominence. This remark is especially applicable to the ores of iron. Of the minerals interesting to the man of science, and of no practical use, few sections afford so great a variety, or those of more elegance, than the western part of St. Lawrence county, and particularly the towns of Rossie, Gouverneur, Fowler, Edwards, and Hermon. A brief enumeration of these, with the towns in which they occur, is only given. To have specified the particular locality of each, would have been tedious, except to the collector. In the chapter of biographical notices, disappointment in not receiving materials where they were expected and had been promised, has de- prived us of the ability of inserting several, that would have made a de- sirable acquisition in the history of Northern New York, from the pro- minent and active part they took in its settlement, and in the title and transfer of lands, before purchased by actual settlers. This branch of history is one of great importance, because the duty of the annalist is to a great degree but to record the acts of men, and the consequences growing out from them. In collecting the details of the settlements of several towns, a consid- erable amount of materials were procured, which have not been used, consisting mostly of the names and short memoranda of the early set- tlers, and lists of those who first formed religious societies. There will probably be found some errors in what is given, as from necessity the statements were often drawn from memory, and hence liable to uncertainty. Written memoranda, and records made at the time of occurrence, are in all cases to be preferred to the memory, how- ever definite this latter may be, and this remark is equally applicable to every department of history. In a few instances, we met with those who have habitually made a record of passing events, and thus were able to fix with much definite- ness, the dates and circumstances of events which otherwise would have been obscure. This practice has in it that obvious utility and conve- nience, that commends itself to general adoption, and these memorials of the past lose none of their interest from age, but rather acquire new value in proportion as the event becomes distant. The reliance to be placed upon oral evidence depends upon so many contingencies, that it possesses every degree of probability, from absolute certainty to indefinite fable. The greater part of the following work re- lates to a period within the memory of those living, or of the generation immediately preceding the present. Of the occurrences half a century ago, the surviving witnesses who then knew most of them, have become INTRODUCTION. XV enfeebled by age, and those whose memories are most sound, were then young, so that between the extremes of youth and age, verbal accounts have begun to lose their reliability, and a few years longer would place them wholly beyond our reach. Traditions extending back through more than two generations, may as a general rule, be rejected by the historian as idle tales, and more liable to mislead than instruct. This work is submitted to the public with a consciousness of its im- perfections, and a desire that the reader will regard with indulgence, the errors and the faults which the greatest vigilance could not wholly ex- clude. If it shall but sei^ve to awaken an interest in the community to which it applies, and lead to the preservation of the data which make up the materials for history ; if it serves to impart an interest to locali- ties, by their associations with the events of the old^n time, and espe- cially if it serve, though but in an humble degree, to attract notice to the resources and the advantages which they possess, our object will have been attained. If it had been possible to have rendered it uniform and alike minute in the details, it should have been done ; but fi-om the omission of facts, of which no record remain, many links in the chain of events have been irrecoverably lost. Had this labor been attempted twenty years ago, it would have been possible to have rendered the early details more perfect. At an equal period in the future, much that ishei'e related, would have passed beyond recovery. ^ HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. CHAPTER I. ABORIGINAL, FRENCH, AND ENGLISH HISTORY. EAR where the Cswegatchie river mingles its Avaters with the St. Lawrence, in the village of Ogdeusburgh, ^^^ may be seen the traces of a broken wall, the foundations of an edifice erected more than a century since by the Sulpitians, for the purpose of attaching to the interests of the French, who were then the masters of Canada, such of the Iroquois confederacy or Six Nations of Indians, as might be induced to conform to their reli- gion, and espouse their cause.* * Several years since, the corner stone of the building's represented at the head of this chap- ter was obtained in demolishing the walls. It is still preserved wllh much care by Mr. Louis Ha?brouck, of the viUage of Ogdensburgh, and bears the following inscription : In nomine -|- Dei omnipotentis Hide habitationi initia dedit Frans. Picquet 1849 Translated, this reads as follows " Francis Picquet laid the foundation of this habitation, in the name of the Almighty God, in 1749." 18 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE These buildings, or others erected on their site, were subsequently and for many years occupied by a British garrison, and within the memory of those yet living, as a court-house, jail, store, dwelling, and barracks for troops ; and with them commences the earliest authentic history we pos- sess of St. Lawrence county. The Aboriginal inhabitants of the country, have left a few traces of their occupancy, in the remains of several ancient trench enclosures and paintings, of which we will give as full an account as can at present be obtained. In the adjoining county of Jefferson, not less than fifteen trench enclosures have been obsei-ved; how many more may have been levelled by the plow without exciting a suspicion of their true nature, can not be known. In St. Lawrence county, at least six ai-e known to have existed, and perhaps more, besides localities which appear to have been a most favorite haunt of the red man, as evinced by the i-emains of his rude implements and ornaments scattered through the soil. It may be well to remark, that the observation made by De Witt Clinton,* that none of these remains occur below the level of the lake ridges, fails to be sustained in the instances which occur in St. Lawrence, and in seve- ral which occur in Jefferson counties. He attempted by this argument to prove the recent subsidence of the great lakes, and the modern origin of the Lake Ridges, which form so striking a feature connected with the geological structure of their borders. Nothing is more common than to find along the lands that skirt the fertile meadow bottoms which form the shores of several of the tributa- ries of the St. Lawrence, the broken remains of rude pottery, seldom sufficiently entire to enable one to determine the original form, and usually sculptured or rather impressed while in a soft and yielding state with various fanciful figures, always differing from each other in fragments belonging to different utensils, but possessing a general resemblance, which is often much like that of the annexed figure. The cut here insert ed represents an entire vessel of earthen ware dug up many years since in Jefferson county. Not unfrequently a rude resemblance to the human face is noticed on these fragments. The material of this terra cotta, or baked earth, is usually clay and coarse sand, generally well tempered and baked. Stone gouges for tapping maple trees ; stone chisels for skinning deer; * See the memoir of Mr. Climon on this subject, read before the " Literary and Philosophical Society of New York," and published in a pamphlet form at Albany, in 1818. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 19 arrowheads of flint, jasper, chalcedony, shale and other stone ; amulets and beadsof steatite, and other personal ornaments; implements of bone apparently used as needles, and as tools for marking inipressions upon the pottery; and fragments of bones and broken shells, the remains of .-incient feasts, indicate in broken and disconnected but intelligible lan- guage the pursuits of our predecessors upon our soil. We will here mention those places where rude traces of embankments indicate the site of ancient strong-holds, illy adapted to the purposes of modern defense, but admirably fitted for resisting the modes of attack as then practised. As a general rule, those points wei-e chosen which afforded naturally a protection upon one or more sides, as the bank of a stream, or the brow of a hill, leaving only defenses to be erected on the unprotected sides. The traces observed usually consisted, when first noticed, of a mound or bank of earth, surrounded by a ditch of propor- tionate extent, which evidently furnished the materials for the bank. There is reason to believe that the bank originally formed the foot of a palisade of timber, set upright in the ground, which, having entirely decayed, has left nothing but the earth remaining. In a few of the trench enclosures of western New York, the evidences of this are not wanting, for the holes which were left by the decaying of the pickets may still be traced. This is especially true of a work near Geneva, in Ontario county, which formed the last stronghold of the Senecas in the expedition of General Sullivan during the revolutionary war, and which owes its preservation entirely to the circumstance that the premises were expressly reserved at the time of the cession of their lands to the state, with the explicit understanding that it should never be brought under cultivation. "Here," said they, '' sleep our fathers, and they can not rest well if they hear the plow of the white man above them." In the town of Macomb, St, Lawrence county, are found the traces of three trench enclosures, and several places where beds of ashes mark the site of ancient hearths; the habitations and defences of a race, of whose period or history we have nothing to conjecture. One of these was on the farm of William Houghton, on the bank of Birch creek, and enclosed the premises now used as a mill-yard. It was somewhat in the form of a semicircle, the two ends resting on the creek, and might have enclosed half an acre. Every trace of the work has been long since erased by cultivation ; but the line which formed the bank, and the space within and without, still occasionally afford fragments of pottery, ashes, shells, and stone implements. Great numbers of these have been picked up and carried off by the curious; and among other articles, numbers of stone and earthen-ware pipes, with a short clumsy stem two or three 20 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE inches long, and a heavy massive bowl with a small cavity, have been found. On an adjoining hill, now partly occupied by an orchard, traces of an ancient work formei-ly existed, but this has also been obliterated. This locality is the one mentioned in most state gazetteers as occurring on the premises of Captain Washburn in Gouverneur (the former occu- pant of the farm when the adjacent country formed a part of that town); but the statement that "traces of rude sculpture exist within the enclo- sure," which has been often copied, is incorrect. In the pond adjoining, there was found, many years since, a skeleton, said to have been of great size. About half a mile northeast of this, is the trace of another enclosure, on the farms of William P.Houghton and Josiah Sweet; but the outlines are so indistinct, that they could not be traced with any degree of cer- tainty. From what little remains, it appears to have consisted of a deep ditch, outside of a high bank; and it is said to have been irregularly semi-oval, with passages or gateways where the work was interrupted; and that its ends came up to a small stream, the present outlet of a ta- marack swamp, but the former site of a beaver meadow. The evidences of the latter were found in digging a ditch for drainage some time since, when the sticks still bearing the marks of the teeth of beavers were found several feet below the sui-face. This trench and bank could, at the author's visit, be traced about 160 paces, which appeared to be about half of its original circuit. Its longest direction was from N.N.E. to S.S.W. Numerous fire beds o(;curred within it, and in one instance a quantity of ashes and charcoal was found _y?w feet below the surface. In a field a few rods distant, in the direction of the work last described, the vestiges which abound in the soil seem to indicate that there was once an Indian village on the site. On the premises of the St. Lawrence Lead Mining Company, and the farm of Robert Wilson, about three-fourths of a luile from the first de- scribed spot, is still another trace, which can still be easily made out, as the premises have never been plowed. In this instance the work was crescent-shaped, the open side being protected by a low ledge of lime- stone rock, and a branch which led down to a small stream, which may have served as a covered way to allow the inmates of the stockade to have access to the water. Not having been cultivated, the soil of this locality has not hitherto furnished any relics of interest, although it can scarcely fail to do so when plowed. This is the only work of the three in the town of Macomb, which can still be seen entire. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 21 On the farm of Henry E. Holbrook, in the northeastern part of Pots- dam, on or near mile lot No. 10, was a remarkable trench enclosure in early times, but which is now entirely destroyed, except a veiy small portion in the public highway. It is on the road between Norfolk village and Raquetteville, west of the river, and half a mile from the railroad bridge at the latter place; and is situated on an elevated ridge of drift, in a commanding position, and at a point which affords a fine prospect of the surrounding country. The form of this work was said to have been semicircular, the open side resting on a swamp to the west, and several spaces or gateways are said to have occurred at irregular intervals. The ditch, which was exterior to the bank, appears to have furnished the earth for the bank, which was on the inside of the trench, and enclosed about two aci-es. Pine stumps still stand on the bank, four feet in diameter, which must have grown since the place was occupied, as beds of ashes have been found under their roots, mingled with broken earthen, flint arrows, and other relics of the builders. Within and without, scattered at irregular intervals, were found fireplaces, with charcoal, ashes, fresh- water shells, bones, and broken pottery, which differed in no respect from that found in other trench enclosures in the state. On an island in the vicinity, Indian graves were found. In the town of Massena, about half a mile west of Raquette river bridge, and on the western declivity of a slope near the summit of a dividing ridge which separates this river from Grass river, and in an open field which has long been cleared but never plowed, are plainly to be traced the outlines of a work which differs considerably from any above described, and which is by far the best presei-ved. Its form is irregular, being somewhat shaped like an ox-bow, with its open side towards Ra- quette river, and with numerous spaces or openings more especially on the southern side. The open side is in part protected by a ditch, which is not connected with the main work, being separated fi-om it by a con- siderable interval on each side. The relics furnished by the soil in this vicinity do not differ essentially from those of other places, being mostly of earthen-ware and stone. The summit of the ridge at this place commands an extensive and delightful prospect, and this vicinity must have formed a favorite haunt for the rude Indians who once made it their home. At no great distance on either side was a river abounding in fish, and affording a long naviga- tion with an occasional carrying place, by which they could penetrate far into the interior; while a few miles below them, the mighty St.Lawrence, with its bays and islands, afforded equal facilities for hunting, and equal prospects for repaying the labors of the chase and the hazards of the fisheries. 22 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE If the intervening woods were cleared away, the locality in Potsdam, some eighteen or twenty miles distant, could be seen from this place ; and perhaps the two may have been occupied by parties of the same ti-ibej who could exchange signals by night, as the fires gleaming upon one summit might be easily distinguished from the other. The description of this enclosure, published in the third annual report of the Regents of the University on the condition of the State Cabinet is somewhat erroneous, as neither of the two works last mentioned are fui-iiished with bastions and angles; and accordingly the inferences there drawn, that it must belong to a different historical period, are without foundation. The stumps of immense trees, standing on the bank and in the ditch, indicate at least an ante-Columbian age, and probably many centuries have elapsed since these stations have witnessed the events for which they were formed. Within this enclosure are one or two slight eminences, which may in their day have been sufficiently high to over- look the pickets by which they were probably surrounded. In the town of Massena, not far from this work, there was found seve- ral years since, a pipe, formed of w hitish steatite, or soapstone, having on its bowl and stem curiously wrought, the figure of a serpent, with its head rising a little above the level of the bowl. The figure of the serpent has been used by savages of all nations, apparently without the know- ledge of each other, and this has given I'ise to the opinion that it origin- ated in some religious notion, and that it is symbolical of some idea inhe- rent in the human mind. The Egyptians represented the recuri'ing cycle of the yeai*, by a serpent with its tail in its mouth, and among the mounds of the south-west there is one which, when ti'aced in its immense pro- portions along the ground, represents an enormous serpent. In the in- stance of the pipe found in Massena, there might, or might not, have been something more than the amusement of a leisure hour on its formation. A semicircular trench, and bank, formerly existed in the town of Oswe- gatchie, near its western edge, and on the farm now owned by Benjamin Pope. A small portion of the present highway passes over it, at the only pai-t which is now visible, cultivation having obliterated every trace of it elsewhere. It was somewhat semicircular, and no natural barrier can be noticed as forming, with the aid of the bank and ditch, a complete enclosure. In this respect it diffei'S from others, but we are not to infer from the non-existence of the bank that no defensive work existed. The outline of this bank may be traced in the spring by the unusual verdure of the grass along its line, and similar spots indicate the sites of fire places, both within and without. An unusual abundance of stone and iearthen- ware fragments occurred here in former times. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 25 On St. Regis Island, directly opposite the Indian village of that name, and at a point where the boundary of 1818 crossed the river, there still exists a barrow or sepulcliral mound. " It was excavated by Colonel Hawkins of the United States boundary commission, in 1818, and found to contain near tlie surface human bones in considerable numbers, and ill a good state of preservation, but at the base were found traces of fire, chai-coal, burned bones, and fragments of pottery, together with stone implements and ornaments."* Directly opposite to the church, on the east bank of St. Regis river, in the same neighborhood as the preceding, is another barrow or mound of somewhat similar character, which has at some period apparently been explored with the view of ascertaining the nature of its" contents. There is no tradition in the village relating to either of them, and no probability that they were made by the existing race of Indians. They doubtless date back to the era of the other earth-works above described, and belong to a remote period of our history, which has been lost. In making a canal around the rapids on the Canada shore of the St. Lawrence, many years since, a singular mound was dug through, which disclosed relics of copper and various ornaments, and among others a mask of the human face, in terra-cotta or earthen ware, which seemed to have belonged to some image. Opposite the village of Oak Point, in Elizabeth township, C.W., is a painting on the rock, I representing a canoe with thirty-five men and a cross, evidently intended to commemo- rate some event, and done since the Catholic missionaries first came to Canada. From the direction of the boat, it ap- pears that the party was pass- ing down the river. Opposite the village of Mor- * Aboriginal Monuments of New York, by E. G. Squier. Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge, Vol, 2, Art. 6, page 16. 26 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE ristovvn, and just below the town of Brockville, are two paintings, of which engravings are here inserted. There is much pro- bability that these paint- ings are of compara- tively inodern origin. Indeed the Indians at St. Regis village pos- sess a vague tradition concei'ning them, vv^hich they related briefly as follows : " A long time ago the Caughnawaga Indians were going west on a war- like expedition, and made these paintings on their way up. They were all killed. The number of marks denote the number of the party." The cross, the emblem of the Christian faith, and especially held in reverence by the Catholics, indicates with sufficient clearness, the modern origin of the sketches. Perhaps they may form a connecting link in the chain of events that occurred under the Fi-ench dynasty, or perhaps they were traced from mere idle curiosity, or to pass away the tedium of a leisure hour. In either event they are interesting as examples of the symbolical records used by savages, to presei've the memory of events or of the pastimes and tastes of a race which is fast passing away. The sketch near Oak point was apparently done in vermillion, while the others appear to have been made with ochre. All of these are less brilliant than when first observed by the whites, and will in a few years be entirely obliterated. The shores of Black lake, in the town of Morristown, between the village of Hammond, and The Narrows, contain traces of paintings of an obscure character. A deer di-awn very rudely, about eight inches high; and seven figures in two groups, was at a short distance from the form ex*. The deer was the emblem or mark in use among the Iroquois to desig- nate one of their bands, and from the figures we give in om* chapter on titles, it will be seen that it was in use among the Oswegatchies. It is thei-efore quite probable that this may be very modern, and its origin may doubtless be ascribed to some incident connected with that clan. The block on which the deer was di'awn, is preserved in the col- lections of the state, at their histoi'ical and antiquarian museum at Albany, AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 27 The following sketch represents the groups of human beings on the rocks at this place, |^^^^ drawn in the conventional form adopted among the savages. Near the village of Edwardsville, or The Narrows, in the town of Morristown, on a hill a little east of that place, there was .formerly found upon plowing, traces of an Indian village, as evinced by a i-ow of hearths with burned stones, ashes, charcoal, shells, and fragments of bones. These were some Ittle distance below the surface, and extended for a quarter of a mile. The land here was excellent for thei'aising of corn, and the lake then, doubtless as now, abounded in fish, which would have made this an eligible i-esidence for the rude Indian. Who? When? and in what numbers? are questions which echo only can answer. With these exceptions we have no knowledge that any part of these counties had been inhabited, or the lands cultivated by any except the nomadic class, which still occasionally visits the hunting ground of his fathei'S. There are no Indian fields, no traces of ancient occupancy by a foreign people, or evidence that the soil has ever been trod by the foot of man, except by a rude hunter in pursuit of his game. In some of the central and western parts of the state, in the fields of Iroquois, where that staple article of food had been cultivated from time immemorial, the hillocks on which it had been planted were distinctly to be traced at the time when possession was taken by the whites, but nothing of this has been observed in the northern part of the state. The traces of ancient defensive works of which we have given an account, extend into Canada, and several of them occur in the townships of Augusta, Williamsburgh, Osnabruck, &c. One of these is about seven and a half miles northwest of Prescott, C. W., on a farm occupied by Mr. Tarp. It is situated on a peninsula of elevated land, in the midst of a swamp, and accessible only by a rtar- row neck which bears the trace of an ancient defensive woi-k. The land within this, is eighteen or twenty feet above the level of the sur- rounding swamp, and in two or three places are the traces of mounds of slight elevation, but which might have overlooked the surrounding country to a considerable distance. Within the breastwork at the isth- mus, are lines of slight elevation, which mark the places of former dwelling ( ?) ; and in the soil has been found great quantities of the i-e- mains of rude pottery, which indicate the attainments which the tenants of this strong hold had acquired in this indispensible and primitive art. The greatest quantity was found from fifteen to eighteen inches below 28 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE the surface, and was accompanied Ity implements of bone, flint, green- stone, the bones of animals, that had doubtless been taken in the chase, and shells of fresh water molusca. Among other relics was a flattened boulder of hornblende or gneiss, both sides of which had been rendered smooth and concave by the rub- bing of stone implements, and which might have served the purpose of a mortar for grinding corn. Boulders of immense size are often found in Jefferson county, and elsewhere, having shallow depressions upon their surface, apparently having been used as grindstones for sharpening and forming the rude stone implements of the rude people who once occupied the counti-y. The breastwork at the entrance of the enclosure above described, had at two places, openings about eighteen feet wide, which probably served as a passage way for the inmates, and the bank is evidently the foot of a pa- lisade of timber, set upright in the ground. The whole must have formed in its day a strong hold, easy of defense against any mode of attack then possessed. Near Spencerville, is another trace of an ancient defensive work, and in the township of Augusta, in the second concession, still another. At the latter is said to have been found an ornament of gold, but the account of this is so uncertain and obscure, that it is worthy of but little credit. Several of the above works have been surveyed and examined, by William E. Guest, Esq., of Ogdensburgh, who has transmitted an account of them to the Smithsonian Institution at Washington, for publication. At one of these works was found the broken portion of an immense tooth, supposed to have been that of a walrus. Both ends were broken, and it had been perforated as if to be worn as an amulet. This, with the copper implements found in this section, indicate that the commerce or travels of this people, whoever they were, must have extended fi'om the seaboard to the copper regions of Lake Supei-ior, which was doubt- less the source from which our aboriginal predecessors derived that nietal. To leave the period of the buried past, through which the stream of time has coursed its way, without leaving more to mark its path than the scattered relics and obscure traces, which tell of nothing, but that something was, and is not, we approach the period of authentic history ; and here we find many links wanting in the chain of events, which might have enabled us to trace the progress of the discovery, and the setdement and the changes of dominion, which our country has undergone. Tradition relates, that the Adiroudacs, and the Iroquois, or the nations of Canada, and those of New York, in ancient times, waged AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 29 long and bloody wars for the supremacy of the soil, and doubtless many a stealthy march and midnight massacre, had they but had their historian, would have made our district classic to those who dwell with interest upon the recital of scenes of blood. It has been aptly said, that " that country is the happiest which furnishes the fewest materials for history;" yet, if rightly considered, the duty of the historian will be found not limited to the narration of the dramatic events of war, but equally appli- cable to the arts of peace, and that the true heroes of mankind, ai'e those who have manfully encountered and overcome the difficulties which might have hindered them from arriving at honorable ends by honest means. Viewed in this light, the pioneer who has subdued the wildness of nature, and surrounded his home with the luxuries of a well-directed husbandry, is socially far above the victorious wan-ior, and his toils, pi'ivations and successes are more woi'thy of record. Before giving an account of the missions established on the St. Law- rence by the French missionaries, it may be interesting to glance at the earlier discoveries of Canada, and note in a rapid manner, sev- eral of the primitive attempts to establish European colonies in this quarter. Two years after the discoveries of Columbus became known in England, Henry VII engaged John Cabot, a Venetian merchant, to sail in quest of discoveries in the west, and this navigator in 3497 reached the coast of Labrador, which he named Prima-vista. This was doubtless the first visit of Europeans to this coast since the days of the Scandinavians. This voyage was succeeded by others under Sebastian Cabot, son of the preceding, in 1498; and by Caspar Cortereal in 1590, to whom the discovery of the Gulf of St. Lawrence is said to be due.* This adven- turer returned to Lisbon in the month of October of that year, laden with timber and slaves, seized from among the natives of the coasts he visited. On a second voyage Cortereal perished at sea. In 1504, the French first attempted a voyage to the New World; and in that year, some Basque and Breton fishermen began to ply their calling on the bank of Newfoundland and along its adjacent coasts. From these the island of Cape Breton derived its name. The dreary pictui-e of these bleak and foggy coasts, and the mystery which hung upon the fate of the second expedition of Verazzano, who had been sent out by Fi-ancis L from France, deterred for a time all efforts of the French to colonize *This discovery has been also ascribed lo Jacques Carlier, wlio entered the gulf on the lOlh of August, 1535. and gave it the name of the saint whose festival was celebrated on that day. — Charlevoix. 30 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE this region. In 1525, Stefano Gomez sailed from Spain, and is supposed to have entered the Gulf of St. Lawi-ence, and to have traded upon its shores. A Castilian tradition relates, that finding neither gold nor silver upon the coasts, nor any thing which conveyed to these sordid adventurers an idea of mines or wealth of any kind, they frequently exclaimed ^^ Jlca-nada ; " (signifying "here is nothing") and that the natives caught up the sound, which was repeated when other Europeans arrived, and thus gave origin to the designation of Canada. This ori- gin of the word is also confirmed by Father Hennepin. A. Geo. de Lorimier, an intelligent half breed, residing at the Saut St. Louis, and who is well acquainted with the native language, stated to the author that the word Canada was derived from the Indian word Ka-na-ta, which signifies, a village. In 1534, Francis I, king of France, listening to the urgent advice of Philip Chabot, admiral of France, who portrayed to him in glowing colors the riches and growing power of Spain, derived from her trans- atlantic colonies, despatched Jacques Cartier, an able navigator of St. Mai mo, who sailed on the 20th of April, 1534, with two ships of only sixty tons each, and a hundred and twenty men, and reached New- foundland in May. After coasting along for some time, without know- ing that it was an island, he at length passed the straits of Belleisle, and traversed the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Having spent a part of the summer on these coasts, he sailed on the 25th of July, highly pleased with the hospitable reception he had received from the natives, with whom he traded for furs and provisions. His report induced the French king to attempt a colony in the newly discovered regions; and in May, 1535, Cartier again sailed with three small ships, with a numerous company of adventurers, which arrived on the coast of Newfoundland much scattered and weakened by a disastrous storm on the 26th of Jidy. Having taken in wood and water, they proceeded to explore the gulf but were overtaken on the 1st of August by a storm, which obliged them to seek a port, difficult of access, but with a safe anchorage, near the mouth of the Great rivei-. They left this harbor on the 7th, and on the 10th came to a gulf filled with numerous and beautiful islands Cartier gave this gulf the name of St. Lawrence, having discovered it on that saint's festival day.* From this, the Great river and our county de- rive their name. * " Cartier donna au golphe le nora (ie St. Laurent, ou plutot il le donna a une baye qui est entre I'isle d'Anticosti at la cote septenlrionale, d'ou ce nom c'est etendu, a lout le golphe dont cette baye fait partie. — Hist, de la NouvelU Franca, Tome i. p. 15. According- to Catholic accounts. Saint Lawrence, or Saint Lorenzo, was a deacon to Pope Xystus, or Sistus II, who suffered martyrdom for the faith of Christ, by being boiled on a AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 31 Proceeding on their voyage, they reached on the 15th, the isle since called Anticosti, and exploring both shores of the St. Lawrence, at length they discovered another island of great extent, fertility and beauty, covered with woods and laden with thick clustering vines, which they named the Isle de Bacchus, now called Orleans. Pleased with the friendly disposition of the natives and the comfortable pi'ospects for a winter sojourn, Cartier moored his vessels where a little river flowed into a "goodly and pleasant sound," which stream he named the St. Croix, near the Indian village of Stadacona, the site of the modern city of Quebec. Cartier subsequently during the autumn ascended the river to the populous village of Hochelaga, and was every where received in the kindest manner by the natives. To a hill, three miles from the village, from whose summit the river and country for thirty leagues around was spread out in great beauty, he gave the nane of Mont Royal, which has since been applied to the populous city on that island, — the modern Montreal, which-lies at its foot The dreadful severity of the winter, with the scurvy, reduced the number of Cartier's companions considerably. In May, he sailed for France, with the Indian chief as a prisoner, who had treated him with uniform kindness. During each succeeding year, for some time after, expeditions were sent out to the newly discovered river, but misfortune attended them all, and no efficient attempt at colonizing the country was made till 1608, when De Monts, a Calvinist, who had obtained from the king the freedom of religious faith for himself and followers in America, but under the engagement that the Catholic worship should be established among the natives; after several perilous voyages, and much opposition, despatched Champlain and Pontgrave, two experienced adventurers, to establish the fur trade and begin a settlement. Champlain reached Tadousac on the 3d of June, and on the 3d of July he reached Quebec, where, nearly three quarters of a century before, Cartier had spent the wintei". This magnificent site Avas at once chosen as the place for a future city; and centuries of experience have confirmed the wisdom of bis choice. During the first winter, the settlers endured the extremities of famine. On the 18th of April, 1609, Samuel Champlain, with two Frenchmen, ascended the Great river; and after a time, turning southward up a tributary, entered the beautiful lake which bears his name, and near its southern extremity, overcoming a rapid, they entered another lake, after- wards named St. Sacrament, now Lake Horicon, or Lake George, In 1614, Champlain by his entreaties, procured four Recollects to gridiron, A. D. 253. His festival is celebrated on the 10th of August, and his name occurs in the litany of the saints in the Catholic ritual. 32 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE undertake a mission to convert to the Catholic faitli tlie Indians of the country; tliese were the first missionaries who visited Acadia. To gain a knowledge of the country and language of the natives, Champlain and a father Joseph Le Cavon, united with them in an expedition against the Iroquois, or confederates of New York, but the enterprise proved unsuccessful, and Champlain was wounded.* He was obliged to spend the winter with his savage allies, but im- proved the opportunity by informing himself of the resources and geo- graphy of the country, to the greatest advantage. In 1625, Henri de Levi, duke de Ventadour, who had purchased the vice-royalty of New France, sent over the exemplary Father Lallemant, and four other priests and laymen of the order of the Jesuits, who were received by the Recollects with kindness, and admitted under their roof on their first arrival. The next year, three other Jesuits arrived, with artizans and settlers, when the settlement began to assume the appear- ance of a town. In 1629, the colony was seized by the English, but restored by treaty in 1632; and in the year following, Champlain was again installed as governor of New France. His death occurred in December, 1635. Fro.'ti this time forward the Jesuit missionaries con- tinued to explore the country, and labor with a zeal which has known no parallel, to convert the roving savages to the Catholic faith. To acquire their language and confidence," they adopted their dresses and mode of life, assisted them in fishmg and hunting, and joined in distant and arduous marches for warlike purposes. Every canton or tribe of the Iroquois of New York, and nearly every nation throughout the range of the great lakes and the Mississippi valley had its missionary, and many of them a depot for the purchase of furs and sale of merchandise. To protect this trade, and especially to deprive the English settlements of its benefits, military posts were early estab- lished at important points, and as Quebec was the principal port from which exports were made, the St. Lawrence river became the highway of the Fi'ench to their distant stations. The first military post of any note above Montreal was erected at Cataraqui, now Kingston, of the founding of which a minute account is preserved in the form of a journal of Count de Frontenac, a portion of which describes the wild scenery of the St. Lawrence nearly two centu- ries ago, before the woodman's axe had echoed in the primeval forests, which then shaded its j^waters. From it an idea may be formed of the * The foregoing facts are mostly derived from tlie first volume of Warburton's Conquest of Canada; where original authorities are cited. The expedition of Champlain is given in^ full in thje Documentary History of New York, Vol. Ill, AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 33 perils which these men encountered in the prosecution of their designs. The following extract from the journal of Count de Frontenac's voy- age to Lake Ontario in 1673, was translated from the second volume of the collection of the Paris Documents in the office of the Secretary of State, by Dr. E. B. O'Callaghan, editor of the Documentary History of New York, who has kindly permitted this manuscript to be used for this work. It gives an interesting pictui-e of th3 scenery and physical features of the St. Lawrence at that early period. The object of this journey was to prevent the ratification of a treaty between Indian tribes, which he conceived would operate injuriously to the interests of the French. He proposed to effect this by the establish- ment of a military post on Lake Ontario, and this was the first beginning made at what is now the city of Kingston, C, W. He could thus prevent intercourse between the south and the north, and monopolize the fin- trade of the Indians. He was still further induced to this, from the represent- ations of the Jesuit missionaries, who had for some time labored among the Iroquois, and were over anxious that a station should be made in ,the country of the Indians, as well to promote their religion, as their commercial enterprises. To impress the natives with a belief that cascades and rapids were no barrier against the French, Count de Frontenac resolved to take with him two flat bateaux, similar to that M. de Courcelles had two years pre- vious carried to the head of the rapids, and even to mount them with small cannon, to inspire savages with awe. With these two boats, built after a particular model, holding sixteen men, and painted unlike any thing seen before, and with about one hundred and twenty bark canoes, he at length left Montreal on the 28th of June, having made all neces- sary arrangements for the government of the colony in his absence. On the 3d of July they had reached the islands at the head of Lake St. Francis, where they repaired their bateaux, which had been injured in the passing of rapids. We will quote the words of the journal : " On the 4th, the route passed through the most delightful country in the world. The entire river was spangled with islands, on which were only oaks and hard wood ; the soil is admirable, and the banks of the mainland on the north and south shores are equally handsome, the timber being very clean and lofty, forming a forest equal to the most beautiful in France. Both banks of the river are lined with prairies, full of excellent grass, interspersed with an infinity of beautiful flowers; so that it may be asserted, there would not be a more lovely country in the world than that from Lake St". Francis to the head of the rapids, were it cleared. " Made three leagues up to noon, and halted at a spot more delightful than any we had yet seen. It was close to the little channel which stretches along the sault on the north side, and opposite the mouth of a 34 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE river by which people go to the Mohawk.* Sieur Le Moine was sent to examine that which goes to the Mohawks, and reported that it formed a large, circular, deep, and pleasant basin, behind the point where we had halted, and that the Iroquois whom he had found there, had informed him that there was five days' easy navigation in that river, and three when the waters were lower. After having dined and rested awhile, the march was resumed and it was resolved to take the south channel, with the desit^n to camp above the long saut, and cross over to that side at three quarters of a league above it, but the rain which supei-vened obliged Count de Frontenac to cause the entire fleet to come to anchor on the nortli side, at the place whei-e we intended to traverse, and he had time only to get the bateaux to do this, and to encamp himself with the Three Rivers' brigade, and his staff on the south shore opposite the place where the other sections had anchored. We found in the western forest, in the camp, a white flower, as beautiful as (jan be seen, with an odor similar to that of the lily of the valley, but much finei*. It was sketched through cui-iosity. " The 5th, the rain threatening, we contented ourselves in despatching the bateaux at the break of day to get them past the rapids of the Long Saut, and the order was sent to the fleet at the north side not to traverse, until the weather was settled. " Therefore it having cleared about ten o'clock, the fleet traversed and advanced to the foot of the first rapid of the Long Saut, but one half having passed, a storm sprang up, which obliged the count to go by land, as tar as tlie rapid, to hasten on those who were in the middle, and to prevent the last going further on ; so that four only were able to pass, and these camped half a league above. He sent the others into a cove, after he had remained more than two hours under the rain, without a cloak; very uneasy about the bateaux, which experienced much difiiculty in ascending the rapid, one of them had. run adrift in the current, had not the people behind, thrown themselves into the stream with incredi- ble promptness and bravery. It is impossible to conceive without witnessing, the fatigue of those who dragged the bateaux. They were for the most part of the time in the water up to the arm-pits, walking on rock so sharp that many had their feet and legs covered with blood, yet their gaiety never failed, and they made such a point of honor of taking these bateaux up, that as soon as they arrived in the camp, some among them commenced jump- ing, playing "prison bars," {jouer aux barres^ and other games of like nature. The night of the 5tli and 6th inst. was so wet, that the Count could not sleep, so afraid was he of the biscuit getting wet, that he or- dered Sieur de Chambly, not to allow the canoes to start until he saw settled weather, and to push on the bateaux with experienced hands in them as they did not carry any provisions capable of spoiling. He waited till noon to set out, the weather having cleared up with appear- ances of no more rain ; but a league had not been travelled, nor the ba- teaux overtaken, before a tempest burst so furiously, that all thought that the provisions would be wet. With care however, very little harm hap- pened, and after halting about three hours, we proceeded on with some five or six canoes, to find out a place to camp ; to give time to the people in the canoes to follow them, with all the troops, and though there were three or four very ugly I'apids to be passed; they did not fad to surmount all these difiiculties, and to arrive before sundown at the head of the Long Saut, where Count de Frontenac, had traced out the camp, oppo- *RaqueUe Eiver? AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 35 site a little Island, at the end of which the northern channel unites with that on the south. The 7th, started the canoes, (bateaux?) very early, with orders to cross from the north side at the place where they should find the river nar- rower and less rapid, and he left with all the canoes two hours aftar, and proceeded until eleven o'clock, in better order than during the pre- ceding days, because the navigation was easier. We stopped three or foin- houi-s about a quarter of a league from the rapid called the Rapide The weather appeared the finest in the world. This induced us to determine on passing the rapid, which is very difficult, on account of the trees on the water side tumbling into the river, which obliged the canoes to take outside, and so go into the strongest of the current. He detached six canoes in consequence, which he sent along to take axes to cut all the trees that might obstruct the passage of the batteaux, and took with him the Three Rivers' brigade and his staff, to lay out the camp, having left two brigades with the bateaux, and others for a rear guard. But on landing at 5 o'clock in the afternoon, there came a storm accompanied by thunder and lightning, more furious than all the others that preceded it, so that it was necessary to despatch orders in all haste to the bateaux, and to all the fleet to cast anchor, wherever they happened to be, which it was very difficult to efl^ect, in consequence of some of the bateaux being in the midst of the rapid. The rain lasted nearly the whole night, during which the Count was extremely uneasy, lest precautions may not have been taken to prevent the provisions getting wet. Next morning at break of day sent for intelligence, and news was brought, about 7 o'clock in the morning, that there was not much harm done, through the cai'c every one took to pi-eserve his provisions, and the bateaux arrived a quarter of an hour afterwards at the camp. As eveiy one had suffered considerably from the fatigue of the night, it was re- solved not to leave the camp before ten or eleven o'clock in order to collect all the people and give them time to i-est. The weather was so unsettled, that, through fear of rain, they waited until noon, and though a pretty strong south-west wind arose, and the river was very rough, we failed not to make considerable headway, and to camp at the foot of the last rapid. The 9th, we had proceeded scarcely an hour, when the Montreal brig- ade, dispatched by Count Frontenac from our 3d encampment, by Sieur Lieut, de la Valtrie, under the direction of Sieur Morel, ensign, to make a second convoy, and carry provisions beyond the rapids, was found in a place which he had been ordered to occupy as a depot. As soon as our fleet was perceived, he crossed over from the south to the noi-th, and came on board the admiral. The Count wrote by him to M. Perrot, Governor of Montreal, to whom he sent orders to have new canoes furnished to Lieut. Lebert, 1;p join this fleet, and endeavor to bring, in one voyage, what he had at first resolved to have brought in two. In two hours afterwards, we arrived at the place Sieur de la Valtrie had selected to build a storehouse. It was a *This rapid is on the north side of Ogden's Island, at the present village of Waddington, in Madrid. The Island was unknown to the early French voyageurs as the Isle au Rapide Plat, or island at the flat rapid. The river here is underlaid by a limestone formation of very uniform surface, and has a descent of eleven feet in three miles, 3 36 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE point at the head of all the rapids, and at the entrance of the smooth navigation.* The Count strongly approved Sieur de la Valtric's selection, and re- solved to sojourn there the vs^hole day, to allow the troops to refresh, and to have leisure to send a second canoe to Montreal, with new orders and to hasten the return of the canoes, which were sent to bring pro- visions. At six o'clock in the evening, two Iroquois canoes arrived, bringing letters from Sieur de la Salle, who, having been sent into their country two months before, advised the Count, that, after some difficulty, founded on the apprehensions the savages entertained of his approach, they had, in fine resolved to come to assure him of their obedience, and that they awaited him at Kente, to the number of more than two hund- red of the most ancient and influential, though they had considerable objection to I'epair thither, in consequence of the jealousy they felt on seeing Onontio going to Kente, as it implied a preference for that nation to the others. This obliged him to request the Abbes de Fenelonf and D'Urft^, to go in all haste to Kente, which it had been resolved to visit, having judged by the map, after considei-able consultation and different opinions, that it would be a very suitable place on which to erect the proposed establishment. Though Count de Frontenac had appointed this interview with the savages, only with that view, he did not omit however taking advantnge of the jealousy they entertained in their minds, and requested those gentlemen to assure them, that he expected them in that place only to let them know that he did not prefer the one to the other, and that he should be always their common father, so long as they remained in the obedience and respect they owed the king. The 10th, left the camp about 5 o'clock in the morning, and though Count de Frontenac had determined on the preceding day, and before he received the news of the approach of the Iroquois, to leave the bat- eaux with the greater portion of the troops behind, and to take with him only two or three brigades, to reconnoitre as quickly as possible the outlet of the Great Lake, and the post he was about to fortify at the mouth of the Katarakoui, he changed his design and concluded he ought to proceed with more precaution, until he should be better informed of the intention of the Iroquois. We therefore proceeded in a body, and in closer column than here- tofore. The weather was so serene, and the navigation so smooth, that we made more than ten leagues, and went to camp at a cove about a league and a half fi'om Otondiata, where the eel fishery begins. We had the pleasure on the march, to catch a small loon, a bird about as large as a European bustard [Ouiarde), of the most beautiful plumage, but so difficult to be caught alive, as it plunges constantly under water, that it is no small rarity to be able to take one. A cage was made for it, and orders.rwere given to endeavor to raise it, in order to be able to send it to the king. * Probably, Indian Point, in Lisbon, a short distance above Gallop Rapids. t Fenelon, the Archbishop of Cambray, and author of the celebrated allegorical romance entitled, Les Adventures de Telemaque, was from 1867 till 1674 a missionary of the Sulpi. cian order among the Iroquois, on the north shore of Lake Ontario. He was born, Aug. 6tb, 1651; early engaged with zeal in ecclesiastical studies, became eminent as a missionary, author, and preceptor to the Duke of Burgundy, the heir apparent to the throne of France; was raised to the Archbishopric of Cambray in 1697, and died in 1715 AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 37 The lltli,tlie weather continuing fine, a good day's journey was made, having passed all that vast group of islands with which the river is spangled, and camped at a point above the river called by the Indians / Onnondakoui,* up which many of them go hunting. It has a very consider- able channel. Two more loons were caught alive, and a scanoutou, which is a kind of deer, but the head and branches of which are handsomer than that of the deer of France." The narrative continues with an account of the stately and regal man- ner with which the Comit de Frontenac entered the lake, and the inter- views which he had with the natives. The pomp and ceremony with which he received the deputation of the savages, the glittering armor and polished steel which flashed and gleamed in the sun, the waving banners gayest colors that floated in the gentle breeze, and above all the roar of cannon and the destructive eflFect of shot, bewildered the minds of the simple-hearted natives, and impressed them with awe and astonishment. The Coimt then related to them in glowing colors tiie grandeur and im- portance of the King his master, whose humble servant he was, and thus conveyed a vague but overwhelming impression of the omnipotence of the French. This speech is interesting, as an illustration of the motives which were held out to the natives by the French, and the manner in which they appealed to their passions and their interests in securing their adherence to their cause. Count de Frontenac, having had a fire lighted near the place where they were seated, answered them in terms adapted to their manner of speaking, as follows : "My Children: Onnontagues, Mohawks, Oneidiis, Cayugas and Se- necas, I am jfleased to see you come hither, where I have had a fire lighted for you to smoke by, and for me to talk to you. It is well done, my children, to have followed the orders and commands of your Father. Take courage, then, my children: you will hear his word, which is full of tenderne&s and peace ; a word which will fill your cabins with joy and hafipiness, for think not that war is the object of my voyage. My spirit is full of peace, which accompanies me. Courage, then, my children, and rest yourselves." The Count then presented them with six fathoms of tobacco, and added : " My Children : You have taken great pains to come to see me, and I regret to have given you the trouble of so long a voyage, which I, how- ever, tried to abridge, by not obliging you to go to Kente, and by lighting the fire for you at Katarokoui. Fear not : close your ears, nor distrust your minds. I am aware that there have been many evil disposed, who were desirous to persuade you that Onontio was coming into the cantons only to devour your villages; but, my children, that is not true. Those are busy bodies who would break the peace and union that exists between us ; and you will never find ♦ Gannonoqui? from the Huron, Ough-seanoto, a deer. Dr. O'Callaghan. 38 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE in me any other than the feelings of a real father, so long as you will act like true children, and continue obedient. Cheer up then your spirits, and be persuaded that I had no other design in this voyage, than to visit you ; as it was very reasonable a father should be acquainted with his children, and the children with their father. I can not, however, sufficiently testify to you the joy J feel to see that you not only fully obey my orders with promptness, and come in great numbers to meet me, but that you have also brought your wives and children with you, because this is a certain mark of the confidence you place in my words. One regret only remains, that I can not speak your language, or that you do not understand mine, so that there might be no necessity for in- terpreter or spokesman. But in order that you may be fully informed all I have said to you, I have selected Sieur Lemoine, to whom I shall communicate in writing what I have to state to you, so that you may not lose any of my remarks. Listen, then, attentively to him. There is something to open your ears, in order that you may be disposed in a day or two to hear the thoughts of Onontio." The Count then handed the paper he held to Sieur Lemoine, and presented to each nation a gun, a quantity of prunes and raisins for the women, with some wine, brandy and biscuit. The Indians appeared highly pleased with the speech Avhich M. Lemoine explained to them in the commencement, and which appeared according to their fashion considerable, caused them to hope that mag- nificent ones would be made them at the close, when Onontio would communicate his intentions to them. It was i-emai'ked that their countenances were much changed, and that Toronteshati, their orator, the ablest, most spiritual, and most influ- ential man among them, from being sad and pensive before, assumed a gaiety not usual to him. He has been always an enemy to the French, and gi'eatly in the interest of the Dutch. Count Frontenac was obliged in consequence, to pay him particular attention, and to keep him to din- ner with him. Sieur Rendieu was busy meanwhile, tracing out the fort at the place designated by the Count, and according to the plan which had been ap- proved of by him, and as soon as they had dined, men were ordered to work at the trench, where pickets were to be set, until it was determined in what manner the troops should be employed, and until the tools were put in order. He then embarked in a canoe to visit the banks of the river, or harbor and was delighted to find at the head of the bay, a prairie more than a league in length, as handsome and level as any in France, and to see the river winding through its centre, very wide, and capable of admitting barks and vessels for over three leagues continually. He returned to the camp in great joy, on perceiving that he had found everything according to his wishes, and that God had seemingly blessed his enterprise, but what increased it still more, was to find that every body was so impatient for work, and so anxious to advance the under- taking, which he hoped to bring soon to an end. This ardor thus ex- hibited by them, caused him to alter his resolution, to divide the troops into four brigades, and to have them relieved every two hours, in order that the work should not intermit, and he accepted their proposal to di- vide the labor among them, each undertaking what may be allotted to him. This had so good an effect, that early in the evening, they began to make a clearing with such energy, that the officers found difficulty in AND FRAlsKLIN COUNTIES 3l& drawing the people off to rest and sleep, so as to be able to work the next morning. The 14th day had scarcely broken, when the entire brigade fell to work, according to the allotment that had been made, and aUthe officers and soldiers applied themselves to it with such heartiness and zeal, that the site of the fort was nearly cleared. Sieur Lamoine had ordersfrom the Count, to bring him at each meal two or three of the principal Iroquois, whom he entertained at his table. He fondled their children every time he met them, and had prunes, raisins. &c., distributed among them, which so gratified the Indians that they would not leave his tent, no more than the women, whom he treated, to induce them to dance in the evening. The 15th, the work was continued with the same zeal; but the rain which fell throughout the morning of the 16th, prevented operations until noon, when every effort was made to recover lost time. The Indians were astonished to see the large clearance that had been made; some squaring timber in one place; others fetching pickets; others cutting trenches; and that diffei-ent operations advanced at the same time. In the evening he caused notice to be given to the captain of the Five Na- tions, that he would give them an audience, on the next day, at eight o'clock in the morning. On the 17th, everything being prepared to receive them, they came to the Count in the same manner as the first time, when he submitted to them in his speech all the conditions he desired of them, as may be seen from the copy annexed of his address, which was accompanied by mag- nificent presents in Indian fashion. Count de Frontenac's speech to the Iroquois. FIRST WORD. " My children ! Onnontagues, Mohawks, Oneidas, Cayugas, and Senecas I signified to you the other day, the joy I felt to see you arrive here with all your proofs of submission that children owe their father, and with such confidence that you have brought your wives and little ones. You alleviate in U-uth thereby, all the trouble and fatigues I encoun- tered on my voyage, and oblige me by the respect you have for my com- mands to gi%-e you every assurance that you can desire of my friendship, and the king, my majesty's protection, if you continue to observe faith- fully bis will, of" which i am interpreter, and executor. I have even reason to persuade myself that you will not fail therein after the protest- ations you have gi%-en me, and the knowledge you have afforded me of the good understanding in which all the nations now live, inasmuch as j^ouhave informed me,"that they were all of the same spirit, and had but one opinion. But as it is the duty of children to be obedient to their father, 'tis ]ike\\ise the duty of a good father to communicate to his children, instructions and information, the most useful and necessary for them. Children! Onontagues, Mohawks, Oneidas, Cayugas, and Senecas! I can not give you any advice more important or more profitable to you, than to exhort you to become Christians, and to adore the same God that I adore. He'is the sovereign Lord of Heaven and Earth ; the absolute master of your lives and properties; who hath created you; who pre- serves you ; who furnishes you with food and di-ink; who can send death amongst you in a moment, inasmuch as he is Almighty, and acts as he willeth, not like men, who require time, but in an instant and at a word. 40 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE In fine, He it is who can render yon happy or miserahle, as he pleasetli. This God is called Jesus ; and the Black Gowns here, wlio are Jiis mi- nisters and interpreters, will teach you to know Him, whenever you are so disposed. I leave them among you, and in your villages, only to teach you. 1 therefore desire, that you respect them, and prevent any of your youn^ braves daring or presuming to injm-e them in the smallest degree, as I shall consider the injuries done them as ))ersonal to myself, and such I will punish with like severity. Hearken well then to the advice 1 give you, and forget it not, as it is of great importance; and you ought to be aware that, in giving it, I labor more for you than for myselfj and I study only your happiness The Hurons, here present in great numbers, nuist incline you thereto, since you see with your own eyes that they have learned to honor and serve the God of whom 1 speak to you. Ancients! give herein the example to your children, as your judgment must be sounder than theirs; or at least, if you be not dis|)osed to be- come Christians, at least do not prevent them becoming such, and learn- ing the prayer of that great Got> whom the Black Gowns will willingly teach them, and his commandments. These consist of only two points, easy of observance. I'he first is, to love Him with your whole heart, and whole soul, and your whole strength. Ancients! Js there any thing more easy than to love what is perfectly beautifid, what is sovereignly amiable, and what can constitute all our happiness? The second thing he requires of us is, to love our brother as we love ourselves; that is to say, that we assist them in their necessities, and furnish them drink, and meat and clothing, when they are in need of them, as we would wish should be done to ourselves. Again, Ancients — for to you 1 address myself believing your minds to be sufficiently endowed to comprehend it — tell me frankly, if there is any thing more reasonable than this commandment? You ought to be more easily persuaded that I came not here save with a heart filled with gentleness and peace, to communicate these to my children, to assist them in all things, and to give them a proof of a true and sincere friendship. Take courage, then, my children, Onontagues, Mohawks, Oneidas, Cayugas, and Senecas. Lend not an ear to the councils of certain busy bodies, who at my approach desire to excite distrust and suspicions, and who, assuming to be your friends, meditate only your ruin and destruction. Listen to me, and trust my words. I am frank and sincere, and shall promise you nothing but what I shall exactly perform, desiring that you may on your side do likewise. * * * I content myself by telling you only to reflect on the past and on the present; consider well the greatness and {)ower of Onontio; behold the number of {)ersons acconipanying and surrouiiding him; the ease and celerity with which he has surmounted all your ^aw/s and rapids, and passed bateaux, mounted with cannon, over them, which you never thought could be steered through the smoothest and most tran- quil of rivers, and that in a voyage made only through pleasure, and with- out necessity. Infer from this what he could effect if he desired to wage war and crush any of his enemies. If you reflect seriously on all of these things, you will acknowledge he is a good father, who is not cruel, and that he is absolute arbiter of War and Peace." When we come to give an account of the founding of the mission on the St. Lawrence, nearly three quarters of a century after, it may be well AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 41 to remember the nature of the motives which were brought to bear upon the minds of the savages, when we shall see that they were essentially the same as those offered by the Count de Frontenac. From this time forward, the St. Lawrence was frequently traversed by French voyagei*s, and a post was established at La Galette, (meaning in the French language a cake, or muffin,) which is supposed to be near the site of Johnstown in Canada, a short distance below Prescott, or on Chimney Island. In the celebrated expedition of De la Barre, the governor of Canada, against the Iroquois, in 1684,* La Galette is mentioned as one of his stopping places. In laying a plan for the conquest of the Five Nations, de la Barre in- dicates the necessity of posting troops in Forts Frontenac and La Galette, to escort provisions, and keep the head of the country guarded and furnished. This celebrated, and singularly unfortunate expedition, left Quebec on the ninth of July, 1684, and on the first of August arrived at Lake St. Francis, with about two hundred canoes, and fifteen bateaux; where he was joined by the Rev. Father Lamberville, junior, coming on behalf of his brother at Onondaga, and by the Rev. Father Millet, from the Oneidas. On the second they reached the portage of the Long Saut, wbich was found very difficult, notwithstanding the care taken to send forwai'd fifty men with axes to cut away the trees that projected from the bank, and prevented those passing who were dragging up the canoes and bateaux ; because the trees being voluminous and the bank precipitous, the people were in the water the moment they abandoned the shore. During this delay, they were joined by the Christian Iroquois of the Saut St. Louis and of Alontreal, who undertook for a few pi-esents of brandy and * See the Documenlary History of New York, by E. B. O'Callaghan, Vol. I, p 93-143 where a full history of this event is given in the original documents. La Famine, which was ill Ihe work cited, located in Jefferson county, must doubtless have been Salmon river in Os. wego county. In the Journal of Charlevoix, ( 12rao edition, vol. 5, p. 302-3) the followino- distances are given: " From ITsle aux Gallots, to I'Isle aux Cheves, (Goat Island) three leagues to a point, which is forty-three degrees thirty minutes; thence to la pointe de la Traverse, (Stoney Point,) a league and a half The river de Assoi7iption is a league from point de la Traverse; that des Sables, (Sandy Creek? three leagues further; that de la Blanche, (Little Sandy Creek?) two leagues beyond ; XhaXde la Grande Famine, (Salmon river?) two other leagues; that dela Petite Famine, a league, that of de la Grosse Eeorce, (Thick Bark,) a league. Colden in his history of the Five Nations mentions La Famine river, called by the Indians Kaihahage, as falling into the south side of Cadaracui lake, about thirty miles from Onondago (probably the mouth of Oswego river.) See vol. II. p. 64, of third London edition of Colden's History, 1755. This correctton is made with the knowledge and by the consent of Dr. O Callaghan. 42 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE tobacco, to pass tlie batteaux and largest canoes, a feat which was accom- plished in two daya, and without accident. On the morning of the fifth, the governor had reached La Galette, where the provisions were taken from the canoes, which weie sent back to La Chine for a new load. The strong winds from the southwest which constantly prevailed, and which continued through the month, delayed the return of the canoes some time, and prevented the chance of his aniving at the fort at Cataraqui, until the ninth. After his arrival he despatched eight of his largest canoes to La Galette, for ten thousand weight of flour, provisions beginning to fail in the camp, which caused him much uneasiness, and which eventually contributed largely to his disasters. This supply of flour was to be immediately baked into biscuit, and forwarded to the troops who had gone forward and encamped at La Famine, a post favorable for hunting and fishing, and which was four leagues from Onontague. The canoes despatched to Galette returned with far less flour than was expected, and was immediately baked and sent to the troops. The unfortunate result of this expedition is well known. Famine and sickness overtook the French army, and the governor was driven to the humiliating extremity of asking peace of those he had come to conquer. The ever memorable speech of Garangula, the Onondaga orator, has often been quoted, and has ever been admired as a master-piece of eloquence. Mortified and ashamed he returned to Montreal in September, having been to much pains to prove to the savages, that the French were not altogether invincible, but were, like themselves, liable to suifer from sick- ness and hunger, and doubtless did much towards weakening the confi- dence formerly reposed in their prowess. In a letter from Father Lamberville to M. de la Barre,- dated July 11, 1684, the establishment of a fort at La Galette, is alluded to as one of the best measures calculated to attain their ends with the natives. It was against the advice of this missionary, that the expedition was under- taken. In the same letter he wrote as follows: " I do not believe you will derive any advantage this year from war, if you should wage it, for not only will the whole of the Iroquois prosecute the war in Canada, but you will not find the Senecas in their villages, in which they give out they will not shut themselves up, but conceal them- selves in the grass and prepare ambuscaders for you everywhere. * * The warriors are to prowl everywhere, killing, without if possible being killed. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 43 If their Indian corn be cut, it will cost much blood and men. You must also resolve to lose the harvest of the French grain, to which the Iroquois will set fire." Causes of difficulty continued to exist between the Iroquois and the French, principally due to the jealousies which the English succeeded in disseminating among the former. This led to the expedition of the Marquis Denonville in the summer of 1687 against the Seijecas,and that of the Count de Frontenac against the Onondagas in 1686. In neither of these did the French succeed in conquering their enemies, although in the former they succeeded in overrunning the country, and making a great many captures. Their prisoners were distributed among friendly tribes on the north shoi'e of the lake. Denonville founded the military post at Niagara, on the occasion of his expedition, and this formed one of the most important stations of the French, as it was at a portage between two navigable waters of great extent, and commanded the trade of an immense region of country. The French were not always the aggressive party, for in 1688, the savages laid waste their country to the very gates of Montreal, and no- thing but ignorance of the modes of attack practiced by civilized soldiers, prevented the entire destruction of their settlements. The enemy disappeared as quickly as they came, and before they had recovered from the shock, and made preparations for defence, the assail- ants had vanished. These vindictive wars were conducted along the valley of the St Lawrence for several years.* In 1720 - 21, Father Charlevoix, a Jesuit, undertook, by command of the King of France, a journey to Canada. His observations, in an epi- stolary form, addressed to the Duchess de Lesdiguieres, were published at Paris in 1744 ; from the fifth volume of which we tx'anslate the fol- lowing extracts from a letter dated " Catarocoui, 14th May, 1721 : "Above the Buisson, the river is a mile wide, and lands on both sides are very good and well wooded. They begin to clear those which are on the north side ; and it would be very easy to make a road from the point which is over against the island of Montreal, to a bay which they call la Galette. They will shim by this forty leagues of navigation, which the falls render almost impracticable and very tedious. A fort would be much better situated and more necessary at la Galette than at Catarocoui, because a single canoe can not pass here without being seen, whereas at Catai'ocoui they may slip behind the islands without being observed. * In January- 1851, a Mr. W. Merritt. a wheelwright at Malone, when dressing out wagon spokes, of oak timber, found a leaden bullet, which at some ancient period had been shot into the tree. It had been cut in Brasher, and the tree was eighteen inches in diameter, and the bail lay within an inch of the heart of the tree. It must from the appearance of the concen- tric lines of growth have laid in tliis situation about one hundred and sevenly.live years, and may "have been discharged by these early belligerents. 44 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE Moreover the lands about Galette are very good, and they might in con- sequence have always provisions in plenty, which would save many charges. Besides this, a bark might go in two days with a good wind to Niagara. One of the objects which they had in view in building the fort Catarocoui, was the trade with the Iroquois; but these savages would come as willingly to la Galette as to Catarocoui. They would have indeed something further to go, but they would avoid a passage of eight or nine leagues which they must make over the Lake Ontario. In short, a fort at la Galette would cover the whole country which is between the great river of the Outaouais and the river St, Lawi-ence ; for they can not come into this country on the side of the river St. Lawrence, because of the falls, and nothing is more easy than to guard the banksof the i-iver of the Ou- taouais. I have these remarks from a commissary of the Marine ( M. de Clerambaut d'Aigremont), who was sent by the King to visit all the dis- tant posts of Canada. * * * From Coteau du Lac to Lake St. Franc^ois is but a good half league. This lake, which I passed on the fifth, is se- ven leagues long and three at the widest place. The land on both sides is low, but appears to be good. The course from Montreal to this is a little to the southwest, and the lake S.Francois runs west-southwest and east-northeast. I encamped just above it, and in the night was aroused by piercing cries as of persons in distress. I was at first alarmed, but soon recovered myself, when they told me they were huars, a kind of cormorants. They added that these cries prognosticated winds on the mori'ow, which proved true. The sixth I passed the Chesnaux du Lac, thus called from some chan- nels which form a great number of islands which almost cover the river in this place. I never saw a country more charming, and the lands appear good. The rest of the day was spent in passing the rapids, the principal one of which they call le MouUnet [the vortex] : it is frightful to behold, and we had much trouble in passing it. I went, however, that day seven leagues, and encamped at the foot of the Long Saut, which is a rapid half a league long, which canoes can not ascend with more than half a load. We passed it at seven in the morning, and sailed at three o'clock p. M. ; but the rain obliged us to encamp, and detained us the fol- lowing day. There fell on the eighth [May] a little snow, and at night it froze as it does in France in the month of January. We were never- theless under the same parallels as Languedoc. On the ninth we passed the Rapide Plat [opposite the. village of Waddington], distant from the Saut about seven leagues, and five fi-om des Galots, which is the last of the rapids. La Galette is a league and a half further, and we arrived there on the tenth. I could not sufficiently admire the beauty of the country between this bay and les Galots. It is impossible to see finer forests, and I especially notice some oaks of extraordinary height. Five or six leagues from la Galette is an island called Tonihata, where the soil appears fertile, and which is about half a league long. An Iro- quois, wliom they call the Quaker, I know not why, a very sensible man, and very affectionate to the French, obtained the dominion of it from the late Count de Frontenac, and shows his patent of concession to whoever wishes to see it. He has nevertheless sold the lordship for four pots of brandy, but has reserved to himself all other profits of the land, and has assembled here eighteen or twenty families of his nation. I arrived on the twelfth at his island, and paid him a visit. I found him laboring in his garden, which is not the custom of savages; but he affects all the customs of the French. He received me very kindly, and wished to regale me, but the beauty of the weather invited me to prosecute my AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 45 journey. I took my leave of him, and went to pass the night two leagues from thence iu a very fine place. I had still thirteen leagues to Catarocoui : the weather was fine, and the night very clear, which induced me to embark at three o'clock in the morning. We passed through the midst of a kind of^rchipelago, which they call Mille Isles [Thousand Isles]. I believe there are about five hun- dred. When we had passed these, we had a league and a half to reach Catarocoui. The river is more open, and at least half a league wide: then we leave upon the right three great bays, very deep, and the fort is built in the third. This fort is square, with tour bastions built with stone; and the ground it occupies is a quarter of a league in circuit, and its situation has really something very delightful. The banks of the river present in every way a varied scenery, and it is the same at the entrance of Lake Ontario, which is but a short league distant: it is studded with islands of different sizes, all well wooded, and nothing bounds the horizon on that side. This lake for some time bore the name of Saint Louis, after- wards that of Fronienac, as well as the fort of Catarocoui, of which the Count de Frontenac was the founder; but insensibly the lake has gained its ancient name, which is Huron or Iroquois, and the fort that of the place where it is built. Tlie soil from this place to la Galette appears rather barren ; but it is only on the edges, it being veiy good farther back. Op- posite the fort is a very fine island, in the midst of the river. They placed some swine upon it, which have multiplied and given it the name of Isle des Pores [Hog Island, now Grand Island]. There are two other islands somewhat smaller, which are lower, and half a league apart: one is named flsle aux Cedres, and the other VIsle aux Cerfs [Cedar Island and Stag Island, neither of which names are now retained]. The bay of Catarocoui is double; that is to say, that almost in the midst of it is a point which runs out a great way, under which there is good anchorage for large barks. M. de la Salle, so famous for his discoveries and his misfortunes, who was lord of Catarocoui and governor of the fort, had two or three vessels here which were sunk in this place, and remain there still. Behind the fort is a marsh, where a great variety of wild game gives pleasant occupation for the garrison. There was formerly a great trade here, especially with the Iroquois; and it was to entice them to us, as well as to hinder their carrying their skins to the English, and to keep these savages in awe, that the fort was built. But this trade did not last long, and the fort has not hindered the barbarians from doing us a great deal of mischief. They have still some families here, on the outskirts of the place; and also some Missisaguez, an Algonquin nation, which still have a village on the west side of Lake Ontario, another at Niagara, and a third at Detroit." An English writer (Jeffi-ej'^j has written a book, entitled, " The French Dominion in America" (London, 1760, folio), in which he has freely quoted, without acknowledgment, from Charlevoix and other French writers, statements of facts and descriptions of places, of which he evidently had no knowledge beyond what he derived from these works. The following is an extract from this writer fp. 15), which may be compared with the translation from Charlevoix which we have given. "A fourth rift, two leagues and a half hence, is called the rift of St Francis, from whence to Lake St. Francis, you have only half a league. This lake is several leagues in length, and almost three in breadth 46 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE where broadest. The land on both sides is low, but appears to be of an excellent soil. The route from Montreal hither lies a little towards the south-west, and the Lake St. Francis runs west-south-west and east- north-east. From hence you come to the chesneaux du lac, for thus are called those channels formed by a cluster of islands, which take up almost the whole breadth of the river at this place. The soil seems here extraordi- narily good, and never was prospect more charming than that of the country about it. The most remarkable falls here are, that of the Mouli- net, which is even frightful to behold,* and exceeding difficult to get through, and that called the Long FaU,ha\fa league in length, and pass- able only to canoes half loaded. The next you come to, is called the Flat Rift [Rapide du Plat, opposite Ogden's Island and the village of Waddington], about seven leagues above the Long Fall, and five below that called Les Galots, which is the last of the falls. La Galette lies a league further, and no one can be weary of admiring the extraordinary beauty of the country, and of the noble forests, which overspread ail the lands about this bay and La Ga- lette, particularly the vast woods of oak of a prodigious height. A fort would ])erliaps be better situated, and much more necessary at La Ga- lette, than at Cadaraqui, for this /eason, that not so much as a single canoe could pass without being seen ; whereas at Cadaraqui they may easily sail behind the isles without being perceived at all. The lands moreover about La Galette are excellent, whence there would always be plenty of provisions, which would be no small saving. And, besides, a vessel could very well go from La Galette to JViagara, in two days, with a fair wind. One motive for building the fort at Cada- raqui was, the conveniency of trading with the Iroquois. But those Indians would as willingly go to La Galette as to the other place. Their way, indeed, would be much longer, but then it would save them a tra- verse of eight or nine leagues on Lake Ontario ; not to mention that a fort at la Galette would secure all the country lying between the great river of the Outawais and the river St. Lawrence ; for this country is inaccessible on the side of the river, on account of the rifts, and nothing- is more practicable than to defend the banks of the great river; at least, these are the sentiments of those sent by the court of France to visit all the different posts of Canada. One league and a half from La Galette, on the opposite shore, at the mouth of the Oswegatchi river, the French have lately built the fort La Presentation, which commands that river, and keeps open a communi- cation, by land, between Lake Champlain and this place. Four leagues above La Presentation, is the isle calh d Tonihata, about half a league in length, and of a very good soil. An Iroquois, called by the French writers, for what reason we are not told, the Quake?; a man of good natural sense, and much attached to the Fren^'h nation, had, as they say, got the dominion of this island of a count of Frontenac, the patent of which, it seems, he was proud of showing to any body. He sold his lordship for a gallon of brandy; reserving, however, the profits to himself, and taking care to settle eighteen or twenty familits of his own nation upon this island. It is ten leagues hence to Cadaraqui, and on your way to this place, you pass thi'ough a sort of Archipel, called the Thousand Isles, and there *This is probably what is known al present as the Lost Channel, on the north side of Loiig- Saut island. It has within a year or two been descended by steumerSj and found safe, although the war of waters is frightful. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 47 may possibly be about five hundred. From hence to Cadaraqui, they reckon four leagues. The river here is freer and opener, and the breadth, half a league. On the right are three deep bays, in the third of which stands Fort Cadaraqui or Frontenac." From the earliest period of their settlement, the French appear to have been solicitous to withdraw the Iroquois from the intei-ests of the English, and to establish them near their own borders, as well to secure their religious, as their political adherence to their interests. To effect their conversion, Father Ragueneau was sent to Onondaga, in 1657-8; Isaac Joques to the Mohawks (among whom he had been a captive, pre- viously), in 1646; Frs. Jos. Lemercier to Onondaga, in 1656-8 ; Frs. Dupe- ron to Onondaga, in 1657-8; Simon Le Moyne to Onondaga, in 1654, and subsequently to the Mohawks and Senecas; and many others, but none with more success than Jacques de Lamberville, who was among the Mohawks in 1675-8, subsequently at Onondaga, which place he left in 1686, and again in 1703 to 1709, he was engaged most zealousy in his work of proselyting to his faith the Indians of New York. The result of the labors of these missionaries, was the emigration of a part of the Mohawk tribe, in 1675-6, to the saut St. Louis, in the vicini- ty of Montreal. Some account of this emigration is given by Charlevoix which will here be given, as a specimen of the zealous devotion and religious strain in which the Catholic writers of that period were accustomed to speak and write, rather than for its importance as a historical document. The success of their enterprise was proportioned to the zeal and energy with which it was prosecuted. The room in which Charlevoix dwelt while at this mission of the saut St. Louis is still pointed out to visitors, and the table on which he wrote forms a part of the fui-niture of the priest's house at that mission. From vol. v of Charlevoix's Journal of Travels in North America, page 258, and subsequently. Letter to the Dutchess de Lesdiguieres: Of the Iroquois Village of the Saut St. Louis, and of the different People who inhabit Canada. " Saut St. Louis, Ma7j 1, 1721. TMadame : I have come to this place to spend a part of Easter. It is a period of devotion, and every thing in this village is suggestive of pious emotions. AH the religious exercises are performed in a very edifying manner, and leave an impression of fervor on the,minds of the Habitants; for it is certain that it has long been the case in Canada, that we may witness the brightest examples of heroic virtue, with which God has been wont to adorn the growing church. The manner itself in which it has been formed is very marvelous. 48 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE The iNIissionarips, after liaving for a long time moistened the cantons of tlie Iroquois with their sweat, and some even with their blood, lost, at lengtii, all ho])e of estaldishing there the Christian religion, upon a solid basis, l)iit not of drawing a great number of savages under the yoke of the Faith. They felt that God had among these barbarians his elect, as in all nations, but they were convinced that to assure their callins; and their election, it was necessary to separate thern fi-om their compatriots, and they formed the resolution of establishing in the colony, all those whom they found disposed to embrace Christianity. They opened their design to the Governor General and the Intendant, who carried their views still fiuther, not only approving them, but conceiving that this establishment would be very serviceable to New France, as in fact it has been, ns well as another, much like it, which had been established in the Isle of Montreal, under the name of la Montagne, of which the members of the Seminary of St. Sulpice have always had the direction. To return to that which served as a model for the others, one of the Missionaries of the Iroquois opened his design to some of the Mohawks. They approved it, and especially that canton which had always most strongly opposed the ministers of the gospel, and where they had often been most cruelly treated. Thus, to the great wonder of French and Savages, were seen these inveterate enemies of God, and of our nation, touched with his victorious Grace, which thus deigned to triumph in the hardest and most rebellious hearts, abandoning all that they held most dear in the world to receive nothing, that they may serve the Lord with more freedom. A sacrifice more heroic still for savages than other peo- ple, because none are more attached than them to their families, and their natal land. The number was much augmented in a short time: in part, from the zeal of the first proselytes who composed this chosen band." This measure led to much persecution, and the converts were often tortured to compel them to renounce the faith. Others were confined in miserable dungeons in New York, from which ihey coidd be liberated only by abjuring their new religion, or at least by promising to leave the French. M. de Saint Valier thus wrote in 1688 : " The ordinary life of all the Christians at this mission, has nothing usual, and one would take the whole village to be a Monastery. As they only left the goods of their country to seek safety, they practice on all sides the most perfect disen- gagement, and preserve among each other [^so perfect order for their sanctification, that it would be difficult to add any thing to it." These savages of course carried with them their language and customs, but the latter gradually became adapted to those of the French, who labored to abolish those national ceremonies, and substitute in their place an observance of the ritual and requirements of the catholic religion. This measure succeeded so well, that, at the present day, the oldest In- dians at the missions have lost all recollection of the existence of their ancient customs, and do not preserve the memory of national ceremo- nieg of the olden time. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 49 The emigration to Canada from among the Indians continued through many years, and at length, in 1749, led to the establishment of a mis- sionary station and fort at the mouth of the river la Presentation [Oswe- gatchie], by Francis Picquet, a Sulpitian. An account of this is given in the Documentary History of New- York, which was taken from the Paris documents collected by an agent sent to Europe by this state for the purpose of obtaining historical materials. "A large number of Iroquois savages having declared their willingness to embrace Christianity, it has been proposed to establish a mission in the neighborhood of Fort Frontenac. Abbe Picquet, a zealous mission- ary in whom the nations have evinced much confidence has taken charge of it, and of testing, as much as possible what reliance is to be placed on the dispositions of the Indians.* Nevertheless, as Mr. do la Gallisonni^re had remarked in the month of October, one thousand seven hundred and forty-eight, that too much dependence ought not to be placed on them, Mr. de la Jonquiere was written to on the fourth of May one thousand seven hundi-ed and forty- nine, that he should neglect nothing for the formation of this establish- ment, because if it at all succeeded it would not be difficult to give the Indians to understand that the only means they had to relieve themselves of the pretensions of the English to their lands, is the destruction of Choueguen which they founded solely with a view to bridle these Na- tions; but it was necessary to be prudent and circumspect to induce the savages to undertake it. 31st gber 1749. Mr. de la Jonquiere sends a plan drawn by Sieur de Lery of the ground selected by the Abbe Picquet for his mission and a letter from that Abbe containing a relation of his voyage and the situa- tion of the place. He says he left the fourth of May of last year with twenty-five French- men and four Iroquois Indians; he arrived the thirtieth at the River de la Presentation, called Soegatzy. The land there is the finest in Canada. There is oak timber in abundance, and trees of a prodigious size and height, but it will be necessary, for the defence of the settlement, to fell them without permission. Picquet reserved sufiicient on the land he had cleared to build a bark. He then set about building a store house to secure his effects; he next had erected a small fort of pickets and he will have a small house con- structed which will serve as a bastion. Sieur Picquet had a special interview with the Indians; they were satisfied with all he had done; and assured him they were willing to follow his advice and to immediately establish their village. To accomplish this, they are gone to regulate their affairs and have pro- mised to retui-u with their pi-ovisions. The situation of this post is very advantageous ; it is on the borders ^f the River de la Presentation, at the head of all the rapids, on the west side of a beautiful basin formed by that river, capable of easily holding forty or fifty barks. * The following extract from Paris Doc. X., furnishes the date of the Abbe Picquet's depart, ure to establish his colony on the Oswegatchie river :— " 30 Sept. 1748. The Abbe Picquet's departs from Quebec for Fort Frontenac ; he is to look in the neighborhood of that fort for a location best adapted for a village for the Iroquois of the Five Nations, who propose to em. brace Christianity. 50 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE In all parts of it there has been found at least two fathoms and a half of water and often four fathoms. This basin is so located that no wind scarcely can prevent its being entered. The bank is very low, in a level country, the point of whicii runs far out. The passage across is hardly a quarter of a leagne, and all the canoes going up or down, can not pass elsewhere. A fort on this point would be impregnable; it would be im- possible to approach, and nothing commands it. The east side is more elevated, and runs by a gradual inclination into an amphitheatre. A beautiful town could hereafter be built there. This post is moreover so much the more advantageous, as the English and Iroquois can easily descend to Montreal by the river de la Presenta- tion, which has its source in a lake bordering on the Mohawks and Cor- lar. If they take possession of this River they will block the passage to Fort Frontenac, and more easily assist Choueguen. Whereas by means of a fort at the point, it would be easy to have a force there in case of need to dispatch to Choueguen, and to intercept the English and Indians who may want to penetrate into the Colony, and the voyage to Missilimakinac could be made in safety. Moreover, this establishment is only thirtj'-five leagues from Montreal; twenty-five from Fort Frontenac, and thirty-three Irom Choueguen;* a distance sufficient to remove the Indians from the disorders which the proximity of forts and towns ordinarily engenders among them. It is convenient for the reception of the Lake Ontario, and more distant Indians. Abbe Picquet's view^s are to accustom these Indians to raise cows, hogs and poultry; there are beautiful prairies, acorns and wild oats. On the other hand it can be so regulated that the bateaux carrying goods to the posts, may stop at La Presentation. The cost of freight would become smaller; men could be found to convey those bateaux at fifteen to twenty livres instead of forty-five and fifty livres which are given for the whole voyage. Other bateaux of La Presentation would convey them farther on, and the first would take in return plank, boards and other timber, abundant there. This timber would not come to more than twelve or fifteen livres, whilst they are purchased at sixty-ei^ht livers at Montreal, and sometimes more. Eventually this post will be able to supply Fort Frontenac with provisions, which will save the kin"' considerable expense. The Abbe Picquet adds in his letter, that he examined in his voyage the nature of the rapids of the Fort Frontenac river, very important to secure to us the possession of Lake Ontario on which the English have an eye. The most dangerous of those rapids, in number fourteen, are the Trou (the Hole) and the Buisson (the Thicket). Abbe Picquet points out a mode of rendering this river navigable ; and to meet the expense he proposes a tax of ten livres on each canoe sent up, and an ecu (fifty cents) on each of the crew, which according to him will produce three thousand livres, a sum sufficient for the workmen. Messrs de la Jonquiere and Bigot remark that they find this establish- • ment necessary as well as the erection of a saw-mill, as it will diminish the expense in the purchase of timber; but as regards the rapids, they will verify them in order to ascertain if in fact the river can be ren- dered navigable, and they will send an estimate of the works. * Ogdensburgh is 105 miles from Montreal; 60 from King:ston, Can., and about £0 from Os- ■wego. The distances laid down in the text are very accurate, considering the time and the circumstances. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 51 They have caused five cannon of two pound calibre to be sent to the Abbe Picquet for his little fort so as to give confidence to his Indians, and to persuade them that they will be in seciuity there. M. de la Jonquiere in particular says, he will see if the proprietors of batteaux would contribute to the expense necessary to be incurred for the rapids; but he asks that convicts from the galleys or people out of work (gens inutiles) be sent every year to him to cultivate the ground. He is in want of men, and the few he has exact high wages. 1st 8ber, 1749. Mr. Bigot also seiids a special memoir of the expense incurred by Abbe Picquet for improvements [defrichemens] amounting to three thousand four hundred and eighty-five livres ten sous.* Provisions were also furnished him for himself and workmen, and this settlement is only commenced. M. de la Jonquiere can not dispense with sending an officer tliere and some soldiers. Sieur de la Morandiere, engineer, is to be sent there this winter to draw out a plan of quarters for these soldiers and a store for provisions. If there be not a garrison at that post, a considerable foreign trade will be carried on tliere. 7tii 9ber 1749. Since all these letters M. de la Jonquiere has written another in which he states that M. de Longueuil informed him that a band of savages believed to be Mohawks had attaaked Sieur Picquet's mission on the twenty-sixth of October last— that Sieur de Vassau, commandant of Fort Frontenac, had sent a detachment thither which could not prevent the burning of two vessels loaded with hay and the palisades of the fort. Abbe Picquet's house alone was saved. The loss by this fire is considerable. It would have been greater were it not for four Abeuakis who furnished on this occasion a proof of there fidelity. The man named Perdreaux had half the hand carried away. His arm had to !)e cut off. One of the Abenakis received the discharge of a gun the ball of which remained in his blanket. M. de Longueil has provided everything necessary. M. de la Jon- quiere gave him orders to have a detachment of ten soldiers sent there, and he will take measures, next spring, to secure that post. M. de la Jonquiere adds that the savages were instigated to this attack by the English. The Iroquois who were on a com[)limentary visit at Montreal were surprized at it, and assured M. de Longueuil that it could only he Colonel Amson [Johnson ?] who could have induced them. He omitted nothing to persuade those same Iroquois to undertake this expedition, and to prevent them going to compliment the governor, having offered them belts which they refused. To induce the natives to settle here, the governor is said to have placed a large magazine of all kinds of clothing fitted for Indians, as also arms, provisions and ammunition, which were distributed very liberally among them. Father Picquet having fortified his position in the year 1751, com- menced the erection of a saw mill for the use of his settlement and the government. In a document entitled " Titles and documents relating to the seignorial tenure," made to the Legislative Assembly of Canada in 1851, and pub- lished at Quebec in 1852, is a copy of the Fi-ench grant to him. It ia taken from pages 299 and 300, and runs as follows : * Equal to f C53-23. 4 62 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE " Le Marquis de Lajonqufeke, &c. Francois Bigot, &lc. On the representatfou made to us by Monsienr I'Abbe Pjqnet, priest, missionary of" the Indians of La Presentation, that in virtue of the per- mission Aviiieh we gave hiin last year, he is buikling a savv-miil on the river called La Presentation or Souegatzy, witli the view of contriiiuting to the establishment of that new mission; but that for the usefulness vi the said mill, it is necessary that there should be attached thereto a tract of land in the neigJiborhood, on which to receive the saw-logs, as well as the boards and other lumber : whereibre he prays tiiat we would grant him a concession en censive of one arpent* and a half in front on the said river, that is to say, three-fourths of an arpent on each side of the said mill, by one arpent and a half in depth, having regard to the premises. We, in virtue of the power jointly entrusted to us by His Majesty, have given, granted and conceded, and by these presents do give, grant and concede unto the Abbe Piquet the said extent of land of one arpent and a half in front, by the same depth, as herein above described : to have and to hold the said unto him and his assigns in full property for ever, on condition that the said tract of land, and the mill erected thereon, cau not be sold or given to any person holding in mortmain {gens de main morte), in which case His Majesty shall reenter pleno jure into tlie posses- sion of the said tract of land and mill; also on condition of the yearly payment of five sols of rente and six deniers oi'cens, payable to His Majesty's domain, on the festival day of St, Remy, the fiist of October each j'ear, the first payment of which shall be due on the 1st October of next year, 1752; the said cens bearing profit of lods et rentes, saisine et amende, agree- ably to the custom of Paris followed in this country; and that he shall have these presents confirmed within one year. ^ In testimony whereof, &c. At Quebec, the 10th of October 1751. Signed, LAJONQUIERE, and BIGOT. True Copy. BIGOT. It is rendered probable, from a comparison of dates, that Picquet on this occasion of his visit, took along with him a deputation of his neophites? to present them to the'governor, as is shown by the following documents, which explains the object of their journey (Paris Doc. X, p. 264,e< seq.). Speech of the Iroquois of the Five JVations, established at la Presentation, at Quebec, September 20, 1751, SPEECH OF THE SAVAGES. REPLY OF MONSIEUR THE GENERAL. 1. 1. God has favored us with good I am pleased, my children, to see weather yesterday, to enable us to you. I thank you for the interest arrive salely to see you; we are a you express for ray health, people who come from the foot of , the islands; we rejoice to find you io good health. These are chiefs and warriors, who have come to wish you much happiness. * An arpent is a hundred perches of land, eighteen feet to the perch, or about three quarters of oa acre. This i$ an old French land Qieasvii<, AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 53 We have not the talent of French- men. We are savages ; and we pray you to pardon us, if our ex- pressions are not couched in appro- priate language. We are like new-born children. We have heard speak of the attack which has been made upon the people -of the Saut, and we have made every effort tiiat was possil)le to ascertain who were the authors of the attack. 4. We have heard that it was the Clieraquis ; and we ask if it is jour will that we raise the hatchet to attack theui : tiiey have destroyed those of our owu blood; our bro- thers, the people of the Saut, of the lake, and all who are under your wings, will unite with us. 5. As you desii-e us to do, so we will act; we are, as it were, born but to day, and have embraced the faith. Our young warriors who have taken refuge amongst us, are at leisure, and desirous to strike, if you promote our Mission. We must avenge the death of our brethren, after which, our Mission will increase more and more. Our father who instructs us, is as em- barrassed as ourselves. He wit- nesses the arrival of young warriors who are anxious to set out on the war path the next morning. By a Belt. 6. We beg you to be assured, that we think like the French; we exe- cute our projects; and we assure you by this belt, that we ^vill set off' at the breaking uf) of the ice, hatchet iu hand, to strike the blow. I know that you are still young, and not yet able to be great orators. I am meanwhile very well satisfied with your harangue. It is very well spoken. You can not fail to ac- quire greater abilities by becoming identified with our interests, and in doing whatever M. I'Abh^ Pic- quet shall direct you, for the service of the king, iny master. 3. You can not but bewail the fate of your brethren at the Saut St. Louis, who have experienced a melancholy fate. I mourn for them equally with you. I can not disapprove of your raising the hatchet, to go and smite the Cheraques, wlio jiave stained their hands with the blood of your brethren ; your brothers of the saut, of the lake, and all those who are under my wings, will afford me a pleasure by uniting with you. 5. I agree that you ought not to defer striking this blow, and I re- peat, that I consent to it. And you ought not to omit any thing that will tend to increase your village, and afford me proofs of the zeal which you evince in favor of i*eli- gion. I am very glad that you exhibit a constancy in your i)roject, and that you will execute it. I receive your belt with pleasure, and I return you one, to assure you that at the breaking up of the ice, I will have the powder and lead furnished you which you require. 54 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE 7. You now know the sentiments of your children, of La Presenta- tion. You know we possess no- thing. We throw ourselves into your arms. You know we are without weapons; yet we ask you for nothinij. We leave you to in- fer what we require for the expe- drtion which we are about to under- take. Our skin is tender ; we see the snows which will not delay to fall upon the mountains ; if we have not mittens, we shall freeze with the cold, and our nails will fall off. I do not wish to weary you. I wish to depai-t in two days. You know that the Five Nations are numerous. I wish to make an effort to assemble all those that it may be possible, to augment our village. I cast my body into your hand. I wish to die for my dear Onontio Gwa. 9. We have spoken to you, upon your word, and upon that of Mon- sieur the Bishop, to engage to in- crease our Mission. All those who have come to join our village, are under the hope that you will give us some utensils to assist us. 10. If we were in a more comfort- able situation, our village would sensibly increase. We want 37 brass kettles ; our women make this i-equesi. By a Belt. I give you also this belt, by which I wish to bind myself to you ; pre- sent it to the people of tlie saut, to the Iroquois of the Five Nations, and to all those who are under my wings. I bind them to you, that they may not sepai-ate themselves ' from it, until you shall have avenged the blood of your brethren. 7. I open my arms to receive you. I repeat fi'om the feeling of my heart, that I will provide for all your necessities. You see from others who ai-e present, that I have done to them all you solicit for yourselves. 8. You do well to resolve to induce your brothers of the Five Nations to join you, and settle in your vil- lage. There are quantities of these in the arsenals of the king at La Pre- sentation. Monsieur the Abb6 Pic- quet will take care of your brothers, when they arrive at your mission. 10. , I will not forget your women; there are the kettles which they ask. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 55 The attempt of the French to establish a mission at Oswegatchie na- turally excited the jealousies of the English, Avhose relations with their Canadian neighbors were every day tending to open hostilities. The industry of the French in founding establishments among the Indian tribes at this period, sufficiently evinces the anxiety they felt to secure the interest and influence of the savages, to the prejudice of the English colonies. The following communication from Lieut. Lindesay to Col. Johnson relates to the station at Swegage, or La Presentation, shortly before founded. Oswego, 15th July, 1751. " This day came here from Niagra the Bunt and the Black Prince's son, with their fighters. He first gave me an account how it had fared with them : told me he found two forts built by the Fi'ench since he went out; one at Nigra, carrying place, and the other by John Cair on the river Ohieo. He said he heard a bird sing that a great many Indians from his castle, and others from the five nations, wei'e gone to Swegage : all this, he said, grived him, and he saw things going very wrong; and if a stop was not put to it, the five nations wou'd be ruined soon. He said he was come home, for he lookt on this place as such : that he was both hungry and poor; and hoped, as I represented the Governor and Coll. Johnson here, I would assist him in a little provisions and clothing to his fighters. I told him was sorrey for the loss he had sustained, but was glad to find his thoughts and mine the same as to the French's building forts, and the Indians going to Swegage; and told him how wrong it was in our Indjans going to Cannada, and the consequencess that would attend it, in the best light I could. He agreed with me in all I said, and promised to do everything in his power to have things better managed, and likewise promised in the strongest terms to all Coll. John- son would desire of him. I gave him provisions and cloathing, &c. for bis people, to the ualue of five pounds above what he gave me when he spoke, which was three be vers. 27th. This day came the Couse, and some other Sinaka sacham, in order to go to Cannada. He came to see me, and told me he was sent by the cousentof the five nations to go to the Govn. of Cannada about the building the above said two forts, &.c. I told him the consequence of Indjans going there; but as he is intirely French, all I said was to no purpose, though he seem'd to own the force of what I said, as all the other Indjans did, and I belive all but him might have been stopt; but as things are, I could do no more. Bjr. all the Indjans that have been here, I find the French army landed at Nigra about the 26th July, in 20 large canoes, to the number of 250 or 300 French, with 200 Arondaks and Annogongers : they are to gather all the Indians as they pase, and allso French, and will at least amount to 1000 or 1200 French and Indjans. Their designs is to drive the English of that are at or near Ohieo, and oblidge the Meomies to come and live whe|fc they shall order them. All the Indjans who have been here, say they and all Indians are to join them. While the Bunt was here, I had him always with me, and did all lay in my powar to oblidge him. He showed the greatist sence of it, and said he would allways do what I asked, as he allways had done. He is much inclined to us; and am convinced that if Coll. Johnson sends for him, he will come and take our affairs in hand hertily ; and I think he hath it more in his powar then any to bring things to rights, nor is it to be done without bira. This is 56 HISTORY GF ST. LAWRENCE my sentiments, and 1 iiope you will pardon my liberty in giveing them. If you approve of wliat I have said, and desire me to bring him down witii trie, lie do my indeavours, and he never yet hath refused what I asked of liim. There are some French here, who mett the army about hundred miles to tlie west of Nigra. JOHN LINDESAY. * To the Honourable Coll. Wm. Johnson."* On the 19th of June 1754, there assembled at Albany the celebrated Congress of Reiiresentatives from the several English colonies, to agree upon a plan q/wnjon, for the common defence against the encroachments of the French, and the hostilities of the Indians who werejncited by them to make inroads upon the back settlements of the English. Among the commissioners from the several colonies, appeared those who afterwards shone with distinguished reputation in the revolutionary war; and none more so than Benjamin Franklin. The measure which was the great object of this congress ultimately, failed, from its strong republican tendency, which alarmed the minions of royalty then in j)ower; but several points of interest were discussed, which have a direct relation with our subject. In the representation of the Jiffairs of the colonies which was agreed upon, were the following statements : " That the Lake Champlain, formerly called Lake Iroquois, and the country southward of it as far as the Dutch or English settlements, the Lnkes Ontario, Erie, and all the coimtries adjacent, have, by all ancient antliors, French and English, been allowed to belong to the Five Cantons or Nations; and the whole of these countries, long before the treaty of Utrecht, were by said nations put under the protection of the Crown of Great Britain. * * * " That they [the French] are continually drawing off the Indians from the British interest, and have lately persuaded one half of the Onondaga tribe, with many from the other nations along with them, to remove to a ] lace called Oswegatchie, on the River Cadaraqni, where they have built them a church and fort; and many of the Senecas, the most numerous nation appear wavering, and rather inclined to the French; and it is a melancholy consideration that not more than 150 irjen of all the several nations have attended this treaty, although they had notice that all the governments would be here by their commissioners, and that a large present would be given."f Hendrick the Mohawk chief, the warrior and orator, and ever the firm friend of the English, endeavored to dissuade the confederates of New York from joining the settlement at Oswegatchie ; and at a conference of the Indian tribes with Sir William Johnson, held at Mount Johj^on, Septendjer 24th, 1753, he thus addressed them in a sjieech replete with native eloquence and rhetorical ornament: * See Doc. Hist. New York, Vol. 2, p. G33. t A full account of the proceedings of this congress will be found in the 2d vol. Doc, HiM. of Itfew York) pp. 345 ^ 617. < AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 57 " It grieves me soreiy to find the road hither so grown up with weeds for want of being used, and your fire almost expiring at Onondaga, wliere it was agreed by the wisdom of our ancestors that it shouhl never be extinguished. You know it was a saying among them, that when the fire was out here, you would be no longer a people. I am now sent by your brother, the Governor, to clear the road, and make up the fire with such wood as will never burn out; and I earnestly desire you will take care to keep it up, so as to be found always the same when he shall send among you. — A belt. I have now renewed the fire, swept and cleared all your rooms with a new white wing, and leave it hanging near the fireplace, that you may use it for cleaning all dust, dirt, &c. which may have been brought in by strangers, no friends to you or us. — A string of wampum. I am sorry to find, on my arrival among you, that the tine shady tree which was planted by your forefathers for your ease and shelter, should be now leaning, being almost blown down by northerly winds. I shall now endeavor to set it upright, that it may flourish as formerly, while its roots spread abroad, so that when we sit or stand on them, you will feel them shake : should any storm blow, then should you be ready to secure it.— A belt. Your fire now burns clearly at the old place. The tree of shelter and protection is set up and flourishes. I must now insist upon your quench- ing that fire made with brambles at Swegachey, and recall those to their proper home who have deserted thither. 1 can not leave dissuading you from going to Canada; the French are a delursive people, always endeavoring to divide you as much as they can, nor will they let slip any opportunity of making advantage of it. 'Tis formidable news we hear that the French are making a descent upon the Ohio: "Is it with your consent or leave that they proceed in this extraordinary manner, endeavoring by force of arms to dispossess your own native allies, as well as your bretheren, the English, and establishing themselves?" * *' * A large bell. At a general meeting of the Six Nations, held at Onondaga, they re- plied to the foregoing speech and that of the governor, through their speaker Red Head, as follows: " We acknowledge with equal concern with you that the road between us has been obstructed, and almost grown up with weeds; that our fire is scattered and almost extinct. We return you our most liearty thanks for recruiting the fire with such wood as will bui-n clear, and not go out; and we promise that we shall, with the utmost care, dress and keep ii up, as we are sensible frofn what has been said by our forefathers, that the neglect of it would be our ruin. A belt. " We know very well the use of the white wing you recommended, and are determined to use it to sweep out whatever may hinder the fire from burning with a pure flame. A string. " You may depend upon our care in detending the tree which you ,r> replanted from the inclemency of the high winds from Canada. . ■;; full of acknowledgments for your care and admonitions, and -Hired we shall watch every threatening cloud from thence, that i'!iy be ready to prop it up. A belt. • e rejoice that we see the fire burn pure where it should do; the ' f shelter look strong and flourishing. And you may depend upon lenching that false fire at Swegachey, and doing all we can to re- ir brothers, too often seduced that way. Tho' we did not conceive 58 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE we had done so mnch amiss in going thither, when we observe that you white people pray, and we had no nearer place to learn to pray, and have our children baptized than that. However, as you insist upon it, we will not go that way nor be any more divided. I must now say it is not with our consent that the French have committed any hostilities in Ohio. We know what you Christians, English and French together, intend. We are so henmied in by both that we have hardly a hunting place left. In a little while, if we find a bear in a tree, there will im- mediately appear an owner of the land to challenge the property and hinder us from killing it, which is our livelihood. We are so perplexed between both that we hardly know what to say or think." A belt. The sentiment expressed at the close of this last address, is so true and so melancholy, that it can not fail to excite our S3'mpathy at the fate of the unfortunate race of which, and by which, it was spoken. The unlettered savages, in the simplicity of artless nature, and prompted by a sentiment of benevolence which has been but illy requited, admitted the European settlers to their lands, and proffered the hand of friendship. When once established, the whites finding themselves superior to their rude neighbors in the arts of trade, failed not in most instances, to avail themselves of this advantage, and overreach them in trafiic, corrupt their morals, and impart to them the vices, without the benefits of civilization. Under these influences, the presage of the orator just quoted has been soon and sadly realized, and the red man has retreated before the march of that civilization which he could not adopt, and those habits of indus- try which are at variance with his nature. Like the wild flower that flourishes only in the shade, and withers in the sun as soon as its primitive thicket is gone, the race has vanished, leaving the homes and the graves of their ancestors for the wildness of the western forests, whence in a few years they must again retreat, until the last of the race has disappeared. In an account of a military expedition consisting of a French regiment under de Bearre, which ascended the St. Lawrence in 1755, for the pur- pose of promoting the military operations which the French were carry- ing on at that time along the great lakes and western rivers, we find the following description of the works at la Presentation, [See Paris Docu- ments, vol. X, p. 213.] " On the 28th [of July, 1755,] ascended the two Galos rapids which are dangerous, doubled the point a Livrogne, and crossed from the north to the south, to encamp under Fort Presentation, which is six [ ?] leagues from the end of the rapids. This fort consists of four battlements, in the form of bastions, of which the curtains are palisades. It is sufii- cient to resist savages, but could be but poorly defended against troops who might attack it, and who could easily succeed. On the 29th, doubled two points, notwithstanding the wind blew with violence against AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 69 us, and encamped upon point aux Barils, at three leagues. On the 30th, passed the Thousand Islands, the River Toniata, and camped on an island very poorly adapted for the purpose, opposite a small strait a dis- tance of seven leagues. On the 31st, crossed two large bays. Met in the former two canoes coming from Detroit, the conductors of whom said that the English had been defeated on the Ohio." The Abbe Picquet joined this expedition with thirty-eight of his war- riors, on the l^th of September, who desired to accompany the expedi- tion to make prisoners at Chouagen. He left on the 16th, and rejoined at the Isle of Tonti. On the 25th, his savages brought in two prisoners, having slain three who resisted them. These prisoners informed them that the fort at Oswego had been largely reinforced. Picquet left on the 26th to take his savages and his prisoners to Montreal to M. de Vaudreuil. At the attack upon Fort George, which resulted in its capitulation, under Lt. Col. Munro, Aug. 9, 1757, a comi)any of Iroquois warriors were present, under the command of De Longueil Sabervois. The Abbe Picquet, Sulpician missionary, is also enumerated as among the French force. The" savages were cunning politicians, and proved themselves often- times veiy willing to take sides with the strongest party, as is shown by the following address, which was returned to them by the governor- general of Canada, on an occasion in which they had sent him an ad- dress, by the hands of their friends the Oswegatchies ; having, for some reason not related, chosen this indirect method of tendering their alle- giance to the French, probably in consequence of the advantages which the latter had gained over the English, by the defeat of Bradock. The address of the natives is not presei-ved, but that of the governor in reply to it, is given below, from which its nature and tenor may be ascertained. We translate it from the eleventh volume of the Paris Documents, page 247, in the department of the Secretary of State, at Albany. "JJepZ?/ of M. the Marquis de Vaudreuil^ to the loords which the Five JVations, sent him by their Deputies of the Mission of La Presentation, Oct. 22, 1755: My Children of the Five Nations, I have listened attentively to the words you have addressed me by my children of la Presentation. You can not have better orators than those of this village, who knowing my sentiments to you, have had the goodness to bring me your belts, and to inform me of all which you have said. I am now about to reply to your three worda 60 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE riRST WORD. Yon assure me, my children, hy your first belt, not only of your neu- trality, but even that you have embraced the good cause, and that nothing shalloccur to sei)arate you from it. You reply to me, concerning your yoiuig men, but you pray me not to ensanguine the land which you inhabit. BT A BELT. It appears, my chi>dren, that you know all the extent of my care for you, and that you are persuaded that it will be easy for you to influence iine. You are right. If I should treat you as you deserve, I should re- ject your belt, and in place of being so complaisant as to answer you, I should prove to you the force of my resentment, which your treachery has deserved. But I see you are well convinced that my care exceeds all you had a right to expect. If your sentiments towards me were as sincere as those of mine for you, you would blush at having a single thought of announcing your jieutrality. Should children be neutral in what concerns their father? Surely you do not speak from the bottom of your hearts, and I ought to be persuaded that you really are beside yourselves: no matter — you wish to be neutral — be so. I can not believe you have espoused the good cause. Ought you ever to have abandoned it? Have you not had, on the contrary, every reason to occupy yourselves on the part of the French ? Have they ever in- duced you to commit the least thing against any one ? Have I not always assisted| you in your wants, and by my councils in all your affairs? In what have you profited thereby ? You are ungrateful children, and it is with difficulty that I can restore you to your senses. You have been erring too far, and I can truly say, that you are no longer in the possession of your senses, for you have been robbed of these by the most cruel of your enemies. You beg me not to ensanguine the land that you inhabit. What cause have you to make such a prayer? Have I any other business, than the preservation of it for you ? Had it not been on account of kindness to you, I should have driven you away. If you have not lost your senses, you should have thanked me for all I have done for you. In short, I retain your belt, not to recall to my mind the subject which induced you to send it, but because it comes from you, and you have still a place in my heart. I give you one that you may carry into all your villages, to make known to all my children, that I cease not to be their father, and expect that they will not delay to give me proof that they continue to be my children. SECOND WORD. You acknowledge, my children, that you have accepted the hatchet of the English, but that, having considered the alliance made with the French from time immemorial, you have rejected it, for no other reason, than to attach yourselves to the good cause. You pray me not to impute any thing to you of present affairs, and that nothing can induce you to conceal the belt which you have accepted. BY A BELT. Of all the proofs which you have received of my care, I desire, to- day, to give you one greater than you could have desired, in the accept^ AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 61 ance of your belt, with the only view of recalling on all occasions, that you have been unnatural children, and that you have taken up the hatchet against your fatlicr, and that, from pity towards a ou, I have not visited you with tlie punislimerit which your black conduct deserved. In vain you recall your alliance with the French, if I were not dis- posed tovvards you as a father full of goodness. Vou would have for- leited all the advantages which this alliance obtained for you on every occasion, from the moment that you renounced it by the most criminal treason; and scarcely had you taken the hatchet against me, than my children Mould have eaten and torn you with their teeth, even to the nian-ow of the bones, had I not restrained tlieni : lor it would have been of no use for you to tell them, that you had thrown away the hatchet, not wishing to be longer occupied in the good affairs. How can you ju-ay me to impute nothing to you of present affairs? Have you forgotten all that you have done, and do you think that I am ignorant of it? No. Truly you are well persuaded that I have been a witness to your conduct, and that 1 have followed you in all your steps: that 1 have seen you ; that I have heard you. Do you doubt that I have in my power the papers of general Bradock? I have the very words you have given; I have also your solemn council with colonel Johnson. j\!y children of the upper country have always reported to me their words and their belts, whiclj you, instead, have carried to your euemies and mine; but I forbear to repeat them. You say that nothing could induce you to sully the belt which j-ou have renewed. Ought I to believe it? How many times have you not deceived me? And how many times have you not obtained your pardon ? The belt which j^ou have renewed is the ordinary means for recalling my goodness. You have too often tarnished it by your repeated trea- sons. I desire to establish it by that which I give you. Take good care of it, together. 3Iake feasts from village to village, and from cabin to cabin, and proclaim daily, that you have had the misfortune to betray the best of fathers; that you desei-ved death, but found grace. THIRD WORD. You offer a condolence on the death of the officers who have been killed at the Ohio river, and at the portage of Lake St. Sacrament, par- ticularly M. de Longueuil. lu the mean time you say that you will be able to go down to avenge them yourselves. BY A BELT. How ought I to receive your belt? Will it not be with reason as an acknowledgment on your part, that it was yourselves, tho five nations, who have killed these officers? Will I not be right to make pass from nation to nation, this belt, to arouse the vengeance of my children? Can you reasonably think that I have not seen the arms in hand against me? Have I not been a witness of all yonr actions; and that none of you would have been actually alive, if I had not exercised all my authority to arrest my children, who in their fury would have slaughtered you, your wives aiul children, and have ruined the land which you inhabit? Ought you not to be overwhelmed at my great generosity! I receive your belt; but it is for you to exhil)it upon ail occasions that the French blood which you have sheil unjustly, cries for vengeance u|)on you, and that at the first transgression you will be broughf to submit to the lot which you have for so long a time deserved^ 62 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE I give j^oii this belt, in order that that which I have said may be in- delible in your memories. Repeat it daily to your old men and j'our warriors, to your women and to your children, that they may never forget it; that they may one and all bewail their transgressions, and endeavor equally to repair them. As regards M. the Baron de Longueuil, is this the time to do honor to his death? If your grief and regrets at his death had been sincere, would you have delayed till the present moment to come and give proofs of it? How often have you caused to be announced your departure to come and condole the death of this governor? Why do you differ? If you wish to tell the truth, it is the evil spirit that prevents you. You have been too slow in coming to see me. You have been ashamed, and too negligent. You dared not to appeal", because you knew yourselves to be guilty. Never mind : I receive you; and if you give me perfect proofs of your repentance of your crimes, and you avenge them upon those who have been at their root, and their true authors, your brothers and the domiciliated races, and the nations of the upper country, will continue to be your brothers and friends. * * * Recall the memory of your ancestors, who possessed courage, and who gave on all occasions proofs of their good conduct. Learn from the old men of the age in which you live, concerning the times of my father, whom 3'ou loved as myself Hear my word, as I hey heard his, and you will enjoy the most profound peace and tranquility. Father Rigaud, Marquis de Vaudreuil, Commander of the Royal and Military Order of St. Louis, Governor and Lieutenant General for the King in all New France and the land and country of Louisiana. We certify that the present copy is in conformity with the original remaining in our office : in testimony of which, we have signed these presents, and have sealed it with the sealof our arms, and countersigned by our secretary. Done at Montreal, the 13th of February 1758. Signed : VAUDREUIL." An embassy of the Five Nations, held an interview with M. de Mont- calm, on the 24th of April, 1757, to which measure they were inclined from the successes of the French in the last campaign, which resulted in the capture of Oswego. This council was addressed by orators from each of the Indian tribes, but a passage occurs in the original account of this council,* which is important as showing the standing of the Oswe- gatchies among their Indian neighbors at that period: " There were also in attendance, the Iroquois of la Presentation, who were present at all the deliberations, but spoke not separately and in their own name. The reason was that they had been domiciled but a short time ; they regarded themselves still as the "/a^ enrfs," [natte] of the Iroquois, who call the village of la Presentation the tail of the Five Nations." In a note to this in the original, this mission is mentioned as having been founded by the zeal of the Abb6 Picquet, a Sulpician, and as equally important for religion as for the state. • Paris Documents, vol. XIII, p. 124. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 63 An interesting picture of the domestic life of the Oswegatchies, is given in the following extract from a narrative of a residence among them, which may be found entire in Drake's Indian Captivities. Robert Eastburrij a tradesman, while in company with others, on their way to Oswego, in March, 1756, while stopping at Captain Williams's fort, at the carrying place, near the present village of Rome, was taken captive by the Osvvegatchie Indians, and kept for sometime at their vil- lage near Fort Presentation, the site of Ogdensburgh. The attacking party consisted of four hundred French, and three hundred Indians, commanded by one of the principal gentlemen of Quebec, and accompanied by a priest, probably Father Picquet. The prisoners numbered eighteen or twenty, and their route led through Lewis and Jefferson counties, to Lake Ontario, and thence to the post at the mouth of the Oswegatchie. They were seven days in reaching the lake, and suffered greatly from want of provisions. On the 4th of April, they were met by several French bateaux, with a supply of provisions, and having crossed the mouth of a river where it empties into the east end of Lake Ontario, a great part of the company set off on foot towards Oswegatchie, while the rest proceeded by bateaux down the St. Lawrence. The adventures with which the party met, are best gi^i in the language of the original narrative : "By reason of bad weather, wind, rain, and snow, whereby the waters of the lake were troubled, we were obliged to lay by, and haul our bat- teaux on shore. Here I lay on the cold shore two days. Tuesday, set off and entered the head of St. Lawrence in the afternoon; came too, late at night, made fires, but did not lie down to sleep. Embarking long before day, and after some mile's progress down the river, saw many fires on our right hand, which were made by the men who left us, and went by land. With them we staid till day, and then embarked in our batteaux. The weather was very bad, (it snowed fast all day) ; near night we arrived at Oswegatcby. I was almost starved to death, but hoped to stay in this Indian town till warm weather; slept in an Indian wigwam, rose early in the morning, (being Thursday,) and soon to my grief dis- covered my disappointment. Several of the prisoners had leave to tarry here, but I must go two hundred miles further down stream, to another Indian town. The morning being extremely cold, I applied to a French merchant or trader for some old rags of clothing, for I was almost naked, but to no purpose. About ten o'clock, I was ordered into a boat, to go down the river, with eight or nine Indians, one of whom was the man wounded in the skir- mish above mentioned.* At night we went on shore ; the snow" being much deeper than before, we cleared it away and made a large fire. Here, when the wounded Indian cast his eyes upon me, his old grudge revived, he took my blanket from me, and commanded me to dance around the fire barefoot, •Referring to a portion of the narrative not quoted. 64 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE and sing the prisoner's song, which 1 utterly refused. This surprised one of my fellow prisoners, who told me they would put me to death, for he understood what they said. He therefore, tried to persuade me to comply, hut I desired him to let me alone, and was through great mercy, enabled to reject his importunity with abhorrence. This Indian also continued urging, saying, 'you shall dance and sing;' but apprehending my compliauce sinful, I determined to persist in de- clining it at all adventures, and leave the issue to the divine disposal. The Indian perceiving his orders disobeyed, was fired with indignation, and endeavored to push me into the fire, which I leaped over, and he, being weak with his wounds, and not being assisted by any of his brethren, was obliged to desist. For this gracious interposure of Provi- dence, in preserving me both from sin and danger, 1 desire to bless God while I live. Friday morning, I was almost perished with cold. Saturday, we pro- ceeded on our way, and soon came in sight of the ujjper part of the settlements of Canada." The party continued their journey towards Canasadosega, and on the route the wounded Indian, assisted by a French inhabitant, endeavored again to compel Eastburn to dance and sing, but with no better success than before. On arriving at the town which was thirty miles northwest of Montreal, he was c< mpelled to run the gauntlet, and was saved from destruction only through the interposition of the women. Being assigned to an Indian family at Oswegalch}', in which he was adopted, lie set off on his retin-n, and after a tedioim and miserable voyage of several days, arrived within three miles of the town, on the opposite side of the river. The Oswegatchies inhabited the site of Johnstown until removed to Indian Point, in Lisbon, by Lord Dorchester, as stated elsewhere in the letters of Judge Ford. The language of the narrative will be here resumed: " Here I was to be adopted. My father and mother whom I had never seen before, wei'e waiting, and ordered me into anindian house, where we were directed to sit down silent lor a considerable time. The Indians ai)peared very sad, and my mother began to cry, and continued to cry aloud for some time, and then dried up her tears, and received me for her son, and took me over the river to the Indian town. The next day I was ordered to go to mass with them, but I refused once and again; yet they continued their importunities several days. Seeing they could not jjrevail with me they seemed much displeased with their new son. I was then sent over the river to be employed in hard labor, as a punish- ment for not going to mass, and not allowed a sight of, or any conversa- tion with, my fellow prisoners. The old Indian man with whom I was ordered to work, had a wife and children. He took me into the woods with him, and made signs for me to chop, and he soon saw that I could handle tlie axe. Here I tried to reconcile myself to ihis employ, that they might liave no occasion against me, except concerning the law of my God. The old man began to appear kind, and his wife gave me milk and bread when we came home, and when she got fish, ga\;e me the gills to eat, out of real kindness; but perceiving I did not like them, gave me my own choice, and behaved lovingly. When we had finished AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 65 onr fence, which liad employed* us about a week, I showed the old squaw my shirt, (having worn it from the time when I was first taken prisoner, whicli was ahout seAen weeks,) all rags, dirt, and vermin. She brought me a new one, with ruffled sleeves, saying 'that is good,' which I thankfully accepted. The next day they carried me hack to the Indian town, and permitted me to converse with my fellow prisoners. They told me we were all to be sent to Montreal, which accordingly came to pass." At a grand council held at Montreal, Eastburn mentions a noted priest called Picquet, "who understood the Indian tongue well, and did more harm to the English than any other of his order in Canada. His dwell- ing was at Oswegatchy." A plan of operations against Oswego Avas in progress; and great num- bers of soldiers were in motion towards Lake Ontario, with bateaux laden with provisions and munitions of war. After a painful journey, Eastburn arrived again at Oswegatchie ; having received from his adopted mother the choice of remaining at Montreal, or returning with her, and having chosen the latter alternative as affording the best chance of escape. While here, he daily saw many bateaux, with provisions and soldiers, passing up to Fort Frontenac ; which greatly distressed him for the safety of Oswego, and led him to form a plan for notifying the English of the designs of their enemies. " To this end, I told two of my fellow-prisoners that it was not a time to sleep, and asked them to go with me; to which they heartily agreed. But we had no provisions, and wei'e closely eyed by the enemy, so that we could not lay up a stock out of our allowance. However, at this time, Mr. Picket had concluded to dig a large trench round the town. I therefore went to a negro, the principal manager of this work (who could speak English, French, and Indian well), and asked him if he could get employment for two others and myself; which he soon did. For this service we were to have meat [ board ], and wages. Here we had a prospect of procuring provision for our flight. This, after some time, I obtained for myself, and then asked my brethren if they were ready. They said ' they were not yet, but that Ann Bowman (our fellow-prisoner) had brought one hundred and thirty dollars from Bull's fort [when it was destroyed as has been related], and would give .them all they needed.' I told them it was not safe to disclose such a secret to her; but they blamed me for entertaining such fears, and applied to her for provisions, letting her know our intention. She immediately informed the priest of it! We were forthwith apprehended, the Indians informed of it. and a court called. Four of us were ordered by this court to be confined in a room, under a strong guard, within the fort, for seve- ral days. From hence, another and myself were sent to Cohnewago, 66 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE under a strong guard of sixty Indintfs, to prevent my plotting any more against tiie French, and to banish all hope of my escape!" Here he met witli unexpected kindness, and lodged at the house of the mother of a French smith, whose name was Mary Harris, and had been taken captive while a child at Deerfield in New England. He soon after went to Montreal; and while there, saw the English captives and standards, the trophies of the French victory at Oswego of July 15th, 175G, brought into town. Among the prisoners, 1400 in num- ber, he recognized his own son. He remained a prisoner about a year after, and was at length permitted to leave for England with other pri- soners, and finally returned home. The memoirs of Father Picquet have been written by M. de la Lande, of the Academte des Sciences, and are published in the fourteenth vol- ume of a work entitled, " Leltres Edifianles et Curieuses " (Lyons edition, 1819, J). 262, e< seq.\ from which an abridged translation is published in the Documentary History of New York, from which, and from the original essay, we derive the following. "A missionary remarkable for his zeal, and the services which he has rendered to the church and the state, born in the same village as myself, and with whom I have enjoyed terms of particular intimacy, has given to me a relation of his labors, and I have thought that this notice de- served to find a place in the Leltres Edifiantes, having exactly the same object as the other articles in that collection, and 1 flatter myself that I shall be able to render an honorable testimony to the memory of a com- patriot, and of a friend so amiable as M. I'abbe Picquet. Francois Picquet, doctor of the Sorborne, King' Missionary and Pre- fect Apostolic to Canada, was born at Bourg, in Bresse, on the 6th Dec, 1708. The ceremonials of the church, from his infancy, were to him so engaging, that they seemed to announce his vocation. 'I'he good instruction which he received from an estimable father, seconded by a happy disposition, enabled him to accomplish his earlier studies with the approbation of all his superiors, and of his professors, although in the dissipation and folly of youth, he was relieved by occu- pations altogether foreign to his studies. M. Picquet, in fact, loved to test his abilities in various ways, and in this he succeeded; but his first pastimes had announced his first preferences, and the church was his principal delight. As early as the seventeenth year of his age, he successfully com- menced the functions of a missionary in his country; and at twenty years, the Bishop of Sinope, Suffi-agan of the Diocese of Lyon, gave him, by a flattering exception, permission to preach in all the parishes of Bresse and Franche-Comte which depended on his diocese. The enthusiasm of his new state rendered him desirous to go to Rome, but the Archbishop of Lyons advised him to study theology at Paris. He followed this advice, and entered the congregation of St. Sulpice. The direction of the new converts was soon proposed to him ; but the activity of his zeal induced him to seek a wider field, and led him beyond the seas in 1733, to the missions of North America, where he remained thirty years, and where his constitution, debilitated by labor, acquired a AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 67 force and vigor, which secured for hitn a robust health to the end of his hfe. After having for sometime labored at Montreal, in common with other missionaries, he desired to undertake some new enterprise, by which France ir)ight ])rofit by restoring peace to our vast colonies. About 1740, he established himself at the Lake of Tivo Mountains,* to the North of Montreal, to draw the Algonquins, the Nipissiugs, and the savages of the lake Temiscaming to the head of the colony, and upon the route of all the nations of the north, which descend by the great river of Michilimakina, to Lake Huron. There had been an ancient mission upon the Lake of Two Mountains, but it had been abandoned. M. Picquet took advantage of the peace which the country l^en enjoyed, in constructing a stone fort. TJiis fort commanded the villages of the four nations, which composed the mission of the lake. He next caused a palisade to be built around each of the villages, of cedar posts, flanked by good redoubts. The King defrayed half of this expense; the missionaries incurred the rest by labor. He there fixed the two nomadic nations of the Algonquins and the Nipissings, and caused them to build a fine village, and to sow and reap; a thing before regarded as next to impossible. These two nations, in the event, were first to give succor to the French. The pleasure which they experienced in this establishment attached them to France, and the king, in whose name M. Picquet procured them assistance in money, in provisions, and all that the wants of these two nations required. He there erected a Calvary, which was the finest monument of religion in Canada, by the grandeur of the crosses which were planted upon the summit of one of the two mountains, by the different chapels and the different oratories, all alike built of stone, arched, ornamented with pictures, and distributed in stations for the space of three quarters of a league. He here endeavored to gain an exact understanding with all the northern tribes, by means of the Algonquins and the Nipissings, and with those of the south and west, by means of the Iroquois and the Hurons. His negotiations resulted so well, that he annually, at the feast of the Passover and the Pentecost, baptized to the faith thirty to forty adults. When the savage hunters had passed eight months in the woods, they remained a month in the village, which made it a kind of mission, re- ceiving many each day with the two catechisms and with spiritual con- ferences. He taught them the prayers and the chants of the church, and he imposed penances upon those who created any disorder. A portion were settled and domiciled. In short, he succeeded beyond all hope in persuading these nations to submit entirely to the King, and to render him the master of their na- tional assemblies, with full liberty to make known his intentions and to nominate all their chiefs. From the commencement of the war of 1742, his savages showed their attachment to France and to the King, whose paternal character M. Picquet had announced to them, and who was regarded as the beloved and the idol of the nation. The following is a letter which a savage wari-ior of the Lake of Two Mountains addressed to the King, in his enthusiasm, and which the three nations begged the governor to send to the King, at the beginning of the war. I will insert it to give an idea of their style, and of their oratorical figures. If it is not, word for word, the discourse of a savage, it is at * About 36 miles N. W. of Momreal.— Author 5 68 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE least reported by those who knew the best, their style and their disposi- tions. " Mt Father : Pay less attention to the fashion of my speech, than to the sentiments of my heart: no nation is capable of subduing me, or worthy of com- manding me. Thou art the only one in the world who is able to reign over me, and I prefer to all the advantages which the English can offer me to live with liim, the glory of dieing in thy service. Thou art great in thy name ; I know it: Onnontio [the governor) who brings me thy word, and the Black Gown (the missionary) who announ- ces to me that of the great spirit,* Kichemaniton, have told me that thou art the chief eldest son of the bride of Jesus, wl^ is the great master of life; that thou commaudest the world in wars, that thy nation is innu- merable ; that thou art the most absolute master of all the chiefs who command men, and govern the rest of the world. Meanwhile, the noise of thy tread strikes my two ears ; and I learn from thy enemies themselves, that thou hast only to appear, and forts fall to dust, and thy enemies are vanquished; that the quiet of night and the pleasures of the day yield to the glory which thou bringest; and the eye is wearied in following the courses and the labors of thy victories. J say that thou art> great in thy name, and greater by thy heart that animates thee, and that thy warlike virtues surpass even mine. The nations know me : I was born in the midst of wars, and nourished with the blood of my enemies. Ah my father, what joy for me, could I be able in thy service to assist thy arm, and behold myself the fire which war kindles in thy eye! But if it should be that my blood should be shed for thy glory, under this sun, rely upon my fidelity, and the death of the Eughsh, and upon my bravery. I have the war hatchet in my hand, and uiy eye fixed upon Onnontio, who governs me here in thy name. I wait, upon one foot, only, and the hand raised, the signal which bids me strike thy enemy and mine. Such, my father, is thy warrior of the Lake of Two Mountains." The savages held their word, and the first blows that were struck upoti the English in Canada, were by their hands. M. Picquet was among the first to foresee the war which sprang up about 1742 between the English and the French. He prepared himself for it a long time beforehand. He began by drawing to his Mission (at the Lake of the Two Mountains) all the French scattered in the vicinity, to strengthen themselves and afford more liberty to the savages. These furnished all the necessary detachments; they were continually on the frontiers to spy the enemy's movements. M. Picquet learned, by one of these detachments, that the English were making preparations at Sarasto [Saratoga?], and were pushing their settlements up to Lake St. Sacra- ment.f He informed the general of the circumstance and proposed to him to send a body of troops there, at least to intimidate the enemy, if * They call Matcliimaniton, the bad spirit, or the devil. They call the king Onnontio Chwa. — Note in the original. t " I am building a fort at this lake, which the French call Lake St. Sacrament, but I have given it the name of Lake George, not only in honor to his Majesty, but to ascertain his un- doubted dominion here." — Sir Wm. Johnson to the Board of Trade, Sep. 3, 1775. Land. Doc. xxxii., 178. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 69 we could do no more. The expedition was formed. M. Picquet accom- panied M. 3Iariu who commanded this detachment. They burnt the fort, the Lydius establishments,* several saw D)ills, the planks, boards and other buildinsr timber, the stock of supphes, provisions, the herds of cattle along nearly fifteen leagues of settlement, and made one hundred and fortA-five prisoners, without having lost a single Frenchman or without having any even wounded. T This expedition alone prevented the English undertaking any thing at tiiat side during the %var. Peace having been re-established in 1748. our missionary occupied himself with the means of remedying,,for the fumre, the inconveniences which he had witnessed. The road he saw taken by the savages and other parties of the enemy sent by the English against us, caused him to select a jjost which could, hereafter, intercept the fiassage of the English. He proposed to M. de la Galissoniere to make a setilement of the mis- sion of La Presentation, near Lake Ontario, an establishment which succeeded beyond his hopes, and has been the most usetui of all those of Canada, 3Ir. Rouille, Minister of the Marine, wrote on the 4th May, 1749: " A large number of Iroquois having declared that they were desirous of embracing Christianity, it has been proposed to establish a mission towards Fort Frontenac, in order to attract the gi-eatest number possible thither. .It is Ablje Picquet, a zealous missionary a;:d in whom these nations seem to have confidence, who has been entrusted with this negotiation. He was to have gone last year, to select a suitable site for the establishment of the mission, and verify, as precisely as was possible, what can be depended upon relative to the dispositions of these same nations. In a letter of the otli October last, 31. de la Galisouniere stated, that, though an entire confidence can not be placed in those they have manifeisted, it is notwithstanding of much importance, to succeed in dividing tliem, that nothing must be neglected that can contribute to it. It is for this reason that His. Majesty desires you shall prosecute the design of the proposed settlement. If it could attain a certain success, it would not be difficult then to make the savages understand that the only means of extricating themselves fi-om the pretensions of the Eng- lish, to them and then* lands, is to destroy Choueguen,! so as to deprive them thereby of a post which they establislied chiefly with a view to control their tribes. This destruction is of such great importance, both as regards our possessions and the attachment of the savages and their trade, that it is proper to use every means to engage the Iroquois to undertake it Tliis is actually the only means that can be employed, but you must feel that it requires much prudence and circumspection.'"' Mr. Picquet eminently possessed the qualities requisite to effect the removal of the English from our neighborhood. Therefore the General, the Intendant, and the Bishop deferred absolutely to him in the selection of the settlement for this new mission; and despite the efforts of those who had opposite interests, he was entrusted with the undertaking. * Now Fort Edward, Washington county. t'' I received an account on the 19ih inst., by Express from Albany, that a party of French and their Indians had cut off a settlement in this provTaiee, called Saraghtoge. about fifty miles from Albany, and thai about twenty houses with a fort (which the public would not repair) were burned to ashes, thirty persons killed and scalped, and about sixty taken prisoners. — Gov. Clinton to the -Board, 30lh Kov. 1745. Lend. jDcc.xxrii., 1S7. 235. + Oswego. 70 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE The fort of La Presentation is situated at 302 deg. 40 min. longitude, and at 44 deg. 50 min. latitude, on the Pi-esentatiou river, which the Indians name Soe^«sfe'; tijirty leagues above Mont-Real ; fifteen leagues from Lake Ontario or Lake Frontenac, w^hich with Lake Chani[)l»in gives rise to the River St. Lawrence: fifteen leagues west of the source of the River Hudson which fails into the sea at New York. Fort Fron- tenac had been built near there in 1671, to arrest the incursions of the English and the L-oquois; the bay served as a port for the mercantile and military marine which had been formed there on that sort of sea where the tempests are as frequent and as dangerous as on the ocean. But the post of La Presentation appeared still more important, because the harbor is very good, the river freezes there rarely, the barks can leave with northern, eastern and southern winds, the lands are excellent, and that quarter can be fortified most advantageously. Besides, that mission was adapted by its situation to reconcile to us the Iroquois savages of the Five Nations who inhabit between Virginia and Lake Ontario. The Marquis of Beauharnois and afterwards M. de la Jonquiere, Governor-General of New France, were very desirous that we should occupy it, especially at a time when English jealousy, ii-ritated by a war of many years, sought to alienate from us the tribes of Canada. This establishment was as if the key of the colony, because the English, French antl Upper Canada savages could not pass dsewhere than under the cannon of Fort Presentation when coming down from the south, the Iroquois to the south, and the Micissagu6s to the north, were within its reach. Thus it eventually succeeded in collecting them together from over a distance of one hundred leagues. The officei'S, interpreters and traders, notwithstanding, then reg.irded that establish- ment as chimerical. Envy and opposition had effected its failure, had it not been for the firmness of the Abbe Picquet, supported by that of the administration. This establishment served to protect, aid and com- fort the posts already erected on Lake Ontario. The barks and canoes, for the transportation of the king's effects, could be constructed there at a third less expense than elsewhere, because timber is in greater quan- tity and more accessible, especially when M. Picquet had had a saw mill erected there for preparing and manufacturing the timber. In fine, he could establish a very important settlement for the French colonists, and a point of reunion for Europeans and savages, where they would find themselves very convenient to the hunting and fislfing in the upper part of Canada. M. Picquet left with a detachment of soldiers, mechanics and some savages. He placed" himself at first in as great secui-ity as possible against the insults of the enemy, which availed him ever since. On the 20th October, 1749, he had built a fort of palisades, a house, a barn, a stable, a redoubt, and an oven. He had lands cleared for the savages. His improvements were estimated at thirty to forty thousand livres, but he introduced as much judgment as economy. He animated the work- men, and they labored from three o'clock in the morning until nine at night. As for himself, his disinterestedness was extreme. He received at that time neither allowance nor presents ; he supported himself by his industry and credit. From the king he had but one ration of two pounds of bread and one half pound of pork, which made the savages say, when they brought him a buck and some partridges: " We doubt not, father, but that there have been disagreeable expostulations in your stomach, because you have had nothing but pork to eat. Here's some- thing to put your affairs in order." The hunters furnished him where- withal to support the Frenchmen, and to treat the generals occasionally. The savages brought him trout weighing as many as eighty pounds. ]Fi;Dirr i^a it^i^MsiE:M'T'Anri(D)^ "Vjigiavrd-i Prmted byJT. Gavil ^Ibam- AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 71 When the court had granted hizn a pension, he employed it only for the benefit of his establishment. At first, he had six heads of families in 1749, eighty-seven the year following, and three hundred and ninety- six in 1751. All these were of the most antient and most influential families, so that this mission was, from that time, sufiixiieutly powerful to attach the Five Nations to us, amounting to twenty-five thousand inhabit- ants, and he recokned as many as three thousand in his colony. By attaching the Iroquois cantons to France and establishsng (hem fully in our interest, we were certain of having nothing to fear from the other savage tribes, and thus a limit could be put to the ambition of the Euglish. Mr. Picquet took considerable advantage of the peace to in- crease that settlement, and he carried it in less than four years to the most desirable perfection, despite of the contradictions that he had to combat against; the obstacles he had to surmount; the jibes and unbe- coming jokes which he was obliged to bear; but his happiness and glory suflTered nothing therefrom. People saw with astonishment several villages start up almost at once ; a convenient, habitable and pleasantly situated fort ; vast clearances, covered almost at the same time with the finest maize. More than five hundred families, still all infidels, who congregated there, soon rendered this settlement the most beautiful, the most charming and the most abundant of the colony. Depending on it were La Presentation, La Galette, Suegatzi, L'isle au Galop, and L'isle Picquet in the River St. Lawrence. There were in the fort seven small stone guns and eleven four to six pounders. The most distinguished of the Iroquois families were distributed at La Presentation in three villages : that which adjoined the French fort contained, in 1754, forty-nine bark cabins, some of which were from sixty to eighty feet long, and accommodated three to four families. The place pleased them on account of the abundance of hunting and fishing. This mission could no doubt be increased, but cleared land sufficient to allow all the families to plant and to aid them to subsist would be neces- sary, and each tribe should have a separate location. M. Picquet had desired that in order to draw a large number, that they should clear during a certain time a hundred arpents of land each year, and build permanent cabins, and to surround their village with a palisade ; that they should construct a church, and a house for seven or eight missionaries. The nations desired it, and it was an effectual means to establish them permanentlj^. All this he could do with fifteen thousand livres a year, and he proposed to assign them a benefice, as tending to promote religion. Meanwhile our missionary applied himself to the instruction of the savages, and baptized great numbers. The Bishop of Quebsc, wishing to witness and assure himself person- ally of the wonders related to him of the establishment at La Presenta- tion, went thither in 1749,' accompanied by some officers, royal interpre- ters, priests from other missions and several other clergymen, and spent ten days examining and causing the catechumens to be examined. He himself baptized one hundred and thirty-two, and did not cease during his sojourn, blessing Heaven for the progress of i-eligion among these infidels. Scarcely were they baptized, when M. Picquet determined to give them a form of government. He established a council of twelve ancients ; chose the most influential among the Five Nations; brought them to Mont-Real, where, at the hands of the Marquis du Quesne, they took the oath of allegiance to the King, to the great astonishment of the whole colony, where no person dared to hope for such an event. Attentive as well to the good of the administration, as to the cause of 72 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE religion, M. Picquet notified the chiefs of the colony of the abuses which he witnessed. He made for example, a remonstrance against the estab- lishment of traders who bad come to locate at the Long Saut, and at Carillon, to hold traffic and commerce, who cheated the savages, and sold them worthless things, at a dear price, and hindered them from coming to the mission, where they were undeceived, insti-ucted in reli- gion, and attached to France. The garrisons which were established in the missions, embarrassed very much the projects of our missionary. " I have already seen," said he, in a memoir, " with gratification, the suppression of those of the Saut St. Louis, and at the lake of Two Mountains, and think that the government, informed by others as well as by myself, of the wrong they do to i-eligion, as well as to the state, would withdraw that which is at la Presentation, where it is as useless, and even more pernicious than at the other missions. No one knows better than myself, the disorders, which increase in proportion as the garrison becomes more numerous; the fervor of our first Christians is impaired by degrees by their bad example and bad councils; their docility towards the king is sensibly diminished; diffi- culties multiply almost continually between nations whose customs, and character, and interests, are so different; and in short, the commanders and guards of the magazines oppose habitually, a thousand obstacles to the fruits of the zeal of the missionaries. During the twenty-eight years that I have had the charge and manage- ment of savages, I have always found with those who have studied their customs, and their character, that by free and frequent intercourse [/re- quentation] with the French, they become corrupt entirely, and that the bad examples, the bad councils, and the mercenary spirit and interests of the inhabitants of European nations who frequent their villages, are the principal causes why they make so little progress in religion. Hence comes sometimes their indocility to the orders of governors, their infidelity to the king himself, and their apostacies. It is a thing of public notoriety, that at the Saut St. Louis, and at the Lake of Two Mountains, missions formerly so fervent, and which for almost a hundred years have rendered important services to the colony, they have there been the principal causes of these almost irreparable disorders; that they have not only introduced libertinism, and all kinds of debauchery, but even i-evolution and revolt." M. Picquet feared above all, the introduction of crimes of the whites, happily unknown among savages.* " The commandants were not then occupied in the missions which diminished the confidence of tiie savages in their missionaries. It seemed as if it were a victory gained, if they could detach some one, or even when they had adroitly prejudiced an officer against the mission- aries, and wounded his feelings. A devoutly religious missionary as indefatigable in the service of the king, as he was in that of his God, yielded himself at the foot of authori- ty to the detriment of the mission of Saut St. Louis, under the force of accusations Avhich the commandant of the fort fabricated against him. Then irreligion, libertinism, infidelity towards the king, and the insolence of the savages, immediately took the place of piety, of attachment, of submission, and of obedience, of which for a long period previous, they had given proofs under the guidance of the missionaries. At length, to * A literal traiislation can not prudently be given. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 73 remedy so many evils, they withdrew the garrisons which had placed two missionaries in the greatest danger; but the Jesuits were compelled to remove their mission from the Saut Saint Louis, below Lake St. Francis, to separate the savages from the frequent intercourse of the French. Experience has always proved, that it was by religion, that we have succeeded best in attaching to us the savages, and that the missionaries formed and consolidated the union. In fact our missions have been always preserved in the same fidelity, when the missionaries have ex- ercised liberally their ministry. But instead of which we see deserted the fine villages which were established at Fort Frontenac, at Niagara, below the portage, and nearly all the other posts of Upper Canada. The commandants of these very posts, with their garrisons, have so dispersed and destroyed these establishments, that there remained no trace of them at the time of M. Picquet. These savages were without missionaries, without councils, and without sympathies, having all aban- doned the French posts, to array themselves for the most part on the side of the English ; and these kind of refugees are more dangerous to us than savages whom we have never known. Before the missionaries had conciliated to us the people of Upper Canada, they conspired in all their posts against the French, and sought occasion to butcher them. Those who were on our side were of no assistance in time of war. There wei-e in all not more than forty in the expeditions of the first years of the war of 1755; and even except the domiciliated Christians, we saw almost none of the savages of the upper country, during more than three-quarters of a year, notwithstanding continual invitations and negociations ; but the domesticated Christians, while they were quietly at home in their villages, with their missionaries, were always ready at the first signal to fly to the governor general. We have seen them arrange themselves under their proper nations when the necessity came, and even not sparing their families; for in the affair of M. Diskau, they slew all the parents that they had made prisoners. Instead of this, in the war of 1745, whilst they had garrisons in their villages, sometimes they refused to take up arms, and wished to remain neutral, and sometimes they betrayed us, and served our enemies, and could not be induced to undertake expeditions by the influence of en- treaties, nor caresses, nor presents, and withstood until missionaries were sent to march with them. But what is more strange, the governors general M. de Beauharnais, de la Galissonni^re, de la Jonquiere, and du Quesne, have themselves many times discovei-ed that the savages have been persuaded by the commandants of foi-ts to go contrary to the orders of the generals, to the end, without doubt, that such faults would recoil upon the missionaries, and diminish the confidence which the generals reposed in them. When once got rid of, there was nothing to oppose the fire of age, the violence of the passions, and the inveterate habits of a great part of the soldiery. The commanders of the magazine guards, were still more dangerous than the soldiers, the one by their authority, or their independence, as they had the disposal of the effects of the king; the other by the facilities which they equally had to make pi-esents, and all the facilities which they enjoyed of coi-rupting the morals of the people. This has intro- duced confusion mto the villages, to the contempt of the nation, and as a consequence the general alienation of these people from the French 74 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE which has rendered it difficult for the missionaries to inspire thorn with courage, to engage on our side. There might perJjapt, meanwhile, be fear of withdrawing^ the gairisoii in time of war, but M. Picquet was persuaded that this would be slilj less liazardous than to allow them to remain; because, said he, the English think less of attacking a village in which there were only savages, than one in which is a garrison. They well know — 1st. That they have nothing to gain from the savages, whom it is diffi- cult to surprise, and that one of their villages is like a nest of hornets, that take wing the moment they are disturbed, but who fall suddenly upon their aggressors fioni every quarter, and abandon them only on the last extremity. 2d. The English would have no longer to excuse themselves by the pretext of saying that they wished only to injure the French. He would set upon him all the nations, and irritate them in such a manner as to render them irreconcilable. It would be a happy blow for the French, but the English would be too much on his guard to undertake it. In the month of June 1751, M. Picquet made a voyage around Lake Ontario, with a king's canoe and one of bark, in which he had five trusty savages, with the design of attracting some Indian families to the new settlement of La Presentation. There is a memoir among his papers on the subject, from which it is proposed to give an extract. He visited Fort Fi'ontenac or Caiarocoui, situate twelve leagues west of La Presentation. He found no Indians there, though it was formerly the rendezvous of the Five Nations. The bread and milk, there, were bad: they had not even brandy there to staunch a wound. Arrived at a point of Lake Ontario called Kaoi, he found a negro fugitive from Vir- ginia. He assured him on this occasion that there would be no difficulty to obtain a great part of the negroes of New England, who were received well in Canada, and supported the first yeai', and that lands were con- ceded to them as to habitants. The savages served them voluntarily as guides. The negroes would be the most terrible enemies of the English, be- cause they have no hope of pardon if the English become masters of Canada, and they contribute much to build up this colony by their laboi-. The same is the case with natives of Flanders, Lorraine and Switzerland, who have followed their example, because they were ill at ease with the English who loved them not. At the Bay of Quint6, he visited the site of the ancient mission which M. DoUieres de Kleus and Abbe D'Urf^, priests of the Saint Sulpice Seminary, had established there. The quarter is beautiful, but the land is not good. He visited Fort Toronto, seventy leagues from Fort Fronte- nac, at the west end of Lake Ontario. He found good bread and good wine there, and every thing requisite for the trade, whilst they were in want of these at all the other posts. He found Mississagues there who flocked around him: they spoke first of the happiness their young people, the women and children, would feel, if the King would be as good to them as to the Iroquois for whom he procured missionaries. They com- plained that instead of building a church, they had constructed only a canton for them. M. Picquet did not allow them to finish, and answered them that they had been treated according to their fancy; that they had never evinced the least zeal for religion ; that their conduct was much opposed to it; that the Iroquois, on the contrary, had manifested their love to Christianity, but as he had no order to attract them to his mission, he avoided a more lengthy explanation. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 75 He passed thence to Niagara. He examined the situation of that fort, not having any savages to whom he could speak. It is well located for defence, not heing commanded from any point. The view extends to a great distance: they have the advantage of the landing of all the canoes and barks which land, and are in safety there; but the I'ain was washing the soil away by degrees, notwithstanding the vast expense which the King incurred to sustain it. M. Picquet was of opinion that the space between the land and the wharf might be filled in so as to support it, and make a glacis there. This place was important as a trading post, and as securing possession of the carrying place of Niagara and Lake Ontario. From Niagara, Mr. Picquet went to the carrying place, which is six leagues from that post. He visited on the same day the famous Fall of Niagara, by which the four great Canada lakes discharge themselves into Lake Ontai-io. This cascade is as prodigious by its height and the quan- tity of water which falls there, as by the variety of its falls, which are to the number of six principal ones divided l)y a small island, leaving three to the north and three to the south. They produce of themselves a sin- gular symmetry and wonderful effect. He measured the height of one of those falls from the south side, and he found it about one hundred and forty feet.* The establishment at this carrying place, the most important in a commercial point of view, was the worst stocked. The Indians, who came there in great numbers, were in the best disposition to trade ; but notfindmg what they wanted, they went to Choueguen or Choeguenn [Oswego], at the mouth of the river of the same name, M. Picquet counted there as many as fifty canoes. There was notwithstanding at Niagara a trading house, where the commandant and trader lodged; but it was too small, and the King's property was not safe there. M. Picquet negotiated with the Senecas, who promised to repair to his mission, and gave him twelve children as Jiostages; saying to him that their parents had nothing dearer to them, and followed him immediately, as well as the chief of the Little Rapid with all his family. The young Indians who accompanied Picquet had spoken of this old man as a veritable apostle. M. Picquet withdrew with him to say his breviary; and the savages and the Sonnotoans, without losing time, as- sembled themselves to hold council with M. de Touraine, who addressed them for some time at length, and said: "You savages and the Sonnotoans know your firmness in your re- solutions, and know that you have designed to pass by Choeguen [Os- wego] in returning. Let me request you at once that you atten)pt to do nothing. They are informed of the bad disposition of the English, whom you regard as the formidable enemy of their colony, and as the one that has done them the most harm. They are disposed to destroy themselves, rather than that you should suffer the least harm; but all this amounts to nothing, and the savages will always lose by the approaches of this people who hate you. As for myself, added M. de Touraine, I entreat you ear- nestly not to pass that way. The Indians have told me nothing more." M. Picquet immediately replied : Ethonciaouin ( that is, as you deske, my children). He set out with all those savages to return to Fort Niagara. M. Cha- bert de Joncaire would not abandon him. At each place where they encountered camps, cabins and entrepots, they were saluted with mus- quetry by the Indians, who never ceased testitying their consideration for the missionary. M. Picquet took the lead with the savages of the * These are French feet. The falls on the American side are 164 feet high.. .-Burr's Atlas luliod. p. 31. 76 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE hills; Messrs. Joncaire and Rigouille following with the recruits. He embarked with thirty-nine savages in his large canoe, and was received on arriving at the fort with the greatest ceremony, even with the dis- charge of cannon, which greatly pleased the Indians. On the morrow he assembled the Senecas, for the first time, in the chapel of the fort for religious sei'vices. M. Picquet returned along the south coast of Lake Ontario. Along- side of Choeguen, a young Seneca met her uncle who was coming from his village with his wife and children. This young girl spoke so well to her uncle, though she had but little knowledge of religion, that he promised to repair to La Presentation early the following spring, and that he hoped to gain over also seven other cabins of Senecas of which he was chief. Twenty-five leagues from Niagara he visited the river Gascouchagou,* where he met a number of rattlesnakes. The young Indians jumped into the midst of them and killed forty-two without having been bitten by any. He next visited the falls of this river. The first which appear in sight in ascending, resemble much the great cascade at Saint Cloud, except that they have not been ornamented and do not seem so high, but they possess natural beauties which render them very curious. The second, a quarter of a mile higher, are less considerable, yet are i-eraarkable. The third, also a quarter of a league higher, has beauties truly admirable by its curtains and falls which form also, as at Niagara, a charming pro- portion and variety. They may be one hundred and some feet high.| In the intervals between the falls, there are a hundred little cascades, which present likewise a curious spectacle ; and if the altitudes of each chute were joined together, and they made but one as at Niagara, the height would, perhaps, be four hundred feet; but there is four times less water than at the Niagara Fall, which will cause the latter to pass, for ever, as a wonder perhaps unique in the world. The English, to throw disorder into this new levy, sent a good deal of brandy. Some savages did, in fiict, get drunk, whom M. Picquet could not bring along. He therefore desired much that Choeguen were destroyed and the English prevented rebuilding it; and in order that we should be absolutely masters of the south side of Lake Ontario, he proposed erecting a fort near there at the bay of the Cayugas,f which would make a very good harbor and furnish very fine anchorage. No place is better adapted for a fort. He examined attentively the fort of Choegueu, a post the most per- nicious to Fi-ance that the English could erect. It was commanded almost from all sides and could be very easily approached in time of war. It was a two story very low building; decked like a ship and sur- mounted on the top by a gallery; the whole was surrounded by a stone wall, flanked only with two bastions at the side towards the nearest hill. Two batteries, each of three twelve pounders, would have been more than sufficient to reduce that establishment to ashes. It was prejudicial to us by the facility it afforded the English of communicating with all the tribes of Canada, still more than by the trade carried on there as well by the French of the colony as by the savages: for Choeguen was supplied with merchandize adapted only to the French, at least as much * The Genesee river. In Beliu's map of Pcertie Occidentale de la Nouvelle France^ 1755, (No. 99"2. W C. Stale Lib.) it is described as a " River unknown to Geographers, filled with Rapids and Waterfalls." t The highest fall on the river is 105 feet. t Sodus bay. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 77 as with what suited to the savages, a circumstance that indicated aii illicit trade. Had the minister's orders been executed, the Choeguen trade, at least with the savages of Upper Canada, would be almost ruined. But it was necessary to supply Niagara, especially the Portage, rather than Toronto. The difference between the two first of these posts and the last is, that three or four hundred canoes could come loaded with furs to the Portage, anri that no canoes could go to Toronto, except those which can not pass before Niagara and to Fort Froutenac, such as the Otaois of the head of the lake {Fond du Lac) and the Mississagues; so that Toronto could not but diminish the trade of these two antieut posts, which would have been sufficient to stop all the savages had the stores been fi:rnished with goods to their hking. There was a wish to imitate tlie Englisli in the trifles they sold the savages, such as silver bracelets, etc. The Indians compared and weighed them, as the storekeeper at Niagara stated, and the Choeguen bracelets which were found as heavy, of a pui-er silvei", and more elegant, did not cost them two beavers, whilst those at the king's jiosts wanted to sell them for ten beavers. Thus we were discredited, and this silver ware remained a pure loss iu the king's stores. French brandy was preferred to the English, but that did not prevent the Indians going to Choeguen. To destroy the trade the king's posts ought to have been supplied with the same goods as Choeguen and at the same price. The French ought also have been forbidden to send the domiciliated Indians thither: but that would have been very difficult. Mr. Picquet next retui'ned to Frontenac. Never was a reception moi*e imposing. The Nipissings and Algonquins who were going to wai* with M. de Bellestre, drew up in a line, of their own accord, above Fort Frontenac, where three standards were hoisted. They fired several volleys of musketi-y and cheered incessantly. They were answered in the same style from all the little craft of bark. M. de Verchere and M. de la Valtrie caused the guns of the fort to be discharged at the same time, and the Indians transported with joy at the honors paid them also kept up a continual fire with shouts and acclamations which made every one rejoice. The commandants and officers received our missionary at the lauding. No sooner had he debarked than all the Algonquins and Nipissings of the lake came to embrace him, saying that they had been told that the English had arrested him, and had that news been con- firmed they would soon have themselves relieved him. Finally, when he retui-ned to La Presentation, he was received with that affection, that tenderness which children would experience in recovering a father whom they had lost. In 1753, M. Picquet repaired to France to render an account of his labors, and solicit assistance for tbe benefit of the colony, lie took with him three natives, the appearance of whom might create an interest iu the success of his establishments, and who, in the quality of hostages, might serve to control the mission during his absence. The nations there assembled consented to it, and even appeared to desire it, as well as the chiefs of the colony. He conducted his savages to Paris, and to the court, where they were received witii so nmch kindness and atten- tion that they said without ceasing, that could their nations know as well as themselves, the character and the goodness of the French, they would not fail to be otherv^^ise than of the same heart and interests with that of France. While M. Picquet was in Paris, in 1754, M. Rouill6, then minister of the marine, caused him to draw up sundry memoirs, especially a general memoir upon Canada, iu which he suggeste«l infallible meaus for pre^ 78 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE serving this colony to France. He also made observations upon the dis- turbances which certain inquiet spirits, rash and boisterous, had occa- sioned in Canada. The minister highly approved of them, and assured him that he would write to the general, to prevent in future the recur- rence of like disorders, which could not fail to be pernicious in a colony still weak, and too distant from succors should they be necessary. The minister wished to give him a pension of a thousand crowns, but M. de Laport, the first steward, conferred it upon the Abbe Maillard. The minister was displeased, while M. Picquet had only the pleasure of receiving a thousand crowns, of which in truth the ordinance was con- ceived in terms the most honorable. The king presented him some books, and when he took his leave, the minister said to him, "Your ma- jesty still gives you new marks of %is pleasure." The king always evinced the same sentiments towards him whenever he took occasion to mention him at Versailles or at Bellevue. Meanwhile M. de Laporte was displeased with this journey of the Abbe Picquet, because it was leaving the other ecclesiastic jealous of the impression which this abbe was making with the court and the city. He restrained him from continually exhibiting his savages, and attempted to justify himself in what he had done. At length he departed at the close of April, 1754, and returned to la Presentation with two missionaries. The sojourn of the three natives in France produced a very good effect among the nations of Canada. War was no sooner declared in 1754, than the new children of God, of the king, and of M. Picquet, thought only of giving fresh proofs of their fidelity and valor, as those of the Lake of the Two Mountains had done in the war preceding. The generals were indebted to M. Picquet for the destruction of all the forts as well on the river Corlac (Corlear) as on that of Choeguen. His Indians distinguished themselves espe- cially at Fort George on Lake Ontario, where the warriors of La Pre- sentation alone, with their bark canoes, destroyed the English fleet, commanded by Capt. Beccan, who was made prisoner with a number of others, and that in sight of the French army, commanded by M. de Villiers, who was at the Isle Galop. The war parties which departed and returned continually, filled the mission with so many prisoners that their numbers frequently surpassed that of the warriors, rendering it necessary to empty the villages and send them to Headquarters. In fine a number of other expeditions of which M. Picquet was the principal author, have procured the promotion of several officers, notwithstanding some have declared that there were neither honors, nor pensions, nor favors, nor promotions, nor marks of distinction, conferred by the king ujjon those who had served in Canada, who were prevented from re- ceiving these by M. Picquet. M, du Quesne, on the occasion of the army of General Braddock, re- commended him to send as lai-ge a detachment of savages as was possi- ble, and gave him on this occasion full powers. In fact, the exhortations Avhich M. Picquet made them to give an example of zeal and courage for the king their father, and the instructions which he gave them pro- duced, in short, the entire defeat of this general of the enemy, in the summer of 1755, near F'ort Du Quesne, upon the Ohio. This event, wliich conferred more honor upon the arms of the king than all the i-est of the war, is due principally to the care which M. Picquet bestowed upon the execution of the commands of M. the Mar- quis du Quesne in this expedition, and by the choice which he made of warriors equally faithful and intrepid. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 79 The assurance which he gave them, that they should conquer the enemy, so wai-med their imaginations, that they thought in the combat that they saw the missionary at their head, cheering them on and pro- mising them victory, ahhough he was distant from them almost a hun- dred and fifty leagues; it was one of their superstitions, which he had taken pains to impart to them. He frequently found himself in the vanguard when the king's troo})s were ordered to attack the enemy. He distinguished himself particu- larly in the expeditions of Sarasto (Saratoga), Lake Champlain, Pointe a la Chevelure (Crown Point), the Cascades, Carillon (Ticonderoga), Choeguen (Oswego), River Corlac (Mohawk), Isle au Galop, etc. Tlie posts he established for the king protected the colony pending the entire war. M. du Quesne said that the Abbe Picquet was worth more than ten regiments. He wrote to him on the 23d of September, 1754: "I shall never forget as a good citizen, I shall remember as long as I live, the proofs which you have given me of your generosity, and for your unquenchable zeal for all that concerns the public good." On the 9th of June, 1755, M. DuQuesne, upon the point of departing, sent word to him that the English thought of abandoning Niagara. He added, " the precautions to be taken must all emanate from your zeal, prudence and foresight." The English then endeavored, as well by menaces as by promises, to gain the savages, especially after the lesson which Du Quesne had given them at the Belle riviere (of the Ohio). In the month of May, 1756, M. de Vaudreuil got M. Picquet to depute the chiefs of his mission to the Five Nations of Senecas, Cayugas, Onon- taqu6s, Tuscaroras, and Oneidas to attach them more and more to the French. The English had surprised and killed their nephews in the three villages of the Loups (Mohegans ?) M. de Vaudreuil requested him to form parties which could succeed each other in disquieting and harassing the English. He asked of him his projects in forming a camp; he prayed him to give a free expression to his ideas, and exhibited on his side the greatest confidence, and made him a part of all the opera- tions which he proposed to undertake ; and declared that the success of his measuVes was the work of M. Picquet. The letters of M. de Vaudreuil from 1756 to 1759, which are among the papers of our missionary, are filled with these evidences of his confi- dence and satisfaction ; but as those of M. Picquet ai-e not to be found, it would be difficult to find wherewith to make a history of these events, of which alone M. Picquet has the greatest part. In proportion as our circumstances became more embarrassing, the zeal of M. Picquet became more precious and more active. In 1758, he destroyed the English forts on the banks of Corlac, but at length the battle of the 13th of September, 1759, in which the Marquis of Montcalm was killed, brought ruin on Quebec, and that of Canada followed. When he saw all thus lost, M. Picquet terminated his long and laborious career by his retreat on the 8th May, 1760, with the advice and consent of the General, the Bishop and Intendant, in order not to fall into the hands of the English. The esteem which he had gained by his merit, the praises which in an especial manner he had received, might have induced him to remain there, but he had resolved never to swear allegiance to another power. Inducements were held out as motives by many French, by missionaries and by the savages themselves, who proposed to engage him, and labored to make him see the advantages that would x-esult. 80 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE He still hoped to take with him in his retreat the grenadiers of each battalion, according to the advice of M. the Marquis de L6vis, to thus preserve the colors and the honor of their corps, but of this he was not the master. He had the materials of subsistence abundantly, but was obliged to content himself with twenty-five Frenchmen who accompanied him as far as Louisiana, and he thus escaped with them from the English, althougii he had been the most exposed during the war, and although he did not receive the least help in so long a journey; but he had with him two little detachments of savages, one of which preceded him seve- ral leagues and the other accompanied him, Avho were successively re- lieved by similar detachments, as he passed through different tribes. Those whom he left he sent each to his own nation, and advised them as a father. Every where they received him admirably, notwithstanding the deplorable circumstances in which he was in; every where he found the natives with the best dispositions, and he received their protestations of zeal aud inviolable attachment to the king their father. He passed to Michilimachina, between Lake Huron and Lake Michi- gan, but the savages, consisting of Iroquois or Algonquins, here left him, thatM. Picquet might not be embarrassed from this cause;* proceeded thus by way of Upper Canada to the Illinois country and Louisiana, and sojourned twenty-two months at New Orleans. Here he occupied himself in recovering- his spirits, in quelling a sort of civil war which had sprung up between the governor and the inhabit- ants, and in preaching peace, both in public and in private. He had the satisfaction of seeing this happily restored, during his so- journ. General Amherst in taking possession of Canada, immediately informed himself of the place where M. Picquet had taken refuge, and upon the assurance which was given him that he had departed on his return to France by the west, he said haughtily; " I am mistaken in him, if this Abb6 had not been less faithful to the King of England, had he taken the oath of allegiance to him, as had been to the King of France. We would then have given him all our confidence, and gained him to ourselves. " This Genei-al was mistaken. M. Picquet had an ardent love for his coimtry, and he could not have adopted another. Soon the English would have finished by proscribing him and offering a reward for his head, as a dangerous enemy. Meanwhile the English themselves, have contributed to establish the glory and the services of this useful missionary; we read in one of their Gazettes: " The Jesuit of the west has detached all the nations from us, and placed them in the interests of Fi-ance. " They called him a Jesuit because they had not then seen his girdle, nor the buttons of his cassock, as M. De Galissonniere wrote to him jocosely, in sending him the extract of their Gazette ; or to speak seriously, the zeal of the Jesuits so well known in the new world, makes them believe that out of so great a number of missionaries, there can be none but Jesuits. They are represented as the authors of all the losses of the English, and the advantages which the French have gained over them. Some even insinuate that they possess supernatural powers. In short, our enemies believed themselves lost, when they were in the army, on account of the horde of savages that 'al- ways attended them. * I have much desired to find in liis papers, his memoirs upon the customs of Canada ; but I have heard M. Picquet say, that this subject was well treated of in the works of Father La- iSiau, who had dwell five years at the Saut St. Louis, near Montreal — Note in the Original. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 81 They s])oke of nothing but of Picquet, and of his good luck; and this became even a proverb throughout the colony. An English officer, having wished to make himself conspicuous, once offered a bounty for his head, whereupon the savages conspired to seize this English chief; he was led into their presence, and they danced around him with their tomahawks, awaiting the signal of the missionary, who made it not, in his courtesy to an enemy. Thus did he endeavor, by every possible means, to act neutral, at least between the English and the French, They had recourse to the mediation of the savages, and offered to allow him freely to preach the catholic faith to the nations, and even to domi- ciliated Europeans, — to pay him two thousand crowns pension, with all the assistance necessary for establishing hiuiself; — to ratify the concession of Lake Ganenta and its environs; a charming place which the six can- tons of the Iroquois had presented to M. Picquet, in a most illustrious council, which they ha^ held at the Chateau of Quebec. The belts, which are the contracts of these nations, were deposited at his ancient mission, the Lake of Two Mountains ; but he constantly declared that he preferred the stipend which the King gave him, and that all the overtures that could be made, and all the advantages that could be offered by a foreign power, were vain; that the idea of neutrality, under the circumstances, was idle, and an outrage upon his fidelity; in a word, that the thought itself was horrible. That he could make his fortunes without them, and that his character was very remote from this species of cupidity. The services, the fidelity, and the disinterestedness of father Picquet, merited for him a higher destiny. Likewise the generals, commandants, and the troops, failed not by mili- tary honors, to evince their esteem and their respect for him, in a decisive manner, and worthy of the nature of his services. He received these honors as well from the army as at Quebec, Montreal, Three Rivers, and at all the forts which he passed, and even at the Cedars, notwith- standing the jealousy of certain menial subjects, such as M. De * * *, who had sought to tarnish the glory of the missionary; but he had been too vindictive in his assaults, to efiect his object. We have seen him at Bourg even, a long time after, receive tokens of veneration and regard from the officers of regiments who had seen him in Canada. We see rendered in many letters of the ministers, similar testimonials rendered to his zeal and success. They give him the more credit, because they saw his anxieties of heart, under the obstacles he had to surmount, and upon the ancient hostility of these nations, who had been almost perpetually at war, but their experience with the English had led them to bestow their attachment upon the French, in proof of which the conduct of these people for a long time after the war was cited. We see in the work of T. Raynal (vol. vii, p. 292), that the savages had a marked predilection for the French ; that the njissionaries were the principal cause of this; and that he says that this fact is especially appli- cable to the Abbe Picquet. To give probability to what he says of his services, allow me to quote the testimony which he rendered in 1769, to the governor-general, after his return to France, and the loss of Canada. " We, Marquis du Quesne, commander of the royal and military order of Saint Louis, chief of the squadron of the naval arm, ancient lieutenant- general, commandent of New France, and the governments of Louis- burgh and Louisiana: Certify, that upon the favorable testimony which we have received in 82 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE Canada, of the services of the Abb6 Picquet, missionary of the king among savage nations; upon the confidence which our predecessors in this colony have bestowed upon him; and the great reputation which he has acquired by the fine establishments which he has formed for the king, the numerous and t'Ui)ernatural conversions of infidels, which he has attached not less to the state than to religion, by his zeal, his disin- terestedness, his talents, and his activity, for the good of the service of His Majesty ; that we have employed him oji different objects of the same service, during the whole period of our administration as governor- general, and that he has always acted equal to our expectations, and ever 'beyond our hope. He has equally served religion and the state, with incredible success, during nearly thirty years. He had directly rendered the king absolute master of the national assembles of four nations who composed his first mission to the Lake of Two Mountains, with liberty to nominate all their chiefs at his will. He had caused all the chiefs of the nations which composed his last mission, at la Presentation, to swear allegiance and fidelity to His Majesty; and at these places he created most admirable establishments; in a word, he has rendered himself so much more worthy of our notice, that he would rather return to Canada, and continue his labors, than to live in his country, and recover the heritage of his parents, who have disowned him, as we have learned, for his not wishing to live in France, ten years since, when he was accompanied by three savages. We would detail the important services which this abbe has rendered, if His Majesty or his ministers require it, and render justice to whom it is due, to obtain of the king those marks of approbation which are deserved ; in the faith of which we have signed the present ceitificate, and sealed it with our arms. Signed, The Marquis du Quesne. M. de Vaudreuil, governor and lieutenant-general for the king in all of New France, certified the same in 1765, that M. Picquet had served nearly thirty years in this colony, with all the zeal and distinction possi- ble, as well in relation to the direct interests of the state, as relatively to those of i-eligion; that his talents for gaining the good will of the savages, his resources in critical moments, and his activity, have uniformly entitled him to the praises and the confidence of the governors and the bishops: that above all, he had proved useful by his services in the late war, by sundry negotiations with the Iroquois, and the domiciliated nations; by the establishments which he had formed, and which had been of great service, by the indefatigable and incessant care which he had taken to keep the savages fortified in their attachment to the French, and at the same time confirmed in their Christianity. M. de Bougainville, celebrated by his maritime expeditions, and who participated in the first acts of the war in Canada, certified in 1760, that M. Picquet, king's missionary, known by the establishments which he had made alike serviceable to religion and the state, in all the campaigns in which he had been with him, had contributed by his zeal, his activity, and his talents, to the good of the service of the king, and to the glory of his arms; and his standing among savage tribes, and his personal services had been of the greatest service, as well in military as political • affairs. All those who had returned from Canada, laboi-ed to make appreciated the services so long and so constantly rendered to France during nearly thirty years, and to make known the merit of a citizen, who had expa- AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. ' 83 triated himself to gratify the inclinations of his heart, who had sacrificed his youth, his heritage, and all the flattering hopes of France, who had exposed a thousand and a thousand times his life, preserving often the subjects of the king, and the glory of his arms, and who could himself say that he had nothing in his actions, but the glory of France, during his residence in Canada, in which he had spent much of his life. His services had not the same result in the last war for the preservation of Canada, but the bi-illiant and almost incredible actions by which he contributed to it, have not the less preserved, with the savages, the notion and the high idea of French valor, and possible this feeling may here after result to our advantage. I would wish to be able to report all of the letters of ministers, gover nors-general and private persons, of bishops, of intendants, and of othei persons in authority, who witnessed with surprise the projects, the nego- tiations, and the operations of which this missionary bad the charge, the congratulations which he received on his successes, as prompt as they Avere inspiring, upon his resources, upon the expedients which he sug- gested, his zeal and his experience in critical situations, and which his activity always put into execution. I have often asked him to make a history of them, that should be alike curious and honorable for France. We find a part of these letters among his papers; I have there seen among others, those of M, de Montcalm, who called him ''My dear and very worthy patriarch of the Five nations^ M. the marquis de L^vis, desired especially to make known the labors and the successes of M. Picquet, of which he had been a witness, and which he had admired both for their disinterestedness, as well for regard to France as against the English, after the conquest of^Canada; and I have witnessed the solicitations which M. de L6vis made to excite his ambition, or direct towai-ds some important place, a zeal which was worthy of a bishopric. The evidence of his ecclesiastical superiors, was not less favorable to the zeal of our missionary. The bishop of Quebec in 1760, departing for Europe, after having visited the new mission which M. Picquet had founded among the Iroquois, and where he had baptized more than a hundred adults, enjoined upon all the priests of his diocese, to aid him as much as they might be able ; he conferred upon him all his powers, even those of approving the other priests, and of absolving fi'om ceu- , sures, reserved to the sovereign Pontiff. M. Picquet after returning from France, passed several years in Paris, but a portion of his time was engaged in exercising the ministry of all the suburbs, where the archbishop of Paris deemed that he could be most useful. His alacrity for labor fixed him a long time at Mount Vall^rien, where he erected a parish church. He had been compelled to make a journey to sell books, which the king had presented him in 1754, which had survived the treatment he had experienced in Canada, and although he was reduced to a very small patrimony, he failed to employ his activity in obtaining the recompenses he had so well merited. Meanwhile the general assembly of the clergy of 1765, oflfered him a gratuity of twelve hundred livres, and charged M. the archbishop of Rheims, and M. the archbishop of Aries, to solicit for him a recom- pense from the king. The assembly next ensuing in 1770, gave him also a similar gratuity, but his departure from Paris interrupted the success of the hopes which his friends had entertained of the recompenses from the court, 6 b4 ' HISTORV OF ST. LAWRENCE In 1772, he wished to retire to Bresse, where a numerous family de- sired it, and urged it with much earnestness. He afterwards went to Verjon, where he caused to be built a house, with the view of making an establishment for the education of young peo])le. He preached, he catechised, he confessed, and his zeal was never so much manifested. The chapter of Bourg, decreed him the title ef honorary canon. The ladies de la Visitation, asked him to become their director, and they thus attracted him to the capital of the province. In 1777 he made a journey to Rome, where his reputation had preced- ed him, and where the Holy Father received him as a missionary worthy of being held dear by the church, and presented him with a gratuity of five thousand livres for his journey. They there made the ineffectual endeavors to detain him; he returned to Bresse, and carried thither relics which he displayed for the venera- tion of the faithful, in the collegiate church at Bou.g. The reputation of the Abbey of Cluny, and the friendship which M. Picquet felt towards one of his nephews, established at Cluny, brought him to this habitation, so celebrated in Christianity'. He purchased for himself, about 1779, a house and plat of land, which he wished to im- prove, but in 1781, he repaired with a sister to Verjon, for the settlement of affairs, where he was repeatedly attacked by an obstinate cold, and by a hemorrage, which reduced him considerably; and also by a kind of dropsy; lastly a hernior, which had existed a long time, became aggra- vated and caused his death, on the 15th of July, 1781. M. Picquet had a very prepossessing and commanding figure, and a countenance open and engaging. He possessed a gay and cheerful humor. Notwithstanding the austerity of his maimers, he exhibited nothing but gaiety, which he turned to account in his designs. He was a theologian, an orator, and a poet, be sung and composed songs in French, as well as in Iroquois, with which he interested and amused the savages. He was a child with one, and a hero with others. His me- chanical ingenuity was often admired by the natives. In short, he re- sorted to every means to attract proselytes, and to attach them to him, and he accordingly had all the success which can reward industry, talents, and zeal. It is thus I have thought best to make known a compatriot and a friend, worthy of being offered, as an example to incite those who are burning with zeal for religion and for their country. Picquet was as much an object of abhorrence by the English, as he was of esteem by the French, a very natural result ft-om the active partizan spirit which he evinced, and the zeal and success with which he prose- cuted his plans for the aggrandizement of his faith, and his allegiance, which appear to have been equally the object of his ambition, and the aim and end of his life. Having given in the above biographical notice his memoirs drawn up in that florid style of paneygric, so common with the people and the age in which it was written, we will quote from an Eng- lish historian of the French war. fThos. Mante, in a work entitled The History of the Late War in America, London, 1772, quarto, page 231.) It is probably as much biased by prejudice, as the other by partiality. "As to the Abb6 Picquet, who distinguished himself so much by his AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 85 brutal zeal, as he did not expose himself to any danger, he received no injury; and he yet lives, justly despised to such a degree by every one who knows any thing of his past conduct in America, that scarce any officer will admit him to his table. However repugnant it must be to every idea of honor and humanity, not to give quarter to an enemy when subdued, it must be infinitely more so, not to spare women and children. Yet such had often been the ob- jects of the Abb6 Picquet's cruel advice, enforced by the most barbarous examples, especially in the English settlements on the back of Virginia and Pennsylvania." To adopt either of these as a true account of the character of Picquet, would be equally unjust. Now that the times and circumstances in which he lived, have both passed away, and even the consequences resulting from his actions, have ceased to exist, we may perhaps from the data before us, in view of the times and the circumstances in which he acted, deduce the following conclusion : That he was actuated by a controlling belief of the importance and the truth of the religion which belabored with such zeal to establish, and that this was the ruling passion of his life. That his energy and ability for the pi'omotion of this object, at times led him to disregard the common claims of humanity, and to the performance of acts derogatory to our nature, and abhoi-red by civilized man. That he evinced a capacity for the transaction of business and the pro- motion of the interests of his government, highly creditable to his charac- ter, and such as to entitle him to the esteem in which he was held by those in authority; and that especially in the selection of a location for a new settlement, which was the great act of his life, he proved himself the possessor of a sound mind, and a capacity for judiciously combining and comparing, the probable effects of causes, which must have made a pro- minent station of the post he selected. The prophecy that a beautiful town might hereafter be built on the ele- vated plain opposite his fort, has been fully realized in the present village of Ogdensburgh, which the combination of favorable causes now exist- ing, is destined soon to give a rank second to but few on our inland waters. The portrait of Picquet is preserved at the Sulpician Mission of the- Lake of Two Mountains, the scene of his early labors, and first succesa as a missionary. Picquet was succeeded in the mission of La Presenta- tion, by Le Garde, a Sulpician, concerning whom the author has been un- able to learn any particulars. A French writer, whose initials only are given, (S^- de C— ) has left a memoir upon the war in Canada, and the afjairs of that province from 1749 till 1760, which was published uodgr the direction of the Literary 86 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE and Historical Society of Quebec, in 1835, and which makes frequent mention of the post at Oswegatchie. From this work we will translate a lew extracts. The rancor with which he assails Picquet, almost leads us to believe that he was actuated by a personal enmity, although it appears not to have been limited to this missionary, but to have been directed towards the religious establishments of the country in general. We shall endeavor to jireserve the spirit of the original, in our trans- lation. We are thus furnished with two versions of the conduct of Picquet; and prevented from being misled by an ex-parte narrative, like that which Lalande the astronomer, has given us. " Thus M. de la Jonqui^re, persuaded that peace could not long con- tinue, labored to inspire the savages with a hatred to the English ; and especially endeavored to attach the five nations or Iroquois. These people had been always distinguished by their bravery; the French had waged with them long and cruel wars, and the inhabitants had been compelled to labor arms in hand, as we see in the history of Charlevoix, a Jesuit, who has written an ecclesiastical history of this country. This nation is divided into five branches, named the Onontagues, the Goyoguins, the Stonnontowans, [Senecas,] the Anniers, [Mohawks.] and the domiciliated tribes. The Onondagas dwell upon a lake, at no great distance from the Mohawk river, in a fertile country, and the English pretend that it be- longs to them. The Goyogowins, and the Stonnontowans, are a little beyond in the same direction, and approaching Niagara. The Anniers dwell upon the river Mohawk, not far from a dwelling belonging to Mi*. Johnson, an English officer, who understands the Indian language, and has been very active during this war. The others reside at the Saut St. Louis, three leagues from Montreal ; some at a place called la Presenta- tion, and some at the lake of Two Mountains. The general can well rely upon the fidelity of those who dwell near him, but it is not so of the others. Their cantons situated as we have seen, above, furnish in one way and another, difficulties not easy to surmount. M. the Abbe Picquet, priest of the Seminary of St. Sulpice, was to this canton, what the Abbe de Laloutre, was to Acadia. He had as much ambition as he had, but he turned it to a different account.* He understood the Iroquois language, and this gave him a great advantage, and enabled him to put on foot the negotiations which he wished with the five nations, to draw them to our cause, and engage them to come and dwell with us. This Abbe, who could not endure the restraint of the seminary, was very willing to seize an occasion like that which offered, of freeing himself, and of forming a community over which he might rule and reign. He labored to decoy the five nations, and to form upon the River Cataraqui, or Frontenac, above the rapids, a village. The place which he selected for his establishment, announced his little genius, and caused the fort which he had built to be called Picket's Folly; as lor himself he called it la Presentation, of which we here insert a plan. * Hocquart has given him the title of the Apostle of tlit Iroquois, and the English called him the Jesuit of the West. — [Note in the original] AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 87 When the Abbe Picquet had assembled some families, h« tj^^ed of building a fort, under the pretext of protectmg them, and ^ey sent hun a Conn?.andant, and a magazine g-rd and -f "-Id'l.rri'To tS speaT mandaut, to have much regard for the Abb6, and placed h.m, so to^Peak, under his tutelage, and gave full permission to this P^^^t to conduct and administer the magazines; in short everythmg ^^^.""d^^" *^^^ ° .If 'he,^ This priest meanwhile did not prosper much, and it was felt that tiieie was great difficulty in inducing the Iroquois to leave a ft and feiti e country, to come and fix themselves upon an uncultivated tract, and to beg ibr their life of a priest. It was for this reason that de la Jonq m^ie the elder, was sent to go and remain among them, ^"d in the vd age which he might deem the most convenient for his negotiations, and they gave him a brevet of captain, without a company, to the end that tie might not be dismrbed in his residence, on account ot his services. There could not have been chosen a more suitable person to remam with them. He understood their language perfectly, and tor a long time had lived among them, as one of their number, and aUhough he had been married in Canada, he had among the Iroquois many children , and in short, he had been as it were, adopted among them, and was regarded as one of their nation. , „■„„„. He had his cabin. His instructions were to second the Abbe Ficquet, in his project, and above all to induce the Mohawks to leave entirely the vicinity of the English, and to offer them such niducements, and advJmages as they desired, to make them abandon their settlements, and Se and live with l>s. If indeed he had been able to succeed m this, there can be no doubt that the remainder of the five nations wou d have followed their example. They alone were directly attached to the English, who had all along preserved in them a hostility to om- nat «n. But Mr. Johnson, who was not ignorant of the designs of theliench, laboured on the contrary, to maintain them in the alliance of his nation. The Jesuits who had always sought their own aggrandizement, undei the pious pretext of instructing the people, had not failed to seek to es- tablish themselves in Canada. . , Wishing to remain the sole masters they crossed, as much as possible, the Recollets in their projects of returning to the country after the English had restored Canada, [in the treaty of St. Germain m 1632.] Fiom the earliest times that these fathers, (the Jesuits,) were established m the countrv, they detached some of their number, to go and preach the gos- pel to the savages. They followed them in their marches, but wearied with their wandering life, which agreed not with their designs, which thev had to accumulate large properties, they took great care to endea- vor to establish their neophytes, without embarrassing themselves by those whom they abandoned. Thev made great account of their zeal at the court, and showed large numbers of converts, and under the specious pretext ol unitmg them, to civilize them,* they demanded concessions of lands, and pensions. The court persuaded of the justice of their demands, accorded both the ''"it was\irus\hat they acquired the Seigniories of Charlesbourg; New and Old Lorette: Rastican,and the Prairie de la Magdeliene, and others, which are very well established, and of considerable repute. Ihese concessions were given them under the titles of Seigneune et ventes. {lods et rentes.) * * * * The author in the MSS. neither renders justice to the motives, iior the coiiduci, of the Jesuits.— [iVoJe in the oriental ] 88 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE The village of the Saiit St. Louis, is situated upon the south bank of the river St. Lawrence, three leagues above Montreal. It is inhabited by Iroquois. The Jesuits have there a very fine and flourishing mission. Father Tournois governs this mission, and like a good Jesuit, puts the profit to his own interest, and that of his order. This seigniory has been directly assigned to the Iroquois ; but the Jesuits had obtained subse- quently to the Indians, a title of concession under the pretense of pre- venting the savages from going to Montreal to buy merchandize, where brandy was often given them, and to prevent them from drinking this liquor." We find among the Bradstreet and Amherst MSS. (State Library ,j a communication from the former, dated at Schenectady, Dec. 15, 1775, in which he complains of the danger there will be of depending upon the interest which Sir William Johnson was expected to secure, with the aid of £5000 sterling which had been given him in the spring of that year to be laid out among the six nations, exclusive of those who had settled at Swegache. He complains of this as very unwise because these Indians were in the frequent practice of visiting their relatives and urging them to espouse the cause of the French. The consequence was that great numbers who had early in the season been favorably inclined, became settled in their attachment to the enemies of the English. The scalping parties fitted out at la Pi-esentation, which proved so harrassing to the English settlements along the Mohawk rivei*, and the frontier of New York during the year 1758-9, at length led to an attempt by Brigadier General Gage, inJ957, to put a stop to these out- rages, by crushing the fortress from whence they issued. This General had been instructed " in case Niagara should be reduced, to take post immediately at a place called by the French la Galette, near the entrance of the river St. Lawrence, and as soon as General Amherst was informed of the above event, he sent Major Christie to Brigadier Gage to enforce those orders, as by that means the English on the Mohawk river, would be as effectually free from the inroads of the enemy's scalping parties, and be enabled to live in as much security as the inhabitants of any part of the country, between Crown Point and New York, had already been. But however necessary it might be to take possession of this post, the difficulties which would attend the doing of it, appeared to Brigadier Gage so great, that he thought proper to make the General acquainted with them, and in the mean time defer the execution of his orders to a more favorable opportunity. As the General deemed the post an object of the first consequence, he was greatly chagrined at the account from Brigadier Gage, especially as the season would be too far advanced before his orders, if he renewed AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES, 89 them, could reach Brigadier Gage, for the Brigadier to execute them, he, therefore was obliged to postpone this necessary business to another campaign.* The French fortress at Quebec, was reduced by the English army under the command of General Wolfe, in 1759. The various French posts in the interior, still remained, and to com- plete the conquest three expeditions were fitted out early in the season of 1760, One of these ascended the St. Lawrence from Quebec, another proceeded towards Montreal by way of Lake Champlain, and the third, under Sir Jeffery Amherst, proceeded by way of Oswego, and down the St. Lawrence, encountering in its way the strong fortress on Isle Royal which he reduced. The details of this event, as related by Mante, the historian of that war, are here given. (P. 300.) "The necessary preparations having been made to bring the whole power of the British forces in North America against Montreal, in order to finish by its reduction the war in this part of the world; and the season being sufficiently advanced to enable Sir Jetfery Amherst, the commander-in-chief, to commence his part of the operations, he em- barked at New York on the 3d of May, and proceeded to Schenectady. From thence with a part of his army, he pursued his route to Oswc-go, where he encamped on the 9th of July. The remainder he ordered to' follow with the greatest diligence, under the command of Brigadier Gage. On the I4th two vessels hove in sight on Lake Ontario, which proving to be those that had been fitted out at Niagara, under the command of Cap- tain Loring, boats were immediately dispatched to him, with orders to look out for, and attack the French vessels cruising on the lake. On the 20th, two more vessels appeared, and proving to be the French vessels which had escaped Captain Loring's vigilance, a small boat was imme- diately dispatched to cruise for him, with an account of this discovery; and, at the same time, to prevent his being obliged to return to Oswego, for want of provisions, the General ordered Captain Willyamoz, with a detachment of one hundred and thirty men in twelve boats, to take post on the Isle-Aux-Iroquois, and supply Captain Loring with everything he might want. On the 22d, Brigadier Gage arrived with the rear of the army; as did Sir William Johnson on the 23d, with a party of Indians. On the 24th, the General received intelligence, that the French vessels had escaped into the river St. Lawrence, and that Captain Loring was returning with the Onondaga, and the Mohawk', of eighteen six pounders. On the fifth of August, the General ordered the army to be in readi- ness to embark. It consisted of the following troops : The first and second battalion of Royal Highlanders. Forty-fourth regiment. Forty-sixth. Fifty-fifth, Fourth battalion of the sixtieth. Fight companies of the seventy-seventh. Five of the eightieth. Five hundred and ninety-seven grenadiera. One hundred and forty-six rangers. * History of the laie war in North America, by Thomas Mante, p 217. 90 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE Three battalions of the New York regiment. New Jersey regiment. Four battaUons of the Connecticut regiment, and one hundred and sixty-seven of the Royal Artillery, amounting in the whole, to ten thou- sand one hundi-ed and forty-two effective men, officers included. The Indians under Sir William Johnson, were seven hundred and six. On the 7tli Captain Loring sailed with his two vessels, and imme- diately after, the first battalion of Royal Highlanders, the grenadiers of the army, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Massey, with Captain Camp- bell, of the forty second to assist him as Major; the light infantry, com- manded by Lieutenant Colonel Amherst, with Captain Delancey as Major to assist him, with Ogden'sand Whyte's companies of rangers, the whole under the command of Colonel Haldiman, embarked and sailed to take - post at the entrance of the river St. Lawrence. On the 10th, the general himself embarked, with the Royal Artillery, the regulars, Sir William Johnson and a part of his Indians, in boats and whale boats; but, the wind being very high, and the water of the lake very rough, they were forced to make for a small creek, at whose entrance there is a very dangerous bar, on which one of the artillery boats was lost. The next day, the weather being a little more moderate, the General at noon, proceeded for the river de la Motte, and on the 12th was joined by Brigadier Gage, with the provincials in a bay, Avhere the enemy had lately encamped. On the 13th the whole embarked, and that very day encamped with Colonel Haldiman, at the post which he had taken at the head of the River St. Law- rence. Captain Loring, with his two vessels, having mistaken the channel from the lake to the River St. Lawrence, the army passed him, while he was endeavoring to extricate himself. On the 13th, the whole army gained Point de Baril, in the neighborhood of the post called La-Gallette, which Brigadier Gage was ordered to destroy the X^receding year. Hei3 the enemy had a very good dock, in which they built their vessels. The grenadiers and light infantry, with the row-gallies, took post that day, without halting, at Oswegatchie, a few miles below Point au Baril. All this while, one of the enemy's vessels kept hovering about the army ; and as Captain Loring had not yet got into the right channel, it became necessary, for the safety of the ai'my, either to compel this vessel to retire, or to take her. The General was therefore obliged to order Colonel Williamson, with the row-gallies well manned, to do one or the other. On the 17th, the gallies advanced with the utmost intrepidity, under a heavy fire from the enemy; but it did not in the least dampen the ardor of the assailants; their fire was returned ^vith such resolution and bravery, that after a severe contest of almost four hours, the French vessel struck her colors. She mounted ten twelve-pounders, and had on board one hundred men, twelve of whom were killed or wounded. The general immediately named the vessel the Williamson, in honor of the Colonel, and to per- petuate the memoi-y of so gallant an action. The same day the army proceeded to Oswegatchie, from whence it was necessary to reconnoitre Isle-Royal, so that it was noon the next day before the army could proceed. Fort Levi stood on this island, which was otherwise strongly fortified. Though the reduction of Fort Levi could be of little service, merely as a fort, yet it was certainly of too much consequence t'> be left in the rear of an army ; besides, the number of pilots, perfectly acquainted with the navigation of the River St. Lawrence, which the making of the AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 91 garrison prisoners would aiibrd, was alone a sufficient motive for attack- ing it. It was therefore invested that very evening. Whilst the English were passing the point, the French kept upa very smart cannonade upon them, and destoyed one of the row-galliea, and a few boats, and killed two or three men ; but notwithstanding this fire, and an uninterrupted continuance of it, the fort was so completely invested by the 20th, by the masterly disposition of the troops, as to make it impossible for the garri- son to escape. Captain Loriug had arrived the day before, with his two vessels, and the Williamson brig, and the batteries being now ready, the general, on the 23d, determined to assault the fort, that as little time as possible might be wasted on it. He therefore ordered the vessels to fall down • the stream, post themselves as close to the fort as possible, and man their tops well, in order to fall upon tlie enemy, and prevent their making use of their guns; whilst the grenadiers rowed in with their broadswords and tomahawks, facines and scaling ladders, under cover of tlu-ee hundred of the light iufanti-y, who were to fire into the embrasures. The grenadiers received their orders with a cheerfulness that might be I'egarded as a sure omen of success; and with their usual alacrity, ]n-epared for the attack, waiting in their shirts till the ships could take their proper stations. This tlje Williamson brig, cojnmanded by Lieutenant Sinclair, and the Mohawk, by Lieutenant Phipps, soon did; and both sustained and returned a very heavy fire. But the Onondaga, in which was Captain Loring, by some extraordinary blunder, ran a-ground. The enemy dis- covering his distress, plied her with such unceasing showers of great and small arms, that Captain Loring thought proper to strike his colors, and sent Thornton, his master, on shore, to the enemy, who endeavored to take possession of the vessel ; but by Colonel Williamson's obsei-ving it, he turned upon them a battery, which obliged them to desist from the uniiertaking. The General then ordered Lieutenant Sinclair from the Williamson brig, and Lieutenant Pennington, with two detachments of grenadiers under their command, to take possession of the Onondaga, and they obeyed their ordei's with such undaunted resolution, that the English colors were again hoisted on board of her. But the vessel after all, could not be got otF, and was therefore abandoned about midnight. The English batteries, however, put a stop to any further attempt of the enemy to board her. Captain Loring being wounded, was in the mean time sent ashore. This accident of the Onondaga's running aground, obliged the General to defer for the present his plan of assault, but this delay proved rather a fortunate event, as it saved a good deal of blood, for on the 25th, M. Pouchet, the commandant, beat a parley, demanding what terms he might expect; to which no answer was returned, but that the fort must be immediately given up, and the garrison surrendered prisoners of war, and but ten minutes were given for a reply. These terms where received within the ten minutes; and Lieutenant Colonel Massey, with the grenadiers, immediately took possession of the place. The loss of the English before it, was twenty-one killed, and nineteen wounded. The first shot from the English battery killed the French oflicer of artillery. Eleven more were killed afterwards, and about ibrty wounded. The garrison, and all of the pilots, lor the sake of whom chiefly the place had been attacked, were sent to New York; and the General named the fort, Fort William Augustus. On the surrender of Fort Levi, the Indians following the English army, prepared agreeably to their bloody custom, when at war, to enter the fort in order to tomahawk and massacre the garrison. But General Amherst, 92 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE being apprised of theii* intentions, immediately sent orders to Sir William Johnson, to persuade them if possible, to desist, declaring at the same time, that, if they offered to enter the fort, he would compel them to retire. The stores he promised should be delivered to them, as his army was not in want of what few blankets might be found there; this mes- sage had its desired effect. The Indians though with great apparent reluctance, and ill humor, were prevailed on to return to their camp; however, their resentment increased to such a degree, that Sir William Johnson informed the General, he was apprehensive they would quit the army, and returu to their respective villages and castles. The General replied : " That he believed his army fully sufficient for the service he was going upon, without their assistance; that, tliough he wished to pi'eserve their friendship, he could not prevail on himself to purchase it at the. expense of countenancing the horrid barbarities they wanted to perpe- trate; and added, that, if they quitted the army, and on their return should commit any acts of cruelty, he should assuredly chastise them." Upon this most of these creatures, who amounted to about seven hundred, abandoned Sir William Johnson, and returned to their respective villages and castles, but without committing the least violence; the faithful few, in number about one hundred and seventy, who continued with the army, were afterwards distinguished by medals, which the General gave them, that they might be known at the English posts, and receive the civil treatment their humanity, and their affection for the English entitled them to. If the French plan of policy had admitted of similar exertions of hu- manity towards their prisoners, there is no doubt but they might thereby have equally prevented the commission of acts, which, even had they con- quered, would have been sufficient to sully the glory of their greatest achievements. Till the 30th, the army was employed in leveling the batteries, and re- pairing boats and rafts for the artillery, which was now embarked with the necessary stores; and on the 31st, the General, with the first division of the army, consisting of the artillery, the grenadiers, and the light in- fantry, the 44th and 55th regiments, the 4th battalion of Royal Americans, and three regiments of provincials, embarked about noon, and in the evening reached the Isle-Aux-Chats, [opposite Louisville landing,] having passed the first rapids. On the 1st of September, they proceeded about ten miles further, and encamped. On the 2d, Brigadier Gage, with the other division, joined the General, having lost three Highlanders, in going over the Falls. The whole now proceeded together, entered Lake St. . Francis, and that very evening reached Pointe-Aux-Boudets, where, the weather being extremely bad, the General halted. On the 3d, a prisoner was brought in, who gave intelligence that Colonel Haviland had taken possession of the Isle-Aux-Noix, the enemy having abandoned it on his a|)|)roach. The navigation of the River St. Lawrence, is, in this place, perhaps, the most intricate and dangerous of any actually used in North America, without the assistance of pilots accustomed to the force and direction of its various eddies. Though the French have been constantly going up and down the river ever since their possession of Canada, General Am- herst's attem[)t to navigate it in the manner he did, was judged impracti- cable. No doubt, the route by Lake George and Lake Champlain, might have been the easiest to penetrate by into Canada; but this by the Mohawk River, Oswego, and the River St. Lawrence, opened a passage which had as yet, been unexplored by the English, and effectually de- prived the French of the opportunity of carrying on the war another cam- AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 93 paign, by retreating to their unconquered posts at Detroit, and elsewhere to the south. Those who declared the river impracticable to the English, grounded their opinion on the unsuccessfulness of the attempt made on La Galette, the preceding year, by General Gage; not considering the difference between a feeble irresolute eflFort, and a strong determined stroke. The pilots taken at Fort Levi, contributed much to the safety of the army in this navigation ; or, it would have been equally tedious. The chief art of getting through these rapids with a number of boats, consists in the making them keep a profyer distance. Without the great- est attention to ihis precaution, the lives of those who pass the Cedar Falls, especially, must be in the utmost danger. Jt must be confessed, that the appearance of broken rocks, and inac- cessible islands, interspersed in the current of a rapid river, and the foam- ing surges rebounding from them, without a direct channel to discharge itself by, presents a scene of horror unknown in Europe; yet the mind, by degrees, soon loses the sensation of terror, and becomes free enough to direct the actions of the body. On the 4th of September, the General put the army in motion , and it soon cleared the Lake St. Francis, and entered a country lately well in- habited, but now a mere desert. Aliout noon, the van of the army en- tered the Cedar Falls. This, as we have already hinted, is hy far the most dangerous part of the whole river, and had the boats crowded too. close upon each other, most of them must have perished. Accordingly, for the want of sufficient precaution, twenty-nine boats belonging to the regiments, seventeen whale boats, seventeen artillery boats, and one row galley, were dashed to pieces, with the loss of eighty- eight men; and this too before, on account of the night's approaching, the whole of the army could get through; what did, encamped on the Isle-Perrot. On the 5th, in the morning, the remainder, taking care tf» pi-eserve a proper distance, passed the rapid with ease. During the stay, the General was obliged to make, to repair the damaged boats, the in- habitants came flocking in, and took the oath of allegiance to his Britannic Majesty. Humanity and clemency ever attended on the victories of the Romans; the princes and the people who submitted to their arms, were sure of protection ; and those who dared to opj)ose them, were made to feel the weight of their greatness and power. True policy might alone be thought sufficient, especially after such an illustrious example, to make the generals of every nation adopt such con- ciliating measures. It would have been justly a matter of surprise, if, from the national feelings of his own heart, independent of any other motive, General Amherst had neglected to stretch forth the hand of com- miseration, to the number of trembling, despairing wretches, who now appeared before him. The blood that had been shed in the wantonness of cruelty, had expunged from their breasts every hope of mercy; and they advanced like culprits approaching a judge, to receive the sentence due to their crimes. Full as they were of conscious guilt, how great must have been their joy, to find themselves forgiven, i-estored to their possessions, and to their families; to be received as friends, and have every necessary provided for them as such, and to crown all, to know, for certain, that they might securely depend on a continuance, or rather an increase of these bless- 94 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE From a map in Mante's History of the War in Canada, which repre- sents the channel of the St. Lawrence, above and below Isle Royal, it ap- pears that the English army were encamped on Indian Point, opposite the island where batteries were erected, and on the north shore. Bat- teries were opened on the islands under the Canada shore, and detached posts were established on the point opposite the Galloo Island, and upon that island, and the small one near its head. The following account is preserved of the building of the fortress on Isle Royal, which was accomplished but the year before its reduction. It received its name fi'om the French officer, who superintended its erec- tion. — (See Memoirs sur le Canada, p. 168.) "M. the chevalier de L6vis, had returned to the rapids, where he had ordered the construction of a fort, on an island called Oraconenton, about a league above the rapids. He gave orders that they should finish a bark, of which the building had been interrupted, in order to send the laborers to Quebec; the arrangement for the defense was, that the barks with the Jacobites, should form the first line; the Isle Oraconenton, and tlie others, the second, and the third at the Galops, which is at the com- mencement of the rapids ; and thus they desired to defend themselves, from rapid to rapid. This project would have been good, if they had had suitable bateaux to defend this river, which is extremely wide towards La Presentation, and defend the different passages of the rapids. After these arrangements had been made, he descended to Montreal, whei'e he learned that the Canadians had left their arms, to go to secure their harvest. Against these he promulgated an ordinance, under pain of death ; but it was represented to him, that it would be impossible to enforce this ordinance, as it did not emanate from M. de Vaudreuil, and this general did not have the power of the court, and that the Canadians could only be regarded as volunteers, who served without pay. * * * M. de Levis said, that if any one in the army wished to desert, he would cut off his head, but they boldly replied to him that if they knew that these were his sentiments, he would not find a single militia man, either at the Isle-Aux-Noix, nor at Oraconenton, and that they would take care that he should not find them. This threat intimidated hJm, and he said no more; he left to visit the Isle Aux Noix, and concerted with M. de Bourlamarque, for its defense, with whom a little time after, he as- cended to Oraconenton, to the end that he might accelerate by his pre- sence, the works there in progress, and defend in person the rapids, against the army of M. de Bostwick, who was still encamped at Choua- guen, and seemed preparing to descend. James Zouch, an English offi- cer, had surprised La Presentation, having come through the woods from the army of Amherst, to La Presentation, to carry the letters of this general to Bostwick, and who had come out too low down. The five nations even sent belts to the savages of La Pi'esentation, to invite them to withdraw. These news which were received, one after the other, made him urge the works on the tort; and it was under these circumstances, that M. de Levis received the tidings of the death of M. de Montcalm, and of the battle, with the order to descend as quickly as possible to Montreal, whence he continued his route to Jacques Cartier. » * * AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 95 M. de L6vis, having given ordei-s to fortify Jacques Cartier, gave the command of this post to M. Dumas, and returned to Montreal. The fortification of the Isle Oraconenton, was given to M. Pouchot, who had been exchanged with many other prisoners, and they continued to labor at the Isle Aux Noix; they added to the middle of these entrenchments, a fort, en eioile, in which buildings were erected for the lodgement of the garrison and officers." The St. Lawrence became a thoroughfare of prime importance, in the French and English war, that ended with the conquest of Canada, in 1760. From the paper from which we have previously quoted, (Memoirs sur le Canada.) we will here translate, commencing near the close of the year 1758. "In fine, M. de Vaudreuil, had decided to construct two barks in the place of those that were burned, and consequently to recall M. Duplessis fiom Frontenac, and to put there a commanding officer with a garrison. He had given orders to Duplessis, to retire entirely with his detachment; this was done on the 26th of October. He found at La Presentation, the orders which he had given to descend, and sent the Sieur Chevalier Benoit, the commander, to Fort Fi-ontenac, with a detachment of troops and Canadians. He was sent as well to protect the baggage and the mu- nitions of war, and the provisions, which were to pass by that way to the upper countiy, as to establish this post. Sieur Duplessis, also, had orders as well to send back those on the part of Montigni, to Niagara, who had come down, and who were to make this voyage with those sent in the canoes, in charge of the baggage and mei'chandise. * * * Sieur the Chevalier Benoit, was of a Parisian family, and had absolutely nothing; he was one of those men, of nothing, who because they are such, charitably believe all others to be rogues. He was a man of chimeras, devout, with much wit, some little polish, and in addition to all, with some philosophy; and as for the rest, brave, and capaJ)le of doing honor to any service in which he wrs charged. He departed therefore from La Presentation, with an inconsiderable detachment, and repaired to Frontenac, with a royal magazine guard. As the posts of the upper country were naturally wanting in articles of ihe greatest necessity, the instructions were issued, that as great a quan- tity should be forwarded as possible. Officers were despatched to conduct these convoys, but theft and losses annihilated almost all of them. The Canadians at this time, fatigued, and dying of hunger, did not wish to pi'oceed further, and threatened to revolt; and to add to the misfor- tune, they demanded their payment; in short, they did us more harm than good at Niagara. Douville, commandant at Toronto, had evactuated that post, and retired to Niagara. Sieur de Cresse, assistant ship master of Canada, had been sent to Frontenac, with M. Laforce, captain of the builders, to construct two new gallies, as well to secure the supremacy of the lake, as to supply Niagara more easily, and to render the defense of this frontier the more respectable ; but as he Avas unable to find the ne- cessary timber at that point, here moved himself down towards La Pre- sentation, to a strait known by the name of Point au Bai'il, where the con- sti'uction was in every respect more easy. He thence wrote to the General, in waiting M. Benoit, who had orders to fortify himself, either at the shipyard of Frontenac, or its environs. After having carefully examined, he decided to fortify himself near the fort, 96 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE and in cousequence he cut down timber, to form four bastions, upon a prolongation fifty or sixty feet along the bank, and on the side of the fort. * * * But tlie General, who had received great complaints against Sieur de Lorimier, commanding officer at La Presensation, resolved to remove him, and to put in his place M. Benoit, and at the same time, in order to protect the works at Point au Baril, he gave the necessary orders to M. Benoit, who repaired there with all his garrison, and all that they had sent fi-oni Frontenac, and sent iron for the constructions at that place, and left not that which was at Frontenac. Point au Baril is distant three leagues from La Presentation, in ascending towards Frontenac, upon the right bank of the river St. Law- rence. Its location was less exposed to attack, than the coast at La Presenta- tion, which of itself was a post too feeble and too badly situated, to sus- tain an attack. They thei-efore transported thither all that was destined for Frontenac, and built entrenchments around the spot, chosen for the building of the vessels, and sent thither a magazine guard, under ayoung man attached to M. de Montcalm." From a map which accompanies the work from which we have been quoting, it appears that Point au Barril, [Barell Point,] was on the north shore of the river St. Lawrence, above La Presentation, and not far from the site of the present village of Maitland. We here insert the plan of the work as there given. This point is mentioned very frequently on maps ralating to the St Lawrence river, of an old date. * * * "It was from two prisoners sent by a de- tachment of Loups, by M. de Pouchot, that we learned that the army which descended by Chouaguen, and which was commanded by M, Amherst, at the head of 1500 men, was approaching. It from this appeared beyond doubt, that the colony was about to be attacked at the same moment by three different ways, azid that the slowness of the approach of Murrray, would avail nothing, when the three armies should assemble. M, Amherst, having made his preparations, departed from Chouaguen, and appeared before Oraconenton.* The fort of La Presentation, had been dismantled, and the plan of defense of M de L6vis, could not be entertained, in consequence of the superiority of the army of the English General. Accordingly, M. Amherst found no difficulty. Before commencing the siege of the Fort, he caused to be planted opposite to the fort, upon the main land, some batteries, which in a short time, razed the parapets, and ruined a part of the entrenchments. JM. Pouchot conducted the de- fense in a manner, that failed not to elicit the admiration of the English General. At length, finding himself no longer able to retain it, he sur- rendered the place, and the garrison was made prisoners of war. * * * The French Generals held frequent councils, but they amounted to nothing, because the junction of these armies, destroyed all plans of de- * This fort appears to have been situated {See Smith's History, t. Lp. 359,) upon Isle Royal, between La Presentation, (now 0<>:densburgh,) and the beginning of the rapids. (Note in the original.} AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 97 fense which they had formed, and they were the more emharrassed be- cause they had but a slender stock of provisions, and no hopes of draw- ing more from the country. They did not know what lot M. Amherst would bring, nor how to treat with him in so unpleasant a place; and they could not hold out twenty- four hours. M. de Vaudreuil had, upon the departure of Amherst from Oraconenton, thought of submitting as soon as he should appear before the city. M. Amherst, after having reduced Oraconenton, chose from among the Canadians whom he there found, those who wei-e best qualified to con- duct barges and canoes, and leaving the savages who had hitherto ac- companied him, he descendedlto Soulauges, a small parish of the colony, and where are the last of the rapids, which were all passed hapily, at least without any considerable loss, and came and presented himself in good order, before the parish named Lachine, where his troops encamped without difficulty. The detachments which he had there, had orders to make preparations against the city."* The following is an account given of this transaction in the Annual Register" for 1760, page 58. " Having laid this general plan for completing the conquest of Canada, Lord Amherst, with an army of about 10,000 men, left Schenectady on the frontiers of New York, (Jujie 21, 1760,) and passed up the Mohawks' river, and down that of the Oneidas', to Oswego. The army he had collected there, consisted of about 10,000 men, regulars and provincials, Sir William Johnson, brought about a thousand savages of the Iroquois, or Five Nations ; the greatest number of that race of men which was ever seen in arms in the cause of England. It was a matter of the greatest difficulty, to transport so numerous an army, the whole of its artillery, its ammunition, and all its provisions, over the expanse of that vast lake, in open boats, and galleys; it required the greatest caution, and the exactest order, least they should fall foul upon one another, least they should be driven out too far to gain the land, on the first threatening of a storm, or least they should come too near the shore. But all the dispositions were made with the most admirable method, and with that regularity of military arrangements which makes so considerable a part in the character of that able commander, so that the whole army embarked on the twentieth of August. A detachment had been sent some days before, to clear the passage of the river St. Law- rence of any obstructions, and to find the best passage for the vessels. On the 27th, he had taken possession of Swegatchie, and made all dispositions for the attack of Isle Royal, a fort lower down the river, which commands the most important post, and as it were the key of Canada. The troops and boats were so disposed, that the Isle was completely invested, and the garrison was left no means of escape. The batteries were then raised, and opened, and after two days sharp firing, the fort surrendered. This being a post of importance both to command Lake Ontario, and to cover our frontier, the general spent some days here in order to repair the fort, and at the same time to fit out his vessels, and to prepare all things for passing his troops down the river, the most dangerous part of which he was now to encounter, as all the rapids lie between this place and Montreal; but notwithstanding all precautions, nearly ninety men were drowned in [)assing these dangerous falls, and a great number of * See noie A. in the appendix of this work. 98 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE vessels broke to pieces. This loss from so large an embarkation, in such circumstances, is to be regarded as inconsiderable. At length, after a tedious, fatiguing and dangerous voyage of two months and seventeen days, the English saw, to their great joy, the Isle of Montreal, the object of their ardent wishes, and the period of their labors." There exists a tradition in the country, that the pilots who guided the vessels of Lord Amherst down the rapids, were bribed to pass them down the more dangerous routes, by the offer of large rewards by the enemy. It may well be questioned, whether men could be induced by any motive less than heroic patriotism, to conduct a craft down a channel in which a pi'obability, amounting to little less than a certainty, existed, that it would be engulphed in the angry surges of the rapids. Those who have passed down the river St. Lawrence, in steam boats, and witnessed the tumultuous war of waters, which this mighty Scylla and Charybdis, at once so wild, so grand, and so dreadful, presents; and reflects that a large army in a great number of boats, many of which were guided by inexperienced hands, constituted the flotilla, he will agree with the opinion of the author above quoted, that the number of lives lost is small compared with the whole number of the army, and the manifold dangers to which they were exposed. There is still said to exist, in the St. Lawrence, opposite the town of Massena, the wreck of one or two vessels, which are supposed to have belonged to the French or the English fleet, and to have perished about this time. General Israel Putnam, who afterwards shone most conspicuously in the revolutionary war, was in company with Lord Amherst in this ex- pedition, and fi-om what is well known of his energy and courage, there can be no doubt that he took an active part in the campaign, and was foremost in every enterprise that required the exercise of those traits of chai'acter, for which he was so eminent. While the English account just quoted, (perhaps from a national prejudice, and a desire then manifested to keep in a subordinate station the provincials,) does not mention the name of Putnam, in connection with this event. The following extract from the miscellaneous works of David Humphrey, (New York, 1804, p. 280-1,) gives in an account of the i-eduction of Isle Royal, quite a different version of the affair, and is perhaps equally chargable with partiality, in giving all the credit of the enterprise to an American officer. It appears probable that Humphrey's account is mostly fabulous. "In 1760, Gen. Amherst, a sagacious, humane and experienced com- mander, planned the termination of the war in Canada, by a bloodless conquest. For this purpose, three armies were destined to co-operate by different routes against Montreal, the only remaining place of strength AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 99 the enemy held in that country. The corps formerly commanded by Wolf, now by General Aiurray, was ordei-ed to ascend the river St. Lawrence; another, under Col. Haviland, to penetrate by the Isle Aux Noix; and tlie third, consisting of about ten thousand men, commanded by the General himself, after passing up the Mohawk River, and taking its course by the Lake Ontario, was to form a junction by failing down the St. Lawrence. Jn this progress, more than one occasion presented itself to manifest the intrepidity and soldiership of Lieut. Col. Putnam. Two armed vessels obstructed the passage and prevented the attack on Oswegatchie Putnam, with one thousand men, in fifty batteaux, undertook to board them. This dauntless officer, ever sparing of the blood of others, as prodigal of his own, to accomplish it with the less loss, put himself, (with a chosen crew, a beetle and wedges,) in the van, with a design to wedge the rudders, so that the vessels should not be able to turn their broadsides, or to perform any other maneuvre. All the men in his little fleet were ordered to strip to their waistcoats, and advance at the same time. He promised if he lived, to join and show them the way up the side. Animated by so daring an example, they moved swiftly, in profound stillness^ as to certain victory or death. The people on board the shi|), beholding the good countenance with which they approached, ran one of the vessels on shore, and struck the colors of the other. Had it not been for the dastardly conduct of the ship's company in the latter, who compelled the captain to haul down his ensign, he would have given the as.-ailants a bloody reception ; for the vessels were well provided with s[)ars, nettings, and every customary instrument of annoy- ance, as well as defence. It now remained to attack the fortress, which stood on an island, and seemed to have been rendered inaccessible by a high abattis of black ash, that every where projected over the water. Lieutenant Colonel Putnam, [)roposed a mode of attack, and oftered his services to carry it into effect. The General approved the proposal. Our partizau, accord- ingly, caused a sufficient number of boats to be fitted for the entei-prise. The sides of each boat were surrounded with fascines, musket proof, which covered the men completely. A wide plank, twenty feet in length was then fitted to every boat, in such a manner by having an angular piece sawed fi"om one extremity that when fastened by ropes on both sides of the bow, it might be raised or lowered at pleasure. The design was, that the plank should be held erect, while the oarsmen forced the bow with the utmost exertion against the abattis, and that afterwards being dropped on the pointed brush, it should serve as a kind of bridge to assist the men in passing over them. Lieutenant Colonel Putnam, having made his dispositions to attempt the escalade in many places at the same momeiit, advanced with his boats in admirable order. The garrison perceiving these extraordinary and unexpected machines, waited not the assault, but capitulated. Putnam was particularly honored by "Gen. Amherst, for hi.ij ingenuity in this invention, and promptitude in its execution. The three armies arrived in Montreal within two days of each other, and the conquest of Canada became complete, without the iJoss of a single drop of blood." It has been justly remarked, that there is an air of incredibility about this statement, which of itself sufficiently impairs its value as a historical fact. That a crew of an armed ship, should have been terror stricken at the approach of a handful of unarmed men, or possessing the means r 100 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE of annihilating at a single discharge the insignificant array brought against them, should have omitted to do so, implies a degree of cowardice or treachery which can scarcely be credited or believed. With the fall of the fortress of Isle Royal, ceased the French dominion in St. Lawrence county.* It was subsequently occupied by a small guard of British troops, and held till surrendered in accordance with the stipulations of Jay's treaty in the summer of 1796, to Judge Ford, who received it for the pro- prietors. The remains of a cemetex'y still exist on the west side of the Oswe- gatchie, and several head stones mark the place where British soldiers were buried. The history of this station, so far as our knowledge extends, from the time of the English conquest to the surrender under the treaty, is nearly or quite lost. Such data as have fallen under our notice, will here be given : In the summer of 1776, the following minute was forwarded from Oswego, by Lieut. Edward McMichael. (See American Archives, fifth series, vol. i, page 815.) "Was informed at Oswego, that three regiments of Ministerial troops had arrived at Osivegatchie, at which place they were joined by a number of Tories and Indians under the command of Colonel Johnson, and were to embark immediately on board two armed vessels, bateaux and canoes, and proceed to Osivego, at which place they were to be joined by Colonel Butler, with all the Indians under his command, and likewise by Colonel Caldwell, with hat regulars could be spared from JViagai-a. They intended repairing Oswego Fort, as soon as possible, in order that they might hold a treaty with the Indians, and be able to defend themselves against any attack." In April, 1779, Lieutenants McClellan and Hardenburgh, of the Revo- lutionary army, were despatched from Fort Schuyler, on an expedition at the head of a body of Indians, against the British garrison at Oswe" gatchie, intending to steal upon it, and take it by surprise, but falling in with some straggling Indians, several shots were imprudently exchanged, which alarmed the garrison. They then attempted to draw the enemy *Antpine St. Martin, a Frenchman, said to have inhabited the country since its occupation by the French, in 1760, died at an extreme age, (supposed to exceed by several years, a century) on the 4tli of March 1849, at Ogdeusburgh. In his latter years, he attracted some attention from liis being made the personage of a romance, written and publislied at Potsdam, by C . Boynton. His longevity appears to have been to him as much a solitude , as it was to otiiers a wonder, and he would at times weep, and lameilt, that "God had forgotten him." With^im perished the last survivors of the French period of our history, and it is much to be regretted that liis narrative and recollections were not preserved. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 101 from the fort by sti'atagem, and partly succeeded, but could not draw them at a sufficient distance to cut off their retreat, and on approachinS' the fort themselves, the assailants were so warmly received, that they were compelled to retreat without unnecessary delay. The only service performed, was to send a Caughnawaga Indian into Canada, with a letter in French by a French general, probably the Marquis de Lafayette, and addressed to the Canadians, and written the preceding autumn. The expedition was despatched from Fort Schuyler, on the day before Colone Van Schaick moved upon Onondaga ; and from a letter addressed by Gen. Clinton, six weeks afterwards to General Sullivan, there is reason to be- lieve, one object was to get clear of the Oneida Indians, then in the fort, until Colonel Van Schaick should have proceeded so far upon his expe- dition, that they or their people should not be able to give the Onondagas notice of his approach. All the Indians still remaining in Fort Schuyler on the 18th, were detained expressly for that purpose. Although pro- fessedly friendlj', and reliable as scouts, they could not be trusted in ex- peditions against their fellows.* The expedition, of Lieutenants McClellan, and Hardenbergh returned to Fort Schuyler without having effected their purpose, on the 30th of April. An incident happened in, a military expedition from Fort Schuyler to Oswegatchie, during the Revolutionary war, and probably in the onejust described, which sliows in an amiable light, the finer feelings of the In- dian character, and will serve as an offset for some of the darker phases of Indian warfare. The subject of the adventure afterwards for several years resided in St. Lawrence county, and often related the incident to the one fi-om whose lips the account is wi-itten. Belonging to a military party that was proceeding through the forest, "was a little boy, about twelve years old, who served as a fifer to the com- pany. Light hearted and innocent, he tripped along, sometimes running in advance to gather flowers, and at others lingering behind to listen to the music of the birds, which made the forest vocal with their songs. Seeing the unguarded deportment of the lad, his captain cautioned him against wandering from the company, for fear that some hostile Indian who might be lurking in the thicket, should take him off The warning was heeded for some time, but ere long forgot, and he found himselt many rods in advance of the party, culling the wild flowers which were scattered iii his path, and inhaling the fragiJance which the morning air with its exhilarating freshness inspired him, when he was suddenly startled by a rude grasp upon the shoulder, which upon looking around he saw was thajt of a sturdy Indian,^ TVka Jjad, been secreted behind a * See Sloije's ifjife of Brant. Vol. 1. p 91.. 102 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE rock, and had darted from his concealment upon the unsuspecting victim, who had wandered from his protectors. Tie attemi)ted to scream, but fear paralyzed his tongue, and he saw the glittering tomahawk brandished over his head, which the next moment would terminate with a blow, his existence; but the savage, seeing the unarmed and terror stricken child, with no warlike implement but his fife, and doubtless touched with the innocence and terror of his trem- bling prisoner, relaxed his grasp, took the fife from under his arm, and having playfully blowed in its end he returned it to its owner, and bounded off into the forest. No further caution was needed, to keep him within the ranks, and they the next day reached their destination, which was Fort Oswegatchie, In after years, when age had made him infirm, in relating this inci- dent, he would weep with emotion at this perilous adventure, and always ended with the heartfelt acknowledgment, "that God had always pro- tected him, and guarded him, from dangers seen and unseen, and fi-om childhood to old aj^^e." Isaac Weld, jr., published in London, in 1799, in two octavo volumes, a journal of travels in the States of North America, and the provinces of Upper and Lower Canada, in the years 1795-7, which describes among other interesting subjects, the condition and appearance of our frontiei', and the fort at the mouth of the Oswegatchie, which we will quote^ [Vol. ii, p. 38, et seq.] The voyage was undertaken in the month of Au- gust 1796. "The Indians not only retain |)ossession of the different islands, but likewise of the whole of the south-east shore of the St. Lawrence, situ- ated within the bounds of the United States; they likewise have consid- erable strips of land on the opposite shore, within the British Dominions, bordering upon the river; these they have reserved to themselves, for hunting. The Iroquois Indians have a village upon the Isle of St, Regis, and another also upon the main land, on the south-east shore ; as we. passed, several of the inhabitants put off in canoes, and exchanged un- ripe heads of Indian corn with the men for bread ; they also brought with them some very fine wild duck and fish, which they disposed of to us on very moderate terms. On the fourth night of our voyage, we encamped as usual on the main land, opposite the Island of St. Regis, and the excellent viands which we had procured from the Indians having been cooked, we sat down to supper before a large fire, materials for which are never wanting in this woody country. The night was uncommonly serene, and we were in- duced to remain to a late hour in front of our tent talking of the various occurrences in the course of the day; but we had scarcely retired to rest when the sky became overcast, a dreadful storm arose, and by day- break the next morning we found ourselves, and every thing belonging to us, drenched with rain. Our situation now was by no means agreeable. Torrents still came pouring down ; neither our tent nor the woods afforded us any shelter, and, the wind being very strong and as averse as it could blow, there AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 103 was no prospect of our being enabled speedily to get into better quarters. In this state, we had remained for a considerable time, when one of the party, who laad been rambling about in order 'to discover what sort of a neighborhood we wei-e in, returned with the pleasing intelligence, that there was a house at no great distance, and that the owner had politely invited us to.it. It was the house of an old provincial officer, who had received a grant of land in this pai't of the country for his past services. We gladly proceeded to it, and met with a most cordial welcome from the captain and his fair daughters, who had provided a plenteous break- fiist, and spared no paius to make their' habitation during our stay, as pleasing to us as possible. We felt great satisfaction at the idea, that it would be in our power to spend the remainder of the day with these worthy and hospitable peo- ple, but alas! we had all formed an erroneous opinion of the weather, the wind veered suddenly about; the sun broke through the thick clouds, the conductor gave the parting order, and in a few minutes we found ourselves once more seated in our bateau. From hence upwards, for a distance of forty miles, the current of the i-iver is exceedingly strong, and numberless rapids are to be encountered, which, though not so tremend- ous to appearance, as those at the Cascades, and Le Coteau du Lac, are, yet both more dangerous and more difficult to pass. The great danger consists however, in going down them; it arises from the shallowness of the water, and the great number of sharp I'ocks, in the midst of which the vessels are hurried along with such impetuosity, that if they unfor- tunately get into a wrong channel, nothing can save them from being dashed to pieces, but so intimately, are the people employed on this river, acquainted with the different channels, that an accident of the sort is scarcely ever heard of. " Le Long Saut," the Long Fall, Or Rapid, situate about thirty tniles above Lake St. Francis, is the most dangerous of any (fae on the river, and so difficult a matter is it to pass it, that it requires not less than six men on shore, to haul a single bateau against the current. There is a third canal, v/ith locks, at this place, in order to avoid a point, which it would be wholly impracticable to weather in the ordinary way. These different canals, and locks, have been made at the expense of government, and the profits arising from the tolls paid by each bateau that passes through them, are placed in the public ti-easury. x\t these rapids, and at several of the others, there are very extensive flour and saw mills. On the fifth night, we arrived at a small farm house, at the top of the Long Saut, wetfi-om head to foot, in consequence of having been obliged to walk past the rapids, through woods and bushes, still drip})ing after the heavy rain that had fallen in the morning. The woods in this neigh- borhood are far more majestic than on any other part of the St. Law- rence; the pines, in particular, are uncommonly tall, and^seem to wave their tops in the very clouds. In Canada, pines grow, on the richest soils, but in the United States, they grow mostly on poor ground ; a tract of land covered with lofty pines, is there generally denominated "a pine bari'en," on account of its great poverty. During a considerable part of the next day, we also proceeded on foot, in order to escape the tedious passage of the liapide Plat, and some of the other dangerous rapids in this [)art of the river. As we passed along, we had an excellent diversion in shooting pigeons, several large flights of Avhich we met with in the woods. The wild pigeons of Canada, are not unlike the common English wood pigeon, except that they are of a much smaller size ; their flesh is very well flavored. Du- 104 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE rin^ particular years these birds come down from the northern regions in flights tliat is marvelous to tell. A gentleman of the town of Niagara assured me, that once as he was embarking there on board a ship for Toronto, a flight of them was observed coming from that quarter, that as he sailed over Lake Ontario to Toronto, fort}'-five miles distant from Niagara, pigeons were seen flying over head the whole way, in a con- trary direction to that from which the ship was proceeding; and that on arriving at the place of his destination, the birds were still observed com- ing down from the north, in as large bodies as had been noticed at any one time during the whole voyage ; supposing therefore that the pigeons moved no faster than the vessel, the flight according to this gentleman's account, must at least have extended eighty miles. Many persons may think this story surpassing belief; for my own part, however, I do not hesitate to give credit to it, knowing, as I do, the respectability of the gentleman who related it, and the accuracy of his observation. When these birds appear in such great numbers, they often light on the borders of rivers and lakes, and in the neighborhood of farm houses, at which time they are so unwary, that a man with a short stick might easily knock them down by hundreds. It is not oftener than once in seven or eight years, perhaps, that such large flocks of these birds are seen in the country. The years in which they appear, are denominated " pigeon years." There are also " bear years," and " squirrel years." This was both a bear and a squirrel year. The former, like the pigeons, come down from the northern regions, and were most numerous in the neighborhoods of lakes Erie and Ontario, and along the upper part of the river St. Law- rence. On arriving at the borders of these lakes, or of the river, if the. opposite shore were in sight, they generally took to the water, and endea- vored to i-each it by swimming. Prodigious numbers of them are killed in crossing the St. Lawi-ence, by the Indians, who had hunting encamp- ments at short distances from each other, the whole way along the bank of the river, from the island of St. Regis to lake Ontario. One bear of very large size, boldly entered the river, in the face of our bateau, and was killed by one of our men, while swimming from the main land to one of the islands. * * * The squirrels this yeai-, contrary to the bears, migrated froffi the south, from the territory of the United States. Like the bears, they took to the water, on arriving at it, but, as if conscious of their inability to cross a very wide piece of water, they bent their course towards Niagara river, above the falls, and at its narrowest and most tranquil part, crossed over into the British territory. It was calculated that upwards of fifty thous- and of them crossed the river in the course of two or three days, and such great depredations did they commit, on arriving at the settlements on the opposite side, that in one part of the country, the farmers deemed themselves very fortunate where they got in as much as one-third of their crops of corn. These squirrels were all of the black kind, said to be pe- culiar to the continent of America. * * * On the sixth evening of our voyage, we stopped nearly opposite to Point aux Iroquois, so named from a French family having been cruelly massacred there, by the Iroquois Indians, in the early ages of the colony. The ground being still extremely wet here, in conse- quence of the heavy rain of the preceding day, we did not much relish the thoughts of passing the night in our tent; yet there seemed lo be no alternative, as the only house in sight was crowded with people, and not capable of affording us any accommodation. Luckily however, as we were searching about for the driest spot to pitch our tent upon, one AND PRANKLIN COUNTIES. 105 of the pat-ty espied a barn, at a little distance, belonging to the man of the adjoinmg house, of whom we procured the key; it' was well stored with straw, and having mounted to the top of the mow, we laid ourselves down to rest, and slept soundly there, till awakened in the mornino-, by the crowing of some cocks, that were perched on the beams over our heads. At an early hour we pursued our voyage, and before noon passed the last rapid, about three miles below the mouth of the Oswegatchie River u- ?"^^n considerable of these within the limit of the United States,' which fall into the St. Lawrence, it consists of three branches, that unite about fifteen miles above its mouth ; the most western of which issues from a lake, twenty miles in length, and eight in breadth. Another of the branches, issues from a small lake, or pond, only about four miles distant from the west branch of Hudson River, that flows past New York. Both the Hudson and the Oswegatchie, are said to be capable of being made navigable for light bateaux, as far as this spot, where they approach within so short a distance of each other, except only at a few places, so that the portages will be but very trifling. This however is a mere conjecture, for Oswegatchee River is but very im- perfectly known, the country it passes through being quite uninhabited; but should It be found at a future period, that these rivers are indeed capable of being rendered navigable, so far up the countrv, it will pro- bably be thi-ough this channel that the greatest of the trade that there may happen to be between New York and the countrv borderin"- upon Lake Ontario, will be carried on." The small lake referred to by the author, was doubtless Raquette lake, in Hamilton county, which is even nearer the head waters of the Hud- eon, than above stated, but it lies at the source of the Raquette river, instead of the Oswegatchie. "The trade is at present carried on between that city and the lake, by means of Hudson River, as far as Albany, and from thence by means of the Mohawks' River, Wood Creek, lake Oneida, and Oswego River, which falls into Lake Ontario. The harbor at the mouth of Oswego river, is very bad, on account of the sand banks, none but flat bottomed vessels can approach with safety nearer to it than two miles, nor is there any good harbor on the south side of lake Onatrio, in the neighborhood of any large rivers. Sharp built vessels, however, of a considerable size, cau approach with safety to the mouth of Oswegatcliee River. The Seneca, a British vessel of waj-, of twenty-six guns, used to ply constantly, formerly between Fort de la Galette, situated at the mouth of that river' and the fort at Niagara; and the British flir ships, on the lakes, used also at that time to discharge the cargoes there, brought down from the upper country. As therefore the harbor at the mouth of Oswegatchee, is so much better than that at the mouth of the Oswego river, and as they are nearly an equal distance from New York, there is reason to suppose that if the river navigation should prove equally good, the trade between the lakes and New York, will be for the most part, if not wholly carried on by means of Oswegatchee River, rather than of Oswego River. With a fair wind the passage from Oswegatchee River to Niagara, is accom- plished in two days, a voyage only oiie day longer than from Oswego to Niagara, with a fair wind. Fort de la Galette was erected by the French, and though not built till long after fort Frontenac, now Kingston, yet they esteemed it by far the 106 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE most important military post on the St. Lawrence, in tlie upper comitr-y, as it was impossible for any boat, or vessel, to pass up or down tiiat river without being- observed, whereas they mij^ht easily escape unseen behind the many islands, opposite to Kingston. Since the close ofthe American war. Fort de la Galette has been dismantled, as it was within the territories of the United States, nor would any advantatre have arisen from its retention, for it was never of any importance to us but as a trading post, and as such, Kingston, whicii is in our own territory, is tar more elligibly situated, in every point of view, it has a more safe and commodi- ous harbor, tiie fur sliips coming down from Niagara, by stopping there, are saved a voyage of sixty miles up and down the St. Lawrence, which was often found to be more tedious than the voyage from Niagara to Kingston, In the neighborhood of La Galette, on the Oswegatchee River, there is a village ofthe Oswegatchee Indians, whose nnml)ers are estimat- ed at one hundred warriors. The current ofthe St. Lawrence, from Oswegatchee upwards, is much more gentle than in any other part between Montreal and Lake Ontario, except only where the river is considerably dilated, as at lakes St. Louis and St. Francois; however, notwithstanding its being ^o gentle, we did not advance more than twenty-five miles in the course ofthe day, owing to the numerous stops that we made, more from motives of pleasure than necessity. The evening was uncommonly fine, and towards sunset a brisk gale spi-inging up, the conductor judged it advisable to take advantage of it, and to continue the voyage all night, in order to make up for the time we had lost during the day. We accordingly proceeded, but towards midnight the wind died away; this circumstance, however, did not alter the determination ofthe conductor. The men were ordered to the oars, and notwithstanding that they had labored hard during the preceding day, and had had no rest, yet they were kept closely at work until day break, exceipt for one hour, during which they were allowed to stop to cook their provisions. Where there is a gentle current, as in this part of the river, the Canadians will work at the oar for many hours without intermission ; they seemed to think it no hardship to be kept employed in this instance the whole night; on the contrary, they plied as vigorously as if they had but just set out, singing merrily the whole time. The French Canadians have in general a good ear for music, and sing duets with tolerable accuracy. They have one very favorite duet amongst them, called the " rowing duet," which, as they sing, they mark time to, with each stroke of the oar; indeed, when rowing in smooth water, they mark time the most of the airs they sing in the same manner. About eight o'clock the next, and eighth morning of our voyage, we entered the last lake before yon come to that of Ontario, called the Lake of a Thousand Islands, on account of the multiplicity of them which it contains. Many of these islands are scarcely larger than a bateau, and none of them, except such as are situated at the upper and lower extre- mities of the lake, ap|)eared to me to contain more than fifteen English acres each. They are all covered with wood, even to the very smallest The trees on these last are stunted in their growth, but the larger islands, produce as fine timber as is to be found on the main shores of the lake. Many of these islands are situated so closely together, that it would be easy to throw a pebble from one to the other, notwithstanding whicli circumstance, the passage l^etween them is perfectly safe and commo- dious for bateaux, and between some of them that arc even thus close to each other, is water sufficient for a frigate. The water is uncommonly clear, as it is in every part of the river, from Lake St. Franf^is upwards: AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 107 between that lake and the Utawas river downwards, it is discolored, as I have before observed, by j)assing over beds of niai]. The shores of all these islands under our notice are rocky; most of them rise very boldly, and some exhibit perpendicular masses of rock towards the water, upwai-ds of twenty teet high. The scenery jjresented to view in sailing between these islands is beautiful in the highest degree. Sometimes^ alter passing through a narrow strait, you find yourself in a basin, land locked on evei-y side, that appears to have no conimunication with the lake, except by the passage through which you entered ; you are looking about, perhaps, for an outlet to enable you to proceed, thinking at last to see some little channel which will just admit your bateau, when on a sud- den a)i expanded sheet of water opens upon you, whose boundary is the , horizon alone ; again in a fiew minutes you find yourself land "locked, and again a spacious passage as suddenly presents itself; at other times, when in the middle of one of these basins, between a cluster of islands, a dozen diflTerent channels, like so many noble rivers, meet the eye, perhaps equally unexpectedly, and on each side the islands appear regu- larly retiring till they sink from the sight in the distance. Every minute, during the passage of this lake, the prospect varies. The numerous Indian hunting encampments on the difi^jrent islands, with the smoke of their fires rising up between the trees, added considerably to the beauty of the scenery as we passed it. The Lake of a Thousand Islands is twenty-five miles in length, and about six in breadth. From its upper end to Kingston, at which place we arrived early in the evening, the distance is fifteen miles. The lengrh of time required to ascend the River St, Lawrence, from Montreal to Kingston, is commonly found to be about seven days. If the wind should be strong and very favorable, the passage may be per- formed in a less time; but should it, on the contrary, be adverse, and blow very strong, the passage will be protracted somewhat longer; an adverse or favorable wind, however, seldom makes a difference of more than three days in the length of the passage upwards, as in each case it is necessary to work the bateaux along by means of poles for the greater part of the way. The passage downwards is performed in two or three days, according to the wind. The current is so strong, that a contrary wind seldom lengthens the passage in that direction more than a day." The English are believed to have maintained the fort at Oswe- gatchie, as a protection to their fur trade; and this was made the cover of a pretension, to justify their retaining it after the peace which fol- lowed the revolution. The Oswegatchies, continued to reside in the vicinity after the English conquest, adopted the new allegiance, and as usual became corrupted in morals by their vicinity to the garrison. They are believed to have acted with the British in the war of the Revo- lution. In the enumei'ation of Indian tribes made by Sir Wm. Johnson, in 1763,* the tribe is represented as numbering eighty warriors, at peace with the English. In the same enumeration, the Caughnawagas are reported at three hundred men, emigrants from the Mohawks, and with a colony at Aghquissasne, (St. Regis,) which was the seat of a snission. The latter had been founded but three years previously. *D->fumeniary HUi^ry of l\e-sv York, vol i, page 97. 108 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE A portion of the Mohawk emigration had settled at the mission of the Lake of Two Mountains. The English vt'ere caieful not to molest them in their religious observ- ances, which remain to this day, the same as when first established among them. The Oswegatchies, at the time when the present class of settlers came on, were occupying a village of twenty-three houses, on Indian Point, in Lisbon, about three miles below Ogdensburgh. Spafford, in his Ga- zetteer, published in 3813, thus tnentions them. " This village was built by the British government, after the Revolution, and when, of course, that government had no title to the land. The Indians remained here several years after the setdemeht of the coimtry by the present pi-oprie- tors, and were removed by order of the government of New York, on the complaint of the inhabitants. These Indians driven from New Johnstown, in Upper Canada, received this spot with improvements, in exchange from which dHven by our government, they became destitute of a local habitation and a name, and the Oswegatchie tribe no longer exists, although a few individuals i-emain, scattered among the surround- ing tribes." This dispersion took place about 1806, or 7, and the remnants of the tribe, or their descendants, are found at St. Regis, Onondaga, and else- where. While in Lisbon, they were under the diiection of one Joseph Reoam, a Frenchman, who spoke their dialect of the Iroquois language, and is said to have been a chief, and to have married an Indian woman. They planted corn on Galloo island, and elsewhere in the vicinity. Their village is described by one who saw it in 1802, as consisting of a street, running parallel with the river, with the houses ranged in a regular manner on each side of itj all uniformly built, with their ends to the street, sharp roofed, shingled with pointed shingles, and with glass windows. Every house was built for two families, had two doors in front, and a double fire place, and single chimney in the centre, with a partition equally dividing the interior. In 1802 there wei-e about 24 families. These Indians were accustomed to spend most of their summers on Black lake, in hunting and fishing, returning to their cabins for the win- ter. They used bark canoes, which they carried around rapids, and across portages, with perfect ease. As many as forty Indians at a time were ofteji seen in the settlement when new. Directly opposite to the site of the Indian village of the Oswegatchies, is the island that was fortified by the French, and taken by the English under Lord Amherst in 1760. The ruins of the fortress upon it, are still to be seen, although mostly obliterated, and have given it the name AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 109 of Chimney island. This island is low, and in shape irregular. It is on the American side of the channel, and has an area of six acres. There are said to be still seen on an island, opposite this, under the Canada shore, the traces of works erected by the Englisli, to assist in its reduction. A great number of iron and other metalic relics, have been found on this island, and the adjoining shores, as tomahawks, hoes, axes, picks, the hangings of gates and other relics of the French and Indian occupa- tion of the place. These, like those found on the sites of the French establishments at Onondaga, and elsewhere, are rude and very coarse ; scarcely appearing to be capable of being used for the purposes for which they were intended. This island is three miles below the village 'of Ogdensburgh. Like many other places having associations connected with the olden time. Chimney island has been the scene of money digging, on a some- what extensive scale, by those who were weak enough to be led astray by the pretended indications of the divining rod, or the impositions of fortune tellei's. As uniformly happens, there has been money lost in- stead of gained in these operations, and if stories are to be believed, certain of these adventurers have lost somewhat of credit and standing in community, by these speculations.* * See Appendix, note B of this work. 110 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE CHAPTER II. ST. REGIS. N a beautiful and elevated point whicli juts into the St. Law- ' reiice, where that river is crossed by the forty-fifth parallel of ^^^^^0 latitude, and between the mouths of the St. Regis and Racquette rivers, stands a dilapidated and antique looking village, whose mas- ||asive and venerable church, with tin covered spire; whose narrow «i)^ and filthy sti-eets, and the general appearance of indolence and poverty of its inhabitants, and especially the accents of an unaccustomed language, almost convey to the casual visitor an impression that he is iu a foreign land. Such is the Indian village of St, Regis, whose origin and history we are about to relate. Its founders in selecting this site, evinced the pos- session of a taste at once judicious and correct, for it may well be ques- tioned whether the shores of the St. Lawrence, abounding as they do in charming and lovely localities, affords anywhere a spot that will surpass this in beaiuy of scenery, or pleasantness of location. The village stands on a plain, moderately elevated above the rivei", which having for more than forty miles been broken by cascades and dangerous rapids, here becomes tranquil. To the west, the ground swells into a gentle hill, which overlooks the village and river to a great distance ; beyond which it again descends into a spacious plain, which for time immemorial has been the favorite ground for ball-playing, a pastime to which the natives are strongly attached, and in which they engage with much zeal. The surrounding fields, are an open common, without separate enclos- ures, and are used as a public pasture by the inhabitants. Around the cabins of the villagers are usually small encl(>sures, devoted to the culti- vation of corn, and culinary vegetables, which by the right of occupancy have come to be considered the private property of individuals, and as such are bought and sold among the natives, although the law recognizes no such private ownership, and holds them all as tenants in common, denying them the right of buying or selling land, except to the govern- mei t. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. Ill Opposite to the village, lay several very fertile and beautiful islands^ which are owned and cultivated by the villagers, and upon which is raised the grain upon which the}^ subsist, and the grass which serves for their cattle during the winter months. The public points in the village^ and the summits of the hill are crowned by the cross, which indicates the religious faith of the greater part of the inhabitants, and reminds us that the colony owes its origin to a religions movement. Such is St, Regis, as it appears to the stranger; a village which under Anglo- Saxon enterprise, would ere this have attained a preeminence equal to any place on the river, but which now exhibits nothing but an air of decay and litstlessness, peculiar of She Indian character, when it assumes the habits of civilization. To one who traverses the streets, and observes the genei'al aspect of its inhabitants, a leading trait will be noticed as their conti-olling principle, and he will recognize Indolei?ce in every feature, and in every action. With this preliminary, we will proceed with om- account of the origin of this village, which was formed by an emigration from the mission at Caughnawaga, or the Saut Saint Louis, about nine miles above Montreal. The latter at a I'emote period of American history, in its turn, was formed by a portion of the Mohawk tribe of Indians, who were induced by the French to emigrate to their vicinity and embrace the Catholic faith. We will reserve for the appendix,* stieh notices as we may find, con- nected with this people, previous to the founding of St. Regis, and com- mence our account with a traditionary narrative «pon which is based the causes that led to the measure. About a hundred and thirty years ago, three children, (a girl about twelve or thirteen years of age, and two younger brotliers,) were playing together in a barn, in the town of Groton, Massachusetts, and being absent f^om the house longer than was expected, their mother became solicitous about them, and went to find themi, The girl was lying on the floor, with a limb broken, and the boys were missing. She related that seeing some Indians coming, she fled to the upper part of the barn, and fell by accident from the beams above, and that they had seized the two boys, and carried them awaj'. The stealthy manner of this seizure, and, the time that had elapsed, forbade pursuit,, with any hope of success, and the distracted parents were left to mourn the loss Avithout consolation or hope. The probable motive for the seizure of these children, was the expectation (that a bounty would be- * See Appendix Note C of this work. 112 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE offered for their ransom ; or perhaps they might be exchanged for French prisoners. As afterwards appeared, these boys were taken by Caughnawaga In- dians to their village near Montreal, where they were adopted as their own children, growing up in habits, manners, and language, as Indians, and in due time they married the daughters of chiefs of that tribe. The names of these chiefs were Sa-kon-en-tsi-ask and Ata-weu-ta. But they possessed the superiority of intellect, and enterpi-ise, which belonged to their race, and this led to a series of petty quarrels, growing out of the jealousy of the young Indians of their age, which disquieted the village, and by the party spirit which it engendered, became a source of irritation and trouble in the settlement, and of anxiety on the part of their missionary, who labored in vain to i-econcile the difficulties between them. Failing in this, he advised the two young men, (one of whom they had named Ka-re-ko-wa) to remove with their families to a place by them- selves, where they might enjoy tranquility, and be beyond the reach of annoyance from their comrades. This advice they adopted ; and taking with them their wives, and fol- lowed by their wives' parents, these four families departed in a bark canoe, with their effects, to seek in a new country, and in the secluded recesses of the forest, a home. They coasted along up the St. Lawrence, and at length arrived at the delightful point on which the village of St. Regis now stands, where they landed and took possession. The name of these youths, was Tarbell, and their descendants have always resided at St. Regis, and some of them have been distinguished as chiefs and head men of the tribe. One of these named Lesor Tar- bell, and a son of his name,, was a prominent chief, about fifty years since, and very much esteemed by the whites, for his prudence, candor, and great worth of charactei-. The name of Tarbell, is said to be very common in Groton, to this day. Another traditional version of the account, differs in some particulars from that just related, and is as follows : Three lads, and an elder sister, were playing together in a field, when they were surprised by a small party of Indians. One of the boys es- caped, but the rest were seized, and marched that day about fourteen miles into the woods towards Canada, when it coming on dark, they came to a halt, and camped for the night. Thinking their prisoners se- cure, the Indians were less watchful than usual, and finally all fell asleep. The gii'l, about twelve years old, kept awake, and seeing the rest asleep, her first thought was to awaken her brothers, and attempt to es- AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 113- cape, but fearing to disturb the Indians, should she attempt this, and thus prevent any possibility of escape, she crept carefully out from among them, and struck off in the direction of her home, which she at length reached after undergoing great hardship. One of the lads on growing up went off to the north west, the other married, and subsequently with his wife, and one or two other families, moved off, and made the first settlement at St. Regis. From the abundance of partridges which the thicket afforded, they called it, Ak-wis-sas-ne " where the partridge drums," and this name it still retains.* These families were living very peaceably together, and had made small clearings for cornfields, when they were joined by Father Anthony Gordon, a Jesuit fi'om Caughnawaga, with a colony of these Indians in 1760. The year of this settlement is known by the fact that they were met near Coteau du Lac, by Lord Amherst, who was decending the St. Law- rence, to complete the conquest of Canada. Gordon named the place St, Regis. With the belief that a biographical sketch of this saint, would be ac- ceptable to our readers, in connection with this account, we will take the liberty of inserting it as it is given by a catholic author. * "Jean Francois Regis, of the society of Jesus, was born Jan. 31, 1597, at Foncouverte, a village in the diocess of Narbonne in Lauguedoc, France, and was a descendant of an ancient and noble family. At an early age he became strongly impressed with religious pentiments, and while a youth, was one of the first to enter the Jesuit School at Beziers, where he led a very exemplary life. At the completion of his earlier studies, he undertook the charge of instructing menial servants in Tour- non. In 1631, his studies being finished, he visited Foncouverte to * Another and equally consistem explanation of the adoption of this name, is given : In the ■winter time, the ice ftom the rapids above, coming- down under the firm ice at this place, often occasions a sort of tremor or earthquake in miniature, and is attended with a noise very much like the drumming- of a partridge. A particular account of the singular phenomena of the ice in the rapids, -will be given in our account of the town of Massena. On the occasion of the author's visit to St, Regis in June 18.52, the natives desired to give him a name, and proposed among others, that of their village. Objections being made, they decided upon, O-kwa-e-sen, a partridge, they regarding- that bird somewhat as a national emblem, like the eagle to the United States. The idea was doubtless suggested by the par- ticular inquiries made about the origin of their village. The custom of naming those who have business -with them in common, and in former times when the drinking of rum was more prevalent, the ceremony of christening and adoption -was conducted -with excessive de, monstration of joy. At present it consists in singing and shouting around the candidate, and the shaking of hands. At times a rude dance is performed, but this people have lost every recollection ef the national feasts and dances, which are still maintained among the pagan party of the Iroquois at Onondaga and other Indian settlements, in the interior of the state. They informed the author that they should consider him as belonging to the Ro-tis en-na. keh.te, or Little Turtle band, thit being the smallest and feeblest one among them. 114 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE settle some family afFairs, atifl there attracted much notice from the zeal >vith which he preached to the people, and solicited alms for the poor. He 8[)ent several years in missionary lahors in France, always conspicu- ous tor his zealous labors among tlie poor, over whom he acquired great ascendency. This excited such persecution from the higher classes, that he solicited an appointment as a missionary to the Hurons, and Irotjuois of Canada, but finally remained at home, much to his own disappointment. He continued his labors among the lower classes till his death, Dec. 31, 1640, at the age of 43 j^ears, of which 26 were spent as a Jesuit. This tomb at La Louvase, in Languedoc, is regarded by the catholic population of France, as a shrine, and miracles are believed by them to liave been performed at it. He was cannonised by pope Clement Xn, in 1737, at the joint request of Kings Louis XV of France, and Philip V, of Spain, and of the clergy of France, assembled at Paris, in 1735. His festival accurs on the 16th of June. [See Butler's lAves of the Sciints, ]8»io edition, vol. vi, p. 261, 287.] A painting of St. Regis, exists in the church at the mission of that name. It was presented by Charles X, as hereafter stated. It is not known how long the four families had been residing at this place, when they were joined by the others, nor the nuntbers of the latter, further than the vague tradition that "there were many canoe loads." Probably they numbered several hundred souls. The cause assigned for this emigration, was a desire to get the natives away from the corrupting influences of rum, and the train of vices to which they were particularly exposed from their proximity to Montreal. It was hoped that by this means being withdrawn from the temptations to which they were constantly liable, that a benefit would be derived. In our account of Picquet's mission, we have seen that the missionaries at the Indian establishments felt and deplored the contaminating influence of the Europeans, and that the mission of St. Louis, was for this cause obliged to be moved some distance up the river, to get the natives out of the way of the moral miasm of Montreal, and the further emigration to St. Regis, may without doubt be attributed to the same cause. In these acts, these ecclesiastics evinced a commendable regard for the moral welfare of their flocks, which challenges our admiration. In order that the end desired might not be defeated, it was considered essential that the new colony should be made up of a native population entirely; that no military post should form a part of them, and that traffic especially in spirituous liquors should be entirely interdicted. Among the first duties of Gordon was the erection of a chin-ch, which was built of logs and covered with barks. This humble and primative temple of worship, was made to serve the double purpose of a church and a dwelling, and one end of the hut was partitioned off* for the residence of their priest. There being no bell, when the hour of worship arrived, an Indian went .through the village from hut to hut, and annoimced with a loud voice AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 115 the hour that they might assemble for prayer. This practice reminds one of the Mahomedan custom, of proclaiming the hour of prayer from the Minarets of mosques. In about two years this church was burned, and with it the fii'St two years of the parish records. The first record extant, bears date Feb. 9, 1762, when Margarita Theretia an Abenika woman, married, and of unknown parentage, was baptized. Since that date, the parish records are very perfect, they have been kept in the Latin and French languages. Soon afterwards a small wooden church was erected on the ground now occupied by the priest's garden, which was furnished with a small cupola, and contained a bell. It has been generally believed that this bell was the same as that taken in 1704, from Deerfield, in Massachusetts, but after careful inquiries, the author has artived at the conclusion that that celebrated bell never was at St. Regis, but that it is none other than the smaller of the two that hangs in the steeple of the charch of St. Louis, in Caughnawaga. About fifteen years since, a bell belonging to the church of St. Regis, was broken up at Ogdensburgh, for i-ecasting, and the Indians were very jealous lest some part should be abstracted, and are said to have appointed some of their number to watch the operation, and see that every part was remelted. This metal now forms a part of the larger bell in the church at St. Regis. That the Deerfield bell could not have been taken directly to St. Regis, is evident, from the fact that fifty-six years elapsed between its cajjture and the founding of St. Regis. The latter place was first begun by emigrants, in 1760, from Caugh- nawaga, the larger portion of the tribe renaaining behind. It can scarcely be believed, that those that remained would allow themselves to be deprived of the only bell their church possessed, especially as the mission at the Saut St. Louis has been continued without interruption. While on a visit to Caughnawaga, in October, 1852, the author found in the village a direct and consistent tradition of the bell, which is still used in their church, and among the records in the hands of the priest, a manuscript in the French language, of which we shall give a transla- tion. .The bell is a small one, and once possessed an inscription, which has been effaced. The legend purports to have been found some fifteen years since, in an old English publication, and is regarded by the priest of the mission (Rev. Joseph Marcoux), who has for many years resided there, as in the main points reliable. If this view of the subject be correct, the legend loses none of its interest, exce})t being transferred from the church of 8 116 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE St, Regis to the church of the Saut St. Louis. This village is on the south side of the St. Lawrence, oppo&ite the village of Lachine, at the head of the Saut St. Louis, and nine miles above Montreal. Legend of the Bell of Saut St. Louis ( Caughnawaga), near Montreal. " Father Nicolas having assembled a considerable number of Indians who had been converted to the catholic faith, had established them in the village which now bears the name of the Saut St. Louis, upon tlie River St. Lawrence. The situation of this village is one of the most magnificent which the banks of that noble river presents, and is among the most picturesque which the country contains. The church stands upon a point of land which juts into the river, and its bell sends its echoes over the waters with a clearness which forms a striking contrast with the iron bells which were formerly so common in Canada, while the tin covered spire of the church, glittering in the sun- light, with the dense and gloomy forests which surround it, give a cha- racter of romance to this little church, and the legend of its celebrated bell.* Father Nicolas having, with the aid of the Indians, erected a church and a belfry; in one of his sermons explained to his humble auditors, that a bell was as necessary to a belfry, as a priest to a church, and ex- horted them to lay aside a portion of the furs that they collected in hunting, until enough was accumulated to purchase a bell, which could only be procured by sending to France. The Indians exhibited an inconceivable ardor in performing this religious duty, and the packet of furs was promptly made out, and forwarded to Havre, where an eccle- siastical personage was delegated to make the purchase. The bell was accordingly ordered, and in due time forwarded on board the Grande Monarque, which was on the point of sailing for Quebec. It so happened that after her departure, one of the wars which the French and the English then so often waged sprung up, and in conse- quence the Grande Monarque never attained her destined port, but was taken by a New England privateer, brought into the port of Salem, where she was condemned as a lawful prize, and sold for the benefit of her captors. The bell was purchased by the village of Deerfield, upon the Connec- ticut river, for a church then about being erected by the congregation of the celebrated Rev. John Williams. When Father Nicolas received news of the misfortune, he assembled * The old church of Caughnawaga, was in 1845 replaced by the present large and substan- tial stone edifice, erected with funds given the Indians for tliat purpose in consideration of lands which the government had appropriated to itself, as having belonged to the Jesuits, but fcr which they awarded the value, on its being proved that this mission had never belonged to that order. In 1830, a large bell was presented by the English government to the church, and hangs by the side of the time honored and venerable relic which forms the subject of the legend.%.The latler originally bore an inscription in the Latin language, but this has been effaced by the chisel, probably by hs New England owners, to prevent any identification by those for whom it was originally intended. Adjoining the church, stands the priest's house, which still presents the same appearance as when Charlevoix the traveler abode in it. The room is still pointed out in which he lived, and the desk on which hfe wrote a portion of that history which has made liis name celebrated as a historian. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 117 his Indians, related to them the miserable condition of the bell, retained in purgatory in the- hands of heretics, and concluded by saying, that it would be a most praise worthy enterprise to go and recover it. This appeal had in it as it were a kind of inspiration, and fell upon its hearers with all the force of the eloquence of Peter the Hermit, in preaching the crusades. The Indians deplored together the misfortune of their bell, which had not hitherto i-eceived the rite of baptism: they had not the slightest idea of a bell, but it was enough for them, that Father Nicolas, who preached and said mass for them, in their church, said that it had some indispens- able use in the services of the church. Their eagerness for the chase was in a moment suspended, and they assembled together in groups, and' seated on the banks of the river, conversed on the unhappy captivity of their bell, and each brought for- ward his plan which he deemed most likely to succeed in effecting its recovery. Some of their number, who had heard a bell, said that it could be heard beyond the muruiur of the rapid, and tliat its voice was more harmonious than that of the sweetest songster of the grove, heard in the quiet stillness of evening, when all nature was hushed in repose. All were melancholy, and inspired with a holy enthusiasm; many fasted, and others performed severe penances to obtain the deliverance of the bell, or the palliation of its sufferings. At length the day of its deliverance approached. The Marquis de Vaudreuil, Governor of Canada, resolved to send an expedition against the British colonies of Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The com- mand of this expedition was given to Major Hertel de Rouviile, and one of the priests of the Jesuit college, at Quebec, was sent to procure the services of Father Nicolas to accompany the expedition. The Indians were immediately assembled in the church; the messen- ger was presenied to the congregation, and Father Nicolas in a solemn discourse pointed to him as worthy of their veneration, from his being the bearer of glad tidings, who was about departing for his return to Quebec, to join the war. At the end of the discourse, the whole audi- ence raised with one voice the cry of war, and demanded to be led to the place where their bell was detained by the heretics. The savages immediately began to paint themselves in the most hide- ous colors, and w^ere animated with a wild enthusiasm to join the expe- dition. It was in the depth of winter when they departed to join the army of M. de Rouviile, at Fort Chambly. Father Nicolas mai-ched at their head, with a large banner, surmounted by a cross, and as they depai'ted from their village, their wives and little ones, in imitation of women of the crusades, who animated the wai-riors of Godfrey of Bouillon, they sang a sacred hymn which their venerated priest had selected for the occasion. They ai'rived at Chambly after a march of great hardship, at the moment that the French soldiers were preparing to start on their march up Lake Champlain. The Indians followed in their rear, with that ])erseverance peculiar to their character. In this order the Indians remained, following in silence, until they reached Lake Champlain, where all the army had been ordei-ed to rendezvous. This lake was then frozen and less covered by snow than the shores, and was taken as a more convenient route for the army. With their thoughts wrapped up in the single contemplation of the unhappy captivity of their bell, the Indians remained taciturn 118 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE during this pensive march, exhibiting uo symptoms of fatigue or of fear; no regret for their families or homes, and they regarded with equal indif- ference on the one hand tlie interminable line of ibrest, sometimes black iron) dense evergreens, and in others white from loads of snow; and on the other, the bleak lines of rocks and deserts of snow and ice, which bordered tlieir ]nilli. The Frunch soldiers, who suffered dreadfully from fatigue and cold regarded with admiration the agility and cheerfulness with which the Indians seemed to glide over the yielding surface of the snow on their snow shoes. The quiet endurance of the proselytes of Father Nicolas formed a striking contrast with the irritability and impatience of the French sol- diers. When they arrived at the point wl^ere now stands the city of Burling- ton, the order was given for a general halt, to make more efficient arrangements for penetrating through the forests to Massachusetts. In leaving this point, de Rouville gave to Father Nicolas the command of his Indian warriors, and took the lead of his own himself, with compass in hand, to make the most direct course for Deerfield. Nothing which the troops had thus far suffered could compare with what they now endured on this march through a wild country, in the midst of deep snow, and with no supplies beyond what they could carry. The French soldiers became imjjatient, and wasted their breath in curses and complaints at the hardshi[)s they suffered, but the Indians animated by a zeal which sustained them above the sense of hardships, remained steadfast in the midst of iatigue, which increased with the scvei-ity of their sufferings. Their custom of travelling in the forest had qualified them for these hardships which elicited the curses and execrations of their not less brave, but more irritable companions. Some time before the expedition arrived at its destination, the ]Miest Nicolas, fell sick from over exertion. His feet were woi n by the labor of traveling, and his face torn by the branches which he neglected to watch in his eagerncj^s t j follow the troops. He felt that he waa engaged in a !ioly expedition, and recalling to mind the martyrdom of the saints, and the persecutions which they en- dured, he looked forward to the gloi-y reserved for his reward for the sufferings which he might encounter in recovering the bell. On the evening of February 20th, 1704, the expedition arrived within two miles of Deerfield without being discovered. De Itouville here ordered his men to rest, and refresh themselves a short time, and he here issued his orders for attacking the town The surface of the snow was frozen, and crushed under the feet, but De Rouville with a remarkable sagacity, adopted a stratagem to deceive the inhabitants and the garrison. He gave orders that in advancing to the assault, his troops should make frequent pauses, and then rush forward with rapidity : thus imi- tating the noise made in the forest by the irregular blowing of the wind among branches laden with ice. The alarm was at length given, and a severe combat ensued, which resulted in the capture of the town, and the slaughter or dispersion of tiie inhabitants, and the garrison. This attTck occurred in the night, and at daybreak the Indians who had been exhausted by the labors of the night, presented themselves before Father Nicolas in a body, and begged to be led to the bell, that they might by their homage prove their veneration for it. Their priest was greatly affected by this earnest request, and De Rouville and others AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 119 of the French laughed inimoderately at it, but the priest wished not to discourage them in their wishes, and he obtained of the French chief permission to send one of liis sohiiers to ring it in the hearing of the Indians. The sound of the bell in the stillness of a coid morning, and in the midst of the calmness of the forest, echoed clear and far, and fell upon the ears of the simple Indians, like the voice of an oracle. They trem- bled, and were filled with fear and wojider. The bell was taken from the belfry, and attached to a pole in sucli a manner thatfour men could carry it, and in this way it was borne off with their plunder in triumph, the Indians glorying in the deliverance of this miraculous wonder. But they shortly perceived it was too heavy a burden, for the rugged' route they piu-sued, and the yieiding nature of the snows over which they traveled. Accordingly upon arriving at the point on the lake, where they had left it, they buried their cherished treasure, with many benedictions of. Father Nicolas, until the period should arrive when they could transport it with more conveu^nce. As soon as the ice had disappeared, and the bland air of spring had returned, giving foliage to the trees, and the fragrance and beauty of flowers to the forests, father Nicolas again assembled at the church, his Indian converts, to select a certain number of the tribe, who with the assistance of a yoke of oxen, should go and bring in the dearly prized bell. During- this intei-val, all the women and children of the Indian village, having been informed of the wonderful qualities of the bell, awaited its arrival with eagerness and impatience, and regarded its advent, as one of those events which but rarely mark the progress of ages. As the time ap})roached, when the curious object should arrive, they were as- sembled on the bank of the river, and discoursing upon the subject, when far off in the stillness of the twilight, there was heard from the depths of the forest, a sound, which from being feeble and scarcely audible, be- came every moment louder. Every one listened, when presently the cry arose, it is the hell! it is the bell ! ! and in a moment after, the oxen were seen emerging from the wood, surrounded by a group of Indians, and bearing ihe precious burden on a pole beiween them. They had hung upon the beam and around the bell, clusters of wild flowers and leaves, and the oxen were adorned with garlands of flowers. Thus marching in triumph. Father Nicolas entered his village, more proud of his success, and received with more heartfelt joy, than a Roman general returning in triumph from the conquest of nations. From this triumphal march in the midst of the quiet of the evening, which was broken only by the murmur of the rapid, softened by the dis- tance arose the shouts of rejoicing, as the cortege entered the village, and the idol bell was deposited in the church. Every one gratified his eager cm-iosity by examining the strange and musical metal, and the crusade had been crowned with unqualified success. In due time it was raised to its place in the belfi'y, and has ever since, at the accustomed hours, sent its clear tones over the broad bosom of the St. Lawrence, to announce the hour of prayer and lapse of time, and although its tones are shrill and feeble beside iis modern companion, they possess a music, and call up an association, which will long give an interest to the church of the Saut St. Louis, at the Indian village of Caughnawaga," Mrs. Sigourncy, whose chaste and elegant poetry, is justly admired for 120 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE the melody of its versification, as well as its delicacy of sentiment, has written a poetical account of this legend, which we will here take the liberty of quoting. It will be seen that it is in accordance with the eri-oneous belief of its being carried to the St. Regis, the inconsisteucy of which has been above stated. THE BELL, OF ST. REGIS, " The red men came in their pride and wrath, Deep vengeance fired their eye, And the blood of the white was in their path, And the flame from his roof rose high. Then down from the bui-ning church they tore The bell of tuneful sound, And on with their captive train they bore, That wonderful thhig toward their native shore. The rude Canadian bound. But now and then with a fearful tone, It struck on their startled eax- — And sad it was 'mid the mountains lone, Or the ruined tempest's muttered moan, 1'hat terrible voice tc hear. It seemed like the question that stirs the soul, Of its secret good or ill ; And they quaked as its stern and solemn toll, Reechoed from rock to hill. And they started up in their broken dream, 'Mid the lonely forest shade. And thought that they heard the dying screanij And saw the blood of slaughter stream Afresh through the village glade. Then they sat in council, those chieftains old, And a mighty pit was made. Where the lake with its silver waters rolled. They buried the bell 'neath the verdant mould, And crossed themselves and prayed. And there till a stately powow came, It slept in its tomb forgot. With a mantle of fur, and a brow of flame, He stood on that burial spot. They wheeled the dance with its mystic round At the stormy midnight hour, And a dead man's hand on his breast he bound. And invoked, ere he broke that awful ground, The demons of pride and power. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 121 Then he raised the beli with a nameless rite, Which none but himself might tell, In blanket and bear-skin he bound it tight, And it journeyed in silence both day and night, So strong was that magic spell. » It spake no more, till St. Regis's tower In northei-n skies appeared, And their legends extol that powow's power Which lulled that knell like the poppy flower, As conscience now slumbereth a little hour In the cell of a heart that's seared." The act of 1802, which will be hereafter given, empowered the trus- tees then created, to purchase a bell, and it is veiy probable that this may have been the one that was broken up, and recast a few years since. The earliest settlers of the country agree in this statement that a bell was in the church at a very early period, and that the village pi-esents now very nearly the same aspect that it did half a century since ; with the difference that it now is more decayed and neglected than then. The capture of Deerfield, divested of romance and tradition, occurred under the following circumstances. " In the evening of the 29th of February, 1704, Major Hertel de Rou- ville, with 20O French, and 142 Indians, after a tedious march of be- tween 2 and 300 miles through deep snows, arrived at an elevated pine foi-est about two miles north of the village, (now called Petty's plain,) bordering Deerfield meadow, where they lay concealed till after mid- night. Finding all quiet, and the snow being covered with a crust suffi- cient to support the men, Rouville left his snow shoes and packs at the foot of the elevation, and, crossing Deerfield river, began his march through an open meadow before daylight, with the utmost caution, which however, was unnecessary, for the guard had retired to rest, a little be- fore daylight. Arriving at the north west quarter of the fort, where the snow had drifted in many places nearly to the top of the palisades, the enemy entered the place, and found all in a profound sleep. Parties de- tached in various directions, broke into the houses, and dragged the as- tonished people fi-om their beds, and whenever resistance Avas made they were generally killed. A party forced the door of the house of the Rev. Mr. John Williams, who awakened by the noise, seized a pistol from his bed tester and snapped it at one of the Indians who were entering the room. He was seized, bound, and kept standing in his shirt for nearly an hour. His house in the meantime was plundered, and two of his children, with a black female servant, were murdered before the door. They then permitted him and Mrs. Williams, with five other child- dren to put on their clothes. The house of Capt. John Sheldon was attacked, but as the door at which the Indians attempted to enter was firmly bolted, they found it difficult to penetrate. They then perforated it with their tomahawks, and thrusting through a musket, fired and killed the captain's wife, as she was rising from a bed in an adjoining room. The captain's son and wife, awakened by the assault, leaped from a chamber window at the 122 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE east ead of the house, by which the latter strained her ancle, and was seized by tlie Indians, but the husband escaped to the woods and reached Hatfield. After gaining possession of the bouse, which was one of the largest in the place, tiie enemy reserved it as the depot for the pri- soners, as they were collected from other parts of the village. The whole number made prisoners was 112, and the number of killed was 47. Having collected the prisoners, plundered and set fire to the buildings, Rouville left the place when the sun was about an hour high. Every building within the fort was reduced to ashes, except the meeting house, and that of Captain Sheldon, which was the last one fired, and saved by the English, who assembled immediately after the enemy left the place. The night following the attack, the enemy encamped in the meadow, in what is now Greenfield, about four miles from Deerfield village, where by clearing away the snow, and constructing slight cabins of brush, the prisoners were as comfortably lodged as circumstances would admit. The second day of the journey, Mi's. Widiams, who had been con- fined but a i'ew weeks previous, became exhausted through fatigue, and proving burdensome, her Indian master sank his tomahawk into her head, and left her dead at the foot of a hill near Green river. The march of the captives, on the Connecticut river continued several days without any incident of note, except now and then murdering an ex- hausted captive, and taking off his scalp. At the mouth of White river, Rouville divided his force into several parties; that which Mr. Williams accompanied proceeded down Onion river to Lake Champlain, and from thence into Canada. After his ar- rival there he was treated with civility and even humanity. In 1706, a flag ship was sent to Quebec, and Mr. Williams and fifty, seven other captives was redeemed and brought to Boston. All the surviving child- ren of Mr. Williams were redeemed with the exception of his daughter Eunice, who was left behind, being about ten years old." * She adopted the language, dress and religion of the Indians, and married one of the Caughnawagua tribe. She subsequently visited her New England relatives, but could not be induced to abandon her adopted people. Capt. Thomas Williams, at St. Regis, of whom we give a biographical notice, in this work, and whose name occurs on most of the treaties which the St. Regis Indians have held with the state, was a descendant of this daughter of the Rev. John Williams. During the revolutionary war a considerable portion of the St. Regis and a part of the Caughnawaga Indians joined the British; others led by Colonel Louis Cook, of whom we shall give a particular account in the following pages, joined the American cause. Concerning the history of the village during this period we have been* unable to obtain any knowledge. At the opening of the revolutionary war, the continental cause re- ceived much injury from the influence of the Johnsdn families, in Tryon county, and especially from Sir John Johnson, a baronet, and son of Sir • See Historical Collections of Massachusetts, by John W. Barber, p- 250,252 .Also a Bio- gr*pbical Memoir of ihe Rev. John Williams, by Stephen Williams, Deerfield 1837. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES'. 123 William, who &eci-etly instigated the Indians to hostilities, and created much mischief on the frontier. To prevent this calamity it was thought advisable by Gen. Schuyler, to arrest Sir Jolin, and thus put it out of his power to do further mis- chief. Accordingly in May, 1776, Col. Dayton, with a part of his regiment then on its way to Canada, was sent to prosecute this enterprise.* Receiving timely notice of this, from his tory friends in Albany, he hastily assembled a large number of his tenants, and others, and pre- pared for retreat, which he successfully accomplished, taking to the woods and avoiding the route of lake Champlain, from fear of falling into the hands of the Continentals, supposed to be assembled in that direction, he struck deeper into the woods, by way of the head waters of the Hud- son, and descended the Raquette to Canad:i. Their provisions were soon gone, their feet became sore from traveling, and numbers were left to be picked up by the Indians, sent back for their relief. After nineteen days of hardships, which have had few parallels in our history, they reached Montreal. So hasty was their flight, that the family papers were buried in the garden, and nothing was taken, but such articles as were of prime necessity. His extensive family estates were confiscated, and he thenceforth became a most active loyalist, and the scourge of the Mohawk settlement during the remainder of the war. Some historians have supposed that an expedition of Mohawk Indians was despatched from Montreal to meet Sir John : and Brant long after, in rehearsing the exploits of his tribe, during the Revolution, says: "We then went in a body to a town, then in possession of the enemy, and rescued Sir John Johnson, bringing him fearlessly through the streets, "f When on a visit of historical inquiry, at the Indian village of St Regis, in June 1852, the author obtained a tradition, that that people sent num- bers of their warriors to meet the fugitives, carrying parched corn and sugar to preserve them from perishing, until they could reach the Cana- dian settlements. We will return to the history of Gordon, and briefly trace the progress of the catholic mission, and then present the series of events which have marked the history of the village. There is a tradition that a tract of land on the east side of the river, and extending up two miles, was granted to the priest as a support. * Life of Brant, by William L. Si"iie, vol. i. p. 143, 144, and Sparke's Life and Williiigs of "Wasliinglon, nole in vol. iv. p. 409,410. t Stone's Life of Braat, vol. i., p. 144, note. 124 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE but this claim has not been asserted, nor is it known that there is any written evidence of the fact. Father Gordon's health failing, he went back to Caughnawaga, in 1775, where he died iu 1777. The mission was then without u jiriest, five or six years. Father Denaut, Oct. 1784, from the Cedars, and Lebrun, a Jesuit from Caughnawaga, in January and September 1785, appear from the parish records, to have visited the place, to administer religious rites. Denaut subsequently became Bishop of Quebec, and the mission at the Cedars was supplied by L'Ai'chambault, who also occasionally visited St. Regis, in the absence of an established priest. In December, 1785, Roderick McDonnell, a Scotch priest, succeeded, and remained till 1806, when he died. He is interred under the choir of the church. Being a part of the time sick, he was assisted by A. Van Felsen, of Quebec, who was here from May 5, 1800, till September 30, 1802. During McDonnell's residence, the present church was erected in 1791 and 1792, at first without a belfry. The frame church was then standing, but soon after demolished. The present church is a massive stone building, of ancient and venerable ap- pearance, the walls nearly four feet thick, the windows high, and a door in the middle of the sash, for ventilation, after a custom prevalent in Ca- nada. Across the end opposite the door is a railing, and beyond and ele- vated above the floor of the church, is an ample space lor the altar, and the various fixtures of the catholic worship. The altar is unusually de- corated with gilding and ornaments, and the interior of the church is adorned with paintings and prints of religious subjects. The history of two of these paintings will be given elsewhere. A gallery extends across the end of the church over the door, for the accommodation of strangers and others, and iu tlie body of the church . near the wall, are a few seats for the singers. The greater part of the Indians, during worship, kneel or sit upon the floor, and the appearance presented to a stranger by the striking uniformity of dress and attitude, which he notices on first visiting the church during service, is very im- pressive. Preacliing is performed in the Mohawk dialect of the Iroquois language every sabbath, and all the ritual of the catholic church is observed with scrupulous care. McDonnell was immediately succeeded by Father Rinfret, aCanadian, who remained a year, when he removed to Caughnawaga, where he died a few years after. He was followed by J6an BaptisteRoupe, who arrived in the fall of 1807, and remained till the last of July, 1812. He was taken a prisoner in his house, at the affair which happened at St Regis, in the AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 125 '•all of 1812. He was succeeded by Joseph Marcoux, of Caughnawaga, AVho left in March, 1819, Avhen Nicholas Dufresne, held the office of priest till 1825. He then removed to the Sulpician Seminary, at Montreal, and has been for ten or twelve years a missionary at Two Mountains, 36 miles noithward fi-om Montreal. In 1825, Joseph Vall6 arrived, and continued in the office till the fall of 1832, when he was succeeded by the E-ev. Francis Marcoux, the pre- sent missionary. Father Valle died in 1850, below Quebec. The sovereignty of the soil of the northern part of the state, was an- ciently vested in the Mohawks, who, from the earliest period of authentic history, exercised jurisdiction over it. Upon- the emigration of a part of this people to Canada, they claimed to carry with them the title from whence the villagers of St. Regis, asserted their claim to the northern part of the state, in common with the other Mohawk nations of Canada. The Mohawks it is well known, espoused the I'oyal cause in the revolu- tion, through the influence of the Johnson family, and emigrated to Grand river in Upper Canada, where they still reside on lands given them by government. Whatever title to the land remained with them, was sur- rendered by the following treaty, held at Albany, March 29, 1795. " At a treaty, held under the authority of the United States, with the Mohawk nation of Indians, residing in the province of Upper Canada, within the dominions of the King of Great Britain. Present, the Hon. Isaac Smith, Commissioner appointed by the United States, to hold this treaty, Abram Ten Broeck, Egbert Benson and Ezra L'Horamedieu, agents for the State of New York, Captain Joseph Brant and Capt. John Deserontyon, two of tlie said Indians, and deputies to represent the said nation at this treaty. The said agents having in the presence, and with the approbation of the said commissioners, proposed to, and adjusted with the said deputies, the compensation as hereinafter mentioned, to be made to the said nation for their claim to be extinguished by this treaty, to all lands within the said state. It is thereupon finally agreed and done, between the said na- tions and the said deputies, as follows, that is to say : The said agents do agree to pay to the said deputies, the sum of one thousand dollars for the use of the said nation, to be by the said deputies paid over to, and dis- tributed among the persons and families of the said nation, according to their usages, the sum of five hundred dollars, for the expenses of the said deputies, during the time they have attended this treaty, and the sum of one hundred dollars for their expenses in returning, and for carrying the said sum of one thousand dollars to where the said nation resides. And the said agents do accordinglj^ for, and in the name of the People of the State ofJVeiv York, pay the said three several sums to the deputies, in the presence of the said commissioners. And the said deputies do agree to cede and release, and these present witness that they accordingly do, for and in the name of the said nation, in consideration of the said compensation, cede and release to the people of the state of New York, forever, all the right or title of the said nation, to lands within the said state, and the claim of the said nation to lands within the said state, is hereby wholly and finally extuiguished. 126 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE In testimony whereof, the said commisssioner, the said agents, and the said deputies, have hereunto, and to two other acts of the same tenor and date, one to remain with the United States, one to remain with the said State, and one deHvered to the said deputies, to remain with the said nation, set tlieir hands and seals at the city of Albany, in the said State, the twenty-ninth day of March, in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-five." Sisjned, seah;d, and acknowledo sums to be paid on the third Monday in Au- gust next, at least twentj', and in respect to the said yearly sum to be paid thereafter, at least five of the principal men of the said Seven Nations or tribes of Indians, shall attend as deputies to receive and to give receipts for the same. The said deputies having suggested that the Indians of St. Regis have built a mill on Salmon river and another on Grass river and that the meadows on Grass river are necessarj* for hay, in order therefore to secure to the Indians of the said village, the use of the said mills and meadows, in case they should hereafter appear not to be included in the above tract, so as to remain reserved. It is therefore also agreed and conclu(Jed between the said deputies and 146 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE the said agents and the said William Constable and Daniel McCormick, for themselves and their associates, purchasers under the said Alexander Macomb, of the adjacent lands, that there shall he reserved to be applied to the use of the Indians of the said village of St. Regis, in like manner as the said tract is to remain reserved, a tract of one mile square at each of the said mills, and the meadows on both sides of the said Grass river, from the said mills thereon, to its confluence with the river St. Law- rence. In testnnony whereof, the said commissioners, the said deputies, the said agents, and the said William Constable and Daniel McCormick, have hereunto, and to two other acts of the same tenor and date, one to remain with the United States, another to remain with the state of New York, and another to remain with the Seven Nations or tribes of Indians, set their hands and seals in the city of New York, the thirty-first day of May, in the twentieth year of the Independence of the United States, one thou- sand seven hundred and ninety-six. Abi-aham Ogden (L. S.), Ohnaweio, alias Good Stream (mark L. S.), Otiatoharougwan, alias Colonel Louis Cook (mark L. S.), VVm. Gray (L. S.), Teharagwan .'gen, alias Thos. Wil- liams (mark L. S.), Egbert Benson (L. S.), Richard Varjck (L. S.), James Watson (L. S.), Wm. Constable (L. S.), Daniel McCormick (L. S.j. Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of Samuel Jones, Recorder of the city of New York, John Taylor Recorder of the city of Albany, Jo's Ogden Hoffman, Attorney-General of the state of New York. May 30th, 1797. Acknowledged before John Sloss Hobart, Justice of Supreme Court of Judicature. Feb. 28, 1800. Exemplified signed and sealed by the Governor, John Jay." The above treaty is engrossed upon a large size sheet of parchment, to which is affixed a large waxen seal, having on one side the state arms and inscription, " The great seal of the state," and on the other the device of waves beating against a rock, and the word " Frustra," " 1798." The back and margins are covered with receipts. This and the other treaties which have been held between the St. Regis Indians and the state of New York, are carefully preserved by the clerk of the American party at St. Regis. The agreements made in the treaty of May 31, 1796, were confirmed by an act which was passed April 4, 1801. It had previously received the sanction of the general government, as appears from the following : On the 20th of February, 1797, the governor sent to the senate the following message: Gentlemen : "I have the honor of laying before you a letter of the 18th ult., from the Secretary of the United States, for the department of war, enclosing a copy of the resolution of the Senate, advising and consenting to the rati- fication of the treaty concluded on behalf of the state with the Indians, calling themselves the Seven Nations of Canada. John Jay." In the negociations between these Indians and the state, the name of Brant, the celebrated partisan Indian, was used in connection with pro- AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 147 eeedings, which the Mohawks liad held with the state, in the cession of their lands, iu such a manner as to awaken a controversy between him and the deputy superintendent, which ultimately became embittered by mutual allegations of pecuniary delinquency. The six nations had bargained with Colonel Livingston, in 1787, as we have previously stated, for a large tract of land which the Caughnawaga and St. Regis Indians insisted was fraudulent. As Brant was a witness to the treaty, and was one of the most promi- nent of those by whom it was made, this denial of their right amounted to little else than a charge that those who made it, had pocketed the avails for their own benefit. This charge Brant indignantly repelled, denying that the Caughnawagas had a right to a foot of the lands which had been sold to Livingston, and demanding of them their authority, for their charges against him, and the Grand River Indians. They replied that their information was derived from the representations of the officers of the state of New York, at Albany. To ascertain the ground there might be for this, he addressed a letter to Governor Clinton, which received the following reply. Greenwich, 1st December, 1799. Dear Sir : " On my I'eturn from the country, about a month ago, I was favored with your letter of the 4th of September. I am much gratified by the determination you express, of furnishing Doctor Miller with the informa- tion he requested of you, and I hope as the work for which it is wanted is pi'ogressing, you will find leisure td do it soon, I am confident he w^ll make a fair and honorable use of it; and, as far as he shall be en- abled, coiTect the erroneous representations of former authors respecting your nations. I am surprised to find that you have not received my letter the 11th of of January, last. It was enclosed and forwarded as requested, to Mr. Peter W. Yates of Albanj^ Had it reached you ; I pi-esume you will find, from the copy I now enclose, it would have been satisfactory ; but as a pai'ticular detail of what passed between the Caughnawagoes and me, respecting their lands may be more agreable, I will now repeat it to you as far as my recollection will enable me. In the winter of 1792-1793, our Legislature being in session in Albany, a committee from the Seven Nations or tribes of Lower Canada, attended there, with whom I had several conferences. They complained that some of our people had settled on their lands near Lake Champlain, and on the River St. Lawrence, and requested that commissioners might be appointed to enquire into the matter, and treat with them on the subject. In my answer to their speeches, I answered that it was difficult to define their rights and their boundaries; and that it was to be presumed that the Indian rights to a considerable part of the lands on the borders of the lake, had been extinguished by the French Government, before the conquest of Canada, as those lands, or a greater part of them, had been granted to individuals by that government before that period. In their reply they described their southern boundary, as commencing at a creek or run of water between Fort Edward and George, which empties into 10 148 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE Soutli Bay, and from thence extending on a direct line to a large meadow or swamp where the Canada Creek, which empties into the Mohawk opposite Fort Hen(h-ick, the Black and Oswegatchee Rivers have their sources. Upon which I observed to them that this line would interfere with lands patented by the British Government previous to the Revolu- tion, and particularly mentioned Totten and Crossfield's purchase and Jessup's patent: but I mentioned at the same time that I was neither authorized or disposed to controvert their claims, that I would submit to the Legislature, who I could not doubt would pay due attention to them and adopt proper measures to effect a settlement with them upon fair and liberal terms. This I accordingly did, and some time after com- missioners were appointed to treat with them in the presence of an agent of the United States, the result of which, I find you are informed of. I believe you will readily agree that no inference could be drawn from any thing that passed on the above occasion to countenance the charge made against your nations. The mentioning and interference of their boundaries, as above stated, with tracts patented under the British Government, could certainly have no allusion to the cessions made by the Six Nations, or either of them to the state, especially as (if I recollect right) those cession are of the territory of the respective nations by whom they were made without defining them by any particular bounda- ries, and subject only to the reservations described in the deed. I wish it was in my power to transmit to you copies of their speeches and my answer at full length; but it is not for the reasons mentioned in my former letter, should they, however, be deemed necessary to you, I will endeavor to procure and forward them ; in the mean time you may rest assured that what I have related is the substance of them. I am with great regard and esteem, Col. Joseph Brant. Your most obedient sei^vant, Geo. Clinton. This correspondence, and that which ensued with Governor Jay, did not satisfy Brant, and he accordingly caused a deputation of his tribe to repair to Albany, at the head of which was his adopted nephew, John Norton, to meet a similar deputation of the Caughnawagas, face to face, and require his accusers connected with the government of the state of New York, either to substantiate their charges or acquit him in the presence of both delegations. The result of this double mission is not known, save that the chiefs were not satisfied with it. In July of the same year (1799,) Brant proceeded to the Caughnawaga country in person, accompanied by a body of chiefs of several of the tribes, for the purpose of a through investigation in general council. Such a council was convened ; and the difficulties from the reports of speeches preserved in writing by Captain Brant, were fully discussed ; and that too in a most amicable manner. From several intimations in these speeches, it appears that the whole of these difficulties had been caused by "chattering birds," and by the machinations against Captain AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 149 Brant, of the old Oneida sachem, Colonel Louis.* The council fire was kindled on the 8th of July, on the 9th Captain Brant was satisfied by the explanations given, and remarked, "that he had pulled up a pine, and planted down beneath it the small bird that tells stories." On the 10th, the Caughnawaga chief replied: — " Brothers, we return you thanks; we also join with you to put the chattering bird under ground, from where the pine was taken up, there being a swift stream into which it will fall beneath, that will take it to the big sea, fi-om whence it never can return." (See Stone's Life of Brant, vol. ii, p. 410, 414.^ The evident partiality of the writer of the life of Brant, has perhaps prevented him from giving to the Canada Indians their due in discussing their claims to the lands in the northern part of the state. The St. Regis people having decided the question of the amount of land they were to receive, were desirous of having the boundaries known. To settle definitely however their rights, they addressed the following letter to the governor. To our Great Brother, John Jay, Governor of the State ofJVew York. Brother : We the chiefs and chief warriors at St Regis, have sent the Bearers, Louis Cook, Sag Shaketlay, Loren Tarlelon, and William Gray, our interpreters, to enquire of you Brother, how we are to know the distance of our reserve, equal to six miles square, reserved to us by a treaty held at the city of New York, the 30th of May, 1796, with our deputies Louis Cook, Ohnaweio, Good Stream, Thomas Williams, and William Gray, and another reserve of one mile square on Salmon Creek, twelve miles below St, Regis, at a saw mill belonging to us chiefs. Brother : The reason of our sending the Bearers to you, is, that some time the latter part of last fall, some of your children, our brothers of this state, was marking and running lines within what we expect is our reserved lands, and we know no other way, but to come and inform you that we might know what to do, and we beg that you will inform the Bearers that they, as soon as is convenient to you may return home and inform us what to do. We hope you will not let thy Bearers want for victuals and drink, what will be for their good, we wish you health and happiness with your family. From your Brothers the chiefs of St. Regis." Chiefs. For the Chiefs at Tio-na-to-gex-a, St. Regis, William Gray. Tha-ron-ia-he-ne, Ta-te-ga-ien-to N, To-TA-RO-WA-NE. * We quote the language of Stone in his Life of Brant. This author was mtstaken in supposing Colonel Louis an Oneida Indian. 150 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE This petition led to the passage on the 30th of March, 1799, of the following act: " The surveyor general be, and he is hereby directed in his proper person, to lay out and survey, in such manner as the chiefs of the St. Regis Indians shall deeni satisfactory, ail the lands reserved to the said Indians, by the treaty held at the city of Nev'' York, and conform- able thereto, the twenty-third day of May, in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety six; and the treasurer is hereby required to pay to him, out of any money in the treasury, four hundred dollars to defray the expense thereof, which sum the surveyor general shall ac- count for with the comptroller." The surveyor general performed this duty and reported as follows: "Sir: — Pursuant to the act of the legislature, directing the surveyor general to lay out and survey the lands reserved to the Indians residing at St. Regis. I have surveyed in a manner satisfactory to the chieiis of that tribe the tract equal to six miles square, reserved to them at their village; as also the two tracts of one mile square each, at the mills on Salmon river, and Grass river, maps descriptive of the boundaries of these I have the honor herewith to deliver. When 1 was about to commence the survey of the meadows, reserved to the use of these Indians on Grass river, they informed me in council that they considei'ed themselves entitled to a tract of half a mile on each side of the river^ from its mouth up to the mill, and that they had caused it to be run out in that manner, for their meadow reservation, and inti- mated a desire that my survey should be made in a corresponding man- ner. I was obliged to inform them that I had no guide but their treaty, and consequently could regard no survey made without authority, and that nothing but the meadows barely, along that river, was pointed out as their property. They then pointedly desired me to make no marks on that ground, observing at the same time that as a deputation from their nation would have to repair to Albany on other business, during the sitting of the legislature, they wished by that opportunity to obtain an explanation of what they considered to be a misapprehension between the parties of the treaty. Not being permitted to make a survey of the meadows, I availed my- self of the opportunity of going up and down the river, of making an estimate of them, with a view to report the same as an article of informa- tion that might be serviceable in case a compromise respecting them should be contemplated. These meadows consist of narrow strips along the margin of the river, where inundations have prevented the growth of timber. They lie in a number of patches, of from half a chain to three orfom- chains in width, making in the whole extent which is about six miles, not exceeding sixty acres altogether, as nearly as I could judge. The grass on them with small exceptions, is all wild grass. Their value, though of no very great consideration, as an appendage to the adjoining lands, is however esteemed as almost inestimable by Indians, who consider the clearing of land as a matter entirely beyond their power to accomplish. It will be impossible moreover, that the Indians should ever enclose the meadows with fences so as to prevent their destruction by the cattle of the white inhabitants, who soon will settle thick in their neighborhood, and this will inevitably become the cause of disagreeable differences. It is proper for me to observe that the ground on whicli these mead- AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 151 ows are situated, as well as the mile square, at the mill on Grass river, has been patented in tracts distinct from Macomb's purchase; and there- fore the sanction which the proprietors of that purchase gave to the treaty, will not exonerate the state from the duty of compensating the owners of the lands from which these parts of the reservation are taken." [The remainder of the report relates to other subjects.] Signed, SisiEON De Witt. Albany Jan. 14, 1800. The troubles from trespass anticipated in the abo%'e, were soon real- ized ; for the particulars of these the reader is referred to our account of Massena. On February 20, 1800, there was received in Assembly from the Senate, a resolution : " That the commissioners of the land office be directed to settle with the St. Regis Indians, for such tracts of huid, included in the lands confirmed to them by the late treaty, and before located by in- dividuals, and granted by this state, by making compensation for the lands so granted, or by satisfying the individuals owning such lands in such manner as they shall judge most advantageous to the state, aild the legislatm-e, will make provision for carrying into effect any agreement which may be made by the commissioners for extinguishing the claims of the said Indians, or of the individual proprietors aforesaid." This resolution was postponed by the assembly, nor is it known what was the final action of the legislature upon it. On the yth of April, 1801, a law was passed making it lawful for the governor to cause a treaty to be holden with the St. Regis Indians, for the purpose of extinguishing their right to a tract of a mile square at the mill on Grass river, and for that purpose to appoint an agent on the part of the state, and i>rocure the appointment cf a commissioner, on the part of she United States, to attend the holding as such treat3\ Pro- vided that the consideration to be paid the said Indians for the said ti'act, shall not exceed a permanent annuity of two hundred dollars. A sum not exceeding $500 was appropriated to defray the expense of holding this treaty. The surveyor general was directed to cause the meadows reserved to the use of the said Indians, upon Grass river, and which had been dis- posed of by the state, to be surveyed, and the quantity ascertained, and to report the same to the legislature at the next siession. It was further made lawful for the agent to extinguish the right of ferriage, belonging to the said Indians over the River St, Lawrence, ad- joining their reservation, for such reasonable annuity as they may deem propel". The future payments of the ainiuity stjpulated with the said Indians, was directed to be made at the town of Plattsburgh. in the county of 152 ' HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE Clinton. The act referred to makes a provision for the patenting by the state to William Gray, of two hundred and fifty-seven acres of laud, in- cluding the mill on Salmon river. The president of the United States, by a message making sundry nominations, and addressed to the senate, February 2, 3802, recommend- ed the nomination of John Taylor of New York, to be a commissioner, to hold a treat}' between the state of New Yoi-k, and the St. Regis Indians. He was led to this, from having received a communication from the governor of New York, purporting that the St. Regis Indians had pro- posed ceding one mile square, including the ferry, to the state of New York, and requesting a commissioner to be appointed on the part of the United States, to sanction the business, which it was proposed should be accomplished during the ensuing winter at Albany. (American State Papers, Indian Affairs, vol. i, p. 565.) In 18C2, agents were appointed to treat with the St. Regis Indians for the sale of their mile square, and meadows. The following commu- nication made to the Assembly by Governor Clinton, March, 15, 1802, contains the results of their negociations. It was first reported to the senate. Gentlemen : " I now submit to the Legislature, the report of the agents appointed to treat with the St. Regis Indians, for the extinguishment of the mile square, and the meadows on Grass river. I also present to you a petition from those Indians, praying among other things,*for legislative provisions, to enable them to lease a part of their lands, to establish a ferry across the St. Regis river, and to apply the income to the support of a school for the instruction of their children. It may be proper to observe, that as the petitioners have uniformly evinced a warm attachment, to the state, and have made uncommon advances towards civilization, they have a claim to the attention of the Legislature, ai-ising as well from princi- ples of policy, as benevolence. They discover an anxiety to return home as soon as possible, but at the same time are unwilling to leave this city, until the result of their application to the Legislature is known." Geo. Clinton. The report of the agents referred to, in his excellency's said message, and the petition of the St. Regis Indians, were also severally read, and together with the message, referred to the committee of thee house. ,The petition was as follows : " To our great and Honorable Brother, John Jay, Governor of the State of JVew York : Brothers : We, the chiefs and wan-iors of the village of St. Regis, have sent the bearers. Colonel Louis Cook, Jacob Francis, Peter Tarbell, as deputies, and William Gray as interpreter, to act and settle all business for us tha AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 153 may concern this state, or us, the above mentioned village, or any indi- vidual belonging to this state. Firsthj, we beg you brother, to order means to have our meadows on Grass river, surveyed, and the number of acres contained there, to have as many acres cleared near our village, within the reservation made to us by this state, and then to have the use of the meadows on Grass river, till such time as those lands will be fit to mow grass on. Secondly, brother, we wish to inform you, that at the west end of our meadows, on Grass river, we have one square mile of land, likewise re- served to us by the state, with a saw mill in the centre of the mile square, for which Araable Foshee is bound to pay us the sum of two hundred doll-u-s per year, as long as he keeps it in his custody, and we are not satisfied with his usage to us. Thirdly, brother; there is a route that leads from Plattsburgh on Lake Champlain, crosses the Chateaugay river, and comes straight to the vil- lage of St. Regis, where there ought to be a ferry kept up for the ac- commodation of the public, and the use of this ferry is like to create quarrels and disputes: Now brothers in order to prevent all these disagreeable contentions, we wish to propose to you, for to take one hundred acres, and the privi- lege of the ferry, and where there may be a good potash works erected for those people who wish to give us two hundred and fifty dollars, as a yearly rent. Fourthly, brother, we wish to inform you, that there are nine miles be- tween houses, however the route runs through our reservation, and we mean to rent a part of our lands, in order to make it convenient for travelers, and as some benefit to ourselves and children, who may follow us, and we began to inform all our brothers who may see fit to rent the lands of us, that we expect they will pay their rents according to con- tract, as you have law and justice in your power, and we are not ac- quainted with our brother white people's laws. Fifthly, brother, there is a request from your sisters of the village of St. Regis, the women of families, which is, that you pity them, and send them a school master, to learn their children to read and write. Brother, your compliance to these requests will cause us ever to pray your Avelfare and happiness, who remain your brothers, chiefs, and their wives in the St. Regis." Te-ha-ton-wen-heon-gatha, Tl-E-HEN-NE. Te-ga-ri-a-ta-ro-gen, On- WA-RI-EN-TE, Ori-wa-ge-te, To-TA-TO-WA-NE, At-ti-ax-to-tie. Witness, William Gray. Accordingly two laws were enacted, relating to these people, at the ensuing session of the Legislature. The first was passed March 8, 1802. which provided, " that it shall and may be lawful for his Excellency the Governor, and the Surveyor general, to treat with the St. Regis Indians for the extinguishment of their claim to the mile square, and the meadows on Grass river, ceded to them in the year 1796, on such terms as they shall deem most condusive to the interests of the state, or to pur- chase the same from the individuals to whom it has been granted by the state before it was ceded to the said Indians, in case the latter purchase can be made on more favorable terms than the extinguishment of the Indian claim, 154 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE 'J'hat in case the said lands can not be purchased of the said Indians, or of the said patentees at a reasonable ]>rice, liis Excellency, the Gov- ernor, shall represent the same to the Legislature that further provisions may be made respecting those claims." The meadows were subsequently puichased of the patentees for the Indians: During the same session, an act was passed, relating to the St. Regis Indians, March 26, 1802, as follows. " Be it enacted by the people of the state of JVeiv York, in Senate and As- sembly, That William Gray, Louis Cook and Loren Tarbell, belonging to the tribe of the St. Regis Indians, be and they are hei'eby appointed trustees for the said tribe, for the purpose of leasing the ferry over St. Regis river, with one hundred acres of land adjoining, aud also one mile square of land on Grass river, within their reservation within this state, for such term of time as they shall judge proper, not exceeding ten years, and it shall and may be lawful for the said trustees, to apply the rents and profits of the said ferry and lands for a support of a school for the instruction of the childr3n of the said tribe, (of which the said trus- tees shall have the superintendence,) and for such other purposes as the said trustees shall judge most conducive to the interests of the said tribe, and the powers hereafter vested in the said trus/ees, may be exer- cised by them or any two of them. And be it further enacted, That it shall and may be lawful for the said St. Regis Indians, on the first Tuesday of May next, and on the first Tuesday of May in every year thereafter, to hold a town meeting on their said reservation, within the state, and by a majority of male In- dians above, twenty-one years of age, to choose a clerk, who shall keep order in such meeting, and enter in a book to be provided by him for that purpose, the proceedings of the said meetings. And be it further enacted, That it shall and may be lajvful for the said tribe, at any such meeting aforesaid, to make such rules, orders and regu- lations, respecting the improvement of any other of their lands in the said reservation, as they shall judge necessary, and to choose trustees for carrying the same into execution, if they shall judge such trustees to be necessai-y. And be it further enacted, That it shall and may be lawful for the said William Gray, Louis Cook, and Loren Tarbell, to procure a bell for the church belonging to the said tribe, to be paid for out of their annuity. A7id be it further enacted. That it shall and may be lawful for the per- son administering the government of this state, to cause to be sent to the said tribe at the place where their annuity is paid, two suits of silk colors, one with the arms of the United States, and the arms of this state as a gratuity, and to draw a warrant on the treasury for the ex- penses of thesame." On the approach of the war, the situation of St. Regis, on the national boundary, placed these people in a peculiar and delicate position. Up to this period, although residing in both governments, they had been as one, and in their internal afiiiirs, were governed by twelve chiefs, who were elected by the tribe, aud held their offices for life. The annuities and presents of both governments were equally divided among them, and in the cultivation of their lands, and the division of AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 155 the rents and profits arising from leases, they knew no distinction of party. The war operated with peculiar severity against them, from the teri-or of Indian massacre, which the recollections and traditions of former wars, had generally inspired the inhabitants. So great was the terror which these poor people excited, that they could not travel, even where acquainted, without procuring a pass, ■which they vi^ere accustomed to obtain from any of the principal inhabit- ants, whose names were publicly known. A paper, stating that the bearer was a quiet and peaceable Indian, with or without a signature, they were accustomed to solicit, and this they would hold up in sight, when still at a distance, that those who might meet them should not be alarmed. They were likewise accustomed to require persons traveling across their reservation, to have, if strangers, a pass, purporting the peaceable nature of their business. The chiefs, it is said, appointed certain persons to grant these passes, among whom was Cap- tain Policy, of Massena Springs. As few of them could read it became necessary to agree upon some emblem by whicli the signification could be known, and the following device was adopted: If a person were going through to French Mills, a bow was drawn on the paper, but if its bearer was designing to visit St. Regis village, an arrow was added thus. Thus cut off from their usual means of subsistence, they were reduced to a wretched extremity, to obtain relief from which, Col. Louis repaired to Ogdensburgh, and sent the following letter to Gov, Tompkins: " I address you these Hues, for the purpose of expressing the situation of my nation, and of giving you assurances of our constantly chei'ishing good Avill and friendship towards the United States, and of our deter- mination not to intermeddle with the war which has broken out between them and the English, and which has placed us in so critical a situation. Our young men being prevented from hunting, and obtaining a subsist- ence for their families, are in want of provisions, and I address myself in their behalf to the justice and liberality of the governor of this state, to obtain a supply of beef, pork and flour, to be delivered to us at St. Regis, during the time that we are compelled to give up our accustomed pursuits, which it seems, if continued, would give alarm to our white brethren. I have come myself to this place, to communicate the dis- tressed situation of our nation to Cul. Benedict, who has promised to submit the same to you, and in hopes of soon receiving a favorable an- swer to my request, I subscribe myself with much attachment, your affectionate brother and friend." his (Signed,) Louis X Cook, mark. One of the chiefs of the nation of the St. Regis Indians, and a Lt. Col. in the service of the United States of America. 156 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE In consequence of the foregoing letter, orders were issued that the St. Regis Indians should be supplied with rations during the war at Frencli Mills. They accordingly received during the war, about 500 rations daily, at the hands of Wareham Hastings, the agent for the government. The Indians, while drawing their rations, begged some for their priest, from the best of motives, which the latter received as a kindness from them ; but this circumstance gave him more trouble than it conferred benefit, for it was with the greatest difficulty, that he was able to justify or explain this course, with the British and ecclesiastical authorities. He narrowly escaped imprisonment on suspicion of receiving bribes from the American government. It will be remembered that the priest's house is on the Canadian side of the boundary. In 1812, it was agreed between a British and an American commis- sioner, that the natives should remain neutral in the approaching contest. It is said that in the month of June, Isaac Le Clare, a Frenchman, then and still living at St. Regis, being down at Montreal with a raft of wood, was met by an uncle, who suggested an interview with the governor, which resulted in his receiving a lieutenant's commission, on the recommendation of Col. De Salaberry. Before his return, the British company stationed at St. Regis, was captured as below stated, and Lieut. Le Clare succeeded to the pay, but not to the rank, of captain, in place of Montigney. He raised a company of about 80 Indian warriors, and crossed to Cornwall. These Indians participated in several engagements during the ensuing war. At the taking of Little York, they were posted at Kingston. At the attack upon Sackett's Harbor, twenty British St. Regis Indians were present under Lieut. St. Germain ; and at Ogdensburgh, in Feb., 1813, about thirty of the same, under Capt. Le Clare, crossed to the town. At the battle of Chrysler's field, they were at Cornwall, and prevented by Col. McLean, of the British army, from engaging in the battle. Chevalier Lorimier, an agent of the British government, in 1813, came up from Montreal with the customary presents to the Indians, and offered them, on condition of their crossing the river and taking up arms against the Americans. They would not do this, and he returned with his pre- sents. This was after Capt. Le Clare had raised his company, or about the time. During the fall of 1812, Capt. Montigney, with a small company of British troops, in violation to the previous agreement, arrived, and took post at St. Regis. Maj. Guilford Dudley Young, of the Troy militia, stationed at French Mills, receiving an account of this, resolved to sur- prise, and if possible capture this party; considering himself justified in AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES- 157 entering upon neutral ground, as the enemy had first broken their agree- ment. He accordingly, about the 1st of October, 1812, proceeded quietly through the woods by an obscure path, guided by Wm. Gray, the Indian interpreter; but on arriving opposite the village of St. Regis, he found it impossible to cross, and was compelled to return. Having allowed the alarm which his attempt had excited to subside, he resolved to make another descent, before the enemy should be re- inforced, and for this purpose he marched a detachment at 11 o'clock at night, on the 21st of October, crossed the St. Regis river at Gray's Mills, (now Hogansburgh,) on a raft of boards, and arrived about 5 o'clock in the morning, within half a mile of the village, without attracting the notice of the enemy. Here the Major made such a judicious disposition of his men, that the enemy were entirely surrounded, and after a few discharges surrendered themselves prisoners, with the loss of five killed, among whom was Captain Rothalte. The fruits of this capture were forty prisoners, with their arms and equipments, and one stand of colors, two bateaux, &c. They returned to French Mills by 11 o'clock the next morning, without the loss of a man, and the prisoners were sent forward to Plattsburgh. Ex-Governor Wm. L. Marcy held a subordinate ofiice in this affair. This was the first stand of colors taken by the Americans during the war, and these wei*e received at Albany with great ceremony. An account of the reception of the colors is taken from the Albany Gazette of Jan. 1813. " On Thursday the 5th inst., at one o'clock, a detachment of the volun- teer militia of Troy, entered this city, with the British colors, taken at St. Regis. The detachment, with two superb eagles in the centre, and the British colors in the rear, paraded to the music of Yankee Doodle and York Fusileers, through Market and State streets to the Capitol, the offi- cers and colors in the centre. The remainder of the vestibule and the grand staircase leading to the hall of justice, and the galleries of the senate and assembly chambers were crowded with spectators. His ex- cellency, the Governor, from illness being absent, his aids. Cols. Lamb and Lush, advanced from the council chamber to receive the standards. Upon which Major Young, in a truly military and gallant style, and with an ap- propriate address, presented it to the people of New York; to which Col, Lush, on the part of the state, replied in a highly complimentary speech, and the standard was deposited in the council room, amid the loud huzzas of the citizens and military salutes. Subsequently to this achievement Maj. Young was appointed a Colonel in the U. S. army." This ofiicer was a native of Lebanon, Ct, " After the war, he entered the patriot service under Gen. Mina, and lost his life in the struggle for Mexican independence, in 1817. The pa- triots, 269 in number, had possession of a small fort which was invested by a royalist force of 3,500 men. The supplies of provisions and water being cut off, the sufferings of the garrison and women and children in 158 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE the fort became intolerable; many of the soldiers deserted, so that not more tlian ]50 effective men remained. Col. Younf;-, however, knowing the perfidy ot'tlie enemy, determined to defend tlie Ibrt to the last. After having bravely defeated the enemy in a number of endeavors to carry the fort by storm. Col. Younfj was killed by a cannon shot from the battery raised against the fort. On the enemy's last retreat, the Colonel, anxious to observe all tlieir movements, fearlessly exposed his person by stepping on a large stone on the ramparts; and while conversing with Dr. Hennes- say on liie successes of the day and on the dastardly conduct of the en- emy, the last shot that was tired from their battery, carried off his head. Col. Young was an officer whom next to Mina, the American part of the division had been accustomed to respect and admire. In every action he had been conspicuous for his daring courage and skill. Mina reposed unbounded confidence in him. In the hour of danger he was collected, gave his orders with precision, and sword in hand, was always in the hottest of the combat. Honor and firmness marked all his actions. He was generous in the extreme, and endured privations with a cheerfulness superior to that of any other officer of the division. He has been in the U. S. service as Lieut. Col. of the 29th regiment of infantry. His body was interred by the few Americans who could be spared from duty, with every possible mark of honor and respect, and the general gloom which })ervaded the division on this occasion, was the sincerest tribute that could be offered by thetn to the memory of their brave chief." (See Barber's Hist. Coll. and Antiquities of Ct.) In the affair at St. Regis, the catholic priest was made pi'isoner, and this surprisal and attack soon after led to a retaliatory visit from the enemy, who captured the company of militia under Capt. Tilden, stationed at French Mills, a short time after. Those who were taken in this affair were mostly the identical troops who had been the aggressors at St. Regis, and for these they were subsequently exchanged. During the war, considerable quantities of pork, flour and cattle, from the state of New York, it is said, were brought by night to St. Regis, and secretly conveyed across the river for the subsistence of the British army. These supplies were purchased by emmisaries under a variety of pretexts, and by offering the highest jDrices. An Indian of the British party at St. Regis, was lately living, who was employed as a secret messenger to carry intelligence, and was very suc- cessful in avoiding suspicions and in accomplishing his errands. It is a well known fact that there were American citizens who secretly countenanced these movements, and who openly denounced the war and its abettors; who hailed a British victory as a national blessing, and who mourned over the success of the American arms, with a pathos that proved their sincerity. Impartial truth would require their names to be held up to the exe- cration of honest men, through all coming time, but charity bids us pass them unnoticed, that they may perish with their memories. By virtue of powers supposed to be vested in them by the law of ]8 AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 159 the trustees of these Indians had leased considerable tracts of the reser- vation in the vicinity of Sahnon river, which had thus become settled and cleared up: but this measure was found to produce jars and discords^ which led to the passage of a general enactment, passed June 19, 1812: " That it shall be unlawful for any person or persons other than Indians, to settle or reside upon any lands belonging to any nation or tribe of In- dians within this state; and if any person shall settle or reside upon any such lands, contrary to this act, he or she shall be deemed guilty ot a mis- demeanor, and shall on conviction, be punished by fine not less than twenty-five dollars, nor more than five hundred dollars, or be imprisoned^ not less than one month, nor more than six months, in the discretion ot the court having cognizance thereof; and it shall be the duty of the courts of over and temiiner, and general sessions of the peace in the several comities of this state, in which any part of said lauds are or may be sit- uated, to charge the grand juries of their respective counties, specially to indict all offenders against the provisions of this section." Meanwhile many persons had in good faith expended considerable sums in improvements, which it was desirable should be secured to them by a more reliable tenure than Indian leases, which led in 1816, to the passage of a law : " That in case the St. Regis Indians maybe desirous of selling the rniH square of land reserved by "them, at or near the village of French Mills, in the town of Constable.'in the county of Franklin, or any other lauds lying within this state, to which the St. Regis Indians have any title or claim, the person administering the government of the state shall be and is hereby authorized to purchase the said lands from the said Indians, m behalf of this state, and that the treasurer be aud is hereby authorized on the warrant of the comptroller, to pay to the order of the governor such sum of money to defray the expense' of completing the said purchase as the goveruor may think reasonable to give for the said lands." The following treaty was accordingly held March 15, 1816: " A treatv made and executed between Daniel D. Tompkins, govern- or of the state of Xew York, in behalf of the people of the said state, of the one part, and Peter Tarbell, Jacob Francis and Thomas Williams, for and in behalf of the nation or tribe of Indians, known and called the St. Reels Indians, of the second part (at the city of Albany, this fifteenth day of"3Iarch, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and sixteen), witnesseth. Article 1. The said tribe or nation of St. Regis Indians do hereby sell and convey to the people of the state of New York, for the consideration hereinafter mentioned, a certain piece or parcel of tiieir reservation, called the one mile square, situated in the county of Franklin, on Sal- mon river, to have and to hold the same, to the said people of the state of New York, and their assigns for ever, aud also a separate and addi- tional tract of land, of their said reservation, situate in the county afore- said, containing five thousand acres of the easterly part of their said reservation, adjoining their aforesaid mile square of land, within the territorial limits of tlie state of New York, to be measured from the east boundary line of said reservation, so as to make the said west boundary line of said five thousand acres to run due north and south ; to have and 160 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE to hold the said five thousand acres of land, to the said people of the state of New York, and their assigns for ever. Article 2. The said Daniel D. Tompkins, governor, as aforesaid, for and in behalf of the people of the state of New York, covenants and agrees, with the St. Regis nation of Indians, that the said people, for the said several tracts of one mile square of land, and of five thousand acres of land hereinbefore granted and conveyed, shall pay to the said nation annually for ever hereafter, the sum of one thousand three hundred dol- lars, at French Mills, on said premises, the first payment of the said annuity to be paid on the first Tuesday of August next, and the whole annuity to be paid on the first Tuesday of August, in each year there- after. Article 3. The said St. Regis tribe or nation of Indians also covenant and agree to depute and authorize three of the chiefs or principal men of their tribe to attend at the times and places aforesaid, to receive the said annuity. And that the receipt of the said chiefs or principal men, so deputed, shall be considered a full and satisfactory discharge of the people of the state of New York, from the annuities which may be so received." Signed, sealed, witnessed, acknowledged and recorded. In consequence of the great distress among the St. Regis and other Indian tribes of the state, from the short crops in the cold summer of 1816, the legislature, at the recommendation of the governor, by an act passed February 12, 1817, authorized the payment of annuities to be anticipated for that year, for the purchase of the necessaries of life. The concessions of the last treaty being found not to cover the terri- tory that had been leased, another treaty was held on the 20th of Febru- ary, 1818, as follows: " At a treaty held at the city of Albany, the 20th day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, between his excellency Dewitt Clinton, governor of the state of New York, on behalf of the people of the said state, and Loran Tarbell, Peter Tarbell, Jacob Francis and Thomas Williams, on behalf of the nation or tribe of Indians, known and called the St. Regis Indians, it is covenanted, agreed and concluded as follows, to wit: The said St. Regis Indians sell and convey to the people of the state of New York, two thousand acres out of the lauds reserved by the said Indians, to be bounded as follows, to wit: On the north and south by the noith and south bounds of said reservation; on the east by the lands ceded by said Indians to the people of the said state, by a treaty dated 16th March, 1816, and on the west by a line running parallel thei'eto, and at such a distance therefrom as to contain the said two thousand acres; also, four rods wide of land through the whole length of their reservation, for a public road, to the west bounds thereof, together with four rods wide of land, for the same purpose, commencing at the bound- ary line near the village of St. Regis, to run in a direction so as to inter- sect the aforementioned road a little westerly of the place where it shall cross the St. Regis river, which will be about one mile and three-quarters in length. On condition that both the said roads be laid out by Michael Hogan, with the assistance of Loran Tarbell, and such other person as his excellency, the governor of the said state, shall appoint; and further, that in case a turnpike gate, or gates, shall be established on said road, AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. - 161 all the Indians of the said tribe shall be allowed to pass free of toll, and on the fiu-ther condition that those on the lands they have now and heretofore sold, shall be compelled before the state gives them or any other person title thereto, to pay up the arrearages of rent due on the lands occujjied by the said settlers. In consideration of which cession or grant, it is hereby covenanted, on the part of the said people, to pay to the said Indians, annually, for ever hereafter, on the first Tuesday of August, at Plattsburgh, an annuity of two hundred dollars. And it is further covenanted by and between the said parties, that the annuities payable to the said Indians, in consequence of the former treaties between them and the said state, shall herealter be paid them on the said first Tuesday of August, at Plattsburgh, instead of the places where they are made payable by such treaties. In testi- mony whereof, the said governoi-, on the part of the people of the said state, and the said Loran Tarbell, Peter Tarbell, Jacob Francis, and Thomas Williams have hereunto set their hands and seals, the day and year first above mentioned." Signed, sealed, acknowledged and recorded. The lands ceded by the treaty of 1818 were by an act of April 20th, of that year directed to be laid out into lots and farms and sold. The report of the commissioners appointed by the governor to per- form this duty, will be given in our account of Fort Covington. The commissionei's were to receive $4 per day for their semces. The following memorial explains itself, and indicates the necessity of the course which was subsequently to be pursued. Albany 16, February, 1818. "To his Excellency, Governor Clinton, of the state of JVew York: The chiefs of the St. Regis Indians, by their petition, most respect- fully approach your excellency, to shew, that in March 1802, a law was passed for the benefit of our tribe, appointing the trustees, namely : William Gray, Louis Cook, and Loren Tarbell, to manage and impi-ove their affairs. From that period until the late war, they continued happy amongst themselves, but the war having produced a feeling of opposite interests in the tribe, they became divided almost equally in number, of young men, having your old chiefs, with their adherents steady in the cause and interests of the United States. In course of the war, their trustee, William Gray, was taken prisoner at St. Regis, and carried to Quebec, where he died a prisoner of war. Their other trustee. Colonel Louis Cook, after being actively engaged with General Brown, near Buffalo, died at that place. Since his death, your excellency's pejitioner, Loren Tarbell, the surviving trustee, taking to his private council Peter Tarbell, and Jacob Francis, old chiefs, in whom the tribe have full faith, has continued to act as for the whole, and has the satisfaction of assuring your excellency, that the trust reposed in him, has been discharged con- scientiously, and with full regard to justice. Now your excellency's petitioner, growing old, and desirous to be re- lieved in part from the I'esponsibility which he has felt in the discharge of his duties, humbly prays your excellency to get a law passed, appoint- ing the above mentioned Peter Tarbell and Jacob Francis, to his aid, to fill the vacancies occasioned by the death of the former trustees, and confirming the acts of your petitioner done in conjunction with the lat- ter, since the death of the former trustees. 162 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE And your petitioner will as in duty l)ounil ever pray &c." LoREN Tarbell, (signed by his mark.) William L. Gray, Interpreter. In consequence of the foregoing petition and memorial, an act was passed on the .3d of April, 1818, appointing Peter Tarbell and Jacob Francis, chiefs of the said tribe, to be trustees in place of Colonel Louis and William Gray, deceased, and to act with the surviving trustee Loren Tarbell. Much difficulty arose between the Indians and their former tenants, in relation to their arrearges of rent, concerning which they memorialized the legislature, and on the 10th of March 1824, procured an act directing the Comptroller, to draw his warrant on the treasury, for the payment of any sum not exceeding f 735.07 in favor of Asa Hascall, district at- torney, for the county of Franklin, upon his certificate or certificates of the amount of rents due to the said St. Regis Indians, from settlers on certain lands ceded to them, by the people of this state, by treaty dated Feb 29, 1818, and it was made the duty of the said district attorney, on receiving the said money, to i)ay it over to the Indians as a full satisfac- tion and discharge of their claims. On the 10th of April) 1824, the foregoing act was extended to include the lands ceded March 15, 1816. The mill on Grass river, and one mile square reservation, continued to be the propei-ty of these people, until March 16, 1824, when at a treaty held at Albany between Joseph C. Yates, Governor, and Thomaa Williams, Michael Cook, Lewis Doublehouse and Peter Tarbell, at which they sold and conveyed for the sum of $1,920, this property. The following is a copy of the power of attorney, under which the deputies of the foregoing treaty acted: " Know all men by thsse presents, that we, the undersigned, chief warriors of the tribe called St. Regis Indians, constitute and appoint Thomas Williams, Lewis Doublehouse, and Peter Tarbell, as our true and lawful attornies, to go to Albany, and sell such a quantity of our lands, to the people of this state, ns they may think proper, and to transact all other business which shall be thought best for the welfare of our nation, and whatsoever our attornies shall lawfully_^act or do, we will ratify and confirm. Done at St. Regis in general council, this eighth day of March 1821." Eleazer Skarestogowa, Charles Sagaha>vita, Peter Trewesti, Ignace Gareweas, Loran Cook, Joseph Bern, Charles Williams, Evrer Gagagen, Thomas Turble, Baptiste Satchweies, Lewey Sabonrani. (signed mostly by their marks.) AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES 163 The appointment made by the legislature in 1818 of trustees to till the vacancy made by the death of Cook and Gray, appears to have been unsatisfactory to the tribe, as is seen from the following petition that was signed by the same parties as those who furnished the credentials of the deputies at the previous treaty. "To the honorable the Legislature of the state of New York, in senate and assembly convened. We the undersigned, chiefs and warriors of the St. Regis tribe of In- dians, humbly represent to your honorable body, that our old chiefs that were appointed as trustees are all dead, except one, who is old and una- ble to transact public business. We therefore earnestly pray that yoiir honorable body, will appoint Thomas Williams, Mitchel Cook, Lewis Doubiehouse, and Peter Tarbell, as trustees to oversee and control the affairs of the St. Regis Indians. Done in general council at St. Regis, this ninth day of 3Iarch, 1824. The following memorial was also prepared to be forwarded to the legislature : " At a public council or town meeting, of the chiefs, head men, and -warriors, of that part of the St. Regis nation, or tribe of Indians, which claim the protection and countenance of the state of New York, and which receive annuities from, and held lands under the authority of the said stale ; assembled on this 31st day of May, 1S24, on their reser- vation lands, in the said state, it is unanimously resolved, that in order to put an end to all quarrels for power, we will not henceforth encour- age any other individuals to be chiefs, or trustees, except Thomas Wil- liams, 'Mitchel Cook, Lewis Doubiehouse, Peter Tarbell, and Charles Cook; and we do hereby fully authorize, and empower them to transact for, and on behalf of our said trii)e of American St. Regis Indians, ajl manner of business which they may deem for the general good. We authorize them, especially, to receive all annuities, payable to us by virtue of any bargains or treaties, made, or to be made, by the state of New York, or of individuals under the sanction of law, and others, and to distribute all money or property, as received amongst the said tribe of American St. Regis Indians, according to our claims. We also author- ize and require them, to execute to the governor of the said state, or other proper authority, all necessaiy grants, conveyances, releases, or re- ceipts, which may be required, in consequence of any bargain or treaty heretofore made, or hereafter in their discretion to be made on our be- half, and for our benefit, with the governor of the said state. We do further authorize and require them, to endeavor to make such a bargain with the governor, as that all the moneys which we are now, or shall be entitled unto, shall in future be paid on our reservation lands, to our said chiefs, and trustees, and not elsewhere. We also author- ize them to make such arrangements with the governor, that some indi- vidual in whom the governor, as well as our said chiefs, can place confi- dence, may hereafter be considered the only proper channel of mutual communication between the governor and our said chiefs, on behalf of our said tribe, excepting all occasions in which our said chiefs may be at Albany. We fully approve all that was done by our deputies, and chiefs, Thomas Williams, Michael Cook, Louis Doubiehouse, and Peter Tarbell, in the bargain or treaty made at Albany, on the 16th March last. We earnestly request that the governor will bear in mind, these resolutions n 164 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE of the Ameiicnn St. Regis Indians, and that our minds may be known, Ave have eacli of ns cansed onr several names and seals to be affixed to tliis paper, and another like it , and ordered one copy to he delivered to the governor, and one to be kept by onr said chieis." [Signed by about sixty Indians.] Copied from the duplicate at St. Regis. As a further evidence of authenticity, the foregoing was accompanied by a declaration of allegiance, a copy of which is here given : '' Know all whom it may concern, that we, whose names are hereto annexed, do solemnly declare ourselves, to belonffto the American Tribe of St. Regis Indians", that we owe no fealty to the British governnient, nor receive any aniuiities or benefits from the same ; that we were friendly to the United States during the late war, and have continued to be so since, and that it is our fixed determination, to establish and continue our residence within the limits of the said United States, the protection and countenance, and especially of the state of New York, we hereby claim for said ti-ibe. In witness of all which we have hereto caused our names and seals to be affixed this 31st day of May, in the year 1824, within our reservation lands, in the state of New York, done in duplicate one copy to be kept by our chiefs, and one copy to be delivered to the governor of the state of New York." [Signed by about sixty Indians.] The author has been unable to ascertain whataction, if any,was taken on this subject by the legislature, further than in a treaty, held on the 29th of June, 1824, between Governor Yates, and Thomas Williams, Mitchel Cook, Louis Doublehouse, Peter Tarbell, and Charles Cook, the latter are recognized as trustees. . By this treaty, they ceded in consideration of $1,750 down, and an annuity of $60, payable on the 1st Tuesday in August, at the village of Plattsburgh, to the said chiefs and trustees, a tract of 1000 acres of land bounded as follows: "On the northeast, by a line commencing on the easterly side of St. Regis river, at the termination of the roll way, so called, about four or five chains northerly from the mast road, and running thence southeast to the south bounds of the said reserved lands; on the south by the said south bounds; on the northwest by the said St. Regis river, and the land leased by the said Indians, to Michael Hogan, and on the southwest by a line to be run southeast, from the said St. Regis river, to the south bounds of said reserved lands." On the 14th of December, 1824, the same Indians, who are styled, " Principal Chiefs and head men," confirmed to the people of the state of New York, for a payment of $1, and an annuity of $305, a certain tract of land which their predecessors had " in two certain indentures of lease, or instruments in writing, under seal, bearing date respectively, on the 20th and 23d days of October, in the year of our Lord 1817, and made and executed by and between their predecessors in office, and Michael Hngan, and subsequently confirmed by an act of the legislature." AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 165 On the 20th of April, 1825, the legislature confirmed this cession by an act, the preamble and body of which set forth the causes that led to the measui-e. " Whereas the Indians of the St. Regis tribe did, by two certain inden tures of lease bearing date the 20th of October, and the 23d of October respectively, in the year 1817, (which leases were sanctioned and con- firmed by the Legislature of this state,) convey certain premises therein described in consideration of a certain annuity or rent annually to be paid for a term of years, with the condition for the renewal of the said leases as often as the same might expire, and upon the same terms: And whereas, by the subdivision of said pretnises among a number of occu- pants, or by the removal of the said Indians from their present posses- sions, they may experience difficulty and loss in collecting and receiving the rents, reserved and annually due, by virtue of the conveyances afore- said; Therefore, Be it enacted by the People of the State of JVew York, That it shall and may be lawful for the grantee, in the said conveyances named, or his assigns, to convey the premises therein described to the people of this state; and whenever the said grantee or his assigns shall have paid or secured to be paid into the treasury of the state a sum equal to the prin- cipal of the anntiity yearly payable to the said Indians by virtue of the couveyajices aforesaid, at the rate of six per cent, per annum, it shall be the duty of the commissioners of the land office, to reconvey by letters patent to the said grantee or his assigns so paying or securing the pay- ment of the sum above mentioned, and forever thereafler the annuity reserved in the conveyances aforesaid, shall annually be paid to the said Indians, in like manner as their other annuities from the state are now payable." A ti-eaty was held Sept. 23, 1825, between Governor De Witt Clinton and Thomas Williams, Mitchel Cook, Louis Doublehouse, Peter Tar- bell, Charles Cook, Thomas Tarbell, Mitchel Tarbell, Louis Tarbell, Battice Tarbell, Jarvis Williams and William L. Gray, by which the lat- ter as chiefs and trustees for the tribe, sold a tract of land, of 840 acres, on the east side of the St. Regis river, which is now the site of a part of the village of Hogansburgh. For this they received $1100 down, in full of all demands. This tract was bounded as follows: " Beginning on the easterly side of the St. Regis river, at the most westerly corner of the lands ceded by said Indians to the people of said state, on the 12th day of June, in the year 1824, and running thence along the last mention lands, S. 45° E., to the south bounds of the said reserved lands; then along the same, westerly to the said St. Regis river, and then along the same to the place of beginning." The foregoing are believed to be all the negotiations that have taken place between these people and the state in relation to their lands. There remains to be mentioned some notices on the personal history and present condition and habits of these Indians. 166 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE In 182G, a young Freiicliman,by the name of Fovcl, who liad been for some tuTie at Montreal, visited St. Regis, and induced one Joseph Tora- karon, (sometimes known by liis Englisli name of Tarbell,) to consent to accompany him to Europe. Torakaron was to travel in the character of an Indian chief, (which office he then held at St. Regis,) and his com- panion in that of interpreter, solicitor, treasurer and agent. Tlie motives held out to the chief were, that they should be able to obtain donations lor the endowment of their church, and doubtless large sums as presents to themselves. Having made all necessary arrangements, and being fur- nished with letters from St. Regis, Montreal and Quebec, certifying the standing of Torakaron at home, the two proceeded byway of New York and Havre, to Paris. The conductor here obtained an interview Avith Charles X, and so favorable an impression was made upon the mind of the king, that he presented them with three fine paintings, and a large sum in money, and other valuable articles. Thence they proceeded by way of Marseilles, to Rome, and obtained an interview with the pope. During a conversation, the pope asked the Indian if he could con- verse in another language than his own, and finding him able to use the English and French to some degree, he invited him to a second interview alone. The result was, that a set of books and silver plate, for the ser- vice of the church, a rosary of jewels and gold, worth it is said $1400, and other articles of value, were given him. They thence returned to Marseilles, where they spent the winter, and in 1828 returned by way of Paris and Havre to New York. Here the treasurer, or interpreter, or whatever else he might be called, evinced his true character by abscond- ing with every article of value, except the rosary and paintings, leaving Torakaron without means even to return home. He was enabled to do so through the charity of friends, and the paintings were soon after deposited in their destined place. Two are now at St. Regis, and the third at the church in Caughnawaga. Of the former, those who visit the church will recognise in a painting over the altar, the portrait of St. Regis, and in the one to the left, near the pulpit, that of St. Francois Xavier. They are both evidently by the same hand, of the size of life, and very well executed. The third is the portrait of St. Louis, and is in the church dedicated to that saint in the Indian village near Montreal. St. Regis is represented in the attitude of preaching; St. Francois as reclining on a bank, with a book before him and pointing to a cross, and St. Louis as a king, in royal robes, bowed in the attitude of the deepest humility, in prayer. Fovel subsequently visited the Iroquois settlements of New York, as a AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 167 priest, and occasioned much trouble, which rendered it necessary for Bishop Dubois to visit those places. He afterwards went to Detroit, and appeared as a priest among the French at that city. In the spring of 1829, the susall pox appeared at the village of St, ilegis, and swept off great numbers. All tlie tribe were then vaccinated, by direction of the British government. In 1832, the Asiatic cholera broke out at this place, on the 20th of June, at first appearing in a mild form, for which the priest prescribed suc- cessfully for a short time, by administering large doses of laudanum and hot brandy. Of the first sixty cases thus dealt with, there are said to have been but two that were fatal. Dr. McAuley, of Cornwall, was sent over by government, to attend the sick, and Dr. Bates, of Fort Covingtou, was also employed. The latter has remarked, that two in fifteen of those remaining in the village, died of this pestilence, and that when the east wind blowed, there were sure to be new cases. In one instance, a family of eleven were attacked, and but one survived. About 340 persons had the disease, some two or three times, making in all perhaps 500 cases. Friends became frightened, and fled away, leaving the sick, in some instances, to die unattended, and all mourning for the dead ceased. This alarming pestilence was attende d by the typhus fever, but it was observed that the two diseases did not attack the same persons, although they raged with equal severity. The cholera raged but eleven days, in which time 78 died, and the number of those who died in the year 1832, of this and other diseases, was 134. As a natural consequence, this fearful visitation caused the greatest terror throughout the whole country, and exaggerated reports of its ravages at St. Regis spread rapidly to the neighboring villages, and led to the issuing of an order fi-om the brigadier general of militia in the county, to the subordinate officers under his command, to take measures for preventing all intercourse with the infected village. Several persons volunteered to guard the road leading to Hogausburgh, and this vigilance was maintained about a week. It appeared to be unnecessary, because the epidemic limited itself to the vicinity of the river, and the village of Hogansburgh, two miles distant, was but very slightly affected. In 1849, the cholera again appeared, taking oflT 29, and in the same year, the small pox broke out, with 500 cases, of wh.ich 30 were fatal. Bergen, of Cornwall, was employed by the British government on this occasion. In 1850, the typhus raged the whole summer. A remark was made by the Rev. Mr. Blarcoux, which is worthy of the 168 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE attention of the medical prol'ession, tijat the cholera and the typhus were associated in both cases, although they did not attack the same persons; and that they admitted and required alike a sustaining and stimulating course of treatment. The filthy and negligent habits of these people appear to have rendered them fit subjects for any pestilence that might chance to make its appear- ance ; and the observation so often made has been here confirmed, that rigid cleanliness and suitable regard for neatness, are the best preventives of contagion, and more etiicient than cordons of troops, or quarantuie regulations. The annuities of the St. Regis Indians continued to be paid at Platts- burgh, until 1832, when, by a law passed April 24, the place of payment was transferred to the town of Fort Covington. By this act the comptroller was directed to appoint an agent, who was to receive a sum not exceeding two percentum on all such disburse- ments. He was directed to pay each of the heads of families under the direc- tion of the trustees of the tribe, their equal shares of the annuities, taking the necessary receipts from the legal trustees of said tribes, for the an- nuities received. As the village of St. Regis was then in the town of Fort Covington, these annuities have since been generally paid at that place. The agents appointed by the comptroller, to pay these annuities, since this ofiice was created, in 1832, have been, James B. Spencer, Amherst K. Williams, John S. Eldridge, Phineas Attwater, Wm. A. Wheeler, J. J. Seaver, and James C. Spencer. During the summer of 1834, these Indins remonstrated against the payment of any part of the annuity of 1796, to the Caughnawagas, urg- ing that previous to the war, a release was executed by the latter to them. During the war, the latter had not received their share. A few years after the war, through the agency and interfei'ence of Peter Sailly, of Plattsburgh, that moiety of the annuity was restored to them, with the express understanding, that $50 annually of that portion should be paid to Thomas Williams, who had left that tribe, with his family, during the war, at a gi'eat sacrifice, and joined the Americans. Williams was paid without objection, till 1833, when the Caughnawagas entered a i)rolest, and he was not paid. Before the war, the St. Regis Indians were allowed to hold, in common with their brethren in Canada, all the Indian lands, and also to receive the rents and profits of them. Since the war, the British government refused them the privilege of even occupying the lands on the St. Law- rence river, in common with their brethren in Canada. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 169 For this reason, they couceived that they had an exclusive right to the state annuities. They accordingly applied to the legislature, in 1835, for the payment to them of the annuity which had been previously shared by the Caughnawagas. They also asked that the payment of their annuities might be made at a more convenient season of the year, and to those who reside in the state of New York, or within the United States only. They also applied for a change of the existing law for the election of trustees, and desired that the governor might be empowered to appoint not less than three nor more than six principal Indians, who should be called chiefs, and hold their office during pleasure, a majority of whom were to act for the tribe. This memorial was referred to A. C. Flagg, the comptroller, who made a report to the legislature, in which he reviewed the history of the Indian title, and from which we will take the liberty of making a few extracts. After briefly enumerating the several treaties made, by whom and for what consideration he gives the following summary of the compensation and annuities received for their lands. Sum paid at Amount of the treaty. annuities. Treaty of 1796 with the Seven Nations, $3,179-96 $533-33 " 1816 " St. Regis 1,300-00 1818 « " 200-00 « 1824 " " 1,920-00 1824 " " 1,750-00 60-00 " 1824 and act of 1825 305-00 1825 with the St. Regis, 2,100-00 $8,949-96 $2,398-33 In relation to the claims of these Indians, the comptroller said: " It should be borne in mind, that the treaty was originally made with British as well as American Indians, which treaty is in the nature of a contract, on the part of the state, to pay annually a certain sum of money in consideration of the relinquishment, by the Seven Nations, of Canada, of certain lands belonging \ to them. When the treaty was made, the Caughnawagas were British Indians, as much as they are now; the stale did not refuse to treat with them, and puixhase their lands, because they resided in Canada ; and having made the treaty with them, shall the state refuse to fulfill it? If the annuity is to be confiscated because the Caughnawagas, or some of them, may have taken up arms against the United States during the late war, then the question would arise, whether the confiscation sliould be made for the benefit of the state ti-easury or the St. Regis tribe; and if the Caughnawagas are to be cut off, because some of their warriors 170 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE aided the enemy, the same rule would deprive the St. Regis Indians of their annuities, since some of their warriors were understood to have joined the British army during the war. It should be recollected, how- ever, that the Caughnawaga Indians did not promise allegiance, ljy tlie treaty of 179(1, nor did they owe allegiance to the United States, or this state, when the war of 1812 was declared. A request is made in the memorial, that the annuity of $533-33 may hereafter be ])aid only to such of the St. Regis tribe as reside in this state, or the United States. By the treaty of 1796, it was agreed, that if the Seven Nations of Canada, would relinquish their lands to the people of this state, they should receive forever an annuity of $533*33. Alter the Indians, in pursuance of this agreement, have relinquished their lands, and after the state has taken possession of and sold them, can the government of this state retVise to fulfil the stipulations of the treaty, be- cause the Indians do not reside on the American side of the national line ? The St. Regis Indians represent that Thomas Williams left the Caugh- uawagas during the war, with his family, at u great sacrifice. It is true that he joined the American side during the war, and for doing this, his property may have been confiscated. But it will be seen by referring to the treaties, that Thomas Williams, Avho in 1796 was a Caughnawaga chief, in 1816, had become one of tlie chiefs and head men of the St. Regis tribe, and assisted in secui-ing to the latter tribe an annuity of $1,-300 for the sale of lands, reserved in the treaty with the Seven Nations of Canada. By joining the St. Regis Indians and aiding in the subse- quent sale for the sole benefit of this tribe, of the lands reserved by the treaty of 1796, Williams would of course lose all favor with the tribe to which he had originally belonged. The exclusion of the Caughnawagas from a participation in the annu- ity secured by the treaty of 1796, is only one of the disturbing questions with which the St. Regis Indians are agitated. There are two parties in the tribe, one denominated the American party, and the other the British party; and as they elect trustees under the authority of the laws of this state, the British Indians, it is alleged, join in and in some cases control these elections. The strife in relation to the choice of trustees may have been increased and aggravated, from tlie circumstance that these trustees have been in the habit of issuing due bills, which are circulated and form a kind of paper currency. These due bills are made payable on the first Tuesday in August succeeding the date thereof, and are based of course on the money in the treasury and which is payable to the Indians on that day." The comptroller advised against changing the time or mode of paying the annuities. In 1834, there had been paid to one hundred and three families, com- prising three hundred and thirty-six individuals, $2,131-66 to the St. Regis, and $266-67 to the Caughnawaga tribe. It is stated that when the government, after the war, decided to restore one half of the annuity of 1796, to the latter, that Mr. Denniston, the agent, told their deputies, that Williams having been a party to the treaty, ought to have a share of the money, and accordingly $50 had been paid to him annually. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 17 1 Those who wish to pursue this examinatiou, will find by referring to the assembly document of 1835, a further statement, with a copy of the paper purporting to confer upon the St. Regis Indians, authority to re- ceive the annuities of 1795, which the comptroller decided to be spurious; and also a correspondence of Jairies B. Spencer, at that time the agent, and documents showing that the St. Regis wore deprived of ceitaiii rights previously enjoyed, in consequence of the course adopted in the war. Our space does not admit of further reference to this question. The Caughnawagas being decided to be entitled to a portion of the annuity above mentioned, continued to receive it until 1841, (May 25,) when the comraissionei's of the land office were authoiized, " To direct the payment, in their discretion, to the Caughnawaga and St. Regis tribes, representing the Seven Nations of Canada, or any part or portion of them, of the principal of the annuities, or such portion thereof as they, the said commissioners, may from time to time deem proper, remaining under the control of this state, for the benefit of said Indians, or any portion of them. They were authorized also, to treat with any remaining tribes of Indians in the state for their lands, or the payment of moneys belonging to them, or in relation to roads running through their lands. The acts of these commissioners were to be submitted to the governor for his approval, before they could have effect. Actions for trespass were to be prosecuted by the district attorney of the counties where they were committed, and the excess recovered, after paying the expense of prosecution, was to be distributed among the Indians. Three of the chiefs of the tribe might in like manner bring a suit for its benefit, with the written approbation of the supervisor of the town where the land was situated, or of any judge of the county courts, and security for costs in the latter case being given, approved by the supervisor or judge, at any time before or on the return of the first process in the suit." The Caughnawagas have accordingly been paid the principal of their share of the annuity. By an act passed April 27, 1841, the trustees of the St. Regis tribe duly elected, at a regular meeting, were authoi-ized with the advice and consent of the agent for the payment of their annuities, to execute leases to white persons for any part of their unoccupied lands, for any terra not exceeding twenty-one years, for such rents as may be agreed upon. The income of these leases was to be divided for the general benefit of the tribe. The district attorney of Franklin county, was to prepare the form of the lease, and none were to take effect unless \tith the written consent of the district attorney, or Indian agent, endorsed thereon. The fee foi prepai'ing the lease, attending to its execution, and endorsing it, was fixed at three dollars. In pursuance with powers thus granted, considerable portions of the reservation have been leased, mostly to Canadian Frenchmen, 172 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE The question of the propriety of this measui-e, has ever been a subject of contention and party strife among them, at their annual election ot trustees. For several years, the ])arty opposed to leasing land, has been in the ascendancy, and the measure has been discontinued. The grass meadows on Grass river, in the town of Massena, were purchased from the St. Regis Indians, bj' the commissioners of the land office, in pursuance of powers vested in them by tiie legislature, on the 21st of February, 1845. The amount purchased was, according to Lay's Map of 1801, two hundred and ten acres, at three dollars per acre. It was stipulated that if the amount of land should be found to overrun, the excess should be paid for at the same i-ates. The Indian meadows on Grass river were surveyed by John W. Tate, in 1845, and patented in small lots in the years 1846, '7, '8, '9, and 1851. By an act making provision for the education of the different Indian tribes of the state, passed April 30, 1846, it was enacted: That the sum of two hundi'ed and fifty dollars should.be appropriated for the building and furnishing of a school house, on the lands of the St. Regis Indians ; and the further sum of two hundred dollars a year, for the term of five years, for the payment of the wages of a teacher and other expenses of the said school. These mcneys were to be paid from time to time, by the agent, who was to give his usual official bond, and report annually to the superin- tendent of common schools. This appropriation was very judiciously expended by Phineas Att- water, Esq., the agent, in the erection of a school house, on the reserva- tion, and between the village and Hogansburgh. In addition to the amount named in the previous act, a further sum of $75 was appropriated May 7, 1847, out of the United States deposite fund, to be expended by the agent paying annuities, in completing the school house on the St. Regis resei'vation, and in improving the school lot. The act of 1846 was so amended as to give $300 per annum for the years 1847, 1848, for the payment of a teacher. The novelty of the measure, with other causes, made it at first very popular, and tlie school was very fully attended. The parents evinced an interest in the measure that was surprising, and often visited the school, and took a deep interest in its success; but it became necessary to dischai-ge the teacher, and those who have since been employed have failed to awaken the interest which was at first felt. The British government have also maintained a school here for seve- ral years, but with no better success. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 173 The natives have, often expressed their sense of the degrading in- fluences which the use of ardent spirits have exerted to their injury. The following memorial from the Oneidas, more than fifty years ago, addressed to the legislature as coming from the dilFerent Indian trihes, possesses a melancholy interest, and engages our sympathy as expressive of a refined sentiment of the heart, and a feeljnjj that would do honor to man's nature, if expressed, not by the illiterate savage, but by one who had enjoyed all the advantages which civilization has conferred upoc him. " To the Legislature of the State of jYeio York : Brothers : We, the sachems and chiefs of the different nations, desire your at- tention. You have often manifested a respect to our welfare, by way of good council. You have told us, that we should love one another, and to live in peace. You also exhorted us, to abandon our savage life, to adopt your mode of life in cultivating our land; to raise grain; to be sober and many other good things. We have made attempts to follow the good path you have pointed out for us, but find ourselves still de- ficient. And you seem to blame us for our backwardness, and we are to be blamed. Brothers : We have been often consulting upon our welfare, and to promote it— we made but slow progress. For we find our great obstacle which we look upon as om- enemy, by whose means our nations are almost reduced to the ground. Our young men seem to be willing to become slaves to this tyrant, who goes in the name of SPIRITUOUS LIQUOR. To us he is a servant of evil spirit. When we found that our own endeavors and powers were too weak to prevent such an enraging tyrant, we united our voices, two years ago, to you for your assistance, chat you might bind this tyrant. But you refused to give your assistance, which one brother had right to expect from another. Brothers : If such of your color, as sell us this article, were obliged to keep us in their houses while we are distracted with it, and suffer us in the desola- tion it makes, we then believe they would willingly call out as loud as we do for help, and existence. Therefore we can not but hope and firmly believe, that you will at this time, give all possible relief. Brothers : Remember, that we were willing to assist you to fight against your enemy. We were willing to let you have our lands when you needed. We were willing to maintain the chain of friendship Avith 3'ou, and we desire to live in peace, and to enjoy all your privileges. But how can we come to this, so long as you as it were, willing to see us destroyed by this tyrant. In consequence of which, numberless audiences have taken place amongst us. And besides that you often told us, that the Great Spirit will send all drunkards to everlasting fire after death. Brothers : You are wise people, and you know the mind of the Great Spirit. But we are ignorant people, and you often call us savages. We know but little, and can do but little. And as you are our brothers, we would again look to you for help to lessen abundantly, that distracting article 174 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE by some law of yours tliat we may have fair trial to walk in that path wliicli you so liiglily recoiuinended to us. And ill com[)]iaiire witli this our retiuest, we shall ever acknowledge your friendship, and we leave it to your wisdom and humanity." By a general act passed April 10, 1813, it was enacted: " That no pawn taken of any Indian within this state for aiiy spiiituous liquor, shall be retained by the jterson to whom such ])awn shall be de- livered, but the thing so pawned may be sued for, and recovered, with costs of suit, by the Indian who may have deposited the same, before any court having cognizance thereof." It was made a penal offence to sell liquors to certain tribes by this act. By a law jjassed April 11, 1826, the provisions of a previous general act restricting the sale of ardent spirit, was extended to the Seueca and St. Regis tribe; and in this was prohibited the selling to any Indians of said tribes, or residing or visiting with them, any rum, brandy, gin, or other ardent spirits. The traffic and use of ardent spirits with these people, was still further restricted by an act of April 20, 1835, which provides: " That if any person shall knowingly sell or furnish to any Indians, belonging to or residing witji the St. Regis tribe, any rum, brandy, gin, ■or other spirituous liquor, within the counties of Franklin or St. Law- rence, such person shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and on conviction thereof shall be fined at the discretion of the court, not ex- ceeding twenty-five dollars for one offence, or may be impi-isoned not exceeding thirty days, and shall also forfeit for every such offence the sum of five dollars, to be recovei'ed with costs in an action of debt by any person who will sue for the same, one half of which forfeiture to be paid to the prosecutor and the residue to the commissioners of common schools in each town ; and that on the recovery of such forfeiture, the offender shall not be liable for any other or further prosecution for the same offence." The act of 1826 was by this rejjealed. A still more stringent law was passed April 16, 1849, which forbade the sale or gift of ai-dent spirits to the Indians, or receiving pawns from them, under a penalty of not less than twenty-five dollars for the former, and a forfeiture of ten times the value of the latter for each offence. Notwithstanding the most stringent and explicit laws prohibiting the sale or gift of ardent spirits to the Indians, it has been found hitherto impossible to restrain many from habits of iutemperence, although there is far less of this now, than formerly. The influence of the present priest appears to be decidedly in favor of temperance. The state, in its negotiations with the Indian tribes within its borders, has regarded them as a foreign powei", so far as the cession of their lands is concerned, and as wards or minors as relates to their internal affairs, and their iiUercourse with individuals. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 175 A clause in an act passed April 11, 1808, directed that tbe district at- torney in tbe county of Washington, should advise and direct the St.. Regis Indians, in the controversy among themselves and with any otlier persons, and defend all actions brought against any of them by any white person, and commence and prosecute all such actions for them or any of them as he might find proper and necessary. On the 11th of April, 1811, the substance of the foregoing act was re- passed, with the following preamble and provision: "And whereas, by the rules and customs of the said Indians, (many of whom are infants,) they are all tenants in common of their property, and all suits brought by them, or in their behalf, must be brought in the name of all of the individuals of the said tribe. Therefore; Be it enacted, that it shall and may be lawful for the said district at- torney, in all suits which he may find proper and necessary to commence and prosecute on behalf of the said Indians, to bring it in the name of the St. Regis Indians, without naming any of the individuals of the said tribe, any law, custom or usage to the contrary notwithstanding." The district attorney of Washington county, continued to be charged with the trusts reposed in him by the foregoing acts, until April 21, 1818, when a law was passed directing the governor to appoint district attor- neys in each of the counties of the state, and making it the especial duty of the one in Franklin county to perform all the duties previously re- quired of the district attorney of the fifth judicial district relative to the St. Regis Indians. It has since continued the duty of this officer to act in their behalf, but it is said that he is seldom called upon to settle the internal difficul- ties of the tribe, although upon several occasions individuals have be- come amenable to the laws and have been dealt with accordingly. In their internal affairs, they have seldom troubled their neighbors, and have been at little or no expense to their town or county as paupers The St. Regis are at present nominally divided into five i)ands: 1st. Okawaho, the wolf. At present the most numerous. 2d. Ratiniaten, the big turtle. Second in numbers to the former. 3d. Okwari, the hear. Third " " 4th. RoTiiSEsno, the plover. Fourth " " 5th. RoTiSENNAKEHTE, the little turtle, the least numerous. This division is a traditionary one, the purport and meaning of which are entirely lost. It anciently related to war parties, and rude pictures of these several objects were used as distinctive marks in designating or recording events. A satisfactory account of these and other bands, will be seen in the first volume of the Documentary History of New York. These distinctions descend in a line by hereditary succession, from mother to son. 176 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE The female succession is cominon among all Indian tribes, and is ac- counted for hy them in a characteristic manner, by saying that the mother of a person may be known with certainty, but not the father. This classification is somewhat similar to that of the clans of Scot- land, and probably had its origin under similar circumstances, namely, petty wars, led by small parties and extending not far from the locality where they originated. The marks became distinctive symbols by which they were known, and constituted a kind of heraldic designation, when painted on their garments and weapons, or marked upon the bark of trees to indicate the class or band to which the wearer or maker of the device belonged. The St. Regis Indians observe none of the festivals or ceremonies of their ancestors, and no public demonstrations are made, except those im- posed by the canons of the catholic church. The principal rites of that sect are here observed, and none with more pomp and parade than corpus christi, which is depended upon easter, and falls generally in the first half of June. Preparations for this often occupy weeks; the streets are lined with green boughs and garlands of flowers, a military company from among their number, joins in the processions, and the ceremony usually attracts hundreds of curious spectators from the neighboring towns. St. Regis day is not observed, but by a regulation of the bishops of Quebec, made several years since, the anniversary of patron saints of churches, is observed on the first Sunday of November. This day is ob- served with ceremonies in all the catholic churches in Canada. The only national pastime which these Indians appear to possess, is that of hall-playing, in which they engage with much zeal, and for which they evince a btrong passion. The instrument which is used for this purpose, is formed of a rod about four feet in length, bent as in the following figure, and having drawn aci-oss its curvature a net of deerskin thongs. The manner in which the game is conducted is as follows: About a dozen Indians divided between two parties, and having no clothing but a girdle around the middle, and each with a bat like that AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 1 77 above represented, repair to some spacious plain, in the middle of which is laid a balL The game consists in seizing the ball on the net and tos- sing it from one to another till it arrives at the side of the field. Each party has its goal, to which it endeavors to toss the ball, and the rivalry which it excites, leads them to the most active efforts. The ball is seldom allowed to touch the ground, and it rebounds from side to side, alternately favoring one and the other party. As a natural consequence, it often re- sults in personal injuries, from blows aimed at the ball, but received by the ball players. A company of these has lately held public exhibitions in our large towns and villages. The exact number of the St, Regis tribe at the time of the athor's visit in June 1852, was 1120, of whom 632 souls belonged to the British, and 488 to the. American pai'ty. Of this number there is said to be not one individual of pure Indian blood, being all more or less mixed with the French and other white races. The war created a division which has since continued, and the British party still adhere to the election of their twelve chiefs, who hold their office for life. Their affairs with government are transacted though an agent or clerk who resides in Cornwall, on the opposite shore of the St. Lawrence. The American party elect th)-ee trustees annually, for the transaction of business, on the first Tuesday of May, in pursuance of statute. The British party of the St. Regis tribe, at present, receive $1,000 as interest for a tract of land sold to that government. It will hereafter be somewhat greater. Besides, they receive rents for lands in Dundee, amounting to $1,000 annually, and blankets and clothing at certain rates, depending upon the age of the individual. From five to nine, a child receives the value of .$1-50. From nine to fourteen, about $2*50, and after that period, the worth of $4 or $5; besides, 1 pound of powder, and 4 pounds of shot and balls, for hunting. A woman receives the value of $4 in blankets and cloth. Several of the British islands in the St. Lawrence, above and opposite St. Regis, belong to these Indians, and they cultivate or rent all that are valuable. No section of the country possesses greater fertility or value for agri- cultural purposes, than most of these islands in the St. Lawrence. The American party receive their annuity, amounting now to $2,131-67 equally divided between men, women and children, to the amount of $4 per head. Besides this, they receive rent for a tract of land near Hogans- burgh, on the Indian reservation, amounting to about $700. The money now paid by the state, is disbursed by an agent who is ap- 178 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE pointed by the comptroller, and holds his office at the will of the appoint- in"- power. He receives at present a salary of $70. The money is paid to heads of fiiniilies in specie, in proportion to the number of members in each. It is equally divided among all. A methodist mission has for some time existed at St. Regis, and they have a cha|)el in the village of Mogansburgh, on the line of the reserva- tion, and as near the Indian village as a title for land on which to build a church could be procured. In the year 1847-8, the Rev. Ebenezer Arnold, of the lilackRiver Conference, who was laboring in an adjoining charge, was led among them, and after preaching to them a few times succeeded in exciting that interest which resulted in the formation of a small and flourishing society, to which on the following conference tlie Rev. J. P. Jennings, was appointed missionary. Through the indefatigable exertions of this gentleman, assisted by others who participated in his interest for the mission, and especially by Bishop Janes, who has the charge of the Indian mission for the time being, the present elegant chapel was erected at an expense of over $1,500, fiu-nished with a fine toned bell, and having a convenient parson- age, pasture, and garden, the whole costing from $2,000, to $2,500. At the end of the second year of his labors, Mr. Jennings was succeeded by the Rev. R. E. King, the present incumbent. The author is indebted to a work entitled Episcopal Methodism as St Was and Is, by the Rev. P. D. Gorrie, for most of the above data in relation to the methodist mission at St. Regis. Indian Names of Places. It is scarcely two centuries since the territory now the United States, was an unbroken wild, traversed only by the I'ude natives, who pursued the bear, and the moose, and set his simple snares for such wild game as served to feed or clothe him. The advent of the European, was his misfortune; and step by step he has retreated before the march of civili- zation, leaving nothing, but here and thei'e, his names of rivers and lakes, and even these, in too many instances, have been with a most singular injustice, and bad taste, exchanged for those of foreign origin, or of no signification of themselves. The sonorous, and peculiarly appropriate names of the aborigines, have often been made the subject of commendation by foreigners, and should in most instances take the preference of those of modern origin. In some cases this would be difficult, but in a new and growing country like ours, in which new sources of industry are daily being de- veloped, and new places springing up, might we not with peculiar propriety adopt the euphonious and often elegant names of the Indians AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. f79 instead of the common place appellation of" 's Mills," or" 's Corners;" words which convey no association, but those of the most common and indifferent character, and which usually lose all their application after the first generation. Let any one compare the splendid names of Saratoga, Niagara, and Ontario, with Sackett's Harbor, German Flats, or Lake George, and he will see the contrast between them, and can not fail to approve the taste that would restore the aboriginal names of places, where it may be found practicable. In making his inquiries into the history of the mission at St. Regis, in June, 1852, the author took special pains to obtain, not only the Indian names of places in the northern part of the state, and immediately with- in the territory embraced in the work, but also of whatever other locali- ties he might chance to be able, not doubting but that the subject would be regarded as one of general interest. At the Indian village of Caughnawaga, neai- the Saut St. Louis, the author met an intelligent half breed, Mr. A. Geo. De Loi'imier, alias Oronhiatekha, who is well acquainted with the Mohawk and other Indian languages, from whom he also derived some assistance, especially relating to distant and well known localities. The names derived from this source, will be designated by a f prefixed to the word. Acknowledgements are especially due to the Rev. F. Marcoux, of St. Regis, for essential assistance in this and other inquiries. Those names received from this source will be thus marked, J. KIVER AND STREAMS. Black River. — ( J Ni-ka-hi-on-ha-ko-wa ) " big river." Mr. Squier, in a work entitled The Aboriginal Monuments of New York, has given the name of this river as Ka-mar-go. His authority is not cited. In a map accompanying L. H. Morgan's work entitled The League of the Iroquois, the name given is Ka-hu-a-go, which is a Seneca word. Chateaugay. — This by some is supposed to be an Indian name, but it is French, meaning, gay castle. The St. Regis call it |0-sar-he-hon, " a place so close or difficult that the more one tries to extricate himself the worse he is off." This probably relates to the narrow gorge in the river near the village. Chippewa Creek. — In Hammond, (fTsi-o-he-ri-sen). This name also applies to Indian Hut Island. Deer River — (tOie-ka-ront-ne) " trout river." The name also applies to the village of Helena, at its mouth. French Creek. — (tA-ten-ha-ra-kweh-ta-re) " the place where the fence or wall fell down." The same name applies to the adj(fining island. Gajianog'Mi.— Not Iroquois, supposed to be Huron, and said to mean "wild potatoes," Apios tuberosa, (fKah-non-no-kwen) "a meadow rising out of the water." Grass Ttiver. — (JNi-kent-si-a-ke,) " full of large fishes," or, " where the fishes live." In former times this name was peculiarly applicable. Before 12 190 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE dams and saw mills were erected, salmon and other fish not now caught were taken in the greatest abundance, as far up as Russell. Its English name was suggested l)y the grass meadows near its mouth. On an old map in the clerk's office it is marked, Ey-en-saw-j'e. The letter y, does not occur in the Iroquois language. Indian River. — On Morgan's map, (O-je-quack). The St. Regis name it hy tlie same appellation, as Black Lake, which see. Oswegetckie, and the village of Ogdensburgh. (I Swe-kat-si), supposed to be a corrupted Huron word meaning " black water." This river in earfy times was sometimes called Black river. Ohio. — (O-hi-on-hi-o,) " handsome river." The French designation of La Belle Riviere, was a translation of the original name. Raquette River. — A French word meaning a " snow shoe." It is said to have been first so called, by a Frenchman named Pai'isein, long be- fore settlements were begun in this quarter, and that the name was sug- gested by the shape of a marsh, near its mouth. The Iroquois name I Ni-ha-na-wa-te, or "rapid river," is peculiarly applicable. It is said that Colonel Louis, the Indian chief, told Benjamin Raymond, when surveying, that its Indian name meant " noisy river," for which reason it has been usually written Racket. As rapids are always noisy, this name would have an application, but we shall retain in the map the original orthography. The St. Fi'an^ois name, as obtained by Prof. Emmons, was Mas-le-a-gui. On Morgan's ma'p, above quoted, it is called Ta-na-wa-deh, supposed to be a Seneca word. Si. Lawrence River. — (j Cat-a-ro-qui,) said to be French or Huron. Signification unknown. On Morgan's map, Ga-na-wa-ge. St. Regis River and Village. — (JAk-wis-sas-ne,) " where the partridge drums." Salmon river. — (JKent-si-a-ko-wa-ne,) "big fish river." Schoharie. — (llo-hsko-ha-re,) "a natural bridge," as that formed by timber floating down stream, and lodging firmly, so as to form a bridge. ^Tioinata. — A small river, tributary to the St. Lawrence, above Brockville. Signifies, " beyond the point." ^ Black Lake. — (JO-tsi-kwa-ke,) " where the ash tree grows with large knobs for making clubs." Champlain. — (fRo-tsi-ich-ni,) " the coward spirit." The Iroquois are^ said to have originally possessed an obscure mythological notion, of three* supreme beings, or spirits, the " good spirit," the " bad spirit," and the " coward spirit." The latter inhabited an island in lake Champlain, where it died, and fi'om this it derived the name above given. How far this fable prevailed, or what was its origin, could not be ascertained from the person of whom it was received. Grass Lake. — Rossie, (JO sa-ken-ta-ke,) " grass lake." Ontario. — (f O-non-ta-ri-io,) " handsome lake." Tupper^s Lake. — (JTsit-kan i-a-ta-res-ko-wa,) " the biggest lake." A small lake below Tupper's lake is called :t:Tsi-kan-i-on-wa-res-ko-wa, " long pond." T^e name of Tupper's lake, in the dialect of the St. Francois Indians, as obtained by Professor Emmons, while making the geological survey of the second district, is Pas-kum-ga-meh, '• a lake going out from the river," aiUuiing to the peculiar feature, which it pre- sents, of the lake, lying not in the course ofj but by the side of, Raquette river, with which it communicates. AND rUANKLIN COUNTIES. 181 Yellow Lake. — In Rossie, (Kat-sen-e-kwa-r,) "a lake covered with yellow lilies." Barnharfs Island. — (INi-ion-en-hi-a-se-ko-wa-ne,) " big stone." Baxter's Island. — Upper Long Saut Isle, (JTsi-io-wen-o-kwa-ka-ra-te,) . " high island." Cornwall Island. — f|Ka-wen-o-ko-wa-nen-ne,) " big island." Isle au Gallop, and the rapid beside it, (JTsi-ia-ko-ten-nit-ser-ron-ti-e- tha.) " where the canoe must be pushed up stream with poles." Isle au Rapid Plat. — Opposite Waddington, (JTie-hon-wi-ne-tha,) " where a canoe is towed with a rope." Lower Long Saut Isle. — (|Ka-ron-kwi.) Sheikas Island. — (JO-was-ne,) " feather island." St. Regis island. — Same name with river and village. NAMES OF PLACES. Brasher jPc//*.— (JTi-o-hi-on-ho-ken,) " where the river divides." Brasher Iron /f'orA:*,— (ITsit-ka-res-ton-ni,) " where they make iron." Canada. — (fKa-na-ta,) " village." Cayuga. — (fKoi-ok-wen,) "from the water to the shore," as the land- ing of prisoners. \Cataroqui. — Ancient name of Kingston, "a bank of clay rising out of the waters," Hochelaga. — Former name of Montreal, or its vicinity, (fO-ser-a-ke,) " Beaver dam." Helena. — The same name as Deer river. Hogansburgh. — (tTe-kas-wen-ka-ro-rens,) " where they saw boards." Kentucky.— {\Ken-ta-ke,) " among the meadows." Malone. — (JTe-kan-o-ta-ron-we,) " a village crossing a river." Massena Village. — Same name as Grass river. Massena Springs. — (JKan-a-swa-stak-e-ras,) "where the mud smells bad." JlibzVff.— (JSa-ko-ron-ta-keh-tas,) "where small trees are carried on the shoulder." Montreal.— {tTuo-t\-a-ke,) " deep water by the side of shallow." Jsfew York. — (JKa no-no,j signification not known. JVorfolk Village..— [IKan-a-tas-e-ke,) " new village." Lower Falls in Norfolk on Raquette river, (Tsit-ri-os-ten-ron-we,) "natural dam." The Oxbow, produced by the bend of the Oswegatchie river, (JO-non- to-hen,) " a hill with the same river on each side." Potsdam. — (JTe-wa-ten-e-ta-ren-ies,) " a place where the gravel settles under the feet in dragging up a canoe." Queftfic— (|:Te-kia-tan-ta-ri-kon,) " twin or double mountains." Raymondville.—{fTsi-ia-ko-on-tie-ta,) " where they leave the canoe." Saratoga.— [fSa-ra-ta-ke.) " a place where the track of the heel may be seen," in allusion to a locality said to be in the neighborhood, where depressions like footsteps may be seen on the rock." Schenectady. — (JSka-na-ta-ti,) " on the other side of the pines." Ticonderoga. — (f Tia-on-ta-ro-ken,) " a fork or point between two lakes.' * Toronto. — (fTho-ron-to-hen,) " timber on the water." Waddington. — (JKa-na-ta-ra-ken,) " wet village." We will conclude our account of St. Regis, by a biographical notice of some of the more prominent of those who have flourished there. 182 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE TiRENS, an Oswegatchie Indian, known as Peter the orator, was a man of great natural talent as a speaker. He was drowned about war time in crossing the St. Lawrence. He was an American Indian, and his descendants still live at St. Regis. On numerous occasions in coun- cil, he produced a great effect from his eloquence. A half breed Indian, who usually was known as Peter the Big Speak, was a son of Lesor Tarbell, one of the lads who had been stolen away from Groton by the Indians, and who subsequently became one of the first setders who preceded the founding of St. Regis. He was a man of much address and ability as a speaker, and was selected as the mouth piece of the tribe on the more important occasions that presented themselves in their councils. At-i-aton-ha-ron-kwen,* better known as Louis Cook or Col. Louis, was unquestionably the greatest man that has ever flourished at St. Regis, among the native population. His influence with his ti-ibe was very great, and they always relied upon his council, and entrusted him with the performance of their more important business, not only with the other tribes, but also with the two governments. In all the treaties we have seen, and in all the i-eports of councils that are preserved, we uniformly find him mentioned, as one of the deputies of the tribe. He had the misfortune of being illiterate. Had he pos- sessed the advantages of education, combined with his great native strength of mind, and soundest judgment, he would have shone with distinguished reputation in his day. The following narrative of his life we have derived from his daughter, Mary Ka-wen-ni-ta-ke, at St. Regis, through the kindness of the Rev. F. Marcoux, as interpreter, and from a biographical notice written by the Rev. Eleazer Williams, which was obligingly loaned for the purpose. The author has also availed himself of whatever else came in his way, among the public archives at Albany. Louis Cook was born about 1740, at Saratoga; his father being a colored man, in the service of one of the government officials at Mont- real, and his mother, a St. Francois. In his features he strongly indi- cated his African parentage. In an attack made upon Saratoga, towards the close of 1755, the pa- rents of young Louis, were among the captives. It is said that a French officer seized the boy, and would claim him as his propei-ty, but his mother incessantly cried out "uh-ni-ho-wa!," that is, " he is my child." No, no, said the officer, he is a negro, and he is mine The afflicted mother made an appeal to tlie Iroquoischief warriors, for the • This word signifies " one who pulls down the people." AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 183 restoi'ation of hei'dhild, who immediately demanded of the officer, to have him delivered up to them as one of their own people, and he reluctantly gave up his prize. The mother out of gratitude to her Indian friends, would accompany them home on their return, and she repaired to Caughnavvaga with them, where she spent the remainder of her life, and where she died. The Jesuit father of the mission persuaded young Louis to live with him as an attendant, and here he acquired the French language, which he spoke with ease. His youth was not distinguished by any peculiarities differing from those of his age and condition, further, than that he indicated an enquir- ing mind, and took an interest in what was going on in the councils of the tribe, which was unusual for those of his age. From these councils, he often said in his old age, he learned his first lessons of wisdom. His i-eligious principles very naturally inclined with his early associations, and he became and continued through life a cath- olic, but there was nothing of intolei*ance or illiberality in his deportment towards others. In the war between the French and English, which began in 1755, and ended by the complete success of the latter in 1760, Louis took up arms for the French, in common with his tribe, and was sent to watch the movements of the English on Lake George. Early in the spring of 1756, being in the vicinity of Ticonderoga, he was one of a scouting party sent out against the English, and encountered a party of the latter, under Major Rogers, and a skirmish ensued, in which he was wounded. The wound which he received, was long a source of annoyance, but his conduct had gained him a character for courage as a warrior, which he ever afterwards maintained. He was with the French troops at the de- feat of Braddock, on the Ohio, and was also present at the taking of Oswego. At a later period, he was with the foi'ces against Abercrombie at Ticonderoga, where he first received the command of a small party of Iroquois, for wliicli service he was chosen, on account of his general reputation for consistency, and courage,' and hiscommand of the French as well as Indian languages. In the attempt to retake Quebec which the Fi'ench made, he was pre- sent, but after the conquest of Canada, his war spirit entirely ceased, and he returned to private life, and the gaining of a livelihood by the chase, respected by the Indians and the whites so far as he was known. His predilection, like those of the greater part of his race, were still with their former allies, the French, and although the opportunity for its ex- hibition did not recur, it prevented him from engaging zealously in the affairs of the English. The troubles which preceded, and led to the American revolution, at- 184 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE tracted his curiosity, as he heard the matters discussed among the whites, and he is said to have made once or twice a journey to Albany, to get information on the subject. From General Schuyler, and others, he de- rived an account of the difficulty, and news that he carried with him to Caughuawaga, is believed to ijave interested the chiefs of that tribe in behalf of the American cause. When the storm which had feo long darkened the political horizon at ^ength broke, and the crisis had arrived when every one must choose a part, this independent minded Indian adopted a course, which, under the circumstances, must be considered remarkable, and resolved to iden- tify his interests with those of the i-evolted colonies. It is difficult to assign a probable reason for this course, as his resi- dence was remote from the theatre of civil commotion, and his people could scarcely complain of the grievances which arose from the stamp act, or the trammels upon commei'ce and industry, of which the colonies loudly and justly complained. It may perhaps b^ ascribed to a dislike for his old enemy the English, and a willingness to side with any party that would attempt their defeat. Whatever may have been the motive, the result was certain, that he enlisted with ardor in the cause of the revolution ; served the interests of the colonies with zeal and ability in his sphere, and rendered essential service to his adopted cause, by the weight and influence which his abili- ties secured him among his race. He felt and declared that the cause was just, and would succeed; he had witnessed the military character of the provincials in the late war, and knew them to be brave, and he felt that the objects for which they contended were worthy of the trials and the sufferings which it would cost to achieve them. After General Washington had assumed the command of the Ameri- can army before Boston, Louis Cook resolved to pay him a visit. In a letter to the president of congress, dated at the camp in Cam- bridge, August 4, 1775, General Washington says: " On the first instant, a chief of the Caughuawaga tribe, who lives about six miles from Montreal, came in here, accompanied by a Colonel Bayley, of Coos. His accounts of the temper and disposition of the Indians, are very favorable. He says, they have been strongly solicited, by Governor Carlton, to engage against us, but his nation is totally averse: that threats as well as entreaties have been used, without effect; that the Canadians are well disposed to the English colonies, and if any expedition is meditated against Canada, the Indians in that quarter will give all their assistance. I have endeavored to cherish that favorable disposition, and have recommended him to cultivate them in return. What I have said, I have enforced with a present, which I understood would he agreeable to him; and he is represented as being a man of weight and consequence in his own tribe. I flatter myself, his visit will AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 185 have a good effect. His account of General Carlton's force and situation of St. Johns, correspond with what we have had from that quarter. (Washington's Life and Writings, hy Sparks, vol Hi, p. 53. j The nature of the present which our Indian chief received at this time, is not known. In after life, he was wont to exhibit to his friends a silver pipe, having neatly carved upon the bowl, the initials, G. W., as the dearly prized gift of a man he adored almost as his maker; and it admits of the conjec- ture, that this may have been the token which he received at the hands of Washington, on this occasion. This visit of Louis afforded the general court of Massachusetts, then in session, an opportunity to learn something in relation to the existing condition of the Indians of Canada, and of the internal affairs of that province. There must have been an air of sincerity and intelligence in the Indian chief, to have secured this notice. The minutes of the Massachusetts house of representatives for the 2d of August, 1775, contain the following memoranda: " Ordered, That Mr. Winthrop, Mr. Foster and Mr. White, with such as the honorable House shall join, be a committee to confer with Louis, a chief of the Caughnawaga tribe of Indians, (who is now in town, being conducted here by Colonel Bayley of Cohoss,) in order to gain from him all the intelligence they can, respecting tlie temper and designs of the Canadians and Indians towards these colonies, or any other matter it may be of importance to us to know." Read and concurred in, and Mr. Howard, Mr. Batchelder, Dr. Church and Colonel Orne, are joined to the committee of the honorable board. On the following day, " Mr. Chauncey brought down the i-eport of the committee of both Houses, who were appointed to confer with Louis, a chief of the Caughnawaga tribe of Indians, viz : " hi Council, August 3, 1775. " The committee appointed to confer with Louis, a chief of the Caugh- nawaga tribe of Indians, (who is now in town, being conducted here by Colonel Bayley of Cohoss,) concerning the temper and designs of the Canadians and Indians towards these colonies, have attended to that ser- vice, and beg leave to lay before this honorable Court, the several ques- tions proposed by the committee to the said Zioitis, and the answers made by him; which were as follows, viz : Question. How many are there in the Caughnawaga tribe ? Answer. Five hundred men able to bear arms. Q. How many in St. Frangois? A. I do not know. They are a different nation. Q. How many in Aronok'? A. I do not know. Q. Is there any other nation of Indians near your tribe? A. Yes, Cannastaug. The number of them I can not tell. Q. Has the Governor of Canada prevailed on the St. Frangois Indians to take up arms against these colonies? A. The Governor sent out Messrs. St. Lue and Bcshpassion, to invite 186 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE the several tribes of Indians to take up arms against you. At his desire they held a Grand Council, and the French officers gave each man half a pound of powder and a drink of brandy, and an ox among them, for a feast. Tliey answered, nobody had taken arms against them, and they would not take arms against any body to trouble them; and they chose to rest in peace. Upon this answer, the officei's told them, ' if you do not take up arms the Yankees will come and destroy you all.' The Indians answered again, when these men come here to destroy us, then we will take up arms and defend ourselves; but we will not go to seek people to quarrel with them. The officers then told them, if you will not take up arms, the regulars will come and destroy you, and take your lands. They answered, they may come as soon as they have a mind to ; and who- ever comes to attack us, we will take up arms and defend ourselves. The officers tried to engage their young men to take up arms, by put- ting two Johannes apiece into their hands; but when the chiefs knew it they took the money from them, and returned it to the officers, and told the young men if they oflFered to engage, they would put them to death. Q. Did you hear of any other nations of Indians that consented to take arms ? A. There is another nation, called Oiiorm5,atagreater distance, which the governor endeavored to engage, telling them that the other nations had agreed to do it. Upon which the Oltowas sent twenty of their tribe to the General Council before mentioned, to inform them of the go- vernor's message, and enquire whether they had agreed to take arms ? They answered they had not; and if they had any thought of it, they would have given them notice. The French officers had further told them, that New York, and all the other governments to the southward, wex*e going to take arms against the Yankees. Q. What do you know of the disposition of the French Canadians towards us ? A. Their disposition is the same as that of the Indians. The Governor tried last winter to raise two thousand troops, but he could not engage any. They were disposed to remain upon their own land in peace. Q. What number of regulars is there in Canada.'* A. About five hundred in all. Q. Where are they stationed ? j1. a sergeant and five privates at Quebeck, twenty at Montreal, and the rest are gone to St. Johns. Q. What account did the French officers give of us ? A. When I went for my pass, the governor told me that you were not capable of defending yourselves, and read me a letter purporting that the king's troops had killed two thousand of your people, without reck- oning the wounded, and burnt one of your towns. All of Avhicli is huMbly submitted. By ortfer of the committee." J. WiNTHROP. (American Archives, fourth series, vol. Hi, p. 301.J Impressed with the warmest feelings of patriotism, and an earnest desii'e to serve the cause of the colonies, he retui-ned to his home, and imparted to his fellows the things he had seen and heard. Jn a letter from Sir Guy Carlton to General Gage, written in August, 1775, which was intercepted, the Canadian governor says : " Many of the Indians have gone over to them (the Americans), and large numbers of the Canadians are with them. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 187 I had hopes of holding out for this year, though I seem abandoned by all the world, had the savages remained firm. I can not blame these poor people for securing themselves, as they see multitudes of the enemy at hand, and no succor from any part, though it is now four months since their operations against us first begun." This occurred in the summer of 1775. The corn harvest having been secui-ed, and some slight preparations for winter being made, he induced a dozen of the Caughnawaga warriors to visit with him the American camp, that they might learn, from actual observation, the condition of the cause which he was urging them to espouse. They first proceeded to the quarters of General Schuyler, and repaired thence to Cambridge. He had been probably advised to this course, by his friend General Schuyler, whom he had repeatedly visited, on his journeys to Albany, to gain intelligence of the approaching struggle. The latter bad previously notified the commander-in-chief of the nature of the visit which he might soon expect to receive, but the journey was delayed a little longer than was expected. We find the occurrence mentioned in the corres- pondence of General Washington, who, in a letter to Major General Schuyler, dated at Cambridge, 16 January, 1776, soys: " Our Caughnawaga friends are not arrived yet. I will try to make suitable provisions for them during their stay, and use every means in my power to confirm their favorable disposition towards us. They will not, I am fearful, have such ideas of our strength, as I could wish. This, however, shall be strongly inculcated." (Sparks^s Washington, vol. Hi, p. 245.J Very soon after this letter was written, Louis with his conu'ades arrived in the American camp, to tender their allegiance to the cause of Liberty, and testify their respect to the character of the commander-in-chief. In a letter to the president of congressj dated Cambridge, January 24, 1776, General Washington says: " On Sunday evening, thirteen of the Caughnawaga Indians arrived here on a visit. I shall take care that they be so entertained during their stay, that they may return impressed with sentiments of friendship for us, and also of our great strength. One of them is Colonel Louis, who honored me with a visit once before." (Sparks^s Washington, vol. Hi, p. 260.) Louis had an ambition for military distinction, and it appears from what follows, that there was a hesitancy on the part of the American generals in granting this. To entrust responsible posts in the hands of Indians, of whose charac- ter or history they knew little, would be unwise. To send them off without notice, would tend to make them dissatisfied, and for aught that could be known, might serve to render them disgusted with the cause. The perplexity which the commander-in-chief experienced from this cause, is expressed in the following extract from his letter to General Schuyler, dated Cambridge, January 27, 1776: 188 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE " I am a little embai*rassed to know in what manner to conduct myself with respect to the Caughnawaga Indians now here. They have, not- withstanding the treaty of neutrality which I find they entered into with you the other day, agreeably to what appears to be tlie sense of congress, signified to me a desire of taking up arms in behalf of the united colo- nies. The chief of them who, I understand, is now the first man of the nation, intends, as it is intimated, to apply to me for a commission, with the assurance of raising four or five hundred men, when he returns. My embarrassment does not proceed so much from the impropriety of encouraging these people to depart from their neutrality, or rather accepting their own voluntary oflfei', as from the expense which probably may follow. I am sensible that if they do not desire to be idle, they will be for or against us. 1 am sensible also, that no artifices will be left uuessayed to engage them against lis. Their proffered services, therefore, ought not to be rejected; but how far, with the little knowledge I have of their real intentions, and your want of their aid, I ought to go, is the question that puzzles me. I will endeavor, however, to please them, by yielding, in appearance, to their demands; reserving, at the same time, the power to you to regulate the number and movements, of which you shall be more fully informed, when any thing is fixed." In answer to this. General Schuyler wrote : "It is extremely difficult to determine what should be done, in what you mention, I'especting the offer made by the Caughnawaga Indians; but if we can get decently rid of their offer, I would prefer it to employ- ing them. The expense we are at in the Indian department, is amazing: it will be more so, when they consider themselves in our service; nor would their intervention be of much consequence, unless we could pro- cure that of the other nations. The hauteur of the Indians is much diminished since the taking of Montreal : they evidently see that they can not get any supplies, but through us." (SparJts^s Washington.) vol. Hi, p. 262.J There is preserved a traditionary account of the interview between the Indian delegates, and the American general, at the audience or council which he gave them on this occasion. It was related by the Rev. Samuel Kirkland, the missionary of the Oneidas, who is said to have acted as interpreter to the one from whom we receive it. One of the Caughmawaga chiefs arose and said : " He perceived there was a war cloud rising in the east, which may make great trouble, and bring much distress upon the American people en account of which his very soul troubled him. War was a great evil to any nation or people. He knew this by sad experience, in the war between the English and the French, by which the latter wei*e brought to ruin. He I'ejoiced to see the Americans had such independent spirits, as to take up arms and defend their rights and liberties, and that they would succeed because he believed that God was on their side, but that this must be gained at the expense of much blood, and great distress, upon the people. That the king of England was a powerful king, or he could not have conquered the French in Canada, but the king of Heaven is stronger than any earthly king and will defend the oppressed; and with a strong voice he added, "brother Bostonians^ be AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 1%9 strong and courageous; j'our cause is good, you will assuredly be sup- ported by the Great Spirit above, whose omnipotent arm will defend you, and in the end will give you a victory; a victory that will resound through all the earth, and this shall be a Sabbath day with you, and your children, and it shall be celebrated with joyful hearts, as long as the true American Spirit shall beat in their breasts. Your true Indian friends in the north, will do what they can in your favor. Indians are born free people ; they love liberty, yes, they would wish to live as free as the deer in the forest, and the fowls in the air. Brother Bostonians, you are a great people, and able to meet the king of England, in the battle field. We are feeble compared to what we were once. You will, I hope, always remember the feeble people who were once the lords of the soil, but who are now much reduced both in members and strength. But the war spirit is still in us, and we will do what we can to aid you, when the opportunity shall offer, even should it result in the destruction of our village by the British your enemies. Remember brother Bostonians, the words of your bi-others of Caughnawaga. Never forget that a portion of them are your friends at heart, and pray to the Great Spirit, that you become a free people, as the Indians your brothers." Having been civilly treated at the camp the Indians returned to Al- bany, where they had an intex-view with Genei-al Schuyler, John Bleecker acting as interpreter; and here they again tendered their services to join the American cause. After a considerable hesitation from the causes above indicated, it was resolved to grant the request, and Louis Cook, received a commission in the Amei-ican army. From this time his residence at Caughnawaga became unsafe, and he returned thither no more during the war, unless stealthily. A portion of the party remained with him, and others returned to Caughnawaga, warm in their friendship to the cause, and intending se- ci'etly to promote it as they might find themselves able. These movements attracted the notice of Governor Carlton, of Canada, who endeavored to secure their adherence to the royal cause, but with- out effect. In the winter of 1777-8, Colonel Louis repaired to Oneida, to raise a company of warriors among that tribe, and in this he succeeded. This is confirmed by a statement made in a petition of one Edward Johnson, to the legislature, for a grant of land for services rendered, in which he says : " That winter I got acquainted with Louis Cook, a French Mohawk, who came to Oneida to get as many men to join him as he could in the American cause against Great Britain, for which he received a Lieutenant Colonel's commission from the first Congress, ^nd said Louis asked me if I was willing to serve the country with him." We also find a memorandum that the Oneidas entered Schenectady in July, 1780, under Col. Louis. 190 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE This tribe as is well known, was the only one that rendered efficient service to the American cause during the revolutionary war. The Mohawks were influenced by tlie Johnson families to take up the hatchet against the colonies, and it is well known that the western Indians of New York deserved the chastisement they received at the hands of General Sullivan. In the summer of 1780, Count de Rochambeau, with a French fleet and army, arrived in the United States, as their allies, in their struggle for liberty. "It was deemed advisable by General Schuyler, and others, that a de- putation of friendly Indians should be eucouarged to visit the French army and fleet at Newport. Many of the Iroquois had been strongly at- tached to the French in early times, particularly during the last war, and they still retained a lively remembrance the amicable intercourse that had then existed. When M. de Vaudreuil surrendered Canada to the British, he gave to the Indians as tokens of recognizance, a golden cru- cifix and a watch; and it was supposed that a renewal of the impres- sions which had in some degree been preserved among the tribes by these emblems of friendship, would have the effect to detach them from the British, and strengthen their union with the Americans and French. For this end their journey to Newport was planned. General Schuyler who was at Albany, selected eighteen Indians for this deputation. Thirteen of these were Oneidas and Tuscaroras, and Ihe other five Caghnawagas, from the Saut of St. Louis, near Montreal. They were accompanied by Mr. Deane, who was thoroughly acquainted with their language. They arrived at Newport on the 29th of August, 1780, and were received with a great deal of ceremony and attention by the French commanders. Entertainments and military shows were pre- pared for them, and they expressed much satisfaction at what they saw any bond, to tlie satisfaction of your lionorabio board, and if ])ai(l on the time limited and new bonds to the satisiaction of the board executed for another sixth of the purcliase money, tiien I shall be entitled to a patent for one-sixth jiart of said tract, to be vset off' in a square, in one of the corners thereof, and the same rule to be observed as to the ])ayments and securities and fjrants or patents, until the contract shall be fully completed. But if at any time I siiall think fit to anticipate the payments, in whole or in part, in that case I am to have a deduction on the sum so paid, of an interest at the rate of six ])er cent. i>er annum, for the time I shall have paid any such sum before the tinje herein before stipulated. I have the honor to be, gentlemen, « with great respect, your most obedient servant, Alexander Macomb. New York, May 2d, 1791. I do hereby consent and agree, that the islands called Caleton's or Tiuck's islands, in the entrance of lake Ontario, and the isle An Long Saut, in the river St. Lawrence, and a tract eqTml to six miles square, in the vicinity of the village of St. Regis, be exceptetl out of the above irontract, and to remaiti the property of the state : Provided always, That if the said tract sljali not be hereafter applietl for the use of the Indians of the said village, that then the same shall be considered as included in this contract, and that I shall be entitled to a grant for the same, on my perr"ormance of the stipulations aforesaid. Alexander Macomb," The board, by a resolution, accepted this proposition, and directed the surveyor general to survey the said tract, at the expense of Macomb, and requiring him to secure the payment of the first-sixth part of the purchase money. (Land Office Minutes, vol. ii, p. 192.J On the 10th of January, 1702, the surveyor general having made a return of the survey above directed, and the security required having been deposited, for the payment of the southern half of the tract, con- taining 1.920,000 acres, the secretary was directed to issue letters patent accordingly,* which was done January 10, 1792. f This portion was tracts Nos. 4, 5 and 6, in Jefferson, Lewis and Oswego counties. In the returns of the survey, made under the direction of the surveyor general, the lands were laid out into six tracts, of which number one lies entirely in Franklin county, and numbers two and three, in St. Lawrence county. These were subsequently subdivided into townships, named and num- bered as follows, with the origin of each so far as is known.J * Land Offire Minutes, vol. ii, p 232- t t5ee Office Patents, b 23, p. IGO; see recital in patent to rvicCornuclc, ib. b. le, p. 19S, &c. t In ol)tainin^ the origin of these names, the author has been assisted by A. O Brodie, of N. Y.; and Henry B. I ienepont, of Brooklyn. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 255 Number 0.\e embraced 27 townships. 1. Macomb, Alexander Macomb. 14. Ennis. 2. Co7-machus,*- Daniel McCormick. 15. Foivler, Thedosius Fowler. 3. Constable, Wm. Constable, 16. Johnsmanor, A son of Constable. 4.yJib»-a, a place in Ireland. 17. GiYcZtmi, Jonatlian Gilclirist. 5. Bangor, a town in Wales. 18. Brighton, a town in England. 6. Malone, a name in the family of 19. Chdlenham, " " R. Harrison. 20. Margate, " " 7. Annastown, a daughter of Con- 21. H«me/s/ojf)n, a daughter of Con- stable, stable. 8. St. Patrick, the Irish saint, 22. Lochneagh, a lake in Ireland. 9. Shelah, a place in Ireland. 23. Killarney, " " 10. WUliamF,ville, a son of Constable. 24. BaiTijmore, a place in Ireland. • 11. Westerly, U.5. Mount Morris. 12. Ewerettaville, a. daughter of Con-26. Cove Hill. stable. 27. Tipperary, a county in Ireland. 13. Dayton, Jonathan Dayton. These were numbered from west to east, and from north to south. See map of Franklin county, where the original names and numbers are given. Number Two embraced 18 townships, in the eastern part of St. Law- rence county, and south of the ten towns, viz: 1. Sherwood. 10. Matildavale. % Oakham. 11. Wick. 3. Mortlake. 12. Riversdale. 4. Harewood. 13. Cookham. 5. Janestoum, a daughter of Consta- 14. Catharinevilh. ble. 15. Islington. 6. Picrcefield, 16. Chesterfield. 7. Granshuck. 17. Grange. 8. Hollywood. 18. Crumick. 9. Kildare. This tract was numbered from west to east, commencing at the south west corner, and ending at the north. Number Three was divided into 15 townships, viz: 1. Hammond, Abijah Hammond. 9. Sarahsburgh, 2. Somerville,] a town in N. Jersey. 10. Clifton, a town in England. 3. Deivitt, the surveyor general. 11. Portaferry,a. town in Ireland. 4. Fitz William. 12. Scnfea, from George Scriba.? 5. Ballybeen, McCormick's native 13. Chauinnnt, the name of T. D. place. Le Ray. 6. Clare, a county in Ireland. 14. Bloomfield. 7. Killarney, " " 15. Emilyville, a daughter of Con- 8. Edwards, a brother of D. Mc stable. Cormick. The numbering of this tract began at the north west, and ran irregu- larly from west to east. We have carefully retained these names and * Or McCormick. This word is but a play upon the name. JOu some maps marked Caledonia. This was a favorite name of Mr. Parish. 256 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE numbers on our map of St. Lawrence county. Nos. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 21, in tlie first tract; and 1, 38, in the third tract, have been applied to towns. ]Most of the others have been discarded, or are used only in designating tracts of land. Macomb, soon after his purchase, appointed Wm. Constable to go to Europe, and sell lands, which he did, but as they are not within our pro- j)osed limits, the details of these transactions will not be given. The re- port of this sale naturally spread through the state, and put a stop to fmilier a|)plications, which led the commissioners to direct the surveyor general (Oct. 11, 1791,) to advertise in all the papers in the state, that the Old Military tract, and lai'ge tracts east and south of this, were still for sale. This was accordingly done.* The failure of Macomb, interrupted the sale, and prevented him from receiving the patents. On the 6ih of June, 1792, he released to Wm. Constable, his interest in tracts 1, 2 and 3,f As many of the transfers that ensued were cf)nfidential, it would be tedious to follow them, if our space allowed. William Constable and Daniel JMcCormick were the leading negotiators in this business, and after the death of the former, in May, 1803, James Constable, John Mc Vickar and Hezekiah B. Pierrepont, as his executors, assumed the settle- ment of the estate and sale of lands. Macomb's- interest in the three tracts was sold June 22, 1791, to Wm. S. Smith, Abijah Hammond and Richard Harrison, but the patents for these tracts were not issued till several years afterwards. Ou the 3d of March, 1795, the commissioners of the land office directed the secretary of state to prepare letters patent to Daniel McCormick, for the third tract of 640,000 acres, the latter, who was an original jjroprietor with Macomb, having paid the sum required into the treasury. This was accordingly done.| On the 10th of July following, McCormick satisfied the claims of Smith, Hammond and Harrison, by deeding one-fifteenth part of the third tract, and two undivided tenths remaining after deducting the said one-fifteenth part, and also one-third part of the remainder§. The title of these gentlemen to the third tract would accordingly be represented by the following formula: ■ 1 , 2(1-tV) , 1— :V 15"^ 10 ^ 3 • Our limited mathematical attainments will not allow us to trace the * Land Office records, p 220. t See's office, patents, b. 23, p. 160. t Sec.'s office, patents, b. 23, p. 394. j See's office, deeds, 29, p. 157. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 257 complex and compound vulgar fractions that were employed in the sub- sequent sales. On the 14t!i of Mi'.y, 1798, ]McCorniick applied for patents for the first and second tracts of Macomh's piu'chase, which were ordered, and on the day following, approved, and on tlie 17th of August, passed by the commissioners.* The first tract embraced 821,879 acres, and the second 553,020 acres. The fees charged for issuing a patent for 1,374,839 acres granted to iVIcCormick, amounted to $820, of whicli half was paid into the treasury, and the rest the land commissioners divided between them, by virtue of an act of Fel)ruary 25, 1789, establishing the fees which were a certaia rate i)er township ;f and of course proportioned to the magnitude of the sales. On the 21st of June, 1797, the surveyor general was directed by the land commissioners to finish and return a survey of the lands contracted and sold to Macomb, and to employ none but competent and trusty sur- veyors on this duty. If difficulty arose in finding the starting point, he was to attend personally to the matter.J McCorujirk, by deetl to Constable, Se})tember 20, 1793, conveyed an undivided third of great lot No. 2,§ and December 19, 1800, a partition deed between Macomb and McCormick to Constable was executed. Theodosius Fowler, Jonathan Dayton, and Robert Gilchrist, haying become intere-^ted In the tract, a partition deed was executed January 19, 1802, in which Hannnond, Harrison, Fowler, Gilchrist, and Dayton, released to McCormick, Constable and Macomb. In July, 1804, James D. LeRay, by purchase fiom Constable, became interested in the townships of tracts Nos. 1, 2 and 3. He appointed Gouverneur Morris as his attorney. We have prepared a detailed statement of the shares received by each, in these transfers, but our space will not admit of its insertion. The following tabular statement shows the names of those to whom the differ- ent townships were assigned. It is taken from a copy of an ori'^inal map, kindly furnished to the author, by P. S. Stewart, Esq., of Carthage, the agent of Mr. LeRay. To condense the statement, the following abbreviations will ba used: L. Le Rat de Chaumo>t. W. C. VVm. Constable. M. Alex'r Macomb. F. Theodosios Fowler. M. C. Daniel McCormick. G. F. Gilchrist Fowlek. * Land office records, iii, p 60. Patents, b. 13, p. 19S, 394, see's office. tib., iii, p. 57. $rb., iii, p. 18. § Deeds, secretary's office, b. 32. 258 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE R. H. Richard Harrison. P. David Parish. H. Abijah Hammond. Great Tract jYo. 1, including 27 townships. 1, M,; 2, W. C: 3, W. C; 4, G. R; 5, M. C; G, R. H.; 7, W. C; 8, H.; 9. N. i W. C, middle J H., S. i M. C; IC, W. C; 11, R. H.; 12, W. C; 13, N. W. i R. H., E. i not marked ; 14, not marked; 15, N. W. i G. F., N. E. i M. C, south i.art not marked; IG, W. C; 17, N. i R. 11., middle J M. C, S. J W.C; 18, H. ; 19, F. ; 20, G. F. ; 21, L. ; 22, M. C. ; 23, M. C. ; 24, N. VV. i H., N. E. i G. F., S. E. 4 R. H., S. W. d M. C. ; 25, S. i G. F., the rest not marked; 2G, M. C; 27, N. W. i M. C, the remainder L. Great Trad JVo. 2, including 18 townships. 1, N. VV. i 31. C, N. E. ^ L., S. E. d M. C, S. W. i G. F.: 2, N. W. 1 M., S. W. i G. F., E. i L.; 3, W. C; 4, N. W. d L , N. E. dH. S. E. d M. C., S. W. d C.; 5, M,; 6, S. ^ M. C., N. h M. C., R. H., H., G. F. and L. ; 7, M. C. ; 8, N. i R. M., S. h M. C. ; 9, R. H.; 10. W. C.; 11, W. C; 12, N. W. d P., N. E. d R- H., S. E. i H., S. W. d M; 13, P.; 14, P. and M.; 15, H.; 16, R. H.; 17, E. part M. C., middle part L., W. part G. F.; 18, not marked. Great Tract JVo. 3, including 15 townships. 1, H. ; 2, not marked ; 3, not marked ; 4, E. part H, middle part M. C., W. part S., (Madame de Stael?); 5, M.C.; 6, E. ^L., W.i S.; 7,G.F.; 8,M.C.; 9,M.; 10, N. W. d M., N. E. d L. ; S. E. d R. H., S, W. d H. ; 11, M. C. ; 12, M. C. ; 13, L. ; 14, not marked; 15, N. E. d M. C., N. W. d G. F., S. ^ L. ; 15, N. E. i L. ; N. W. d M. L., S. E. d M. C., S. W. d G. F. The islands in the St Lawrence were not patented with the lands op- ])osite which they lay, nor were they included in the jurisdiction of any of the towns, although included in the contract of Macomb, with two exceptions. It was not deemed advisable to patent any of these until the national boundary was decided. By an act passed March 17, 1815, they were declared to be a part of the respective towns opposite which they lay, and this extended to the island in Lakes Erie and Ontario, and the Niagara river. The islands were patented as follows: All the islands which lie within this state, between a line drawn at right angles to the river, from the village of Morristown, situated on the shoi*e of the river, and a meridian drawn through the western point of Grindstone island, in the county of Jefferson, containing fifteeen thou- sand, four hundred and two aci*es, and nine-tenths of an acre, were granted to Elisha Camp, Feb. 15, 1823. In the above grant is included Grindstone island, containing 5,291 acres, Wells's island containing 8,068 acres, Indian Hut island containing 369 acres, and some small islands without names. Lindifs island, 7"92 acres, to Elisha Camp, Dec. 9, 1823. Nine small islands, 178-8 acres to Hezekiah B. Pierrepont, Oct. 21, 1824. Isle du Gallop, 492-5 " « " Tick island, 11-0 " " " Tibbits island, 17-5 " « ", Chimney island, 6-2 " " " Other small islands, 3-0 " « " AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 259 Rapid Plat, 9,763 acres, to Daniel McCormick, August, 1815; and to McCormickon the 15th of December, 1823, the following, with the num- ber of acres in each. The title is recorded iu book 2.5, p. 480, of pa- tents, at Albany, Smugglers' island and Johnson's island, 17'72. » An island near Johnson's island, between that and the United States shore, 2-46. Snuy island, 55-20. Upper Long Saut island, 868-80. Chat island, 95-20. C island, 3-1. Chrystler's island, 52-80. D Island, 2-5. Hog island, 5-29. Haynes' island, 134-56. Goose Neck island, 405-87. The Isle au Long Saut, was reserved by the state in the original sale, from its supposed importance in a military point of view, and sold to in- dividuals by the surveyor general, in pursuance of statute, between May 5, 1832, and the present time, at the land office in AlbanJ^ Barnharfs island, 1692-95 acres; two-thirds to David A. Ogden and one-third to Gouverneur Ogden, Dec. 15, 1815. This island, near St. Regis, lies veiy near the Canadian shore, and a considerable part of it north of the line of 45° N. latitude. It was ac- cdB-dingly regarded as British territory, and in 1795 it was leased of the St. Regis Indians, by George Barnhart, for a term of 999 years, at an annual rent of $30. The British government had made a practice of granting patents upon the issue of similar leases, and would doubtless have done so in this instance, had application been duly made. In 1806, a saw mill was built, and arrangements made for the erection of a grist mill, when the Indians became dissatisfied and insisted upon a renewal of the lease, at aa increased rent. Accordingly a lease was given for 999 years, at $60 annual rent. Deeds had been granted by Barnhart, who with all the other inhabitants of the island, were treated as British subjects, until upon running the line between the two nations, after the ti-eaty of Ghent, the commissioners assigned the island to the United States, as an offset for the half of Grand island, at the outlet of Lake Ontario, which in justice would have been divided. In 1823, D. A. Ogden and G. Ogden purchased the islands in St. Lawrence county, and with them Barnhart's island. The settlers not complying with the offers made, were ejected by the state, and they in 1849 applied for re- dress at the state legislature. By an act passed April 10, 1850, Bishop Perkins, George Redington and John Fine, were appointed commis- sioners to examine these claims, and awarded to the petitioners the ag- gregate of $6,597, which was confirmed by an act passed at the follow- ing session of the legislature! The claimants received as follows: Wm. 260 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE Geo. Barnhart, $1,475; Jacob Barnhart, $3,284; Geo. Robertson, $1,127; Geo. Gallinger, $402, and Geo Snetzinger, $309. The state, in disposing of its lands, conveys them by an iustrnment called a patent, in which there appears no consideration of payment, and which piu-ports to be a gift, and to be executed by but one party. As reference is often made to the reservations of the patent, the form of one is here inserted: "THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, By the grace "of GOD, free and independent. TO ALL to whom these Presents shall come greeting: KNOW" YE, That WE HAVE Given, Granted and Confirmed, and by these Presents, DO Give, Grant and Confirm unto [here follows name, bounds of lands, &c.], TOGETHER with all and singular the Rights, Hereditaments and Appurtenances to the same belonging, or in any wise appertaining : EXCEPTING and RESERVING to ourselves all Gold and Silver Mines, and five Acres of every Hundred Acres of the said Tract of Land for Highways: TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the above described and granted Premises unto the said . . ., Heirs and Assigns, as a good and indefeasible Estate of Inheritance for ever. ON CONDITION NEVERTHELESS, That within the Term of Seven Years to be computed from the . . . Date hereof, there shall be one Family actually settled on the said Tract of Land hereby Granted for every six hundred and forty acres thereof^ otherwise these our Letters Patent and Estate hereby Granted shall cease, determine and become void : IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, WE have caused these our Letters to be made Patent, and the great Seal of our said State to be hei-eunto affixed : WITNESS our trusty and well beloved [George Clinton] Esquire Governor of our State, General and Com- mander-in-Chief of all the Militia, and Admiral of the Navy of the same." These instruments ai-e made out by the secretai-y of state, on the order of the land commissioners, and bear the signature of the governor, and the great seal of the state, which, in former times, was a large waxen disc, with paper on each side, bearing the arms of the state on the face and an impression on the back, which was styled " the reverse." Tax Sales have caused large tracts of land in the rear townships of the great purchase to change hands, and many of the present owners hold their titles from this source. In March, 1834, 116,873^ acres were sold in St. Lawrence and 28,323 acres in Franklin counties, amounting, in the latter, to $841*73 only. At this sale, Peter Smith bid oflT large amounts in these and other counties. In 1839, 43,164 acres in St. Lawrence and 65,881 acres in Franklin counties, were sold. In 1843, 93,690 acres in the former, and 45,457 aci-es in the latter. These sales, which formerly took place at Albany, have, by a recent act of the legislature, been very judiciously transferred to the county seats. These lands have usually been sold at prices scarcely nominal. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 261 The following are examples: 17,140 acres, $185-09; 20,568 acres $263-02 ; 21,165 acres, $671-03. The state is said to own considerable tracts, which have been forfeited for taxes. Landholders^ Reserves have very frequently been made in the northe|-n counties, and generally apply to mines and minerals. In some deeds, these reserves embrace certain specific ores or minerals, and in others the resei-vations are extended to mill seats and mill privileges. A clause is commonly inserted, by which it is stipulated, that all damages arising from entering upon the premises, in pursuance of the conditions of the reservation, shall be paid. This has undoubtedly, in some cases, operated as a drawback «pon the mining interests, as the occupant, having no claims upon ores that might exist upon his premises, would feel no solicitude about their dis- covery; and even would take pains to conceal their existence, preferring the undisturbed enjoyment of his farm, to the annoyance and disturb- ance that might arise from mineral explorations. These reservations of ores are superfluous, in sections underlaid by Potsdam sandstone, or any of the sedimentary series of rock that overlay this formation; as none have hitherto been discovered or suspected to exist in any of these rocks. It is only in primitive rock, or along the boi'ders of this and sediment- ary or stratified rocks, that useful ores have hitherto been discovered in this section of the state. » The Original Survey of MacornVs Purchase. The following account of these surveys, was obtained fi-om Mr. Gur don Smith, a pioneer settler, and one of the surveyors who run out the great purchase. The north line of Totten and Ci'ossfield's purchase, waS' run during the revolutionary war, by Jacob Chambers, and forms the southern boundary of the great tract. The ten towns had been supposed to be surveyed, previous to 1799, but some of the lines, if ever marked, could not then be found, and a part of them were run out, under the direction of Benjamin Wright, of Rome, in 1799. The outlines of the great tract had been surveyed by Medad Mitchell, and Tupper; the former from New York, who laid out the great tracts numbers 1, 2 and 3, but did not subdivide it into townships. On finishing their work, they were at the extreme south east corner of Franklin county, from whence they proceeded through the woods towai-ds Rome, but bearing too far to the north, they crossed Black river, 262 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE below the High falls, and when they first recognized their situation, were in the town of Redfield, Oswego county, where one of them had pre- viously surveyed. When they reached Rome, they were nearly famished, having been several days on close allowance, and for a short time entirely destitute. From one of these surveyors, Tupper's lake, on the south border of the county, derives its name. In the winter of 1798-9, Mr. Benjamin Wright, originally from Connecticut, but then a young man, residing in Rome, and by profession a surveyor, obtained from the proprietors in New- York, a contract for surveying the three great tracts of Macomb's purchase, into townships. He had been engaged from 1795 till 1798, in company with his cousin, Moses Wright, in surveying large tracts, and among others, the Black river tract, in Jefferson, Lewis, and Oswego counties. From his excellent reputation as a surveyor, he was employed as a suitable person to superintend the survey of the great northern purchase. Early in June, Mr. Wright, with a party of about twenty men, started by way of Oneida lake, and the St. Lawrence rivers, with a six handed bateau, to commence their operations at St. Regis. They left arrange- ments for three of their number, G. Smith, Moses Wright, and Ebenezer Wright, with eight other men, to come through the woods, to meet them at Penet's bay, now the village French Creek. The latter party started on the 11th of June, 1799, having been prevented by the absence of one of their number from getting off, till several days after the main part of the company had left; and arrived after a march of about four days, at the point designated, but instead of finding their companions, they found a letter, stating that after waiting in vain several days, they had gone down the river. With the exception of a small supply left for their support, they were destitute of provisions, but making a virtue of the necessity, they divided their little stock equally between them, and pulling down the little log cabin which had served for their shelter, and which was then the only tenement in the country, they made of its tim- ber, a raft, and following on, came to where some Canadian timber thieves were at work on the American shore, near the head of Chippewa bay. Here they found provisions for supplying their most pressing hunger, and from hence they were taken in a boat to where Brockville now is, then a small settlement. From this they proceeded to Oswegatchie where they overtook the others, and being assembled, they descended to St. Regis, to commence their operations at that place. At the head of the Long Saut, two of the number intimidated by the swiftness of the current, slipped out of the AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 263 company, and attempted to gain St Regis, by land, but on aiTivingatthe mouth of Grass river, they Vere obliged to hire some Indians who were passing, co convey them to Cornwall, from Avhence they proceeded to St. Regis. A small party under the direction of G. Smith, was put on shore, to proceed by land from the Long Saut to St. Regis, to make a traverse of the river, who arrived two or three days later than those who proceeded by water. The arrival of so many men upon their lands, at first greatly alarmed the Indians, who suspected evil designs upon their persons, or their property, and they assembled in arms, to repel them; but at length, being satisfied that their designs were altogether peaceable, they were received and treated with much kindness. The names of those assembled at this place for surveying, were as follows: Benjamin Wright, (principal surveyor), Gurdon Smith, Moses Wright and Ebeuezer Wright, (the latter cousins of B. Wright,) Clark Putnam, E. Hammond, Benjamin Raymond, sui-veyors at the head of parties, and each having* his lines assigned him. Each had two axe men to mark the lines, and two chain men. B. Wright, superintended the operations of the others, and had the direction of supplying the several parties with provisions, at camps, that were established at different points. He had his head quarters at the mouth of Raquette river. One of the first duties to be done, was to explore the Raquette river, and ascertain how far that stream was navigable, and at what points it was most eligible to establish camps. To Mr. G. Smith, was assigned this duty, and he with two men, followed the shore as far up as the present village of Potsdam, and in consequence of this, and other explorations, a camp was established at the present site of Norfolk village at the foot of the rapids on the west side ; another near Coxe's Mills in Pierrepont; another at the Canton high falls; and another at Cooper's falls, in Dekalb, and at each of these a man was left to take charge of provisions. In commencing operations, Mr. Wright found it a matter of the first importance, to ascertain the point where the line formerly run between the great lots of Macomb's purchase, intersected the south line on the southern border of the county. To determine this, Mr. Hammond was despatched to find the point of intersection, but not only failed in this, but also was detained so long by various causes, that his absence became a serious source of uneasiness with those who were left. He at length came in nearly famished, having failed to accomplish his object. Still in hopes of ascertaining these important data, Mr. Smith was next sent, with directions to make the most careful examinations, and 264 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE not return until if possible, they were found. After traveling nearly as far as was necessary to reach the point, the pTirty camped near a river to spend a night, in hopes of being so fortunate as to find the object of their search the following day. Next morning one of their party related a curious dream, which he had dreamed during the night, in which he re- lated, that they seemed to be traveling along, and carefully examining every object for land marks, when they came to a bog meadow, with scarcely any vegetation but moss, and that on a solitary bush which grew apart from all others, might be found the mark. This dream was treat- ed virith derision, but they had scarcely proceeded a quarter of a mile when they came to a marsh which the dreamer declared was like that which had appeared in his vision, and on careful examination, he detect- ed the bush and the mark, much to the surprise of all. The manner in which this anecdote was related, leaves no doubt of its truth, and it remains a subject for the speculation of the physiologist to offer a solution. He might have heard it related casually, and years before, that such a mark had been made in such a place, and this, from its ti-ifling nature, might have made no impression at the time, and was forgotten, but when it became an object of solicitude to ascertain it, the busy thoughts flitting through the mind in dreams, without the control of the will, and following each other in a succession of which we know DO law or order, might have brought, unbidden, the welcome fact, long forgotten, and which no effort of memory in the waking state could have recalled. In fno other rational manner can this singular instance of apparent i*evelation be satisfactorily explained. These different surveying parties, spent the summer in running some of the principal lines of the great purchase, meeting at times with great hardships, from exposure to the elements, want of provisions, and mis- understanding of instructions, from the imperfect knowledge possessed of the different lakes, streams, and rivers in the country. Towards fall, the several parties proceeded back to Rome, where they all resided, some by water, and two parties, (Smith's and Raymond's) through the forest. An incident occured in Mr. Smith's party, worthy of record. He had procured a supply of provisions, about 25 miles below JTupper's lake, of a party who had been sent by Mr. Wright, for this purpose, and thence in pursuance of instructions he had turned back to the south line, and had proceeded on this, to the extreme south western corner of St. Lawrence county, where they camped for the night. In the morning, it being foggy and misty, two of his men had conceived that the course he proposed to take, in order to reach the High falls on Black river, (S. 25° W.) was not in the direction of then- homes, notwithstanding the AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 265 evidence of the compass, and peremptorily refused to accompany him. The coui-se they proposed fo taite, was back on the south line towards Lake Champlain, and no argument or expostulation could convince them that they were in error. Mr. Smith, endeavoi-ed to remonstrate, by showing that the line was obscure, and would soon be lost, and that they must then wander at ran- dom and perish in the forest, which had then no limits, but the St. Lawrence, Black, and Mohawk rivers. But finding entreaties vain, he divided his provisions equally between them, and they shouldered their knapsacks and started. At this trying moment, those that remained, tortured with fear that the missing men would be lost, and that their blood would be required at their hands, resolved to remain in the place they were a short time, in hopes that the deluded men would lose their course, and call for assistance before they had got beyond hailing dis- tance; and so it providentially proved, for their receding forms had scarcely disappeared in the distance, than, from the very anxiety they felt to keep their line, they became confused, and perplexed, and a faint shout in the distance conveyed back to those who reni:iined, the joyful news that the misguided men had discovered their folly, in time to be saved. Mr. Smith, who had been listening intensely to learn whether such would not be the result, instantly sprang upon his feet, and bidding his men i-emain in the place they were, he darted off in the direction of the cry, and at length overtook them, much to the relief of all parties. Being by this time convinced of their error, and willing to trust that most reliable guide the compass, they willingly consented to follow the others, thankful for having discovered their folly in season. Had not the others remained where they were, the two parties would have been beyond hailing distance, and the consequences must have been fatal. The company on the third day, arrived at the High falls, having struck the road, then newly cut from that place to Brown's tract, at a point seven miles from the falls. In May, 1800, Mr. B. Wright, Mr. M. Wright, G. Smith, and B. Raymond, returned with men l)y way of Lake Ontario, and finished during that season, the survey of their contract, embracing the first three great lots of Macomb's purchase. The head quarters during this summer was also at St. Regis, but no- thing worthy of notice occurred. In the latter part of the summer, they returned home with their work finished. 266 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE CHAPTER V. ORGANIZATION AND SETTLEMENT OF THE SEVERAL TOWNS. *ITH most persons, the adventures of the pioneer settler, and the privations and inconveniences experienced in forming a new settlement, possess a great degree of interest; and if consult the annals of any people, or of any age, we shall find that the origin, an& the first feeble beginnings, of a new settlement or colony, are those which have been described with the greatest minuteness, and read with the greatest interest. The idea of an era, or STARTING POINT, from whicli future events shall be dated, of itself pos- sesses an importance which engages the attention, and is afterwards re- called as an occurrence not easily forgotten; and the magnitude of the enterprise, enhances the importance of the initial steps. On this princi- ple, the corner stone of the edifice, which is to be the pride of the archi- tectural art, is laid with imposing ceremonies; and the first discovsi-y and occupation of a new country, has been by voyagers and discoverers, celebrated with such acts as were well calculated to fix the event in the memory, and add to the importance of the beginning of a new series of events. Thus it is in the formation of new settlements; the commencement of a labor which is to change the wilderness to the cultivated field, and the difficulties encountered in effecting a lodgment in a forest, remote from sympathy or assistance, and exposed to all the hardships which such a situation imposes, has in it a species of merit which deserves to be com- memorated; and especially, if there be in this any self-sacrifice from principle, or for the good of others, or the exhibition of those traits of character which evince courage in the presence of dangei", perseverance in defiance of obstacles, or the exercise of those ennobling traits of cha- racter which elevate and adorn the human mind, do they especially demand our favorable attention. Entertaining such a view of the subject, the author has for several months, devoted his time exclusively to the laborious but pleasing task, of gleaning from the memories of the early inhabitants, and the scattered records of the various towns ; from the periodical press, the records of AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 267 societies, and from the public archives, the details which follow, in rela- tion to the origin, progress and present condition of the towns of these two counties. The difficulties which attend this class of researches, can be realized only by one who has experienced them. To patiently listen to the broken and disconnected narrative of the aged, whose sluggish memories are scarcely able to recall the incidents which marked their prime; to submit to the verbose and disjointed accounts of the illiterate, and the loose statements of those who talk at random; to guard against the impositions of those who have an interest to be promoted, and the misstatements of those who are themselves in error, and from these to select those parts which have Avorth, and reject the worthless, and to connect and arrange the whole in such a manner as to form a consistent and impartial narrative, requires an amount of labor which is very great. It is hoped that these statements will be remembered should the reader observe any deficiencies or eri'ors in the following pages. St. Lawrence county, is at present divided into twenty-eight towns, which were organized on the following dates, and from the following towns. Brasher, taken from Massenet, April 21, 1825 —Canton, taken from io?i, March 28, 1808. CoLTON, taken from ParishvUle, April 12, 1843. Dekalb, taken from Oswegaichie, February 21, 1806. Depeyster, taken from Oswegatchie and Dekalb, March 24, 1825, Edwards, taken from Fowler, April 27, 1827. Fine, taken from Russell and Pierrepont, March 27, 1849. Fowler, taken from Rossie and Russell, April 15, 1815. Gouverneur, taken fi-om Oswegatchie, April 15, 1810. Hammond, taken from Rossie and Moiristown, March 30, 1827. Hermon,* taken from Edivards and Dekalb, April 17, 1830. — HoPKiNTON, taken from Massenq,, March 2, 1805. Lawrence, taken from Hopkinton and Brasher, April 21, 1823, —Lisbon, taken from (the Ten towns,) March 6, 1801. Louisville, taken from Massena, April 5, 1810. ^ Macomb, taken from Gouverneur and Morristown, April 30, 1841^ Madrid, taken from Lisbon, March 3, 1802. Massena, taken from Lisbon, March 3, 18u2. Morristown, taken from Oswegatchie, March 27, 1821. Norfolk, taken from Louisville and Stockholm, April 9, 1823. Oswegatchie, taken from Lisbon, March 3, 1802. - — Parishville, taken from Hopkinton, March 18, 1814. Pierrepont, taken from Russell, April 15, 1818. Pitcairn, taken from Fowler, March 24, 1836. Potsdam, taken from Madrid, February 21, 1806. Rossie, taken from Russell, January 27, 1813. Russell, taken from HopAiWon, March 27, 1807. Stockholm, taken from Massena, February 21, 1806* Brasher. Was erected from Massena, April 21, 1825, and the first town meeting' * Under the name of DEPEAr, changed to Hermon 28, Feb, 1834, 268 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE ■was directed to be held at the liouse of Benjamin Nevin. The poor moneys of the towns, were to be divided agreeably to the last tax list. It originally embraced the greater parts of townships No. 17 and 18. By an act of April 11, 1827, all that part of No. 16 or Chesterfield, north of the south line of Stockholm, extended to the county line, was added , without the knowledge or consent of its inhabitants. Tlie latter part was taken off in 1828, in forming the town of Lawrence. Town Officers. — The following is a list of the first town officers, elected June G, 1825. Benjamin Nevin, Supervisor ; David McMurphy, Town Clerk; Win, Stowell, Jehiel Stevens, and Benjamin Watts, .Assessors ; John Burroughs, David Richardson, and Peter Uorbin, Commissioners of Highways; Benjamin Watts, Constable and Collector; Francis Nevin, and David Richardson, Overseers of the Poor ; Lviman Kibble, Jehiel Stevens, and Francis Nevin, Com'rs of Com. Schools ; David McMurphy, Benjamin Nevin, and Wm. Stowell. Inspectors of Schools. Supervisors.— 1825, Benj. Nevin; 1826, David McMurphy; 1827-8; Jehiel Stevens; 1829, B. Nevin; 1830; J.Stevens; 1831-3, B. Nevin, 1834. J. Stevens; 1835-6, David Richardson; 1837-8, Nicholas Watis; 1839-41, J. Stevens; 1842-3, John Phelps; 1844-7, Joseph A. Jacob?, 1848-9, John Phelps ; 1850-1, James H. Morse ; 1852, Hannibal Andrews. The town of Brasher derives its name from Philip Brasher, of Brook- lyn, who acquired by purchase at different times from the eight heirs of Thomas Marston, one of whom was his wife, a portion of the town. Mr. Marston had received his title, March 18, 1809, from G. V. Ludlow, Mas'ter in Chancery, and the tract thus conveyed, had been set off to Jonathan Dayton, in a division between Dayton, Gilchrist, and Fowler, in July, 1801. Mr. Brasher held for several years the office of alder- man, and member of assembly, and had been in the legislature for seve- ral years, previous to the time the town was organized. It was the in- tention of the petitioners that this town should bear the name of Helena, and as such the bill passed the assembly, but was altered in the senate. This town has at present three villages and post offices, which were es- tablished as follows: Helena, Feb. 13, 1827; Brasher Falls, July 22, 1840; and Brasher Iron Works, July 14, 1849. This town embraces most of the townships of Grange and Cru- mnck, and was subdivided into strips running north and south, McCor- mick, one of the proprietors, conveyed to Joseph Pitcairn by deed dated July 6, 1818, the middle part, and under this pi-oprietor the settlement first began. The eastern part, which is known as the Chandler tract, of 12,235 acres, was conveyed by McCormick to Samuel Ward, Dec. 15,1794, and formed a part of 192,000 acres to which the latter became entitled on a division of the great purchase. It passed thence to Samuel Havens, of Dedham, Mass., Dec. 6, 1806, and in 1834 the tract was surveyed into 33 lots, and sold Aug. 10, 1842, to T. P. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 269 Chandler. The west third was confirmed by McCormick, Constable, and Macomb to Harrison and others, in a partition executed Jan 19, 1801, It ultimately became owned by Thomas Marston, and by inheritance and purchase by Brasher. The first improvement began in town was the erection of a saw mill on Deer river, and as was supposed on the Ha- ven tract, by G. B. R. Gove in 1815. The first actual settlement was made March 17, 1817, near the village of Helena, by several families who came on and settled under the agency of Russell Attwater, of Norfolk, who in that year erected a saw mill, which afterwards contained a grist mill, whh a single run of stones, Benjamin Nevin succeeded as agent in May, 1819. There were then living in town the following men, and their families : Wm. Johnson, Amos Eldridge, Jeremiah Shuff, Enoch Hall, Brown and Francis Nevin, a young man. A grist mill erected by Mr. Nevin, was burned in April 1828, but immediately re- built, and is the one now at Helena. The first religious meetings were held by the Methodists, and the Rev, Squire Chase, preached the first sermon in town. The settlement at the mouth of Deer river, received the name of Helena, from Helen, only daughter of Joseph Pitcairn. It was the intention of this proprietor to make the place his home, and he caused to be erected the large stone dwelling west of the village, for a residence, but domestic afflictions prevented him from carrying this in- tention into effect. This place is a small village, and a fall in Deer river, gives it a water power sufficient for common mechanical purposes. Some importance was at an early day attached to the navigation of the St. Regis river in this town, and a boat capable of carrying ten barrels of potash, was run between Hogansburgh and the landing, seven miles below Brasher falls. The inhabitants of Stockholm and Hopkin- ton availed themselves of this communication, in reaching market. To promote this, an act of March 25, 1828, made it the " duty of the asses- sors of the town of Brasher, to designate in their next assessment all lands lying west of and within two miles of the St. Regis river, and above the place usually called the landing. The board of supei-visora were authorized from this to levy a tax not exceeding twenty cents on an acre, in addition to the ordinary tax, to be expended by the road com- missioners of the town in improving the roads through these lands." By an act passed April 18, 18^1, the board of supervisors were authorized and required to tax the town of Brasher $1,000 to rebuild two bridges over the St. Regis river, where the main road from Potsdam and Stock- holm to Hogansburgh passes through the town. This sum was not to be levied unless the same should have been previously fixed and de- termined upon by a vote of the freeholders and inhabitants, at a legal lown meeting assembled. 270 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE On Deer river two and a half miles from Helena, is the small manu- facturing village of Brasher Iron Works. The first beginning here, was about the lOtli of September, 1835, by Stillmau Fuller, formerly from Fullerville Iron Works. Mr. Pitcairn had known of the existence of bog ores in this town, and induced Mi-. F. to come and examine the ores, and if practicable to erect a furnace. The first contract run ten years, and allowed Mr. Fuller the sole right of digging ores on his tract, by paying a tribute of twenty-five cents a ton. The furnace at Norlblk had previously been in part supplied from this town, but the new contract cut them off from all further supplies from tliis quarter. A furnace was erected on the left bank of Deer river, which was 31 feet square on the ground, of the same height. Inside diameter, 7 feet. Lining, sandstone from Potsdam, which was found to answer the purpose of a firestone admi- rably. It was made a quarter furnace, and at first fed by a cold blast. It was got in operation and the first casting of iron made on the 29th of Octo- ber, 1836. The first blast continued till the last of January following, without delays or accidents, and about 250 tons were made on the first trial. At the end of the second blast, in the latter part of 1827, the pre- mises were sold to Isaac W. Skinner, from Buffalo, and R. W. Bush^ of Ogdensburgh, under the firm of Skinner & Bush, who continued about three years. At this time, Wm. H. Alexander, of Syracuse, took the place of Bush, under the firm of Alexander & Skinner, who have con- tinued the business till the present time, with little interruption. It has been run exclusively on bog ore, mostly loam ore, which yields about twenty per cent, and makes a good quality of iron. The iron made has been partly exported in the pig, but since 1843, the greater part has been cast into stoves, and other castings, upon the premises. Two cupola furnaces have been erected, for remelting the iron for castings. About 1843, a machine shop was erected for finishing mill irons, and other ar- ticles, and a large amount of this business has been done here. A hot blast has been introduced, and is now used exclusively. The furnace has been three times burned. At the first of these burnings, the en- tire premises were consumed, but the latter only burned the casting house. Coal is obtained within from 1 to 3 miles, at a cost of about $4 per hundred bushels. Two brick coal kilns have been built, but their use here, as well as elsewhere, has been discontinued, the coal not being found to be of so good a quality as that burned in pits covered with earth in the usual way. Most of the inhabitants of this place are directly or indirectly dependent upon the iron works for employment. The sur- rounding country is much of it still a wilderness, the settlements being new and scattered, and presents an appearance of desolation from its AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 271 having been overrun by a fire in the summer of 1849. This destructive fire spread through the woods, fi-om Norfolk across the towns of Brasher, Bombay, Fort Covington, and Westville, taking in its course every thing combustible, and killing most of the standing timber, which still re- mains a dismal monument of its ravages. Many thousands of dollars worth of pine and other choice timber were destroyed; in some places every thing valuable of the soil was burned, fields of grain were over- run, miles of fenecs swept away, and many houses and barns burned. The work of destruction continued several weeks, but was most violent and uncontrollable about from the fifteenth to the twentieth of July. The eiforts of the inhabitants succeeded in some instances in checking the conflagration, but in other cases human efforts were unavailing, and flaming surges swept onward without restraint. The scenery of the burning forests, especially at night, is said to have been awfully sublime and impressive. An accident happened at the furnace, in September, 1843, which de- stro3'ed the building and fatally burned one of the laborers. This was caused by the blowing up of the furnace, an accident to which those supplied by loam oi-e, are more liable dian others, and against which nothing but the greatest care of those having charge, can effectually guard. It is caused by the clogging up of the inside, by which the mass of ore and fuel does not settle down as the parts below waste away, before the blast, thus forming a cavern of intensely glowing heat. When the mass above becomes detached and falls, the water in the damp ore being instantly changed to steam, expands with terrific vio- lence, always throwing out of the furnace whatever it contains, and usually setting fire to the -wood work on the premises, and effectually putting a stop to the blast. On the occasion of the blowing up of this furnace in September, 1843, the liquid iron at the bottom was thrown out by the violence of the explosion, misei-ably burning one of the firemen, who died a few hours after in the greatest agony. Similar accidents have happened at Carthage, and other furnaces in Northern New York, that are supplied with bog ores. The village of Brasher Falls, near the southwest corner of the town on St. Regis river, about a mile below the junction of the two branches, and the same distance from the Brasher and Stocholm depot on the Northern rail road, was first commenced by John Crapser, of New York, who, in the fall of 1826, built a dam and saw mill on the falls in the river at this place. The saw mill was got in operation for lumbering, and two or three dwellings erected the following spring; but no increase occurred in the place until the fall of 1839, when Calvin T. Hulburd, of Stock- holm, purchased a tract of six hundred acres of land, on both sides of 272 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE the river, including the site of the present village. In 1841 he com- menced and fiuislied a grist mill and dwelling; a small woolen factory was built soon after. A bridge had been built, partly at the expense of the town, several years previous to 1839. A fork and hoe factory was established by F. and T. R. Taylor in 184G, a manufactory of agricultu- ral implements, by Davis & Co., from Maine, in 1851, and a foundery by the same company in 1852. The fliciiities of this place for manufactur- ing purposes, are worthy of especial notice; as the amount of water power is immense, and still but partly appropriated, and its vicinity to the railroad, gives it a direct access to market. The St. Regis river, the two branches of which unite near the rail road bridge, a mile above, here descends a declivity which, in a state of na^re, must have presented a rapid of singular wildness and beauty. T|ie volume of water is here amply sufficient for a large amount of pov4>er, and admits of being re- l)eatedly used within a short distance. Among the manufactories at this place, those of forks and hoes, by Messrs. Tayloi", and of agricultural implements, by Davis & Co., are quite extensive, and give employment to a great number of laborers. The former of these deserves mention' from its being the pioneer in the business of manufacturing cast steel polished forks in the country. Mr. F. Taylor commenced this business at Parishville in 1831. In 1840, he erected at Bicknellville machinery for facilitating the business, and here during five or six years, the number of forks and hoes n)ade, I'anged from fifteen to twenty thousand a year. In 1846 the manufactory was removed to Brasher Falls, where from twenty to thirty thousand forks, and from six to twelve thousand hoes, are made annually, and exported from hence to nearly every state of the union. Religious Societies, — The First Presbyterian and Congregational church of Helena, was organized June 1, 1837; Benjamin Nevins, Linus Kibble and Grant Johnson, trustees. A church edifice was built in 1837-8, and the Rev. Messrs. Rufus R. Demming, of Massena, Howe and Charles Jones have been emjiloyed as a partial supply, there having been no settled pastor. The First Pi-esbyterian society of Brasher Falls, was incorporated under the general act, February 24, 1845. Ebenezer S. Hulburd, Martin Smith, Hiram Holcomb, Sidney Kelsey, Justin Bell, Jehiel Stevens and Elijah Wood, being the first trustees. The church was formed July 8, 1844, by about seventeen members, mostly from the church in East Stockholm, who employed the Rev. S. S. Howe, as their first clergyman. He has been succeeded by Rev. Charles Jones and Hiram Dyer, the present pastor. A church edifice was erected in 1847. The church at present numbers about 60. The P"'irst Society of the Methodist Ej)iscopal church of Maple Ridge, was incorporated February 29, 1848; D. Wait, William E. Wait, Luther S. Carter, Benjamin Bell and V. G. Carter, trustees. The First Society of the M. E. church of Brasher Falls, incorporated April 10, 1S48, had David Richards, Heman Holmes, Joseph Eester, Ethan Johnson and John S. Hall, as its first trustees. Each of these societies has a chape], AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 273 the one at the falls having been built in 1851. At Brasher Iron Works, a liaptist society has existed, but has been scattered. A Freewill Bap- tist church was formed in this town in July, 1848, by Eld. John Sweat. Its first number was 9, and present 13 members. Eld. A. P. Walcott is pastor. In 1851, a catholic church was built half a mile east of the village, by tlie Rev. Mr. Keveuy, of Hogansburgh. Canton Was erected from Lisbon, March 28, 1805, with its present limits, the first town meeting being held at the house of Stillraan Foote. The poor moneys were to be divided by the last tax list. During this session, the settlers of Oswegatchie, Madrid and Massena had petitioned for a divi- sion of these towns, and Mr. B. Wright, in the assembly, from the com- mittee to whom the matter had been referred, reported March 26th, that " they found their situation peculiarly inconvenient, as they had to travel from fifteen to thirty miles to town meeting." Memoranda from the Town Records. — In 1806 and 1812, S5 bounties offered for wolves, and in 1810 and 1816, 810. In 1810, a fine of $12 imposed on all jugglers, mountebanks and wire dancers. $50 raised, for securing the rights and privileges of fish ; and S. Foote, D. Campbell and N. Walker, a committee for the pur[)ose. This was afterwards a matter of solicitude with the town, and of legislative action. In 1815, C. Wilson, F. Tracy and Wm. Richardson were appointed a committee for making Grass I'iver navigable for fish of all kinds to come up and down at pleasure, and $50 voted for the purpose. On the 12th of April, 1824, a law made Grass river a public higliway, from its mouth to the high falls, in Canton, and dams were allowed to be erected, on condition that passages or sluices should be made for fish to pass. Neglecting this, or setting nets or weiers, was punisliable by a fme of $25. As early as April 5, 1813, a law was passed, " that no person should draw any seine, set any net, or make any obstructions, in Oswego, Racket or St. Regis rivers, under a penalty of S25. The avowed object of this law was, to |)rotect Salmon, which frequented these rivers in early times, and in 1806-7, were caught as far up Grass river as Russell. In 1825, the town appointed Minot Jenison and Thomas D. Olin to enquire into the con- dition of dams, and prosecute any violation of the law; promising to indemnify them for losses arising from law suits. In 1811, resolved to preserve in the town records, the dates of births, deaths and marriages, which were to be reported to the clerk under a penalty of $1; and in 1812, it was made the duty of the assessors to collect these data. In 1823 and 1825, $500 voted for the support of the poor, and similar but smaller sums voted in other years. In 1835, the legislature was petitioned for a law, to tax the town $500, to be paid to the trustees of the public lands in trust for the academy, to be invested for its benefit, on condition that the trustees execute iionds for the convey- ance of the lot and buildings for a school. In 1836, M. Jenison, J. H. Conkey, S. D. Olin, R. (V. Harrison, D. Mack, J. Ames, 2d, C. Foote, S. Wright Jr., L. Moody, D. Clark, II. Barber and A. Smith appointed a committee to superintend the academy, and employ a teacher, and to attend to the interest of the town therein. In 1837, voted a tax of $500 for three years for the academy, on condition that a subscription of an equal sum be raised. In 1840, a crow bounty of one shilling, and in 1841-2, one often cents voted. In 1846, $1,C00 voted for a town house, 274 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE in three equal sums. Benjamin Squires and Cjtus Abernethy a com- mittee to erect it. In 1849, at a special meeting, the legislature was petitioned for a law taxing the town $6,000, in six equal sums, for build- ing a plank road, from the village to town line, towards Gouveneur, •wi)ich was done. Luman Mood}', Theodore Caldwell and Joseph J. Merriman were recommended as commissioners to build the road. Swpenjfsors.— 1806, Stillman Foote; 1807-8, Daniel Walker; 1809-12, Daniel Campbell; 1813-22, Daniel Walker; 1823-4, Thomas D. Olin; 1825-6, Jeduthan Farwell; 1828-30, James Parkill ; 1831-3, Silas Bald- win Jr.; 1834-5, John Heaton; 1836-40, Lemuel Buck; 1841-2, Henry Barber; 1843-4, Richard N. Harrison; 1845-6, Henry Barber; 1847-8, Cyrus Abernethy; 1849, William F. Cahoou; 1850-2, Hiram S. Johnson. Canton was surveyed by Amos Lay, assisted by Reuben Sherwood and Joseph Edsall, in the summer of 1799. Their labors included both townships of Canton and Lisbon. Among the men who were employed to assist, were the following: Festus and Septimus Tracy, Nahum Allen, George Goss, Abner Hazelton, Alvin White, Jacob Redington, Thompson. The supplies of provisions for the summer's operations, were boated up in canoes, through Oswegatchie river and Indian cieek (natural canal), and up the Grass river, to the site of the present village of Canton. While working near the St. Lawrence, their supplies were carried directly over at whatever j)oint they might happen to need them. The survey of the two townships being completed, the hands returned to New England through Canada. While the survey was going on, the parties engaged on it were frequently back and forth from the front settlements in Canada, and the subject of the value of the lands was much discussed, and a high idea was entertained of their probable value for agricultural purposes. This led to the formation of an association, consisting of thirty or forty Canadians, who proposed to form a settle- ment on the tract, and who sent one of their number to Albany, to negotiate a bargain with the proprietors, for a purchase. This agent is said to have effected a conditional bargain for one-quarter of a township, wherever the company might wish to locate, io J^isbon or Canton. Upon receiving this intelligence, the whole pai-ty decided upon traversing the tract, to learn its actual value, by direct observation; and accordingly, taking several days' provisions on their backs, and guided by persons who had been employed in the survey, they separated in small parties, and pursued their course in various directions, through the woods. At night they would meet at an appointed place, kindle an immense fire of logs and dry materials which they collected, and camp around it for the night. Every thing proceeded agreeably for a while, but unfortunately for their harmony, numbers of them came from different quarters upon a remarkably beautiful tract of land, in the southeastern part of Canton' AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 275 where the hard timber was unusually clear and lofty, and a meandering stream wandered through the forest between banks that, in their native growth of timber and herbage, and the soil at the surface, betokened imusual richness and fertility. Here, without the knowledge of each other, several parties resolved to locate their interests, and in accordance with the prevalent custom, commenced slight improvements, which, in their opinions, would confer a preemption right to the soil. These pro- ceedings soon became known to the whole party, and the overlapping claims of rivals engendered a party strife, in which each loudly vocifer- ated his claims, and insisted upon the priority of his arrival, and fin an incredibly short space of time, the schemes of the whole party were dissipated. Of confidence in each other's hotior, they had none; and the mutual distrust led to the dissolution of the company, who scattered immediately, and by different routes, sought the St. Lawrence, and crossed again to Canada. Some being ignorant of the course of the rivers, wandered from their way, and did not reach the gi-eat river, till they had arrived in Louisville; and when they gained the settlements, were well nigh exhausted with hunger and fatigue. The first land that was taken up with the view of actual settlement in the town of Canton, was by Daniel Harrington, a native of Connecticut, but who had afterwards lived in Vermont, and in Canada. In 1800, he took up a tract of land on the east side of Grass river, where Canton vil- lage now is, having commenced a small improvement the fall before, which consisted of a slight clearing, near the present agricultural fair ground, and on the bank of the river, whei-e he sowed less than an acre of land to wheat, in the fall of 1800; and having no team to assist him, he harrowed in the grain with a hand rake. The crop was sold to Mr. Foote, and when harvested, yielded more than sixty bushels, notwith- tanding the immense numbers of squirrels of that year. By a striking coincidence, the officers of the society in selecting their fair grounds located them almost exactly on the spot which had thus early betokened its capabilities for agricultural improvement. The cabin of this pioneer, stood on the spot where the flag staff of the fair ground is erected. In the fall of 1799, several men came into town, and made slight clearings, supposing that thereby they acqired a preemption right; but the first per- manent settler, was Stillman Foote, Esq., from Middlebury, ■Vt.,who came into town to look for lands, in 1800, and purchased the mile square, on which Canton village now stands. Harrington's title, including the wheat crop, he purchased for a horse, saddle and bridle. In March, 1801, Mr. Foote left his home in Vermont, for his location, with two teams laden with provisions and furniture; but upon the approach of warm weather, be was obliged to leave a great part of his load at Willisborough, on Lake 18 276 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE Champlain, to be taken, together with the irons for a mill, l^ the more circuitous route of Lake Champlain and St. Lawrence river to Lisbon, the nearest accessible point, about 18 miles from his destination. A very poor road conducted our emigrants as far as Chateaugay, where feveiy trace of a road ended, and they were obliged to seek the St. Lawrence at St. Regis, where they crossed and proceeded along the Canada shore to opposite Lisbon. From this place they were guided to Canton by an ob- scure trace marked for a road. Mr. Daniel W. Chinch, who had been engaged as a millright, followed by water, having charge of the mill irons and remainder of the loading left at the lake. From his diary before us. the following memoranda are taken : •'March 27th, took leave of my family and home. 29th, went to Bason Creek, and waited some days. April 1st, got a passage for old Mr. Foote, [Daniel F., the father of S. F.,] to Plattsburgh, in company with one Mr. Storer, who had a spare horse there, and sent my two men with him. Thought I had taken a prudent step to keep the old gentleman from catching the small pox, which he would be much exposed to, should he go with me through Canada. 4th. Got our loading on board, and set sail; got myself set on shore at Cariotte to get more loading. The vessel could not wait; I got aboard of another witli Johnson, and set sail. Just at night the wind rises, and the evening is very dark. The passengers, of whom there were 50, begin to be very sick. The vessel is poorly manned, and I remain on deck to assist the captain in working it, as it is in some danger. Run in at Peru, and lay at anchor in the swell all night. Could hardly see land when within 20 yards; and suffered intolerably with cold, having no blanket, nor even great coat. 5tb. The wind dies away, and we set our passengers on shore, and sail w ith a moderate breeze till the morning of the 6th, when we reached St. John. Met with Johnson and my other company, and walked to Laprairie. 8th. Go to the Indian vil- lage, 9 miles above Laprairie, and ferry across to Lachiue. The Indian village is the handsomest town I have seen in my whole voyage, except Mt. Real. To see the Indians at their homes was quite new to me. 9th. Went back to Mt. Real, on foot, after a canal ticket. Set out just at even- ing, and it was dark before I left the place. Lost my way, and returning, was hindered some time, but ai-rived at my company in so short a time, as to surprise them. 10th. Agree with Mr. Tuttle concerning a boat, as follows: He is to have a boat and two hands, or one band and work him- self; and I am to find the rest of the help, and pay ihe canal ticket. Tuttle is clerk to one Crystler, and takes a passage in another boat, and agrees with Mr. Grant to hire two hands, but the latter can not, because it is seed-time with the Canadians. We set out without any help, but can not get along, the current is so strong. Happen to hear of two hands, who will go to Pt. Clair, 8 or 9 miles; hire them and arrive there. 11th. Go to Cedars with great difficulty. 12th. Arrive at the King's locks, where the hands being all beaten out, leave the boat, and we hire Cana- dians in their room. I go in the boat and come very near getting lost in the rax)ids. Meet with as much hardship as I know how to get along with, and after toiling as hard as possible, arrive at the head of Lake St. Francis, between 9 and 10, in the evening. 13th. Sail across the lake a little below Cornwall. 14th. Go above Cornwall. Tuttle hires 2 hands, one good, the other worse than none. We find it impossible to get any farther with our loading. 15th. Arranged business, and set out on foot, AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 277 hardly able to stir. Go to Crystlers, and have dfficulty in settling with who refuses to allow some borrowed money. 16th. Arrive at Lis- bon, at the house of James Turner. 17th. Reach Canton, with seventeen blic son my hand, occasioned by rowingandpuUing the bateau along. Find Thomas down with the fever and ague," Mr. Church was accompanied by Libeus Johnson and sons; John Flannegan, a journeyman, Thomas Marvin, an apprentice, and one or two others. He found in the camp Mr. Foote and his father, who had come through on horseback, and others to the number of twelve, who all occupied the same shanty, and without the first convenience ; as every article not of prime necessity, had been left at Cornwall until a road could so far be cleared as to allow of the passage to teams. An entire week was consumed in getting the teams fi'om Lisbon, and on Saturday night they were still three miles from camp, where the cattle were left to browse,, and the men came on. The whole party then proceeded to return to them, and the loads were got in. The first clearing was made on the west side of the river near the water's edge just below the present bridge. The pai'ty immediately set about preparing the fi'ame of a saw- mill, but had scarcely begun opei-ations, when the camp was visited by sickness, and one of the number stricken down by death. On the 2d of May, Mr. Church, the mill-wright, was attacked by an intermittent fever, contracted the summer previous, and about the same time, the elder Mr Foote was taken with symptoms, at first not understood, but soon too sadly recognized as the small pox. Five of the company had been in- oculated, and this operation was forthwith performed upon the other six. Although nearly four score years of age, the invalid bore his sick- ness well, and at one time it was hoped he would survive. But on the accession of the secondary fever, he grew worse and died. His last words were : " God's will be done." Mr. Church at this time, was not able to sit up in his couch of hemlock boughs, and the symptoms were beginning to appear upon those who had been inoculated. Stillman Foote had fallen a few days previous, and broken a rib, which disabled him from rendering assistance. They kept the corpse until the third day, watching it by turns, and then committed it to the earth, wrapped in the hammock on which he died, with a few hemlock boughs below him, and the bark of an elm tree for a cofiin. There was at this time, no medical aid to be had, nearer than Johnstown, in Canada, and even this was not to be reached, as the heavy rains had rendered all the streams impassable, so that a young man who had been sent out, was obliged to return. This is believed ttt lie the first death of a white per- son in Canton, and occurred May 10th, 1801. We will here resume our quotation from Mr. Church's diary, which describes the difiiculties of 278 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE the settlers with vividness. It covers some of the events above de- scribed : " iVTay 2. Myself had the fever and ague. 4th. Had an intolerable fit of it. Gloomy times. 5th. Worked. Very rainy at night; camp leaks everywliere; no place to lay down in. Sleep none at all. Have free scope for my thoughts, not having anythinir to interrupt me, but the snoring of the rest of the company, soaking in water. With great diffi- culty I ])revent the rain dropping on old Mr. Foote. Let any person imagine himself in the woods, fifteen miles from any house, sick of the fever and ague, one of the conipany rotten with the small pox, one with his ribs broke, one other ghostified with the fever and ague, three in- oculated with the small pox, and only three well ones, and let him imagine himself exposed to all the rains, without physician, or nurse, or medicines; then let him awake and find it a dream, and see how glad he will be! 10th. More trouble; the old gentleman died, and I am growing worse every day. The three well ones bury the old man as well as they can in his hammock, and put some barks over him. Hard times for poor Stillman, who had to lay his own father in his winding sheet. 13th. Hide out to Lisbon with extreme difficulty. I can not sit on a horse. Ride bare-backed. Get wet with rain through and through. From Canton to Lisbon settlement is filteen miles without the least opening; very little road, and very many swamps and mireholes. 14th. Go to Dr. Adams's and back on foot, fourteen miles. Half an hour be- fore I set ont while the fever was on, J could not walk across the house. 25th. So far recovered as to ride back to Canton." Mr. Church was soon compelled to go back to his friends, and the rest of the party having partly finished the mill, returned back to spend the winter in Vt. In the spring of 1802, Mr. Foote returned with his family, consisting of a wife, two sons, and a daughter, and they took up their abode in a corner of the saw-mill. Mr. Church and three companions proceeded through the woods from Chateaugay, a distance of about 70 miles, without mark or guide, but a compass. Their goods were borne by a pack-horse, and they were five days on the pathless road, most of the time in the rain, and towards the last of their journey, so short of provisions, that they were obliged to subsist upon pork and partridges, of the latter of which they chanced to kill a few on the way. During this summer a single run of rock stones driven by a tub wheel, was got in operation in a part of the mill, and this was the first and only grist mill in town, until after the war. During the summer of 1802, a thriUing incident happened, which well nigh proved fatal to one of the party. On a sabbath morning about 20 persons had assembled at the mill from the several clearings to spend a day in social intercourse, and discuss the news. Two men were cross- ing the river in the only boat in the place, and had gained an island, when the current unexpectedly caught the boat, and was taking it down stream. One jumped out, but in so doing, threw the bow of the boat further into the current, and the remaining one finding it impossible to AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 279 gain the island, jumped overboard with his setting pole, and lodged on a rock where he could maintain himself but with great difficulty, while the boat was swept down, and broken among the rapids below. Mr. Church procured a rope and swam over to the island, where making one end fast to a tree, he let himself down stream till he could get the other end into the hands of the one in peril, who was thus rescued from what appeared to be certain destruction. In 1802, the town began to settle rapidly, and among others, Peter R. Leonard, Moses Leonard, Thomas D. Olin, Chester Dewey, Lebeus Johnson, and five sons. James Parkil, Daniel Walker, Nathan ^Valker, Kingsbury, most of them with families, and from Vermont, immi- grated. The first school was taught in 1804, by William Barker; and religious meetings began to be held the same year. The second death was that of one Osgood, who was killed in 1803, about three miles south of Foote's, by the fall of a tree. The first birth in town, was a daughter of L. Johnson, in 1803; and the first male born in town, is said to have been a son of P. R. Leonard, in 1803. Before the wai-, a forge was built on the east side of the river by Mr. Foote, and run upon bog ores from the north part of the town. The extravagant price of iron at that period, justified an expense for its re- duction, that would be now wholly inadmissible. A dam was built at the village soon after the mill, but the bridge not till after the war. The west side of the river long continued to be the principal seat of business. A Mr. Farwell is said to have been the first settler east of the river, where the most of the village of Canton is now located. In 1831, (April 9.) the legislature voted a tax of $1,800 on the town, for a bridge at the village, naming Jno. Day, Isaac Heaton, and Thomas H. Conkey, commissioners for its erection, with power to anticipate by a loan, the fund to be raised. This bridge was destroyed by a freshet in June, 1843. It was soon rebuilt, and in 1852, again rebuilt. The first inn in Canton, was opened by Mr. Foote, soon after he be- came established, and for several years the town settled very fast. In the south part of the town, in the vicinity of South Canton, Benjamin Rose, of Dorsett, Vt, began in 1806, and soon after, Ward Squires, Abner Wells, and John Rose. The village of Canton began to grow rapidly after the location of the court house, in 1828, and its central location, in the midst of a highly cultivated region and fine water power, give it much importance. A destructive fire occurred here on the 4th of Octo- ber, 1843. The village of Canton was incorporated May 14, 1845. Irs bounds were made to include the jail limits, as they then existed, excepting thereout the bridge across Grass river. The officers of the village were 280 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE to be five trustees, two of whom shall be inhabitants of the two school districts on the east side of the river, and the fifth to reside on the west side of the river, with three assessors, one treasurer, one clerk, and one collector, who were to be elected on the first Monday of May of each year. The president of the board of trustees was to be chosen by them- selves, out of their number, soon after each annual election. The powers of the trustees extended to those subjects which relate to the internal go- vernments of a village, including the organization and supervision of a fire department, the care of roads and public squares, &c., coupled with the power of enforcing their regulations by fines within certain limita- tions fixed by statute. The following is a list of the trustees which have been elected annually in the village of Canton, since its organization. The persons elected as president are given in italics: 1846, Prosper Barrows, Benjamin Squire, Nathan Pratt, Barzillai Hod- skin, and JVathaniel Hodskin. 1847, Ebenezer Miner, Daniel Mack, Elias G. Page, Harry Smith, Or- ville Page. 1848, Ebenezer Miner, B. Hodskin, Calvin Williams, Hai-ry Smith, Prosper Barrows. 1849, P. Barrows, S. J. Bingham, Harvey M. Childs, H. Smith, Paul Boynton. 1850, E. Miner, Darius Clark, A. R. Kipp, O. Page, Nathaniel Hodskin. 1851, Wm. Blanchard, Theodore Caldwell, Vincent Coan, Martin Thatcher, P. Boynton. 1852, Benjamin Squire, Luman Moody, Clapp Bailey, O. Page, L. B. Storrs. By an act passed April 21, 1846, the board of supervisors were di- rected to levy a tax of $333'33 annually, for thi'ee years, in Canton, for the erection of a town house in that village, to be paid to Benjamin Squire and Cyrus Abernethy, who were named in the act as commissioners to expend the above sum for this pui-pose. The supervisor of the town is ex-officio the trustee of the house, and has control of the same. The town house was accordingly erected, and stands fronting a public square before the county buildings, and near the academy. On the 11th of April, 1832, the Canton Social Library was incorpo- rated ; Darius Clark, Moses Whitcomb, Wm. Perry, Jr., Lyman Langdon, Wm. F. Cahoon, Elias C. Page, and Benjamin Walker, being first trustees. Like most other librai*y associations this is believed to have become extinct since the formation of school distiuct libraries. On both sides of Grass river, but mostly on the west bank, and near the north part of the town, is the village of Morley, which name it re- ceived in 1835 from the family name of the Harrison relatives. It was formerly called Long Rapids, and first began to be settled in the spring of 1810, by S. Foote, of Canton, who built a saw mill here. In 1811, a AISD FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 281. second saw mill, and in 1815 a wooden grist mill, were built, the latter by Christopher Wilson. Mr. F. sold his interest in 1812. The sum of $150 was in 1817 voted for a bridge at this place. The present stone mill was built for Mr. Harrison, the proprietor. It is a place of consider- able business, having two saw mills (one a gang mill of 32 saws), four sliingle machines, a sash factory, taimery, two wagon shops, a taveru, three stores, and about fifty or sixty families. A plank road from Can- ton to the Northern Rail Road passes through the village. Near the north-west corner of the town, on the Oswegatchie river, and 11 miles distant from Ogdensburgh, with which place it communi- cates by plank road, is the village of Rensselaer Falls, which began in 1839, by the erection of a forge, by Tate, Chafee & Co. It first had the name of Tateville, from Robert Tate, of the above firm, but it has been more generally known as Canton Falls, until the recent establish- ment of a post office. The forge was west of the river, and at first had three fires, and was worked on specular ore from Hermon, and bog ores from Lisbon. A saw mill was built in 1839 by Mr. Van Rensselaer, the proprietor, and in 1846 the present stone grist mill. This village has been surveyed into lots, and the Oswegatchie, which here has a fall of about six feet, gives it an abundant water power. A congregational church was formed here in 1842, and a society in 1847, who erected a church edifice in 1848. The Rev. • Parsons, and Rev. Goreham Cross, have been employed here. A cemetery association at this place was incorporated April 15, 1852, with Jacob ShuU, B. Morrison, Augus- tus Johnson, A. G. Pierce, G. W. Cooper, and Caleb S. Johnson, * trustees. Near this village the JVatural canal, which forms so striking a feature of the country, joins the Oswegatchie. It was originally open both at this and Grass river, and navigable for small boats, and became the high- way to mill by the pioneers This channel is six miles long, and from 5 to 10 and even 25 rods wide, with a descent of three feet towards the Oswegatchie. It runs through an alluvial flat, of about 4500 acres, covered by a forest of black ash and soft ma|)le, which has hitherto been too wet to cultivate, but is now in process of reclaiming. The oudet on the Oswegatchie has been closed, and a canal cut along the bank to be- low the dam, by which the water is expected to be lowered about four feet. It has cost about $6000. The oudet on Grass river has long since been closed. This channel is known on some maps, and among the in- habitants, as Indian creek. In 1816, an act of 1807, relating to the gospel and school lots of central New York, was extended to this county, and authorized the supervisor, and two commissioners, chosen at a town meeting, to lease them for a term not 282 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE over 21 years, and to apply the proceeds to the support of the gospel or schools, or botli, as the town might vote. On tlie 21st of March, 1823, a law was passed allowing three trustees to be chosen, with powers similar to those of the town of Madrid previously created. About a mile below the High falls on Grass river, near the south part of Canton, where that I'iver issues from a romantic rocky ravine, its channel broken by rapids, and its banks discolored by reddish and yel- low stains from the efflorescence of iron pyrites, which here form an im- portant constituent of the rock, stand the remains of a manufactory of copperas and alum, which have for many years been going to ruin. This inanufactory was commenced in the year 1832, by S. & H. Foote, of Canton, who on the following summer were joined by G. W. Shep- ard, and J. C. Bush, of Ogdensburgh, the premises having been leased for ten years for the pui'pose. During the first year, but little was done, but getting the works in order, and erecting suitable fixtures for the manufacture. In the summers of 1833-4-5, and a part of 1836, from sixty to eighty hands were employed, but the entei'prise being found one that did not remunerate it was abandoned. The process of the manu- facture depends upon chemical principles and was as follows. The rock abounding in iron pyrites, (sulphuret of iron) was first ^dug and broken by hand, a process easily effected, from the tender and porous texture of the mineral. A clay bed having been prepared on the ground, and a quanty of wood first laid, it was covered with the pulver- ized stone and ignited. When once fairly on fire, it would burn of itself, from the gi'eat percentage of sulphur in the mineral, and it needed no fui'ther care than to throw on new ore, with water, to reduce the pile to a smouldering heap, charged with the saline substances sought, which were lixiviated by the application of water ; the ley collected and boiled in a large leaden tank, ten or twelve feet square, and two feet deep, and when sufficiently concentrated pumped into vats and allowed to crystal- ize on racks hung in them for the purpose. After the first crop of crystals of copperas was obtained, the residual liquor was again boiled with the addition of certain proportions of potash, and the second time set to crystalize, when alum was obtained. The proportions obtained were three parts of copperas to one of alum. The fumes which arose from the burning and smouuldering heaps werevery disagreeable, and so noxious that a great number of trees in the vicinity were destroyed by those poisonous emanations. More than a thousand tons of copperas, and a third as much of alum, were made here while the works were in operation. Most of it found its way to the New York market. Unlimited quantities of iron pyrites, exist at this AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 283 place which may hereafter offer inducements for the renewal of this manufacture, or the making of soda ash, should facilities for transporta- tion to marl\et be increased, or cheaper and more efficient methods of manufacture be discovered. Religious Societies. — The earliest religious organization in town was by the Presbyterians, who united under the Rev. Amos Pettingill, in 1807. He was a missionary, sent by the New Hampshire Missionary Society, and was instrumental in forming several of the churches of this order in the county, for which reason a brief biographical notice may be appropriate. Mr. P. was born at Salem, N. H., Aug. 9, 1780, and in 1798, he entered Atkinson Academy, and afterwards Harvard College, as a charity student, where he graduated in 1805. In June, 1806, he was appointed a missionary to travel through the new settlements, be- tween Lakes Champlain and Ontario, and spent sixteen weeks on this service, 'which by reason of the fewness of the inhabitants, the badness of the i-oads and the frequent want of comfortable lodgings, involved hardships little less than perilous.'* In December he was ordained as an evangelist, and employed by the Missionary Society, of Mass., and he the next year returned to his former labors, and in 1807, was installed over a church in Champlain, where he continued till after the war. He subsequently preached in several places, and died Aug. 19, 1830. In forming the Canton church, he was assisted by the Rev. Ebenezer Hib- hard, of Vt. It consisted of the following persons: George Foote, John Richardson, Weltha Foote, Betsy Donegly, M. Conkey, Jane Ross, and P. Richardson. They were only occasionally supplied by the minis- try until 1823, when the Rev. Hiram S. Johnson, became pastor, who remained until 1837, when he was dismissed from ill health, and in Feb. 1839, the Rev. Roswell Pettibonef was installed, who still remains the pastor. The First Presbyterian Society in the town of Canton, was _ incorporated, July 22, 1825, . '- Elias C. Page, Silas Wright, ^^ Jr., Joseph Barnes, Henry Foot, Wm. Richardson, and ^ Eden Ray, being the first ^g^ trustees. The church has received more than 300 members, but ^^p from deaths and removals, ^ they number at present, but" 183. In 1826 or 7, the pub- lic square in front of the church and parsonage, here represented, was presented /^arT^^^ to the town, by Silas Wright, and Joseph Barnes. The Presbyterian church and Parsonage, Canton. church in the census of 1850, is reported capable of seating 1200, and worth $6,500. It is built of Potsdam sandstone, and is quite ornamental to the village. The First Congregational Society in the town of Canton, was incor- * Memoir of Amos Pettingill, from which these facts are derived. t We are indebted to Mr. P. for the above date. 284 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE porated Jan. 16, 1815. Geo. Foote, Hosea Catlin, and Hubbard Clark, trustees. The First ftlethodist Society in the town of Canton, was in- corporated, Nov. 3, 1819; Jesse Barnes, Hugli Montgomerj', Isaac Bull, Jedutiian Farwell, Win. Perry, and Win. Richardson, trustees. As a farther account of the denomination will be given by itself, further no- tices, except the dates of incorporation will be omitted. The Frst Bap- tist Evangelical Society, of Canton, was incorporated Dec. 10, 1823; It. Bacheller, T. D. OJin, and Jno' Paul, trustees. Members of this order had associated as early as 1814-15, under the Kev.Ruppe Batchelor, fioin Addison, Vt., and in June 1817, tbrmed a church of 12 members. Mr. B. was ordained in 1818, and in 1819, Justin Olin and Joseph Oliu, were appointed deacons. Meetings were first held in the north part of the town, and afterwards at the village. Eld. Richard Palmer succeeded as pastor, iu 1825, Eld. Joel Peck, in 1831, and subsequently Henry Greene, O. Scott, Clement Havens, Silas Pratt, George Lile, and in Jan. 1842, L. D. Ford. After about two and a half years, Cha'sNickols, succeeded who remained two years. On the 8th of Dec. 1847, Eld. John Wilder, isucceeded, from whom these dates are derived. For several years from 1831, a branch existed in the south part of the town, which has since been united with the main body. About 1830, this society united with the Universalists, in building the brick church, and in 1848 they built a separate church on an adjoining lot, at a cost of $1-200, which was dedi- cated by a sermon from Eld. Joseph Sawyer, Feb. 8, 1849. In a revival that soon followed, about forty members were added; the present num- ber is 130. The First Calvanistic Congregational Society, of Canton, was incorporated Sept. 15, 1823, Jeduthan Farwell, Wm. Hatch, Luther Brown, and Samuel Clark, trustees. The First Universalist Society, in the town of Canton, was incorpo- rated March 10, 1836; Lemuel Buck, Joseph Ames, 2d, and Minot Jeni- son, trustees. This society has an elegant brick church, fronting the pub- lic square, which in the census of 1850, is reported capable of seating 1000 persons, and worth $5,000. This society has a church organiza- tion, and numbers about 300. The next society incorporated in town, was Grace Church, in the town of Canton, Aug. 92, 1836. Richard N. Harrison, Roswell Green, Wardens; John D. Burns, Darius Clark, Elam Russ, Harry Foote, Lyman Ellsworth, Thos. Viner, Chauncy Foote, and Henry Van Rensselaer, Vestrymen. A church was built in 1841-2, and consecrated Sept. 3, 1842, by the Bishop T .Onderdonk. At its organi- zation it numbered 19, and at present it has fifty rnenjbers. The clergy- men employed here have been, Richard Bury (1836), Wm. Tutham, Johnson A. Brayton, Thos. P. Tyler, F. J. Hawley, Wm. G. French, Minot M. Wells, and Abel Ogden, now presiding. Richard F. Harrison, present clerk. The First Methodist and Free- Will Baptist Union Societj^, of the village of Morley, was incorporated Feb. 1, 1842; Wm F. Hollenbeck, Henry Wells, Stephen D. Arnold, Thomas G. Meredith and Wesley Byington, trustees. The First Wesleyan Methodist Society, of the village of Morley, was incorporated, Sept. 23, 1843; D. Clemens, Joel Seger, Zelotus Whitney, John Allen, Wm. Allen, Thomas Bufl:am, trust- ees. This society has a church which in the census of 1850, is report- ed $1,000. The first Congregational Society of Canton .Falls, was incorporated July 19, 1847, John Shull, Jun., Wm. Hanna, Theophilus T. Rathbone, trustees. This society has erected a church. COLTON, Was erected from Parishville, April 12, 1843, embracing townships AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 285 10, 7, 4, and 1. The first town meeting was directed to be held at the inn nearest the post office in Matildavale. This act took effect on the 1st of February, 1844. Pain Converse was appointed to preside at the first town meeting. By an act of the board of supervisors passed November 18, 1851, that part of the town of Parishville, known as Mile Squares, number one, six, and twelve, and all that part of Mile Square lot number two, vilest of Raquette river, was taken from that town and annexed to Colton. This act was to take effect on the 1st of February, following. The town of Colton was erected in compliance with a petition from the town of Parishville, which at the town meeting of 1843, voted for the formation of a new town, by the name of Springfield. The present name is derived from the middle name of Jesse C. Higley, an inhabit- ant. A post office by the name of Matildaville, had been previously established, but this was soon changed to agree with that of the town. Memoranda from records. — The first set of town officers elected, were, Pain Converse, supervisor; James H. Bridge, clei-k; Zina Hepburn, Silas Hawley, Hiram Pierce, ji.iMices; Silas Hawley, Jessey C. Higley, inspectors of elections; J. C. Higley, James S. Ellis, Clark D. Norris, assessors ; J. C. Higley, sup. schools ; Israel C. Draper, Phineas Hepburn, Henry Gibbins, com. of highways; Zina Hepburn, Hiram Pierce, over- seers of poor; Hiram Leonard, collector and constable; Wait Perry, seaZer of iveights and measures. In 1844, the poor moneys, from Parishville, voted for the support of schools. In 1848, voted against a division of the county. Supervisors: 1844, Pain Converse; 1845-7, James S. Ellis; 1848-9, James H. Bridge; 1850-1, Silas Hawley; 1852, Lorenzo Chamberlain. The first settlement in this town was made in March, 18.24, by Abel Brown, and his son James Brown, and were very soon succeeded by Asahel Lyman and Wm. Bullard, who commenced their improvements a short distance south of the present village. In 1825, Horace Garfield, from Potsdam, erected a saw mill, and in 1828, Samuel Partridge built a forge of two fires on the right bank of the Raquette river, near the head of the falls. It was kept in operation until about 1840, and was run upon magnetic ores chiefly. Some bog ores wei-e used, but the adventure was considered rather as an experiment, and proving unprofitable, was abandoned. A starch factory was built here in 1844, and continued a few years, making about thirty-five tons, annually, from potatoes. In 1828, a grist mill was built by Jonathan Culver, The recent impulse which has been given to the lumbering business, by the completion of the northern rail road, which has given new value to the immense forest which covers the southei-n part of the county, has ci-eated at the village of Colton, a lumbering interest of much importance, and more than 286 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE doubled the size of the place within two years. About 1850, A. M. Adsit & Co., erected in the east bank of the river, a gang mill, of about 70 saws, which, working day and night, manufacture 35,000 feet of boards, dailj', and in 1852, Messrs. Pratt, Bacheller & Co., erected on the opposite bank, a similar mill of 60 saws. In 1852, E. H. Southworth, built a gang mill, on the west bank, two miles above. The logs which supply these mills and seVei'al others below, come tlown the R^quette, in the spring floods, from the remote recesses of the forest, on the south border of the county, and from Franklin, Hamilton and Essex counties. So long as this supply lasts, the village of Coltou will possess importance, and when it is gone, the superior water power, and vicinity of iron ores, and fuel, may, if properly employed, make it a manufacturing place of considerable consequence. The river at the village plunges down a steep declivity, to the depth of about sixty feet, and it is said to have a fall of three hundred feet, within two miles. The ■wildness and grandeur of these rapids, when the river is swolen by the melting of snow, can not be sufficiently admired, The tirst school in town, was taught in the summer of 1826, by Miss ' - -' Young. The first death, was a child of James Brown, in 1829. The first religious meetings were held by the Christian sect, at the house of Mr. Lyman. There are at present, two religious organizations in town ; the Methodist and Universalist, each of which were in 1852, engaged in erecting a church. De Kalb. This town, embracing the original township of ten miles square, was erected from Oswegatchie, by the same act which formed Stockholm from Massena, and Potsdam from Madrid, by an act which finally passed the council of revision, February 21, 1806. The fii-st town meeting was, by the provisions of the statute, to be held at the hotel, in said town. The limits of De Kalb have been twice curtailed. In 1825, Depeyster was formed out of all that part of the town lying north of Beaver creek, and in 1830, a strip one mile wide, and six long, lying in the southeast corner, adjoining the township of Fitz Will- iam, was annexed to Depau, afterwards Hermon. De Kalb derives its name from an illustrious personage of revolution- ary memory. " The Baron De Kalb, knight of the royal military order of merit, was a native of Alsace (a German province ceded to France), and was edu- cated in the art of war in the French army. He was connected with the QQ, Isaac Stacy; 1807-15, Isaac Burnham; 1816-18, Gideon Townsley; 1819-20, Elisha Griffin; 1821-8, Asa Sprague, Jr.; 1829-30, Jonathan Round; 1831, Nathaniel Martin: upon his failing to qualify, Roswell White was appointed to fill vacancy. 1832-5, Asa Sprague; 1836-9, Seth Alexander; 1840-2, Harlow Go(Jard ; 1843-5, Asa 288 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE Sprague; 1846, Dwight Spencer; 1847-9, Oiin M. Fi^k; 1850, Edward H Hopkins. In September, Oriu M. Fisk appointed to fill vacancy; 1851-2, Orin M. Fisk. The following is a list of the jurors in the town of De Kalb, in Sep- tember, 1806: Joseph Anderson, Elias Alexander, Seth Alexander, Ichabod Arnold, Isaac Burnham, Thomas B. Benedict, James Burnett, Amos Comly, James Farr, James Farr, Jr., Elisha Griffin, Potter Gofl^, Nathaniel Holt, Levi Holt, Jonathan Haskins, Horatio G. Johnson, Obediah Jolmson, Israel Porter, Solomon Pratt, Solomon Rich, Isaac Stacy, Henry Smith, Nathaniel Smith, Timothy Utley, Abner Wright, Joseph Woodhouse, William Woodhouse, Joshua Sweet. The following is a list of the electors in the town of De Kalb, on the 2d of December, 1807, made by Thomas B. Benedict and Joseph Wood- house, who were appointed to take the census of the electors of that town. It embraces, with one exception (N. Holt), the heids of families: Josepli Anderson, Ichabod Arnold, Elias Alexander, Seth Alexander, Daniel Barker, Ralph R. Bell, Mansfield Bristol, Truman Bristol, James Burnet, Isaac Burnham, Barton Carver, Abraham Cole, Elisha Cook, James Cooper, William Cleghorn, Abel Cook, David Day, James Farr, Elisha Farr, Joseph Fisk, Ephraim Fisk, Mathew Grover, Elisha Griffin, Potter Goff; Russell Goff", Nathaniel Holt, Levi Holt, Philo Hurlbut, John Jackson, David Judson, Philo Lord, Abial Lyon, Richard Merrill, James Merrill, Solomon Pratt, Jacob Preston, Samuel Phelps, Solomon Rich, Salmon Rich, Joseph Rounds, William Sloan, Nathaniel Smith, Joshua Sweet, JohnSeeley, Isaac Stacy, Elijah Stockwell, Marvil Thair, Josiah T h orn tonT," "Sani ue 1 Thatcher, Timothy Utley, William Van Booscirk, William Woodhouse, Abner Wright, Eseck Whipple. It will be remembered that a part of the present town of Depeyster was a part of De Kalb, when the above census was taken. De Ktdb was purchased from Samuel Ogden, by judge William Coopei", the father of J. Fenimore Cooper, the illustrious author. In May, 1803, j udge Cooper, of Cooperstown, with a company of thirty- four persons, mostly from the towns of Cooperstown and Richfield, Otsego county, started to form a settlement on his purchase, in the town of De Kalb. A part of these, with two wagons, each drawn by a span of horses, and a cart drawn by two yoke of oxen, proceeded by way of the Black river country and the old state road, to the clearing of Abram Vrooman, near the present village of Ox Bow. Here, from the extreme badness of the road, it became necessaiy to build boats for a part of the loading, and two log canoes were made under the direction of Jehiel Dimick, which were lashed together, and loaded with a part of the fi'eight. The party consisted of William Cooper, the proprietor, Salmon Rich, Isaac Stacy, Eseck Whipple, Richard Merrill, Elisha Cook, William Brown, Gardner Brown, William Stone, Asa Ransom, Timothy Utley, Elijah Utley, Abner Wright, Andrew McCollom, Asa Ransom, Jun., AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 289 James Farr, Elijah Fan-, wife and wife's sister, Joseph Woodhouse, William Woodhouse, Dr. Robert Campbell, Ralph R. Bell, wife, sister and daughter, Elijah Stockwell, Jehiel Dimick, John Hewlett and William Sloan. Of these, Dimick, Rich, Bell and Hewlett came down the Oswegatchie river with the load, and the remainder along the road towards Ogdensburgh. The first night was spent at a deserted shanty, five miles from the Ox Bow, and in the night the party were alarmed by the cries of one of their number, who discovered that a large dry birch tree, which they had fired to keep off the musquitoes, was about to fall upon them. They fled in the greatest haste, just in time to save them- selves, for the tree fell with a heavy crash upon the hovel, crushing and consuming it. A part of their bedding was lost by this misfortune. On the second night, they arrived at Bristol's, in the present town of Depeyster, where the women were left, and the men proceeded to open a road through to De Kalb. This was effected in eight days, and they proceeded to their location, just above Cooper's falls. Alexander McCol- lom, Potter Goff and Stephen Cook, who formed a part of the original party, came up the Mohawk, with goods, which Judge Cooper had bought in Albany, for the purpose of opening a srnall store, and with these, they reachetl the location in De Kalb, by way of Oneida lake, the St. Lawrence, and the Oswegatchie, arriving on the 12th of June, 1803, with the other parties, at the present village of Dekalb, On the first day, they put up the body of a house, and slept without a roof over their heads, the first night. On the second day, another house was built, and on the third day, a store, which like the others, was of logs, and covered by barks. Goff, Campbell and Andrew McCollom, were surveyors, and se- veral farms were run out. Salmon Rich, took up 11,850 acres, in the south corner of the town, Mr. Farr, a larger tract, in the eastern corner, and Stacy, another large ti-acr, near the north part of the town. Most of these afterwards reverted to Mr. Cooper's heirs. Clearings were begun in various places, and a party was set to work in preparing to erect a mill at the falls. A canal was blasted, and one or two houses built. Wm. Brown cleared and got in two acres of winter wheat. A saw mill was raised during 1803. Three families, andmostof the party remained the first winter. During the winter, and following spring, several families came in, among whom were Salmon Rich, Isaac Stacy, James Farr, Jonathan Haskins, James Merrill, Richard Merrill, Timothy Utley's family. Sackett Dodge, Dr. J. Seeley, Barton Carver, Seth, and Elias Alexander, Elijah Pooler, James Burnett, Nathaniel Holt, James Cooper, a brother of the proprietor, Elisha Griffin, and many others. In 1805, Philo Lord, Thomas B. Benedict Horatio Johnson, Obadiah Johnson, Jacob Preston, Wm. Cleghorn, Daniel Smith and sons, Harvey John, Nathaniel, Daniel, Phinneas and »r 290 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE Richard. The lattei- were from Canada, Solomon Pratt and many others, came in. In the spring' of 1804, Mr, Cooper commenced the erection of a grist mill, under the direction of three brothers by the name of Jack- son, (Cvriis, Asahel and Asa,) and at the raising of the frame, Asa Jack- son was severely Ihurt by falling upon his head. Dr. John Seeley per- formed the operation of trephining, with no other instrument than a steel thimble, which was fashioned into an annular saw, and fitted on a handle. This was the first surgical operation performed in town, and was suc- cessful. Dr. Seeley died. May 24, 1829. On the 13th of Sept. 1804, commenced a violent rain, which continued several days, and produced a freshet, which was very destructive, and raised the Oswegatchie as high as has since been known. Geo. Cowdry, one of the settlers, was drowned in going over the falls, at this time, and was the first white person known to have died in town. Early in May, 1804, the first birth occurred in the family of Jehiel Dimick. The second was a daugiiter in the family of Salmon Rich, May 16th, of the same year. The first marriage was May, 27, 1804, of Elisha Cook to Letta Willey, and the ceremony was performed by Stillman Foote, Esq., of Canton, then the nearest magistrate. The second was Alexander Mc CoUom, and Olive Sprague, on the day following, and by the same ma- gistrate. The first .schoolin the town was taught by Bella Wills, a method- ist minister, in the winter of 1807, at De Kalb village, then called Coop- er's village. In 1805, Judge Cooper erected a large hotel, on a hill in the village, which was three stories high, sixty feet square, and a curb roof, and was the first public house in town. After a few years, it fell into decay, and has since been entirely destroyed. Isaac Stacy was the first tenant, and was soon succeeded by Wm. Cleghorn, who kept the house for some time. The early settlers were often atinoyedby their horses escaping into the woods, and wandering ofiF in the direction of their former homes. Se- veral were thus lost, and an iscident occurred while in pursuit of some of these, which is worthy of notice. La^e in December, it being very cold and the ground covered with snow, tw'o men started in pursuit of some horses, which were tracked to a distarice of many miles to the south- west, about into the present town of Fowler. The pursuit led them mucli further than anticipated, and they had not provided themselves with provisions sufficient for supporting the hardship of their journey, and in returning were oppressed with excessive hunger, cold and fatigue. Yield- ing to these, one of them wished to lie down and rest on the ground, a course which the other knew would be fatal, and against it he remon- strated in the strongest manner, but to no purpose, for the inclination to AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 291 sleep was irresistible, and ai-giiments were of no avail with one who lost in emergencies of the moment, all control of his reasoning powers, and all hope of safety, by continuing on. He accordingly threw himself upon the ground to sleep, but his companion acting upon the principle, that the end justifies the means provided himeslf with a green beech twig of suf- ficient length and weight to give it effect, and with this he aroused the sleeper by several severe blows, and thus he continued to apply the rod, as occasion indicated, disregarding the present effect upon the temper of his friend, until they reached the settlements, both nearly exhausted and famished by the hardships they had encountered. The St. Regis and St. Francois Indians sometimes visited the settle- ments on hunting expeditions. They were entirely peaceable, except when intoxicated. In 1806, Tom, a St. Regis Indian, and Joe, his father- in-law, got into a quarrel over a quart of whiskey, and Joe got badly wounded, but finally recovered. It was observed that although much addicted to drink, at least one would keep sober to take care of the guns knives and tomahawks, which were concealed till the rest were sober. The first settlement of Richville, originally called Rich's Settlement, was made in the spring of 1804. In March, Salmon Rich and Jonathan Haskins, having loaded a sleigh with provisions, cooking utensils and camp apparatus, at Cooper's village, with the assistance of three or four hired men, drew it by hand up the river on the ice, a distance of ten miles, opposite the present village of Richville, where they formed a camp and commenced clearing. On the approach of wamn weather, their shanty got overflowed, and they were driven to another stand. In April, a small log house was built by Jonathan Haskins near the river, and in June following P. Rich began a clearing at the present village, and erected a log house covered with bark. A house afterwards built by Haskins, a little southeast of the present tannery, became the fii-st school house a few years afterwards. Joseph Kneeland was the fii'st teachei*. He was shot at the taking of Ogdensburgh. About 1807, the first tavern was kept by Solomon Pratt. About 1810, Chas. Boreland erected a grist mill, the second one in town, on the stream which bears his name, a mile and a half above Richville. He had erected a saw mill the year previous. In 1824, on the establishment of a post office, the place received the name of Richville, and John C. Rich was appointed post master. This office he held for about twenty-five years. The village at present con- tains two churches, three stores, a tavern, post office, tannery, grist mill, two saw mills, the usual variety of mechanic shops, and about thirty &milies. 19 292 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE In this, as in some other towns, a large amount of poor money had ac- cumulated, by taxes levied ostensibly for the support of the poor, for which there was no use after the adoption of the poor house system. By an act of Feb. 22, 1830, the overseers of the poor in this town were directed to pay $1,000 to the trustees of the public lots, to be invested for the support of schools. From this source, and the sale of the school lot, this town has acquired a larger fund than any other in the county. The location of the two reserved lots was at first not known, and they were sold by Mr. Coopex*. This afterwards became a subject of differ- ence, to settle which, Simeon Dewitt, the surveyor genera], was empow- ered by an act passed April 3, 1811, to settle with the legal represent- atives of Wm. Cooper, on such terms as he might deem just and rea- sonable, for any diffei-ences which might have arisen between the state and the said Cooper, in consequence of any mistakes committed in lo- cating the public lots in De Kalb. In the general law relating to the gos- pel and school lots of these towns, De Kalb was excepted. Religious Societies. — The first religious organization in town, was said to have been the Methodist, but they did not form a legal society, until Feb. 25, 1839, when the First Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in De Kalb, was incorporated, with Seth Alexander, Dwight Spencer, Obadiah R. Rundell, Orin C. Spencer, Elijah Pooler, Thomas Spaffbrd and John D. Smith, trustees. The First Presbyterian Church and Society in the town of De Kalb, was incorporated Dec. 7, 1818, with Seth Pome- roy, Joshua Dewy, Isaac Burnham, F^lisha Griffin, Isaac Stacy, Jun., and Jonathan Haskins, trustees. Elisha Griffin declining to serve, Gideon Townsley, was on the 18th of December, of the same year, chosen in his place. A church had been formed August 30, 1817, through efforts of missionaries, sent out by a missionary society of Massachusetts. The Rev. James Johnson, who was in the service of that society, in 1817, made ?n appointment to preach in the adjoining town of Russell, and at the urgent solicitation of Seth Pomeroy, of De Kalb, he consented to visit his town, which he did, and preached on a week day, and consulted with the inhabitants on the practicability of forming a church. He recommended that all who felt interested should meet and consult on the subject, on the next Lord's day, and notice to that effect was given. In relation to the prospects of forming a religious society at that time, we can not do better than copy from an original narrative drawn up by one of the fii-st foun- ders. " The people were in general moral, but as to Christian or praying ones, I did not know any, except a Baptist elder, who preached one half of the time, and an old man with his wife, who were Methodists. You can not picture to yourself a more unlikely place to form a church ; the prospect to me was all barren and dry, and I thought there was nothing to form a church with, unless it was dry trees. It was a time of anxiety and prayer to the Great Head of the church. The day arrived, and there came two eidei ly men who were many years ago, professors of religion, but who had wandered a great way from the fold of God. It was affecting to hear them give an account of themselves. Their wives were also pro- fessors, and one of them did indeed, pray earnestly that God would ap- pear and build up his cause. Just as the meeting was opened, a kind rrovidence sent us a minister, the Rev. M. Bunt, from Mass'ena, who AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 293 Was of great service to us, and before the meeting broke up, it was evi- dent the Lord was there. TJie Rev. Mr. Johnson, came soon after, and the subject was pursued till we found in all, seven professors, and three who gave evidence of piety, — ten in all. These on the last Sabbath in August, 1817, were organized into a church, and the Lord's supper was for the first time, administered." A revival soon after occurred, and about seventy professed to be con- vei-ted, of whom forty or fifty joined the Methodist, and fifteen or twenty the Baptist churches. The Rev. Mr. Johnson, was employed about eighteen mouths, when he left for Vermont, and the Rev. Thomas Kenuan, was hired to preach three quarters of the time, for three years. The organization subsequently was at one time nearly lost, from death of members. The first religious society formed in Richville, was the United Religious Society, June 15, 1827 ; Orson White, Orson Shead, Josiah Walker, Henry C. Miller, John C. Rich and Marshall Allen, trustees. This was succeeded by the United Baptist and Methodist Religious Society of Richville, March 16, 1836, of which Nathan Barker, Harlow Godard, Johu Chase, James Phelps, Dauford Johnson and Russell Johnson, were trustees. By this society the church edifice by the cemetery in Richville, was built in 1837, mostly by the Baptists, and the other party not having assisted on the 2d of Oct., 1837, the First Baptist Society of Richville, was formed, having Eleazer Dewey, Jacob C Temple, Jabez BozwortK, John C. Rich, H. Godard, and Simeon Millen, trustees. The First Congregational Church and Society in DeKalb, was formed Dec. 1829, Stephen Thompson, Jun., Orson White and Marshall Allen, trustees. A church was formed in Richville, in 1827 or 8, as a branch from the First Presbyterian Church in DeKalb, which was in a year or two, changed into a Congregational one. On the JlthofFeb., 1840, the First Congregational Society of Richville, was formed, having Mai-shall Allen, Darius Wiser, Jonathan Barker, Josiah Walker, Orson White, and A. V. Chandler, the first trustees. The Presbyterians and Methodists, have each a church, on the Gouverneur and Canton plank road, and south of DeKalb village; the former reported in the census of 1850, worth $900, and' the latter $800, The Baptist and Congregational societies have each a chureh in the village of Richville, the tbrmer worth $1000, and the latter $600. The years 1826 7, were marked by religious revivals at the latter place. De Petster, Was erected from Oswegatchie and DeKalb, by an act which passed the legislature on the 24th of March, 1825, but did not take effect till the first of April following. The poor moneys belonging to the several towns, were to be equitably divided. It was first proposed to name the town StilweU, from Mr. Smith Stilwell, who was at the time a prominent citizen in town, and many of the inhabitants were very anxious that it should receive this name, but Mr. Stilwell declined, on the ground that some one among the proprietors, rnight be willing to make the town a liberal present, for the privilege of giving it their name. A correspond- ence was opened with Mr. Frederick DePeyster, of NewYork, who owned a portion of the part that had been in DeKalb, and resulted in the selec- tion of this name, for the new town. Its location rendered an organiza- 294 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE fon necessary, for it was separated from the greater part of Oswegatchie • by Black lake, and the Oswegatchie river, and from the settlements of DeKalb, by an intervening wilderness. Frederick DePeyster, was an extensive shipping merchant for many ^ears in the city of New York, and distinguished for his integrity, liberality and punctuality in business. At an early day he purchased of Judge Cooper, a part of the town of DeKalb. On the erection of a Union church in DeKalb he presented $300 to assist in it; and in 1840 his son made a present of a fine bell weighing about seven hundred pounds, which had belonged to a Spanish convent, and which was forwarded to its destination free of cost. Memoranda from the Records. The first town meeting was held in pur- suance of statute, at the house of Timothy Morris, May 3, 1825. Smith Stilwell, elected supervisor; Timothy Morris, clerk; John Wilson, Moses King, Horace Plynipton, assessors; Jonathan Morris and Bela Bell, over- seei's of the poor. Voted to raise a subscription for a town house and church, and a com- mittee of three, consisting of Smith Stilwell, Nathan Dean, and Philo Hurlbert, were appointed for this purpose. A special town meeting was held on the last Monday of June, to decide on the subject of a town house, and it was i-esolved to erect one, at a cost not to exceed $1,500, The church in DePeyster village was erected accordingly. The Bethel Union Society, which owns this church, was incorporated Oct. 23, 1827. Bela Bell, Luke Dean, Joseph Sweet, Zenas King, Jonathan Curtis, Horace Plympton, and Smith Stilwell, being named as the first trustees. 1828, voted in favor of the High falls on Grass river, as a county seat. 1841, voted to have those parts of Morristown and Gouverneur, annexed to this town, which were afterwards formed into the town of Macomb. Supervisors — 1825-9, Smith Stilwell ; on the 7th of November, Luke Dean elected to fill vacancy, occasioned by the removal of Mr. Stilwell; 1830-4, Horace Plympton; 1835-9, Johnathan Curtis; 1840, Abner McMurphy; 1841-3, Sylvester Johnson ; 1844, Jonathan Curtis; 1845, John Blaisdell; 1846-7. David Fuller; 1848, Thomas D. Witherell; 1849-51, Levi Fay; 1852, Thomas D. Witherell. The first settlement in the present limits of De Peyster, was made by Samuel Bristol originally from Sandgate, Vt., but who had for a short time, lived on the St. Lawrence, four miles above Ogdensburgh, in the month of November, 1802. His location was on lot No. 12, on the ex- ireme south border of the township of Oswegatchie, and two and a half miles from the line of Hague. This location had been selected the sum- mer previous, and he had been sent thither by Judge Ford, to form a .stopping place for the accommodation of travelers who about this time were beginning to come into the country from the central and southern parts of the state, in considerable numbers. He had a large family. During the first summer, he had cleared about thirty acres, and got three AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 295 of them sowed with wheat, and a house erected for a tavern. No other settlers arrived until the next winter (1803-4), when Thomas Wilson, from Hebron, N. Y., Joseph Round, Samuel Barnard, Green, Icha- bod Arnold, and Robert Hill, from Rhode Island, Frederick Plympton, from Sturbridge, Mass., and David Day, most or all, except the latter, having families, moved into town. The first school was opened at thi house of Samuel Bristol, in the winter of 1805-6, by Bela Willes. He was also the first preacher who held regular meetings (Methodist), al- though traveling ministers had casually happened to stop and hold meetings. Silas Keliog, in 1806, came in and erected a tavern some distance west of the corner. The first store was opened by James Averell 2d, near Kellog's tavern. Mr. Averell was then a young man of about eighteen years of age, and was established in business by his father. Capt.Rufus Washburn, who removed in 1806, to what is now Macomb, was among the first settlers of De Peyster. In 1809, Smith Stilwell, then from Albany, but a native of Saratoga county, came in, and purchased lands, but did not remove with his family until the year following. This town suffered its full share from the cold and backward seasons which form a striking epoch, from which many of the oldest settlers are able to date events. In 1815, but little was raised in consequence of the cold, and most of that little, was claimed by the birds and squirrels, which in that year are said to have been extremely numerous. In 1816, many families were obliged to live without bread, as flour was very expensive, and difficult to be bought at any price. During this year, the first barley in town (about two acres), was raised by Mr. Stil- well. While it was still growing, it was watched by the neighbors with great interest, and they would stand by the fence which enclosed it, and count the number of days tliat would elapse before it would be suitable to cut, with an anxiety which proved how much their hopes depended upon that little field for food. It was scarcely ripe, when with the own- er's permission, it was reaped, dried, threshed, and ground in small quantities, by his neighbors. Oats and potatoes sold for $1 per bushel, and wheat at from $2 to $3 a bushel. This settlement long bore the name of Bristol's settlement, from the first settler. The story of Putnam and the wolf, has been often quoted as an in- stance of the display of courage, which has elicited the admiration and excited th*; interest of every class of readers, but an occurrence which happened in this town, about the year 1821, may be regarded as perhaps equally worthy of our attention, although its hero never wore epaulettes, or shone in public life as a pi-orainent character. 296 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE A son of one of the pioneer settlers, who on sundry occasions had evinced that acuteness which led to his being called by his father, "his ingenious," was distinguished for nothing so much as for personal cour- age, and a disregard for consequences, in the attainment of his objects. This lad, being at the time of the incident about to be related, but seven- teen years of age, was out with a dog and gun hunting, late in the fall of the year. A light snow being on the ground, he discovered the tracks of an unknown animal, which he traced some distance, to a place where they entered a cave. Determined not to be hindered from the attainment of bis object, and finding the opening of convenient size for entering, he crept in some distance, with gun in hand, keeping his dog behind him, until having reached a part of the cave where it was quite dark, he dis- covered at no great distance from him, two globes, of fire like brilliancy, which gleamed in the dim obscurity full upon him. He here paused, and bringing his gun to bear upon a point directly between them, he deliberately fired. His dog upon this, rushed past him to attack what- ever the enemy might be, while he retreated, and was soon followed by his dog. Hearing no noise, or signs of life within, he, after a short delay, again ventured into the den, and listened for some time, but heard no noise, and at length ventured up nearer, and groping in the dark, he laid his hand upon the paw of an animal, evidently dead, which he with much difiiculty dragged out, and found to be a panther, of large size, which on being measured, was found nine feet four inches in length. The ball had entered a vital part of the brain, and proved instantly fatal. The truth of tiie above narrative is vouched for by a very respectable authority, and it may be received as reliable. Deer were at an early day, quite numerous here, and still occur in the forest which extends through portions of this town, and the adjoining sections of Macomb, Gouverneur and De Kalb. It is said that on one occasion, five were shot by a hunter within a brief interval, without re- moving from the place in which he stood. Many of the inhabitants of De Peyster and vicinity, having been much annoyed by wolves, in the fall of 1836, a public meeting was called on the 17th of December, of that year, and a committee of about forty ap- pointed to make arrangements for a general wolf hunt, on an appointed day, and advertised in the county papers, inviting citizens generally to attend and participate in the enterprise. Religious societies. — Besides the one above mentioned, two others have been incorporated. The First Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church in De Peyster, Oct. 23, 1827, Bela Bell, Luke Dean and Joshua Sweet, trustees; and the First Congregational Society of De Peyster, July 29, 1850, John Humphrey, Joseph McCoy, and Chester Dyke, trustees. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 297 Edwards Was organized from Fowler, April 27, 1827, and at first comprised townships, Nos. 8 and 4, or Edwards and Fitz William, now Hermon. The first town meeting was held at the house of Wm. Martin. The township of Fitz William, was taken ofi"in erecting Depeau, and by an act of the board of supervisors, passed November 17, 1852, all that part of the town of Hermon, situate at the north east corner, known as the south end of the east third of township number 4, of great tract number 3 of Macomb's purchase, being subdivision lots, numbered 32 to 37, according to Ashman's old survey, was annexed to the town of Edvvards. This act took effect on the first of February, following, and gave the town of Edwards its present limits. First Toion Officers, 1827. — Orra Shead, supervisor; John C. Haile, clerk; J. C. Haile, Asa Brayton, Jr., Wm. Teall, assessors; Roswell Lillie, Arba Collisier, Peleg Haile, commissioners of highivays; J. C Haile, Asa Phelps, Wilkes Richardson, commissioners of schools ; Warren Streeter, Guy Earl, overseers of poor ; J. C. Haile, George Allen, Wm. Teall, in- spectors of schools. Supervisors.— 1827-8, Orra Shead; 1829, Wm. Teall; 1830-3, Orra Shead; 1834-35, Hubbard Goodrich ; 1836-40, John C. Haile ; 1841-2, J. B. Pickit; 1843-5, Ingraham Winslow; 1846-7, James Noble; 1848, I. Winslow; 1849, Elijah Shaw; 1850, J. B. Pickit; 1851, Elijah Shaw; 1852, Horace Barnes. This town derives its name from Edward McCormick, a brother of Daniel McCormick, the patentee of tracts 1 and 2. of the great purchase. He was a sea captain, in the East India trade, and was for many years, engaged in voyages between New York and various ports in the Indies. Edwards was surveyed in the summer of 1806, fay Reuben Ashman of Russell, and subsequently settled by agents of Joseph Pitcairn and A. O^ Brodie. Mr. Pitcairn received his title from McCormick, and in his will dated May, 9, 1837, made Mr. Brodie his executor and heir. The town of Pitcairn has the same ownership and title. In January, 1812, Asa Brayton and family, made the first location in this town, on the line of the St. Lawrence turnpike. This road had been commenced in 1810, and was built in this and the two following years, and from this improvement, the first settlement of several of the towns in the county date. The portion thi-ough Edwards, was built by Enos Chapin, contractor, Joseph M. Bonner, John Britton, Samuel and Elijah Jones, and several families by the name of Johnson, settled in 1812-13. In 1814, Orra Shead, from Russell, built a grist mill. The first death in town, was that of Partridge, who was killed by an accidentata raising, in 1813. The first birth in town, was that of John B. Brayton, a son of Asa Brayton, in the fall of 1812. In 1817, the set- 298 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE tlement was considerably increased by several Scotch emigrants, among whom were Robert Watson, Robert Brown, Alexander Noble, William Cleveland, Alexander Laidlaw, Alexander Kerr and James Grieve. In 1819, George Allen arrived as an agent for Mr. Pitcairn, having been pre- ceded in this office by Phineas Attwater. Near the south boi-der of the town, is a settlement known as South Ed- wards. The earliest settlement here was made by Job Winslow, in the fall of 1824, wlio at that time, came in from Potsdam, and erected a saw mill. He bad visited the place the year previous, and purchased a farm around the falls, where he afterwards built. In 1825, he erected a grist mill. In March 1825, Elijah Shaw settled in the vicinity, and became the first merchant. From him, the settlement is sometimes named ShmvviUe. The village is situated on the west branch of the Oswegatchie, * and at present contains a new and very fine gi-ist mill, a saw mill, tannery, carding and cloth dressing works, store, and a few mechanic shops. It is on the mail route from Edwards to Lowville. On the Oswegatchie river, below Edwards village, in 1830, was erected a furnace, 24 feet square, 28 feet high, 6h feet inside diameter, by A. Freeman. It was run about six blasts, and was burned in 1847. At first it used the cold blast, but from 1840 the hot blast was employed. A part of the ii-on was made into castings on the premises, and the ores used were bog ore from this town, and specular ore from the Kearney and Little York mines. In 1842 or 3, a forge was built, and run two or three yeai-s. Religious Societies. — The Methodists first organized with but four mem- bers, and held the first religious meetings in town. In 1827, the Chris- tian denomination effected an organization in South Edwards, under Elder Isaac Banister, and he remained its pastor till his death, January 15, 1852. This society has always been small, and the present number is about 25. The First Congregational Church and Society in Edwards, was formed May 10, 1828. Calvin Phelps, Robert Watson, John White- head, Levi W. Gleason, Arba Collister, Orra Shead and Robert Brown, being the ti-ustees. A union church was built in the village, by the Pres- byterians, Baptists and Methodists, at a cost of $1000, in 1850. Fine Was erected March 27, 1844, from Russell and Pierrepont, and made to embrace No. 14, or Bloomfield, No. 12, or Scriba, and the south half of No. 9, or Sarahsburgh, in the former town, and No. 15, or Emilyville, in the latter. The funds belonging to the respective towns, were to be equitably divided, and the first town meeting to be held at school house No. 20. It received its name from the Hon. John Fine, of Ogdensburgh, who is interested in an extensive tract in the town, and under whom the first settlement was begun. The supervisors have been, 1844-5, Amasa I. Brown ; 1846-50, Daniel Truax; 1851, A. L Brown ; 1852, D. Truax. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 299 This town is one of the newest and least settled in the county of St. LaM'rence. The principal settlement is in the east half of Scriba, which is owned by the Hon. John Fine, and James Averell, of Ogdensburgh, Wra. H. Averell, of Otsego Co., and Frederick De Peyster, of New York city. The first settlement was commenced by Elias Teall, who on the 24th of October, 1823, made a contract with the proprietors of the east half of the township of Scriba, and undertook to establish settlers on the tract. He built a mill on a branch of the Oswegatchie, erected a log house, made some improvements, and got some inhabitants to come on, but did not succeed in his undertaking. On the 6th of September, 1828, James C. Haile, made a contract with the proprietors, and erected a saw mill on the Oswegatchie, and a small grist mil!, of one run of rock stones, without bolt or other appendages; built a house and barn, and got in more settlers. In May, 1833, he also left the settlement, having been abandoned by his settlers. In February, 1834, Amasa I. Brown, made a contract with the owners, for the Haile improvements, with an additional tract of land, and on the 28th of March, of that year, he moved his family into the town, having no neighbors nearer than ten miles distant. In a few weeks he was followed by one G. Luther, who had previously attempted a settlement, and in the autumn of the same year, two more joined them, making four families who wintered in town the first season. About twenty persons took up land that fall, although but thi-ee or four ever came on to settle. At this time the owners of the west half of No. 12, and of No. 9 and 14, were intending to take measures to commence the settlements of their lands, but the rage of speculation then tended to the west, and their proposed measures were not carried into effect. This left the settlers in the east- ern part of the town, exposed to much hardship, for the unsettled pai-ts lay between them and their neighbors, in South Edwards and Pitcairn, and no roads existed through the forest but such as they made themselves. This inconvenience, joined with a series of unpropitious seasons, tended to keep back the settlement, and impoverish its inhabitants, so that num- bers left, and there now remains of that first immigration, but two or three families. Others, however, came in to take the places of those that got discouraged and left, and in 1843, there were 43 or 44 voters, besides 5 or 6 aliens. In 1843 they petitioned for an incorporation as a town, but failed, but the next year they succeeded. The first town meeting was held June 18, 1844, at which the following town ofiicers, were elected: A. I Brown, supervisor; Joseph M. Beckwith, toivn clerk; ,t. M. Beckwith, James Marsh and Elijah C. Hill, assessors; John K. Ward, collector; John Marsh, George Young and William H. Perkins, com- missioners of highways; A. I. Brown, I. M. Beckwith and Elijah C. Hill, justices of the peace. 300 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE From this tiirie forward, the settlement has slowly but steadily im- proved, and they have a tolerably good road through to South Edwards, on each side of the Oswegatchie. They have a road now in contempla- tion, from the western part of the settlement, to run a southwesterly course, and communicate with the navigation on Black river. It has been laid to the county line, by the road commissioners, and some im- provements made towards opening it. On the 15th of April, 1814, a law was passed to construct a road fi'om Turin to Emilyville, to intersect the Albany road, and commission- ers appointed with power to tax adjacent lands; and in 1816, a further appropriation was made, but this route was never opened. The legislature, at its session of 1852, passed an act providing for opening a road from the old St. Lawrence turnpike, in the town of Pierrepont, to intersect the Carthage and lake Champlain road. This route lias already been laid from Pierrepont to the old Watson road, in Herkimer county, and would have been continued through, had the line between Herkimer and Lewis counties been known. This line passes on or near the east bounds of townships Nos. 9, 12 and 14, and through the eastern settlements in Fine. When these roads are opened, and the proposed state improvements, in pi'ogress of construction, are completed, the inhabitants in this secluded portion of the county will enjoy good advantages for markets. Many of the inhabitants, from narrow and short sighted views, are said to be opposed to both of these roads, but when completed, they can not fail to greatly promote the prosperity of the town. The soil of the town of Fine is generally a gravelly loam, with much of its surface broken; but most, susceptible of cultivation. The timber is much of it beech and maple, with birch, spruce and hemlock, interspersed with elm, ash and cherry. The country is well watered, and from its elevated situation, it is not subject to local causes of disease, and is remarkably healthy. The Oswegatchie here affords an abundance of water power, and iron ore is said to abound, so that this town possesses within itself resources that will eventually place it on an ecpiality with most of adjoining and older settled districts. There is a saw mill five miles from South Edwards, and another in the east part of the settlement. A grist mill is contemplated another season, which will answer the purposes of the settlers. The author is indebted to Mr. Amasa L Brown, for assistance in pre- paring the above notice. Fowler Was formed from Rossie and Russell, embracing Kilkenny (No. 7), and Portaferry (No. 11), April 15, 1816, the first town meeting to be AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 801 held at the house of Noah Holcomb. The pooi* moneys of the respect- ive towns were to be equitably divided. At the time of its erection, No. 7 constituted school district No. 3, of Rossie. On the 10th of April, 1818, the townships of Edwards and Fitz William, previously in Russell, were attached to Fowler. These have since been taken off in the erec- tion of Edwards. In forming Pitcairn, in 1836, a triangular portion ot No. 11, lying west of a line commencing three miles S. E. of the W. point of said township, and running at right angles to the S. W. line till it intersected the line of No. 7 was retained by Fowler, and these limits it has since maintained. On the division of the Great tract, No. 7 fell to Gilchrist and Fowler. On the 3d of August, 1810, the foi-mer conveyed his share to the latter [Cleric's office, b. Hi, p. 129), and Theodosius Fowler, on the 15th of May, 1821, conveyed to his son, T. O, Fowler (lb., b. vi, p. 75), under whom the most of the town has been settled. The town received its name from Theodosius Fowler, of New York, who was a captain in the continental army of the revolution. He re- ceived his commission as ensign in February or March, 1776, and was promoted to a second lieutenant on the 10th of August, to be first lieu- tenant after November 21. In June, 1778, he was raised to the rank ot captain at first in the 1st N. Y. regiment, but in 1780, he was transferred to the 2d regiment, in which he served till the close of the war; not being absent in all fifty days, either in winter or summer. He was pre- sent and took a part in the battles of Long Island, Saratoga, Monmouth and White Plains, and shared the hardships of the camp at Valley Forge and Morristown, and the expeditions against the Indians of west- ern New York, under Colonels Van Schaick and Willet, in 1779, and of General Sullivan, in the summer of the same year. During the year 1780, the New York line of five regiments was reduced to two, com- manded by Colonel Van Schaick and General Van Cortland, to the latter of which Captain Fowler was assigned. In the fall of 1781, these were ordered to Virginia, and aided in the capture of the British at Yorktown. We have been under the necessity of condensing the above, from a minute and extended account, written by Mr. Fowler himself, which we had prepared for this work, and was loaned the author by the Hon. E. Dodge, of Gouverneur. First Set of Town Officers. — Theodosius O. Fowler, supervisor; Sim- eon Hazleton, clerk; Noah Holcomb, Elvan Cole, Benjamin Brown, assessors; John Parker, Noah Holcomb, conCrs of highways; Noah Holcomb, Benj. Brown, overseers of the poor ; Simeon Hazleton, Samuel B. Sprague, overseers of highways; Alvan Wright, constable and col- 302 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE lector; Alvan Wright, Simon Ilazleton, 'E\am Co]e, comers com. schools ; Tlieoclosius O. Fowlei-, Jedediah Kingsley, Richard Merrill, inspectors of common schools. Supervisors. — 1817. Theodosius O. Fowler; 1818, (Feb. 19,) Benjamin Brown to fill vacancy, 1815, 21, Eben Cole; 1825-9, .Justus Pickit; 1830, Sfillman Fuller, 1831-2, J. Picket; 1833-4, S. Fuller; 1835-6, William Hiulbut; 1637-8, .7. Pickit; 1839-41, Henry H. Haile; 1842-3, Asa L. Ha- zleton; 1844-5, Alfred Burt; 1846-7. Heman Fuller, 1848-9; Addison Giles; 1850-1, Thomas T. Hazleton. 1852, E. W. Abbott. In 1824, the town agreed to raise a bounty for wolves and wild cats agreeably to the late law. This is the only record of any votes having been taken by the town, for the destruction of noxious animals. The first settlement in the town of Fowler, was made by Brigadier General James Haile, from Fairfield, Herkimer Co., who came into town to explore, and who purchased of Richard Townsend, agent for Gil- christ and Fowler, in the month of June, 1807, a tract one mile square, on the ground where the little village of Hailesboro now stands, under obligations to build mills within a year. In the fall of the same year, he came on with several men, to commence the erection of mills. One Capt. Ward, was millwright, and a Capt. Robinson, carpenter. A saw mill was built the same fall, and a small grist mill, with one run of stones attached to it, was also got into operation in 1808. The latter was swept away by a freshet in 1809, and rebuilt the following year. Timothy Campbell, was the millwright employed to build the second mill, which contained but one run of stones till 1819, when another was added. In 1844, the present mill was erected in a most superior man- ner, containing three run of stones, to which a fourth is about to be added: Mr. Elijah Sackett, fi-om Hartford, N. Y., came into town in 1808, and was employed as a miller, until his death, in the spring of 1812. He was the first white person who is known to have died in town. Lemuel Arnold, John Ryan, • Cleveland, Ebenezer Parkei*, and others, came on and settled soon after, and in 1811, Samuel B. Sprague, made the first stand in the neighborhood of Little York. Albin & Oliver Wright, were early settlers. During the war sevei*al families left the country from fear of Indians, nor did the town begin to settle rapidly until 1820. Early in 1818, Gen. Haile moved into town with his family, having only come on himself, in the summer time previously. He i-esided here till his death, Dec. 17 1821. In 1825, a mill was erected at Hailesboro, by Jasper Clark, for sawing the white limestone, which abounds in the vicinity. The business was carried on by him, and continued by A. Giles, for several years. It was AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 303 used foi- tomb stones, building stones, sills and caps for windows, and for jambs of fire places. The coarsely crystalized structure of this stone, has been found to render it unsuitable for lettering and the finer kind of orna- mental work, but for the heavier uses of building, and especially for the manufacture of lime, it has no equal. The natural water privileges of Hailesboi'o, are superior. Within a distance of half a mile, the Oswe- gatchie river descends 84 feet, and within a mile above it has an equal descent, so that the same water could be used repeatedly, and such is the nature of the channel, at the island, in the village, that the sujjply can be regulated, and every liability to injury from floods avoided. In the lowest stages of the water, it is estimated that sufiicient water flows in the river at this place, to drive eight run of mill stones. During a part of the year, the supply is much greater. A small mill with two saws, has recently been built about a mile above, and at the village a grist mill, saw mill, clothing works, wagon shop, &c., are erected. It has a tavern, store, the usual variety of mechanic shops, and about twenty families. The first marriage in the town of Fowler, was Mr. John Parker, to Miss Elizabeth S. Sackett, in 1812. The first birth was in the family of Merrills. A «mall settlement began to be formed at the present village of Little York during the war, which received its name from the circumstance of the capture of Toronto (which then bore this name), at about the same time. The neighborhood is without the advantages which a water power confers, and is but a centre for the local business of a portion of the town. The village of Fullerville Iron Works, is situ- ated on the Oswegatchie, three mills from Little York, and nine from Gouverneur. The earliest settlement in this vicinity was made by John Parker, about three quarters of a mile below that place, Avhere the St. Lawrence turnpike originally crossed the Oswegatchie in the year 1812. In 1813 he erected a saw mill at the falls in the present village of Fullerville, which being burned, was rebuilt in 1823-4. In 1826, a grist mill was erected by S. Fuller & Co, and sold in 1838, to Rockwell Bullard and company, who rebuilt the mills, which are the same that still remain. In 1832, Sheldon Fuller, Stillman Fuller, Heman Fuller and Ashbell Fuller, brothers, originally from Ferrisburgh, Vt., but for eight years previous eugaged at the Rossie iron works, came here, and commenced the erection of a blast furnace; and after them the place received its name. A furnace, erected by the firm of S. Fuller & Co., was about 30 feet square, on the ground, and 40 feet liigii, and was first got in operation in August, 1833. Their first operations were commenced on the ore from the vicinity of Little York, of which\ they used about 1,000 tons, and 304 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE this was the first ore raised from that mine. Subsequently several tliousand tons of bog ore, obtained from swatnps in the Fine tract, from two to three miles distant, in the town of Edwards, were used. During the first years of their operations, a great number of experiments were made, upon ores from numerous localities, the greater part of which failed in producing useful results. The presence of sulphur and various impurities, rendered many kinds of the ores tried entirely valueless for the manufacture of iron. Besides the ores above mentioned, those from the Kearney mine, in Gouveneur, the Keene or Thompson mine, in Antwerp (both red specular ores), and the magnetic or primitive ores of Pitcairn and Clifton, have been used at this furnace. The pig iron made here, has principally been sold to cupola furnaces, in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties ; and from its softness, is much prized for castings, as it will admit of the mixture of old iron, and that which from repeated melting has become hard. The amount made at this furnace, as near as can be ascertained, is as follows : By S. Fuller & Co., about 600 tons, at two blasts. By Fullers & Maddock, " 1,700 " " " By H. Fuller & Co., " 1,200 « at four blasts. By Fullers & Peck, " 3,000 " at five blasts. Total number, 6,500 " The furnace was rebuilt by the latter company, in 1846, and a hot blast subsequently used. Previous to this, the furnace was supplied by the cold blast. About 133 bushels of coal have been required to make a ton of iron, by the cold blast ; and 125 by the hot blast. Iron made by the latter process will not chill ; but it is here thought to make more iron from a given quantity of ore, and the process of separation is much accelerated. At Fullerville are two forges for making malleable iron from ore, scrap and pig iron. The first, adjoining the furnace, was erected in 1835, by the Fullers, contains three fires, and is capable of making 1,200 pounds per day. Previous to 1846, it was worked about two-thirds of the time, and since, about three months in a year. In 1840, Edwin Rockwell, Luther Bullard, Chester H. Benfon and Oliver Benton, under the firm of Rockwell Bullard & Co., erected a forge on the east bank of the river, which contained two fires, and was run very Bteadily for two or three years, and since that time by different parties more or less every year, til! within one or two years. It is thought that magnetic ore makes the best bar iron, although that fi*om the specular or red ores is soft, tough and suited to every purpose for which this useful AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 305 metal is applied. It lias much local celebrity, and all the bar iron made at this place has been consumed within thirty miles of these forges.* As no rolling mills have been erected, the iron is drawn out under a trip hammer. Coal for supplying the furnace and forges is obtained from within 1 to 5 miles, and the distances to several neighboring mines are as follows : to Kearney's and to Thompson's, 11 miles ; to Tait's, in Hermon, 20 miles ; to Pitcairn (Jayville), 15 miles; to Clifton mine, 21 miles; to Little York, 3 miles; to bog ore swamps, 2 to 3 miles. The Fowler Library was incorporated April 12, 1831. Simeon Hazel- ton, Justus Pickit, George Draper, Charles C. Edgerton, Gaylord Gi-aves, Theodosius O. Fowler, Reuben Wright, ti'ustees. Religious Societies. — The Baptist church of Fowler was organized February 9, 1822, and at the time of its formation, embraced 13 members, all of whom united by letter. This number was soon after increased, by baptism, until it amounted to forty, of whom twenty-one at present belong to the church. The first clergyman employed, was Elder Jona- than Paine. In December, 1822, Elder Noah Barrell was employed to preach a quarter of the time for one year. Elder William Gorrey commenced preaching in May, 1828, and remained until the close of May, 1831. The Rev. Mr. Gurnsey soon after was employed, end con- tinued a year, when his place was supplied by Elder Wilkey (June, 1833). Elder Brand was afterwards invited to preach (May, J 836), and remained two years. Elder John Peck was invited to preach September 6, 1838, and left in November, 1840. Elder David Deuland was em- ployed in March, 1843, and remained for one year. He was subsequently again invited to preach for one year. In September, 1851, Elder Nicola was employed to preach a part of the time. A church edifice was erected in the village of FuUervilie, in 1835. The foregoing data were furnished by Mr. Kentfield, the present clerk. The Antwerp and Fowler Baptist society was incorporated December 31, 1825, James N. Graves, Peter Sigourney and Moses Burge, trustees. The church edifice of this society is in Jefferson county, near the line, and at Steele's corners. A Free Will Baptist church has existed for many years in the west part of the town. They have recently erected a church edifice. A Presbyterian church and society was formed at FuUei-ville, about 1833, consisting of ten or fifteen members, and a church was erected. Most of the members having moved away, the organization has been lost for several years. The Rev Mr. Batchelor, fi'om Hermon, officiated here as clergyman for a time. The Little York Universalist society was formed March 22, 1841, Jabez Glazier> Lenian Fuller, Simeon Hazleton, Albert A. Vedder and John P. Ryon being the first trustees. They own a church which, in the census of 1850, is reported worth $1,000. * The experience of those who have dealt in this vicinity, might possibly establish the fact, that bar iron has, to some degree, served as a currency, or circulating medium, lo facilitate trade. The advocates of hard money mijht here find arguments, both pro and con, in refer, ence to this great national question. 306 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE GOUVERNEUR, Was formed from Oswegatchie, April 5, 1810, and embraced the town- ship oC Cainbray, until the recent division in erecting Blaconib. It at this time contained 223 inhabitants, of which 30 were senatorial voters. An effort was made in 1841 to form a new town out of parts of this, De Kalb and Hermou, but failed. The first town meeting was held at the house of Jolm Spencer, at which the following officers were elected: Richard Townsend, supervisor; Amos Comly, town clerk; Rufus Washburn, Isaac Morgan, Pardon Babcock, assesors; Amos Comly, Benj. Smith, Ephriarn Case, commissioners highways; Jonathan S. Col- ton, Israel Porter, overseers of poor; Barnabas Wood, constable and collector; Jonathan S. Colton, Isaac Morgan^ yeTice viewers; Israel Por- ter, pound master. Supervisors. — 1811-4, Richard Townsend; 1815-9, John Brown; 1830-1, Israel Porter; 1822-6, Aaron Atwood ; 1827-35, Harvey D. Smith ; 1836, Almond Z. Madison ; 1837, Harvey D. Smith; 1838, Almond Z. Madison; 1839-41, William E. Sterling; 1842, Peter Van Buren; 1843, Wm. E. Sterling; 1844-5, Peter Van Buren; 1846-9, Geo. S. Wiuslow; 1850-2, Charles Anthony. Memoranda from the Records. — March 5, 1811, voted that Ephraim Case, Rufus Washburn, Pardon Babcock, Jonathan S. Colton and Benjamin Smith, be appointed a committee to superintend the destruction of nox- ious weeds, and any person who may discover any of these shall give notice to one of the above committee, on whose farm such weeds are growing; and it shall then be the duty of the committee man to go and give such person warning that such weeds are growing on his farm, and the place where they grow, and if such pei-son do not cut such weeds in the month ot June, so as to prevent their going to seed (provided such warning be given previous), shall forfeit and pay to said committee five dollars, the one half to go to the informant, and the other half to be paid into the hands of the overseers of the poor in this town for the support of the poor, and that this committee shall be allowed at and after the rate of $1 per day for their services in giving notice of the growth of such weeds, 1814, Voted that the block house be sold at vendue, and the avails applied to build a house of public worship. 1824, Nov. 25, Special town meeting to vote on receiving part of Rossie to this town. Resolved not to receive petition. 1828. " Since it is understood that cer- tain persons in Potsdam, will give $3000 for public buildings, and since we are convinced that at no distant day the county will be divided; there- fore. Resolved, On condition of $3000 granted as above, that we recom- mend the location of the county building at that place. 1829. The sale of the gospel and school lots for school fund advised. 1835. Voted to remove the burying ground in the village. Rescinded in 1838. 1839. Trustees of academy requested to petition the legislature for an appro- priation of $2000 to be i-efunded by a tax within 4 years, to rebuild the academic building destroyed by fire Jan. 1, 1839. A very full town ineet- ing voted for this, but five or six dissenting. 1839. Resolved that the county poor house system ought not to be abolished. 1841. Protest against any division of the town at present. The only division practi- cable is Beaver Creek, and the creation of a new town between that creek and Black lake. 1841, Aug. 18. The fund derived from the sale AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 307 of the gospel and school lot divided between Macomb and Gonvenieur, as follows: to Macomb $281-38, to Gonvenieur |2,082-37. 1842. Vote against the erection of a new town from parts of Gonverneur. De Kalb and Hermon. 1843. The town petitioned tor the abolition of the office of deputy superintendent of schools. 1844. Resolves against the division of the town again passed, and in favor of the formation of a new county from Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence. 1845. A committee of five to report on the expediency of erecting a town house. May 6, a special town meeting convened to hear the report of the committee which was in favor of the measure. [This plan failed from efforts made to secure its location west of the river.] 1846. A town map to be procured for the town and a copy to be deposited in the county clerk's office. In 1847 resolved to keep both copies. 1850. Resolved to sustain the resolution of the board of supervisors restoring the distinction between town and county poor, ffolf bounties were offered in 1819, 1820 and 1821, of $5, and in 1840 of $10, with half these sums for wolf's whelps. Fox boun- ties of 50 cents in 1820-1. In 1822, 25 cents penalty for every goose running in the highways. Gouverneur and Morristown were named from Gonverneur Morris, an early and extensive proprietor in the lands of Noi-thern New York. He was born at Morrisania, Westchester co., Jan. 31, 1752, and educated at Columbia college. At an early age he engaged in the political discussions of the day, and became a member of the provincial congress, and a dele- gate to the convention that framed the first constitution of the state. A few years after the war, he repaired to France on commercial business, and remained in Europe several years; during a portion of which time he held the office of minister from the United States to the French court. During his residence there he was a witness to the excesses of the Fi'ench revolution, and incurred much personal danger in the discharge of the duties of his office. In 1798 he returnedhome with a justly acquired ce- lebrity as a statesman, and with enlarged and liberal views acquired from extensive travel and careful observation upon European affairs, and was soon afterwards elected to fill a vacancy in the United States senate. On the death of Washington he delivered an oration in New York, at the request of the corporation, and it fell to his lot to perform the same duty to the memory of Hamilton and the elder Chnton. Mr. Morris died Nov. 6, 1816. An injury which he sustained by a fall from a carnage in 1780, deprived him of a leg, which was supplied by one of wood. His life and writings by Jared Sparks form three octavo volumes, and to these the reader is referred for a minute account of this celebrated man. In the summer of 1805, Dr. Richard Townsend, of Hartford, Wash- inton CO., having procured of Gouverneur Morris of New York, an agency for the sale and settling of his lands in Cambray, started with several men, his neighbors, to visit the tract, and make arrangements for 20 808 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE beginning a settlement. The party consisted of Richard Townsend, Isaac Austin, Willard Smith, Pardon Babcock, Ambi Higby, John Alden and Morris Mead, the latter a surveyor. They proceeded to the head of Lake George, and thence with map and compass, and with three days pro- visions, they struck into the woods on a course which they supposed would bring them to their destination. Several incidents of interest happened to the pioneers on their journey. On one occasion having caught some fish in the morning, their dogs (two fine mastiffs), by their barking and manner, indicated that they were followed by some wild animal. On the approach of night, they built a row of fires, within which they camped, having placed their fish in the branches of a tree much elevated above the ground. In the morning, these were gone, and the tracks around the roots indicated that they had been followed by one or more large panthers. They were seven days on the route, suflTering towards the last from want of provisions, and first came into clearings in the Smith settlement in De Kalb. The sound of a bell attached to an ox, first indicated their approach to clearings, and by following this they were led into the set- tlement, where several men were chopping. One of the party hailed the owners of the cattle with a complaint that they had broken into and . injured his cornfield, for which he demanded compensation. The surprise of the settlers was unbounded, upon seeing a company of men emerge from the depths of the forest, and they could scarcely credit the story that they had traversed the wilderness from Lake George, with no guide but their compass, and an outfit of only thi-ee days pro- visions. The party thence proceeded on to Gouverneur, arriving just be- low the present village, and after a short stop most of them proceeded down, and crossing near the present Kearney bridge, returned by way of the Black river country to their homes, having been absent about three weeks. Townsend, Austin, Smith, and others, visited the town again late in the fall, proceeding on horseback by the Black i-iver road as far as Boon's upper settlement, where they were obliged to leave their horses from the badness of the roads. Arriving by the route of the state road to Lee's tavern, three miles north of Antwerp, they proceeded thence to their destination on the Oswegatchie, where its placid course was broken by a small cascade, and its channel divided by two beautiful green islands, in the present village of Gouverneur. Here they constructed a float of logs, and crossed, arriving at their destination about the middle of Octo- ber. A surveyor (Col. Edsall, of Madrid), was procured, and several farms surveyed, and slight beginnings made, when the party returned home by the route they came. In February 1806, Pardon Babcock, Wil- AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 309 lard Smith, Eleazer Nichols, and Isaac Austin, with their families, Ibe wife of the latter being borne an invalid, in a cradle, the whole journey arrived at Antwerp, on their way to Cambray, with the view of making a permanent settlement. Here their families were left a few days, while the men went forward to erect a shanty and provide accommodations. One Jershom Matoon, was keeping an inn at Antwerp at this time, and his was the only house in the place. It was a very humble log cabin, with but one room, which served every purpose of bar room, bed room, parlor, kitchen, and dining room, was without a chimney, and destitute of every accommodation properly so called. A slight shelter having been erected, these four families proceeded to take possession, and crossing on the ice near the site of the Kearney bridge, they arrived at their home, which was found to be an open shed covered with boughs. This stood in the present road in front of Elwin E. Austin's present dwelling house. On the next day, a flat roofed log shanty, open on one side, and covered witJi wooden troughs, after the manner still occasionally seen in sugar camps, was erected; and soon after another, facing the first, but Avith a space between of a few feet, which served the purpose of a door, as well as a chimney; and at each side, a pile of logs was laid at night, and set on fire, for the triple pui-- pose of light, warmth, and a defence against wild beasts. This cabin furnished a common shelter for several weeks, until the several families had provided for themselves separate huts. Isaac Mor- gan, from Orange co., Vt., arrived on the last of March, and the number was soon after increased, and Dr. Townsend, during the summer, em- ployed one John Simons, of Brownville, to survey into farms the lands around the present village. In July 1806, the first religious meeting was held in town, at the shanty of Esq. Austin, by Eldgrs Nichols, and Pettengill, two missionaries from Connecticut. A Mr. Heath, a metbod- ist preacher, living in Riclf s settlement in De Kalb, preached occasion ally on sabbaths, the settlers always keeping up some form of divine service on Sunday, at the hut of Mr. Austin, until a school house was erected, when the meetings were held at that place. A road was cut through to Richville, on the first summer, by voluntary labor, and communications were soon opened with Antwerp. The first birth in town, among the settlers, was a son (Allen Smith), in the family of Willard Smith, May 8, 1806. The first death was Emily Porter, aged two years, in Aug. 1808. The second a Mrs. Martin. The third death was that of Stephen Patterson, who was crushed while stoning up a well. The first marriage was Medad Cole to a daughter of Stephen Patterson. Dr. John Spencer, from Windsor, Ct., was the first practising 310 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE physician, wlio moved into town, and for several years was the only one within many miles. On his arrival in April 1807, there were eleven families living in town, viz: Richard Townsend, Isaac and Daniel Austin, Pardon Babcock, Willard Smith, Eleazer Nichols, Stephen Patterson, Isaac Morgan, Benjamin Smith, Israel Porter, and Stephen Smith. Previous to his arrival Dr. Seeley, of De Kalb, was occasionally called. On the first occasion in which medical assistance was needed, the mes- senger got belated, and was compelled to lie out in a thunder storm, and returned in the morning by following in his dog. Gilchrist, Consta- ble and others, of the great proprietors, traveled through the town in the summer of 1807, and made a short stay. The settlers feeling the want of a bridge, and hoping nothing from the town of Oswegatchie, of which they were then a part, raised in 1808, by voluntary subscription, the sum of $500, with which they hired Mr. Isaac Kendall, to build the first bridge in the village. It stood 12 years, and was then replaced by one costing |1000, built by Mr. James Parker. The chief contributors to the first, were the two Austins, Townsend, Babcock, Spencer, Porter and Morgan. The shanty used by the workmen on the bridge, in the autumn of the same year, became the first school room, and was occupied by Miss Elizabeth S. Sackett, now Mrs. John Parker, of Fowler. It stood near where the Presbyterian church now is. The first r^n school, was taught by Sylvester McMasters, in a shop erected for mechanical pur- poses, by Capt. Babcock, but which was relinquished for this use. In 1811, the first school house was built of logs, on the ground now occu- pied by the Plank Road House, west of the bridge. In 1808, Mr. Porter opened the first public house, and soon after, John Brown commenced as a merchant. During this summer Gouverneur Morris, spent three weeks in town, at the house of Mr, Isaac Austin, from whence he pro- ceeded by water to the Ox Bow, where his nephew Lewis R. Morris, ■was living. In 1809, a clearing of 80 acres was made for Morris by Joseph Bolton, near the natural dam, and a grist and saw mill were erected there at the proprietor's expense, by Mr. Austin, and the premi- ses long afterwards bore the name of Morris's Mills., Lands first sold for $2-50, but soon after were fixed at $3-00. In the spring of 1809, the following families were living in town. Wm. Cleghorn, J. S. Colton, Wm. Colton, Henry Welch, Israel Porter, Elkanah Partridge, Dr. J. Spencer, Isaac Austin, Eleazar Nichols, Rockwell Barnes, Stephen Patterson, Joseph Bolton, Holeab Smith, Benjamin Smith, Caleb Drake, Benjamin Clark, James Barnes, Calvin Bullock, Ephraim Gates, Richard Townsend, Isaac Morgan, Timothy AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 311 Sheldon, Colburn Barrell, Reuben Nobles, Ephraim Case, Richard Kem- ble, John Hoyt, Pardon Babcock, Daniel Austin, Medad Cole. Besides these, Wrn. Canning, Sela Coleman, Alfred Cole, Harvey Black, Charles McLane, James and John Parker, Josiah Waid, and a few others, the last mentioned being mostly single men, were living in town or came in very soon after. The settlers in 1812, participating in the general alarm, commenced the erection of a block house in the present village of Gou- verneur, but it was never finished. The timbers were subsequently employed in the dam, and in buildings soon after erected. The dam iu the village was erected in 1814, the first machinery being clothing works, put in operation by one Downs. A frame school house was built on the east side of the river, in 1815, which was replaced by the present brick edifice in 1827. The war in this and many other towns, checked its gi-owth, for many years, but it soon after began to increase iu population quite rapidly, and in 1816-18, many families from Johnstown, located on the road leading to the Ox Bow, which still bears the name of Johnstown Street, from this cause. The first settler on that road was Jeremiah Merithue, in 1810. In 1825 Israel Porter built the first grist mill in the village, Mr. Daniel W. Church, being the mill wright. It was burned about 1825. . A saw mill was built several years previously. The folio wiuf incident, which occurred in December, 1807, is worthy of record. It is derived from the person who was the subject of the adventure, and is reliable. Dr. Spencer had set out in the morning, on foot, to visit a patient beyond Antwerp, guided by a line of marked trees, and an obscure path through the woods, which extended but a part of the way. A light snow, followed by rain and frost, had fallen, which rendered the tread of men and animals audible to a great distance, and the air was chilly and uncomfortable. When he had proceeded about three miles, he was aroused by a rustling sound, and presently a deer pursued by a black wolf, past swiftly by him. He dropped behind a log to see the chase, without interrupting it, when he heard a louder sound behind him, and on looking back saw eleven other wolves, in a pack, which gave up the chase for the deer and stood gazing at the new game they had discovered. He jumped up, and with loud shouts and threat- ening gestures, endeavored to frighten them away, but without success, for they retreated but a few paces, and then turned to eye him narrowly. A short distance beyond, on the ground now covered by the house of Mr. G. Norton, stood the body of a log house, and his first thought was to run for that, in hopes that he could defend himself at the door, but upon second thought it was evident that but little hope of escape could 312 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE be expected in flight. He next thought of climbing a tree, but tlien the wolves migiit watch him till he was exhausted with cold. At last find- ing that shouting and gestures, were of no avail, he laid down his pill bags, overcoat, and hat, and cutting a green beech stick, of sufScient size to be easily wielded, and of a weight that would give effect to a blow, he rushed at them swinging his weapon, and making all the up- roar in his power, by beating the icy bushes until they were scattered, when losing that confidence which numbers had given them, they fled iu different directions. His first thought was to return back, but dread- ing the jeers of his neighbors, who might say that he had been scared by a wolf, he kept on his course. Befoi'e out of heai-ing, he distinguished the cries of the pack, as they were again mustering, but he saw no more of them. A separate account of the academy in this town will be given. The village of Gouverneur, was incorporated under a general act, Dec. 7, J 847. Its first ofiicers were as follows: Edwin Dodge, Peter Van Buren, S. B. Van Duzee, N. D. Arnod and I. P. Stnith, trustees. H. Schermerhorn, Rich'd Parsons and O. G. Barnum, assessors. Zebina Smith, collector. Chauncey Dodge, clerk. H. D. Smith, treasurer. O. G. Barnum, pouiid master. Its present officers (1852,) are Peter Van Buren, M. Barney, J. Fosgate, R. Parsons and W. M. Good- rich, trustees. I. Smith, O. S. Barnum and S. Cone, assessors. H. L. Conklin, clerk. H. D. Smith treasurer. Z. Smith, colUcter and pound master. The inhabitants of Gouverneur and Morristown, were authorized, April 15, 1826, to elect three trustees, to have charge of the public lands, and apply the profits for the support of schools. On the 31st of March, 1828, the overseers of the poor were directed to pay to the trustees of the pub- lic lots, $1000 of the poor moneys in their hands, to be invested for the support of schools. From this fund and the proceeds from the sales of the school lot, a large fund has accrued. The trustees of the Baptist and Presbyterian societies, by an instrument on file, among the archives of the state, relinquished their claims in favor of schools. The Gouverneur Union Library was incorporated Feb. 14, 1815. Richard Kimball, Benjamin Brown, Timothy Sheldon, Joseph Smith, Pardon Babcock, Aaron Atwood, Rockwell Barnes and Israel Porter, being the first trustees. Religious Societies. — The first church formed in town, is said to have been by the Baptists, to which sect many of the first settlers belonged. They were organized in February, 1810, by Elder Jonathan Payne, and at first, numbered eleven members. Elder Payne has been succeeded by Elisha Morgan, Noah Barrel!, Joseph Sawyer, Clement Haven, Newell Boughton, S. Pomeroy, N. O. Webb, J. Sawyer and Conant Sawyer. The First Baptist Society of Gouverneur was formed April 14, 1825. Wm. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 3^13 W» RhodeSj Rufus Smith, Alanson Townsend, Benjamin Leavitt, Miles Turner and Moses Rowley, being the first trustees. It was reor- ganized July 2, 1835. In 1822, they erected a church; and in 1850 and 1851, their present very elegant chirrch, at a cost of about $3000. It is the first one to the right of the Seminary, in our view of Gouverneur village. The First Congregational or Presbyterian Church, was formed May 24, 1817, consisting of six persons, since which time up to Jan. 1, 1852, 538 have been admitted to membership. On the 20th of April, 1820, the First Congregational or Presbyterian Society in Gouverneur, was incor- porated, with John Spencer, Richard Kimball, Wm. Cleghorn, William Colton, Rockwell Barnes and James Parker trustees. This church was not regularJy supplied by a minister until the 1st of January, 1820, since which time the following clergyman have been employed. Rev. James Murdock, 1820-25; Rev. Richard C. Hand, 1825-33; Rev. Jonathan Hovey, 1833-34: Rev. Robert F. Lawrence, 1835-38; Rev. Simeon Bicknell, 1838-42; Rev. B. B. Beckwith, 1843, till the present time. Tlie first church edifice was erected in 1820, and completed ia 1824. Cost $1,400. The present meetinghouse was completed at a cost of $3,500, and de- dicated in August, 1844. It is represented on the right in our engraving of Gouverneur village. The author is indebted to Harvey D. Smith, Esq., the clerk of this so- ciety, fiar the foregoing facts. A Congregational Church was formed in February, 1843, and on the 21stof March, a society was incorporated as the Second Congregational Church of Gouverneur. Rockwell Barnes, Nathan W. Smith and John. Leach, being the trustees. Being disappointed in not receiving materials which bad been expected, we are unable to give that particular account of this and other societies, in this and other towns, which was desirable. The first Universalist Society of Gouverneur and Hailesboro, was in- coi'porated Jan. 7, 1849, with James Sherwin, Francis Farmer, Hall Tuttle, I. P. Smith, Addison Giles and Sanford Betts, as trustees. Hammond Was formed from Rossie and Morristown, March 30, 1827, to take effect on the 1st of May following. Its line on the side of Morristown, was changed May 2, 1837; a corner south of Black lake, was on the 11th of April, 1842, attached to Macomb ; and the line bordering Rossie, which at first ran parallel with the original line of Somerville, one and a half miles southeast of it, was on the 7th of Feb., 1844, changed to its present course from the corner of the old township, to the head of Mile bay. Supervisors.~\827-8, Sylvester Butrick ; 1829-31, Roswell Ryon; 1832, Allen Cook; 1833, Orrin Brown; 1834-5, Loren Bailey; 1836-7, George C. Daniels; 1838, Orrin Brown; 1839-40, Enoch Taylor; 1841, Ebenezer N. Demick; 1842, Orville E. Wightman ; 1843, E. N. Demick; 1844-7, Wm. H. Wright; 1848-9, Henry Zoller; 1850, Sidney S. Wait; 1851, Josiah Zoller; 1852, Abel P. Morse. In 1831, the town voted to petition that the interest of the poor fund might be applied to the support of schools. 814 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE The town derives its name from Ahijah Hammond, of New York, who owned the township previous to the purchase of David Parish. He was a brother-in-law of David A. Ogden, and a merchant and speculator of New York, and at one time had in conjunction with others, a scheme of purchasing the vacant lands then existing above the settled parts of New York, but which now lie in the heart of the city. In the revolutionary war he held a commission as captain of artillery. He never visited his northern purchases, and took no further interest in them than as a sub- ject for speculation. David Parish purchased of Hammond and wife, 28,871 acres Sept. 12, 1814. Slight beginnings had been made previous- ly, but no titles of land passed to actual settlei's until July, 1818, when Wm. Wiley took the first contract. Loren Bailey went into town as au agent, on the 31st of July, 1818, and it then began to settle rapidly. Mr. B. continued the agent till his death, when the office was removed to Rossie. The first actual resident in town is said to have been one Wm . McNeill, from Vermont, who had been in town several years previous to 1812. He attempted no clearing, lived a hermit's life, subsisted by hunt- ing and fishing, and dwelt in a niche in the rocks, at Chippewa bay. The first clearing was commenced in the summer of 1812, by William Wiley, from Vermont, at the present village of Hammond Corners. In 1813, Barker, from Rossie, settled a mile south of the Corners, and opened a tavern. At this time the Ogdensburgh turnpike was laid through the town, and worked in this and the next year. In the summer of 1814, an attempt was made by a party of fifty or sixty Canadians, under Duncan Fraser, to abduct one or two refugees who had taken up their abode in town, and had rendered themselves obnoxious to their former Canadian neighbors, by repeated depredations committed in revenge for I'eal or supposed injuries. The party landed very early in the morning at Chippewa bay, and proceeded in quest of their object, but missed their path, which delayed their arrival till sun- rise, at the inn of Mr. Barker, where the principal object of their search was sleeping. Alarmed by the family, this person fled half dressed to the woods, narrowly escaping the shower of balls aimed at him. The house was ransacked in vain for papers, and the party returned home disappointed in their pursuit. The greater part of the town of Hammond, west of the village, and in the direction of Chippewa bay, was settled by Scotch emigrants, in 1818, 1819, and 1821. These families came over singly, and without any par- ticular destination, and meeting the agents of Mr. Pairish, were induced to locate on his tract, where they, or their immediate descendants, mostly continue to reside. The following persons located in 1818: John and AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 815 David Gregor, John Baird, Peter Allen, John Hill and James Hill, of whom all but the two latter, were married. A Mr. Cowan, one of their number, was killed in the following winter by the fall of a tree, and Mr. Parish, with characteristic liberality, paid the expenses of his widow's return to Scotland. In 1819, Thomas Caswell, Wm. Nickol, James Rogers, Robert Morris, Robert and Andrew Shields, John Mercer, Thomas Dodds, and Wm. Burke, an Englishman, came into the settle- ment; and in 1821, John Brown. Several of the latter were single men, and none of them past the middle of life, and the evidences of prosperity which meet the eye of the traveler, sufficiently prove that they have suc- cessfully encountered the hardships of a new settlement A few years later, others were induced to emigrate through the repre- sentations of those already located. To those of the first and second year, who required it, Mr. Parish extended a similar credit with that of his settlers in Rossie. The first school in the Scotch settlement, if not in town, was taught by Dr. James Scott, of Lisbon, in the winter of 1819-20. Mr. Bailey, the agent, settled at Chippewa bay, three and a half miles from the Corners. Abram Cooper soon after commenced improvements at this place, which at present although but a small settlement, forms an im- portant port for the export of iron from Rossie, and lumber and produce from the surrounding country. A steam saw mill was ei'ected hex'e about 1844, by James E. Lyon. Oak Point is a small village and landing, at the point where the origi- nal line of Hague and Hammond touched the river. George Elliot first commenced a settlement here, and was succeeded by Cowan, in 1824, who opened a small grocery store. Earl Atwood, Abram Schermer- horn, from Trenton, N. Y. ; Matthews, and a few others, came soon after. In 1825, a wharf was built on a small island in tlie channel com- municating with the shore by a bridge; and in 1838, this was rebuilt. A post office was established in 1840, and a custom house has existed for many years. The deputy collectors have been J. G. McCormick, Benjamin Franklin, and Amos Webster. The duties in 1850 were $2,461-31, and in 1851, |2,191-64, mostly on cattle, sheep and horses. This office had previously been located at the Corners, where Sylvester Butrick and Arnold Smith had held it. A light house was erected on Cross-Over island a short distance above, in 1847. The river steam boats formerly landed here regularl^^, but this practice has been for some time discontinued. The south part of the town, on the military road, was first settled about 1819, by Samuel Webster and William Tappan, of Vermont. Jonathan 316 HISTORY OF ST* LAWRENCE Ring, of Herkimer county, settled in the following year, and commenced keeping an inn. The military road from Sackett's Harbor to Hammond, had been cut through shortly before the war, but from disuse, had be- come impassable. It was reopened in 1823, by a company of about twenty-five soldiers from Sackett's Harbor, who volunteered for the ser- vice, and drew extra pay for their labor. They were under the direction of Capt. Wilkie, and afterwards of Capt. Ransom. The road was laid out as a highway, one or two years at'ter, and has continued one of the principal thoroughfiires from Watertown to Ogdensburgh. The South Hammond post office was established in 1833, Mr. King being post- master. The office has continued in the care of him and his son, Henry King, until the present time. The hotel at South Hammond was erected in the summer of 1648. There is no village in this vicinity. On the 19th of April, 1834, Loren Bailey, Azariah Walton and Elbridge G. Merrick were appointed commissioners to open a road from the line of Clayton and Lyme, to a road leading from Chippewa bay to Osdensburgh. This road was through the villages of French Creek and Alexandria Bay to Hammond. The lands adjacent were taxed to build it. Opposite to the town of Hammond, in the channel of the St. Law- rence, lay the last of the Thousand Islands, a most beautiful and romantic group, which seldom fails to elicit the admiration of the tra- veler, as he threads bis course among them. They commence near the outlet of Lake Ontario, and extend along the entire river front of Jeffer- son county, and consist principally of gneis rock, which rises from the green limpid waters of the great river, in an infinite variety of pleasing forms and groups ; most of them still covered with the primitive forests, with here and there a clearing, and a curling spire of smoke rising among the trees, which indicates the site of the home of some secluded settler. The larger islands are mostly under a fine state of cultivation, and possess a fertile soil, and some of them have interesting mineral localities. The singularly romantic beauty of this group, struck in a most forcible manner the attention of the early French voyageurs, who dwelt upon the lovely spectacle which they presented, and described in language that would apply to the dream of a romance, the picturesque forms that every where rose above the water, and were reflected from its placid surface. Nor are they destitute of incident, which gives addi- tional interest to the association, and the events of the early French and Indian wars of the revolution, of the war of 1812-15, and of the patriot war, so called, of a still recent period, give a charm to numerous locali- ties, which f<;vv, who delight in the association of the incidents of former AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 317 times, with present appej»rance, will fail to appreciate. Among the objects most likely to attract the notice of the traveler, as he passes the South channel, from Clayton to Cape Vincent, is a group of chimney*, which looms up from an elevated plain, at the head of Carlton island, and are the remains of a fortress that the French erected in early times, for the protection of their trade and travel, to more remote stations in the west. Indian Hut island, in Chippewa bay, is supposed to derive its name from the residence of the Quaker Indian, alluded to on page 44 of this work. Rdifdous Societies. — The first Presbyterian union society, in the town of Hammond, was incorporated December 14, 1827, with Luther Lan- phear, James Hills and Walter Wilson, trustees. A church had been formed shortly before, by the Rev. Hiram S. Johnson, of 12 members, which was under rhe St Lawrence Presbytery, and the pastoral care of Joseph Taylor. From sickness and other causes, this organization was lost. The present Presbyterian society, belonging to the Ogdensburgh Presbytery, is a separate church. They have a stone meeting house in Hamnjond Corners, and for several years have been under the pastoral care of the Rev. John McGregor. The first society of the M. E. church of Hammond, was incorporated SejJtember '^J, 18.32. Rev. Joel J. Emms, William S. Wait, Alonzo D. Carter, William Brown and Abel Franklin, trustees. A Free Will Kaptiat church was formed April 6, 1843, by Elder Samuel B. Padin, who preached two years. It was com- posed of 14 males and 13 females, most of whom reside in the south part of the town. They have fonned no legal society, and have no house of worship. Trinity church, in the towns of Hammond and Rossie, was incorporated December 16, 1846. Henry W. Chapman and A. P. Morse, wardens; W^illiam B. Bostwick, Phirenda Butterfield, William Laidlaw, Sophereth Ophir, William Welch, Robert Morris, John Burrows, and James Hill, vestrymen. This society has never erected a church. Hermo:?. This town was formed from Edwards and De Kalb, under the name of Depeau, April 17, 1830. It received this name from Francis Depeau, of New York, who was also extensively concerned in the French pur- chase, in Jefferson county. He was interested in the middle third, which had passed from McCormick to George Lewis, July 12, 18C4, who sold to John and Curtis Bolton, August 1, 182.3. The latter sold to Depeau, June 6, 1828, and the latter May 3, 18-30, conveyed to Sarah, wife of John Bolton. It originally embraced the township of Fitz William, or No. 4, and a strip, 1 mile by 6, from the southeast side of De Kalb. The board of supervisors have recently attached a part to Edwards, as stated in the preceeding pages. In a short time the inhabitants found it a source of annoyance, to have a name so near like Depeauville, in Jeffer- son county, to which their mails often went, and they procured a change of name on the 28th of February, 1834, to HEaMO.'T. A post office had 318 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE been formed December 20, 1828, of this name, which was taken from the scriptures. The first town meeting was held at the house of Nathaniel Kent, at which the following were elected: William Teall, supervisor; Benjamin Healy, clerk; Wilkes Richardson, Isaac C. Pool, Silas Williams, assessors; Simeon Peterson, Jesse Wor- den, Sluibael Parker, commissioners of highiomfs ; Wilkes Richardson, Robert Gotham, Henry Tanner, commissioners of schools; Benjamin Healy, Aaron Teall, CD. Morehouse, inspectors of schools ; Martin L. Cook, John Matoon, overseers of poor; Charles D. Redfield, collector; Ariel Wrisley, Charles C. Redfield, constables. Supervisors.— 1820-2. William Teall ; 1833, Reuben L. Willson ; 1834-6, Harry Tanner; 1837, Silas Williams; 1838-9, Henry P. Cook; 1840, Nathaniel Kent; 1841-2, H. P. Cooke; 1843-7, Silas Williams; 1848-51, Seymour Thatcher; 1852, David W. Weeks. The first settlement in this town was begun by James Taylor, several years before the war, in the western part of the township of Fitz William, and near the line of Gouverneur. George Davis, James Farr, Philemon Stewart, Ariel Inman and Rufus Hopkins had setded in the town pre- vious to 1812. Those who located on township No. 4, did so without previously making an arrangement with an agent, as none had been then appointed. David McCollom, from Rutland county, Vt., but then from Canada, came in 1812; Roger Story, in 1813; German Souther- land, in 1816. The first saw mill was erected, in 1818, on Elm creek, jn the present village of Hermon, by Milton Johnson, from Russell The first death in the town was that of Thomas Farr. In 1819, a grist mill and distillery were erected, in what is now the village of Hermon. by Milton Johnson. The latter was kept up till 1832 or 1833. The first religious meetings in town were held in 1811, by the Rev. Mr. Wright, a missionary from Massachusetts. The first schools were kept in the house of David McCollom, near the village of Hermon, in winters of 1817-18, by William D.Moore; and 1818-19, by Wesley McCollom. The first road opened through the town, was from De Kalb to Russell, during the war. The next was from the present village of Hermon, to De Kalb, in 1818. The setders suffered rather more than the usual share of distress from the famine which ensued from the cold season of 1816. During the war, the settlement of the town was checked, and numbers left the country, from fear of Indian incursions. In 1822, 3, 4, 5, the town set- tled quite rapidly, and din-ing the latter year, the numbers of settlers increased more rapidly than in any other. The second mill in town was built on Elm creek, one mile above the present village of Hermon, by Abram Fisk. In the following year, Amos Marsh bought the premises and erected a grist mill. From him the settlement in this vicinity was AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 319 named Marshville. William Teal] opened a store in 1823, in the north- ern edge of the town, and soon after William Martin commenced the first mercantile business in the village of Hermon. This place on Lay's map of 1817, is named Easthurnville, which it never bore among the inhabitants. The village of Hermon is a thriving and growing place, and has a direct plank road communication with Ogdensburgh, Canton, &c., and the Potsdam and Watertown rail road will pass between it and De Kalb. The county records show the incorporation of the cemetery associa- tions in this town, viz: Tlie Marshville Cemeiry Association. — March 11, 1850, Edmund Allen, Sen., Martin McCoilom, Clarke Maine, Ralph Fisher, Isaac C. Sherwin, Thomas Campb .11, trustees. Hermon Hill Burying Ground Association. — January 18, 1851, Peter Clintsman, Calvin Rhodes, P. D. Miller, Chester Wiusiow, J. B. Miller, R. M. Hall, trustees. Religious Societies. — The Methodist, Baptist, Christian and Presbyterian sects, have or have had organization in town. In 1826, Elder James Spooner, formed a small church of the Christian order, which once had 70 but now only 30 members. Elder J. Starkey, has the pastoral care at present, and for the past twenty years, has filled the ofiice. The First Baptist Society of the town of Hermon, was incorporated Dec. 3, 1845. Horatio Marsh, Daniel V. Babcock, Edward Maddock, Wm. E, Tanner, Thedorus Frisby and Orle Gibbins, trustees. The First Society of the Methodist Church, in the town of Hermon, was incorporated November 1, 1847. Samuel I. Bingham, Seymour Thatcher, Joseph H. Beard, Lorenzo H. Sheldon, Orin Nichols, Timothy B. Hatch and Daniel Mclntyre, trustees. These societies each erected in Hermon village, in 1848, a church edifice, costing about $1400 each The Methodist church is furnished with a fine toned bell. HOPKINTON Was erected March 2, 1805, from Massena, and included Islington and Catharineville, and so much of Chesterfield as was annexed to the town of Massena. The first town meeting was to be held at the house of Eliakim Seeley. All the remainder of Massena in the second tract, without the bounds above mentioned, were annexed to Hopkinton, which was declared to be a part of St. Lawrence county. By the erection of Lawrence and Parishville, it has been reduced to its present limits, which alone are sufficient for a small county, although the settled part is a strip scarcely four miles wide across the north end. It embraces the most of 14, and the whole of 15, 12, 8, 9, 5, 6, 2, 3, of the second tract of the Great purchase. The town was named in compliment to Judge Hopkins, the first settler, and a man of much prominence in the early history of the county. A biographical notice will be given in this work. The title to No. 14, passed from McCormick to Macomb, June 24, 1801, by a deed 320 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE for 23,886 acres, and a part (7,675 acres,) from A. Macomb to A. M. Jr., January 1, 1808. At the town meeting held March 4, 1806, Roswell Hopkins was elected supervisor; Henry McLaughlin, clerk; Amasa Blanchard, Joseph Arm- strong, Reuben Post, assessors; A. Blancliard, Seth Al»bot, overseers of ^oor;, Abraham Sheldon, constable and collector; A. Sheldon, R. Post, H. McLaughlin, eommissioners of highways ; Eli Squier, Oliver Sheldon, A. Blanchard, yence viewers; Oliver Sheldon, pound keeper. Supei-visors. — 1806, R. Hopkins; 1807, Benjamin W. Hopkins; 1808, Henry McLaughlin; 1809, R. Hopkins; 18i0, B. W.Hopkins; 1811, J. R. Hopkins; 1820-2, Thadeus Laughlin; 1823-6, Jonah Sanford; 1827-9, Isaac R. Hopkins; 1830-2, Joseph Durfey; 1833, L R. Hopkins; 1834-5, T. Laughlin; 1836, Phineas Durfey; 1837, Eliakim Seelev; 1838, T. ' Laughlin; 1839, L R. Hopkins; 1840-1, Clark S. Chittenden ; 1842-4, Elias Post; 1845, Gideon Sprague; 1846-7, Clark S.Chittenden; 1848-9, E. Post; 1850-1, C. S. Chittenden ; 1852, Joseph B. Durfey. Memoranda from the Records. — 1806. A committe appointed to decide upon a lawful fence, and report rules for the range of domestic ani- mals. 1807, wolf bounty, |10. 1808, Henry Mc. Laughlin, Amasa Blanchard and Seth Abbott, appointed to prescribe rules for regulating the manner in which inoculation for the small pox shall be administered in town. $60 voted to buy a set of statute laws and blank books. At an adjourned meeting in March, $100 voted for destroying wolves, $5 bounty offered ; $250 voted for the poor. 1809. $100 ibr the poor, and various sums often larger in following years. Wolf bounty $5. 1810. Bounty on wolves, $10, and $100 to destroy these animals. At a special meeting in June, $500 previously appropriated to bridges, given to the St. Lawrence Tui-npike Co., on condition that the road be located in a certain route. 1811. At a special meeting the legislature petitioned to tax the town to aid the North West Bay road. Also, to petition for a lottery to raise the sum of $10,000'; to repair this road ; also, to pray for exemption from ser- vice on juries, during four years. $100 voted to encourage the destruc- tion of wolves, and $5, "to be paid out of the above sum, for each wolf's scalp, capable of doing mischief." The same bounties in 1812-13-14-L5. In 1816, $50 raised for wolf bounties, and a bounty of $10; with $5 "for every wolPs whelp scalped and destroyed in town." 1817. $10 wolf bounties ; 75 cents for two bounties and $10 appropriated for this business. $50 to pay T. Meacham, for killing 2 panthers. 1818. $10 voted to pay for the desti'uction of every catamount in the town. 1819. Five hog constables elected; $20 panther bounty; $10 wolf bounty; $1 fox bounty. 1820. $10 wolf bounty ; $15 panther bounty ; $1 per hundred for the de- destruction of mice, $25 said to be paid for the latter. 1321. Bounties offered as follows; wolves $5; wolf whelps, $2'50; panthers, $15; their young, $7*50; foxes, $2; young foxes, $1. « 1824. $10 wolf bounties, and $5 for wolf whelps. 1825. $5 for evolves, and half this sum for their young. 1835. Three hog constables elected. In May, 1802, Roswell Hopkins, of Vergennes, Vt., having bought a part of Islington, of Hammond, came into town to' make a settlement AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 321 accompanied by Samuel Goodale, B. W. Hopkins, his son, Jared Dewey, Eliphalet Branch and Joel Goodale. In June, having made arrangements for clearing land, Mr. H. started to return to Vermont, on horseback, by a line of marked trees, and in ford- ing the St, Regis river, which was swollen by heavj' rains, his house was partly thrown over by the violence of the current, and his portmanteau, containing in one end the provisions for his journey, and in the other several hundred dollars in specie, were swept down stream, and lost. At the approach of winter, the party returned to Vermont. In March, 1803, Judge Hopkins, Abraham Sheldon, Eli and Ashbel Squire, moved their families into town. The first birth occurred in December, 1803, in the family of Mi". Sheldon. In this season, the first grist mill was erected by Mr. Hopkins, on Lyd brook, near the present village of Hopkinton. During the first year, and until the mill was built, the settlers were obliged to go to the Long Saut, on the Canadian shore, to mill. In addi- tion to the foregoing, Thomas Remington, Gaius Sheldon, Reuben Post, Eliakim Seeley, Henry McLaughlin. Thadeus McLaughlin, Horace Train," Jasper Armstrong and Seth Abbott, came in 1804 and 1805, many ofthem with families, and from this time the settlement grew rapidly. The fol- lowing interesting account was published in the JVorthem Cabinet, Sept. 3, 1845, and is understood to have been writien by Elisha Risden, a pioneer settler and surveyor: " The first, settlers^of Islington, now Hopkinton, came by the way of French Mills to St. Regis, and thence up the St. Regis river to Stock- holm, and thus to their destination. Previous to 1805, the main road fr6m the east into St. Lawrence county, passed through Chateaugay to Malone, Bangor, Moira, and Chesterfield (now Lawrence) to Stockholm, and thence to Potsdam, and on to a few new settlements beyond. A road had been opened on the western side of the St. Regis river, be- tween Islington and Stockholm and another road from Islington, leading north east, crossed the St. Regis river, and intersected the road from Malone to Stockholm, half a mile west of Deer river. These roads were laid down with little regularity along the most favorable ground, were without bridges or causeways, and mostly impassable, except when bridged by the ice in the winter. In March 1805, there were no settle- ments between Islington and Deer river, nor between Deer river and Stockholm. Between Deer river and Malone a few scattered beginnings had been made. At the date above mentioned, several families moving into the county, had reached Deer river, where they were obliged to en- camp, as the ice had broken up, and the river was impassable for teams. Hearing the condition of these families. Dr. Pettibone, of Stockholm, sent a message to Roswell Hopkins, Esq., of Islington, inviting the young •men of that settlement, to meet those from Stockholm, at the river, and erect a bridge. The request was immediately circulated, and although at 10 o'clock at night, they mustered their forces and started on the els- pedition. The St. Regis river had first to be crossed, as the ice bridge had been broken up, and this was effected by wading on horseback at 322 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE midnight, and with infinite peril, the rapid and swollen river. The night was dark and cloudy; there were but three horses to transport the party of nine men, wiiich was at length effected at six times crossing, and the company met that from Stockholm at the appointed place, early ju the morning, and at once proceeded to plan and execute a good and sub- stantial log bridge — the first one across Deer river — at a point about one hundred rods below the present village of Lawienceville. The party from Islington, on their return home reached the St. Regis several hours sooner than the time appointed for the horses to be sent to meet them, and as the river had subsided somewhat, one or two of the com- pany cut each of them a pole to support themselves against the current, and with their boots and axes slung to their backs, forded the river by wading. The horses were sent to transport the remainder, and the whole party returned without accident. From Deer river to Islington, was 8^ miles by the ford, and 15 by Stockholm. From Esq. Hopkins's to the ford 1 5 miles. Mr. Hopkins was remarkably attentive in assisting set- tlers to cross this lord, and kept a watch to give notice when teams ar- rived, and the young men could go down with two yoke of oxen and a strong sled, cross over to them, fasten their sleighs with withes and ro|)es to the top of the sled, and so recross. In crossing, the empty sled would float, and the ferrymen were obliged to wade by its side and work with all their might to keep it from floating down stream. The sleighs were lightened of their contents, hoisted with levers and skids on to the sled, bound fast, reloaded, and crossed over. Difficulty was often experienced in keeping the load upright, and the screams of the women and children as their craft veered and floundered along the angry stream, formed a picture strikingly characteristic of primitive times and known only to pioneers. In April of this year the sleighing ceased, but people continued to arrive on horseback and on foot, who were often dfsappointed at the difficulties in crossing, and in several instances travelers coming to Islington, after reaching the ford, retraced their steps and proceeded to iheir destination by the very circuitous route of Stockholm. To obviate these difficulties a foot bridge was built at the ferry, which although I'ude and temporary was very acceptable. The ford way road is now occupied by cultivated fields, and its route exists only in the recollections of the few remaining jDioneer settlers. In May 1807, the first death (that of an infant) occurred. Previous to this there had been 26 births. In 1809, Abram Sheldon built the first framed house. In 1807 the town contained 48 persons capable of voting for senators. In 1810 a social library was incorporated, 45 persons having subscribed $115 for the purpose. The first trustees wei'e Roswell Hopkins, Amasa Blanchard, Henry McLaughlin, Rueben Post, Seth Abbott, Stephen Langworthy, Jasper Armstrong, Benjamin W. Hopkins. Dr. Stephen Langworthy was the first physician who settled in town, in a very early day. The second was Dr. Gideon Sprague, from New Haven, Addison Co., Vt., who settled in town in 1811, and is at present the second oldest practitioner in St. Lawrence county. Dr. E. Baker, of Canton, settled thore in 1806. In 1824, Isaac R. Hopkins built a saw mill on the St. Regis river, north of the village, and at the raising it was christened Fort Jackson, which the little village at this place still bears. There are here two churches, saw natU, clothing works, starch factory, AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 323 &c., and in the vicinity a valuable quarry of Potsdam sandstone, which has been used for lining several fui'naces. This beautiful building ma- terial should supersede every other in the vicinity, where it can be pro- cured, and would be found moi'e cheap, durable and elegant than any other that the country affords. Blocks of any convenient size and very uniform, can be readily procured here. On the last of February 1814, after the British party had returned from their incursion to Malone, and had arrived at French Mills, they earned from a citizen spy, who acted as their guide that a large amount of flour belonging to the United States army, was stored in a barn in the vil- lage of Hopkinton, and that there was no guard at that place to protect it. Upon this they detached Major De Heirne, of the British regular service, with Lieut. Charlton, the second in command, and about thirty soldiers, who proceeded in sleighs, by way of Moira corners, to Hopkinton, twenty- seven miles from French Mills, and arrived at that place early in the morn- ing, before the inhabitants were up. They first posted sentinels at the door of every house, and proceeded to search for arms in every place where they might be suspected to be found, and succeeded in obtaining about twenty stand, which had been distributed among the inhabitants. It is said that several muskets were saved, by being hastily laid in a bed, which had been occupied but a few moments previous, and thus eluded the search that was made for them. Their case has been described by the poet. " 'Tis odd, not one of all these seekers thought. And seems to me almost a sort of blunder, Of looking in the bed as well as U7ider." They found some three hundred bai-rels of flour stored in a barn owned by Judge Hopkins, and occupied by Dr. Sprague, but having no teams for conveying away more than half of that quantity, they began to destroy the remainder, but being dissuaded by the inhabitants, they desisted, and distributed the remainder among the citizens. During the brief sojourn of this party, they conducted themselves with strict pro- priety, and sacredly respected private property of every kiud, using or receiving nothing for which they did not offer compensation. No parole was required of the inhabitants. Upon the passage of the detachment of the American army through Hopkinton, on their way from French Mills to Sackett's Harbor, but a very short time previously, the officers in command were importuned by Judge Hopkins and others, for the privilege of carrying the military supplies in their village further west, to a place of greater safety, dreading the very event which soon after hap- pened. They offered to take their pay from the flour, at such prices as would be just and equitable, but no one appeared to feel themselves au- 21 324 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE thorized to order the removal, and it was not effectual. The surround- in<^ country would have readily fin-nished volunteers sufficient for this duty, and gladly undertaken if, had they been allowed the privilege. In 1816, snow and frost occrrued in every month in the year, and crops of all kinds, except grass and oats, were nearly destroyed. Flour was procured with the greatest difficuky, and sold at $22 per barrel. Thomas Meacham, a noted Nimrod, who spent many years in hunt- ing, in St. Lawrence and Franklin counties, died near this town, on the North west Bay road, May 7, 1849, aged 79. He kept an account of his successes, which resulted as follows: wolves 214; panthers, 77; bears, 210; deer, 2550. Mr. Meacham would relate many amusing anecdotes. His traps were always out and one day in examining them he found two wolves and a bear, and shot another on the way, making, as bounties then were, a profit of $185. A further account of this pioneer was pub- lished by Wm. H. Wallace, in his paper, the St. Lawrence Mercury, Dec. 19, 1849. Religious Societies. — July 6, 1808, five males and six females, were organized by the Rev. John W. Church, a missionary, into a Congrega- tional church. A society was formed Sept. 30, 1814, with Amasa Blancli- ard, Reuben Post and Issac R. Hopkins, trustees; Rev. Hiram S. John- son, now of Canton, was ordained pastor, in December, 1815, and remained till 1822, when he was succeeded by the Rev. RosweJl Petti- bone, who was installed, July 21, 1824, and who remained till Aug., 1830. The Rev. Messrs. J. Buder, Cha's Bowles, — P. Montague, Bachelor, J. A. Northrop and E. Wood, have since been employed. The present num- ber in the church is 84. A meeting house was built in 1827, at the cost of $2,800. Dr. Gideon, Sprague, Aaron Warner and Artemas Kent, being the building committee. A Baptist church was formed by Eld. Rowley Sept. 11, 1808, of but 6 members. On the 12th of Sept. 1808, the sacrament of the supper was administered for the first time to the Congregational church, in the fore- noon and to the Baptist church in the afternoon, in the same house. A Baptist society was formed, Feb. 17, 1818, with Abijah Chandler, Jonah Sanford, Sylvanus C. Kersey, and Samuel Eastman, trustees. In 1815, these two societies erected a stone building for a place of worship and public business, which by a law of 1841, was repaired by a tax of $250, and now forms the village school house. On the 8th* of July, 1830, the name of the Baptist church, was changed to the Hopkinton and Lawrence church, at which time they held their meetings alternately at Hopkinton and Nicholville. On the 5th of Aug., 1843, the word Hopkinton was dropped, and they have been since permanent- ly located in Nicholville. A society of the M. E. church, was formed, Dec. 30, 1839, Josiah Smith, Martin Corey, Hiram B.Sheldon, Rufus Alden, Philip Mosher, Albert Sheldon, Bradley Adams, John Daniels, and John L. Ransom, trustees. A Free-Will Baptist church was organized in 1844 by Elder John Sweat, and Elder Wm. Whitfield, of 16 members. This church erected a commodious house of worship in 1847, cost $1,000, dedicated Jan. 2, 1848, the ^ermon by Elder John yV. Lewis. Elder John Sweat was AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 325 chosen pastor at the organization of this church, and still retains this relation. Lawrence. This town was erected from Hopkintoii and Brasher, April 21, 1828, to take effect on the Isi Monday of March, following. The first town ^meeting was to be held at the house of Carlton Mc Eweu. The poor moneys were to be equitably divided, and a part of the town having been formerly set off from Massena to Brasher without their knowledge or consent, and without any division of the poor fund, it was also made the duty of the supervisors of Lawrence and Massena to meet and divide this fund, in the same manner and subject to the same appeal as above stated. The title is as follows: the proprietors to Harrison, Jan. 1, 1801, and from the latter to William Lawrence, Feb. 17, 1820. [Clerk's office Deeds, h. 5,p. 596.) Parts are now owned by D. Lynch Lawrence, a son of the above. The town derives its name from William Lawrence, of New York, a gentleman who had spent the prime of his life as a merchant, and en- gaged in foreign commercial enterprises. Having retired from business he purchased the unsold portions of Chesterfield, with the viewof givino- him some employment, and as he told one of his settlers to occupy his mind and prevent his time from dragging heavily, as he had been actively engaged in commerce in the four quarters of the globe, till, at the age of fifty, ^e found himself in circumstances which justified his retirement from active business. He died in New York, in 1824. It was his custom to spend his summers in town for two of three years before his death. Memoranda from the Records. — Carlton McEwen, supervisor ; Myron G. Peck, town clerk; James Trussell, Nathaniel Smith, Newel H. Lampson, assessors; Enos Burt, collector; James Trussell, Myron G. Peck, overseers of poor; Giles Hard,| David S. Murray, John Ferris, cam's of highways; Enos Burt, Warren Day, constables ; George P. Farran, Samuel Bent^ James Ferris, cam's of schools; D. Wright, N. Higgius, David S.Murray, Levi H. Powers, inspectors of schools. Supervisors.— 1829-32, Carlton McEwen; 1833-4, George P. Farrar; 1835, C. McEwen ; 1836,31yron G.Peck; 1837, Luther Whitney; 1838-9, Walter Smead; 1840, no choice, a tie between J. F. Saunders and C. McEwen, who received 140 votes each. The justice appointed the lat- ter, who declined serving, and March 30, J. F. Saunders was elected at a special meeting; 1841, J. F. Saunders; 1842-3, Lucius Hubbard; 1844, J. F. Saunders; 1845, Jude Clark; 1846-8, C. McEwin; 1849-50, Milo L. Burnham; 1851, Peabody Newland; 1852, Noah D. Lawrence. The first settlement, in the present town of Lawrence, was made by Brewer, who rame in as a subagent for the proprietor, Mr. 326 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE Harrison, to show land to settlers; and located on the farm now owned by Carlton McEwen, where he erected a shanty in the summer of 1801 and remained till the summer following, when he sold out his interest and agency to Samuel Tyler. In the fall of 1806, Joseph and Samuel Tyler, from Piermont, N. H., Joseph St. Clair and Avery Sanders, from Middlesex. Vt., and Ephraim Martin from Bradford, Vt., and Abijah Chandler, from Lebanon, N. H., came in and selected farms, but did not move their families till the next spring. Having made a bargain with the agent. Judge Jiailey of Chateaugay, for land, Abijah Chandler | and the others above named, moved in to reside, most of them having families. Mrs. Chandler was the first white woman who came into town. These families first came to Hopkinton by sleighs, and proceeded thence to their destination after the snow had gone. Most of them settled in the central and northern parts of the present town, except Mr. Chandler, who settled a short distance from the present village of Nicholville. In May, 1807, these families were followed by Ira Allen, James and Jonathan Pierce, and Sidney Dunton. In June, Jonathan Stevens, Ambrose Lewis and families, and Jonathan Hartwell, without his family, located in town. The latter moved on in the following spring. In July, 1807, Jonathan, Green, and James Saunders, and D. C. Bas- tain, and in the same year John Howard, Asa Griflin, and John Prouty, came in. In 1808-9, the settlement was largely increased from Vermont and New Hampshire, and continued till the war, wherv every family but five are said to have left, and most of them never returned. From this time the settlements languished, and the pioneers were exposed to un- usual hardships from the difficulty of reclaiming their lands, and bringing them under cultivation. This arose from the very level surface, which when covered by forests, was wet and swampy, but which, now it is cleared up and cultivated, forms one of the finest and most valuable agri- cultural districts in the county. Deer were unusually plenty, and con- sequently wolves. An old lady, in relating these hardships, added, that " had it not been for the deer, they must all have starved, as venison was often the only food they had." The first school was taught in 1810, by Miss S. Tyler, and meetings were held in 1808, by a Quaker from Peru, N. Y. The first framed house was built in 1808, by Daniel Harris. It is only since the rail road has given value to the grazing districts of this section, that this town has begun to be most rapidly developed. Lands have advanced often one hundred per cent, and this increase is not a fictitious but a real addition to their value, especially for diarying; and this class of husbandry has in itself the elements of perpetuity, for Ax\D FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 327 the produce of tlie fields mostly returned to them to refertilize the soil, and when judiciously managed, to preserve it in its original fertility. These remarks apply not to this town alone, but to Northern New Yorfc generally. There are in Lawrence three villages and post offices, viz : Nicholville, Lawrenceville, and North Lawrence. JVicholville is situated on the east branch of St. Regis river, where crossed by the St. Lawrence turnpike, and mostly upon the north bank, and consequently in Lawrence. In the summer of 1817, Samuel Wilson erected a saw mill on the south bank, and in 1822 a grist mill was built on the sairie side, but was swept off in 1830 by a flood. John Pomeroy, Eli Bush, Chester Armstrong, Calvin Converse and Horace Higgens, purchased and settled here about 1820. In 1824 a distillery, and in 1826 a stone grist mill, were built. The village is named from E. S. Nichols, of N. Y., the executor of the estate of Wm. Lawrence, who af- terwards absconded with a large amount of funds i)elonging to a com- pany. For this reason an effort is being made to change the name of the village and post office. The river here runs in a deep and narrow valley, and the water power is occupied by two saw mills, a grist mill, a woolen factory, a machine shop, and the usual variety of mechanic shops; and the village has about a hundred families, three stores, a tavern, and a Baptist and a Union meeting house. The Port Kent road of 75 miles, through the central part of Franklin county, commences here on the north bank, and the old Northwest Bay road (recently reopened), a short distance west, on the road to Hopkinton. Lawrenceville is on both sides of Deer river, where crossed by the main road fi'om Potsdam to Malone. It forms the centre of business for a rapidly growing district, and has a water power sufficient for the ordi- nary wants of the place. A saw mill w^as built here in 1809, by Ephraim Martin, but the dam was soon swept away, and no further improvement was attempted until 1821, when another was built by Charles Kellogg, and in 1822 a grist mill. A store was opened in 1822, by Josiah F. Saun- ders, and about 1820 an inn, by John Shepard. In 1828, Dr. John In- man, the first physician, settled in town. In 1827-8, the place began to grow, and has at present three churches, several mills, stores, and shops> a starch factory, «fec., and is progressing with the surrounding country in wealth and prosperity. JVorth Lawrence owes its existence entirely to the rail road, and is situ- ated on the west bank of Deer river, where it is crossed by that road. A location had first been made here many years previous, by John W. Bean, who had erected a saw mill. Chauncey Bristol was the second settler in the vicinity. There is here a depot 50 by 100 feet, which re- 328 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE ceives the business of the county north and south, three saw mills, one of them having a gang of about 30 saws, and numerous new stores, dwelhu^s, and other buildings, sufficiently indicate its thrift and pro- sperity. Religious Societies. — A Free Will Baptist church was formed July, 1838, by Elder Benjamin Bundyand David Colby, of 5 members. Elders Samuel Nevvland, Samuel Hart and others; and at present the former have been pastors. Present number, 37. Tlie first Baptist evangelical society in the town of Lawrence, was formed November 19, 1840; Pea- hody Newland, Walter Smead and Stephen Hammond, trustees. Reor- ganized, May 14, 1842. The church established by the Baptists in Hopkinton, and since moved to Nicholville, now numbers 82. The names of clergymen in the order of their succession, sinco 1808, are Solomon Johnson, Beriah N. Leach, Silas Pratt, Peter Robinson, James M. Beeman and Elias Goodspeed, who is at present employed. A small meeting house was built in 1832, and enlarged in 1836, and in 1852, a church 40 by 50 feet, which was designed to be opened early in January, 1853. These data were kindly furnished by Myron G. Peck, Esq., of that place. The M. E. church, of Lawrenceville, was incorporated April 6, 1842; David Blish, John Shepard, Charles Kellogg, Samuel Meacham, Chase S, Wise, John F. Carpenter and Thomas Heale, trustees. They have a church reported in the census of 1850, worth $1,200. The Congregational church and society of Lawrenceville, incorporated August 3, 1840; Heman Shepard, Aveiy Colling and John W. Bean, trustees. Their church is reported in the census worth $1,600. On the 17th of August, 1852, a church of this order was formed at N. Law- rence, of about 20 members, all but two of whom withdrew from the other for this purpose. They have been recently incorporated, and are about to erect a chui'ch. Lisbon Owes its origin to the following petition, which is said to have been intended as a preliminary to the location of the county seat in this town: " To the Honorable the Legislatui-e of the State of New York, in Senate and Assembly convened. • The memorial of the subscribers, for themselves, and in behalf of the settlers on the ten townships of land, situate on the river St. Lawrence, heretofore sold by the people of the state, respectfully sheweth: That many settlers are now established on the said townships, and have already made valiiable improvements thereon ; that great inconve- nience ensues, by reason of their remoteness from the settled parts of the state, and they are daily exposed to loss and injury in their property, by the waste and spoil committed by persons from the opposite side of the river St. Lawrence, and having no magistrates or constables among themselves, such injuries can not be redressed; that the said ten towns are situate in the counties of Montgomery, Oneida and Herkimer; that it has become highly iTecessary for the encouragement and prosperity of the settlers on the said townships, that they should be incorporated into one town. They therefore humbly pray, that the said townships, as described in the map, filed in the secretary's office, and known by the AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES, 329 names of Louisville, Stockholm, Madrid, Potsdam, Lisbon, Canton, Oswegatcliie, De Kaib, Hague, and Cambray, may be erected into one town, and to be known by the town of Lisbon; and that the same may be annexed to the county of Clinton; and that the town meetings of the said town may be held in the township of Lisbon, being the center town- ship, at the house of Alexander J. Turner, and as in duty bound they will ever pray. Uri Barber, Calvin Hubbard, James Turner, Benj. Bartlett, Samuel Alien, Ahab Herington, Daniel Herington, Jacob Hoar, Alexander Tur- ner, Jun., John De Lance, David Zoyten ( ?), Festus Tracy, Jacob Pohl- man, John Tibbets, Alexander J. Turner, Stillman Foote, George Foote, Peter Sharp, R. F. Randolph, John Tibbets, Jun., Wesson Briggs, Benj. Pierce, Andrew O'Neil, Benjamin Stewart. Received in Assembly, February 9, 1801. Read and i-eferred to Mr. Shurtliff, Mr. Norton, Mr. Danforth. Lisbon was accordingly erected March 6, 1801, and the first town officers were as follows : Alexander J. Turner, supervisor; John Tibbets, clerk; John Tibbets, Jr., Benjamin Stewart, Joseph Edsall, Seth Raney, William Shaw, assess- ors; Calvin Hubbard, Jacob Redington, Benjamin Stewart, Wesson Briggs, Jacob Pohlman, commissioners of highways; Peter Sharp, Josef)h Furman, John Tliurber, constables; Peter Sharp, collector; Uri Barber, Benjamin Bartlett, John Lyon, poormasters; Samuel Allen, Benjamin Galloway, Wm. Shaw, Benjamin A. Stewart, Joseph Edsall, Reuben Fields, Adam Milyer, Joseph Thurber, pathmasters ; Uri Barber, George Hilman, John Tibbets, Jr., Asa Furman, JohiLiiharp, fence viewers; Benjamin Stewart, Reuben Fields, pound keepers ; Alexander J. Turner, John Tibbets, Jr., Benjamin A. Stewart, trustees for the glebe. Supervisors. — Most of the town election records previous to 1831, hav- ing been lost, the following imperfect list of supervisors is given as the best that could be obtained: 1801, and for several years after, Alexander J. Turner; 1814-15, George C.Conant; 1816-17, James Thompson; 1818, Bishop Perkins; 1819-20, Robert Livingston; 1821-8, Wesson Briggs; 1829, John Thompson; 1830-5, G. C. Conant; 1836, Joseph Chambers; 1837, G. C. Conant; 1838-9, David C. Gray; 1840-1, Charles Norway; 1842, Wm. H. Rey- nolds; 1843, D. C. Gray; 1844, G^ C. Conant; 1845-9, Wm. Briggs; 1850-1, Aaron Rolf; 1852, David G. Lyttle. The following return of electors was made in 1801, when this town embraced the present limits of the ten towns. The occurrence of the name of a firm on a poll list, is novel. Except the first two, who were reported worth a freehold of the value of £100 or upwards, the re- mainder were returned as renting real estate worth at least forty shillings per annum : Ogden & Ford, Elijah Carley, Steven Foot, David Race, Thomas Lee, Benjamin Willson, Kelsey Thurber, Jonathan Comstock, Wm. G. Peck, John Lyon, Jacob Pohlman, Benjamin Nickler, Major Watson, Seth Raiuey, Joseph Thurber, Jeduthan Barker, Adam Milyei*, Thomas J. Davies, Jonathan Ingraham, Daniel McNeal, John Smith. 330 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE Tibbets's tract of 9,600 acres, lying on the river St. Lawrence, and near its western border, was purchased by John Tibbets, of Troy, from Alexander Macomb, F3b. 22, 1789, for the sum of £860 New York cur- rency. In a mortgage bearing even date with the deed, it is stipulated concerning the interest : "That should it so happen, that the said John Tibbets, his heirs or assigns, should not have the peaceable possession or enjoyment of the said premises, or should he be disturbed or kept out of the possession thereof by any Indians, or by reason of any claim which the Indians may have thereto, then in such case the interest on the above mentioned sums to cease during such time as the said John Tibbets shall be kept out of the peaceable possession of the said premises according to the true intent and meaning of this instrument." The endorsements show that no interest was demanded on this mort- gage from 1791 to 1796 inclusive, for this reason. The author is indebted to Amos Bacon, Esq., of Ogdensburgh, with whom is the oi'iginal mortgage, for a knowledge of the above fact. The first white settler was Andrew O'Neal, from Canada, but origin- ally from Ireland, who crossed the St. Lawrence in 1799, and setded about two miles below the present village of Gallooville. The town was then being surveyed for the proprietors, by Reuben Sherwood, a Canadian. Amos Lay, Isaac Beach, and William Preston, at different times surveyed the town into farms. Tibbets's tract was principally surveyed by Daniel W. Church. O'Neil employed men from Canada to build him a house. Early in February, 1800, Alexander J. Turner, of Salem, Washington county, came into town by way of Lake Champlain, as agent for the proprietors, and located on an eminence half a mile west of the present mills, having taken up the first three river lots, joining Tibbets's tract. He continued as agent till 1805, when he was succeeded by Louis Hasbrouck, of Ogdensburgh. He died March, 1806. At his death he was a judge of the court of common pleas, and formed one of the bench at its first organization. Peter Sharp and Peter Hinion, Ger- mans, from Schoharie, came in 1800, took up farms and erected houses near the present mills. John Tibbets, of Troy, also came in and settled on his tract.* In 1801, Reuben Turner,t Wm. Shaw, Lemuel Hoskins, Wm. Lyttle, James Aikens, and Benjamin Steward, mostly from Vei*- mont, moved into the town. Matthew Perkins, from Becket, Mass., Wesson Briggs and Hezekiah Pierce, also came into town, and settled in the same year. The thi-ee latter were connected by marriage with the family of Tibbets. The first birth was in the family of J. Tibbets, in September, 1800. * Mr, Tibbets died in Detroit, September 23, 1S26, at the age of 53. t Mr. Turner was a soldier of the revolution, and died July, 1833, aged 92. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 331 Many of the first settlers were from Washington county. In 1802, John,* Samuel, William, and James, sons of William Lyttle, Richard and John Flack, Crosset, Isaac and Elihu Gx-ay, John McCrea and sons, John Jr., Samuel and Alexander, and others; and during the years 1803, '4, '5, and '6, a vei-y large numher arrived, among whom was Robert Livingston, who held the office of county judge from 1810 to 1829, and from whom most of the above facts are derived. The first mill in Lisbon, was built for the proprietors in 1804, by D. W. Church, millwright. It had two run of rock stones and a saw mill, under the same roof, and from its being painted red, it long bore the name of the Red Mills, by which it is still often called by the old in- habitants, although the old mill has long since given place to the present substantial stone building on the Gallop rapid. The original mill was fifty by seventy feet, and three stories high. In 1803, Dr. Joseph W. Smith, the first regular physician in the county, settled and remained two years. In 1813, great numbers died of the epidemic which pervaded the country at that time, and Lisbon is said to have suffered more severely than any other town in the county. In 1816-7, was much sufiering from want of provisions, in consequence of short crops from cold summers. It is said that more corn was i-aised on the Gal^pp island, and in a field of eleven acres on Livingston's point, in 1816, than in all the rest of St, Lawrence county. Some local cause appears to have favored these localities, and the yield was bountiful. Common corn sold for $2'50 per bushel, and seed corn for $5, Potatoes were sold for $1 per bushel. An incident happened during the war, which excited much attention at the time, and may be deemed worthy of record. A company of some sixty dragoons had been stationed for some time in the fall of 1813, at the house of Peter Wells, four or five miles back from the river on the road to Canton. About thirteen of these had come to " the mills," and were stopping at an inn kept by one Scott. A sufficient guard of sen- tries was stationed around the house, but during the night a party of two hundred men from Canada, having landed at Tibbets's point about mid- night, surprised the sentinels and surrounded the house, where the dra- goons were supposed to be, but not until several of them had escaped. One named Smith was shot, and another one, Mercer, was wounded. The latter was brutally stabbed several times after resistance ceased, * Captain John Lyttle died in Lisbon, June 28) 1843, at the age of 64. He was a citizen of that town nearly forty years, and held several civil and military offices. During the war of 1812-15, he held the office of captain of a rifle corps, and was in several of the battles on the western frontier. For more than twenty years he held the office of justice of the peace in the town of Lisbon, 332 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE and he was left for dead, but subsequently recovei'ed. Two dragoons, Scott and his son, and all of the horses that could be found, were taken to Canada. It is said that these dragoons made a very gallant resistance, and that it was found impossible to take Smith- and Mercer alive. The house where this affair took place is still standing. During the cholera panic of 1832, a board of health was formed; Dr. Wooster Carpenter appointed health officer, and the St. J^awrence, oppo- site the house of Obadiah Piatt, not less than 300 yards from the shore, assigned as a quarantine ground for crafts from Canada; but it is believed that these regulations were never, enforced. The Northern rail road passes nearly through the centre of the town, and on it is a depot fifty by one hundred feet, at which, however, but little business is done. There is a post office here, at Gallopville, and on the Ogdensburgh and Canton road, eight miles from the former place, which bear the names of Lisbon Centre, Lisbon, and Flackville. The latter received its name from John P. Flack, the first postmaster. An act Vt^as passed April 6, 1850, authorizing Henry Van Rensselaer, Esq., of Ogdensburgh, his heirs and assigns, to erect for hydraulic pur- poses, a dam from the south shore to Gallop island, a distance of about 1,200 feet. A fall of from 6 to 8 feet would thus be obtained, and an amount of power almosjyincalculable, aflForded. The bottom of the river is rocky, and capable engineers have estimated the work practicable, at a cost of $50,C00. This being the foot of navigation for sail vessels on the lakes, would doubtless, were a dam built, and a branch to the rail road laid, give an importance to this point, as a manufacturing place, which has scarcely a parallel in the country. This channel is used but little, if any, by boats; and the navigation north of the island, would be improved by diverting more water into that channel, as would necessa- rily result in the erection of a dam. A circulating library was incorporated in this town March 11, 1828, with Wm. Marshall, Andrew O'Neil, Albert Tyler, John Glass, Joshua G. Pike, James Douglass, and James Moncrief, trustees. Keligious Societies. — This town was also the pioneer in the religious organizations, one having been formed by the Rev. Alexander Proud- foot, of Salem, who visited his old neighbors for the purpose. The Rev. Mr. Sberrifl^, a Scotchman, became their first pastor in 1804. The First Associate Reformed Congregation in Lisbon was incorporated Nov. 15, 1802, with A. J. Turner, J. Tibbets, Jun., John Farewell, Wm. Shaw, Beuj. Stewart and Reuben Turner^ trustees. This was reorganized Feb. 28, 1827, with Geo. C. Conaut, John Thompson and Joseph Martin, trustees. The first society of the Methodist Episcopal church of Lisbon, was incorporated April 25, 1822, with Daniel Aiken. Asa Baldwin, David Wells, Robert Briggs and Luke McCracken, trustees. It was reorganized AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 333 April 3, 1847, with George Fulton, Joseph Langtree, David Aiken, Ste- phen Macliley and Isaac Storking, trustees. St. Luke's church, in the town of Lisbon, was formed Oct. 12, 1837, with Obadiah Piatt and Samuel Patterson, wardens; Jesse Piatt, Hugh Leach, Robert Leach. Henry Hunt, Simeon Dillingham, John Clarke, Wm. Spears and Dr. W. Cai-penter, vestrymen. The Reformed Presbyterian Church, in Lisbon, was formed June 28, 1842, with John Middleton, Wm. Glass, John Smith, John Cole, John Campbell and James Valentine, trustees. The First Wesleyan Methodist Society, in the town of Lisbon, was formed Feb.' 14, 1843, with Joseph Piatt, David Aiken, Isaac Storms, Thomas Martin and John Martin, trustees. The First Congregational Society in Lisbon, was formed March 3, 1843, with Wm. Briggs, John Dings, James Marth), Thomas McCarter, James Norway and Wm. H. Reynolds, trustees. A church had been formed Nov. 25, 1842, under Lewis Wickes, of Lewis county, and grew out of a revival arising during a protracted meeting held by him in that year. About 60 members united at first, and the present number is 80. The Rev. Wm. F. Buffettand Stephen Williams have been hired as min- isters, but the Rev. Morgan L. Eastman, the pastor since Feb. 8, 1849, is the only one regularly installed. A church was built in 1845, costinsf $1000. ^ Louisville. Erected from Massena, April 5, 1810, at first 10 miles square, but in 1823 divided in the formation of Norfolk, and in 1844 increased by strip taken without the knowledge Vf the inhabitants from that town. The first town meeting was directed to be held at the house of John Wil- son ; the poor moneys were to be equitably divided and the act to take efiect Feb. 1, 1811. Supervisors. — The early records could not be fotmd. 1816-8, Elisha W. Barber; 1819, Christopher G. Stowe; 1820, Benjamin Raymond: 1821, Timothy W. Osborne; 1822-3, C. G. Stowe; 1824, Samuel B. An- derson ; 1825-8, Wm. Bradford; 1829, Sept. 19— Gould to fill vacancy from B's death; 1829-33, Jube. E. Day; 1834, Allen McLeod, Jr.; 1835, J. E. Day; 1836, Allen McLeod; 1837-40, Samuel Bradford; 1841-2, JohnDoud; 1843, Thomas Bingham; 1844, S. Bradford ; 1845, T.Bing- ham ; 1846-7, Nathaniel D. Moore; 1848, John Gibson; 1848, March 25, Levi Miher, jr., to fill vacancy; 1849, Levi Miller, jr.; 1850-2, John Gibson. In December, 1811, at a special town meeting the legislature was pe- titioned to take sonje action by which the public lots might be sold or leased. In 1819 a wolf bounty of $10, and in 1821 a fox bounty of $1. 1823, two notices for the division of the town given ; one of these was to have a town six miles ^quare from Lisbon, Madrid, Stockholm, and Potsdam, having the pi-esent village of Norfolk as its centre ; the other asking for the division of the town of Louisville, as was done by the legislature subsequently. In 1828, Samuel Stacey, Otis G. Hosman and Samuel Bradford, ap- pointed to wait upon the commissioners about to locate the court house, and re|)r8sent the interests of the town. In 1849, " resolved that the notice given for annexing a part of Louis- ville to Massena be laid under the table." 834 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE In April, 1800, Nahum Wilson, the first settler in Louisville, arrivetl Avith his family. He was originally from Peru, N. Y., but had resided a year in Canada, and was accompanied by Aaron Allen, and two sons, but did not move in his family until the following winter. These two pioneers took up each a farm, and commenced clearing immediately. A crop of corn was raised, and in the fiill they sowed wheat. Great num- bers were in town looking for land, but no one else formed a settlement during the first year. The next settler was John Wilson, who came from Vermont in the spring of 1801, and he Was soon succeeded by Ly- man Bostwick, Elisha W. Barber, Esq., and several brothers. Griffin riace, and others. The earliest settlement at Louisville Landing, was made about 1806, by Shirley, from New Hampshire. About this time the settleineut began to increase quite rapidly, and continued until checked by the approach of war. The first birth in town was the son of Naham Wilson ; the first death that of Philo Barber, in 1801 or '2 Elisha Barber taught the first school in 1808 or '9. In 1805, Asa Day erected a mill on Grass rivei-, a mile below the present village of Miller- ville. On the approach of war many went off and never returned. Re- ligious meetings were held at an early day by ministers from Canada Nahum Wilson kept the first public house. The following incident was an important event in little settlement: On the 6th of January, 1806, four persons (Dr. Barber and Mr. Chap- man, from Madrid, iMr. Alexander and Mr. Powell, of Louisville), were accidentally drowned, while crossing the St. Lawrence, about opposite the centre of tlie town. They had been over to Canada, where they were detained by the roughness of the river, occasioned by a strong east wind, which always produces a swell, from its encountering the current. Towards night, the wind having abated, they attempted to cross in a log canoe, but their boat capsized, and two of their number are supposed to Ijave drowned immediately. The other two chuig to their boat, and endeavored, by cries, to obtain assistance. These cries were heard on both shores of the river, and to a great distance below, as they floated down; but no one paid any particular attention to them, not realizing that they proceeded from persons in distress, and they all perished. Three of the bodies were found several miles JDelow; but the fourth at a great distance below, among the islands. A large dog who was abBaad had been bound to keep him quiet, and is supposed to have overturned them. This sad accident spread a gloom through the setdemeiits, and was a cause of unavailing regret to those who had heard the cries, with- out hastening to their assistance. No blame was attached to any one, and the darkness of the night, and roughness of the river, were such, that aid could scarcely have been afforded, had the situation of the suf- ferers been appreciated. A touching incident that occurred on the morning of the day on which the accident happened, was rendered peculiarly affecting by the fatal event. As one of the number was about leaving home, a little daughter, who evinced great fondness for her father, came to him in a manner unusually affectionate, tenderly em- braced and kissed him, and exacted of him a promise, that he would AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. .335 cerfaiulj' Return before night. She seemed to have nn instinctive for- hoding of evil ; and by the artless innocence of childlike entreaty, en- deavored to prevent it. The early settlers of Louisville, in an especial manner, were indebted to their Canadian neighbors for many kindnesses, which relieved them from those extremities that settlers of other towns, less favorably situ- ated, endured. The St. Lawrence can here be crossed at most seasons in safety. Mills existed at various points along the north shore ; and the inhabitants, mostly of German descent, who had been driven from the Schoharie and Mohawk settlements, for their adherence to the king's interest, in the revolutionary war, had already, in their own sufferings for want of that assistance which maybe derived from neighbors, forget- ing the bitterness of former times, in their anxiety for better. Previous to the declaration of war, the most friendly relations existed ; families exchanged visits with as much freedom and frequency, as if the river was but a common street; and they were constantly in the habit of borrowing and lending those articles which their limited means did not allow each one to possess. The war, for a season, made each sus- picious of the other, and entirely stopped all intercourse for a time ; but necessity ere long led them to look back with regret on the customs of former times, and secretly long for their return. Dming the first summer of the war, many of the Canadian men were called off to per- form military duty, and labor on the fortifications at Prescott, and their families were left to provide for themselves as they might best be able. Provisions became scarce, and want stared them in the face. Pressed with hunger, the children of one of their families, remembering the homely but wholesome fare which they had formerly observed on the south shore, one night entered a boat, and being skilful in its use, crossed over, and humbly begged at the door of a house, at which they were acquainted, for food. The family were overjoyed at the visit, and on their return, they sent back an invitation for their parents to come over on a certain night, and renew their old acquaintance. They did so, and never were people more delighted than these, when they met, exchanged salutations, and learned, by those expressions that come from the heart, that although the two governments had declared them enemies, they were si\\\ friends. The livelong night was spent in agreeable festivities; and with the approach of dawn, they returned. News of this was confidentially spread, and these midnight visits became common ; being at first strictly secret and confidential, but to- wards the close'of the war, quite open, and performed by daylight. One loyalist, however, who felt the spirit of the olden time return, when called upon to sustain the interest of his king, although a very kind 336 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE hearted man, and strongly attached by the ties of friendship, to his American neiglibors, sternly refused all renewal of acquaintance, from a sense of duty, and discountenanced it among his neighbors. One evening an inhabitant of the south shoi*e resolved to attempt to conquer this spirit by kindness, and boldly visited his house, as had been his former custom. Finding him absent, he followed him to a neighbor's, and warmly saluted him with a cordial grasp of the hand, and friendly chiding, for so long and so obstinately withstanding the claims of neigh- borship. This appeal to the heart, outweighed the decision of the head, and the salutation was, after a moment's hesitation, returned with a cordiality that showed him sensible of the tr^ith, that man is by nature a social being, and intended to live by the side of neighbors. Peace was thus declared along this frontier, long before the fact was established by diplomatists, or published by the proclamation of the president. ^ Early in the summer. of 1812, the inhabitants of Louisville, for their own protection, organized a volunteer company of about forty men, who constituted the male population of the town, capable of bearing arms. They elected Benjamin Daniels, one of their number, " high sergeant," whom they agreed to obey, in all matters touching the common interest. Soon after their organization, they received orders from General Brown, at Ogdensburgh, to bring to all crafts passing the river. In pursuance of these instructions, they, on one occasion, hailed and brought in a raft, and found in the cabin a large amount of valuable groceries, &c. the greater part of which was forwarded to the collector of the district. During the summer, a regular company of militia was formed, with Benjamin Willard, captain, which drew arms from the arsenal at Rus- sell, and was kept in service from August till November. They were ordered to allow Indians to pafes, but to stop all other crafts, and learn their business. At times, they had rumors of hostile visits from the north shore ; but they were not executed. The first death penalty inflicted in St. Lawrence county, under its present organization, was upon the pei-son of Louis Gerteau, who was jniblicly executed in Ogdensburgh, on the 12th of July, in 1816, for the murder of three persons in Louisville, about a mile from Massena village 22d of February, 1816. The circumstances were briefly these: Michael' Scarborough, of this town, being engaged in lumbering, had gone away on business, leaving his wife and two children, one of them an infant, and a French lad about 14 or 15, named Macue, to look after his aflfairs in his absence. The latter was brother-in-law of the murderer, who was well acquainted with the family, and the premises, and. at the time was living a neighbor. Mr. S. had incautiously displayed a large sum AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 337 of Vnoney, which Gerteau supposed was in the house, and for obtaining this, he dehberately laid his plans. On the night before the murder, he slept in the barn, and at dawn arose, and taking with him a sycthe, repaired to the house, which he entered, but finding an axe, he exchanged for this weapon, and cautiously entered the room, where his brother-in-law was sleeping in a bed upon the floor. He passed through this, to the bedroom where Mrs. Scar- borough and her two children were asleep, and took up the money he was after, from its place in the corner of a drawer. With this he might have made his escape unobserved ; but fearing detection, laid it down, raised his weapon, and with a blow nearly severed the neck of the woman. He then turned, and dispatched the lad with two blows, and the infant child, and wounded the other, seized the money, amounting in small change to about $22, which had incited him to the crime, fast- ened the door of the house and fled, having first feasted himself upon cakes and sweetmeats. By a circuitous route, he avoided the houses in Massena village, and gained the road towards St. Regis. About sunrise, some neighboi's, having occasion to visit the house, were surprised to find it fastened, and a track in the new snow from it, and observing, through the window, the corpse of one of the victims, the door was forced open, and the alarm of the murder instandy spread. Tiie ruffian was over- taken about two miles from St. Regis, and on being taken to the scene of his slaughter, he acknowledged the crime, and related the details of the shocking barbarity. It appeared that he had not traveled more than two miles an hour, after the murder, and had endeavored to rub out the stains of blood from his hat and coat. He was tried at the circuit court, and court of oyer and terminer, at Ogdensburgh, in July, 1816. William Van Ness, Esq., one of the justice of the supreme court, presiding; Nathan Ford being first judge, Russell Attwater and Robert Livingston, judges; Caleb Hough and Jason Fen- ton, assistant justices. The grand jury presented three separate indict- ments, on the first day of their session, and upon being arraigned he pleaded, not guilty, to each. The names of the murdered persons as named in the indictments were, Maria Scarborough, Jean Baptiste Macue, and Adaline Scarborough. The records of the court contain the following entry of his sentence. (July 3, 1816.) " Louis Couard, otherwise called Louis Gerteau, otherwise called Jean Baptiste Gerteau, for the murder of Maria Scarborough, whereof he was convicted, was called to the bar, and the court sentenced that he be taken to the place from whence he came, and from thence to the place of execution, and that on Friday, the twelfth instant, between the hours of one and three, to be hung by the neck until he is dead, and 338 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE may God have mercy on his soul ; and further, that his body be delivered to the medical society of this county, to be delivered to some person authorized to receive it." Tiie sentence was duly executed, in the presence of an immense crowd, who assembled to witness the punishment of a crime which has had but few parallels in our country. The post office of Louisville is located at a small village on Grass river, near the centre of the town, which has acquired the name of Millerville, from the founder. A small clearing had been made at this place, by Oliver Ames, previous to 1823. In Mai-ch, of that year, the Rev. Levi Miller, from Turin, Lewis county, a native of Wooster, and afterwards a resident of Chester, Mass., came on as an agent for James McVicker. A saw mill had been commenced in 1820, for the proprietor, but was not finished. A bridge had been built across Grass river at this place about the year 1820. In 1837, a grist mill was built by George Redington having two run of stones which has since been enlarged, and two other run added. Besides these mills, the place at present contains a tannery, clothing works, trip hammer &c., in which water power is used, a hotel, store and several mechanics. The Methodist Episcopal de- nomination had an organized church as early as 1820, but did not form a society imtil 1839, when the First Methodist Episcopal Society of the town of Louisville was formed, and the following trustees elected, June 3; Levi JMiller, Levi Miller, Jun., Israel G. Stone, John Power and John Doud. In June, 1841, the number of trustees of the society, was increased from five to nine, in accordance with the recommendation of the disci- pline of that denomination. A church edifice was built in 1849, the basement being for a town hall. A melancholy accident occuiTed at this place in the spring of 1823, in which two young men who were crossing the river in a canoe, were carried over the dam and drowned. The water being in its spring flood, their bodies were not found for several weeks. The post office of Louisville was first located on the St. Law- rence, but about 1827, it was removed to the Grass river, where it has since been kept. A post office has since been formed at Louisville landing. In 1832, a board of health was organized who appointed Dr. Ira Gibson, health officer, and designated the shore of the St. Lawrence, between Robert Crawford's and Allen McLeod's farms, as quarantine grounds. The difficulties at times attending the navigation of i-afts, and the space they occupy rendered a somewhat extended location necessary. The quarantine regulations were not enforced, for the intercourse with Canada stopped of its own accord. The alarm passed off in a few weeks. About ten cases of cholera occurred in town of which one was fatal. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 339 / Opposite the lower part of Louisville is an island of some two thousand acres, known on Burr's map, as the Upper Long Saut island, but better known among the inhabitants, as Baxter's island, Stacy's island, and Croil's island, from the names of successive owners. The French named it. Isle au Chamailles; and the Indians, Tsi-io-wen-o-kwa-ka-ra-te, or High island. Like Barnhart's islan I, it was at its settlement considered a part of Canada, but in running the boundary in 1818, it was assigned to the state of New Yoi-k. The deepest channel being north of the island, indicated the propriety of this according to the terms of the treaty. Macomb, Was organized from Morristown and Gouverneur, April 30, 1841, and made to include the district in the former, south of Black lake, and in the latter, north of Beaver ci*eek, from the line of DeKalb to the Ogdeu tract which it followed to the Oswegatchie, and thence up that river to Rossie. A small tract south of the lake was still left in Hammond, which on the 11th of Api-il, 1842, was attached to Macomb. The town derives its name from the proprietor, who was by birth an Irishman, and for many years a merchant in New York. It has been said, that coming events cast their shadows before them, and this proverb was verified in the formation of this town. The inhabitants of those portions of Morristown, and Gouverneur, between Black lake and Beaver creek, having long felt the inconvenience of their seclusion from the places of holding town meetings; several years before they were organized into a town, began to importune for a separate town. In 1837, the inhabitants of Morristown, expressed their willing- ness for this, whenever those iii the south of the lake should agree upon the measure. Similar resolutions were passed by Gouverneur. In the town meeting of Morristown in 1841, on the subject of setting off a new town on the southerly side of Black lake, it was resolved: " That all those electors residing on the northerly side of Black lake, do now withdraw from the room, in order to obtain the voice of those on the southerly side; which being done, it was on motion, resolved, (with only one dissenting voice), that, that part of the town of Morris- town which lies on the southerly side of Black lake, be set off by itself, a new town. The whole of the electors were then called in, and being all present, this resolution was again passed." The first town meeting was held. in pursuance of statute at the house of David Day, 2d. Supervisors.— I'dil-'i, David Day, 2d; 1843, John Parker; 1844-6 Enoch Taylor; 1847-50, Wm. Houghton; 1851-2, David Day, 2d. The first settler in the limits of this town, was Samuel Bristol, who 22 340 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE located on the place now owned by Robert Wilson. He first made a stand at De Peyster, and was among the very first settlers of that place. Captain Ruftis Washburn, formerly of Connecticut, but then from Exter, Otsego county, came into the town when almost entirely new. He lived the first summer at Ogdensburgh, and afterwards for five years at De Peyster. He was a blacksmith, and kept a public house for many years on the place now owned by Wm. Houghton. Samuel Wilson, E. Wil- son and Samuel Peck, were early settlers. The improvements of this town were for many years limited to a small neighborhood on the State road, and schools were neglected till 1818. Capt. Washburn was drowned in the Oswegatchie while returning from a town meeting in Gouverneur village, on the 28th of April, 1817. Pope's Mills is a small settlement on Fish creek, two miles from Black lake, to which it is navigable. It owes its origin and name to Timothy Pope, who moved from Oswegatchie to this place in 1816, and erected mills. He was originally from Otsego county, and settled in Oswegatchie in 1804. He was killed Nov. 7. 1835, with one Shaw, by the burst- ing of a defective millstone. A considerable portion of this town is still but thinly settled ; but the greater part is susceptible of profitable culti- vation, and it is without doubt destined to be a mining district of much importance. The Wesleyan and Episcopal Methodists have each an oi*- ganization in town. About 1836, a vein of lead, zinc-blende, and calcareous spar, was dis- covered near the shore of Black lake, at a place named Mineral Point, and somewhat extensive mining operations were commenced. A com- pany styled the Morris Mining Company, was incorporated May 1, 1839, with James Averell, David C. Judson, Sylvester Gilbert, John W. Grant, Lewis Moss, Thomas L. Knapp and P^dwin Dodge, trustees, for the pur- pose of mining in Morristown and Oswegatchie. To continue 25 years ; capital $50,000, in shares of $100 each, and to be managed by seven di- rectors. About 1836, a vein containing galena was discovered on the land of Robert Wilson, near the Old State road ; a company formed, and a shaft sunk to the depth of about 60 feet. A few years after, lead ore was dis- covered on the same range, near the road leading from the Washburn settlement to Gouverneur, and in 1850 small mining operations had been commenced, when in 1851 the right was purchased by parties in New York, and a company formed styled thte St. Lawrence Mining Company, who became incorporated under the general mining law of Feb. 17, 1848. The articles of association were filed Sept, 16, 1851, in the clerk's office , and name Thomas Addis Emmet, Stephen Crocker and John L. Grata- cat, ti-ustees; capital $72,000 in shares of $2 each. Duration limited to AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 341 50 years. At a meeting of the stockholders in New York, Maj' 17, 1852 the capital of the company was increased to $360,000. Extensive mijiing operations were commenced late in 1 851, and are believed to be still con- tinued. A furnace for reducing lead was erected, and a considerable amount of lead has been sent to market. Madrid. This was one of the four towns formed by the act incorporating the county, Marcli 3, 1802, and at first embraced also the township of Pots- dam. Since 1810, it has been of its present limits. In 1837 an effort was made to procure a new town from parts of Madrid, Lisbon, Canton and Potsdam, with Columbia village for its centre, but it was opposed by the other towns, and failed. The first town officers in Madrid, were Joseph Edsall, supervisor; Jacob Red i gto n, c/er/c; Cyrus Abernethy, Reuben Field, Alex. Brush, Henry Ervvin, assessors; Henry Erwin, constable and collector ; Jonathan Tuttle, Solomon Linsley, overseers of the poor; John Sharp, Isaac Bartho- lomew, Efjliriara S. Raymond, commissioners of highivays ; Asa Freeman, Jonathan Allen, Cyrus Abernethy, /ence viewers; Edward Lawrence, pound keeper; Jonathan Allen, Alexander Brush, Thomas Rutherford, Oliver Linsley Solomon Linsley, oj^erseers of highways. Supervisors.— 1802-5, Joseph Edsall; 1806-7, Asa Freeman; 1808, Alex. Richards; 1809, Asa Freeman; 1810-12, Joseph Freeman; I8I3, Wm. Meach; 1814-15, J. Freeman; 1816-22, Jason Fenton; 1823-28, J. Free- man; 1829-32, J. S. Chipnian; 1833-6, Geo. Redingtou; 1838, R. Blood; 1839, Walter Wilson; 1840, G. Redington; 1841-2, Alfred Goss; 1843-4, A. T. Montgomery; 1845-6, T. Sears; 1847-8, A. T. Montgomery ; 1849-50, Jesse Cogswell; 1851, Richard Edsall ; 1852, Francis Fenton. $5 bounty offered for wolves, in 1803, (excepting the township of Pots- dam) and 1804. In 1806, $10 bounty lor wolves. This town began to settle along the St. Lawrence, about 1793, and the following names from the land books, give the dates of purchases, although not of location : In May, 1798, John Sharp, Barton Edsall; m June, 1800, John Tuttle, Benjamin Bartlett, Godfrey Myers, Benjamin Campbell, Elias Dimick, Reuben Fields, Asa Freeman, Samuel Allen, Edward Lawrence, Asa and Jason Fenton, Alexander Brush, James Kilborn, Jacob Carnes, Allen Patterson, Jacob Redington, Robert Sample, Caleb and Cornelius Peck, Henry Allen, Wm. Osburne, Ira Paine, Oliver Linsley, Joseph Orcutt and Henry and .Joseph Erwin. In 1801, Isaac Bartholomew, Simon Linsley; in 1802, Allen Barber, Nathan Smith, Aaron Scott, Martin Rosenberg, John Allen, Geo. Ruther- ford, Thomas Andrews, Walter and Richard Rutherford, (brothers,) and many others, mostly from New England, who came through from Cha- teaugay, by way of Moria and Stockholm. In 1803, Samuel Chipman, from Vergennes, Vt., and others. The first agent was Joseph Edsall, who was a native of Vernon, Sus- sex county, N. J., and died in Madrid, in 1844, aged 81. He received 342 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE his agency June 8, 1798, and was instructed to sell river lots at $2*50, and rear lots at $2 per acre. A portion of the former were reserved that the owners might have the benefit of their rise in value. One fourth was to be paid down, and the rest in three equal payments. The village of Waddington, is named from Joshua Waddington, of N. York, who was a joint proprietor with D. A. and T. L.Ogden,inthetown of Madrid, at an early day. It was originally called Hamilton, from Alex. Hamilton, the celebrated lawyer and statesman, who had been associated in business with the Ogden brothers, and the post office originally bore this name. It was, by a vote of the town meeting of 1818 (March 3), changed to its present name, and the post office was soon after altered to correspond with it. In official papers relating to the war, and in statute laws passed in early times, the name of Hamilton is often used. A grist and saw mill were erected here in 1803-4, The island opposite, the mills, water privilege, land in the bed of the river, and 1,135 acres, comprising the shore oppo- site the island, and extending one mile back, was in 1811, conveyed by T. L. Ogden and J. Waddington, to D. A. Ogden. This tract embraced the whole of the present village. The rapids on the north side of the island, is called the Rapide plat, and extends its whole length, a distance of three miles, and has a fall of eleven feet. On the south side, this fall was originally gained in a distance of fifty rods, constituting a wild and dangerous cascade, which the French voyageurs called La Petit Sauts. The principal fall was near thelower ledge of limestone, near the present dam, and had a height of about eight feet. The dam has destroyed the romantic scenery of the place, and made a basin of still water, the spot which was once a rapid. The primitive scenery of this romanic spot is described as having been one of unrivaled beauty and interest. The water, by flowing down the smooth declivity of rock, acquired an immense ve- locity on reaching the abrupt fall, where, striking thebottom, it rebounded with an immense surge, which threw back so large a volume of water as to make a strong upward current along the shore. Fish abound in the waters, and the wild fowl and deer appeared to have chosen this spot as a resort. As a natural consequence, the rude Indian here found his favorite employment of hunting and fishing; there are those of the St. Regis tribe still living, who remember with regret, the peculiar advantages for their pursuits, which thelocality afforded, and a few of the race annually visit the island, and camp in the woods near its head. The island was once covered by a pine forest, and large quan- tities of valuable timber having been cut in early times, under the direc- tion of the St. Regis Indians. Mr. Joseph Edsall, agent for the town, forbid them to take it away. The Indians appeared to be anxious to settle AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 343 the matter amicably, and accordingly in May, 1803, an instrument was drawn up between the agent and William Gray, Louis Cooke and Loren Tarbell, trustees of the Indians, by which Edsall was to be allowed to remove the tifuber then doivn, and to pay 60 cents for every tree, if the title to the island then in i»rocess of investigation, should be decided as belonging to the proprietors of Madrid. In hopes of establishing a, com- mercial and manufacturing interest at this point, the proprietors under- took the expensive task of building a stone dam across the southern branch of the St. Lawrence, which at the same time, should make it na- vigable, by having in it a lock, and create a water power of unlimited extent. An act authorizing this, was passed in 1808, and allowed the taking of toll upon vessels passing, at the rate of twenty-five cents per ton for large boats, and double that rate for all boats under two tons. The locks were to be fifty feet by ten, and allow of a draft of two feet. These improvements were to be completed within three years. A wooden lock was first attempted, but before done its foundation was undetermined, and it was abandoned. In 1811 and 1815, the act was extended, and finally a stone lock was built in the line of the store dam, which proved of little or no use, as its dimensions only allowed the passage of Durham boats. The era of steam boats followed, and the Canadian governmerU assumed the task of locking and canaling around the principal rapids. An effort was made to secure the advantages of this trade, by digging a canal across to Grass river, but never carried out. An account of this will be given in its proper placet In 1832 the connection between the lock and island shore, gave way, being but imperfectly secured, and caused a considerable break in the dam. To repair this and afford a work which in future should give con- trol to the water in the south channel, the bridge above was filled in with stone, leaving openings through which boats could be admitted, and which when closed, should stop all water from passing. By this means the water can at any time be drawn off below, and repairs made at but small expense. A canal runs from the dam parallel with the river, in front of the village, which affords, in connection with the conveniences above mentioned, facilities of great importance. Floods or drought are here unknown, and the supply of water for hydraulic purposes, has no limits which will ever be reached. There are here a large stone flouring mill, built in 1832-33, and grist mill, woolen and carding shop, furnace and machine shop, trip hammer, saw mill, shingle, sash and stave ma- chines, paper mill, and other machinery. The manufacture of water lime, has been carried on to a limited extent, and rather as an experiment, at the village of Waddington. The stone from which it was made, is 344 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE said to liave been derived from the drift formation which constitutes the island, and the supply must therefore be precarious and Hmited. Waddington was incorporated April 26, 1839. Mr. Spaffbrd, in his Gazetteer of 1813, states that Hamilton then con- tained 135 houses, 2 saw mills, 1 grist mill, a fulling mill, trip hammer, &c. ; and the site of an academy then building. The site is still probably there, but no building was ever erected or begun. At that period the want of an academy began to be felt; and this place, Ogdensburgh, and Potsdam, each wished to secure it ; but while Mr. Ogden and others were waiting till the country should become stronger, Judge Raymond and his friends were exerting every effort, and succeeded in founding St* Lawrence Academy at Potsdam. The work above quoted, adds : "Madrid was owned by J. Waddington, D. A. and T, L. Ogden, Esquires, of New York; men (say the inhabitants), of benevolent dispo- sitions and well calculated to settle a new country, and who have used every possible means to promote the interest and prosperity of the set- tlers. The whole number of electors exceeded 200, and the probable population 6 or 700. There are 5 grist mills, 7 saw mills, several carding machines, fulling mills, tanneries, and one trip hammer, and a conve- nient number of mechanics. There are one Congregational and one Baptist society, but no settled ministers." A furnace was built by the Ogdens at Waddington in 1834. It was what is termed by iron founders a quarter furnace, with one tewel and a cold blast. It was 26 feet square on the ground, 28 feet high, and run upon bog ore alone. The building, which was of brick, inclosed two stacks or separate furnacees, of which the latter was got in operation in 1836, and was used but in one blast. In 1840, the furnace was stopped, and has not since been worked. A portion of the iron made here was made into castings upon the premises, and the remainder sold as pig iron. The ore was got in swamps in the town, and made very good iron. Much of it was washed previous to using. It cost about $3 per ton de- livered at the furnace. The inside diameter of the furnace was 6 feet 10 inches. " The ore," according to Professor Beck, was " procured near Grass river, two and a half miles from Columbia village, and seven from Wad- dington. There were three varieties of the ore, viz: one large lumps, called pan ore, another in small masses more or less rounded, called shot ore, and lastly an ochery one called loam ore. All of these w-ere of a red- dish yellow color when reduced to powder, and by calcination lost from 18 to 20-5 per cent in weight, and became black and magnetic. An analysis yielded 71 per cent of the peroxyde of iron, 8-50 per cent of silica and alumina, and 20-50 per cent of water. The proportion of metalic iron was 49*23 per cent, although this variety of ore seldom yields in the large way more than 25 per cent." (See Geological Report, 1837, p. 41.; AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 345 The first mills at Columbia village, were erected by Seth Roberts in the summer and fall of 1803, and from him it was often called Roberts's mills. It was also called Grass River falls, at an early day. Meetings were first held in the mill, and in 1803 the first school was taught in town by Dorothy Fields. On the 4th of March, 1806, the dwelling of Uel Gray, which stood about three-fourths of a mile southwest from the present village of Madrid, was burned ; and two children, of five and seven years of age, pex-ished miserably in the flames. On the 9th of April, 1818, six men were drowned in Columbia village by being carried over the dam in a boat, and although within sight of many, no relief could be extended. Their names were Asa Lord, Abraham and Joseph Loomis, Ezra Bigelow, Asa Dagett, and Leonard Reed. The following statistics were collected by Mr. E. A. Dayton : " Columbia village, on both banks of Grass river, but mostly on the west side, and one mile from the Canton and Madrid depot, had in the fall of 1852, 2 taverns, 6 stores, I di-ug store, 4 groceries, 1 book store, 2 shoe stores, 2 tin shops, 1 tannery and shoe shop, 1 grist mill, 1 saw and shingle mill, 1 furnace, 2 wagon and sleigh shops with water power, 1 chair factory and cabinet shop with water power, and 2 cabinet shops without, 1 woolen factory and carding mill, 1 jeweler, 3 blacksmith shops, 1 marble shop, and 2 harness shops. It has 3 lawyers and 4 physi- cians, a Congregational, Methodist, Baptist and Universalist chui-ch, each except the Methodist having a settled minister, except the second who have preaching on alternate sabbaths. It had 2 district schools and 1 select school. At the depot was 2 taverns, 1 blacksmith shop and 10 dwelling houses." By a law of March 30, 1821, three trustees were to be annually chosen, to have charge of the public lands in town. They were not allowed to sell them on a shorter credit than ten years, or to receive more than a quarter of the purchase money at time of sale. Moneys thus arising were to be loaned on good securities xipon lands to double the amount. Half the revenue was to be paid to the school commissioners for the several school districts, in the same proportion as the state moneys were distributed, and the other half was to be equally distributed among the several religious societies in town. These trustees of lands were to hold their offices until successors were elected. Two library associations have formerly existed in town, both of which were incorporated; that at Columbia village, Jan. 10, 1821, with Charles Pitts, Abner Parmalee, David Holbrook, Anson Hall, and Justin Spar- hawk; and that of Waddington, with Gouverneur and William Ogden, Nathaniel Tagert, Jas. L. Thayer, Robert W. Brigham, Thomas Ruther- ford, Jr., and John S. Chapman, trustees. May 10, 1831. Religious Societies.— The Congregational church of Christ, was formed 346 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE under the Rev. Amos Pettenofill, 17th Feb. 1807, of 10 members. In March they were visited by Mr. Hubbard, of Vermont, a missionary, and letters of thanks were voted to the two societies, who had sent tnission- aries to them. In 1809, the Rev. Chauncey Cook, was hired, in 1811, Rev. Jolm VVincliester hired for three years on a salary of $91 in cash, and $273 in wjieat, at the going price. In 1815, and in 18:22, revivals. In 1817, Royal Phel[)s employed, and in 1821 Oliver Eastman. In 1824, members pledged the crops on certain pieces of land, be the same more or less, for the sup[)ort of the gospel. These were half an acre of corn; ten rods of corn, &c., &c. One subscrij)tion was "a place for onions." In 1829, an attempt was made to pass a total abstinence vote, but with- out success; but ten members then signed a pledge, which was the first tempeVance movement in town. The Rev. Joseph Hurlbut, employed in 1829, and James Taylor in 1833. In 1840, S. M. Wood, was ordained pastor (Dec. 9), and in 1841, there were large accessions to the church, from meetings held by the Rev. J. Bnrchard, and in 1844, from the labors ot A. Wicks. In 1849, the Rev. B. B. Parsons was employed, and in Jan. 15, 1850, was installed pastor. The society of this church was formed May 8, 1820, with Salmon Gray, A. Packard, Sen., Stephen Goodman, Charles McFarlan, Wm. Powell, and Abner Parmalee, trustees. In 1825-6, the present stone church was built, thirty by forty i'eet, at a cost of $4000, under the direction of Wm. Powell, Thomas VVright, and Hiram SafFord. The numbers received by this church up to the tall of 1852, 350. Present number 185. In 1850, a bell costing $300 was bought by general subscription and placed in the stone church. The Second Congregational Society in town (at Waddington) was in- corporated Dec. 29, 1828, with Samuel H. Dearborn, Benjamin W. Jack- son, and Lorenzo Sheldon, trustees. On the 5th of Oct., 1841, it was reorganized, and in 1844 a church was began, and in 1848 finished. The Baptist church of Madrid was formed Sept. 7, 1808, of ten mem- bers, unc'er the Rev. Samuel Rowley, a missionary from the Vermont Baptist Association. In 1810-11, there was quite a revival. In 1818, Samuel Johnson was hired as a preacher one fourth of the time. In 1825, Elder Rhodes hired half of the time, and was succeeded by Elder Safford. In 1829, the hand of fellowship withheld from free masons. In the same year Elder Pi-att was employed. Elder Dodge, Peck, Scott. Lyle, R. S. Palmer, O. W. Moxley, Daniel Sabin, Kyle, T. M. Bea- man, and H. S. P. Warren, have since preached here. A society was formed July 11, 1836, with John S. Whitney, James Simons, Simon S, Clark, James Murphy, Arad Peck, Harvey Linsley, and Euos C. East- man, trustees. A church was built in 1836. The number belonging to this church in Nov. 1822, was 126. The Fh-st Universalist Society of Madrid, was formed in 1814, by a few early settlers. The first minister was John Foster, who in that year commenced his labors, and remained two years. He was succeeded by the Rev. Jonathan Wallace, from Jericho, Vermont, was supported as their pastor for about half of the time for thirteen years. On the 31st of March, 1841, a society was incorporated, having Hiram Winslow, Wm. McEwen and Luther Abernethy, its first trustees. This society at first consisted of 107 members, and in 1842 a church edifice was built in Columbia village, at a cost of $3000. The Rev. Messrs. D. Mott, and J. Baker, of St. Albans, Vt., and in Jan. 1850, Rev. J. W. Bailey, from Wilmington, Vt., the present pastor, were employed . In 1852 a church or- ganization, with 48 member was formed. The St. Lawrence Associa- tion in 1836, 1842, 1848 and 1852, held their sessions here. The society owns a parsonage, and is said to be increasing in numbers. IT, ?2 § [F ::b: 0? lE ra © § © TO THE .MAP OF COLUMBIA VILLAGE. ('on);i't\««tioual (;liinv,li, '2 sIhhIs. I^niversallst " 4 MctliuiUst Baptist Cliurcli, 7 Sheds, Scliool UuLise, Bridjio, Kluoin, J.,Iloi-toirs Gi-istMill, " Saw mid Sliiugle Mill. Dwelling. Jlcri'lmiita' Excliance; T. W. ni-nnr, V. r.avcll, E. ^^'. Part A- Co., ^\^^l■'h. Hiid Odd Kellows' l-IJiIl. J. Van Burc.n, Coliimbia Hotel. G. 1'. JIartiii, dwelling. W. L. Eeod, A. .r Goss, ■' Doct. C. Pierce, " onicc, iMrs. Enos Eastman, Dwelling'. K. llosford, " W. B. Goodricli, C. K. BruudriaRe, •' .[.T. Rutherford, T). Soars. Rev. B. B. Parson, dwelling, pa\soiiai;c of Coiifrregational Church, Kzekiel Abemathv, dwelling, 0. 11. McClelland," H. K.BeldinK, " Rev. .1. "W. Baily. dwelling, T'niver.'t.i- list Church Parsonajre, M. P. Hephurn, dwellinjr, W. \V. Hepburji, H. B. RiehardsoTi J. ('(iL-swell, McCull rrs. Morrison. tit; c; Powell, (i7 P. E. Shurman. 1)8 J. Hutfhs, (i9 I Fisk, Tin Shop, 7n H. B. Richardson, Cabinet Shop, 71 Thos. Furgison, Dwelling, 7'i C. Averill, House, 73 A. Goas, Woolen Factory, 75 A. Goss, House, 7B " DwelUnp;, 77 E. P. Hill 78 A. Pike, 7i) D. P. Haskell '■ 80 C. Goss, 81. A. Goss, house, Hi J. Curry, Dwelling. 83 D.Monty 84 J. Bruce, " 85 R. Blond, SH L. Stebbinjis, " 87 .T. F. Jackson, 88 L. Houghton, " 89 W. S. Lockwood, " 90 W. Lockwood " 91 M. W. Levings, 92 .1. R. Loucks, '■ 93 Mrs. Beckwith, 94 X. D. More, Brooklyn House, 95 Davton'sShoe Store. 9(i H. Pavtoi'.'s Estate Property, 97 y. W.Leving's Chair Factory, 98 W. L. Reed, Waggon Shop, 99 W. Lockwood, '• " KiO X. ct,T. Meatt, Fumace, 101 " Dwelling, II'.! A. (ioss. Store, 10'. ■' Farm Barns Mr.";. Dayton, dwelling, hetwoon 112 A- 7.^ (). M'hitiiev, Dwelling, ad.ioining .59. T. W. Crone, •' " -57. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 347 St. Paul's church, Waddington, was incorporated Oct. 19, 1818, with David A. Ogden, and Gouverneur Ogden, Wardens ; Jason Fenton, Rob- ert McDowali, Thomas Short, Thomas Archibald, John Dewey, John S. Chipmau, Thomas Rutherford, and Elisha Meigs, Vestrymen. The church edifice had'^been finished the same year at the expense of Trinity chinch, New York, and David A. Ogden, and was consecrated by Bishop Henry Hobart, of the diocese of New York, on the 22d of August, 1818. The building was commenced in 1816, and built in that and the two fol- lowing years. The first meeting of the vestry, was on the 17th of October, 1818, at which time Amos G. Baldwin was appointed Rector. William H. Vining, clerk and secretary; D. A. Ogden, treasurer. This church possesses a glebe of three hundred acres on IMile square number ten, about a mile from Waddington village. Jason Fenton, Gouverneur Ogden, Thomas Short, and Thomas Archibald, were the persons first mentioned, as charged with an examination of this property. It has since been managed by trustees appointed by the vestry. The following is a list of the rectors of this church since its organization: Rev. Amos G. Baldwin, Rev. Addison Searle. Rev. Seth W. Beardsley, Rev. Hiram Adams, Rev. Aaron Humphrey, Rev. John A. Childs, Rev. John H. Hanson. At the date of writing there is no rector to this church. The following quotation from tlie records of the church, under date of Octo- ber 17, 1818, explains itself: " It having been stated to the board that the Hon. John Ogilvie, his Britannic Majesty's commissioner, for ascertaining the line between the United States and his Majesty's province of Upper Canada, has pre- sented a bell for the use of said church; therefore: — Resolved, Unanimously, that the thanks of this board be presented to him, and further as a means of perpetuating our gratitude and his libe- ralty that the following inscription be engraved on the said bell, viz: "Presented by the Honorable John Ogilvie, of the city of Montreal, June 1818." In answer to this resolution, which was communicated to the honorable gentleman, he expressed a wish that the bell might " ring till the end of time," but this benevolent wish has not been fulfilled, be- cause the bell has been accidentally broken and its place supplied by another. The First Associate Reformed church in Madrid, was incorporated Sept 17, 1819, with Richard Rutherford, Mark Douglas, John Mofatt, John Rutherford, and Robert Ridu, trustees. The First Catholic Congregation in Madrid, was incorporated May 28, 1859, with Wm. Fitz Geralds, John Hamlin, Patrick Welch, Thomas Fay, and Michael Hughs, trustees. The church was built by the Rev. James Mackey, now of Ogdensburgh. The Wadding-ton Methodist Episcopal church, was incorporated April 13, 1849, with Wm. Jordin, Miles M. Sheldon, Richard Tindale, John Tackereel, and John McDowal, trustees. That of Columbia vil- lage June 30, 1847 with Solomon S. Martin, Stephen F. Palmer, and Wm. L. Reed, trustees. Massena. Incorporated in the act that formed the county, March 3, 1803, the whole of Great tracts 2 and 3 being attached. By the erection of Hop- kiuton and Brasher, it has been reduced to its present limits, which were never a part of Macomb's purchase. The earliest records extant are 1808, when John Wilson was elected 348 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE supervisor; John E. Perkins, der/c;i Elisha W. Barber, Thomag Stead- Tnan, Enoch French, assessors; Aaron Wr\ght, collector ; Benj. Willard, Jarvis Kimball, Enoch French, cotn'rs. highways; Jno. Reeve, Aaron Wright, constables; Griffin Place, Joiin Gavv'in, fence viewers ; John Bul- lard. Griffin Place, pound masters. At this meeting, voted a petition for the erection of Louisville. In 1806, a wolf bounty of $3, and in 1810, of $5. In 1818, $500 voted for the poor. In 1820-1, a fox bounty of 50 cts. In 1825, voted to let the Deer river settlers have $200 out of the poor funds, in case they are set off, and no more. In 1826, voted in favor of allowing that part of No. 16, still belonging to Massena, to be attached to Brasher, and of allowing $10 of poor money to be allowed them. In 1828, J. B. Andrews, John E. Perkins and Lemuel Haskell appointed to wait upon the court house commissioners, and represent the interests of the town. The location at Columbia village advised. In 1849, voted to raise $100 to build a float, and furnish wires for a ferry on Grass river, near the centre of the town. In 1850, voted not to make a distinction between the town and county poor; and in 1851, against a tax for repairing the court house. Supervisors.— \m% Amos Lay; 1808-9, John Wilson ; 1810-11, Thomas Steadman; 1812, Calvin Hubbard; 1813-17, Willard Seaton; 1818-19, John E. Perkins; 1820-1, John Stone, Jr.; 1822-4, .lohn B.Andrews; 1825-6, Chester Gurney; 1827-8, Lemuel Haskell; 1829-30, Ira Good- rid^e; 1831, John B.Andrews; 1832-3, L.Haskell; 1834-7, Ira Good- ridge; 1838-9, John B. Judd; .1840-1, Benjamin Phillips; 1842-4, John B. Andrews; 1845, E. D. Ransom; 1846, Allen B. Phillips; 1847, E. D. Ransom; 1848-9, Allen B. Phillips; 1850, Willson Bridges: 1851-2, J. B. Andrews. The first settlement in Massena began as early as 1792, by the erection of a saw mill on Grass river, a mile below the present village, on premises leased and owned by the St. Regis Indians. Amable Foucher, from Old Chateaugay, near Montreal, afterwards occupied them, and was in pos- session till 1808. The first dalm built by F. was swept off up stream, by the back water from the St. Lawrence, thrown up by the obstruction of ice. The peculiarity of the great river, which caused this, deserves notice. From the commencement of the rapids below the village of Ogdens- burgh to the head of lake St. Francis, at St. Regis, the St. Lawrence seldom freezes sufficiently to allow of crossing on the ice, although at particular seasons, and for a short time there has been a bridge of ice sufficiendy strong to support teams. The waters, however, being chilled by snows drifted into them, and obstructed by anchor ice, or masses formed at the bottom of the stream, as is common in running water in our climate, will commence forming a dam or slight obstruction usually near St. Regis, where its surface is covered with solid ice, and this being fixed by freezing, and increased by cakes of floating ice and snow, will accumulate at successive points above, raising the surface, and causing still water just above the obstruction, which allows the freezing process AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 349 to take place. This has taken place during severe snow storms, and in intensely cold weather, so rapidly, as to raise the icaters of the St. Laivrence at certain points Ji/teen feet in as many minutes ; and the Long Saut rapids, where the waters usually shoot downward with the swiftness of an arrow, have been known to be as placid as the surface of a mill pond, from obstructions below. The descent of the water is, of course, the 8ame, but the rapids are carried fwther down stream, and still water occurs at points where it is rapid at ordinary seasons. The extreme difference of level hitherto observed from these obstructions, is about twenty five feet, in Robinson's bay; in Massena, about nine miles above St. Regis, and in Grass river, it has been known to raise to an equal hei<^ht. No winter passes, without more or less of these ice dams and reflex currents, which usually happen towards the latter part of winter, after the waters have become chilled, and ice has formed below. Above the head of the Long Saut, they are seldom or never noticed. Similar occurrences happen at Montreal, at certain seasons, and have often caused serious accidents. The apparent solidity of the obstructions thus tempora- rily formed, is seldom trusted by those acquainted with the river; al- though there have been those, fool-hardy enough, to venture across the channel upon them. They will sometimes form and break away with astonishing rapidity ; for such is the irresistible force of the mighty cur- rent, that no obstruction can long withstand its power. In 1833, a bridge at Massena Centre, supposed to be placed sufficiently high to be above the reach of all floods, was swept away from this cause, the waters having arisen nearly five feet higher than had been before observed ; and it has been found quite impracticable to maintain bridges below Massena village across Grass river. The water has been seen to pour over the dam at Haskell's mill, up stream, for a short time, and the dam at Massena village has been preserved against the back water with extreme difficulty. The lower dam on Grass river is built to resist the current from both directions, and the level of this river, as well as the St. Lawrence, is from this cause higher through a portion of the winter than its normal level. Settlements under the proprietors began in 1798, in the fall of which year Amos Lay began to survey.* In 1799, a road from Oswegatchie to St. Regis, was surveyed and partly opened, and portions of it are still traveled. The first land agent was said to be Henry Child, who was * Mr. Lay was born Aug. 17, 1765, in Lyme, Ct.. and was early employed in the northern surveys, of Massena, in the fall of 1798; of Camon and Lisbon, in '99, and afterwards, of Stockholm and Louisville; and in 1S20, No. 7, tract No. 2. In 1317, he published a map of New York, and afterwards one of the United States, which have gone through several editions. Hft was recently living in Lower Canada. 350 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE succeeded by Amos Lay, and the latter by Matthew Perkins. Mamri Victory, Calvin Plumley, Bliss Hoisiugton, Elijah Bailey, David Lytle, Seth Reed, Leonard Merrick, John Bidlard, Nathaniel Keeser, Jacob and David Hiitchins, Daniel Robinson and others had settled in 1802, mostly from Vermont, who came by way of Chateaugay and St. Regis. 1 he town began about this time to settle rapidly, and in 1807, there were in the town, as it then was constituted, 98 voters, with property qualifica- tions. In the summer of 1803, Calvin Hubbard and Stephen Reed erected a saw mill on Gi'ass river, at the village of Massena, which was the second one in town, Jn 1807 or 8, they built the first grist mill near the same place, which had a single run of rock stone. Jn 1810, they sold to James McDowell, of Montreal, who held the lower mill, and the Indian reser- vation on which it stood. He continued the owner of the upper mills until about 1828. The first school is said to have been taught in the winter of 1803, by Gilbert Reed, at what is now Massena village. The annoyances experienced fi-om the Indians by the early proprie- tors and settlers, are set forth in the following memorials. " To the Honorable the Legislature of the State of New York, in Senate and Assembly convened: The petition of the subscriber, humbly sheweth: That he, together with a number of others, his associates, did, (at sundry times), locate on several tracts and pieces of land, and obtained grants for the same, on the southeast side of the river St. Lawrence, and easterly of and adjoin- ing the township of Louisville. That your petitioner and associates, were induced to this distant object; first, to be clear of intefering with other claims, and secondly, by a stream of water passing through the middle of tiie said collected several tracts, then called and known by the name of Little Black river, and noted in a map of the state, published at the time of the Revolution, by the name of Eyensawye, and now called by the St. Regis Indians, Grass river. That your petitioner and associa- tes, attempted last season to commence settlements on the premises aforesaid," and were prevented from taking possession by the St. Regis Indians, who alleged that the said Black river and one half mile on each side thereof is reserved by treaty, and confirmed to them by the com- missioners of the United States and the state of New York. That your ])etitioner, therefore, to investigate the claim, applied to the record of the state, and found the original treaty there desposited, dated the 31st May, 1796, whereby it appears, the premises so surrendered by the com- missioners aforesaid, is about eight square miles, being the most valuable part of the property held by your petitioners, &c., under the solemn grants of the state, in the years 1788, and 1790. A copy of said treaty, and cession aforesaid, is hereunto annexed, together with a map of the several gnuits certified by the surveyor general. That your petitioner, previous to the discovery of the cession aforesaid, did subsciibe, and is accountable to contribute a considerable proportion towards a road from Plattsburgh, jointly with the proprietors of Louisville, and is now without AND FRA]S*KLIN COUNTIES. 351 the prospect of deriving the least benefit therefrom. In case thus circumstanced with the St. Regis Indians, who are not amenable to the laws, your petitioner anrl associates are induced to appl}' for legislative aid in the premises, and pray that they will be pleased to grant such relief as they in their wisdom will judge equitable and just. Jer'. V. Rexsselaer. Albany, 17th January, 1799. Himself and Associates." In consequence of the above, the state purchased the grass meadows, paying, it is said, much more than they were worth, and more than after- wards sold for. To His Excellency, John Jay, Esq., Governor of the State of Xew York, in council. The petition of the several persons, whose names are hereunto subscribed, settlers in the townships of Massena. and Louis- ville, on the banks of the river St. Lawrence, in the state of Xew York. Humbly represenieth ; that the Indian chiefs and warriors of St. Regis, are possessed of a tract of land, chiefly wild meadow, extending from the mouth of Grass river, in the to\\'nship of Massena, up to the falls, which is about seven miles. That your petitioners having settled in the said townships of Massena and Louisville, are greatly annoyed by the said Indians, who threaten to kill and destroy their cattle unavoidably trespassing upon these meadows, they being exposed chiefly without fence, and several of their cattle are missing. Your petitioners therefore humbly pray your Excellency, in council, to take such measures of accommodation with the said Indians, as shall seem meet, in order to secure to your petitioners the peacable enjojment of their lands and property, asainst the depredations of the said Indians. And your pe- titioners will ever pray, &c. Signed, Amos Lay, 3Iamri Yictory, Calvin Plumley, Kinner Xew- comb, Samuel Xewcomb, G. S. Descoteaux, Win. Policy, Anthony Lamping, Aaron Allen and two illegible signatures. Dated June 24, 1800." The first bridge over Grass river, was built in 1803, at the village, and has been rebuilt several times. In 1846 a tax of $873 was, by law, directed to be raised for the erection of a bridge, which was done in the same year. A bridge was built at the centre of the town, in 1832, but soon swept ofi; Raquette river is crossed by two bridges. In early times, when from the insecurity' of the laws and the tardiness of justice in overtaking and punishing oflfenders, there lived in the lower part of Massena, a class of people who sometimes executed the laws that pleased them best, and the "blue beech law" had perhaps, in some cases, the precedent of that formed upon the statute. Fighting was of frequent occurrence, and the onl}- redress in certain cases, that could he appealed to, for the settlement of personal difficulties. When courts of justice came to be established, the decisions were at times very unsatis- factoi-y, and sometimes absurd. It is said that on one occasion, a man having been convicted before a magistrate for fighting, was-sent to Og- densburgh jail, in the custody of a constable. To sustain the journey, hey took along a jug of rum, and both partook freely of its contents. 352 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE until becoming nearly intoxicated, they fell to blows, and both being badly beaten and gory with blood, returned. The keeper of the prisoner then offered to again start, and the latter promised peaceably to go, on condition, that their jug should be replenished. The account does not relate whether this very reasonable offer was complied with, on the part of the worthy magistrate. Early in the summer, ]819, an American Durham boat on its way up from Montreal, was stopped at Mille Roche, a corporal's guard was put on board, and it was ordered to Cornwall. The militia officer, (Mr. Grant,) being somewhat a stranger tothe river and its channels, gave up to the captain and crew of the boat its management, and the latter in running it down, steered across the foot of Barnhart's island, and before the guard on board had time to realize their situation, they were moored to the shore, and taken prisoners by the inhabitants, who seeing the boat ap- proaching, and comprehending the movement, had seized their arms and rushed to the water's edge, to await them. The boat's crew had more- over carelessly spattered water upon the guns of the guard, so as to render them entirelely useles. A militia training was then in progress at Massena village, and thither a messenger was despatched for help, but before they could arrive, the boat and the guard had been secured, and the latter were on their march to the village as prisoners. Their leader thenceforth bore the title of Commodore Grant, and the thing was looked upon as a good yankee trick. The boat was never recovered by the British, but the guard having been handsomely treated, were dismissed on parole. During the same summer, the inhabitants of Massena village, by volun- tary labor, undertook to enclose a portion of their premises with a stock- ade. This was built of timber set into the ground, with two sides hewed to make the joints somewhat perfect, and the tops cut off about twelve feet from the ground and sharpened. A difference of opinion having arisen, in relation to where the line of pickets should run, and what pre" raises should be included, the work was abandoned, and of course never afforded any pi-otection, if indeed any was in reality required. Quite an amount of labor was expended on this work. During the months of July and August of the same year, a barrack was erected near the centre of the town, north of Grass river, at the expense of the government, under the direction of Lieut. Emerson. It was a frame building, about one hundred feet in length, and occupied by militia of the county, under the command of Col. Fancher, of Madrid, for about three months. The numbers posted here were about 200 or 250. At the expiration of this period a part of these returned home and a part repaired to Ogdens- burgh. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 357 In September, 1813, a company of some 300 provincial niilitia of the county of Stormont, in Canada, and under Major Joseph Anderson, crossed the St. Lawrence in the night, burned the barrack, and took several prisoners who were subsequently released. A building which had been used as a storehouse for provisions, &c., was spared, on the representation that it was private propertj'. They also destroyed several Durham boats that had been sunk in the river, and which were partly exposed by the low water. This party crossed at the foot of Barnhart's island, and returned by way of Grass river, up which the boats that had brought them over had been sent to meet them. Haifa century since Masseua was overspread with a forest that afforded supei-ior lumber and timber for spars, which made the business of lutn- bering one of much prominence for many years. In 1810, $60,000 worth of timber was rafted to Quebec by one man. Spars from 80 to 110 feet long, were often obtained. This business ceased with the pro- gress of the settlements about 1828, although wood, and certahi qualities of timber are still annually rafted to Montreal. Massena Springs are situated on the west bank of Raquette river, one mile from Massena village, which is on Grass river, and communicate with the depot of North Potsdam by a plank road. They have acquired a wide reputation for their medicinal qualities, and this celebrity is ra- pidly increasing. The early surveyors noticed them in 1799-1800, when a copious volume of clear cold water was thrown up, strongly charged with sulphur, and the earth around trod into a mire hole, by deer and moose, which frequented the spot on account of the saline qualities of the water. The Indians here found an abundance of this game at all seasons, and vague traditions exist, that they used the waters medicinally, but of this there is much doubt. The whites, however, began to use the waters at an early day, and Spaffbrd, in 1813, mentioned them as occur- ring near Lay's falls, and as possessing a reputation for the cure of cu- taneous complaints. In 1822, Capt. John PoUey erected the first accom- modations, and in 1828, the present Harrogate house was built by Ruel Taylor, for Parsons Taylor, of St. Regis, which was opened for the ac- commodation of invalids, by David Merrils. Other private houses were erected in the vicinity soon after, and the spring was curbed and the ground around improved by a platform. In 1848, Benjamin Phillips, Esq., erected the present spacious and convenient hotel represented in our accompanying engraving. It is of brick, 90 by 44 feet on the ground, three stories in height, with the wings and accommodations for about two hundred visitors. It is proposed to extend the building to the ground occupied by the barn, which would quite double its capacity. Both hotels are now owned by Mr. Phillips, who has provided every 358 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE convenience as well for the sick, as for those who resort thither for pur- pose of recreation during the warm season. A neat building, supported by pillars, has been erected over the spring, and the grounds around planted with shade trees, and appliances for the external use of the water by warm and cold bath, have been prepared. The waters have been analyzed by Prof. Emmons, with the following results: Warm spring. Cold spring' Chloride of Sodium, 6,988 6,205 Magnesia, 644 846 Calcium, 1,026 466 Sulphate of Lime, 2,794 1,960 Carbonate of Lime, 1,630 1,100 Hydro Sulphuret of Sodium, Magnesia and Or- ganic Matter, 1,870 13,082 12,447 The complaints for which these waters have been most used, are cu- taneous diseases of nearly every description, dyspepsia, especially of the chronic variety, and chronic diarrhoja. For a disordered condition of the digestive organs in general, and for the debility arising from want of exercise, and close application to any sedentary employment, they have been found to exert a salutary influence. Active organic diseases of the liver and lungs have been oftener aggravated than relieved by the use of these waters. They arc found serviceable also, in general debility, chronic ophthalmia, calculous affections, and the debilitating causes peculiar to the female constitution. Religious Societies. — Meetings were held as early as 1803, by traveling preachers, and in 1806 two missionaries, one of whom was the Rev. Royal Phelps, visited the town, but no church was formed until February, 1819, when a Congregational one was formed under the Rev. Ambrose Porter, a native of Connecticut, and a graduate of Dartmouth College. The number at first, was 12. In five years he was succeeded by F. F. Packard, who stayed three years. In September, 1833, the 2d Congrega- tional Church was formed at the village, the former being at the centre of the town. The same clergyman has usuallj' preached at both. The Rev. Messrs. Philetus Montague, Justin Taylor, Joseph A. Northrup, Rufus R. Demming and Thomas N. Benedict, have been successively employed. The 1st Congregational Society, was incorporated August 6, 1825, with John E. Perkins, Benjamin Phillips, Charles Gurney, James G. Stead man and U. H. Orvis, trustees. This society, aided by other sects in 1836, erected near the centre of the town, west of Grass river, a brick meeting house, at a cost of $1,600. The 2d Congregational Society, was incorporated October 15, 1844, with Silas Joj', William S. Paddock, Samuel Tracey, Benjamin Phillips, Robert Dutton, John B. Judd and J. B. Andrews, trustees. A meeting house was built at the village in 1843-4, at a cost of $2000, including the site. The years 1825, 1842 and 1846, have been marked by religious revivals, in which other denomina- tions shared. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. ' 359 The Baptists and Methodists have each an organization in town. The church of the former is in the census of 1850, estimated worth $800. A Universahst Society was incorporated September 21, 1835, with Cornelius Barnes, Enos Beach and Joseph Tucker, trustees. They have no place of worship. There is a Catholic church west of Grass river, about a mile below the village, which in the last census, is reported worth $900. MORRISTOWN Was formed fi'om Oswegatchie, March 27, 1821, at first 10 miles square, but in the erection of Hammond and Macomb, reduced to its present limits. The first town officers were David Fovd, supei-visor ; David Hill, clerk; John Canfield, Paschal Miller, Horace Aldrich, assessors ; Henry Hooker, collector; John Hooker, Daniel W. Church, John K. Tliurber, overseers of poor ; Wm. Swain, Alexander B. Miller, Wm. R. Ward, commissioners of highways; Powel Davis, James ^urnha.m, comrnissioners of schools ; Erastus Northum, John Grannis, Alexander R. Miller, inspectors of schools. Supervisors. — 1821, David Ford ; 1822, Timothy Pope ; 1823-4, Augustus Chapman; 1825-6, Paschal Miller; 1827, Augustus Chapman; 1828-9. Jacob J.Ford; 1830-2, Richard W. Colforx; 1833-4, John Parker; 1835-7, Jacob J. Ford; 1838-9, Isaac Ell wood; 1840-52, Moses Birdsall. JVotesfrom the Records, — 1821, Canada thistles to be cut twice in the yeai*, under a penalty of $5, to be sued by the poor masters. In 1833, voted against any part of the town being set on to Hammond. In 1836, efl[orts made to bridge Black lake at the Narrows. In 1844, voted against any division of the county. Resolved to build a town house, but this has not been done. In 1846, voted in favor of abolishing the office of deputy superintendent of schools. In 1848, resolved that an application be made to the legislature for an act granting the ferry money received at Morristown, to the support of common schools, and to give the care of the ferry to the town officers. The same resolution was passed in rela- tion to a ferry across Black lake. The care of this ferry was asked to be given to the town officers of the two towns. This town was settled principally under the agency of Col. David Ford, who in the summer of 1804, visited the town to make preliminary arrangements for improvements. The town was surveyed in 1799, by Jacob Brown, afterwards Gen. Brown, and a village plat laid out at the present village of Morristown, named Morrisville, and another at the Nar- rows, named Marysburgh, both of which ^names are discarded. Col. Ford first made an actual settlement about 1808. Mr. Arnold Smith and Thomas Hill, settled at about the same time, on the site of the pre- sent village. The first house in the village was erected by Mr. Ford, and Arnold Smith kept the first public house. A wharf was built in 1817, by John Canfield, Sen., who also erected the first store house at this port The first school in town was kept it is said, by George Couper. 23 360 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE To promote the settlement of the village, the agent, about the year 1817 oflered to mechanics a village lot, and a j)ark lot of some five acres, as a free gift, on condition tliat they should carry on their trade during five years, and within a limited time erect a house of specified dimen- sions. Several lots w^ere thus taken up, but, except in one or two in- stances, the conditions were not complied with in such a manner as to acquire a title. It was the intention of the proprietor to have conveyed a glebe of two hundred acres for the benefit of the Episcopal church, but his death occurred before the legal conveyance was made, and his executors never carried his intention into effect. Mr. Morris, with the above exceptions, a part of which existed in intentions only, never gave any property for the use of the town of Morristown. The first settler on Black lake was John K. Thin-ber. Henry Ellen- wood located near this place in 1810, and Henry Harrison, Ephraim Story, Benjamin Tubbs and Benjamin Goodwin about the same time, in the vicinity of Black lake. The first tavern erected at the present iil- lage of EJwardsville, or the Narrows, was by Arnold Smith. A ferry was first established here by Mr. Ellenwood. A post office was erected March 22, 1837, .Jonathan S. Edwards being the first post master; and the office, from him, was named Edwardsville, although the place lias scarcely acquired that name among the inhabitants. A union church was erected here in 1847, and dedicated on the 3d of November of that year, by a sermon preached by clergymen of each of the two principal denominations, who erected the house, the Rev. Mr. Wait, a Presbyte- rian, and Rev. Mr. Carey, a Methodist. A ferry across Black lake has existed for many years, at this place, but never under a regular license, until 1851. It was then leased in accord- ance with law, at the rate of $45 per annum, the income being equally divided between Macomb and Morristown, for the benefit of schools. This point is very favorably situated for the location of a bridge, as the lake is narrow, and near the middle divided by an island. The project has been brought forward sevei'al times, but more especially in 1836, about the time when high anticipations were entertained from the min- eral wealth of the country south of the lake; but has not hitherto been carried into effect. The present ferry is admirably arranged, and affords a means for crossing adequate to the wants of the country. This town scarcely began to be settled before 3817, during which year, and the tw^o following, great numbers of settlers came in and took up lands. The sales continued until the year 1820, when they were suspended during the settlement of the estate of Gouverneur Morris, one of the principal proprietors of the town. In 1823, the lands were AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 361 mostly again opened for sale, portions having been purchased by Angus- tus Chapman and others, and since that period the town has progressed steadily in wealth and improvement. Being underlaid by the Potsdam sandstone, it is generally fertile and productive, and but little if any land occurs in town which is not susceptible of profitable tillage. Along the shore of Black lake, in common with parts of Hammond, De Peyster and Macomb, considerable attention has, within a few years, been paid to the cultivation of hops. The town wants an adequate supply of water power, as the only stream which has any pretensions to hydraulic privileges, is Chippewa creek, which flows across the town, and affords at one or two places a limited supply of water during a part of the year. To remedy this inconvenience, a wind mill was erected in 1828, on a commanding elevation at the village, and for one or two years did good business; but the projector having been accidentally drowned, no one was found able or competent to undertake its continuance, and it was abandoned. This is believed to be the first and only wind mill for grinding grain, erected in the county ; although at several points along the Canada shore, they have been erected and used. The ruins of the oldest of these, is on the bank of the St. Lawrence, between Prescott and Maitland, and was old and dismantled at the time when Ogdens- burgh first began to be setded, in 1796. Steam has very generally super- ceded wind, as the motive power, and from its cheapness and efficiency, is justly preferred. There are, it i:3 believed, two or three steam grist mills in town. The central and eastern part of Morristown was settled, by English emigrants, in 1817-18, and a portion still bears the name of English settlement. They were Robert Long, George Bell, James McDugal, Robert Johnson, Edward Lovett, William Arnold, William Holliday (Irish), Carter, William Willson, George Couper, Wm. Osburne and Thomas Baldrum, in 1817, and John Pringle, Tho- mas Young, John Taylor, Joseph Taylor, John Willson, Joseph Couper, and a few others in the year following. These were principally from Roxburghshire, Northumberland, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, and met casually without having previously been acquainted. Religious Societies.-The Presbyterian church i" this town, was formed bv the Kev. Mr. Smart, of Brockville, assisted by the Rev. Isaac Clinton, of Lowviile,in June, 1821, at first of ei^ht members f ^^^^-^^"^^l erected in 1837, at a cost of $1,950, and dedicated Feb. 14, 1838, by the Rev. J? Savage. The Rev. Messrs. James Rogers, James Taylor, John McGre-or, Solomon Williams, Henry E. Eastman, Henry W. Wai, Samuef Youngs, and Robt. T. Conant have l^«?'' ^^-^^'^.^J ^{"//fj^ The first religious Union society was formed Feb. 11, 1833, with Joel Carter, John Child, Abel Beardsley, Zenas Young and James Burnham, *"The Presbyterian society was formed March 25, 1833, with Stephen 3g2 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE Canfield, David Palmer, Ernstus Nortliam and Win. N. Brown, trustees. The Baptist church was organized January 23, 1828, at the Narrows and first consisted of ten members. The first settled pastor was Elder Clement Havens, althougli several had been employed previously foi^ a short time. Whole number since first formed, 155; present number,51. Present pastor, Kid. Ayers. Christ's church, of Morristown, was formed about 1830, and now numbers about 40 members. The society was incorporated July 6, 1846, with George Couper and Cuthbert Ramsey, wardens, and Augus- tus Chapman, Chilion Ford, Robert Ashton, Moses Birdsall, James W. Munsell, Thomas Boldram, John Brewer and Henry Hooker, vestrymen. The Rev. Messrs, Aaron Humphreys, David Griffith, J. A. Brayton, George A. Slack, E. J. W. Roberts and John Scovil have been employed in the ministry of this church. The church edifice was built in 1833, at a cost of between two and three thousand dollars. The first Evangelical Lutheran congregation was formed March 18, 1847, with Joseph Weaver, John Dillenbeck and John Mitchell, trustees. A Methodist society was formed Nov. 16, 1847, with Wm. C. Griffin, Samuel N. Wright, J. C. Slodard, John Jewett, Lemuel Lewis, Cornelius Walrath and P. W. Hinthnarsb, trustees. They erected a church that was dedicated Nov. 16, 1848, burned in Nov., 1850, and rebuilt in 1851, at a cost of $1,600. A Congregational church was formed on Chippewa street, in May, 1852, of 25 mendiers, under the ministry of the Rev. Samuel Young. A church edifice had been erected here in 1849, at a cost of $550. Norfolk. An attempt was made, in 1817, to divide the towns, making one six miles square, with the present village the centre, and failed. On the 9tb of April, 1823, Louisville was divided, embracing mile squares 36 to .95, and all of 34 and 35 south of Grass river. April 15, 1834, mile squares 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and the north halves of 14 and 19 of Stockholm were added, and April 3, 1844, lots 36 to 44, and parts of 34, 35, 45 wei'e annexed to Louisville. A swamp between Raquette and Grass rivers, rendered a division of Louisville necessary. The first town meeting was held at the house of Elisha Adams. In 1828, a committee of five to wait upon the court house commissioners. In 1848, voted against dividing St. Lawrence into three counties. In 1851, voted strongly against enlarging court bouse. In 1852, $650 voted for a town hou!«e. This has been built of brick, 60 by 40, with a piazza 8 feet wide in front. It is decidedly the finest town hall in the county, and has cost about $1,000. Supervisors. — 1823, Christopher G. Stowe; 1824-9, Phineas Attwater; 1830-1, Wm. Blake; 1832-3, P. Attwater; 1834-6, Wm. Blake; 1837, Norman Sackrider; 1838, William Blake; 1839, N. Sackrider; 1840-1, Hiram Attwater; 1842-5, Ira Hale; 1846-7, Giles I. Hall; 1848-9, Calvin Elms; 1850-1, Nathaniel F. Beals; 1852, Christian Sackrider. The first industrial operations in Norfolk, in common with many of the towns of St. Lawrence county, lying on the Great river or its tribu- taries, was commenced by timber thieves, previous to 1809. In that year Erastus Hall, from Tyrringham, Mass., came into town to explore, AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 863 wjtti a view of settlement. He arrived at Potsdam May 9, 1809, at the inn of Ruell Taylor, and meeting with Judge Raymond, was induced to go and look at lands, in which the latter had the agency, in what was then the town of Louisville. Ira Brewer, from the same place with Mr. Hall, accompanied him on his journey, and they proceeded through a bush road which had been cut as far as the present village of Rayraond- ville, for the purpose of conveying potash to a point from whence it could be shipped in canoes for Canada. Arriving at their destination, but on the opposite side of the river from that wiiich they wished to gain, they made a rude raft of logs, on which they placed their coats, guns, axes and fire works, and endeavored to paddle over, but soon found themselves at the mercy of the current, without the ability to guide their frail raft with the poles they had provided. Passing under a tree they threw on shore their freight, and with much difficulty rescued them- selves by seizing and clinging to the branches. One lost his hat, but soon recovered it by swimming, and the two found shelter in a shanty erected by lumbermen in procuring timber. A great number, of beauti- ful masts had been taken in the woods near Raquette river in this town. In returning they attempted to cross the river in an old bark canoe, but this instantly filled with water, and they were obliged to hasten back. On the first night they were unable to get to their destination, and slept under a log. Several days after, they returned, and had farms surveyed out by Sewall Raymond, of Potsdam. The first contract for land in town was given to Mr. Hall in June, 1809. The first framed building erected was a small ware house on the east side of theriver atRaymond- ville. By night the explorers built a ring of fires, as the only means of being free from the clouds of mosquitos and black Jlies, of which the latter in particular were very annoying. In fifteen minutes the faces of those ex- posed would be covered with blood, and on their return to the settle- ments their friends did not know them, they had become so disfigured During this summer the Raquette river was leveled and found boatable as far as the Morris tract, near the present village of Norfolk. Mr. Hall employed some persons at the Union in Potsdam, to erect him a house, and in the fall returned to New England for his family. Mr. Eben Jud- son, from Williston, Vt., and Martin Baiuiey, came on the same year and made small beginnings. In March, 1810, Mr. Judson came on with his family, and his wife was the first white woman who settled in town. They started on the 7th of March, 1810, on the first snow that had fallen that loinJer, having been delayed several weeks waiting for snow, and ar- rived on the third day from Lake Champlain at the Union, in Potsdam, from which they proceeded to their destination. The company con- 364 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE sisted of 3Ir. and Mrs. Judson and three children, a brother and a brother- in-law, and two brothers, Ashbell and John Hall, young men who re- mained several months and returned. They had two horse teams, an ox team, and a cow. The brother and brother-in-law of Mr. Judson im- mediately returned, leaving the family established in their house, which was a shanty 10 by 14 feet, built between two hemlock trees. They also liad a shed for their cattle, which was an open bower covered by boughs.* Mr. Hall and wife arrived four days after. In September, 1810, Timothy W. Osborne, from Georgia, Vt., came on with a company of eight or ten men, as an agent for Major Bohan Shepard, of St. Albans, Vt., and ei-ected a saw mill on Trout brook. The secbnd mills were built by Jonathan Culver at a point then called Hutchen's falls, in 1812, and were at the lowest place on Raquette river ever occupied by mills. It is about three miles below Raymondville. They were afterwards burned. Judge Attwater erected the third mills in town, on the Morris tract, in the lower part of the present village of Norfolk, in the summer of 1816. The first Durham boat ever run on the Raquette river, was in this year, and was laden with mill irons, goods, and provisions, from Schenectady, sent by Judge Attwater to begin the settlement at his mills. It was drawn around Culver's dam, and after- wards for one or two seasons performed regular trips every week from Culver's to Norfolk, in connection with a line below the dam, which run to ports on the St, Lawrence. The latter was required to be regularly furnished with clearance papers from the collector of customs. Christopher G. Stowe, Martin Barney, Milo Brewer, and several others, came in and commenced improvements in 1810, but the families of Hall and Judson were the only ones that spent the winter in town. In 1811 the settlement was increased by several families. The first death was that of Mr. Judson, June 29, 1813, Dr. Lemuel Winslow, from Willis- ton, Vt., was the first physician ; he located in 1811. The first road to- wards Massena, was made in November, 1810, by Hall and Brewer. Great expectations were eai-ly based upon the supposed value of the navigation of the river, and Judge Raymond, with characteristic enthu- siasm, supposed that his location would grow to great importance. A village plat east of the river, was surveyed, and named i^ac^e^on, of which Spafford, in his Gazetter of 1813, says : "The village of Racketon is a new and flourishing settlement, forming in the southeast part of the town, at the head of bateaux navigation on * Judge Raymond happening to pass soon after, and being belated, accosted the family with the facetious remark " that they must be keeping tavern, since they had erected sheds," and accepted the humble accoraniodations of hU settlers, witli a good nature and familiarity which did orcdit to his character. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 365 the Raquette river, 20 miles from its confluence with the St. Lawrence. At this place, immediately above the landing, is a fall of the waters of Raquette river of ahout 15 feet, and excellent accommodations for hy- draulic works. Racketon is about 25 miles east of Ogdensburgh; and uniting its advantages for good navigation to the St. Lawrence with those of its central position, in a rich and fertile country, must become a rich and populous place." About 1814 a bridge was built, and in 1816 Raymond moved his family to the place and remained several years. I'rom him the inhabitants named the place Raymondville, and a post office of this name has been established. It is however still called the Lower village by many, to distinguish it from the Upper village, or Norfolk village proper. The place possesses a fine water power, and communicates with the rail road at North Potsdam, by a plank road. The first settlement at Norfolk village was made in 181G, by Judge Russell Attwater, from Russell, who in June, the year previously, pur- chased one half of the Morris tract, and the west half of 88 of Louis- ville. This tract had been assigned to James D. Le Ray in a j;>artilion of lands, and sold by him to G. Morris. A clearing of ten acres had been made for Le Ray in the summer of 1811, in the lower part of what is now the village of Norfolk, on which in 1812 a crop of wheat was raised. A large stone grist mill, with two run of stones was built the first year, by Mr. Attwater, on the site of the stone mill of Mr. Sackrider. A chapel was fitted up with seats and a desk in the third story of a mill, and this was the first accommodation for public worship in town. A company styling itself the Phcenix Iron Company, under the firm of E. Keyes & Co., was formed Oct. 7, 1825, and the year follow- ing, built in the village on the north bank, a furnace for making iron from bog ores, which existed abundantly in the swamps of this and neighboring towns. It passed through several hands and run about two hundred days in a year, till 1844, when it was burned by an incendiary. It produced about twelve tons daily, and was lined with sandstone, from Potsdam and Hopkinton. In 1846 a forge was built by Wm. Blake a little above the furnace, and run two or three years, until it was burned. The village of Norfolk, possesses manufacturing facilities which are destined to render it a place of much importance. The Raquette river here has a descent of about 70 feet within a mile, passing over three dams ah-eady erected, and affording opportunity, for at least four more, at each of which the whole volume of the river could be used. Below the upper dam, the channel is divided by an island of about two acres in extent, which affords facilities for the erection of dams at its head and at its foot, and the water could be diverted to either side or used upon both sides of the island and the main shore. At the foot of the island the river tiu-as to the left, and the bank ou the iu&ide of tke bend islow 366 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE and flat, and but little elevated above high water mark, while that on the outside of the bend is an elevated plain of easy ascent, and abruptly terminating upon the river. This elevated bank continues with a slight interruption to below the village. The left bank of the river is low, and on this the main part of t!ie village is at present built. Throughout the whole extent, the bed of the river is formed of limestone, affording at the same time a secure foundation for building, and the materials for the erection of walls. Lime made from this stone is of good quality. It is by plank road three miles distant from the Potsdam station, and the same distance to Knapp's station. At the time of writing, there ex- ists a stone grist mill, with three run of stones, three saw mills, one planing machine eight shingle factories, a tannery, a woolen factory, a trip hammer, a furnace, and several other manufactories using water power. At none of the dams now erected is the entire water privilege occupied. The town of Norfolk and especially the village of Raymondville, pos- sesses great natural advantages for the manufacture of brick, which are of superior quality. Their durability and hardness is probably due to the clay of which they are made, and of which an account will be given in the chapter on the geology of the county. JYorfolk Union Library was incorporated May 25, 1834. Philander Kellogg, Wm. Gi'andy, Hiram G. Francis, Denis Kingsbury, Daniel Small, John W. Williams, and Nathaniel Brewer, trustees. Religious Societies. — Meetings were held in the lower part of the town almost immediately after it was settled. Neither Mr. Hall, nor Mr. Jordan wei-e members of church, but be- lieving that the observance of the sabbath conduced to morality, they soon after their arrival agreed to hold religious meetings alternately at the house of each, at which a sermon should be read, and that their families should not remain and visit after the meeting was dismissed. Occasionally others of the settlers would come in on the sabbath, and these weekly unions were kept up for some time, when one Montague, who came on with others, to build a mill on Trout Brook, having heard of these meetings, attended, and was the first worshiper who could sing and pray; and thenceforth they lacked none of the elements requisite in the pi'otestant worship. In 1811, Seth Burt, a missionary from Massa- chusetts, came and left books. The Rev. James Johnson, from Potsdam, and the Rev. Mr. Winchester, from Madrid, occasionally visited the town, and held meetings in the vicinity of the present village of Ray- mondville. After Mr. Attwater's arrival in 1816, as soon as circumstances would admit, the upper story of his grist mill was fitted up for the pur- pose of divine worship, according to the rites and doctrines of the Episcopal church. Here he ofiBciated for several years as a lay reader, and succeeded in making a few individuals acquainted with the doc- trines of the church, among these was one who is now an able and honored bishop of the church, the Rt. Rev. L. Siliman Ives, D. D., of North Carolina. The parish of Grace church, in Norfolk was first organized in the year 1825, by the Rev. Seth M. Beardsley, then acting as missionary in the country, who also made an unsuccessful attempt to build a church. He was succeeded by the Rev. Hiram Adams, in 1828, and by the Rev. Henry Attwater in 1829. From July 1836, to March 1842, the public serviceis of the church were discontinued, with the ex- ception of occasional lay reading, and owing to the want of a clergy- man, and the removal of several families, the organization of the parish was lost. A reorganization took place March 29, J 842, when the Rev John A. Cbilds, began~to ofBciate as missionary. During the two years AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 367 in which he ministered in this place, another effort was made to build a church but failed. In 1845, the Rev. John H. Hanson, the present mis- sionary, was engaged by the parish. On July 30th, the corner stoue of a church was laid by the Rt. Rev. Wm. H. Delancy, D. D., Bishop of Western New York, in a lot of ground pin-chased by the vestry, and sit- uated in the centre of the village. The church thus begun, was fully enclosed in 1849, but is not yet completed within. It has cost about $2000 and will require about half as much more to complete it after the original design. It is after the Elizabethean style of church architecture, is 70 feet in length, including the porch, fifty feet across the transept and twenty-two across the nave. The ridge is thirty-four feet high. The walls are of stone and very massive, and the whole wants but the moss and the ivy to give it an ap[)earance of venerable antiquity, consonant with the purposes for which it was erected. This is the only gothic edifice in St. Lawi'ence or Franklin counties. The Presbyterian church so called, being Congregational in form, was organized July 1, J 817, by Rev. Royal Phelps, of the Cayuga Presbytery, then acting as a missionary, assisted Rev. John Ransom, of Hopkinton, at first of 17 members. The meetings were first held in the loft of a mill, and afterwards in the chamber of the tavern of J. Langworthy, and in the school house. The stated supplies have been numerous. The Rev. Adolphus Taylor, after preaching several years, died here. Loring Brewster was installed 1st pastor, April 28, 1828, and G. B. Rowley the present pastor, from whom these facts are received, Nov. 10, 1847. The society was incorporatect Feb. 20, 1828, G. C. Stowe, Martin Beach, E. S. Tambling, Wm. Blake, Philemon Kellogg, and John C. Putnam, trustees. Reorganized Dec. 12, 1840. A meeting house was built in 1840, at a cost of $4000, and the church numbers now 153. The church of Raymondville, was a colony from this, and their brick meeting house was finished and dedicated in 1844, at a cost of $3000, and soon after, a bell of 300lbs, was placed in it. Rev. Moses Ordway was the first resi- dent minister. The Methodists organized a society, April 19, 1831, with Royal Sheldon, Lucius Chandler, Justice Webber, Hiram Johnson, and Ebenezer Houghton, trustees. They reorganized, Feb. 10, 1840, and in that year built their present chapel in Norfolk village. OSWEGATCHIE. Incorporated with the county, March 3, 1802, from Lisbon. The town records were destroyed, April 17, 1839, in the great fire at Ogdensburgh, and the following list of supei-visors is partly made up from other sources than the records. Supervisors. — 1802, and for several years, Nathan Ford; 1814-23, Louis Hasbrouck; 1825-8, Sylvester Gilbert; 1829, Washington Ford; 1830, Jacob Arnold: 1831, Baron S. Doty; 1832-4, Preston King; 1835, Joseph W.Smith; 1836, Royal Vilas; 1838, Baron S. Doty; 1839-44, Geo. W. Shepard ; 1845-52, Geo. M. Foster. Settlements were began here under Samuel Ogden, the proprietor, by Nathan Ford, his agent, in 1796, who on the 11th July, 1797, was made his attorney, to sell lands. It had been the intention to commence earlier, but possession' of Fort Oswegatchie could not be got. Under the British administration, parties from Canada having obtained from 368 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE the Oswegatchie Indians, leases of extensive tracts of land in this town, had commenced improvements, and were occni)ying them wiien first known to the purchasers. As the history of tliese spurious titles pos- sesses much interest, we will here insert one or two of them. " To all people to whom these presents shall come; Ogentago, Dowa- sunduh, Saliundarish, and Canadaha, the four representatives of the Indian village of Osvvegatchie, have this day, by and with the advice of the whole nation, being duly assembled in full council of the whole tribe or nation, as above mentioned. Men, Women and Children being all pre- sent, have this day bargained, agreed, and to farme let for ever, to Major Watson, of Osvvegatchie, and to his heirs and assfgnes for ever, all that tract or parcel of Land, Situate, Lying, and Being, on the South Side of the River St. Lawrence, Beginning at the northwest corner of a tract of land granted to Daniel Smith, and running up along the stream of the river one League, or three English miles; thence Kast South-east from the Lake or River, into the woods three Leagues or Nine English Miles, thence Northeast one League or three English miles, thence North North west three Leagues or Nine English Miles, along the Line of said Daniel Smith to the place of Beginning, at the River Keeping the breadth of one League or three English miles, from the front of the River with Nine Miles in Depth; to him, his heirs and assigns, with the appurte- nances thereunto Belonging, or anywise appertaining to him the Said Major Watson his heirs and assigns for ever, for the yearly Rents and Covenants herein Reserved to the above Ogentago, Dowasundah, Sahun- darish and Canadaha, their heirs and successors or assigns, forever; to be yearly and Every year after the day of the date hearof, and to com- mence on the first day of December, one thousand Seven hundred and ninety three, the sum of Twenty Spanish Mill'd Dollars, thirteen and one third Bushels of wheat, and thirty three and one third pounds of pork, to be paid on the premices by the said Major Watson, his Heirs, Execu- tors, administrators and assigns, to the above forementioned representa- tives, their heirs or assigns, if legally demanded on the premises, they giving sufficient discharges for the same, every year, hereafter, as the same rent becomes due. Now therefore this Indentiu'e witnesseth, that the above Ogentago, Dowasunda, Sahundarish, and Canadaha, the four Representatives of the above mentioned village, and being the true and lawful owners of the above described Lands, and for, and in considera- ation of the yearly Rents and Covenants above mentioned, the receipt whereof they do here acknowledge, hath granted Bargained aliened released and confirmed, and by these presents doth, fully, freely, and Absolutely, do grant. Bargain, and sell; alien, Release, and Confirm, unto the said Major Watson, his heirs and assigns for ever all the Title, Interest, Property, Claim, and Demand, of and unto, the above mention- ed Land, and premises, together with all the Trees, Timber, woods, jjonds, ])ools, water, water courses, and streams of water, fishing, fowl- ing, hawking, and hunting. Mines and Minerals, Standing, growing. Lying, and Being, or to be had, used, and enjoyed within the limits and Bounds aforesaid, and all other profits. Benefits, Liberties, privdedges, heriditiments, and appurtunanceys to the same Belonging, or in anywise appertaining, to have, and to hold, all the aforesaid Land, and premises, to the said Major Watson, his heirs, and assigns, to the proper use Bene- fit and Behoof of him, the said Major Watson, his Heirs and assigns for ever. So that neither of them the said Releasors nor their heirs or any other person or persons whatsoever for them or either of thero, iu th«ir AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 369 or either of their Names or write, Shall, or May, by any ways or means whatsoever, at any time hereafter. Claim, Challenge, or demand any Estate Right Title Interest, of, in, or to, the said above released premices, or any paj-t thereof. But from all and every action and actions. Estate, Right, title. Claim, and Demand, of any kind, of, in, or to, the said pre- mises, or any part thereof they and Every of them, Shall be for ever Boimd, by thease presents, and thay, and fc^very of them, the above said premises, with tlie apportunances to the said Major Watson, his heirs and assigns, shall, and will, for Ever Warrant and Defend. In Witness whereof, they have hearunto Set their Hands, and Seals, the Twenty Second day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hun- dred*^nd ninety two. Sealed and Delivered in the Presents off. Seuhawe x his Mark. Sahieh x his Mark. ^ Henry Galton. Chrest. Swansiehton. Ogentago x his Mark. l. s. Dowasundah, x his Mark. l. s. Sawhundarish, x his Mark. h. s. Canadaha. x his Mark. i. s. T. B. A true Coppy. Endorsement on Preceding.— Be it for Ever hereafter Remembered, that the chiefs of the Oswegatchie Nation, have received of Major Watson, Jared Seeley, and Daniel Smith, and John Livingston, an actual pay- nient for the consideration contained in the Deeds executed by us and our fathers, comprehending ten miles on the river St. Lawrence, with nine miles back into the woods: we say received the rent in full, lor the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven, agree- able to the conditions of the within Lease or Deed, and the said parteys are hear by Regularly Discharged for the same, as witnesses our hands. Candaha. Witness present, Amos Ansley. mark. Lashalagenhas, ><* his mark. LewuDgelass) X bis mark. 370 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE Onatchateyent, Totagoines,. Onarios, Tiotaasera, Aonacta, Gatemontie, Ganonsentlie and Oneiite, Oswegatchie chiefs, at Grenville, U. C, June ], 1795, in the j)iesence of Joseph Anderson, John Stignian and Ephraitn Jones, confirmed to Catharine and Frances, the wife and son of Capt. Verneuil Lorimier, a verbal lease, executed in 1785, of a tract on the south shore, half a mile on ■each side of the small river called Black river, and up to Black lake, for the yearly rent of one hundred silver dollars, or money equivalent thereto. This was a full warranty deed with covenant. Lorimier had been a French officer in command of Fort Presentation, and a tradition I'elates that he also possessed a French title, which with otiier papers, were scattered and lost in a gale of wind that unroofed his house.* It having been reported the St. Regis Indians dis- countenanced these proceedings. Watson and his associates wrote to them on the subject, and received the following answer, dated at St. Regis, April 10, 1795. " Sir — We were favored with yoin- letter of the 9 March, and we have to inform you that no Indian of St. Regis ever will molest or trouble you on your present possession. You pay our brothers of the Oswe- gatchie, a tolerable rent, and as long as you will make good payment of the same rent to our brothers, who are the same in all respects as our- selves, we shall and ever will be happy to keep you in full possession; do not ever believe any thing to the contrary from any person whatever. We are with esteem, your brothers and friends, Tharonhiageton, Ononsagenra, Assorontonkota, Tionategekha. for ourselves and others of our village of St. Regis." To still further substantiate their title, the lessees from the Indians pro- cured of the commandent of the Fort at Oswegatchie, a permit to locate upon and occupy the tracts included in their leases. This document is given below, in the orthography and punctuation of the original. "This is to cartifye that John Levingston Daniel Smith, Major Watson and Jered Seley have made a purchase of a tract of land from the Indians of the Oswegatchie within the Jurisdiction of the British post of Oswe- gatchie, I having examined said purchase and find it to be a fair one therefore the said John Levingston Daniel Smith Major Watson and Jered Seley are hereby ortherized to settle cultivate and improve the saim and I as cummanding officer of said post Do hereby Ratifie and Confirm said purchase and promis the Kings protection to them and Their associates Witness my hand And seal Don at oswegatchie this Tenth Day of June one thousand seven hundred ninty four Richard Porter. L. S." By virtue of these titles, and under protection of the British flag, a saw mill was erected west of the Oswegatchie, near its mouth, and the business of lumbering was commenced and prosecuted with spirit, under which the majestic forests so often alluded to in our first chapter, began rapidly to disappear; and these operations extended to the whole river front and the tributaries of the great river, capable of floating spars and rafts. The following correspondence in i-elation to these claims and trespas- ses, passed several years befoi-e settlements were attempted: ♦Stated on the authority of Wm. E, Guest, Esq., of Oadensburffh, AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 371 Neav York, Nov. 1, 1793. His Excellency George Clinton, Esquire : Myself and associates, owners of ten townships of land lyinjr on the east side of the river St. Lawrence, having had the honor of addressing you on the 2d of September, 1792, and stating to you as the head of the executive of this state, certain representations of trespasses daily com- mitted on said townships, by subjects of the government of Great Britain, in hopes that through your aid some measures would be taken, either by the government of the state, or by the general government, to put a stop to the great evil of which we complained. But finding from good in- formation that the trespass was not only continued, but very much in- creased, I conceived it for the interest of myself and the other gentlemen concerned, to take a journey to that country, as well to establish the facts contained in that letter, as to endeavor by making a representation thereof to the governor of Canada, to have an immediate stoj) put to the evil. How far my expectations have been realized, your excellency will judge from a perusal of the copies hereto annexed, of the letters which passed between Governor Simcoe, my Lord Dorchester, and myself. You will allow me in behalf of myself andassociates, to aver to you, that all the facts contained in our letter to you, as well as those contained in ray letter to Governor Simcoe, and my Lord Dorciiester, are true, and I trust you will readily see the necessity of some itnmediate and spirited measures :o stop the trespass, or the greater of all our valuable timber will be destroyed, and carried out of the United States by a set of men whose only motive is to plunder and destroy. Our title under the state we know to be good, and we conceive we have every just claim for pro- tection and indemnity from it. It is now upwards of eight years that we paid into the public treasury a large sum of money for this tract of coun- try, under full expectation that we might make peaceable settlements thereon : But unfortunately for our interests, we are not only prevented by the British government from settling those lands, but the subjects thei-eof have already robbed us of the most valuable part of that property. It is the apprehension of consequences of a public nature, that restrains us from appealing to the law of the state for the jirotection of that pro- perty. There can be no doubt but that the justice of the legislature ought to give us an ample indemnity for our sufferings. How far then it may be proper for us through you, to make a representation of the hardships under which we labor to it, at the ap|)roaching session, is with much respect submitted to your wisdom, and we well knowing yoni anxiety for the dignity of the state, and the interests of its individuals, have no doubt that you will do every thing that may be proper in the premises. I have the honor to be your most obedient humble servant, Sam'l Ogden. York, Upper Canada, August 31, 1793. " His Excellency John G. Simcoe, Esq. : "Sir — Having obtained under the state of New York, a title to a large tract of land lying on the southeast side of the River St. Lawrence, at or about Oswegatchie, and being informed that many persons calling them- selves subjects of your government, are daily committing great trespass on said tract of land, by cutting and transporting to Montreal large quantities of timber therefrom, I beg leave to represent the same to your excellency, in full confidence that your interposition will put an imme- diate stop to such proceedings as tend very much to my injury. It may 372 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE not be improper to add, that previous to my leaving New York, I w^as advised, and well knew, that the executive of that state would, on my application, give his immediate aid for the protection of this property. But conceiving such an operation would involve a governmental question (which for very obvious reasons I conceive at this time ought to be avoided), at great expense and fatigue, I undertook a journey to this country, that I might make this representation to your excellency pre- vious to any other measures being taken in the premises. I have the honor to be, &c., Sam'l Ogden." York, August 31, 1793. " Samuel Ogden, Esquire : Sir — •! am just favored with your letter of the 31st of August; I beg leave to observe to you, that last autumn on the representation of the Oswegatchie Indians, the magistrates of the town of Augusta, warned some of his majesty's subjects to quit those very lands. I apprehend you claim under a title from the state of New York. In regard to your intimation that the executive of the state of New York, would give its immediate aid for the protection of this property, I have to observe that you are perfectly just in your observation that such would be a govern- mental question, inasmuch as it is obvious to all there is no treat)/ line, nor can be reasonably expected to be acknowledged by Great Britain, until the prior articles of the treaty shall be fulfilled by the United States. But in the immediate point of view, as this question does not concern his majesty's subjects, who have already been forbidden at the request of the Indians claiming the land, to form settlements on that side of the liver, I can only refer you to his excellency the commander-in-chief, for any further ex[)lanations you require, to whom your very liberal princi- ples as expressed in your letters which I shall transmit to him, can not but be highly recommendatory, and impr^s those sentiments of i*espect, with which I am your obedient servant, J. G. SiMCOE, Lt. Gov'r Upper Canada." Quebec, September 29, 1793. " His Excellency Guy Lord Carlton, Governor General, S^c, : My Lord — His excellency, Governor Siincoe, having in his letter to me of the 31st of August, referred me to your lordship on the subject about which I wrote him, I beg leave to address you thereon, and to in- close you for your information that correspondence, and a representation of some facts, which came to my knowledge since writing to Governor Simcoe. On examining the tract of country which I own, I found the most wanton and excessive waste of timber imaginable, so nuich so, that I conceive injury already committed to the amount of many thousand pounds. I found also, a large saw mill building, within two or three hundred yards of the fort of Oswegatchie, which if persisted in will de- stroy the most valuable tract of timber in all that country. This mill is building by Verne Francis Lorimier, a half pay captain, who lives oppo- site my tract on the western side of the river, with whom I had a con- versation on the subject. After producing a copy of the records of New York, shewing my title to these lands, and representing the injury that would arise to me from the waste of timber which the mill would occa- sion, I offered in order to prevent any further difficulty, to pay him his disbursements in case he would desist. This he refused, and informed ' AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 373 me that be was condnctor of the Indians, on whose lands it was, and that so long as one of them were alive, he should possess the mill. Tliis gentleman being in the employ of your government, for Indian affairs, or agency, and under that pretence is in the constant practice of selling large quantities of timber. It is not my business, my lord, to discuss any question of a public nature. I shall not, therefore, attempt to reason as to the right the Indians may have to those lands (which 1 am informed by the governor of New York have been long since purchased of them); on the propriety of the detention of the post at Oswegatchie, or on the recent establishment of an Indian village on my lands. Yet I can not help observing that no claim of title can in the courts of JVeiv York, justify those trespasses on my pro[)erty, which the state stands bound to pro- tect me in. I presume your goodness will excuse the earnest importu- nity of an individual who conceives himself a great sufferer, and feels a most anxious desire from various motives, that your interposition may prevent any further settlement or waste being committed on those lands, until the question of the posts, shall by the two governments be finally adjusted and settled. I have the honor to be, your lordship's most obed't serv't, Sam'l Ogden. In the summer of 1795, Mr. Ford was sent by Ogden to take further measures to obtain possession, and commence a settlement. His letter of instructions, dated Perth Aniboy, July 12, 1795, will be read with interest. " Dear JVathan. — By this opportunity I have written again to my bro- ther * on the subject of his application to my Lord Dorchester, and have told him that you would stay a few days at Montreal, and requested him to comnumicate to you there (to the care of Mr. Forsyth) his lordshi[)'s determination. Now in case of his giving you permission to repair one or more of the houses, and placing inhabitants therein, j'ou will then, while at Oswegatchie, make, with the advice of Major Drumniond, the necessary arrangements, and prociu'e some proper person to move therein as my tenant. The importance of this, you will see, and it may become a question, whether you had not better in this case, return from Toronto via Oswegatchie, and spend some weeks, or perhaps months there, this summer and autumn, so as to prepare and arrange things for your reception next spring. If you should succeed in the idea 1 gave jou, respecting the saw mill, then it ought to be kept diligently at work in sawing pine boards and shingles proper for the buildings we mean to erect next year, which ought to be carefully set up when sawed, so as to be seasoned for use next summer. Can not you, by some means or other, possess yourself of a particular account of the distance and route from Oswegatchie up the river and lake, and so on to Fort Stanvvix, or such route as the nearest direction may lead to? In doing this, attend to the following queries: 1. What falls of water between the Oswe- gatchie and the lake? 2. What distance from the fort to the lake? •what streams put in and where? with a full descrij)tion of lands, mea- dows, swamps, &c. Be very particular as to this. 3. A very particidar description of the lake, as well as the outlet, and the land around its margin, with an estimate of its dimensions and course, so that we may * The Hon. Isaac Ogden, of Montreal, who became a loyalist in ihe revolution, and after, wards filled a high judicial station in Canada. 374 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE form an estimate of its situation in the townships. Estimate its course will) that of the great rivers. 4. What streams run up into the lake, and wliat water communication leads from towards Fort Stanwix, and wiiat may be the supposed distance? .5. In your description of land, attend to timber, limestone, intervale, bog meadow, swamps, &c. Let your observations be made in writing, and do not spare jjaper. Perhaps a few dollars laid out in presents to tlie Oswegatchie Indians would be useful. You will procure from the commanding officer, at Montreal, a letter of introduction to the serjeant at Oswegatchie. This will become very necessary. Col. Gorden and Col. McDonald, if at Montreal, will aid you in this. My health is mending. God bless you. Sam'l Ogden. Major Ford. In answer to the foregoing, the following letter was x'eturned, dated Kingston, Aug. 28, 1795: ^^ Dear Sir: — I have this moment received your letter dated July 12th. Its contents shall be attended to. I wrote you the 2d and 7th inst., both of which I hope you have received. I left Montreal the 9th for Niagara; on my way I paid Oswegatchie a visit, and was much surprised to find the dam so completely out of repair. The north end of the dam is to- tally gone for fifteen or twenty feet, and all the gravel is off the dam, — indeed it does not appear there ever was any great quantity upon it. Such another built dam I never saw. It looks more like an old log house than it does like a dam. There is a kind of crib work built up, which supports logs, set nearly perpendicular, without having even the bark taken off, and chinked exactly like a log house. It appears there has been a little gravel thrown on but there is scarce a trace of it left. Nothing has been done this summer, and I doubt much if they do re- pair. Honniwell has sold out to Lorimier, and he has rented to a num- ber of people, and so confused a piece of business as it is, I never saw. There is no person about the place that can give me the whole history of the business. Honniwell is not at home, or I could have known all about it. I was happy to find that most of the people upon the other side are glad to find that a settlement is to be made, and many intend coming over. I did not go to see Lorimier, and for this reason. After conversing with Mr. Farrand fully upon this subject, we finally con- cluded it would be best for me to show the greatest indifference, merely call at the mill, look at the fort, and take care to impress the idea fully upon whoever I talked with, that by the treaty the fort was to be given up in June, that there would be a garrison sent there ; that settlers would be brought on and business commenced extensively. This I have done ina way that I hope will have its desired effect. In my absence, Mr. Farrand will make business at Oswegatchie, and sound Lorimier on the subject, and if possible make him apply for terms. If he can be brought to this state, a negociation may be had upon better terms than if I should apply to him. Mr. Farrand concurred fully in this idea, and thinks it the most probable way to accomplish our wishes. Loromier's circum- stances are in a very embarrassed state, the mill, together with the farm, are mortgaged to Honniwell, and many other demands are rising up against the estate. My intention is to return to Oswegatchie, if I keep my health (which thank God was never better). I intend leaving my baggage, and find my way through the woods to the Little falls. This idea I suggested to you in a former letter. Never was any body more AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 375 unfortunate than I have been in passages. I had a long passage up the North river and a long passage to St. Johns, was detained longer at Montreal than was necessary, lor want of a convejance up the river; a a long passage up the river, and as the d 1 must have it so, arrived here only two hours too late for a passage to Niagara, and this is the ninth day I have been here wind bound, and what is more than all, a packet which arrived two days ago from Niagara, brings word that the governor left that place six days ago for Long Point, at which place his stay is very uncertain. I shall go on to Niagara, and if I do not find his i-eturn cer- tain in a short time, I shall go on to Fort Erie, and there hire an Indian to take me on in a birch canoe, until I find him. I think this will be saving time. The whole time I have been at this place, is completely lost, for I durst not be out of the way for fear the wind should come fair, in which case the vessel would leave me. Were not this the case, I should have visited the isle of Taunty, and the Grand isle.* All this must be left until I return. I beljeve there will be no doubt of a law suit respecting Grand isle. I have been to the mills upon the Thames, and find them very much out of repair. My time was so short that I could not get a very full account about them and the land. I shall see them again. The greatest object of all is the fixing of the Oswegatchie business, and no stone shall be unturned to bring this to a happy issue. Mr. Farrand tells me, that Lorimier relies upon a French title which he says he has. This Mr. Farrand will get a sight of, and should it be worth any thing, a negociation will be more necessary. Mr. Farrand will be in full possession of all the business against my return, (which I shall make as speedy as possible,) and which I shall not leave until I see an end of. The boat which is going to Montreal is waiting for this, and hurries me so that I have not time to write you as fully as you wish. N. Ford. Col. Ogden, JVewark. Newark, in Upper Canada, Sept. 10, 1795. Dear Sir: — I wrote you from Kingston, the 20th of August, which 1 hope you have received. In that I mentioned my ill luck in not arriving at Kingston a few hours sooner, which would have made me in time to have taken passage in the packet, by which misfortune I was detained at Kingston, from the 19th of August to the 1st September, and after another gun-hoat voyage of six days arrived at this place, where I am now detained by the governors not having returned from Long Point, from whence he is daily expected. I shall transact my business with him as soon after his return as possible, and return to Oswegatchie im- mediately, when I hope to settle that business. Should I not be so for- tunate as to obtain leave of the governor to repair the houses, that will not prevent my negotiating with Lorimier. Mr. Farrand will have taken the necessary measures for bringing about a negotiation. I have this day written him, to meet me at Oswegatchie on my return. I take it for granted you have received all my former letters, which contain all the * Mr. Ford was commissioned by Col. Ogden. and Nicholas Low, to make inquires into the titles and lerms of these islands, and purchase them of Sir John Johnson, ni the name of Alex'r Wallace an Eno-lishman. (as they say in Canada), on speculation. He was authorized to ofler £20110 sterling tor the isle of Taute. Eleven families had been settleTI three years upon it. Grand isle had been purchased at Montreal from Mr. Curot, a Frenchman (who held it under a grant from the kin? of France) for £500 with a further sum ot quarter dollar per acre, -when the title was established Tnese purchases were not made by Mr. Ford He ei- aniuied them and made very full reporis upon soil, timber &c., whuh are preserved with hi» papers." P. H. H. 24 376 HITSORY OF ST. LAWRENCE information I have. I will write you thence by way of Montreal, and inform you of my success with his excellency. Unless something very unforseen takes place I shall undoubtedly leave my bajrgage at Oswe- fjatchie, and go through the woods to the Mohawk river, I am of opinion that it will be best to strike the river as low down as the Little fills, which is said to be 120 miles from Oswegatchie. I am sorry to tell you, it is a very sickly season in this province; never was it more so, but f am very happy to add that it is less so about Oswegatchie. That part is looked upon to be the most healthy of any in Upper Canada. Should I pass through this country without a touch, I shall be peculiarly fortunate. It is said here that strangers are scarce ever exempt. I hope to reach the Fort in a state to be able to undertake the proposed march. I should recommend to you, not to sell before I return. I think there can be no doubt of those lands settling very fast. I hope to give you a very satisfactory account of them on my return. I have this mo- ment heard that the governor is at Fort Erie, on his return. Believe me to be your very humble servant. N. Ford. Mr. Ford, in a letter dated Kingston, Sept. 23, 1795, mentioned that the governor had returned sick, and that his business could only be set- tled in council. He again states his intention of traversing the woods to the Mohawk, but it is not known whether this design was carried into effect. Jay's treaty, which was finally ratified in February, 1796, pro- vided in its second articles, that his majesty's troops should be with- drawn from all posts within the states, on or before the 1st of June ; the pi'operty of British subjects being secured to them by the pledge of the government, and they were to be free to remain or go as they saw fit. The signature of the treaty having at length rendered it certain, that the surrender of Fort Oswegatchie would remove the last obstacle which had for several years hindered the settlement of Northern New York, Mr. Ford at length started with a company of men, a few goods, and articles of prime necessity, for a new settlement, with the design to re- pair or rebuild the dam and mills on the Oswegatchie, and sui-vey and settle the country. As a guide for his operations, the proprietor drew up the following memorandum of instructions, which embody the designs and wishes of Col. Ogden, in relation to the new setdement: " On your arrival at Oswegatchie, endeavor in as amicable a manner as possible, to gain immediate possession of the works, mills, and town. If difficulties do arise, you will of course exercise the best of your judg- ment and discretion, in order to remove them. This, perhaps, may be done best by soothing measures; perhaps by threats and perhaps by bribes, as to which, it must be entii"ely submitted to your judgment, as circumstances may turn up. It seems certain that you will have no diffi- culty in obtaining possession of the fort and works. These, therefoi-e, I presume you will immediately possess. The mills seem the great dif- ficulty, for which you will make every exertion after you have possession of the fort. After you have obtained possession of the mills, you will immediately commence the repairs thereof^ so as to have the saw mill at work this autumn before you leave it. As to the manner of repairing the dam, it must be left to your own judgment. I must however recom- mend it to your particular attention, to have it solidly placed and Avell filled in with stone, and graveled, so as to render it permanent and se- cure. Perhaps it may be best for this fall's operation, to place the whole of the saw mill on the same site as it formerly stood, observing, how- ever, that in our next summer's operations we shall place many other ANP FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 377 works on the same dam, and that those works must be carried so far down the river as to be placed on the navigable water, so that vessels may come to them to load and unload. If the old mill is destroyed, and you find that a new one ir>ust be constructed, I would recommend that you con- struct it so as to saw plank or timber of forty feet long. You will ex- ercise your own judgment as to what repairs it may be proper for you to put on any of the buildings at the old fort. It strikes me that it will be best to repair the old stone houses, and as many of the frame as may be found sound and free from decay. Of this, however, you will be able to judge after a careful inspection thereof Should you meet with any difficulty with the Indians who live below, send a letter to Mr. F * * * and enclosing one to Grey, (the interpreter), who lives at St. Reeris; de- sire Grey to come up to you, and with him fall on such measures as may be proper for an accommodation. If on experiment you find that a further supply of goods will be ad- vantageous this autumn, write me so, and send me a memorandum thereof, so that I may forward them to you. If on experiment you find that any particular article of commerce will answer a good and speedy remittance, you will be very early in your communications to me thereof, and it is probable that you may point out the best and most expeditious manner of transporting the same. It may be, that certain articles of remittance may offer, which it maybe proper to send to Montreal for sale, in which case you will forward them to the care and direction of Thomas Forsyth, of that place, taking care to give him written instructions how to dispose thereof, and always re- member in your lettei- book to keep regular copies of all your letters. Your sett of books must be regularly kept, so as to shew a very exact account of all expenditures and disbursements, so that every shilling may be ex- plained and accounted for. Write me from Schenectady the result of your conversation with Tibbets, so that I may endeavor to fall on some measures for the completing that object. If on examination you find any tract of land without my purchase, and which you believe to be an object worth our attention, write me a full account thereof, and enable me to take it if it should be found an object. Mr. Grey gave me some rea son to believe he could find a mine of iron ore, within our ten town- ships. Pray extend your researches thereafter as early as possible, as it IS very important that we should at as early a period as possible com- mence our iron work operation, and nothing can he done until the ore be found The letters I forward you from hence, I shall forward to the care of D. Hale, Albany; any which you may write to me, (not by the post), you will also direct to his care. July 12th, 1796. S. Ogden." Mr. Ford left New York in July, 1796, and on the 18th arrived at Al- bany, and crossed with teams to Schenectady, where he met Mr. Day and John Lyon,* men whom he had employed to come with him, together with Thomas Lee, carpenter, and Dick, a negro slave who was owned by Mr. Ford. These were considered sufficient to man one boat. To hire another would cost £85 to Oswegatchie, besides porterage and lock fees, which would amount to £5 more. Of the boatmen, Mr. Ford re- marked : " So abandoned a set of rascals as the boatmen at this place are, I never saw." Instead of complying with their demand he bought a four handed boat, and tried to hire men by the day, but here he was again met with a coalition, and was obliged to pay high wages to his hands. * Mr. Lyon died in February, 1834, at the age of SI. 378 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE So impressed was he with the impositions and exactions that thus ob- structed the fjateway to tlie great west, that he predicted that at no distant day, if a change for tiie better did not soon occur, " the western country would seek a market in Montreal, rather than submit to the exactions of tiiese men," Could a prophetic vision but have carried him forward through but half a century, and placed him on that very spot, where lie could have seen the throbs of tiiose nnglity arteries which transmit the wealth of millions along their channels, and on their iron tracks, in obe- dience to the electric message, and the beautiful Mohawk reduced to an insignificant stream, from the withdrawal of its waters, by the canals; the senses must have failed to impart to the understanding the vastness of the change, and the bewildered eye would have gazed without com- prehension upon the scene, as belonging to a dream! Is an equal change reserved for the coming half century? Mr. Ford having purchased a boat for £16, prepared to leave the town, and the journal of his voyage will give the incidents which occurred, with much vividness, and will here be quoted: " Left Schenectada on Friday, 22d July, 1796, at 2 o'clock, with two boats, for Oswegatchie; proceeded up the river as far as Maby's tavern, where he lodged, distance, 6 miles, 23d. Set out early in the morning, and got as far as Mill's tavern, where we lodged, distance 10 miles; had a very heavy shower this afternoon, 24th, Left Mill's tavern, and got to Connoly's, where we lodged, distance 17 miles. Our passage up the river is rendered very slow, owing to the lowness of the water, and our boats being full loaded, I have been under the necessity of loading th^m full for two reasons: 1st, because I could not make up three full loads; and 2d, because of the infamous price I w^as asked for taking a load. It will scarcely be believed, when I say that I was asked £85 for one boat load to be taken to Oswegatchie, besides locks and portage fees, which would make it amount, in the whole, to £90. This I thought so enormous, I could not think of submitting to it. I purchased a boat, and hired another with three batteauxjiien, and with my own people, I set out, and thus far we have come on tolerably well. 25th. Left Con- noly's this morning, and came on to what is called Caty's rift, distance 3 miles. At this unfortunate place commenced my ill fortune. I at first hired only two batteauxmen, but previous to my leaving Schenectada, 1 hired a third, hoping, by this, I had put it out of the power of any acci- dent to happen. The boat being manned by three professed batteauxmen, and one good hand (though not a boatman), ascended this rift to within a boat's length of being over, when she took a shear and fell back, and soon acquired such velocity, that the resistance of the boatmen became quite inadequate to stopping her. The consequence was, she fell cross- wise of the current, and when she had descended the rapids about half way, she brought up broadside upon a rock (which lays in the middle of the stream), and sunk almost instantly, about four or five inches under. In this situation she lay about two hours, before I could procure ai>sist- ance to get her unloaded, the delay of getting to her, together with the difficulty of coming at her cargo, made us three hours before we could relieve the boat, during which time we expected to see her go to pieces, which would undoubtedly have happened, had she not been a new boat, and well built. It was particularly unfortunate, that it was on board this boat that I had almost all my dry goods, which got most thoroughly wet. Upon getting the boat off, I found she had two of her knees broke, and one of her planks split, and leaky in several places. I immediately had one-half the cargo reloaded, and set forward up the rapid, at the AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 379 head of which lives ^Ir. Spraker. Here 1 unloaded, and sent the boat back for the residue. I'jion their arrival, I set about openin? the goods, all of which w- re soaking wet. The casks I had the goods in, would have turned water for a short time, but the length of time the boat was under, gave an opportunity for all the casks to till. The three boxes of tea were all soaked through. The difficulty of getting this article dry, «as heightened by the very showery weather Ve had Tuesday and Wednesday; but by paying the greatest attention, we were enabled to get it all dry by Wednesday evening. The goods I had all dried and repacked: the boat I had taken out of the water, and repaired; almost every thing was now ready for setting out in the morning. Upon drying the tea, I found it was too much damaged to take on : I concluded it would be better to send it back to Xew York, and have it disposed of at auction, for what it would bring, rather than have the reputation of bringing forward damaged tea, and disposing of it for good; and that iu a country where my future success very much defends upon the repu- tation I establish. '^Sth. I finished packing up, and at 10 o'clock we got on board, and proceeded upon our voyage again : got as far as Xeller's tavern, distance about 1"2 miles: rained very sharp this afternoon. 29th. Got to the Little falls this afternoon, about three o'clock. The tea I left boxed uji, in the care of 3Ir. Spraker, to be forwarded to >Ir. Murdock, Schenectada. I have written him to forward it to Mr. 3IcKie, you will be so good as to give him directions about it. It was fortunate that two chests of tea were left at Schenectada, as was also a barrel of snuff, Sec, which I have ordered to be forwarded to Kingston. The two casks of powder I have also sent back to 3Ir. McKie: that article was totally- spoiled (except to work over again). The best of the muslins was in Richard's trunk, and did not get wet. I hope the dry goods are not so damaged as to prevent a sale of them. The cutlery is very much injured, notwithstanding the greatest attention. This is not only a heavy loss, but is attended with vast tatigue and perplexity. I could not procure oil cloths for the boats (the one you had was sold with the boat). 1 have only tow cloths, which I fear will not be sufficient to protect the goods against the very heavy rains we have had, and still have. It has been raining about twelve hours very heavy, and should it continue, I appre- hend the casks will not fully shed the water. No industry or persever- ance shall be wanting on my part, to make the best of the voyage." On the 1st of August, the voyagers arrived at Fort Stauwix (Rome), ou which date 3Ir. Ford wrote to Col. Ogden, that although the voyage had thus far beeu disastrous and extremely unpleasant, yet he anticipated arriving at Oswegatchie in a week, and hoped to go on pleasantly down hill. A copy of the letters of Judge Ford, from 1796 till 1807, is before us, which describe the events of that period with minuteness, and are ex- pressed iu language remarkable for that force and originality so peculiar to that singular man. They would of themselves form a volume of considerable size, and we shall be under the necessity of gleaning from them the succession of events, although we confess our utter inability to approach that conciseness, and that striking peculiarity which indicate the talents and genius of their writer. He arrived August 11, 1796, and was accompanied by Richard Fitz Randolph, a clerk. Thomas Lee, a carpenter, John Lyon and family, and 380 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE a few boatmen from Schenectady. His goods he set up in the Serjeant's room, which he used as a store; the family of Tuttle, whom he had sent on to stay in the fort and keep things in order, he placed in tlie bar- racks adjoining the store ; Mr. Lyon, he placed in the mill house, and immediately crossed to Canada, and obtained three yoke of oxen, four milch cows, peas, wheat, &c,, hired about forty men, and set about build- ing a dam and saw mill. He found many persons the other side anxious to settle, but was not at the time authorized to sell lands, and could only defer their applications, by telling them that settlements could not be made, till the lands were surveyed. In a few days, Joseph Edsall ar- rived, and began to survey the town. He brought with him a small bag of orchard grass seed, half for Ford, and half for Mr. Farrand, on the north shore. On the 7th of September, he wrote to Mr. Ogden as follows: " When I wrote you last, I mentioned Major Watson and several other persons, who had settled upon the lands up the river. These people have relinquished their pretentions, and find that they had better become purchasers. Watson, and several others of them, are at work for me. From what I had heard before, it was Watson I was expecting that would be the person who meant to give us trouble, but I am glad to find it is not like to be the case. But I am well informed that John Smith, or Joseph Smith (who goes by the name of Yankee Smith), is the man who says he will try the title with you. He lives upon the other side himself, and keeps a tavern. I believe he is a man of but little force to set about establishing title to such a tract. I have been told that he was on his way to warn me about my business, but was taken sick and returned. I have not seen him. It would be well to make an example of him, if we could get him over this side. Those fellows only want to be treated with promptness, to bring them to terms. I dare say, Smith's object is, to make a fuss, hoping that to get clear of him, you will give him a deed for a tract, which he is not able to purchase. This I would never in- dulge him in. ft is through such fellows that so much trespass has been committed, and [by] this Smith particularly. I have had all the chiefs of the St. Regis village to see and welcome me to this country, excepting Gray and two others, who are gone to the river Chazj', to receive the money from the state. They gave me a hearty welcome, and ])ressed me very much to pay them a visit. I treated them with the utmost civility, and sent them all away drunk. As to the Oswegatchie Indians, I have never heard a word from them upon the possession of their lands, — many of them have been here to trade, &c. As to Lorimier's claim, I never heard any thing from them, until I had been here several daj s. I had been asked what I in- tended doing with the widow, &c., by people who were not interested, (and who, I suppose, informed her what I said upon the subject); my re- ply was that we had been very illy treated about the business heretofore, but I had understood that the widow was in indigent circumstances, and it was not your or my intention to distress the widow and fatherless; what was right we intended to do. Were Mr. Lorimier alive, we should hold a very difFert language. This was my uniform reply to those who said anything to me upon the subject. Upon the 17th, Mr. Sherwood (a young lawyer), came over and presented me a letter from Mrs. Lorimier, AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 381 (a copy of which ia annexed) which after I had read, he began to apolo- gize for being under the necessity of formally forbidding me to proceed in my building upon the f)remises, and begged I would not be offended if he called in two witnesses, that he might do it in form. He went on to say that he thought Mrs. Lorimier's right would hold good under the 2nd article of the treaty, &c. &c., to all which I made no other reply, but that I should not have any objection to his being as formal as he wished, and as to her coming within the 2nd article, I did not conceive it could be made to bear such a construction, and concluded by observing that if Mrs. Lorimier meint to set up title, it must be the hardest kind of one, and that all idea of charity must be at an end. He insinuated that the cause would be tried in their courts, it being a matter that the treaty was to decide. This idea I treated with levity, as did also Farrand, when I mentioned the thing to him. A few days after this transaction, I was over the river, where I saw Capt, Anderson, (who lives at Kingston,) to whom the estate is indebted. He told me he was going to administer on the es- tate, and wished to know if we intended to make the widow any com- . pensation. I told him the widow had sent me a 1-^tter and a lawyer, to forbid my proceeding; that I supposed she meant to press iier title if she had any, in which case charity would be entirely out of the question. That we had ever been disposed to do what was right, he, himself, very well knew. Who had advised her to the step she had taken, I did not know, neither did I care. If they thought the widow would do better by a law suit than relying upon our justice and generosity, she was at per- fect liberty to try it; that I should give myself no further trouble about it. He told me he thought it a very unwise step she had taken, and could not imagine who had advised her to it, that the thing was given up, and I should never hear any more of it. Notwithstanding all his protestations to the contrary, I did believe then, and ever shall, that he himself was the man — I took care not to insinuate such a belief I then interrogated him as to her title, this he evaded, upon which I told him that he must be well enough acquainted with law to know that a widow could not dis- pose of real estate, and if they had any title to the land, I should not do any thing until the heir at law gave me a release and quit claim. That if I went into the business at all, T did not mean to do it by halves. This brought forward an elucidation of their title, as he has it from the widow, and as he says the lease which he has seen is: . He states that in the year 1785, they built a saw mill and lived upon this side; that the dam and mill went away, and they removed over the river. That in the year 1793, the Indians gave Lorimier a verbal lease (for the land, as stated in her letter to me). That after Lorimier's death, the Indians came forward and confirmed to her in her own name (in writing), a lease for the same lands (the widow states) they gave Lorimier a verbal lease tor. This last act was done this spring or last fall. This he assures me on his honor, is all the title they have. After much conversation upon the subject, I told him that if their conduct towards me was such as it ought to be, I would take the business into considera- tion, and make an equitable valuation of the mill and house, and pay the widow therefor, provided they gave up all idea of title. This heas^ured me they would do, and rely upon our generosity. I am to write to him upon the subject, which when I do, he will come down, and we shall have an end to the business. I do not wish to be in too great a hurry, for fear that something may be behind, which I may find out. I shall be attentive to the business, and not lose too much time. As to business in the mercantile way, it equals my expectation. I am confident much business may be done here in that way. I am sorry that 382 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE I have not a fiiitlier supply of coarse goods here for the season. Provi- sions of every kind can be taken in here in abundance. It was impossi- ble for me to know soon enough what would answer this country for you to forward them this autumn. I shall make the best and most of what I have,— it will go some way in making jirovision for our next summer's operations. I would suggest to you the propriety of sending to England this tall, to have the burr stones shipped to Montreal; they will come easier and much cheaper that way than coming up the Mohawk It is astonishing what a mill may do here, Boulton's mill, wliich is' at the Garlows, is now resorted to tor fifty miles, and a Avorse mill I am sure never vvas. I have not yet been able to get information relative to iron ore. If I can get the dam done soon enough, I intend to take a ramble back of the lake. If we get the saw mill under way this fall, which I hope will be the case, it will beabsohitely necessary to have a bill of such timber as will be wanted for the grist mill, so that ev^ry pre|)aration for that may be going on this winter. This you will be so good as not to fail sending me. My carpenter will stay the winter. I can now give you an accurate account of the surveys and claims, made by the people who have leases from Indians.— Yankee Smith, begins 1 mile from the fort, runs 3 miles upon the river, and 9 miles back. Watson then begins, and has the same quantity. Sealy then begins and has a like quantity. Sealy lives upon the other side, he has been here, but I did not know at the time, of his pretentions. Watson tells me that Sealy's lease is in New England. I should not be surprised to find that he had sold it to the speculators there. The following is Mrs. Lorimier's letter to me. Edwardsburgh, 16th August, 1796. Sir. — I am informed, you have arrived in Oswegatchie, with a num- ber of people, and have taken possession of one of my houses there, and that you are about to make a dam across the Black river, fir.-^t takin"- away what remained of mine. That you may not be deceived, I now mform you, that I have a good title to half a mile on each side of that river, from the mouth to the scource of it, which I can not think of re- linquishing without a valuable consideration; and Christian charity obliges me to think, that you would not endeavor to wrong or in any manner distress the widow and fatherless, and as it appears you wish to form a settlement there, I hereby give you my first offer to piu-chase my tide, and would be glad to have you answer upon the subject, as soon as possible, that I may know how to govern myself. I am your most humble serv't, To Major Ford. Catharine Lorimier. I was not particular in stating to you that Lorimier's verbal lease, was obtained of the Indians, after you had warned him off the premises I have drawn upon you through Mr. Foresyth, for five hundred dollars payable ten days after sight. I hope he will honor the bill, I have re- quested him to forward me four hundred dollars in cash, and one Jiundred dollars in rum. Richard joins in best respects to Mrs. Ogden and family, I am very anxious to hear from you, and when you write pray let me know the news, and how the world is going. I believe yoii will begin to think it is time for me to stop, for you must be tired of reading, and I am sure I am of writing.— So God bless you, is the earnest prayer of your friend and humble servant. Col. Samud Ogden. ]y^ Ford." AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 383 On the approach of winter, Mr. Ford returned to New Jersey, and did not get back to Oswegatchie until the 9th of August, 1797. He found that the Canadian claimants had been over the spring before, held a town meeting, elected civil and military officers, and sent on Ensly their moderator to get their proceedings confirmed by the governor, and that they had opened a land office for selling and settling his tract. He wrote to his partner: " I also found that some of those jockeys had come over and stripped a quantity of bark, I immediately sent Mr. Randolph, with a boat (properly manned), with orders to take on board as much bark as he could, and burn the residue. He accordingly set out, and did not, (un- fortunately), arrive at the place before they got off with one boat load, but was fortunate enough to arrive just as they had got the second loaded, which he detained, and after making them assist in loading his boat, he ordered both to snil for the garrison, where they arrived in good order, and well conditioned. I immediately sent the bark to a tanner in < Johnstown, where 1 send my hides, so that we shall have our hides tan- ned with our own lu;i k. Tliey have kept themselves very quiet upon the siihjf-ct. I 'as rather an unwelcome duty to impose upon judge Ford, who was a zealous Presbyterian, and the story is related as authen- tic, that he was so determined to establish one of this denomination, that he declared Tie would go to h — llfor one rather than be disappointed. The ingenious manner in which he answered the above letter is worthy of perusal. It forms a pai't of a long letter dated Jan. 11, 1805. " I confess I feel much embarrassment in answering that jiart of your ^ letter which relates to the establishing of a clergyman. Not because I " do not think your arrangements judicious and liberal, but because there are local considerations which claim to be deliberately and cautiously examined, for however much this measure may partake of yours and my wish, I fear our interest will be materially affected by it at this time, be- cause the whole emigration to this country is, and has been, with very few exceptions, Presbyterian, and this summer pains have been taken to settle a clergyman in Lisbon, of that denomination. A visible spring has been given to emigration in that town in consequence of it. Our neighbors are pursuing that kind of policy which comports with the feel- ings and wishes of the people in this resj)ect, by which they expect to profit, and they will. The momenta measure sliould be pin-sued, which had the shadow of appearance to direct the religious opinions of the peo- ple, (no matter how pure our motives may be,) jealousies will be excited, and uneasiness created. It is not necessary for me to tell you how quick the sensibility of people are engaged when their religious notions and prejudices are touched; reason loses its force, and passion and rancor are the only visible features. Since Lisbon has settled their clergyman, our people are anxious to have one also. The idea has been much pressed and much urged by them, and they have determined to have one, but be must be a Presbyterian. I have suggested our idea, but it will not take. The question now is whether we shall find it our interest to resist tiieir AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 419 v/ishes and the wishes of those who it is probable will come to our set- tlement, or whether it will not be better to let them follow tiieir own pre- judices, and please themselves in their religious pursuits. It unquestion- ably must be the means of casting a double emigration into Lisbon, and this I make no doubt, has operated as a reason for the haste with which Lishon has settled their clergyman. We shall find it our interest to move in this thing with caution, and not hastily take a step by which our neigh- bors will gain in proportion as we lose, by a wrong move upon the chess board. We stand delicately situated at this time. There are those whose interest it is to take every advantage of any unguarded measure we may pursue, for however much there is of harmony and good understanding in the country at this time, there are jealousies and secret feelings in the breasts of some people in this world, on account of the court house. I have now and tlien heard them echoed in whispers. There was no belief the exertion which has been made would have been to have the courthouse built. It is certain that edifice was considered as a thing wliich might be visible seven years hence, but it is now fixed by law; consequently all hope of changing its situation has vanished. This circumstance gives us an evident advantage of the other towns, and they will naturally for a time, feel jealousies, for they are natural upon such occasions; and if by any means we should excite a religious clamor, we must expect advantage to be taken of it, in which case we shall lose more than we shall gain. I conceive this would be the case for the purpose of counteracting the ad- vantage we now hold. As fi'oni any assistance from our neighbors on the opposite shore, it is out of the question, for they are universally Scotch Presbyterians or Methodists. As for , he never gave a farthing in his liie for the support of any clergyman: he holds all alike in equal contempt. No assistance can reasonably be calculated upon liom without, and want of accordance within our settlement must and will beget an expense which will not be favorable to our interests, for we can not calculate upon more than a mere trifle from the settlers, if any thing at all. It is only necessary for you to ask yourself what success it is pro- bable you would meet with were you to set a subscription on foot to be subscribed by Presbyterians and Methodists, for the support of a Church of England clergyman ? There are few who are better able to answer this question than yourself, for your knowledge of the exciting of preju- dices which attach to different sects, is such as will enable you to make a prompt decision. I have tried to comprise my ideas upon this subject in as concise a manner as possible, and shall conclude them by observing that circumstanced as we are, whether it would be good policy to take any step upon this subject at present, but leave the people to act for themselves. * * * Believe me to be with warmest affection, your friend, N. Ford. Samuel Ogden, JSsgr." A Baptist church was formed July 29, 1809, under Elder Samuel Rowley, a missionary from Massachusetts, of 9 members. The present stone church in State street was erected in 1833. A society had been formed May 23, 1821, with Harry Eastman, Charles Hull and Erastus Vilas, as trustees. The Presbyterian church was organized Dec. 8, 1819» of 9 males and 9 females. The whole number received into full communion up to Aug., 1852, was 646; present number, 255. The society was incorporated 420 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE .Time 1, 1820, with N. Ford, T. Lyon, Duncan Turner, Joseph Ropseel, Wolcott Hubbell and Wni. L Guest, trustees. Their clergymen have been Rev. Barnabas Bruen, 1819; James McAuley, 1821 ; James B. Ambler, 1827; E. G. Smith, 1829; J. A. Savage, 1832; L. Merrill Miller, 1851. The above dates are those in which they commenced their labors respectively. Mr. Savage, after a pastor- ate of nearly 20 years, was dismissed from his charge, in order to assume the presidency of Carroll Presbyterian Church and Parsonage^ Ogdensbiirgh. Colle^'e Wisconsin. A temporary wooden building was erected for a church, in 1818, on the southwest corner of Ford and Caroline streets, and the present church •was built in 1824, at a cost of $9,000, and in 1847, enlarged to its present size, at a cost of $3,000. Tlie church has a clock, bell and a good organ, and adjoining, a parsonage lot, with dwelling and other fixtures, worth in the aggregate, including the church property, about $15,000. There is a flourishing sabbath school connected with the church, numbering over 200 scholars, and a library of about 500 volumes. The ladies' missionary society contribute $50 per year, and a Dorcas society $40, to charitable objects annually. Contribution to other benevolent associa- tions, $250 per annum. Most of the above data were collected by the Rev. L. M. Miller, for this work. St. John's Church. — The Rev. Daniel Nash, on a mis- sionary tour, in 1816, visited this place, and in a report which he made says, that he was the first Episcopal cler- gyman who had visited that vil- lage and the county of St. Lawrence. The second one who St. John's Church and Rectory, Ogdenshurgh. officiated, was the Rev. Amos G. Baldwin, a missionary who ca in June, 1818, and at^limes performed divine offices in the cour and on the 23d of May, 1820, a society was incorporated, having me early t house; Thomas AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 421 J. Davies and Isaac Plumb, wardens; George Parish, Louis Hasbrouck, David Ford, David C. Judson, Andrew McCollom, Junius Walton, Rich- ard W. Colfax and Sylvester Gilbert, vestrymen. The first report to the bishop, was that of 15 members. In 1821, it was resolved to build a stone church edifice, and in the same year, Rev. L. Carter was invited to a temporary charge, which he immediately assumed, and on the 10th of August, 1821, he laid the corner stone on a lot of ground, given for that purpose, by David and George Parish. In October, 1823, the build- ing was opened for worship. In 1824, the Rev. Addison Searle and Rev. Mr. Beardsley were called to take temporary charge of the congre- gation, and in 1825, the first measures were adopted by the vestry, for the erection of the present rectory. In the same year, the Rev. Mr. Todd accepted the charire of the parish. In 1830, the Rev. Nathaniel Iluse was called to the parochial charge, and in 1833, the Rev. Richard Bury was chosen to a temporary charge. In 1838, the Rev. Francis Ti-emayne became the minister, and in 1836, the Rev. William Barton became the first rector, and continued until 1839, when lie resigned, and the Rev. Brayton was temporarily employed. In 1840, the Rev. H. R. Peters was invited to the rectorship, and still remains. In 1843, the church was thoroughly repaired, enlarged and made to assume its present appearance. This work was undertaken by Hon. H. V u Rensselaer, one of the wardens, who very liberally projiosed to make the addition, and carry up the tower to a proportionate height, in con- sideration of the additional pews. This increased the length 30 feet, making its present dimensions 90 by 42 feet, and the church is capable of seating from 500 to 600. In consequence of the growth of the con- gregation, further additions, or a new edifice will ere long be needed. The rectory adjoins the church in the same enclosure, is of stone, and was built on land given by George Parish. There is a large bell in the tower, and the church contains a fine organ. The author is indebted to the Rev. Mr. Peters for the foregoing data.- The first M. E. church in town was incorporated Feb. 22, 1825, with Ichabod Arnold Joseph Brooks, Joseph Cole, David Chapin and Joseph Arnold, trustees. It has been reorganized Nov. 13, 1827, and Feb. 17, 1828. A second M. E. society was incorporated June 1, 1840, with Benj. Nichols, Uriah Van Waters, Amasa Pace, Ransom Lovejoy, James Russell, Joseph D. Hutchinson and Hiram Young, trustees. It was re- organized Dec. 12, 1848. This denomination in 1850, erected the pre- sent large brick church on Franklin street. A society was formed at Heuvelton, Sept. 14, 1843, with Nathan F. Griffin, Isaac Gray and Amos H. Hewlett, trustees. The second Presbyterian church and society in Oswegatchie, was formed April 4, 1832, with Alex. McCall, John J. Dorn, John Lamon, Ezra Day and David Griffin, trustees. They have a church in the west part of the town. The first congregational society of Heuvelton was formed Sept. 26, 1842, with G. T. Howard, Andrew M. Gray, Ebenezer Kate, John Pick- ens and A. H. McMurphy, trustees. It reorganized Nov. 3, 1850. A Universalist society was formed April 16, 1842, with Allen Chaney, Wm. Gardner and O. S. Cummings. trustees, and reorganized Sept. 26, 1842, and April 15, 1843. The Roman Catholic church of Ogdensburgh and its vicinity, mcor- porated November 29, 1848; James Kennaday, Daniel Burns, James Mc Nulty, John Feelyard and Mitchel Lequin, trustees. During the summer of 1852, a large stone church, 60 by 100 feet, has been built, by Rev. James Mackey. 422 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE Pauishville Was formed from Hopkinton, March 18, 1814, aud at first embraced Sherwood, Harewood, Granshiie, Matildavale, Wick, Cookham and the west third of Catharineville. The first town meeting was directed to be held at the house of Thomas C. Colbun. The poor masters of the two towns were directed to meet and divide any moneys in the hands of the poor masters of Hopkinton. It at present embraces Cookham (29,541 acres), and 7,971 acres of the ■west part of Catharineville. Wick, or No. 11, tract 2, is annexed. The first town officers were as follows : Daniel W. ChlM-ch, supervisor; Abijah Abbott, clerk; Stephen Good- man, Ira Ransom and Daniel Rockwell, assessors; Ej)hraim Smith, col- lector; Jonathan M. Derbey and Stephen Paddock, poor masters ; Abel Brown, Peter Mahew and Elisha Brooks, corners of his;hivays; Ephraim Smith and Matthew Wallace, constables; Peter Mayiiew, Abel Brown and Elisha Brooks, fence viewers; Russell Foot, pound keeper; Abel Brown, Peter Mayhew and Foster Brownell, overseers of highways. Supervisors.— 18U, Daniel W. Church; 1815, Abijah Abbott; 1816-20, Daniel Hoard; 1822, William Allen; 1823, Daniel Hoard; 1824-31, Wm. Allen; 1832-4, John Brownell; 1835-7, William Allen; 1838-9, John Hoit; 1840-1, John Brownell; 1842-44, Ethan H. Pease; 1845-7, Sylva- nus B. Merrill; 1848-9, Erastus D. Brooks; 1850-1, Nathan Christy: 1852, William F. Gurley. JVotesfrom the Town Records. — 1814-15-16 — $5 dollars for wolves and panthers, with half this for the young of these animals. 1818, $10 of- fered for panthers^ 1820, $15 offered for panthers, killed in town, to be proved by producing the head, with the skin and ears thereon, and by making oath to the same. $0.50 bounty for foxes and $0.25 for young foxes. 1821, $15 bounty offered for old panthers, and $7.50 for their young. $1 fox bounty, and half that sum for their young. 1826. Voted in favor of a division of county, and the formation of a new one. 1827, this action again taken, and William Allen, and Daniel Hamlin, were ap- pointed a committee to represent the wishes of the town in a petition to the legislature. 1846. $600 voted to build or furnish a town house in the village of Parishville, to be raised in the years 1847-48, and ap- pointed William Allen, D. S. Stevens, and E. D. Brooks, a committee to petition the legislature for the powers necessary for raising the tax. This measure was not carried into eflTect. 1850. The town voted against reviving the distinction between the town and county poor. This town derives its name from David Parish, who, Dec. 2, 1808, bought the town of J. D. Le Ray de Chaumont.* The latter had pur- chased of the heirs of Wm. Constable, July 24, 1804.f The first settlement was made under the direction of Daniel Hoard, as agent of Mr. David Parish. Mr. Hoard was a young man, a native ot Springfield, Vermont, who with his brother Silvius Hoard, had been •Clerk's office, b. 3. deeds, p 180. fib. b. 2, p. 105. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 423 brought to the notice of Mr. Parish, by Gen. Lewis R. Morris, of Springfield, who had been interested in the lagds afterwards purchased in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties. Both brothers were employed as agents ; the first at Parishville, and the latter at Antwerp. Mr. Hoard in the fall of 1809, surveyed and cut a road from Potsdam line to the site of Parishville village, In April 1810, he returned with Luke Brown, Isaac Tower, and Hart- well Shattuck, from Springfield, Vermont, and Levi Sawyer, from Massachusetts. These were employed during the summer, in clearing lands, and during the season, they chopped about seventy acres, and cleared forty on the site of Parishville village, A Mr. Whitmore and wife came into town this summer, to board the men engaged in clearing lands, and this woman was the first who ever came into town to reside. A line of road through to the Black river had been marked previous to this year. The route led several miles further south than the St. Lawrence turnpike was afterwards made, and passed through the township of Matildavale, now Colton. During the summer and fall of 1810, a saw mill was built by two brothers from Oneida county, by the name of Barnes. It was got in operation the same season, and used during the winter. Towards spring, the family which had first moved in went away. Soon after (March 31, 1811) Luke Brown and family moved into town, and this was the first permanent family in Parishville. He settled about two and a half miles from the line of Potsdam, on a farm he had previously purchased, and commenced improvements upon. Ira Col- lins, Reuben Thomas, George A. Flower, Joel Hawkins, William Thomas, Richard Newton, Abijah Abbot, Champlin, and Dag- get, several of these men with families, came in and settled soon after, During the year 1811, the turnpike from the Black river settlements was cut through the town ; a grist mill was built by Daniel W. Church, for Mr. Parish, and a distillery was erected and inclosed by Mr. Hoard the same season. The latter was the property of the agent, and remained such as long as he resided m town. It has been worked, with a few in- terruptions, nearly every year since. It was not got in operation till the spring of 1812. During the summer of 1812, a large tavern stand was erected by Mr. Church, for the proprietor of the town, costing $12,000, and during this season the place received large accessions of inhabit- ants, many of whom fled from Ogdensburgh, and other places on the St. Lawrence, from the danger they apprehended from the war. This morbid growth gave business and life to the settlement, which has never since been equalled; and for a time the village and surrounding country increased in population and improvements, as if by magic. A forge was built and run at an early day at its place. In 1813, this prosperity con- 424 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE tinued, and extensive buildings and improvements were undertaken. During this season a building was erected at the expense of Mr. Parish for public purposes, and which has since been usually known as the academy, for which use it was originally designed. It has since been used as a town hall, school house, and place for public and religiou8 meetings. It is a one story wooden building with single room. The first birth in the town of Parishville, was in the family of Luke Brown, in the spring of 1812. The first school was taught by Miss Harriet Bronson, in the summer of 1813, in the barn of Daniel Hoard. A school house was erected very soon after. Religious meetings were oc- casionally held in 1812-13, and subsequently by traveling preachers, but the first stated ministry was established by the Methodists in July 1818, at the house of Mr. L. Brown. Baptist meetings were first held by an Elder Johnson, from Jefferson county. An affair occurred in this town, in the fall of 1812, which created much excitement at the time. A desperate character by the name of B , living in the edge of Stockholm, had been charged with a crime which carried him to jail in Ogdensburgh, in the month of June of thatyiar. While undergoing his trial, and afterwards, he threat- ened vengeance against the neighborhood where the crime was commit- ted, and against a Mrs. Miller in particular, who had been the principal witness against him. Shortly after his imprisonment, he succeeded in breaking jail, and was not seen for some time, till early in the morning, on Monday, October 23d, he was seen to cross the bridge over Raquette river, near the line of Pierrepont. On Wednesday morning, following, Mrs. Miller was left by her husband in the act of rising from bed, while he went some distance from home to get fire at a neighbor's. On his i e- turn she was not in the house, and her shoes and parts of her clothing being left he supposed that she was not far distant. Notliing more was seen of her, and her absence during the day, became a subject of anxiety, which increased till the whole country, far and near was rallied, and a general search begun, which continued several days, and at length given up in despair of finding any trace of the absent one. On Friday night several houses and barns in the vicinity, were burned, evidently by an incendiary, and on Saturday morning following, the jail bird was seen to recross the bridge, of Raquette river. Suspicion rested on B , who was followed up and arrested at Carthage, having in his possession a stolen rifle. Nothing hut suspicion resting upon him, in re- lation to the abduction and arson, he was tried for the theft, and sent to states prison, where he died. On the following spring, a woman's head, was found some distance from a headless body, in the woods about three miles above the village of Parishville, which were identified as those of Mrs. Miller, who in all probability had been brutally murjlered irom a fiendish revenge, by the ruffian who had afterwards set fire to his own house, and another which sheltered his wife and children. Parishville was surveyed by Joseph Crary, in the fall of 1809. The village was surveyed into a plat, by Sewall Raymond, in 1812. It is located on St. Regis river, at a point where that river is crossed by the old St. mE^ . M o]?'iiE2im]EiP©i^To a?" ^_7/^/.v"'7.T A: ZT. ■3_T, k rln CoiiTiiies . AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 425 Lawrence turnpike. The river here affords a considerable amount of water power. The channel is pressed into a narrow gorge scarcely ten feet wide and the river descends about 125 feet in the distance of a mile. Wick, is owned by Dr. Samuel W. Moore, of New York whose wife is Emily, a daughter of Wm. Constable. There are in this township, three school houses, several mills and about 100 families. Religious Societies. — A Congregational church was formed Aug. 7, 1823, by a council consisting of the Rev. Messrs. M. Parmelee of Stock- liolm, Rev. Oliver P^astman of Parishville, Mr. Custant Southworth, licentiate of Canton, R. Pettibone, do. of Hopkinton, Mr. Henry Winches- ter, delegate from Madrid, and Dea. Sam'l P. Reynolds of Potsdam. It began with 11 members. C. Eastman, Moses Ordway, Tertius Reynolds, APm, K. Talbot, Bliss Burnap, Geo. P. Everest, Milton Bradley, Enos Wood, and Bliss Burnap have been employed; those in italics having been settled as pastors. Whole number admitted up to Sept. 20, 1852, 224; of whom 90 now belong to the church. The stone church in Parishville was built in 1834, at a cost of $3000. A society was incorporated April 23, 1827, with Noran Rockwell, James Hardy, and George A. Flower, trustees. A Baptist church was formed in October, 1823, of about 13 members, present number, 172. A society was formed April 5, 1831, with Graton Brand, Seymour Flower, and David Burdit, trustees; they have a com- modious church, costing about $1950. The pastors have been the Rev. Messrs. Solomon Johnson, Rhodes, B. N. Leach, J. H. Greene, G. Brand, L. T. Ford, and O. W. Moxley. The last named commenced his services with this church in May, 1840, and continued them until May, 1844, when he moved to Madrid, and la!)ored with the Baptist church there until Marcli, 1848, when he returned to Parishville, where he still continues; and has labored longer with this church than any other minister, since its organization. They have during the intervals been supplied by the Revs. Henry Greene and W. H. Rice. A Methodist society was formed March 10, 1828, with Luke Brown, Francis Gobdale, Nathan Christy, Levi Fuller and Isaac Russell, trustees. It was reorganized Aug. 23, 1833, and Oct. 26, 1846. A chapel was built in 1846-7, worth $1000. A Wesleyan Methodist society was in- corporated Dec. 6, 1843, with Luke Brown, Walter W. BlossandLeavitt Hatch, trustees. PlERREPOJVT, Was erected from Russell and Potsdam, April 15, 1818,'including the townships of Emllyville, Chaumont, Clifton Clare, and so much of Dewitt as would lie east of a continuation of the west line of said tovyn- ships to the rear line of Canton. The first town meeting was dii-ected to be held at the house of Cyrus Grannis. The towns of Emilyville and Chaumont have been annexed to Fine, in the formation of that town. The poor moneys were to be equitably divided between the towns. The portion of Dewitt included in this town, was by an act of 1807, annexed to Potsdam. This portion comprises almost the entire settled part of the town. A small part on the west belongs to the Harri- son estate, and the remainder to that of the late Hezekiah Beers 27- 426 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE Pierrepont, by the ageiits of whom it has been principally settled, and from whom it derives its name.* First Toiim OJJlrers.—rCyrus Grnnn'M^, svpei-visor ; Andrew A. Cnimp- ton, cVrZ:; VVni. V.-ile, Elislia Woodruff, Gfirdner Cox, assessor* ; Peter 15. Leonard, Josepli Dorothy, poor mas/frs; Flavins J. Ciirtii-', Ezra Crarey, Samuel lieldinir, commissioners of roads ; Riclmid Weller, consfahle and collector; Setli [li\]e, overseer of highways ; F. J. Curtis, Elienezer Tiipper, Gardner Cox, commissioners of schools ; Cyrus Grannis, Win. Yale, A. A. Crampton, inspedors of schools ; Joseph iJoiothy, Seth Hale, F. J. Curtis, Henry Axtell, fence viewers; E. Tiipper, P. R. Leonard, pound keepers. Supervisors.— ] 819, Cyruii Grannis; 1820-1, John Axtell; 18-22 3, E/ra Crarev; J824-9, Jienjamin Squire; 1829, Auril 18, 1845, the board of supervisors were re- quired to levy a tax of $600 in each of the years, 1846 and 1847, in the town of Potsdam, which moneys were to be paid over to the supervisors oi' the town, Henry L. Knowles, Samuel Partridge, Flavel Sm.th and William W. Goulding, for the purpose ot being spent in the erection of a town house in the village. The committee hereby appointed were at liberty to anticipate this appro[)riation by loans, if they thought proper. The town was directed to choose by ballot some person who with the supervisor and town clerk, were to have charge of the town house, with liberty to grant its use for such purposes as hfight not be deemed incon- sistent with the pin-poses for which it was erected, or the interests of the town. If it should be located upon the westerly side of the public square it should not be let for any such use on Sunday without the consent of the trustees of the societies occupying the two nearest churches. A town hall was accordingly built the same year under a contract with Wm, J. Sweet. It is of wood, about 64 by 40 feet, and stands on the centre of the west side of the public square. We are much indebted to William H. Wallace, Esq., for the following statistics of Potsdam village, as it was in the fall of 1852: Population of village, 1,500 to 1,600; of town, 5,000 to 6,000. There were 175 dwellings; 5 churches; 2 large stone academic buildings; 12 dry goods stores, and six others in town ; 1 furnace or hardware store; 1 book store; 3 shoe stores, and 1 shoe shop; 2 wholesale and retail gro- cery stores; I printing office (issuing a weekly paper, circulation 900); 6 groceries; 3 hotels; 2 jeweler shops and stores; 2 saddle and harness shops and stores; 2 tailor shops; 3 shoe and leather stores; 2 tanneries; 4 cabinet shops; 2 finishing machine shops; 1 foimdry and furnace; 1 trip hammer shop; 5 blacksmith shops; 1 wholesale and retail tin store; 2 cooper shops; 1 carriage factory; 2 wheelwright shops; 1 chair shop and factory; 1 marble factory; 1 fanning mill factory; 1 large flouring and grist mill; 2 saw mills, one gang mill with 100 saws and 4 gates; 1 woolen factory; 1 cloth dressing and carding factory; 1 hoe factory; 2 442 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE aslieries; 1 plaster mill; 1 drugstore, exclud'mo: two others who deal extensively in drugs; 1 bakery; 1 book bindery; 1 millinery furnishing store; 2 milliner shops; 4 physicians and surgeons; 5 practicing lawyers; 4 settled clergymen; 1 large gang sawmill, 2h miles below Potsdam village, on Kaquette I'iver, 80 saws. The second legal execution for murder in St. Lawrence, was that of John Donnovan, ibr the murder of James Rowley, at Potsdam, Jan. 2.3, 1852, Both were Irishmen. They had been drinking beer together, and afterwards a quarrel arose, hard words and blows were exchanged, but subsequently the matter was settled, and they parted, apparently as friends. Rowley had, however, proceeded but a short* distance, when Donnovan followed, and with a jack knife inflicted several wounds, which proved fatal. The murderer was arrested, after somes how of resistance, and tried before judge Hand, in February, 1852, at Canton. The jury, after two hours' deliberation, brought in a verdict of guilty, which verdict the prisoner leceived with the same apparent indifference and stupidity he had evinced throughout the trial. On the 21st, he was arraigned and received his sentence, to be executed on the 16th of April, which sen- tence was carried into effect in the yard of the jail, in the presence of the limited number which were legally admitted, and several hundred, who gained a sight of the spectacle from the roofs of buildings and other places. The Washington Benexiolent Society Library was incorporated in Pots- dam, June 14, 1814, under a general act, with Benjamin Raymond, Liber- ty Knowles, Azel Lyman, Robert McChesney, Pierce Shepard, Jacob Redington and Sewall Raymond, trustees. The Union Lihrai-y Jlssociation was incorporated Jan. 8, 1828, with Jabez Wiiles, Zenas Clark, Amos VV. Brown, Myron G. Muuson, Horace Allen, Solomon M. Crary, Solomon Parmeter, trustees. Religious Societies. — A united religious society was formed in Potsdam, September 16, 1806, with Wm. Bullard, Jonathan Adams, Ammi Currier, Reuben Field, Manasseh Smith and Alba Durgee, trustees. This was the Union mentioned in our foregoing pages. St. Paul's church society was formed August 14, 1811, with Liberty Knowles, 'Jose[)h P. Reynolds, and Azel Lyman, trustees. Exceptions having been taken at the name, it was, Dec. 16, 1820, changed to the first Presbyterian society in Potsdam, with A. Lyman, Sewall Raymond and Forest Morgan, trustees. A church organization was effected June 9, 1811, by about 20 members, who were united by the Rev. William Wright, and Rev James Johnson, the latter of whom became their first pastor, and was installed March 10, 1812. The council that performed this duty, were the Rev. Messrs. A. Pettengill, of Champlain ; A. Par- melee, of Malone; E. Wright, of Russell; J. Winchester, of Madrid, and Amasa Blanchard and Salmon Gi-ay, delegates; the former from Hopkinton, and the latter from Madrid. Ora P. Hoyt was ordained Jan. 18,1826; F. E. Cannon, Sept. 7, 1831. He was succeeded by B. B. Holchkin, and the latter by F^lijah W. Plumb, the present pastor. Up to the close of 1826, 199 had joined the church. In 1846, 317 had united. The present edifice represented on our engraving, between the two aca- demic buildings, was built in 1820, at a cost of $4,.500, and dedicated Feb., 1822. In 1820, and in the fall and winter of 1826-7, were periods of unusual religious interest, and the number of members was largely increased. The Christian sect, in the autumn of 1815, through the labors of Bela Palmer, for a church in the neighborhood of the Union. It numbered H ; m :?#,, m. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 445 from 30 to 40 members, most of whom had belonged to that community. Eld. Ira Allen commenced preaching here in 18i9, and has since had tlie pastoral charge of the church with only two years interval. In all 177 have united, of whom 45 have died, which, with other causes, have reduced the numbers to 78. ,v, A Baptist chiu-ch was organized Jan. 9, ]8'24, of 6 males and 6 fe- males, delegates being present from the churcl.es in Hopkititon, Madrid, Stockholm, Canton and Parishville. The following have been employed as pastors: Rev. Messrs. Palmer, Silas Pratt, Bacheldor, Henry Green, Wm. H. Rice, J. Ide; some of them at several successive times. The present number of the church (Oct., 1852), is 58, and 150 have been received from the first. No society has been incorporated. . A Universalist society was incorporated October 2, 1825, with James Whitcomb, Asher Brown and Steward Banister, trustees. It had been formed on the 17th of Jan. previous, but this soon lost its organization, which was again effected Jan. 6, 1825. The early efforts failed to secure the means for building a church, until 1832, the meeting being previously held in the old academy. A committee was then aj>pointed, who in 1835-6 erected the present church edifice. Rev. Jonathan Wallace, Rev. Wm. H. Waggoner and Rev. Jonathan Douglass, have been successively employed as clergymen. A church organization was effected January 17, 1852, of 24 members, and the present numl)er (October, 1852), is 33. A Methodist society was formed Feb. 4, 1833, with John Lockwood, Gersham Conger, Jonathan Paul, George Wright and John Byington, trustees. It was reorganized January 4, 1830. A Methodist society was formed in West Potsdam, June 1, 1846, with Jolin Wellwood, Erastus RobbinS and Wm. S. llorr, trustees. Trinity church, Potsdam, was organized on the 23d, and incorporated on the 25th, of iMarch, 1835, with John C. Clarkson and Augustus L. Clarkson, wardens; David L. Clarkson, Zenas Clark, Theodore Clark, Myi-on G. Munson, Noble S. Elderkin, Samuel Partridge, Frederick Mil- ler, Jr. and Aaron T. Hopkins, vestrymen. Rev. Richard Bury, appears from the records of the vestry, to have been employed as a clergyman previously, and to have signed the records of the first meeting. He was employed on the 16th of October, 1834. The elegant church edifice on the island in the village of Potsdam, represented on the opposite page, was erected in 1835, and consecrated on the 7th of August, 1836. In September, 1839, the Rev. Albin R. Putnam was employed as rector of the church. Having received a call to the rectorship of Immanuel church, of Bellows Falls, Vt., he resigned on the 20th of February, 1844, and was, on the 29th of April following, succeeded by the Rev. Nathan Watson Monroe, who resigned Aug. 10, 1846. The Rev. J. G. Hubbard was elected rector of the church, April 18, 1847, who held this office till February, 1851, when he resigned. The Rev. Kendrick Metcalf, D. D., was elected on the 29th of September, 1851. He had been previously employed as a professor of Greek and Latin, in Geneva College; and on the change of name and fuller endowment of that institution, in the early part of 1852, he resigned, and returned to that institution He was im- mediately succeeded by the Rev. William Staunton, from Ridgefield, Ct., the present rector. in the corner stone of the church edifice, was deposited the following inscription : " This church is erected to the worship and service of 'Almighty God, by the name of Trinity church, Potsdam, St, Lawrence county, state of New York, Anno Domini, 1835. Rt, Rev. Benjamin Onderdonk, bishop of the Diocese. Richard Bury, rector; John C. Clarkson, Augustus L. Clarkson, wardens ; David L. Clarkson, Theodore 28 446 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE Clnvk, Zenas Clark, Aaron T. Hopkins, Samuel Partridge, Frederick Miller, .Inn., I\Iyro)i G. Mnnson, Noble S. F.lderkin, vestrymen. Names of the liiiilding conmiittee, .lolm C. Clarkson, Angustus L. Clarkson, David C. Clarkson, Zenas Clark, Samnel Partridge, Theodore Clark. Master builders, Alanson Fisher, Jedidiali Reynolds." There were also (lepositerophecy is given 'by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost; Evangelists have it for their special work to carry forth the gospel; and Fastors are entrusted with the care of souls in all the congregations that are gathered. Each fully organize)! church is under the rule of an angel (a chief Pastor, or Bishop), assisted by Elders and Deacons; and there are also Under Deacons and Deaconesses, as the necessities of the jjeople may require. All who are of the Priesthood, are called to their office by the voice of prophecy, and ordained by Apostles, (or those delegated by them for that purpose); but the Deacons are chosen by the people, to whom they act as counsellors in temporal matters, while they can also be used as Evangelists. In such churches, there is daily worship, at six in the morning and at five in the evening, with additional shorter servic;:s at nine and at three; and the Eucharist is celebrated every Sunday, and the Communion also administered every day at the close of the morning worship. Forms of prayer are used, embracing the most valuable parts of the existing rituals of the church, with such changes and additions as have been thought necessary to free them from error, to adopt the services to the present wants of Christendom, and to bring the worship of God into the highest form which the circumstances of the time allow. Vestments are worn by the ministers in fulfilling their public offices. As to their faith, it is that of the Church Catholic in all ages, as embodied in the three great creeds, commonly called the Apostles', the Nicene, and the Athanasian, all of which are used in their worship. The doctrine of the Holy Trinity, the apostacy of man, the Incarnation of the Son of God, the atonement for sin through His sufier- ings and death, the office of the Holy Ghost to regenerate and sanctity, and the eternal retributions of the judgment, are held by them as fundamental truths of Revelation. They expect the speedy coming of the Lord to establish his kingdom upon the earth, and to rule over it with his saints^ risen and translated; at which time they also believe that God will fulfil His promises to the Jews, gather them to their own land, and make them a blessing to all nations. They look upon the church as embracing all the baptized, in all their divisions; and as being a divine institution, with ministries, sacraments, and ordinances appointed by the Lord himself They recognize all Christian men as brethren, members with them of the one body of Christ, which however, they believe to be in a state of dismemberment and schism, and full of error and pollution, through the sins of many generations. They are distinguished from others only in being the first gathered under Apostles, whose work they believe to be to present the bride of Christ to Him at His coming, holy and undefiled. They look upon themselves, as stand- ing in no other attitude to any part of the church, than that of brethren, to whom the returning grace of God has been firtt vouchsafed, and that only that they may be witnesses to all that His kingdom is at hand, and that He is visiting His people now at the end of the dispensation, to bring them back to His ways, and to adorn them with all the gilts of His spirit, they take no other name, therefore, than that which belongs to the whole church — Holy Catholic and Apostolic — as that which expresses its true 448 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE staridin^f before God, and which should never have been laid aside by any. In tlie congregation in Potsdam, wliich has never yet received the fidi oigaiiizatioii of a clinrcli, and is only under the care of a Pastor and Deacons, there are regular services, sometimes daily, and sometimes only on Wednesdays and Fridays, of the week days; and the Lord's supper is adiniiiisterefl every Siuiday. There are between fifty and sixty communicants, amongst whom there have been some spuitual manifesta- tions in the form of prophetic utterances." RossiE Was erected from Russell, Jan. 21, 1813. The following memorandum in relation to the organization of this town occurs on the records of the town of Russell : "At a special meeting of the freeholders and other inhabitants of the town of Ivussell, assend)led on Tuesday, the first day of January, 1811, at the dwelling house of Moses A.Buiuiel, in said Russell, voted, To grant the request of Benjamin Pike, in behalf of the inhabitants living on that part of Russell called Somerville, that they be set off" from Rus- sell and annexed to the town of Gouverneur." As originally forfned, it embraced townships 1,2 and 7, or Hammond^ Somerville, and Kilkenny, of tract No. 3. Fowler and Hammond have since been taken off", and the line between Rossie and Hammond was altered Feb, 7, 1844. The town derives its name from Rossie castle in Scotland, which was owned by the husband of David Parish's sister. Her name was Rossie, but she usually bore the name of Rosa. The first town meeting was directed to be held at the house of Reuben Streeter, but the day having passed the legislature appointed another and the first town election was held in tlie block house, then the resi- dence of Mr, S, Supervisors. — 1814, Reuben Streeter; 1815, Theodosius O. Fowler; 1816-18, Reuben Streeter; 1819, Ebenezer Marvin; 1820,Roswell Ryon; 1821, Reuben Streeter; 1822-4, Lewis Franklin ; 1825, Ebenezer Marvin ; 1826-7, James Howard; 1828, William Brown; 1829, Reuben Streeter; 1830-2, S. Pratt; 1833-4, William Skinner; 1835, S. Pratt; 1836-8, Robert Clark; 1839-40, Martin Thatcher; 1841, Svlvenus Barker; 1842, Martin Thatcher; 1843-4, Wm, B, Bostwick ; 1845-6, S, Pratt; 1847-8, Henry V, R, Willmot; 1849, Zaccheus Gates; 1850, Adam Turnbidl; 1851-2, Zaccheus Gates. Mr. Gates died in April, 1852, and S. Pratt was elected in his place. The first school disti-icts were organized March 30, 1815, when No. 1 embraced the jjresent town of Fowler; No. 2, all Rossie southeast of Indian river; and No. 3, between Indian and St. Lawrence rivers. The town is very unpleasantly situated for the transaction of its business, in being so divided by the Oswegatchie and Yellow lake, that no commu- nication can be had without going out of the town and county. In 1817- 18-19-21, and 22, a wolf boujity of $5 offered. In 1828, the town voted in favor of Potsdam as a county seat. In 1844, voted unanimously in favor of a new county from parts of St. Lawrence, Jefferson and Lewis, AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 449 The earliest settlement in this town was commenced in 1807, by Jo- seph Teall, of Fairfield, and Reuben Streeter, of Sahsbnry, Heikimer county, who had contracted of Lewis R. Morris, the nephew of Gouver- iieur Morris, a tract lying between tlie Oswegatcliie and the south lino of Gouverneur extended to the county line. Mr. David Parish, Dec. 2, 1808, purchased the town (26.804 acres), the money going to G. Morrid and J. D. Le Ray, with whom was the title previously. The land records at Ogdensburgh show the following purchases under date of October 1, 1806, at which time these men came into town and selected lands. They were mostly from Herkimer county. Ambrose Simons, Oliver Malterner, Amos Keeney, Jr., Samuel Bonfy, Silvius Waters, Joshua Stearns, Jerom Waldo, George W. Pike, Benjamin Pike, Jr., Ebenezer Bemis, David Shepard. The first improvement was made by Reuben Streeter, in 1807, on a farm about half a mile east of the present village of VVegatohie. In 1808, he commenced the erection of a mill on the Oswegatcliie, and in the spring of ]8ll,the following families wei-e living on the Teall and Streeter tract, besides those already named: David Freeman, James Streeter, Joseph Teall, Diamond Wheeler, Eli Wiuchell, Sinjeon Ste- vens, John and Wheaton Wilcox, and Daniel Wilcox, (single.) The first school in town was taught about a mile west of Somerville, by a Mr. Maynard. The Ibllovving additional names of families appear on ihe first assessment roll, some of whom resided in the portions now Fowler and Hammond: Lemuel Arnold, Jeduthan Baker, James Barnes, Hora- tio G. Berthrong, (first innkeeper at Rossie,) Samuel B. Brown, Truman Bristol, Joseph Desbrow, James Haile, Samuel Hendrix, Jedcdiah King- slej^ Alexander Osburne, Ebenezer Parker, Richard Townsend, Joseph Teall, Jr., Elias Teall, Alvin Wrigl^t. Total number of acres wild land 80,575; tax yjayers 37, (some of them non-reidents); cleared 499| acres; total value, $183,754; value of buildings in the three townshi[)s, $2,990. On receiving news of the war, the inhabitants of the southern part of Rossie, erected a block house on the road between Somerville anti We- gatchie, about half a mile from the latter phice, for mutual protection. Thither the inhabitants were accustomed to repair to spend their nights, on occasions of public alarm, which were very frequent, and as often entirely groundless. The sight of an Indian, however innocent his in- tentions, was sufficient to originate an alarm which lost nothing by pass- ing from month to mouth, and stories are related which reflect little credit upon the courage of certain ones of the settlers. This block house was well built, of hewn timber, 24 by 30 feet, and stood till about 1840. It was used only in 1812. A similar one was built of round logs, near a small stream a few rods northeast of the present village of Somerville. It was only occupied a few nights. In the summer of 1812, the mills built by Mr. Streeter were burned ia the night time, as it was re[)orted, by the Indians. This is believed to have been done by a man who lived in the edge of Gouverneur near the Kearney bridge, and who wanted a pretext for quitting the country. He fled to New York, and was not pursued or apprehended. The mill was immediately rebuilt by Mr. Parish, and owned by him until sold to Mr. James Howard about the year 1817. It was his wish to have the settlement at his mills called Caledonia, and this it has in some measm-e retained, although it has been since known as Howard's Mills, Churches Mills, and fVegaichie, The latter name was given it u|)on thf establishment of a post ofiice in 1849. It was intended at one lime that Caledonia should be the name of the town. The first settlement at Rossie iron works was comraencedby men sent 450 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE by Mr. D. Parish, late in the summer of 1810, to erect mills, and make arrangements for settling lands.* The stone store at Ogdensburgh being enclosed and nearly finished, Mr. D. W. Church, who had superintended its erection, with seven men, one of whom was accompanied by his wife to cook for the party, pro- ceeded in a Canadian bateaux, with shanty furnitiu'e and tools, to the head of navigation on Indian river, and landed at sunset on a fine flat ock, on an i^sland near where the foundry now is, and spreading their sail upon poles for a tent for the married pair, and their blankets on the rocks under the canopy of' heaven, around a fire, for themselves, they spent the first night. The following evening saw a commodious hut with two rooms erected, near where the saw mill now is, and by winter a saw mill was erected and in operation. In December, the camp was broken up and abandoned till spring. During the winter, parties were engaged in getting out timber, which subsequently was employed in buildings then erecting at Ogdensburgh, and i^i the frame of the Genesee Packet, built soon alter at tliat port. During the summer of 181 J, the lumber business was prosecuted with vigor, and in the following winter the bridge at the foot of the Big hill was built. The furnace was commenced in the summer of 1813, under the immediate direction of Mr. James Howard, and from this period the settlement exhibited much life and sjjirit under the enterprising direction of Mr. Parish, its proprietor. A road through to Ox Bow, had been run out in the fall of 1810, and was cut and cleared the following summer. It was subsequently made a turnpike under the name of the Ogdens- burgh turnpike. The first male child said to have been born in town, was Wm. Rossie Williams, March 31, 1814. Hossie furnace, was the first blast" furnace erected in Northern New York, and is at this time by much the largest. It was built in the sum- mer of 1813, and got in operation in 1815. The Caledonia iron mine, one mile and a Jaalf east of Somerville, began to be wrought at about the same time or the year before. The ore was first sent to Albany for trial. When first erected, the furnace consisted of two stacks, but only one of these was ever got in operation. They were about thirty-two feet square at the base, and of the same height. The agent employed by Mr. Parish to build and run this furnace, was Wm, Bembo, an Englishman of great experience in this business, but unacquainted with the ores and fuel used in this country. The result was, that no iron could be made, and after spending large sums in ex- perimenting, and in building a costly mansion for permanent residence, he abandoned the attempt in discom-ag'ement, and returned to England. At this juncture, Mr. Parish met with parties from New England, who guessed that the thing could be done, and he accordingly offered to Messrs. Keith, Marvin and Sykes, the free use of the furnace and coal, with the privilege of culling the best of the ore on the premises, and all they could make in three months, if they would make a trial. The re- sult was that these men realized a large profit, and not the least difficulty was found in getting iron of a good quality and in the greatest abundance. From this time the fiunace was run by S. Fullers & Co., for about three years, on a contract which was to have run five years, but Mr. George Parish having an opportunity of leasing it for a long term, bought the * The early settlers found traces wliicli indicate that the English or French had at some time contemplated the erection of some station at Rossie. It being at the liead of a navigation of 27 mjles towards Fort Slauvvix, rendered it important. A Duriiam boat laden with stone, was found sunk in the river, with every appearance of having been a long time submerged, and an excavation apparently for a cellar existed where the stone store a( Rossie now stands. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 451 contract and leased to Robert R. Burr, of New Jersey, who run it two or three j'ears, and left about 1827. It then lay idle about ten years. A forge was erected in 1816, which was subsequently burned. The first fiu-nace was what is technically called a quaiier furnace, with one tewei or pipe for air. During some considerable portion of the time. before 3826, bog ore was in part used. The princijial supj)ly has been derived from the Caledonia mine in Rossie. the Keene and Wicks mines^in Antwerp, and a small opening adjoining the Kearney mine. This furnace has been several times burnt and reluiilt. On the 12th of May, 1837, it was again got in Oj)eration bj'^ Mr. Parish, and has since been run by his agents with sliort intervals. A stack 32 feet square and 46 feet high was built in 1837, and stood till about 1844, when the present one was erected. It is 40 feet square, 46 feet high, 9 feet diameter within, and capable of making 11 tons a day with a hot blast. It is technically called a three quarter furnace, and has three tewels or air pipes. Since 1838 the hot blast has been used most of the time, the apparatus of which was put in by Mr. Alger, the patentee, in 1838. From 110 to 120 bushels of charcoal are required to make a ton of iron with the hot blast, and 200 with the cold blast. Fire brick are used for lining. Formerly sandstone was employed for this purpose. The for- mer is found to be much more durable. The following table derived from the books of Mr. D. W. Baldwin, the agent, will exhibit, toithose acquainted with the iron trade an acurate idea of the operations of the ftu-nace, and the average yield of the iron ores of Northern New York, from whicli a comparison can be drawn with the results of other fur- naces and different ores. The table exhibits the number of tons and pounds of ore consumed, the tons and pounds of pig iron made, and the percentage of yield of each blast since 1837. Ork. Iron. Ore. Iron. tons. Ihs. tons. lbs. per cent. tons. lbs. tons. lbs. 1088 708 490 367 45-04 618 810 275 1125 666 825 382 556 57 36 3580 990 1698 1297 1328 992 746 136 56.16 1782 1725 908 1570 1251 1048 741 1222 59-25 1310 815 608 365 1580 1998 847 1747 53-62 3630 11 1687 485 1245 354 758 827 60-90 5297 231 2568 892 2078 717 1113 568 53-56 5398 1700 2724 1794 574 708 289 1560 50-45 1706 1950 851 1667 1281 162 616 769 5006 per cent. 44-5r) 47-44 .50-97 46.41 46-48 48-48 56-05 49-88 All of the above blasts, except the last, were made with heated air. The iron mines in this town, situated u mile and a quarter east of the village of Somerviile, began to be wrought in the fall of 1812, and have been continued with more or less interruption till the present time. The amount is inexhaustible, and the yield in the large way about 50 per cent. It is raised by laborers of little or no capital, at a £tii)ulated price per ton, including the cost of draining and raising. The first ore that was taken to the Rossie furnace was not sorted, and a large amount of red stone was carried for smelting, which was one of the principal causes of the first failures in getting iron. Afterwards a large quantity of middling quality was thrown away, and none but the best was taken. From $1 to $3 has been paid per ton for drawing ore, 13 miles, to the furnace, and this business, done mostly in winter by sleighs, has enabled great numbers to pay for lands with their surplus labor. The Caledonia 452 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE mine belonging to the Parish estate, and the one that has been princi- pally vvroiiuht, is estimated to have ibriiished 100,000 tons of ore. The geological and mineraiogical associations of" this mine will be found detailed in the chapter on these subjects. The mills represented in the accompanying view of Rossie ironworks, were erected in 1845-6, and the large foundry on the opposite side of the falls in 1848-9. This with the machine shop (not represented in the engraving), are capable of producing every variety of castings, and ma- chinery on the most extensive scale. The facilities of a plank road from Watertown and Rome to the St. Lawrence river, has made this point ac- cessible to market, and it can not fail to participate in the future jjros- perity of this section of the state. A large amount of rail road castings have been made here, and the pro[)erty of chilling which this iron pos- sesses to a high degree when made with a blast of cold air, renders it pecidiarly well adapted for those purposes which require hardness, com- bined with sire??^/ft. This property belongs in common to all the iron made by the cold blast from the specular ores of Northern New York. Rossie is nine miles from Chippewa bay, a port in Hammond, and most of the distance over a plank road. It is from nine to thirteen miles from the mines which supply it with ore, and from one to ten miles from for- ests which will for a long period furnish abundance of coal. In Spafford's Gazetteer (1813), the following reference is made to thia place : " Black lake seems a mere expansion of Indian river, which it receives at the foot of a fine cascade, where is laid out the village plat named, Rosa, and some mills are hei-e erected." That portion of the town of Rossie, lying between the Oswegatchie and the Indian rivers, is usually denominated the Scotch settlement, from the fact that nearly every inhabitant within these limits is of Scotch descent. The first of this settlement was begun in 1818, by ten families, who emigrated from Scotland in that year, by way of Quebec and the Sn Lawrence river, viz: Robert Ormiston, James Dickson, William Fachney, James Fairbairn, Corlan McLarer, Donald McCarrie, Thomas Elliot, James Henderson, James Douglas and Andrew Dodds. Their destination was uncertain; a portion designed locating in Delaware county, but as they were j)roceed- jng up the river in a Durham boat, they stopped a short time at Prescot, where they were visited by an agent of David Parish, and induced to cross to Ogdensburgh, with their families. The latter were liberally pro- vided for in the village, while the men went to view the lands then nearly surveyed in Rossie. It is said that they passed up through the valleys and across the richest portions, and that the existence of hills and ledges of rock was not known until after they had located their farms, and com- menced clearings. To assist the emigrants on first starting, Mr. Parish caused 10 acres to be cleared for each, supplied each family with a cow, seed, wheat and provisions for the first year, besides building a comlort- able log house on each farm, and furnishing an ox team to every two of his settlers. For these they were to pay, when they had got fairly settled and were in a condition to earn something from their farms, but prices were then very high, and the debt ran up laster than, with the means of payment at the depreciated prices which followed, they could cancel. The settlement was increased the following year by new emigrants from Scotland, but to these the facilities extended to the first were not offered. Meanwhile some of the former became disheartened by the burden of debts which constantly increased, and some thought of giving up their AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 455 location and beginriinjT anew elsewhere. To avoid this and to place them in a condition more favorable and equal, Mr. Parish assembled these in- habitants at Rossie viilaj,'e, in the winter of 1823-4, and alter ascertaining the indebtedness of each, reduced the whole to a common level, by can- celing all above $5C0. This measure met with general approbation, and his tenants returned home with renewed courage. With but few exceptions the same families or their immediate descendants, still occupy the same fiirms that were then selected, and may be counted among the more thrifty, successful and industrious farmers in town. In 1819 the following families settled: Robert Clark, Andrew Ctilbertson, John Henderson, Andrew Flemming, John Dodds, James Hobkirk, JohnTait, James Ormiston, Davifl Storie, Wm. Laidiaw and James Lockev, In 1820, John McRobbie, Thomas Turnbull and brothers, Michael, Adam, Andrew and William, and Scotch settlers continued to arrive oc- casionally until 1832. Roads had been made through the central part of the town before these, Scotch emigrants arrived, and small beginnings made in one or two places. Yellow lake derives its name from the circumstances of its being coverd with the blossoms of the nuphar or pond lily, when lirst noticed. The village of Somerville, is situated upon the plank road between Antwerp and Gouverneur, six miles from the latter and seven from the former place. It derives its name from the township as given by sur- veyor General Dewitt, long before its settlement. Being without natural facilities it has remained but the centre of a fine agricultural district, and at present contains about a dozen dwellings and the usual variety of me- chanic shops. The Universalist and Methodist societies have each a church which will compare favorably with those of any place in the county, in which the population and number of members are not greater. They were both erected in the summer of 184G. Perhaps no place in Northern New York, presents more inducements to the visit of the min- eralogist than the country within fifteen miles of Somerville. On the Oswegatchie river, two and a half miles from Somerville, is the little village of Wegatchie, containing a post office, a fmnace, woolen factory, grist mill, saw mill, and about 20 dwellings. The furnace was begun in 1847, and got in operation in the spring of 1848, by Skinner and Blish. Up to the spring of 1852, it had made about 2000 tons of iron at two hot and one cold blasts. It is 30 feet square, 36 feet high, and has two tewels. It is capable of making four and five tons daily. No cast- ings are made on the premises. The celebrity wliich has been given to Rossie by its lead mines, will ' give interest to their history. The Indians of St. Regis have a tradition that their ancestors knew of the existence of lead not far from the present mines, but the precise locality is not known. It was not where the workings at present exist, because it was said to be near a small stream. The natives were accustomed to smelt the lead in a small way by casting the ore upon afire kindled upon a bark or piece of wood, and pouring the metal when melted into a groove in sand. The bar was then cut into small pieces and rolled into balls between flat stones. Many years before the mines were discovered, a quantity of pure galena was found on the bank of the Oswegatchie, in the village of Ogdensburgh, evidently n cacM of some Indian, and the traditions of lead mines in the woods was common with the early pro- prietors. It is said that lead was first found at Rossie, among the ashes of a log heap, but its precise locality was not then known. Arthur Bacon, of Rossie, is reported to have discovered masses of ga- lena amoi]g the earth at the roots of an up turned tree, some time before 458 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE particular attention was directed to the subject. This was at Coal hill, (so called from its being a coal job or place lor making charcoal). The Victoria vein, so chilled, was subsequently discovered by a daughter of Joel .[epson. On the return of Mr. George Parish from Europe, in Sep- lember, 1835, he learned that I>. T. Nash proposed to searcli for oi-es, and on the lltli of December of ihat year, a contract was executed be- tween liim and Nash, with the following conditions: A tribute of 50 cents per ton was to be paid for iron ore, and 75 cents per ton ibr lead ore, should mines of either be found. All tlie lead ore to be smelted into lead in Rossie, and no ore to be sent away for manufac- ture. The lease was to continue ten years from date. Previous to the drawing of this contract, a company consisting of five persons, viz : B. T. Nash, Joseph Barber, Zudoc Day, Joseph Disbrow and , all of the town of Oswegatchie, had been formed for the purposes of mineral exploration, and Indian traditions had led them to the Rossie district, where indications of ore if not the mine itself, were discovered before the lease from Mr. Parish had been procured. The articles of agreement between the individuals oftlie company were drawn up in due form, signed and sealed. Mr. Nash soon after sold the right to J.C. Bush. The remainder applied for redress, and they or those to whom they sold their chances afterwards, com|)romised the matter, and two companies were incorporated by the legislature on the 12th of May, 1837, for the working of the lead mines. The charters of these two companies were alike in date, limitation, powers and privileges. They were to continue till January 1, 1847 ; cap- ital of each, $24,000, to be divided into 980 shares, of $25 each. Tlie business of each company was to be managed by five directors, of whom the first were to be those named in the act, and these were to be chosen on the first Monday in Feb. annually. Tliey were to choose a president annually. Stock was deemed personal property, and stockholders were made personally liable for the company's debts. The company holding the eastern division of the Coal hill vein, was styled The Rossie Lead Milling Company, and David C. Judson, James Averill, Erastuis Vilas, Peter C. Oakley and Roylas Vilas were named its first directors. The western 80 rods of the same vein was held by The Rossie Galena Company, of which John C. Bnsh, Bliss T. Narsh, Elias G. Drake, Syl- vester Gilbert and David C. Judson, were named the first directors. I'he vein upon which these two companies commenced their opera- tions, was in a ridge of gneiss rock, about two miles southeast from Rossie iron works, and one from Indian river. The relative position of the several veins and the bearings of each are represented in the accom- panying map. The appearance of the Rossie lead mines soon after they were first opened, is thus described by Prof. L. C. Beck, who visited the locality in the summer of 1836, as state mineralogist.* " Following the road from the village of Rossie, at no great distance from the bank of Indian river, after passing through a dense forest, there appeared towards the west a precipitous ledge of I'ocks about fifty feet high. My attention being particularly directed to this hill, I observed a white deposite contrasting with the dark color of the rock, passing down perpendicularly or very nearly so, from the summit to the base. The part of the vein thus distinctly and beautifully exposed, was ascertained by measurement to be fifty feet, while its average width was two feet. Upon a more close inspection, tlie vein, before its sinking below the alluvium, was found to incline slightly towards the north, and the whitish * See First Annual Report of New York Geological Survey, p. 54, 55. COMPARATIVE VIEWS OF TIIE CLIFF COPPER MINE OF LAKE SUPERIOR AND THE COAL HILL LEAD MINE OF ROSSIK Section of workings at the Cliff Mine, Lake Suferiok. Product of whole bscavation, $284,88't-93 Number of fathoms excavated, 2,413 Yield fbr cubic fathom, . $118 gp loa ISO too tS9 300 BOALE OF FKET. BBCTION OF WORKINGS AT COAL HILL, ST. LAWRENCE CO., N. T. Product of whole excavamon, $241,000 Number op fathoms excavated, 1,396 YiiXD per cubic fathom, $172 SCALE OF FEET. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 463 appearance was found to be due to the salts of lead formed by the decom- position of the ualena. On ascending the ledge of rocks, the course and extent of the vein could be easily determineil by the excavations that had been made, and by the appearance of the surface at those parts where it had not been opened. It was exposed at that time to the extent of 450 feet, and every part of it seemed to be so distinctly characterized, as to excite surprise,"^ that it had not long since been discovered." From an examination made at the time, it was inferred that the ore contained no silver, or at least that the quantity was too small to denote its presence bv the tests employed, and of no importance practically. The lead ashes were found by analysis to consist of the carbonate and sulphate of lead and the carbonate of lime, in variable proportions, formed bv the action of the atmosphere. Workings on the western section commenced in 1836, but systematic operations%ere not begun until Jan. 1, 1837, at which time the eastern company also commenced operations. An immense number of laborers were employed, and the business for a considerable time went on pros- perously fro'm the immense yield of lead, notwithstanding the entire inexperience of managers and miners, and the enormous expenditures for the erection of smelting houses and machinery, which were after- wards found to be inefficient. Wages to laborers, and prices for pro- visions were verv high, and the whole openitiou was conducted without reo-ard to economv, but with all these drawbacks, the companies divided large dividends, stock arose to extravagant prices, and people's heads seenied to be bewildered with the dazzling prospect of wealth which several persons suddenly realized. It has been estimated by one who was intimately acquainted with the operations, that $16,000 were paid for smelting works notiised; 88,000 for experiments; §12,600 for an extra set of managers 3i vears, where one would have been better; $6,500 for drawing stone to the smelting house, which should have been separated at the mine; on contracts at excessive rates, $30,000, making $17,600, which might have been saved. The economical method of mining, is to sink vertical shafts at intervals of three or four hundred teet along the vein, and at every ten fathoms run levels as is represented in our section of the Cliff copper mine. The ore is then thrown down by blasting from above the levels, by a process called sloping, and the ore is then wheeled to the shafts and raised. Instead of this at the Kossie mines, the work- ings were mostly from above downwards. The amount of water at the worst season, was about 120 gallons per minute, but the machinery em- ployed for raising this, from its being inefficient, was a constant .source of expense for repairs, and the workings were, from this cause,ofteu suspend- ed. The ore was principally smelted by Messrs. Moss & Knapp, at a fur- nace on Indian river, U "liles from the mines, at $25 per ton, with a clause in the contract giving them all over 68 per cent., which made it $28-16, besides drawing the mineral from the mines. A reverberatory furnace was erected at the mines, but this was found to waste more lead than it ' yielded. The Victoria and Union veins were wrought by Mr. Parish, and their yield is represented on the pages of the sections. A working was commenced by him on the Robinson or Indian river vein, wherefore was found on the surface, and about 300 pounds of lead were taken out directly over a cavity in the granite, which, on blasting to the solid vein proved to be 15 feet deep. A shaft 9 by 11, and 76 teet deep, was sunk here, which vielded 1,100 pounds of lead. No vein m the last 8 or 10 feet. Cost $1,600. In the branch of the Union vein, two shafts were sunk, t^ie western, 55, the eastern, 50 feet deep. Both pro- duced, and still show, some lead. 464 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE The following statement of yield, was drawn up by Mr. Charles L. Lutn, who kept the books of Moss & Kna[)p, and had accurate means for knowing the product of their furnace. Tiie numbers show the ])ounds of lead smelted in each month, for the two sections of the Coal liili mine. Western Section. J 837 To J. 1,110,434 50,901 F. Sf. M. 68,880 (Slags), 8,382 1838 (Slags J 7,412 Jan., 110,292 48,613 Apr, May, June, July, Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec. 39,214 25,836 90,298 76,113 73,749 118,058 188,788 54,842 101,211 Feb., Mar., Apr., May, June, July, Aug.. [Slags Se[)t. Oct., Nov., 68,954 34,609 80,534 67.892 90,486 111,349 I 6,503 111,271 67,575 n2,892 Eastern Section. 1837 60,690 80,872 121,888 60.714 4.5,071 60,802 43.965 83,753 16,927 20,996 1838 Jan., Feb., Mar., {Slags Apr., May, June, July, Aug., Sept., Oct. Nov., & 29,915 38,222 52 864 5,285 54,963 49,460 35,641 40.664 51,921 44,422 Total yield. 1,845,088 afterwards, 405,559 Total yield, 1,405,683 Making in all 3,250,690 lbs. or 1625 tons of metalic lead, the average yield of the ore, being 67 ])er eent, or lOi tons per fathom* The ore is associated with beautiful white calcareous spar, fiee from any mineral in intimate combination with it, which renders it very easy for dressing, and the smelting of it in the large way has been found not to exceed three dollars per ton of metalic lead. It is so fiivorable for smelting that it can be reduced for three dollars per ton of metal, which, when suitably dressed, yields seventy per cent of lead. Both of these companies discontinued working about 1840, and num- bers lost large sums from the de[)reciation of stock and loss from va- rious causes, among which was the low price of lead in market. An incident occurred during the earlier workings of the mines, that well nigh resulted in blood-shed. During the spring of 1837, nearly five hundred Irish laborers were employed in and about the mines, who may be supposed to have been actuated by the peculiar prejudices com- mon to the lower classes of that people. On the evening preceding " St. Patrick's day in the morning," some mischievous persons had sus- pended by the neck, an effigy in Irish costume, before a house occupied by laborers as a boarding house, and affixed a label " St. Patrick," and a wish that this might be the fate of every Irishman. This had its natural effect, and the indignation towards the authors of this act knew no bounds. Those living near the place accused others from a neighbor- ing locality of doing it, and mutual accusations led to threats of ven- geance, and the whole crowd had armed themselves with such weapons as chanced to fall in their way, and were disuaded from acts of violence with the greatest difficulty, on the part of the overseers, who to appease them, offered large rewards for the offenders. Had the latter been dis- covered, nothing would have saved them from a violent death. This gave origin to a feud, which subsisted for a long time, and the laborers in the smelting house, in some way became obnoxious to the Irish, as * Miners estimate by ihe/athom which is 6 feet in length and deptti, without regard to thick- ness. r K *-i •^ ^.,'* SECTION OF UNION MINE. ROSSIE. Section of woukixqs at the Union Yeix, St. Lawhexcb Co., N. T. Product or excav.vtios, Number of fathoms f.xcavatf,!), Yield per cubic fathom, - $19,170 136 - $111 411 SB M4. SCALE OF FEET PROPOSED PLAN OF WORKING THE COAL HILL MINB. m P- s t 1 \—~ PROPOSED PLAN OF WORKING THE UNION MINE. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 467 the supposad authors of the insult, Being^ in constant apprehension of an attack, the smelters provided means for throwing melted lead from their furnace, and hot water from the hoilers of the engine, and the knowledge of these precautions is said to have saved them froni an at- tack. Some time after this, two of the Irish laborers were directed to drill a hole for a blast in the immediate vicinity of the smelting house, for the purpose of forming a new channel for the water. Strict orders were given not to charge the hole in the absence of the foreman, but this was disregarded, and the drilled hole and a crevice in the rock, were heavily charged with powder. A third one coming up emptied the most of another keg into the seam, and hastily filling it up with sand applied a match. The authors of the mischief having fled, the blast took effect with tremendous energy, casting vast quantities of rock into the air to an immense height, and jarring the ground to a great distance. A shower of these i)rojectiles, falling upon the roof of the smelting house, perforated it in many places, but fortimately the boiler escaped, and no one was injured by the terrible explosion. All suspicious parties were forthwith discharged, and the immediate authors of this infamous act having fled, the quarrel was ended. These lead mines having been discontinued more than ten j'ears, and having reverted to Mr. Parish, during the summer of 1852, the shaded portion of the premises, shown in the accompanying map, was leased by 11. P. Remington, for ten years, with a privilege of ten yearstnore, with one twelfth royalty, and a company styled the Great JVorlhern Lead Company, was incorporated under a general act, Sept. 8, 1852, for a term of fifty years, for the purpose of working mines of lead and other ores in St. Lawrence county. Capital fixed at $500,000, in shares of $10 each. The number of directors nine, three of whom will re- side in the vicinity of the mines, the remainder and the officers of the company in New York city. The underground work will be in charge of an agent of extensive experience, tried ability, character and judg- ment, who comes directly from die management of one of the largest mines in Cornwall. The capital in hand to commence operations will be fifty thousand dollars. The directors named were James C. Forsyth, Ernest Tiedler, P. Strachan, John F. Sanford, S. T. Jones, Silas M. Stillwell, Charles G. Myers, 11 .P. Remington, and James G. Hopkins. This company have commenced active operations, and ei'ected a Cornish engine of sixty horse power, with improved and very perfect machinery; imported a large number of practical miners from Corn- wall, who are under the direction of an experienced captain, and intend to prosecute tl)e business of mining on an extensive scale. New dis- coveries of ore have been made, and the bottom of the mines are very rich. We present in the accompanying cut, the sections and plans which are proposed for future operations. Taking into view all the ad- vantages of this section of our county — the rich developments in min- eral wealth — the ease in preparing the ore for the furnace, and the sim- plicity and cheapness of its reduction to metal — the convenience of ac- cess by plank and good turnpike roads to the various mining localities — a healthy climate — abundance of fuel and products of the soil — alto- gether present it as a decided mining region, and worthy the attentiou of the miner and adventurer. Religious Societies. — But two incorporated societies exist in town. The first Universalist society of Somerville, was formed Aug, 20, 1842, with 468 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE Lyman Merrimari, Alva Weeks, and Wm. Ayers, trustees. In 1846 they erected a cliurcli, wliich in the last census is reported worth $1,700. The Methodist Episcopal ciiurch of Sonierviile, was incor[)orated Dec. 16, 1845, with Hiram Mall, Orin Freeman, .lolin .lolinson. Freedom Free- man, Angnstus Presto'n, and A. C. Van Dycke, trustees. They erected in 1846, a chapel, reported in the census worth $1,500. The Catholics several years since commenced a church at Rossie Iron Works, which was not enclosed. Russell, Was formed by an act of March 27, 1807, embracing the whole of Great tract No. 3, except so much of township 3 as is now included in Pierrepont, which by this act was attached to Potsdam. The first town meeting was directed to be held at the house of Reuben Ashman. By an act of April 10, 1818, the townships of F^dwards and Fitz Wil- liam (now liermon and Edwards), were transferred from Russell to Fowler. The first town officers were: Russell Attvvater, supervisor; Reuben Ashman, clerk; Ezra Moore, Jos. Hutchinson, Philip Viall, asses- sors; Calvin Hill, constable and collector; John Knox, Jos. Hutchinson, overseers of the poor ; Sam'l Eaton, .lohn Watson, John Knox, commis- sioners liighways ; John Watson, Thos. Gillmore, yence viewers; Azel Clark, Simeon Stiles, Elihu Morgan, Joel Clark, overseers of highways. Supervisors. — 1808-10, Russell Attvvater; 1810, at special town meet- ing, R. Ashman ; 1810-14, Reuben Ashnian ; 1815-18, Anthony C. Brown ; 1819-21, Phinneas Attwater; 1822, R. Ashman ; 1823-7, James WilliaMis; 1828-33, Rollin Smith; 1834-8, Elihu Phelp.-; 1839-40, Holmes Nevin: 1841-2, R. Smith; 1843-6, Benjamin Smith; 1847, R. Smith; 1848, J. Williams; 1849-50, Nelson Doolitlle; 1851-2, Rollin C. Jackson. JVofe.9.— 1809, $250 raised for the poor, $250 for schools. 1810, $5 for wolf bounties, and $150 voted for this purpose; $250 raised for the poor, to be let on good security. 1811, same wolf tax and poor tax as 1810. Voted that the books sent to the town of Russell, by the Hampshire Mis- sionary Society, be left in the care of Moses A. Bunnel, and to be re- turned to him within three months after taken away. Voted, that a sled shall be four feet wide. A fine of $2 for going on the public highway with a sled that is not four feet wide the present year. The same in 1812. $5 wolf bountj^, $100 to pay these bounties; $250 for the poor; $1 penalty for allowing Canada thistles to grow and go to seed. 1813, $5 wolf bounty, payable out of the money previously raised for this pur- pose. 1814, $250 for the poor. 1815 to 1819, voted to raise three times the amount for schools that the town receives fiom the state. 1820, $5 bounty for wolves, payable fi'om the money raised for this purpose in 1810, 1811 and 1812. In 1821, a committee of three appointed to ex- amine and see if there is any money in town raised for the destruction of wolves in 1810, 1811 and 1812. Resolved, That such balance as may be found due, shall be collected and paid to the supervisor tor the purpose of paying a bounty on noxious animals at the rate of $2*50 for each wolf, pan- ther and bear, and $1 for each fox. In 1822 the money paid for bounties raised in 1810-12 to be paid in work on roads and bridges. 1823, voted to give up to Reuben Ashman $150, raised in 1810, for the destruction of wolves, on his securing the remainder. In 1832, voted that the ter- ritory called Scriba, and Bloomfield, be set off into a separate town, on AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. "469 condition that thej^ will not call for any of the public funds of money now on hand, except road money. In 1838, remonstrated against the petition of the inhabitants of the town of Edwards, to have the town-^ ships Nos. 12 and 14, now belonging to this town,^set off to the town of Edwards. In 1839, voted in favor of abolishing tlie poor honse system, and agreed to unite in a petition to the legislature to that effect. This town is named from Russell Attwatei-, and now embraces a part of Dewitt, the whole of Ballybeen, and the north half of Sarahsburgh. It was McCormick's wish that the town should bear the uarne of Bally- been, after his native place in Ireland. Mr. Attwater had piu-chased of McCorrnick, in 1798, the north half of No. 5, a quarter of No. 6, a quar- ter of No. 14, of tract No. 2, and a quarter of No. 22 in Franklin county All but the half of No. 5, were subsequently reconveyed. This em- braced about 13,600 acres, and was purchased at about forty cents per acre. The town was first explored with the view of settlement by Mr. Rus- sell Attwater, in the summer of 1804. In 1805, Timothy Blair, a sur- veyor from Blanford, (the former residence of Mr. A. and many of the first settlers), came on, and surveyed most of the town into farms. The party who came this year, arrived in the spring, and spent the whole summer in opening roads, surveying, and in clearing a field of about twelve acres, on a farm now owned by George L. Horsford. The com- pany who spent the season of of 1805 in towii, were mostly young men in the hire of Mr. Attwater, who boarded themselves in a shanty, and pro- cured their provisions from Canada. The first family that settled in town was that of Nathaniel Higgens, who in the spring of 1805 commenced a clearing on a small lot near the village. Joel Clark and family, from Granby, Mass., came in the fall of 1805, and the first saw mill in the town of Russell was erected by him the same year, on Plum creek, half a mile from its mouth. These two families spent the winter of 1805-6 in town, with no neighbors within many miles. The names of those who accompanied Mr. Attwater the first summer (1805), were Nathan Knox, Heman Morgan, Elias Hayden, Loren Knox, Reuben Ashman, Jesse Bunnell, Elihu Morgan, and David Knox. In April, 1806, Mr. Attwater returned with many others who proposed to form a settlement, and proceeded by way of the Black river country, and the State road, to Washburn's, in Macomb, and thence crossed to Foote's settlement, in Canton, and proceeded thence to their destination in the present village of Russell. A Mr. Alvin White, from Granville, Mass., lived near the south line of Canton, and was the only settler on the route. Dea. Joseph Hutchinson, of Shoreham, Vt., Michael CofBn, of Vl, Philip and Sampson Vial, John Potter, and John Cooper, from 470 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE Willsborough, N. Y., and a {ew others joined them. A field of corn planted among the logs in the month of June, yielded at a surprising rate, which greatly encouraged the emigrants, and led them to look for- ward with pleasing anticipations to the future. The reports of the fer- tility of the soil, carried back to New England, had an influence in in- ducing others to emigrate to the new settlement. Jacob Ilutchins com- menced the erection of a log grist tniil, on Van Rensselaer creek, in De- witt, about half a mile from the south line of Canton, in the summer of ]80G, and this was the second mill erected in town. The first child born in the town, was a son of Reuben Ashman, in October, ]806. The second was a daughter in the family of Nathaniel Iliggens, in May, 1807. The first death was tliat of one Curtis, in the year 1807. The settlement was increased in 1807, by the ad- dition of the following families: Simeon Stiles, Elihu Phelps, in the winter of that year; Samuel Clark, and several other families of the the same name; John Watson, Horace Dickenson, Enos Bunnell, Luther and David Phelps, and many others. Dr. Plinuy Goddard, fi-oin Ver- mont, was the first physician who in 1807 located in town. In the win- ter of 1808-9, the first school was taught in town by RoUin Smith. The first religions meetings were conducted by the Rev. Royal Phelps, a Pres- byterian missionary, in 1806, at the house of Mr. Attwater. The first Episcopal services were conducted by Bishop Hobart, about 1807. The earliest meetings of the Baptist church were held by a man named Sawyer. Calvin Hill and Harriet Knox, were the first persons married in the town of Russell. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Mr. Phelps in the summer of 1806. The first saw mill at the village of Rus- sell, was erected by Mr. Attwater in 1807, and a grist mill not long after. An act was passed Feb. 24, 1809, which directed the governor to cause to be deposited, if he should deem necessary, an amount not exceeding 500 stands of arms, in such place in St. Lawrence county as he should select, with such quantities of ammunition and military stores as in his opinion would be necessary in case of invasion. The village, from its being interior and on the St. Lawrence turnpike, was selected, and a building erected It stands on a commanding elevation, a little north of the village, on a lot given to the state by Mr. Attwater for the purpose of an arsenal, and is a massive stone building, three stories high, thirty by fifty feet on the ground, and originally surrounded by a high stone wall, bristling with iron spikes. The lower story was destined for artillery, the second for small arms, and the thii-d for ammunition. During the war, a guard was posted around the premises for its protection, but since that period no further supervision has been maintained than the care of a AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 471 keeper, who was a citizen residing in the vicinity. In the summer of 1850 the arsenal building was sold at auction, in pursuance of a general law, for the sum of $525. The arms, amounting to four hundred stand, and some twenty thousand cartridges, were sold in small lots at the same time. It is contemplated to convert the arsenal building into a high school, for which it is well adapted, and the surrounding country is abundantly able to sustain such an enterprise in a creditable manner. During the first year of the war, the settlement at Russell village ex- hibited an activity and enterprise which has never been surpassed by any settlement in the county. The erection of the arsenal, and the opening of the roads towards Lake George and Albany, which concentrating in town were supposed to promise prospects of future greatness, and the St. Lawrence turnpike then in course of completion, by its enormous business during the first one or two years of its existence, gave encourage- ment that this prosperity would last; but the latter lost its importance on the close of the war, and the two southern roads soon fell into ruin from disuse, and their route can now be traced only with difficulty. By an act passed April 26, 1831, the overseers of the poor were direct- ed to pay over on the first day of January of each year, to the commis- sioners of common schools, the interest of all moneys arising from the poor fund, to be by them applied for the use of schools. A forge was erected at the village on Grass river in 1846. It has two fires and is capable of making about 400 pounds of bar iron a day. It has been worked with bog and magnetic ores, and with scrap iron. The ores with which it is supplied are drawn from three to eleven miles from their localities, and can be obtained in unlimited quantities. Religious Societies. — The Baptists organized July 15, 1809, under the Rev. Samuel Rowley, a missionary, and the early meetings were held at the house of Philip Viall. First number, seven; whole number, one hundred and eighty-five; present number, forty-two. A church was built in 1845, at a cost of $900, and dedicated October 15, 1845. The present pastor is the Rev. Myron R. Slater. A society was incorporated December 29, 1846, with Harry Van Aernam, Wm. G. Gibbons, and Gilbert Stewart, trustees. The Presbyterian and Episcopal denomina- tions have formed societies in town. The latter under the name of Sion church, April 10, 1819, with Russell Attwater and Jesse Bunnell, ^ wardens; Justis Ives, Levi Frost, John Boyd, Moses Bunnell, Reuben Ashman, Phineas Attwater, William Attwater, and Nathan Knox, vestry- men. The Wesleyan Methodists formed a church September 9, 1843. The following is a list of their clergymen : Hiram Wing (deceased), Joel Grennell, W. W, Sterricker, S. Soper, and Harvey Miles, the present ])astor. A Methodist Episcopal society was incorporated Feb. 19, 1851, Hiram Derby, M. Van Brocklin and Charles Rundeli, trustees. 29 472 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE Stockholm, Embracing the original township, was formed from Massena, Feb. 21, 180G, the first town meeting being directed to be held at the house of Luman Pettibone. By an act of April 15, 1834, mile squares 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and the north half of 14 and 19, were annexed to Norfolk. A petition had been sent in 1805, to form the town, which was referred to the members from Oneida, who then represented this county, but nothing was done. The day of the first town meeting having passed without an election, Nathan Walker, of Canton, Gindon Smith and Benjan)in Ray- mond, of Potsdam, magistrates, proceeded to appoint under their hands and seals, town officers in pursuance of powers granted in an act of March 7, 1801, viz: Ebenezer Hulburd, supervisor; Wm. Staples, clerk; Stephen A. Tam- bling, Benjamin Wright and Arba Woodward, assessors; Samuel Web- ster, constable and collector ; S. A. Tambling, Luman Pettibone, overseers '^rthepoor; S. A. Tambling, E. Hulburd and W. Webster, comh-s of high- ways; S. A. Tambling, B. Wright, /ence viewers; ErUnlhui A, pound- master; L. Pettibone, overseer of highways. We regret that our space will not allow the publication of this instrument entire. Supervisors. — 1806, Ebenezer Hulbui-d; 1807, Simeon Nash; 1808-9, Zephaniah French; 1810-11, Stephen A. Tambling; 1812-13, Warren Webster; 1814-22, Nathaniel F. Winslow; 1823, at a special meeting, Chauncey Pettibone; 1823-9, Chauncey Pettibone; 1830-2, Shiverick Holmes; 1833, Joseph H.Sanford; 1834, Benjamin Holmes; 1835, Wm. T.Osborne; 1837-8, Joseph H. Sanford ; 1839, Dorus Pettibone; 1840, Thomas Dunton; 1841-2, J. H. Sanford; 1843-5, Ziba L. Smith; 1846, Sidney Kelsey; 1847, B. Holmes; 1848-9, Allen Lyman; 1850-1, Daniel P. Rose; 1852, Hiram Hulburd. Notes from the Records.— \Yo\^ bounties of $5 offered in 1808, '9, '11, until the meeting of the supervisors, when it was to be increased or less- ened to make it $20. $5 in 1814, '17; $10 in 1819, '20. On several years panther bounties. In 1817, voted against division, and in 1824, a strong remonstrance against annexing a part to Norfolk. In 1828, six ballot boxes to be provided for town elections, to be numbered. No. 1, supervisor and clerk; No. 2, assessors; No. 3, overseers of poor; No. 4, commissioners of highways; No. 5, constables and collector; No. 6, commissioners and inspectors of schools. In 1830, clerk requested to endeavor to get Stockholm excepted from law I'equiring one ballot box for town elections. In 1833, supervisor and clerk to petition for a repeal of the law abolishing imprisonment for debt. An adjoui-ned town meeting was held March 19, 1822, to receive the report of a committee of five, consisting of Ebenezer Hulburd, Chauncey Pettibone, N. F. Winslow, John Simons and W. Webster, appointed to examine into the situation of the public lands in town. Ralph P. Stearns and Chauncey Pettibone were appointed the first commissioners of pub- lic lands. A committee was appointed to draw up a petition to the legislature to authorize these lands to be granted on durable leases. An act passed Feb. 8, 1823, created the office of trustees of public lands in the town of Stockholm, who were to be elected by the inhabit- ants and to constitute a body politic for the care and preservation of AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 473 gospel and school lot in the town of Stockholm. They were to have the powers of similar officers in Madrid. Arrangements for settling this town began to be made in 1800 and 1801. In 1802, Ebenezer Hulburd and Dr. Luman Pettibone, agents, from Orwell, Vt., with Benj. Wright, Isaac Kelsey, Abram Sheldon, and others, came into town and commenced improvements. Mrs. Sheldon was the first woman in town. On the 7th of March, 1803, seven families, of which six wei-e from Orwell, Vt., moved in. The heads of these ■were Isaac Kelsey, Wm. Staples, Abraham Sheldon, Luman Pettibone, John and Robert Bisbee, and Benj. Wright. They had the first year, raised some corn, oats and potatoes, which had been secured as well as circumstances allowed. They came by wayof Chateaugayand St. Regis, and up that river on the ice. The houses and furniture constructed, were all of the rudest kind, and such as saws, axes and augers would make. With strips of elm bark, they made bedsteads and chairs, and all their furniture was of the rudest and simplest pattern. In September, 1804, occurred the greatest flood ever known in the country, produced by heavy rains and swelling the St. Regis river far above its ordinary flood level. Four of the seven families living near the bank of the river, were compelled to flee from their homes. One family living near Trout brook, remained within doors until the under floor was raised from the sleepers, and the wood was floated from the fire-place, and with the greatest peril and difficulty they escaped with their lives. The first saw mill in town was built in 1804, by Samuel Reynolds, a proprietor of several mile squares, about one and a half miles above the east village. The first school was taught in the winter of 1807. Among the early settlers not above named were Stephen A. Tambling, Warren Webster, Alba Woodward, Samuel Webster, Simeon Nash, Luther Hulburd, Zephaniah French, Alpheus Johnson, John Graves, Josiah L. Hill, Ralph P. Stearns, Reuben Kelsey, and others. The first agents for Stockholm (Pettibone and Hulburd), were in 1816, succeeded in the western part of the town, by Nathan Osburne, and shortly after i)y J. II. Sanford. The latter held the office for many years, and was the predecessor of Mr. E. M. Foster, the present agent for the proprietors. The first sheep taken into Stockholm, and the first in the eastern part of St. Lawrence county, were driven from Vermont, in 1803. The flock consisted of about fifty. They arrived in October, 1803. Much trouble was encountered in getting them across some of the streams, particularly 474 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE the Salmon river, where the timbers of a bridge were laid only. A part of tiie flock crossed on these, and the rest swam the river. From this little flock the farmers of the neighboring towns derived their stock. Much difficnlty was experienced in keeping them from being destroyed l)y wolves. Every night it was necessary to yard them in an enclosure, well fenced against their troublesome enemies, and during the day, it was found impossible to preserve them unless pastured in the immediate vicinity of dwellings. Similar difficulties were felt in Hopkinton and other towns, and led to the offer of bounties for the destruction of wolves, which in these towns were doubtless necessary, and considered at the time as no more than adequate to accomplish their object. The first settler who located in the west half of Stockholm, was John Thatcher, from Williston, Vt., who in March, 1805, started from the set- tlement in the east part of the town of Stockholm, taking his wife and children, and the small sum of household articles which he was able to carry in a vehicle drawn by a single horse, to locate in the western part of the town. On arriving at the river, he found it swollen and rapid, but providing himself with a pole to sustain himself against the current, he forded it repeatedly, carrying on his back his children, and his house- hold goods, and finally with much difficulty, assisted his wife in wading the river. Here he constructed a rude shelter of hemlock boughs beside a fallen tree, and kindling a cheerful fire on the site of the present little village of Sanfordville, he spent the first night. The horse was comfort- ably provided for on the opposite bank of the river, and on the following day he returned to the settlements to make further arrangements for his residence. He is spoken of as a man capable of enduring fatigue to an extraordinary degree, and was known to have carried the flour of three bushels of wheat on his shoulders for miles through the forest to his family. The first log house in the west half of Stockholm was built near the line of Potsdam, for a Mr. Dart, in the winter of 1805-6, by some ten or a dozen of the settlers of East Stockholm, who went to the loca- tion a distance of eight miles, cut and rolled up the frame of a log house, and returned in the evening of the same day. George Streight, John Partridge, Stiles Nelson, and Eldad Taylor, were early settlers in the west half of the town. The first gris^ mill in Stockholm, was erected at the present village of Bicknelville, and during the first one or two years, the citizens were compelled to resort to Sheik's mill, in Canada, or to Canton, or to Ro- berts's mill, now Columbia village. In 1804, a mill was got in operation in Hopkinton. During the first summer, Mr. Pettibone had occasion to resort to the mill at Columbia, through a densely wooded country, without roads wor- AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 475 thy of the name, and the trip was performed under circumstances of peculiar hardship. Dr. P. and a young man by the name of Abel Kel- ' sey, started with an ox team and wagon, expecting to spend the night in a shanty whicli they supposed had been built, and was occupied by, a settler, who had commenced a small clearing on the west side of Ra- quette river, about a mile and a half below the })resent village of Pots- dam. They accordingly neglected to take with them any apparatus for kindling a fire. At the close of a day of toil and labor, they found themselves on the banks of the river, and succeeded in fording it, laying the grain bags on polls across the top of the wagon, to keep it dry; but to their great disappointment, the cheerful log hut and comfortable fire which they had anticipated as waiting them, was not there, and to add to their misery a cold, drenching i-ain set in, and continued through the night. They had been already half drowned in crossing the river, and were compelled to crawl under the best shelter they could find, and spend the night in as wretched a condition as possible. On the next morning, Mr. Pettibone found himself shaking with an ague, contracted in con- sequence of exposure, and with the greatest difficulty able to get through to his destination. The join-ney to Foote's mill, in Canton, usually consumed five days, in going and returning, ten bushels being the amount that could be taken at a trip, which was performed with an ox team. Two or three men accompanied to guard against accidents, and clear away the underbrush for the cattle. On arriving at streams, the grain was taken over on their shoulders, or laid across the oxen, to keep it out of the water, and thus all the intervening rivers were forded, except Raquette river, which was crossed by a float, just below the falls, at Potsdam village. This was the only way of crossing at that place, till the erection of a bridge in the year 1809. The ox teams were driven into the water, sometimes much against their will, and forced to swim the river, their drivers with whips and loud shouts preventing their return to the banks. At night, if the pioneers found shelter and supper in the hut of some settler, it was well ; and if not, it was as well; for they usually succeeded in striking a spark from steel, and setting fire to some dry standing or fallen tree, by the side of which they would spend the night, having care that the fire should not mount into the tree top, and detach the larger branches, or burrow among the roots, and overturn the flaming column upon them. The journey to Canada was in part performed by canoes on the rivers, more or less difficulty being encountered in passing the rapids. Amid these rude and fatiguing labors, which would dishearten a majority of our present citizens, a certain amount of enjoyment existed. The hand of sympathy was extended to neighbors, and any luck that befel one, was regarded as a common benefit. If any needed a helping hand, his desire need but be announced, to be heeded, and a common interest and a hope of better times, stimulated to exertion, and dispelled gloom. During the war, numbers of the inhabitants became alarmed, and left the county, from fear of the Indians, and those that remained proceeded to erect defences for their protection. One of these was a double line of pickets ai'Dund the house of Dr. Pettibone, which enclosed a square area of about a quarter of an acre, and was finished with gate and fix- tures complete. Here the inhabitants assembled on a few occasions of alarm, but no real danger ever presented itself. Another stockade was commenced around the house of Warren Webster, about a mill east of the centre of the town, which was finished on two or three sides only 476 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE and a third was commenced around the dwelling of Jonathan Sager, in the west half. 1 hese pickets were timbers set upright in a trench, about three feet deep, in a double row, so that no openings existed between them. They were about sixteen feet high, sharpened at the top, and supported by earth banked against them on each side. On one occasion of a draft, the greatest fear was entertained from an attack of the St. Regis or some other Indian tribe, they knew not what, and a volunteer company was raised, and a guard mounted and maintained for several days on the road which led towards .Canada. Arms were procured at the state arsenal at Russell, and distributed among the inhabitants. From the miry condition of the roads, these were procured with great difficulty, being borne by pack horses, which often required to be relieved in pass- ings swamps and streams. The miseries of war appear to be not limited to the actual amount of suffering which it directly entails, but include the privations and hard- shi|)s sustained from apprehensions of danger, which often lead the timid to voluntarily encounter a needless amount of suffering. The roads were at times thronged with groups of timid inhabitants, hastening away with such articles of furniture and provisions as they were able to snatch in their haste, and with such vehicles as they could command, and each augmented the fears of the others, by magnifying the rumors which they had received from those as timid as themselves. It is but just to say, that the class of fugitives did not form a majority of the existing population, and that there were many who ridiculed the fears of the timid, represented the absurdity of the alarms, and earnestly entreated them to behave like men, and stand ready to do their duty if real danger should arise, instead of stealing off in the cowardly manner of some. A portion of those wlio left the country never returned, and others came back to witness the waste and destruction which their own folly and neglect had brought upon them. The village of BicknellviUe, on the west branch of St. Regis, in the southwest quarter of Stockholm, and about half a mile south of the direct road from Potsdam to Malone, was first begun in 1811, by Amos Bicknell, originally from Barnard, Vt., but since 1806, a resident of Potsdam. In May, 1811, he removed to this place, with his family, con- sisting of his wife, six sons and three daughters, several of whom still reside in the vicinity, and commenced the erection of a grist and saw mill, which were built and got in operation the same season. About 1815, the proprietor, Mr. Pierrepont, expended a large sum in opening a road from Parishville to Norfolk, which, from its importance as a communication by which potash from the new settlements could be taken to the navigable waters of Raquette river, was called the Market road. This route originally was laid about a mile east of this place, but eventually the principal travel from the back towns passed through by Bicknell's mills, and some portion of the original road has been discon- tinued. In 1812 or 1813, a carding machine was got in operation at this place, and having a natural advantage in the possession of a good water AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 477 power, it has gradually grown into a small village, with a grist and saw mill, small Woolen factory, foundry and machine shop, and a number of mechanic shops. A fork and hoe factory was maintained there several years, but is at present discontinued. It has a Methodist chapel, a union store, a tavern, and about tliirty families. Southville is asmall village having a post office of the same name, and situated near the south bounds of the town. The earliest settler in this place, is said to have been Shubel Gurley. Daniel Harrington and some others located soon after in the neighborhood. Three miles from Potsdam Station, on the Northern Rail road, and on the direct line between ParishviUe and Norfolk, is the depot of Knapp's Station, which derives its name from Moses Knapp. The first settler in this vicinity was Eldad Taylor, on the farm of Mr. Knapp. The station at this place was first named Slockholm, while that near Brasher falls, also in this town, was named Brasher, and afterwards Stockholm and Brasher, but confusion arising from the similarity of names, the present one was adopted. The post office of JVorth Stockholm is located at this place. This is a flag station, and passenger trains do not stop without a signal. The business at present limited, but is expected to increase with the opening of new routes, and the further settlement of the country. This is one of the points proposed for the terminus of the Potsdam and Watertown rail road, and should it be finally selected, it would become a place of much importance. It is often known by the inhabitants as Plum Brook. A forge was erected on Trout brook, about a mile southwest of the centre of the town, by Benjamin Holmes and Harry Merrill, about 1825. It was run about ten years on bog ore, obtained from swamps in the vicinity. The enterprise was given up on account of the failure of the supply of ore. p.7,V,-n«, S'onVfie-?— InMav, 1803, the settlers commenced holding re^^urSeetgfo^ i^. ^h^/rstsern^n preached m^^^^^^ E mbbaKm BTjnd'rVt.^ S and spent a few sabbaths with the ?;nnlP which resulted in the formation of a Congregational church of rmaeaLsfemarmembers, March 10, 1807 In ---- /^e m^t- TncTs were held in barns, and in winter, m P'-'^^^\hous^ In 18 3 they employed the Rev. Hiram S. Johnson, who P'-«-«hed half of the time tiU 1R1Q Tn 1821 the Rev. Moses Parmelee was hired 1 11 1824. l^or^U ftl tht fh^v Imd no pastor, but were most of the time supplied years after this they had no pasw, pj^j, (. p^tf,bo„e, was installed Tve^CoSgat on '^^^^^ slui ?em;ins their pastor. The society was over the <;0"gl.^^<"' ' .^ gj^ Kelsey, Ashbel Skinner, and mcorporated June 6 1837 ™ ^ > j^ denomination was formed a^t Wrst'^tSolfr;, a^uTl^^^^^^^ and consisted originally of 5 members. 478 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE The Rev. Roswell Pettibone, was einployed as their first preacher. There has been no |)astor regularly installed over this chinch. A church edifice was erected in 1831, at a cost of about $1,800, mainly through the influence of Mr. J. H. Sanford. The Baptists organized at a very early day, but the data of their history has not been received. The society was incorporated May 25, 1822, with Ralph P. Sterns, Warren Webster and Luther Fuller, trustees. It was reorganized Jan. 7, 1839. They have a meeting house in town. The Free-Will Baptists were organized into a church in June, 1839, by Eld. Samuel Hart, and is at present almost scattered. A Methodist Episcopal church was incorporated in West Stockholm, Nov. 19, 1840, with Loren Ashley, Ziba S. Smith, Ruel I^ncoln, Roswell B. Webb, Horace Doud, Martin Strait, Henry B. Sumner, Norman Ashley, and Joseph Page, trustees. The Wesleyan Methodist society ot East Stockholm, was incorporated Oct. 11, 1852, with Ira Beach, Stillman Austin, Elias Jenkins, Hugh Allen and James Kelsey, trustees. A church of the Christian order, was gathered by Eld. Palmer, many years since, which once numbered 40 members, but they have for some time been scattered and without a pastor. FRANKLIN COUNTY, Embraces 15 towns which are organized as follows: Bangor, taken from Dickinson, June, 15, 1812. Bellmont, taken from Chateaugay, March 25, 1833. Bombay, taken from Fort Covington, March 30, 1833. Brandon, taken from Bangor, Jan. 28, 1828. Burke, taken from Chateaugay, April 26, 1844. Chateaugat, taken from Champlain, March 15, 1799, Constable, taken from Harrison, March 13, 1807. Dickinson, taken from Harrison, April 11, 1808. DuANE, taken from Malone, January 24, 1828. Fort Covington, taken from Constable, Fehruary 28, 1817. Franklin, taken from Bellmont, May 20, 1836. Harrietstown, taken from Duane, March 19, 1841. Malone,* taken from Chateaugay, March 2, 1805. MoiRA, taken from Dickinson, April 15, 1828. Westville, taken from Constable, April 25, 1829, Bangor, Was organized as above, the first town meeting being held at the house of Chester Tuller, and the poor moneys being equitably divided. The first town officers were Joseph Plumb, supervisor; Eleazer Barntim, clerk ; C. Fuller, John Mar- vin, Isaac Bigelow, assessors; C. Fuller, collector; Samuel Silsbee, Elijah Drury, poor masters; James Lawrence, Barnabas Barnum, Elijah Drury, com. of highways; Eleazer Barnum, David Sayle, constables ; Jehiel Barnum, Gardner Dickinson, Jonathan Bower, John A. Buckland, Ebenezer R. Daggett, /ence viewers; David Doty, pound master; Joseph * As Harrison, changed to Ezkavillb, April 11, 1S08, and to MALo^FE, June 10, 1S12. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 479 Plumb, Joel Griffin, Sairmel Silsbe com. of common schools ; Elisha Driiry, Asa Worth, John Marvin, Chester Tuller, inspectors of common schools. Supervisors.— 1818-17, Joseph Phimb; 1818-20, Noah Moody; 1821-5, J. Plumb; 1826-7, George Adams; 1828, J. Plumb; 1829-32, G. Adams; 1833, William Plumb; 1834, G.Adams; 1836-7, James Adams; 1838, G. Adams; 1839, Joshua Dickinson; 1840-2, G. Adams; 1843-4, Tal- tnadge Barnum; 1845, J. Dickinson; 1846-8, Abel Wilcox; 1849-50 Allen Hinman, Jun. ; 1851, George H. Stevens ; 1852, Joseph Eldred. Town bounties have been offered for "noxious animals" as follows: For wolves, $10 in 1828-9; $15 in 1813-14-15-21; $20 in 1816-17-18- 19-20; in 1816, half this sum for wolf whelps; for tsquirrels 12h cents 1817 . for panthers, $20 in 1817-18-19-20: $25 in 1821 ; for crows, 50 cts. 1817-19; for bears, $3 in 1817-18-19; $5 in 1820; $10 in 1821 ; for black birds, 12^ cents in 1817; for foxes, $2 in 1818-19-20; $3 in 1816; $5 in 1821 ; for wild cats, (lynx?) $2 in 1817-19; $3 in 1820; $5 in 1821. At a special town meeting May 6, 1820, voted that the vote for raising a bounty on wolves, panthers and bears, taken at the last annual meeting, be amended to this effect: "that no person shall be entitled to any bounty from the town except actual residents of the town at this date." A special town meetingNovember 21, convened for the purpose, passed a similar resolution. In 1826, voted in favor of building a county poor house, which was done, leaving a surplus poor fund with the several towns. To dispose of this a special town meeting was held December 29, 1830. Voted to apply the poor funds of the town for the purpose of building a town house, and a vote was taken locating said house. March 30, 1831, the vote locating the town house was reconsidered, and a com- mittee of three from three different towns, was named for the purpose of selecting a site. Alric Mann, James Duane and Barnabas Heath, were named such committee. In case any one of these should be unable to attend, the one or two who did attend iiad power to appoint one or two as the case might be, to fill the vacancy. Such persons might not be resi- dents of the town. The site was to be fixed by the first day of July next. Joseph Plumb, Joshua Dickinson and George Adams, were n'tminated as a town committee* who were to receive from the poor masters, thejfunda in their hands, and erect a town house on the site designated by the com- missioners. They were also empowered to collect material:;^, &c., on subscription for the above purpose. Silvester Langdon, was subsequent- ly appointed in place of Mr. Duane. The committee thus constituted, reported, — "That in their opinion the interests of the said town would be best served by locating the town house on the high land between the north and south roads. They accordingly located it on lot No. 16. This decision not giving satisfaction, a meeting was held May 5, 1832, the former vote was reconsidered, and it was voted to divide the public money remaining in the hands of the overseers of the poor, equally be- tween the north and south parts of the town. It was voted to appropriate the said money for the purpose of building two town houses to be located at the centre of the town from east to west, on the north aud south roads, unless it should be thought best to vary somewhat from these points. Talmadge Barnum, Alanson Green, Jesse Smith and William ^Plumb, were appointed a committee for erecting the north house, and Jas. Law- rence, John L. Riggs, Joseph Congerand Samuel Brighton, for the other. A committee was to be appointed to see that the several religious societies in town have the the use of these houses in proportion to the amount that each should pay. The foregoing votes were finally reconsidered, and the meeting adjourned. 480 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE On the 7th of December, a meeting was again liekl, and all former votes annulled. The equal division of the public moneys was again voted, and the central location near the centre from east to west on the north and south roads, again adopted. James Adams, James Lawrence and Silvester Potter, were appointed a committee to erect the south house, and Jesse Plumb, David Doty and Ezra French, the other. The use of these houses was to be divided between the different religious societies in proportion to the amount subscribed by each towards the erection. Both were to be so far completed as to be valued at $1,200 each, within three years from date. Two public buildings were accordingly erected. That on the north road in 1834, and the other in 1835. The former is of wood, and the latter of stone, and was only completed in 1851. At tlieir town meeting in 1850, the town voted that their meetings should in future be held altern- ately at the village on the south road, and at North Bangor corners. The supervisor was instructed to oppose the plan of removing the site or re- building the county buildings. The town has uniformly voted for the support of schools as much money as the law allows. Settlement in this town was commenced in the spring of 1806, by Ben- jamin Seeley, originally from Vermont, but who for several years lived in Moira. He located about 2h miles east of the centre of the town. A winter road existed across the town previous to this, which was passable only by sleighs, and no wheeled vehicle had been taken into or through the town till afterwards. The next settler was Joseph Plumb,* in June, 1806, then from Moira, but originally from Middlebury, Vt., who took up a farm two miles east of the centre of the town. In the fall, Jehiel and James Barnum, originally from Vermont, commenced im- provements, and moved on with their families the following winter. Chester Tuller, Robert Wilson, Joel Griffin, and many others, settled in 1807 along the central road, and sevei'al families had settled in the south- ern part of the town before the St. Lawrence turnpike was opened. Among these were Gardner Dickinson, H. Conger, Jonathan Bowen, Levi Sylvester and Andrew Potter, and others, all of whom were from Franklin co., Vt. At the time when the town began to settle, tlie north half belonged to McCormick. William Cooper owned the S. E. quarter, and Asahel Bacon, the S. W. quarter. Mr. Bacon lived in New Haven, Ct., and his first agent was Joseph Plumb. The Cooper tract was divided among the heirs of that gentleman, and it was surveyed in 1815. N. Baker surveyed the north half of the town in the fall of 1806, and the south half was surveyed by Potter GofF, of De Kalb, in the fall of 1815. The first school was taught in 1808, by Samuel Russell. Religious Societies. — The first religious meetings are said to have been held by Rev. Alexander Proudfit, in 1808. A Congregational Church was formed in a barn of Mr. Southworth, near North Bangor, at an early- day. It consisted at first of 9 members. This society was incor poted • Mr. Plumb died in Bangor, in 1S39, at the age of 77. u AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 481 February 9, 1833, with Joshua Dickinson, Jonathan H. Farr, D. Paine, F. Tilton and Henry Stevens, trustees. The Christian sect were organized bv Elder Uriah Smith and J. Spooner, in the fall of 1818, and was attended by a religioiis revival. EUler John Smith, was pastor of this church for many years. They have a church and hold meetings on alternate Sabbaths, Bellmont, Was erected from Chateaugay, embracing townships 8, 9, and 10, of the Old Military tract, March 25, 1833, the first town meeting being held at the school house of dis. No. 8. On the 23d of March, 1838, the souths ern tier of mile square lots of No. 7, were annexed. Supervisors .—1833-34, Roswell A. Weed ; 1835 Henry B. Hatch ; 1836, Jonathan H. Farr; 1837. Roswell A. Weed; 1838-39, John D. Mills, 1840-41, George Winkley; 1842, Pliny C Daggett; 1843, Marcus Head- in"- • 1844-45, Wiiliam Weed; 1846-47, Abraham Reynolds; 1848-49, Wll'liam Weed; 1850, John D. Mills; 1851, Jonas G. Clark; i852; William Weed. The first survey of township No. 8, of the Old Military tract, was made in 1801, by Joseph Griffin. The town of Bellmont, derives its name from William Bell, one of the early proprietors of a portion of the town. Mr. Bell was engaged in mercantile business, and for several of the latter years of his life, was employed as a super cargo in the East India trade. While engaged in setding his lands, it was his custom to spend a portion of the summer months in Franklin county. Mr. James H. Titus, is the present owner of about one fifth part of Bellmont (No. 8), adjoining Malone. The attention of this gentleman, is now person- ally devoted to the settlement and improvement of this section of the county, which previous to the completion of the present avenue to market, scarcely found encouragement for the investment of labor. At present, the settlement of Bellmont is limited mostly to the north part of the town, and to a road running from east to west, parallel with the line of the town. Several romantic and beautiful lakes occur here, and none that surpasses that of Chateaugay lake, near the line of Clinton county. There is a Presbyterian society of thirty to forty members in this town, which is a branch of the Malone church. An alleged murder occurred in Bellmont, Nov. 3, 1851. Mr. Justin Bell of Brasher, St. Lawrence county, had erected a shanty near Owls- head pond, about 8i miles from Malone village, and one or two into the woods, for a residence while hunting and fishing. He had been there on this occasion several days, and on tlie morning of the day on which the fatal occurrence happened, Mr. B. H. Man, o Westville, a surveyor who had been up beyond, to examine a piece of land, with others, left Bell and James Sherwin, at the shanty The lat er had arrived about 11 o'clock, pardy intoxicated, and svMh a jug of liquor He is said to have threatened to take possession of the shanty and the liirs, and his 482 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE swaggering uianner made Bell uneasy at being left alone in his com- pany, and he enquired of those who were leaving them, whether he would be safe in his company. Early on Monday morning, Sherwin came into the settlement with the statement, that he had accidentally shot Bell, while attempting to discharge his gun. Numbers immediately repaired to the premises, and a coroner's inquest was held. Discrepancies in the account given of the manner in which the alleged accident oc- curred, and the tact of some of the furs, the lamp, &c., being found at a considerable distance from the shanty, led to suspicion of crime, and Sherwin was arrested and committed for murder. The Franklin county jail being thought unsafe, should any attem[)t be made to rescue the prisoner , he was confined for some time in the jail of St. Lawrence county, and at the July term of the court of oyer and terminer, held at Malone, in 1852, he was tried. Augustus C. Hand, one of the justices of the supreme court presided, assisted by John Hutton, county judge, and Milton Heath, and fJlisha Hollister, justices of sessions. After a full and impartial trial, the jury, from the circumstances proved, after a deliberation of several hours, brought in a verdict of guilty. The prisoner received the verdict with Apparent indifference. He was sentenced to be hung, Sept. 10, but this was commuted to imprisonment for life. Bombay, Was organized from Fort Covington, March 30, 1833, by an act which took effect on the first of May following. The first town meeting was di- rected to be held at the school house near Bombay Corners. This town embraces the present Indian reservation of the St. Regis tribe, and township No. 1, ov Macomb, of Great tract number 1, of Macomb's pur- chase. The name of Bombay was derived from the commercial capi- tal in the East Indies, and given by Michael Hogan, [the founder of Ho- gansburgh, from its being the former home of his wife. Mr. Hogan died at Washington, D. C., on the 26th of March, 1833, at the age of 68. He had for several years held the office of consul general of the United States, at Valparaiso, in Chili, and was formerly a merchant in the city of New York. He was distinguished throughout various reverses of for- tune, by his enterprise, intelligence and probity, as well as by his hospi- table and liberal disposition, and the urbanity of his manners. Supervisors I— 18S3-M, Wilson Randall; 1835-37, Amherst K. Wil- liams; 1838-39, John S.Eldridge; 1840-1, Elias Bowker; 1842-43; Elvin K.Smith: 1844, Amasa Townsend; 1845, Elias Bowker; 1846-47; A. Townsend; 1848, Charles Russell; 1849-50, Jacob G. Reynolds; 1851, C. Russell; 1852; J. G. Reynolds. The first impi-ovements in the town, except at St. Regis village, were, it is said, begun by Gordon, the founder of St. Regis, who about 1762 caused mills to be erected at what is now Hogansburgh, but which then bore the name of St. Regis mills. From this place he is said to have sent rafts to Montreal. The tradition of this affair is obscure and u u AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 483 certain. A mill was burned about 1804, said to have been old. In De- cember, 1808, there were no mills there. Wiltiam Gray, the Indian in- terpreter, was living on the west bank during the early part of the war and for many years previous, and the place then bore the name of Gray's mills. From information derived from Joseph Lefonduze, a Frenchman, who has resided for many years at Hogansburgh, it is learned that Frenchmen, named Beron and Bouget, owned the first mills erected since 1808, who were succeeded by one Soufacon and Jean Baptiste Parissien,* who left in 1816. The first grist mill was erected for Michael Hogan, about 1818, on the east side of St. Regis river. He had previously purchased township number one, and mills were erected near the centre of the town, by Daniel W. Church, for him in 1811. The first settler in township num- ber one is said to have been Joseph Hadley, a hunter, about 1803. Samuel Sanborn, with a large family, settled about the year 1805. The settlements in town were very few and feeble, {)revious to 1822, when immigration commenced, and proceeded so rapidly, that the greater part of the town, not reserved by the Indians, was taken up within two or three years. Much of the valuable timber had been stolen by partie s from Canada, and by squatters, before it passed into the hands of actual settlers. The title of township number one, passed from Mr. Hogan to Robert Oliver, of Baltimore, and the estate has been subsequently di_ vided among his heirs, by commissioners chosen for the purpose. The village of Hogansburgh is accessible by steamers, and an Ameri- can boat that plies between Cornwall and Montreal, has touched here during the past season, but notwithstanding this advantage, joined with a good water power, the place does not appear to thrive. Among other causes, the difficulty of obtaining titles on the reservation, and the impos- sibility, from this cause, of bringing under improvement lands which are susceptible of a high cultivation, are the principal. The first road across the Indian lands, was from French mills to St. Regis, and in the treaty of 1818, the right of way for one to the present village was ceded, and soon after a road was opened nearly east and west through the reserva- tion. April 12, 1827, $1,000 was applied, and $1,000 subscribed, for im- proving this road, under the direction of James B. Spencer and Wm Hogan. A law was passed May 26, 1841, appointing Gurdon S. Mills and James Hall Jr., to repair, straighten and improve this road, and the sum of $4,000 was applied for this purpose. Religious Societies. — The Methodists organized a society in town March ♦Owner at an early day of mills on Salmon river. Died at Isle au Perot, about 1833 aged 77. 484 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE 26, 1832, with Joseph Elliot, James M. Roberts, Simon Alverson, John O'Riley and Wilson Randall, trustees. This society has a church at Bombay Coiners. The church of St. Patrick (in the Catholic Register named St. Mary's church), was incorporated Oct. 20, 1.834, with the Rt. Rev. John Dubois, bishoj>, N. Y. ; John Keesan and John Hammill, of Brasher. James Mur- phy, Davis O'Nail, of Bombay, Patrick Feely and Laiity Adams, of llojiansburgh, trustees. They have a stone church at Hogansburgh. Before its erection, there was no other Catholic church in the county, except at St. Regis. An p]pisco|)al church was commenced in 1837, a little east of the vil- lage, but was never finished. Brandon, Was erected Jan. 28, 1828, and made to include all that part of Ban- gor south of No. 5, in Great tract No. 1 of Macomb's purchase. The first town meeting was directed to be held at the house of Elijah Pren- tiss. The poor moneys raised in Bangor in 1827, were to he divided according to the last assessment. At the first town meeting, the follow- ing officers were elected: Henry Ste[)hens, stvho called it Hu-nah-a-ta-ko-wah, " a big spring rushing out of the ground." Religious Societies. — In 1800 or 1801, one Huntingdon, a Presbyterian, held the first meetings in town, at the liouse of Judge Bailey, and about 1802, Henry llyau, a M. E. circuit preacher, visited the town. In 1805, a class of about 6, was formed with Benj. Emmons for leader. In 1804, a revival occurred. The first Methodist ministry had, it is said, some forty appointments in four weeks, extending 300 miles. 'Ihe largest accession in any year, was 100, in 1843 or 4. A Congregational church was formed in 1816, by the Rev. Jas. John- son and A. Parmelee, in what is now Burke. Since the division of the town, there has been formed in Burke a separate church. The form was changed, April 4, 1842, to Presbyterian, and like the other churches of this order in the county, it belongs to the Champlain Presbytery. The church edifice at Chateaugay was begun in 1827, and dedicated July 4, 1842, sermon by Rev. Ashbel Parmelee. The clergymen have been Jacob Hart, Moses Parmelee, James Millar, Andrew M. Millar, Baxter and A. M. Millar, the present one, from whom most of the foregoing facts were received. A Baptist church was formed Feb. 12, 1817, by Elder Isaac Sawyer. Israel Thayer was chosen deacon, and George W. P. Beman, clerk. The Baptist house of worship was commenced in 1820, and dedicated iu 1838. Tlie dedication sermon was preached by Elder Farr. The largest accession of their numbers occurred in 1830. The original nutnber at the formation of the church, was about eleven. The Rev. Mr. Sawyer was succeeded by Rev. Johnson, who remained but a few months; Rev. David Byington, who remained a year, and Rev. Ephraim Smith, who has been, with some short intervals, the only minister employed since 1820. The Rev. Jeremiah Dwyer, during the above period, has been employed one year. On the formation of the town of Burke, about two-thirds of the members found themselves in the new town, and soon organized a new society, which, in the fall of 1852, are erecting a brick church in that town. The Baptist church of Chateaugay is at present quite small. In 1835, there were classes of Protestant Methodists formed in town, and tlie numbers belonging to them were once somewhat numerous, but the church is now extinct. Constable Was formed from Harrison, March 13, 1807, embracing townships 1, 2, 3, and the Indian reservation. The first town meeting was held at the house of Jacob Settles, at which Albon Man was chosen supervisor; Ezekiel Payne, clerk; Joseph Wright, John Cadwell, Seth Blancher, as- sessors; Anthony Sprague, co//edor ;Alric Man, Jonathan Hapgood, over- seers of poor; Alric Man, Aseph Perry, Alexander McMillen, comers of highways; Anthony Sprague, Isaac Fairchild, A. McMillen, constables; John Smith, Seth Blancher, Amos F.\Av\ge, fence vieivers ; Jno. Hapgood, JDavid Danforth, Albon Man, pound keepers ; John Livingston, Wm. Perry, Seth Blancher, David McMillen, Christopher Austin, overseers of high- ways. Supervisors.— 1807-10, Alhon Man; 1811, Alric Man; 1812-13, Albon Man; 1814-23, Alric Man; 1824-5, Lewis Dubois; 1826, Guy Meigs; AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES.. 495 1827, Ebenezer Man; 1828-31, Sylvester Langdon; 1832, J. G. Dickey; 1833 Sylvester La.igdoti; 1834-5, J. G. D'-^^key; 18367 Ha.Ty Horton; 1838, Sylvester Langdon; 1839, Augustus Martin ; ISf-l, Geoi^e W. Darling; 1842 3, Putnam W. Sumner; 1844-5, Sidney W. Gillett; 1846-7, J. G. Dickey; 1848, Washington Wooster; 1849, Lucian Wyman; 1850-1, Wm. Daggett; 1852, Joseph Hastings. JVotes from the Becorrfs.— Bounties on wolves, $5, in 1807; $10 in 1808 to '14, 1817-28; $15 in 1821; $20 in 1830. On foxes, $1 in 1819-20; $3 in 1821, with half this price for young foxes that had not left the bur- row. On panthers, $20 in 1820. In 1812, voted in favor of making three towns of townships 1, 2 and 3. In 1814, $50 approiu-iated for burying the dead of the U. S. troops. 50 cts. penalty for geese running at large In 1816, the question of diving the town again came up. In 1830 for abolishing the distinction between town and county poor. In 1846 on license election, 00, no license, 82. An act of April 21, 1846, required a tax of $250, for the erection or purchase of a town house, whenever the electoi's should direct. ■ TfiUiam Constable, from whom this town is named, was a son of John Constable, a surgeon in the English army, during the French and Eng- lish war, who in 1762, took a commission in the 1st regiment ot the province of New York. He had but two sons, William and James. The former was born in Dublin, in 1761. A sister named Eweretta, married James Phyn, of Scotland, and another, Harriet, Thomas Pierce, of Bristol, England. James, was a bachelor, and died at New York, m 1807 Wm. Constable was married in Philadelphia, to Ann, daughter of Townsend Wliite. Their children were Anna, Eweretta, William, John, Harriet, Emily and Matilda, all of which names occur among tha names originally given the townships of the Great purchase. Of the daughters; the first married H; B. Pierrepont; the second James Mc- Vickar; the the third, James Duane; the fourth. Dr. Samuel W. Moore, of New York; and the fifth, Edward McVickar. Wm. Constable be- came a leading director of the Bank of New York, and a merchant on an extensive scale, and sent one of the first ships from this country to China for trade, with Wm. Bell, as supercargo. During thefiftee,n years previous to his death, which occurred in May, 1803, Mr. Constable was Actively and extensively engaged in land sales, and had great mfiuence with the other persons concerned in these operations. The first settlement in town was made on the south line of the town, by Jonathan Hapgood and Christopher Austin, from Milton, Vt., in 1800. These were related and formed but one family. They come as far as Chateaugay in March, and in June proceeded to the place they had se- lected for a settlement. William Cooper, of Salem, N. Y., Solomon Cook, and Ebenezer Titus, from Rutland county, Vt., Saul Clark, James Welch, Artemas and Thomas Smith, Peleg Austin, James Lyman, Wil- liam Buell, and others had settled in town, in the year 1805, or previous. The first saw mill was erected by James Welch, in 1803. He settled a short distance south of the present village of Constable Corners. Ihe first grist mill in town, was built soon after the war, by Joseph Colburn, of Vermont The first school was taught in the summer ot 180b, by Miss A. Mead, in a barn owned by J. Hapgood. At Constable Corners schools were not established earlier than 1811, when the first school was taught by one Blodget. The first physician who settled in town was Dr. Solomon Wyman. During the prevalence of the cholera, in 496 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE 183?, a considerable number of cases occurred in town, some of which were fatal. Relis;ioiis Societies. — A Conjrregntional society Avas formed Maj', 25, 1817, witli Solomon VVyman, Samuel R. Nims, Alric Man, Oliver Bell, and Jolin Cliild, trustees. A cliurcli was formed 4»y Rev. J. Armstrong in 18"22, who remained six years. His successors have been .lacob Hart, Biiller, Tertius Reynolds, John L. Edgerton, Aaron Foster and Benjamin Marvin, none of whom have been installed the pastors. In J847 its form was changed to Presbyterian. The society about 1844 erected a commodious chmch at an expense of $2500, of which Edward Ellice, the land owner, gave $400. A Baptist cliurch was formed May 4. 1833, of thirty one members. A Free Will Ba[)tist church was formed in 31alone and Constable, by Elder Samuel Hart, Moores Cole, a licentiate, in 1841. Pastors, Eldei* Samuel Hart, VV. Warner, G. W. Town. Present number 20. Dickinson, Wa^ formed April 11, 1808, (to take effect April 1, 1809,) from Harri- son, enibracing Nos. 4, 5, 6, and all south. It has been reduced by the formation of Bangor and Moira, to its present limits. The first town meeting was held at the hf)use of Appleton Foote. The name of the town is said to have been derived from a gentleman in New Jersey. At the time of formation, the entire settlement was in what is now Moira and Bangor, The first set of town officers were Samuel Pease, super- visor; Apollos Lathrop, dej-k; Rufus Tilden, Chester Tuller, Elisha Drury, assessors; R. Tilden, collector; Appleton Foote, and Joseph J'\un\h, poor viasters ; Samuel Foster, John Potter, Robert Wilson, comVs highivays; R. 'Jilden, Edward Chapman, constables. Svpervisors.—l^Q9,S.Vense; 1810-12, Joseph Plumb; 1813-22; Jona- than Lawrence; 1833, Jason Pierce; 1824, .1. Lawrence; 1825-28, J. Pierce; 1829-32, Loderick Butterfield; 1833-34, Erastus Hutchins; 1845, Reuben Cady; 18:]6-41, E. Hutchins; 1842-43, W^airen Ives; 1844-45, Peter Whitney; 1846-52, W. Ives. Bounties on animals have been voted as follows: For wolves, $10, 1809-10-12-17-18-19-20-28. $15 in 1811-12-J3-2L $20 in 1815. For panthers, $10 in 1820. $15 in 1817. $20 in 1821. $25 in 1818. For foxes $2 in 1816 to 21. For bears, $3 in 1820; $5 in 1819-21. For catamoimts, $2u in 1819. For crows, 37i cents in 1816. For squirrels, 12^ cents in 1817. For chi|)mncks, Vih cents in 1816, 1809, resolved, that all license money drawn from the town of Ezraville, and all that shall be due June 1, be appropriatrd for the use of the best kind of sheep. At a special meeting Nov. 10 1821, the bounties on animals withdrawn. In 1821 the poor moneys on hand amoimted to $063.95 In 1830, opposed the poor house system. Dec. 10, 1830, voted to apply the |)oor moneys for schools. The town has usually voted for schools as much money as the law allows. The earliest settlers in the {)resent limits of Dickinson, is said to have been William Thomas, who located a short distance south of where the St. Lawrence tm-npike was afterwards located. He had first settled in Hofikinton, and after a short residence here, returned to that town. Jonathan and Jesse D. Rice, from New Hampshire, settled at an early day. Reuben Cady and others had located in town previous to 1812.- Most of the first settlement was limited to the St. Lawrence turnpike, which passes o!)liqiieIy across the northern border of the town, and soon alter its completion became a thorougbfare of great importance, espe- AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. . 497 cially in the military movements of the years 1813, '14. The Port Kent and Mopkinton road began to be settled soon after its construction, but the ini prove n^.ents alonji^ this route were scattered and limited. The i)re- sent settlement of the town is limited to the central and western jiortions of Annastown, or township number seven. With the exception of three or four families on the Northwest Bay road, and a very small settlement at the head of Tupper's lake, near the southern extremity of the town, its whole extent is an unbroken wilderness.- The facilities to market which the rail-road furnishes, has given new value to the titnber of this region, in common with other portions of the northern counties, and has created several lumbering establishments in the depths of the forest, which will hereafter form the centres of settlements for farming pur- po:^es. About midway between the Port Kent road on the south and the St. Lawrence tmnpike on the north, and near the centre of number seven, is situated on Deer river a small village named Thomasville. It owes its origin and name to John Thomas, a former resident of Hopkinton, who in the latter part of the summer of 1839 commenced the erection of mills, and remained about a year. Deer river at this point affords a fine water power, which has been irnproved by the erection of two saw niills and a grist mill. The hamlet contains several mechanic shops, two stores, and a small cluster of dwellings. A most melancholy accident occurred in Dickinson, on the 3d of Sept., J852, in which the dvvplling of Mr. Eseck Hawkins was burned, and his wife, and a son six years of age, perished in the flames. Most of the family lodged in the chamber, except the parents, who on discovering the house to be on fire, made vigorous efforts to rescue their children froiTi the devouring element, and in this Mrs. H. perished. The father rushed into the room where his children were sleeping, a!ul»succeeded in rescuing all but one, which he found it beyond his power to save. The charre.l remains of the mother and son were collected, and interred in the same coffin. The funeral was attended by thousands of sympathiz- ing fi'iendd and citizens, and the melancholy disaster spread a gloojn over the surrounding community. Religious Societies. — The Christian sect was organized in 1816, '17, by Eld. Spooner, and was for many years the only church in town. It prospered for some years, but has now become almost extinct. The whole number received was eighty. A Free Will Baptist church was formed in 1836. The clergy have been Chas. Bowles, John Kimble, and others ; at present Eld. A. P. Walcott. DUAKE, Was formed from Malone, Jan. 24, 1828, and in the erection of Har- rietstown reduced to its i)r(;sent limits. It was named from James Duane, Esq., from Schenectady, who having acquired, by marriage with a daugh- ter of W. Constable, the title of a considerable portion of the town, in 1821-2 caused the tract to be surveyed; in 1823-4 commenced improve- ments and erected a dwelling, and in 1825 removed with his family and made a permanent settlement. He was then nearly ten miles beyond neighbors, antl tiie most remote settler in the forest. A considerable number located soon after, and the iron manufacture gave life and spirit to the settlements. A forge was erected in 1828, for tiie manufacture of iron from ore which had been discovered the year previous, but which fi'om the disturbance of the needle in surveying, had been supposed since 498 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE 1822 to exist. The ore wrought at this forge was the steel ore, so called, which occurred in its vicinity, the veins or beds running southeast and northwest in the direction of tlie strata of gneiss of the vicinity. The forge was carried oft' in a great freshet: afterwards rebuilt, burnt, and ngain rebuilt, to be a second time injured in a freshet. These misfor- tunes, together with the great expense of transportation, put an end to the enterprise after a few years. During the time that the forge was in operation, it made from a hundred to a hundred and twenty-five tons of iron annually. In 1838, a quarter fitrnace vvas erected by the Dnane brothers, on Deer river, in the west part of No. 12, and was intended to be used for the reduction of primitive ores exclusively. The cold air blast was at first used, but afterwards the apparatus for heating the air was inserted. Immense difficulty was experienced in procuring iron, as the ores were very difficult to reduce, and many trials were found neces- sary to arrive at an economical method of fluxing and separating them. The business was continued seven or eight years, during which fibout six hundred tons of iron were made, a great part of which was made into castings on the premises. The difficulty of smelting, together with the great expense attending the manufacture in a situation several miles distant from the district that was to afford support to the laborers, and especially the prohibitory expenses of transportation to market, resulted in the loss of many thousand dollars to the enterprising projectors, and the works were discontinued in 1849. The stack of this furnace, and all the arrangements connected widi it, were admirably constructed, and will compare favorably with any of the class in the state. This furnace is located on the Port Kent and Hopkinton road, fifty-seven miles from Lake Champlain. Deer river post office was established here for the accommodation of that section of the town, but discontinued in 1841. For manufacturing steel direcdy from the mixed primitive and specu- lar ores of Duane, a company was chartered by an act passed May 20, 1841, under the name of the Franklin Native Steel Manufacturing Com- pany. James C. Duane, Samuel W. Jones, Frederick A. Dnane, Robert Duane, Benjamin M. Duane, and such as might join them, were to form the company. Capital $50,000 ; shares $100 each, with power to increase their capital to $150,000. This company was never formed. The first saw mill in Duane was erected by the proprietor in 1823, on the west branch of Salmon river. In 1828, a grist mill was built on the same. The only religious society in Duane is the Methodist. There was formerly a small Presbyterian society, but this has been broken up by death and removal of its .members. The Episcopal ser- vice was performed statedly in town, by the Rev. Mr. Hart, from Malone, during several months in 1828. A building for religious meetings and public purposes, was erected by Mr. Duane in 1828. The greater part of township No. 12 was surveyed by John Frost, in 1821-2. James Duane has been the supervisor of this town, except 1848, when Ezekiel Ladd was elected. The latter had been chosen in 1840, but at the election which followed the division of the town soon after, he was superseded. Fort Covington, Was erected from Constable Feb. 28, 1817, and in the formation of Bombay, reduced to its present limits. Its name is derived from Brig. Gen. Leonard Covington, who was born in Maryland, Oct. 26, 1768, of respectable ancestry, and at an early age evinced a strong inclination to the profession of arms. He served under Wayne in the Indian wars at AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 499 the west, and in 1809, was commissioned lieutenant colonel in the regi- ment of dragoons, was stationed in Louisiana, and became a resident of Natchez. In 1813, he joined the northern army, and in July was made brigadier general. At Chrysler's field he was wounded by a musket ball through his bowels, while at the head of his troops, of which he died on board a boat, on the way to French Mills, where he was buried with military honors. Several years after, his remains, with those of Col, Johnson and Lieut. Eaton, were taken to Sackett's Harbor. It was at first pro|)osed to name the town Covington, but this was an- ticipated by a new town in Genesee county. The first town officers were: Sebius Fairman, sttpemso?-; Amos Welch, cZerA:; Isaac Fairchild, David Danforth, assessors; Isaac Fairchild, collector; Daniel W. Church, Wareham Hastings, Luther Danforth, commissioners ofhighivays ; Ambrose Cushman, Luther Danforth, overseers of the poor; Sebius Fairman, Seth Blanchard, Isaac Fairchild, commissioners of common schools; Jonathan Wallace, John M. Rodgers, Ezekiel Payne, inspectors of schools; Isaac Fairchild, Wm. VVhelpley, constables; Seth Blanchard, Luther Danforth, David McMillin, fe7ice vieivers; Ardus M. Hitchcock, David McMillin, B. D. Hitchcock, pound masters. sSitpervjsors.— 1817-18, Sebius Fairman; 1819, Isaac Fairchild; 1820-2, S. Fairman; 1823, George B. R. Gove ; 1824-5, Wm. Hogau; 1826-7, G. B. R. Gove; 1828-30, W. Hogan; 1830, James B. Spencer, to fill vacancy; 1831, no record; 1832, Wilson Randall; 1833, G. B. R. Gove; 1834, Uriah D. Meeker; 1835, Henry Longly; 1836-7, Tilness Briggs; 1838, James Campbell; 1839, G. B. R. Gove; 1840, Jonathan Wallace; 1811-2, Sidney Briggs; 1843, J.Campbell; 1844-5, S. Briggs; 1846-7, Warren L. Manning; 1848, Schuyler Button; 1849, W. L. Mannmg; 1850, Stephen V. R. Tuthill; 1851, J. Wallace; 1852, Preserved Ware. Bounties have been offered for the destruction of noxious animals as follows: For wolves, $5 in 1829; $10 in 1817-18-19; $20 in 1821. For panthers, $10 in 1817-18-19; $20 in 1821. For foxes, $1 in 1820-1. For crows, 25 cents in 1817-18. For striped s(|uirrels and black birds, 3 cents in 1817; for black birds, 6 cents in 1818. In 1817, voted $250, on condition that Constable will raise as much, to build a poor house. This was not done. In 1819, a town house was built by subscription, and finished in 1820. For one year it was used as an academy, and since as a district pchool house. Much relating to ^Vench titles, &c., is excluded for want of space. In 1793, the chiefs of St. Regis leased to Wm. Gray, a tract on Salmon river for $200 annual rent, after the first four years. An inducement with the chiefs was, the promise of the erection of mills. Feb. 6, 1796, Gray and one Thomas Araquente, another chief, entered into terms of assignment, by which the latter gained the saw mill, then of no great value, but no regular papers were signed till Dec. 15, 1798, when the chiefs in full council, confirmed the conveyance. James Robertson, of Montreal, Dec. 29, 1798, bought this lease for $2,400 to T. A., and the amiuity of $200 to the St. Regis tribe, without a warranty on the part of Araquente, of the lands on both sides of Salmon river, from its source to a line to be drawn at a distance of half a mile from the mill. The mill and one mile square was, however, conveyed by warranty. Mr. Robert- son and his brother Alexander, who had a joint and equal interest with him, continued to occupy until the death of J.R., when Neil and Patrick Robertson became entitled to equal moieties of his share. In 1804, (Sept. 11,) after spending $2,209 in the erection of a grist mill, it was 500 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE swept off in a iloofl. $4,762 was soon after spent in rebuilding the mill, but before it was completed Alexander Robertson died, leaving Francis Desriviere, Esq., tutor and guardian of liis n)inor children, by wlioui and the above Neil and Patrick Robertson, the mill was furnished and leased to Robert Huchanan, the person who built them. P. R. died in J808 or '9, and N. R. in 1812, and a lengthy memorial in tho archives of state, dated Jan. 30, 1818, from which the above facts are drawn, as- serts that since the above deaths Mr. Buchanan, with others who had obtained leases within the mile square, had disclaimed the title of the Robertsons and refused to pay rent. This title was long a subject of litigation, and was not finally settled until after the treaty of 1818 and the award of the commissioners. With the exception of a few French families who lived and worked around the saw mill, there was no settlement for agricultural purposes until about 1800. About this year or soon after, Samuel Fletcher, Aaron McLean, and Ambrose Cushman, located in No. 2, and John Hunsden David Lynch, Robert,* Walter and Duncan Buchanan, (natives of Ster- lingsbire, Scotland,) settled near the mills. At the raising of the grist mill in 1804, help was invited from great distances in Canada, and the state, and when the frame was up it is said that the question arose which was the " smartest," to decide which the Glengarians and Yankees re- solved to fight it out in a good natured way, and the result was that the former got severely whipped, and were obliged to own up beaten. The lands in the present village of Fort Covington (formerly French mills), on the east side of the river, within the mile square, weve leased in such parcels and at such rates as he ujight be able to bargain for, by William Hawkins, who had acquired an irregular title, which was disclaimed by the state, and those who had paid for these lands were obliged to re- purchase. In 1803, John Hunsden, an Irishman, having become a clerk to the Indians, induced them to cause a iiart of their tract near the mile square, to be surveyed out into farms, which were conveyed by durable leases, cleared up and improved. The terms were three years without rent, and $10 for every 100 acres annually afterwards. Upon the treaties of 1816 and '18, these settlers petitioned for their rights, and the surveyor general (Simeon De Witt), and two men appointed by the governor, (James S. Kip, of Utica, and Dr. Isaac Sargent, of Cambridge,) were' directed to appraise the lands with and without the improvenients. In their unpublished report which is before us, it is stated that the leases had been executed by virtue of powers supposed to be granted in the Jaw of 1802, (see p. 154,) and the history of the titles is detailed at length. They reserved for a fort in case of war, 50 acres on the east side of Salmon river, and 14h on the west side. They very strongly re- commended an appropriation for roads in this section. To those who had made improvements on Indian leases, A preemption was allowed, or if they declined purchasing the land they still might have a lien upon the improvements from those who bought the soil. Special provision was made for certain lots, and Hunsden was allowed $1,200 for services rendered. The legal heirs of the first Robertsons were entitled to the preemption of a certain lot on condition of $120 being withheld for R. Buchanan. The appraisement and award of the commissioners will be found in the secretary's office at Albany. [Field book, vol. 35, p. 252.) Most of The settlers availed themselves of the preemption and pur- chased at the laud office in Albany their farms. Those who chose to hold their improvements did so, notwithstanding the soil was sold to Robert Bachanan died in town, October 31, 1829, aged 60. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. > 501 others, until paid for. A portion of the lands were reappraised and have since been sold. The mile square was subsequently surveyed by the surveyor general into house lots and out lots, and sold bv the state, except- ing the two military reserves, which are rented for an indefinite period, and liable to revert whenever wanted for this purpose. Two or three proposals to fortify at this point have been made, and engineers have been on to examine the sites, but nothing has been done in this line and nothing is at present contemplated. Upon surveying the tract granted in the treaty of 1818, there was foimd an excess of 307 acres, and a provision was inserted in the act of April 13, 1819, by which the governor was instructed to procure a release of the same and to stipulate an addition to their annuity at the same rates as for the purchase last made, or to pay them at once the present worth of the same. On the declaration of war a block house was built in the villas of French Mills, but never entirely finished, and during the first summer a drafted company of militia under Capt. Rufus Tilden, of Moria, posted as a protection to the frontier, and a guard to the provisions stored here for distribution among the St. Regis Indians. Moses Eggleston of Chateau- gay, was lieutenant, and A^den Wood, ensign, and it consisted of about 40 men. During the summer two Troy volunteer companies under Capt. Higby and Lyon, and a drafted company of militia from Columbia county, under Capt. Miller, the whole under Major Young of Troy were stationed here. Shortly after the affair at St. Regis, the Troy and Columbia companies at French Mills, were withdrawn (Nov. 1812), and the Franklin county company again left alone. A British detachment of regulars, militia and Indians, made a descent from St. Regis through the woods, upon the post at French Mills. Capt. Tilden surrendered without resistence ; the arms were broken and left, the ammunition thrown into the river, and men marched prisoners to St. Regis, and thence to Montreal. In Dec., they were exchanged for the same company which they had captured in Oct. Immediately after this two Columbia county companies under Major Tanner, Capt's Winslow and Gardner, were detached from Colonel Vos- burg's regiment stationed at Chateaugay, which staid till March follow- ing. They were then withdrawn, and "their place supplied by a volun- teer company from Franklin county, raised and commanded by Captain David Irving, of Constable, who continued to hold the post until the ar- rival of Gen. Wilkinson, in November, 1813. Capt. Irving's company subsequently participated in the movements of Gen. Ham|)ton, below Chateauga3^ A fiirther account of these operations will be given. On the 13th of November, 1813, General Wilkinson, with his army ascended the river in a flotilla of boats, and took up his quarters in the' village, where he remained till February. The details of this event will be given in connection with our account of the war. While the Ameri- can army Avere in winter quarters at French Mills, a citizen of New York was apprehended, suspected of having put up at the camp the following placard, addressed ^'■To the American Army at Salmon River -.^^ "Notice. — All American soldiers who are willing to quit the wnnc/uroZ war ill which they are at present engaged, will receive at the British out- posts, the arrears due them by the American government, to the extent of five months pay. No man shall be required to serve against his own country." After numerous inquiries the author has been unable to as- certain from those who were in the service at the time, any particulars in relation to the above occurrence. The army had scarcely left the village 502 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE than they were followed by the enemy, who remainerl a week, scouring the country to gather up whatever of public property they might be able to find, and pilfering such private property as uie soldiers could conceal from their officers. In not a single excursion it is said, did the enemy return with his full number, as great numbers deserted the ranks and left singly and in small parties, whenever opportunity offered. These mostly hastened into the interior of the country, going chiefly to Plattsburgh, Utica, &c. The frightful mortality of the troops here will be detailed in our future pages. Soon after the war, an act was passed by congress, allowing magis- trates to take affidavits of certificates of damages to private property during that period, which were to be audited and paid at Washington. A series of frauds was attempted, and to some degree successfully carried on, principally at French Mills, although instances occurred in St. Law- rence county, in which exhorbitant, fictitious and altered accounts were presented. In other instances, fair and honest accounts, were first certi- fied by magistrates, and subsequently forged copies with the items changed, and greatly magnified, were sent to the department for audit and payment. The suspicions of a citizen of French Mills being excited, information was conveyed to government, and an agent was sent to de- tect and bring to punishment the offenders. This person acquired the confidence of the delinquents, and having become acquainted with the ne- cessary details of their operations, promptly reported them to the civil authorities, who caused several of the party to be arrested. By a singular omission in the law there was no provision made for punishing these frauds, and several escaped from this cause. It is supposed that they were aware of this fact before eng.iging in them. The ring leader was sent to folate's prison, and the others fled. Great numbers having just and honest claims, were cut off from their rights by these frauds. The first and hitherto the only legal execution that has occurred in Franklin county, was that of Stephen Videto, in public at Malone, on the 26th of August, 1825, for the murder of Fanny Mosely, in this town, on the 2d of February previous. The circumstanc* s were briefly as follows : The murderer was a young man a member of his father's family, who had formerly resided in Canada, and had there been slightly acquainted with his victim. He had lived in Fort Covington several years, on a small farm, and was previously remarkable for nothing but an excessively pe- nurious disposition, which he possessed in common with his family. The victim was a person of superior enterprise, and having acquired a small sum of money by her industry, had been married in Canada to a reckless villain, who had abandoned her at J^'ort Covington, taking with him every thing valuable which she possessed. Being thus thrown deso- late upon the charities of the world, she became a member of the Videto family, with whom she had been somewhat acquainted. For some time previous to the murder, some degree of criminal intimacy had been sus- pected, but the mortal dread of encountering the expense of a family, should they marry, and no alternative existing, is supposed to have led to the resolution of destroying her. To furnish a pretext for providing the means, and for carrying into execution this plan, he feigned to be in fear of his own life from the Indians, with some of whom he had quarrelled, and reported that he repeatedly saw them lurking around the premises, armed. He also became disturbed by the rats, and to destroy these pur- chased arsenic several days before the murder. He also borrowed a pistol and two muskets, for self defence, and one or two days before gave the alarm that Indians were lying in wait around the house, whom he affected to pursue. On the fatal night, notwithstanding his leai-s, he allowed a AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 503 fellow lodger and a brother to go abroad, and neglected to fasten the doors and windows. He remained in the same room with the deceased, and was keeping watch in the night with his fire arms loaded, in readiness to repel any attack, while the woman was sleeping on her bed. Two dis- charges were heard in quick succession, accompanied by a crash of the window, and he rushed out of the house giving an alarm, and after run- ning to some distance, returned with the statement that the Indians had broken in the window, shot the woman and fled. She was not instantly killed, and he pioduced some wine or other cordial for her to take. Upon subsequent examination it was noticed that there were no tracks in the snow to any distance; that the window had been broken outwards; that the position of the body had been such that it could not have been shot in the place it was, from without; that the scorched appearance of the clothing was such that the discharge must have been very near; and that the wine contained arsenic, a fact sworn to with the greatest directness by a medical witness. Unfortunately for his scheme he admitted that there had been no annoyance from rats; no one but himself had seen or been troubled about the Indians, and his own plans had not indicated in his own mind a belief of danger from that source. Moreover, he afp- peared indifferent about pursuit, and his manner and the facts were con- sidered as warranting an arrest. He was tried at Malone, in Jtdy, 1825, before Judge Reuben H. Walworth, and the foregoing facts being ad- duced, he was judged guilty by the jury, after a consuUation of fifteeen minutes, and he was sentenced to be htmg. Videto was hung in a field half a mile east of Malone, August 26, 1825. He continued till the last moment to assert his innocence, and on the gallows caused to be read a paper containing the following statement: "With regard to the crime for which I this day suffer, I have only to remark that I am perfectly inno- cent. By whose hand the unfcnlunate Fanny Mosely was deprived of life, I do not know ; but I say it was not by mine, neither was I accessory to it; neither was I aware of the approach of that unha[)py event; but at the time, was fearful of designs upon my own life." He declared his in- tention of holding the paper in his right hand when he died, if innocent. When the drop fell the paper was in his left hand, but the knotbeing im- properly fixed, he was not strangled immediately, and after hanging some moments, he seized the paper in his right hand, and waved it to the crowd. This had its natural effect upon many of the spectators, but ad- ditional testimony which did not appear in the trial, renders the fi\ct of his guilt certain in the minds of most of the citizens. The act of changing the paper can only be explained by supposing that consciousness re- mained after the drop fell, which he improved by consummating a resolu- tion which had doubtless been for a long time uppermost in his mind. Many years afterwards, a vague report came back from the death bed of the criminal's mother, that she had confessed being privy to, or had assisted in the murder, but this report was so indefinite that it did not serve to change the belief of those who knew most of the cir- cumstances, as to the guilt of the son. Indeed, it has much probability. During the summer of 1832, some 8 or 10 died of cholera, and in 1847, the ship fever took off about 20. The commissioners of the land olfice, were, by an act passed April 1, 1841, directed to issue letters patent to Mary Gray, alias Lupin, and to her heirs and assigns, for a certain piece of land designated and known as the north middle subdivision of farm lot number six, of the St. Regis reservation, in the town of Fort Coving- ton. This was in consideration of rights, supposed to be possessed by long residence in the place which she was said to have made her home from 1792, or about that period. She died a few years siijce. 504 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE This town, in July, 1849, suffered severely from running fires, which on the 20th, menaced the village, and nothing but a change of wind saved it from a general conflagration. The work of destruction in the adjoining towns of Bombay and Westviile, was extensive and alarming, and in the former of these towns, not less than twenty dwellings and as many barns were said to have been burned. Such was the general I'eeling of inse- curity, tiiata|)|)lications for insurance multiplied beyond precedent, which led several insurance companies, including both of those located in St. Lawrence county, to insert a condition in their policies that they would not be responsil)le for damages done by running fires. This jjrovision was subse(]uently abolished. The village of Fort Covington is handsomely laid out east of Salmon river, half a mile from the boundary, and steamers liom the St. Law- rence come up to within a short distance. The boundary of Jay's treaty of 1795, was designed to run upon the parallel of 45° north latitude. A glade through the forest was cut and cleared, and monutnents erected. In 1818, upon tlie line being run after the treaty of Ghent, the true line was found to be north of the former, at Fort Covington, aljout 600 feet. By the Webster treaty of August 9, 1842, the former line was agreed upon, and permanent iron monuments erected by the side of each road or navigable stream at the place of crossing, and in tlie forest at intervals of a mile. These are of cedar cased with cast iron^ about four feet high, square at the base, and gradually tapering upwards. On the four sides are cast the following inscriptions: "Albert Smith, U. S. Commissioner." "Treaty of Washington." "Lt. Col. J. B. B. Estcourt, H. B. M. Commissioner." "Boundary, August 9tu, 1842." The commissioners appointed to survey the houndary of 1818, were Gov. Van Ness and Gen. Peter B. Torter, who commenced at St. Kegis. A Library society was incorporated at French mills under a general act in February, 1815, under the title of the French Mills Miscellaneous Library, with .lames (Jamptiell, David Jones, Ezekiel Pu^ue, Wm. W. Herrick, Wareham Hastings, Luther Danlbrth, Joseph Spencer, trustees. The seal was to be the eagle, with the words E Fluribus unum, in- scribed. Religious Societies. — The First Presbyterian ^church arose from an .Associate Reformed Scotch church, which belonged to the Synod of New York, and was organized mainly through the efforts of a Scotch- man, who was usually known as Father Brunion. About 1821, Mr. B. left, and the organization in a measure went down, but two or three years after, the society was visited by the Rev. Alexander Proudfit, of Salem, N. Y., by whom it was revived, and under his influence, the Rev. Mr. Weller was engaged one year. The Rev. John A. Savage was employed during five years, as a stated supply, but was not installed. While Mr. Savage was here, the church left tlie Associate Presbytery of Washington Co., (Dec, 1828,) and joined the Champlain Presbytery, which is of the 1 Constitutional Presbyterian, or New School order. Alter Mr. Brunion had left, a small Congregational society of about 15 members, mostly females, had been organized by Samuel Crosby, which were united by Mr. Savage, with tfie other church. The Rev's Mr. Nickol, Jas. George, L. Tuller, Jas. E. Quaw, E. E. Well:;, Wdliams, Joseph A. Rosseel, David C. Lyon, and Charles Gillette, have been successively employed at different times, but the latter is the only one who has been installed. The church edifice was AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 505 built in 1828, at a cost of $4,000, and in 1845, a bell, weighing about . 7501bs, was procured by the society. The pews are private property, and regularly deeded like a farm. Whole number since present organ- ization 501. Present number on record, about 308. Present number residing near and belonging to church, 208. A Baptist society was organized in 1824, at first by 9 members. The Rev. Natiianiel Culver, was its first minister. He has been succeeded by Hiram Sanford, Dodge, Wm. H. Rice, J. B. Drummond, L. H. Humphrey and J. IM. Webb, the present clergyman. A church was built west of Big Salmon river, in 1829, as a cost of $1,000, which in 1851-2 was repaii'ed and thoroughly finished at an additional expense of $1,700. Fort Covington Wesleyan chapel was incorporated April 4, 1836, Humphrey Russell, Luther Danforth, Warren S. Manning, trustees. St, Mary's church, (Catholic), was incorporated, March 8, 1840, Wm. Lahy, Patrick Holden and Michael Collins, trustees. Franklin, Was formed from Bellmont, May 20, 1836, and made to embrace about half of township number 9, and the whole of number 10, of the Old Military tract. The first town meeting was directed to be held at the house of Henry B Hatch. Supervisors.— 18S6-8, Harry B, Hatch; 1839-40, Norman Stickney; 1841, William Knowles ; 1842, John R, Merrill ; 1843-4, Harry B. Hatch ; 1845, John R. Merrill; 1846, Noiman Stickney: 1847-50, John R, Merrill ; 1851, Hugh Martin ; 1852, James B, Dickinson, The earliest settlement within the limits of the town of Franklin, was begun by the erection of a forge and saw mill by McLenathan and Wells, from Jay, Essex Co., about the year 1827, at the settlement now known as Franklin Falls, but which then bore the name of McLenathan Falls. Difficulties attended these works which were finally suspended, and the place had mostly gone down, until the year 1846, when Fitz Geralds and McLean, from the village of New Sweden, town of Ausable, Essex Co., erected a saw mill for extensive lumbering purposes. One half of their right was sold to Keese & Tomlinson, of Keeseville, in 1847. In February 1848, Peter Comstock, of Port Kent, acquired an interest in the place. At about the time of the first settlement, at McLenathan Falls, a forge was erected by Uriah Sumner, on township number nine, of the old military tract. This enterprise was also abandoned. These two forges, were supplied by magnetic ore found in the town, which are said to be abundant. This town adjoins an extensive and valuable iron region in Essex county, which has em[)loyed a large amount of capital and given promise of future pre-eminence in this department of the use- ful arts. Besides magnetic ores, bog ore is said to occur in swamps, and may be found hereafter of much importance, when workedin connection with other ores, to improve the quality of the iron. The settled parts of Franklin are mosdy along the Port Kent und Hopkiuton road, and in the southern part of township number ten. The town is less broken than the country to the east and north, and will doubtless hereafter be found a good grazing district. The lumbering interests of the town give a market for domestic products, at present, but the natural outlet of the country to markets is down the valleys of the Saranac and Ausable rivers, to lake Champlain. A plank road with but four miles of interruption, connects Keeseville and Franklin Falls. 31 . 506 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE k A most destructive conflagration occurred at the Jumberingr village of Franklin Falls, on the Saranac, on tlie 29th of May, 1852. For several days previous, afire had been running in the neighboring woods, and on the day of the catastrophe, the wind was blowing almost a hurricane, and scattering the fire in every direction, so that all attempts to control it became unavailing. On approaching the villcige, which was situated in a ravine, it burst from the woods upon the settlement with such force, that every building in the place except two small ones was consumed. These were an extensive lumbering mill, together with twenty-three dwelling houses, a large store, a tavern, ane much lumber and valuable property, belonging to the owners of the mill. Nearly all the furniture in the houses was consumed, and some of the inhabitants escaped with their lives only with great difficulty. The principal suflferers were P. Comstock, J, B. Dickinson and Keese & Tomlinson, who were owners of most of the property destroyed. The extent and severity of this con- flagration has never before been equalled in our counties, but the appa- rently hopeless ruin brought upon this place by its entire destruction, has not served to arrest, although it may have checked the enterprise of its spirited proprietors. A gang mill with a yankee * was commenced soon after, on a larger scale tlian before, and the village, phoenix-like, is rising from its ashes. Harrietstown, Was erected from Duane, March 19, 1841, and consists of townships Nos. 21, 24, 27, of Great tract No. 1, of Macomb's purchase. The first town meeting was directed to be held at the house of Micah E. Flanders. The circumstances which led to its formation are said to have been these: For several years the inhabitants of No. 21 had complained of the hard- ship of beitig under the necessity of taking a journey of thirty or iorty miles around, to attend town meetings, and many had been accustomed to neglect them from the great labor and expense of time requisite. In 1840, however, by a concerted movement, they got a majority in town me.eting, and had it adjourned to their own part of the town. The inha- bitants in the north immediately originated a movement, which was forthwith consummated, by which the town of Duane was divided, and Harrietstown erected; and a provision inserted for a new town meeting in each town for the election of town officers. Supervisors.— i84:} -4, Pliny Miller; 1845, Alanson B, Neal; 1846-50, P.Miller; 1851, A. B. Neal. ' The town of Harrietstown began to be settled before the year 1812, by inhabitants of the adjoining counties, who located upon the northwest bay road. The town is named after the original or proprietary name of township No. 21. The latter received its name from a daughter of Wm. Constable, the wife of James Duane, Esq., of Duane. The principal settlement is at present in the north part of township No. 21. Several lumbering establishments are erected and in contem- * This term is applied to a number of saws placed in the same frame with a gang: of saw?, 80 that they will cut a log to the proper width while the gang- of saws is making another into boards of marketable thickness. Tlie two logs are placed side by side on the same carriage. 'A hotel on an extensive scale is in progress by Mr. Dickinson, and the place will probalily before long regain hs former size and prosperity. The Ausable river plank road, which terminates at this place, is destined to do much towards promoting its growth. The name of Franklin Falls was given to the village and selllement on the establishment of a post office, on the2lstof January, 1851. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 507 plation in this town. The market for this section of the county is entirely down into Essex county and lake Champlain. There is at })resent no road leading directly from the settlement to Malone, without going through a corner of the town of St. Aririand, in Essex county. There are at present three school districts in town. Township No. 21 is very elevated, and its waters flow into the St. Lawrence, by way of the St. Regis, into lake Champlain, and into the Raquette. Malone, Was erected, as Harrison, from Chateaugay, March 2, 1805, and at first included the whole of tract No. 1, and the Indian reservation. The first town meeting was directed to be held at the house of Jonathan Hapgood. In the formation of Constable, Dickinson and Duane, it was reduced to its present limits, that of townships Nos. 6 and 9, of tract No. 1. The former of these was owned by Richard Harrison, and survej'ed by Joseph Beman, in 1801-2-3, assisted by Enos Wood. Its first agent was Judge Bailey. No. 9 was owned by Constable, Hammond and 3Ic Cormick. The south third owned by the latter, passed by way of Mr. Pitcairn, to A. O. Brodie, and is now mostly owned by James H. Titus, of N. Y. The middle third passed by deed to the estate of John Titus, N. Prime and Wm. Wallace, prior to 1830. Aprfl 11, 1808, the name of Harrison was changed to Ezraviile (from Ezra L'Hommedieu), and on the 10th of June, 1812, the original name of Malone was restored. The records commence in 1808, when N. Blanchard was supervisor; John H. Russell, clerk; Hiram Horton, Harry S. House and Thos. Silen- cer, assessors; H. Blanchard, collector; Cone Andrus, Oliver Brewster, poor masters; Samuel Pease, Jehiel Berry, Wm. Mason, corn'rs highways ; H. Blanchard, Joel Griffin and Apollos Lathrop, constables; Solomon Plumb, Stephen Holley, J. Barnum, D. Whipple and J. Lawrence, /ence viewers. Supemsors.— 1808, Nathaniel Blanchard; 1809, Asa Wheeler; 1810-11, Hiram Horton; 1812, George F. Harrison; 181B-15, Harry S. House; 1816-17, Abel Willson; 1818-35, Asa Hascall; 1836, Martin L. Parlin; 1837, Asa Hascall; 1838-9, Jonathan Stearns; 1840-2, Asa Hascall; 1843-5, Hiram Horton, 2d; 1846-52, Wm. Andrus. Bounties have been offered as follows: for wolves, $10, in 1808 to '13; $15, in 1816-17; $20, in 1818 to '21. For panthers, $10, in 1811-12-13; $20, in 1818 to '21 . At a special meeting in 1821, called for the purpose of reducing the bounties; no action was taken ; but in November of that year, they were rescinded. In 1845, voted against annexing a part of St. Lawrence to Franklin county, and in favor of petitioning for an ap- propriation for Clinton prison. Settlements were begun in 1802, by Enos, Nathan and John Wood, from St. Albans, the town having been visited one or two years previ- ous by the former. Nowell Conger, Luther Winslow, Jehiel Berry, Noah Moody, Roswell Wilcox, David and Lyman Sperry, and many others, came in 1803, or before. The emigrants of 1804 to '8, were quite nu- merous, and almost entirely from Vermont. The first child born in town, was a daughter of Luther Winslow, who was named Malo7ie, after the township. N. and J. Wood, in 1804, built a saw mill, and J. Wood soon after began a grist mill, but the dam was carried off in a flood, and nothing was done towards rebuilding, till 1809, when Hiram Hoiton purchased the privilege, and erected a grist mill soon after. From the 508 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE be^iniiitiir, the citizens designed to establish an academy among them, and in 180(!, they erected a building on a site given by Mr. Harrison, and still occupied, for the purpose. This building still stands, and has been used for a school house, meeting house, court house, jail and academy. An arsen^d was built a little east of the village, in 1812. During the war, a volunteer company, consisting mostly of revolutionary soldiers, and styled Silver Greys, was formed under David Erwin. Their age exempt- ed them from duty, but their inclinations led them to it. On the capture of Tilden's company, at French Mills, they started for that place, but did not arrive till after the surrender. A detachment of the army ot Gen. Wilkinson occupied the village during the early part of the winter of 1813-14, but left in February. Very soon after, the enemy, hearing from spies, that a large amount of provisions was stored in the village, sent a detachment of about 1,200 regulars and 400 Canadian militia, under Col. Scott, who arrived towards evening on Saturday, February 19, 1814, posted sentinels on all the roads leading from the village, to intercept teams, and proceeded to search for stores. These were in a barn half a mile south of the village, and a considerable amount had been distributed among the inhabitants for concealment. On their first arrival, a considerable amount of firing occurred, yjrincipally to arrest teams which were attempting to escape. On Sunday morning, several of the Indians and militia commenced demolishing the arsenal, which had been left without arms, by the Americans, on leaving the place. The windows and gratings were torn out, and it was fired, but Colonel Scott, upon the earnest appeals of some of the more influelitial of the citizens, who represented the barbarity of this wanton destruction, is- sued orders for its preservation, and posted a guard around it for pro- tection. He then convened some of the inhabitants, and gave them the building for educational purposes. For this act of lenity, he is said to have been censured by his government. A part of Sunday was spent in ransacking the town, and forwarding the stores they had seized, using the teams they had pressed for this purpose, and at noon they started on their return, by way of Chateaugay, losing great numbers by disertion. Private property, except arms, was generally respected. Col. Scott is said to have nearly lost his life from a drunken Indian, who reeled up to him, cursed him for not allowing them to plunder, and aimed his loaded gun for firing; but he was instantly seized rudely bound on his back to a train, and taken off. An amusing case of smuggling occurred on this occasion. Jehiel Barnum, a revolutionary gun smith, living in Bangor, had been pressed with others, and sent off with a load of stores, and in charge of two soldiers, for French Mills. His team was young and restive, and gave him much trouble in keeping them from interfering with the sleighs before him, to avoid which, he got permission to turn off on a by-road, which he said would take them out right, and after going several miles, he drove up to Ms own door. His passengers here first discovered their dilemma, and he without difiiculty persuaded them to remain, while the cargo was found very convenient in supporting the family. In 1813, there were in town three saw mills, a grain mill, fulling and carding mills, and two bark mills. The poor house of Franklin county was erected soon after the general law directing their establishment, on a farm of 110 acres, at a cost of f 1.200. It has since been burnt and rebuilt. 1825, the large stone factory represented in our view of the rail road bridge, was built by John Stearns, and for a time gave employment to nearly a hundred AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 509 operatives. It4ias been for some time discontinued. This extensive building stands in the deep ravine of Salmon river in the middle of the village, its ui)per story being on a leve] with the street. The Franklin Manufacturing company, was incorporated May 25, 1836, with a capital of $200,000, in shares af $250 each, for manufacturing cotton and woolen goods, but it was never organized. A literary society was organized Oct. 2, 1840, for the purpose of pro- curing for the perusal of its members, periodical books, &c., and to es- tablish lectures. It maintained an existence two or three years. By an act of April 19, 1850, the commissary general was authorized to sell the several arsenals in certain counties, and Jan. 27, 1851, it was enacted, that when the arsenal and lot in the village of Malone should be sold, the proceeds, after deducting $200, should be applied to the improvement of a certain piece of ground, belonging to the state, situated in the village known as the Arsenal green and parade ground. Tlie treasurer was directed to pay on the warrant of the comptroller, to Guy Meigs, Samuel C. Wead, and Hugh Magill, the above sum to be expended for these improvements. The grounds were to be graded, fenced, planted with trees, and laid out into walks, so far as might be without injuring the premises for purposes of militai-y parades. These grounds were never to be sold for private purposes, without an act of the legislature. An appropriation was also made for inclosing and im- proving the grounds around the Academy in the western side of the vil- lage. Accordingly the Arsenal green, has been neatly and tastefully en- closed, and a row of shade trees planted around its border. This beautiful park, is crossed by the Northern rail road, which here required a deep cutting, but the two sides have been united by a foot bridge, and the premises are little marred by this work. There is scarcely a village in the state that can boast of two more elegant public parks than Malone, when this, and the grounds now in process of grading and en- closure around the Academy, shall have been completed, and the shade trees with which they are to planted, shall have attained a respectable growth. The public grounds in cities have been apdy compared to the lungs of the populace, and nothing can be more pleasant and healthful than an hour spent at the close of a sultry summer's day, in the refresh- ing coolness of a grove. Thfere is scarcely an inland town in the state, that will compare with Malone, in the thrift and improvement which it has exhibited since the completion of the rail road. Situated in the midst of a rich and rapidly improving agricultural district; enjoying^ample facilities for manufactur- ing purposes; and the healthful moral influence of an excellent acade- my, in connection with the cheerful prospect which the southern and unsettled portions of the county exhibit for improvement, the business of which will very naturally centre here, all contribute to promote its growth and wealth. Prominent among the sources of its prosperity, is an extensive quarry of Potsdam sandstone, about a mile south of the village, which is being wrought on an extensive scale, and has already acquired a reputation and created a demand in many of our eastern cities, and in the western states. This stone occurs in a strata of very uniform thickness, and is raised with bars and wedges, marked with a chisel of any desirable size or shape, and broken with a remarkably even fracture. The great symmetry of size which can be obtained, the free- dom from pyrites or other minerals that would stain or effloresce, by ex- posure; the extreme durability, as evinced by the sharp outlines of masses that have been exposed to the elements for thousands of years, and a 510 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE delicate tinge of color which it presents, are combined in this material, and gives it a value which is seldom equalled. The quarries in I'otsdam and other towns lurnisli stone equally valuable. The Malone quarry is owned by Mr. T. P. Chandler. Malone has at present churches of the Presbyterian, Baptist, Episco- pal, Uuiversalist, Methodist, and Catholic denominations. Several of these are finely located, especially the Presbyterian church, which fronts upon the public square, and forms a prominent object in the village. Two destructive fires, which occurred with a short interval, in the fall of 1852, led the citizens to see the necessity of an organization as a vil- lage, in order to raise by tax the means of providing against these ca- Limities, and for the construction of internal improvements. Two fire engines were ordered, and the incorporation of the village is expected to be soon accomplished. The valley of Salmon river presented an obstacle to the construction of the rail road, which was overcome by the erection of the elegant and substantial bridge, represented on the opposite page. It is built on the Burr plan with improvements; has a span of 150 feet and an elevation of 82 feet above the water. It has across it a double track, which here possesses a slight curve. The abutments contain 3000 cubic yards of masonry, and are 52 feet high, laid in good lime, mortar, and are very solid and permanent. To the passenger that crosses this viaduct in the cars, there is scaicely an opportunity of judging the merits of the work, or forming an adequate conception of its beauty, which can only be fully realized from the banks of the river below, where like the bow of promise, it is seen spanning the heavens far above the turmoil of the angry river. This highly creditable and successful work, was planned and executed under the direction of Charles L. Schlatter, the engineer of the i-oad. The settlement of township No. 9, was began in 1831, under the agency of the late Henry B. Titus, who then erected a grist and saw mill, and a scythe factory, at the great falls of Salmon river. It was the wish of the proprietor, James H. Titus, that this settlement should be called Glenwood, but it has lately received the name of Titusboro. After a few years, the investment proving ruinous from the want of an accessible marketjthese operations were discontinued, and have only been resumed since the completion of the rail road. The proprietor is now making a systematic eiFortto settle this tract, and an extensive gang mill has been erected by Meigs & Wead, of Malone, who have improved the Salmon river from near Wolf pond, to their mills for floating logs. Of the origi- nal immigration, a few remain, but the most had abandoned their loca- tions. A large saw mill is about being erected atthe outlet of Branch pond, a beautiful and romantic water. On lot No. 58, of the middle third, near Brandon, white limestone occurs, and is found to make ex- cellent lime. This indispensable article is rather rare among the primary rocks of this county. The limestone from this town, has been exam- ined chemically by Dr. Chilton, of New York, and found to contain but two per cent of impurities. Religious Societies. — In 1806 or 7, the first Congregational church was formed by Ebenezer Hibbard and Amos Pettingill, missionaries, who were also instrumental in organizing several other churches, in this and St. Lawrence counties. In October 1809, the Rev. Ashbel Parmalee,* * Few clergymen in this seclion o, the state, have seen more of the rise and progress of our religious societies than Mr Parmelee. He was a native of StocI itation, application was made April 27, 1851, for its renewal, which was granted, on the condition that its endowment should never be dimin- ished below $2500, that it should never be used for other than acade- mical purposes, and that before the 27th of April, 1854 it should be re- ported free from debt. The first trustees under the new charter were Asa Hascall, Hii-am Horton, R. G. Foote, M. L. Parlin, Wm. King, Wm. Plumb, Samuel Fisk, Samuel Field, Thomas> R. Powell, S. C. Wead, and S. S. Clark. In 1851, $200 being the balance of the proceeds ot the sale of a certain piece of land, formerly given by Cone Aiidrus for the use of the town of Malone, but recently sold by the commissary general, under the act of 1850, directing the sale of Arsenal lots was given, and iu 1852, the premises were graded, and when en- closed and planted with trees will be highly ornamental. Fort Covington Academy was incorporated 'April 21, 1831. William Hogan, John A. Savage, Samuel Hoard, and their associates, were to coiistitute a body politic for the promotion of literature, science, and the arts, and for improvement in education. Capital limited to $2,000, in shares of $25 each. The corporation was to be managed by nineteen trustees, and William Hogan, John A. Savage, Samuel Hoard, Hiram Safford, Jonathan Wallace, Allen Lincoln, George A. Cheeney, Roswell Bates, Jabez Parkhurst, George B. R. Gove, Luther Danforth, David L. Seymour, Aretus M. Hitchcock, Benjamin Raymond, James P. Wills, Ora F. Paddock, Daniel Noble, Daniel Phelps, and John More, were named the first. It was made subject to the visitation nf the regents, and entitled to a share of the literature fund. The trustees met and organ- ized in May, and to raise the required capital, proposed to take notes of those who wished to hold stock, leaving the principal in the hands of those who give them, and receiving the interest only. In default of pay- ment the whole became due. By this means $2,985 was raised by 45 notes, and by a resolution of Sept. 2d of that year, the upper room m the town house was fitted up for academic purposes. In October, the Rev. John A. Savage was appointed principal. His successors have been Alex. W. Buel, Daniel Branch, Milton Bradley, H. Dodge, E. H. Squier, Millar, John Bradshaw, James C. Spencer, C. S. Sanford, Luther Humphrey, and Geo. A. Attwood. In 1831, a quantity of apparatus was purchased by the academy and village lyceum for their common use, and in the summer of 1832, the present stone edifice was built by permission granted by the legislature (April 13, 1832), on a public lot between the two rivers in the village. It is of stone, 33 by 44, two stories high, and if the common in front of the premises were enclosed and adorned with shade trees, would be an ornament to the place. This school has not been sustained in a liberal manner, and does not flourish. ^ Full returns are required to be made by the several academies to the regents, which are published annually, and show in a very satisfactory manner the comparative condition of the various institutions from year to year. From this source the following tables are derived, only a small portion of the returns being embraced. 552 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE Statistics of the several Academies, from theih official REPORTS TO the UeOENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY. Column No. 1 denotes the year ; 2 the number of students ; 8 the amount re- ceived from literature fund ; ^ debts ; ^tuition', 6 total income. St. Lawrence. 1 2 i 1817 1818 1819 1820 1821 1822 1823 1824 1825 1826 227 1827 1828 1829 1830 1831 1832 1833 1834 42 35 114 97 89 173 172 139 90 80 89* 110* 117* 125* 110* 95* 90* 98* 170 171 255 314 349 359 336 434 231 286 291 37 00 32 51 03 21 53 09 45 50 05 331 250 416 357 210 3300 1006 1275 1100 1413 1400 1800 229 2248 600 500 600 800 763 900 1207 1735 1532 1476 1302 1044 720 00 661 00 760 00 1245 32 1300 00 1424 03 1715 65 2231 55 2126 49 1842 79 1783 51 1452 05 1 1835 1836 1837 1838 1839 1840 1841 1842 1843 1844 1845 1846 1847 1848 1849 1850 1851 1852 4 15 1 140* 82* 93* 144* 156* 150* 115* 115* 163* 282 255 228 190 193 175 220 237 258 433 374 347 652 515 611 433 506 410 464 422 431 369 284 290 279 253 07 1563 29 1490 3880 4300 4696 4547 4670 3564 4506 4732 5141 5125 13:4453 52 3840 2107 1967 1549 1279|1810 07 1776i2294 29 1747 2232 75 1209 1685 00 212012964 00 2227 1461 1452 2975 00 2304 00 1956 00 173312424 00 194412567 00 179512483 00 1647 1305 1250 1183 1455 1513 670 1552 2246 00 1920 00 1725 00 1564 00 1822 00 1884 00 2150 00 GOUVERNEUR. 18301 183ll 1832] 1833 1834 1845 1836 1837 1838 1839 1840 1841 39* 35* 37* 66* 57* 46* 30* __- 115* 29 67*1194 91*1188 77* 281 91* 294 350 500 500 500 335 89 105 00 00 35 00 206 148 39 1495 2540 4801 3350 2781 350 500 500 500 335 576 1536 889 1400 1714 400 00 1842 65* 269 30 375 00 1843 120* 448 41 336 63 1844 209 322 66 450 00 1845 191 310 51 651 00 1846 185 331 47 548 00 1847 185 371 33 314 50 1848 285 364 29 1849 299 452 95 1665 00 1850 277 276 98 1863 00 1851 226 180 03 1736 00 1852 217 2139 00 2497 3402 3702 3961 4238 4535 4758 5091 6000 5000 600 1615 1500 969 1021 930 1249 1486 1666 1487 1211 1145 1666 00 1874 00 1488 00 1379 00 1254 00 1601 00 1858 00 2030 00 1940 00 1488 00 1332 10 Ogdensburgh. 1839 34* 100 58 599 751 1202 00 1846 234 251 46 1312 1840 92* 114 57 511 669 1119 00 1847 187 327 19 50 1200 1841 83* 220 21 547 1451 2023 00 1848 149 268 56 . . • 800 1842 54* 171 97 376 1008 1739 00 1S49 173 109 00 .... 937 1843 115* 123 09 200 1050 1508 00 1850 211 243 42 .... 1200 1844 236 10 84 1300 1848 00 1851 235 270 05 .... 1504 1845 263 220 05 1300 2049 00 2095 00 1889 00 1540 00 1618 00 1559 03 1997 00 AND FRANLKIN COUNTIES. 553 Canton. 1 2 99* 3 4 5 6 1 1 2 3 4 5 1 6 1839 92 20 1038 753 921 00 1846 182 185 74 375 825 1091 00 1840 94* 142 35 1254 101)6 1301 00 1847 164 226 51 328 725 1089 00 1841 59* 142 49 1354 820 1193 00 1848 116 135 61 617|1021 00 1842 51* 90 85i]091 758|1103 00 1849 109 133 23i 358 899 00 1843 36* 108 44' 864 610 915 00 1850 135 156 32 ... . 690 1001 00 1844 98 110 18i 866 791 1124 00 1851 123 124 80 .... 590 924 00 1845 126 88 02 600 625 913 00 1 Franklin. 1832 80* 109 65 249 818 1833 82* 145 16 260 840 1834 45* 147 77 126 739 1835 58* 160 48 259 497 1836 37* 81 00 900 400 1837 45* 124 79 310 571 1838 58*241 75 874 647 1839 37* 184 40* 780 677 1840 40* 145 82 816 762 1841 50* 113 35 931 680 1842 81* 162 24 981 813 1097 48 767 00 971 79 1028 00 1169 00 1722 00 833 00 1245 00 1843 75* 187 57 1118 650 1844 175 254 46 1078 837 1845 235 383 86 1146 1070 1846 220 362 91 1276 933 1847 160 327 19 847 768 1848 153 239 31 1120 655 1849 169 297 93 908 732 1850 155 272 44 794 805i 1851 221 192 30 765 1004 1852 209 910.1078. 1148 00 1401 00 1641 00 1612 00 1405 00 1242 00 1349 00 1414 00 1265 00 2368 00 Fort Covington. 1836 1837 1838 1839 1840 1841 40* 50* 25* 68* 25* 73* 69 83 31 86 116 04 100 58 45 33 51 82 50 130 90 75 ISO 700 1842 75* 100 58 607 800 956 00 450 340 353 500 400 570 86 476 04 591 00 720 00 569 00 1843 1844 1846 1847 1849 45* 243 60* 102 113 1850 104 102 58 225 800 1000 00 398 74 71 45 57 611 674 00 47 54 100 241 375 00 48 45 58 364 430 00 35 73 25 289 388 00 * Number at the date of the report. When this asterisk is omitted, it denotes the number during the year. The comparative condition of the several Academies, as shown by late reports, is as follows. Number of departments , " teachers " academic terms . , " week's vacation. . . Value of lot and buildings . . . . " library . " apparatus Other academic property Total value of prooerty Interest on academic property Total revenue Salaries for year previous, . . , St. L. Gouv. Can. Og. : Fk. Fr. C. 1852 1852 1852 1852 \ 1852 1851 4 5 2 8 $8,700 . 530 631 950 10,801 92 1,884 1,603 2 5 3 8 $6,600 400 350 420 7,770 1.488 1^183 $3,150 $8,000 260 393 300! 392 2,550 6,260 178 924 800 8,785 250 1,997 1,668 2 2 3 10 $,6000 241 203 1,906 8,350 120 1,265 896 2 1 3 7 $2,700 200 160 800 3,860 56 388 307 554 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE CHAPTER VII. INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS, STATISTICS, &c. First steam boat on the great lakes, 1816. , ROM ao early period attempts were made to improve the na- vigation of the St. Lawrence, and in an act of April I, 1808, J. Wadington, D. A. and T. L. Ojtden, were authorized to build a canal and locks at Hamilton, and to collect toll at the rate of 25 cents pel" ton, on all boats passing. Locks to be 50 feet long, 10 feet wide, and deep enough to receive boats having two feet draught. On page 343, is related what was done under this act. The north shore has always been chosen by voyageurs. and the difficulty of crossing over to these locks would have rendered their use limited. On the 5th of April, 1809, means were ])rovided for carrying into effect a concurrent resolu- tion of March 27th, directing the surveyor general to authorize some competent person to survey the St. Lawrence, and report. By an act of April 9, 1811, Russell Attwater and Roswell Hopkins, were appointed to expend $600, on the American shore from St. Regis to the Indian vil- lage in Lisbon. It is believed that a towing path was made along the shore in places, at an early day, and probably with this appropriation. In 1833, the subject of cutting a canal from the head of Long Saut to Grass river, was pressed upon the legislature, and a subscription raised to procure a survej^ Grass river was considered navigable to within three miles of Massena village, and there intervened a ravine and low land, which it was found required a canal of six miles, one of which was through gravel and clay a depth of thirty-five feet. The fall from the head of the saut to Lake St. Francis, was found to he fifty feet. Es- timated cost, $200,000. It was stated that in 1833, $48,000 was paid for cartage and towage past the Long saut, and the cost for towing one boat amounted to $500 per annum. This subject was also urged upon con- gress by a convention at Canton, Dec. 18, 1833. and D. C. Judson, Wm. Ogden, N. F. Hyer, H. Allen, and M. Whitcomb, were appointed to cir- culf 'e petitions. Nothing was eflfected or afterwards attempted, as the Canadian government soon after undertook this labor. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 555 Th£. Oswegatchie J^avigation Company, was iuoorporated April 2?- 1831, for the purpose of improving, by means of locks, canals and darns, its navigation to Black lake, and to the town of Gouverneur; and from the Oswegatchie river, along the natural canal to Grass i-iver, and h[) to Can- ton village. Ca].ital to be 83,000, and Silvester Gilbert, Jacob A. Vanden Heuvel, Smith Stillwell, and Louis Hasbrouck, were appointed a board of commissioners to receive subscriptions. A certain portion of the work was to be accomplished within five years, and the duration of the corporation was limited to thirty years. The previous act was renewed April 25, 1836, and continued in force thirty years. Baron S. Doty, Silvester Gilbert, Jacob A. Van Heuvel, Smith Stillwell, Henry Van Rensselaer, and E. N. Fairchild, were named commissioners to receive slock. Unless they met within three months, the act was to be void. In 1835, the capital stock was increased to $100,000. ^R. Harrison, D. C. Judson, S. Gilbert, H. Van Rensselaer, E. Dodge, A. Sprague, and S. D. Moody, were named commissioners to re- ceive subscriptions. No actual improvements were ever undertaken under these acts. In the petition which procured the passage of the above act, it was stated, that at Heuvel locks had been commenced, and might be completed at small expense, that the expense of dams and locks to improve the natural channel of the Oswegatchie would not cost to exceed $12,000, and that a steam boat might be built for $5,000, suf- ficient to meet the business of the proposed company. , The fall at Can- ton falls, is stated to be nine feet, and at Cooper's fall in De Kalb, as eight feet, which being overcome by locks would render the river navi- gable as far as the Ox Bow, in Jefferson county. A dam across Grass river, and a short canal near the eastern end of the natural canal, would bring Canton in navigable communication with the St. Lawrence at Og- densburgh. The plan of extending the Black river canal to Ogdensburgh, was brought forward in 1839, and a survey executed by Edward H. Brodhead, which is published in the legislative documents of 1840, embraced the several improvements above proposed. Several acts have been passed for preventing the obstruction of the channels of our rivers by declaring them public highways. Raquctte river from its niDuth to Norfolk, and St. Regis from the province line to the east line of Stockholm, were so declared April 15, 1810. April 16, 1816, the Oswegatchie was made a highway to Streeter's Mills, in Rossie, and its obstruction forbidden under a penalty of $100. By a recent act this limit has been extened to Cranberry lake. An act of 1849, for improving the sources of the Hudson for lumbering purposes, led in 1850, to petitions for grants to be expended on Raquette and Moose rivers. These were referred to a select committee, who through their chairman, Mr. Henrj' J. Raymond, made a very elaijorate report, setting forth the advantages of the improvements, and describing the wonderful natural water communication of the primitive wilderness of Northern New York. This elevated plateau, averaging 1,500 to 1,870 feet above tide, gives origin to rivers, flowing in different directions. The Raqaette, after a crooked and sluggish course through several large ponds, and receiving tributaries navigable for logs from many lakes ia the interior, on arriving within 50 miles of the St. Lawrence, becomes rapid, and descends to near the level of that river befo;'3 reaching Mas- sena. In a multitude of places it affords fine cascades for hydraulic pur- poses, especially in the villages of Colton, East Pierrepont, Potsdam, Raquetteville, Norfolk and Raymoudville, with many intervening places. 556 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE There is n peculiarity of this river that desei-ves special notice, which is its little liability to be affected by drouth and flood, in consequence of its being fed from lakes. The highest water commonly occurs several days later in this than the neighboring rivers, and a prudent policy should lead to the erection of sluices and flood gates at the outlet of tiie lakes to retain the excess of the spring flood against any want that might occur in the drouth of summer. Such a want has not hitherto been felt, but might if the interior country were cleared and cultivated. An act was passed April 10, 1850, declaring the Raquette a highway from its mouth to the foot of Racket lake, in Hamilton county, and. on the 9th of April, an appropriation of $10,000 was made, to be expended by H. Hewitt, A. T. Hopkins and C. Russell, in removing obstructions, and improving the channel. These consisted in shutting up lost channels and straits around islands, in the erection of piers, dams, booms, &c. The accession of capital and employment of labor from this improve- ment is remarkable. But one gang mill existed on the river at the time of the passage of the law, while at present there are either in operation or in course of erect ion, cig-Af, and still more that are contemplated. The logs sawed at these are brought from the country adjoining Tupper's lake. Long lake in Hamilton county, many of the lakes and streams of Franklin county, and from the western borders of Essex county. Much credit is due to Dr. H. Hewitt, of Potsdam, for exertions in pro- curing this improvement, and to Messrs. Wm. A. Dart, of the senate, and Noble S. Elderkin. of the assembly, for the zeal and ability with which they sustained the measure. The first attempt to open a cheap and direct communication between the navigable waters of the St. Lawrence and the sea board, began in 1823, and arose from the wants which had been so severely felt during the war. A year or two after the peace, plans for uniting lake Champlain with the Connecticut, were discussed and attempted. Judge Raymond and Benjamin Wright, while surveying the country before its settlement, had formed projects for improving the natural channels of the rivers, and to them belongs the merit of the idea. The former was afterwards the ardent advocate of a canal. A meeting of the citizens of Clinton, Franklin and St. Lawrence counties, convened at Ogdensburgh, August 28, 1823, to concert measures for a canal, who appointed B. Raymond, of Norfolk, S. Partridge, of Potsdam, J. A. Vanden Heuvel, of Ogdensburgh, Wm. Hogan, of Fort Covington, Thomas Smith, of Chateaugay and Asa Hascall, of Malone, who prepared and published a lengthy report for dis- tribution in the sections most to be benefited by the work. It was ac- companied by a report from Judge Raymond, who had been employed to make a preliminary survey. This improvement proposed to use the Oswegatchie, Natural canal and Grass river, to Canton. The petitions and the friendly influences towards these works, led to an act for a sur- vey under the direction of the canal commissioners, and Holmes Hutch- inson, of Utica, was employed. The expense was limited to $1,500. The summit was found to be 811 feet above the St. Lawrence, at Og- densburgh, and 966 above the lake. This work was commended to the legislature by Dewitt Clinton, in his annual message of 1825, but the work was found impracticable, and the idea abandoned. A Rail Road began to be discussed in 1829, and a full meeting was held February 17, 1830, at Montpelier, for promoting a rail road from Ogdensburgh, and by way of lake Champlain and the valleys of Onion and Connecticut rivers, and through Concord and Lowell to Boston. A committee previously appointed, reported favorably on the plan and its * AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES 557 advantages, and estimated that passengers and heavy freight could be taken over the whole route in 35 hours. They further predicted that 15 jniles an hour would hereafter be performed by locomotives. On the 17th of March, 1830, a similar meeting was held at Ogdensburgh, and a coanmittee of 12 appointed to collect information and report to a future meeting. Application was also made to congress for aid in constructing the Work, but this failing, petitions were next forwarded to the state 41, legislature, and a convention met at Malone, December 17, 1831, to pro- mote this object. This failed, but Was prosecuted until May 21, 1836, The lake Charaplain and Ogdensburgh rail road was incorporated with a capital of $800,000. S. Gilbert and S. Stilwell, of St. Lawrence; B. Clark and J. Stearns, of Franklin, with two from each of the counties of Clinton and Essex, and James H. Titus, of New York, were empowered to open books for receiving stock. Some declining to act, a law of May 16, 1837, appointed Wm. H. Harrison, of New York, Wm. F. Haile, of Clinton, D. L. Seymour, of Franklin, and J. L. Russell, of St. Lawrence, in their place. About this time the plan of a rail road from Ogdensbiu-gh directly through to Albany, was discussed. A convention met February 27, 1837, at Matildaville, for this object. The moneys subscribed for the road to lake Champlain, were first reloaned and afterwards i-efunded to subscribers. This company failing to organize, a convention met .it Malone, August 8, 1838, and. persons appointed to collect statistics. These show that there then existed in St. Lawrence county 8 iron fur- naces, yielding 3,790 tons; 7 founderies, yielding 785 tons of castings; 8 trip hammers; 63 asheries, yielding 1,815 tons of pot and pearl ashes; 6 merchant mills; 42 grist mills; 3 lead mines, yielding 1,673 tons; 1 lead pipe factory; 1 copperas and alum works; 2 plaster mills and quar- ries, (the latter ])roving to be nothing but steatite, or soap stone); 4 mar- ble mills; 137 saw mills, 11 of which make 717,700 pieces of lumber annually; 2 distilleries; 1 brewery and 2 sattinet and woolen mills. 571 tons of butter and cheese were made annually, and the whole amount of freight from the county was estimated at $117,294. In Franklin county were 6 iron works; 1 cotton factory; 17 grist mills; 49 saw mills; 2 woolen mills; 18 asheries; 12 tanneries; Strip hammers; 2 distilleries, and other works, yielding $23,181 worth of freight. These measures led to an act of April 18, 1838, authorizing a survey, which was executed by Edward F. Johnson, and the expense was limited to $4000. On the I4th of May, 1840, commissioners were appointed to survey and estimate the cost of a rail road by the several routes, and the public documents of 1841 contani the results. Both of the lines surveyed passed south east through the county and penetrated the wilderness. The Port Kent route passed up the valley of the Ausable, and down the St. Regis, and thence by way of Parishville and Potsdam, to Ogdensburgh. Length, 131 miles; summit, 1,733 ffeet above tide; cost, 2,714,00389 ; maximum grade, 95 feet going east, and 90 feet going west; least radius of curve, 800 feet. The Plattsburgh route led to Malone and Moira, whence a route by Norfolk and Columbia, and one by Potsdam, was surveyed. Summit, 1,089 feet; distance by Norfolk, 120 and by Potsdam, 122 miles; cost of the Norfolk line, $1,778,459-24; of the Potsdam route, $1,923,- 108-09; of both maximum grade, 40 feet; least radius, 1,300 feet. In connection with this report was given the probable cost of improving the 1 ivers and Natural canal, the aggregate of which was $305,982. A con- vention met at Malone, December 22, 1840, who, through a committee, memorialized the legislature, and procured the opinions of several mili- tary men on the importance of the route as of national use in case of war. 560 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE This measure failed to become a law. Nothing discouraged, the friends of this improvement continued active, and finding it impossible to obtain assistance from the state began to importune for the ])rivilege of helping thetnselves ; -nd here they were met by the ])owerful opi)osition of the friends of the central routes, which was conciliated by their being them- selves brought to the necessity of feeling the want of votes to carry one of their measures. In the session of 1845, Messrs. Hiram Horton, John L. Russell and Asa L. Hazelton, representing these two counties, a bill was introduced and early passed the assembly, but was delayed in the senate till near the close of the session. At this time not less than four- teen rail road bills were before the legislature, among which was one for increasing the capital of the Syracuse and Utica road. It was partly through the influence of the friends of this road who found themselves forced to help in order to be helped, that the bill finally passed, receiving the governor's signature but twenty minutes before adjournment. This act passed May 14, 1845, incoi-porating the Northern Raii, Road, ibr fifty years, with a capital of $2,000,0()0, in shares of $50, and naming David C. Judson and Joseph Barnes, of St. Lawrence; S. C. Wead, of Franklin, and others from Clinton and Essex counties, and New York, commissioners to receive and distribute stock. Measures were taken to raise the means for a survey, and in the fall of 1845, a delegation visited Boston, to induce capitalists to undertake the work. They were advised to return and raise along the road as much as possible first, which was done; but in their absence about $10,- 000,000 of rail road stock had been taken, and their chances for success were nmch lessened. To set forth the advantages of the route, Mr. James G. Hopkins, of Ogdensburgh, in 1845, published a pamphlet, con- taining many documents and statistics relating to the matter. It is but justice to state that not only these estimates but those that preceded them, were so far as relates to the resources of the country, tar below what time has developed. The Burlington people and those interested in the lines of New England roads connecting with Lake Champlain, early perceived the advantages that would ensue from a line which would turn a portion of the resources of the great west through their channels. In July, 1846, Mr. James Hayward, an experienced engineer, who, since 1828, had had his attention directed to this I'oute, was employed to sur- vey the route, who did so and reported. In June, 1846, a company was organized at Ogdensburgh, having George Parish, president; J. Leslie Russell, of Canton, Hiram Horton, of Malone^ Anthony C. Brown, of Ogdensburgh, Lawrence Myers, of Plattsburgh, Charles Paine, of Northfield, Vt., S. F. Belknap, of Windsor, Vt., Isaac Spalding, of Nashua, N. IL, and Abbot Lawrence, J. Wiley Edmonds, Benjamin Reed, T. P. Chandler, and S. S. Lewis, of Boston, dii's^rtors; S. S. Walley, treasurer; and James G. Hopkins, secretary. In the fall of 1847, a contract was taken by Sewall F. Belknap for the portion east of Malone, and by Chamberlain, Worral & Co., to be com- pleted within two years. Work was begun in March, 1848, at the deep cutting in Ogdensburgh, and in the fall of that year was opened to Cen- treville from Champlain river. Late in 1849, it had reached Ellenburgh ; in June, 1850, Chateaugay; October 1st, Malone; and in the same month through ; the last work being done near Deer river bridge, in Lawrence. The following are the distances letween intermediate stations, in miles and hundredths: Ogdensburgh, 8-62 to Lisbon; 8-52 to Madrid; 7'48 to Potsdam ; 3-00 to Knapp's Station ; 7-60 to Brasher Falls and Stock- AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 561 rioim; 574 to Lawrence; 5-79 to Moira; 2-35 to Brush's Mills; 570 to Bangor; 6-00 to Malone; 7-37 to Burke; 4*50 to Chateaugay; 7'50 to the Summit; 8-50 to Ellenburgh; 8-00 to Chazy, W. S.; 5*50 to Centreville; 3-31 to Moore's (junction of Montreal and Plattshurgh i-hil road)'; 7-29 to Champlain; 4-39 to Rouse's Point. Total 117'16 miles. Length in the several towns, in miles and hundredths : Oswegatchie, 1-97; Lisbon, 11-61; Madrid, 5-48; Potsdam, 5-98 ; Norfolk, 0-97 ; Stock- holm, 977; Lawrence, 770; Moira, 6-64; Bangor, 6-32; Malone, 8.G6; Bui-ke, 4-99; Chateaugay, 571 ; Clinton, 9-87; Ellenburgh, 3-52 ; Chazy,. 9-49; Moore's, 971 ; Champlain, 8-23. Height of stations above tide, in feet : Ogdensbnrgh, 239 ; Lisbon, 320 ; Madrid, 309; Potsdam, 320; Knapp's, 339; Stockholm and B. F., 311; Lawrence, 329; Moira, 363; Brush's Mills, 425; Bangor, 565; Malone, 703; Burke, 862; Chateaugay, 950; Summit, 1,146; Brandy Brook. 935; Ellenburgh, 892; Chazy, 573; Centreville, 378; Moore's, 243; Champlain, 130; Rouse's Point, 84. Least radius 3,000 feet, except in the village of Malone, at which all ti*ains stop, where it is 2,000 feet; highest grade per mile going east, 27 feet; going west, 40; west of Summit no grade either way more than 27 feet. From their report of 1852, it is learned that this road has cost, includ- ing fixtures and equipment, $5,022,121'31, and possesses very ample facilities for the transaction of the immense amount of business in the freight department. Amount of land owned in July, 1851, 3077i acres, exclusive of road way. Its buildings at that date were as follows; Wharves, docks and piers, at Ogdensburgh 4,534 feet; at Rouse's Point, 165 feet wharf| and a pier of 1,650, which has since become a part of the bridge across Lake Champlain. Freight and passenger station at Ogdensburgh, 305 by 84 feet. One freight house at ditto, 402 by 82 feet; fire proof engine house for six locomotives, and numerous other build- ings, the present dimensions and location of which may be seen by re- ferring to the plan of the depot grounds on our map of St. Lawrence county. Among these, the grain warehouse and elevator, shown on the opposite page, deserves notice. It is built on piles in 14 feet water, and contains 42 bins, each 30 feet deep and capable of holding 4,000 bushels each, or 12 tons of wheat. All these delivered their grain on one tract by spouts, and each can load a car with 10 tons in eight or ten minutes, the load being weighed on a platform scale in the track. The elevators are driven by a steam engine of 15 horse power, and raise daily, 16,000 to 18,000 bushels, which is weighed as received in draughts of 30 bushels, and spouted into cars or raised into the bins if stored. The cars are sent in on one track and out on another, being changed by a traverse table. Vessels laden with grain on the upper lakes, are here un- loaded with great facility, and the establishment is found to be eminently useful in promoting the business of the road. It was erected by N. Taggert, after plans by F. Pelletier the draftsman of the company, who has kindly furnished the above data. At Lisbon, Madrid, Potsdam, Stockholm, Lawrence, Moira, Bangor, Champlain and Hoyle's Landing, are depots, 50 by 100 feet: at Brush's Mills, 80 by 35 feet; at Chateau- gay, 200 by 55, a passenger station 37 by 26, and a wood and water station, 330 by 35 feet; at Rouses Point a passenger and freight house, 500 by 104 feet, a station house and hotel, 78 by 50, repair shop, 175 by 80 feet; and numerous other buildings. Since the date of the last report before us, depots have been built at Knapp's, Burke, Malone, and other places. 562 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE Much opposition was met from the efforts made by the company to procure the right of bridging Lake Champalain, to enable it to connect with the eastern roads, and in the sessions of 1850, a special committee consisting of Win. A. Dart, George Geddes and Robert Owens, Jun., was appointed, who in the recess of the legislature visited the locality and reported. An attempt was made to excite the jealousies of New York, against Boston, but an exf)ression was obtained from the leading interests of that city disclaimingthis, and concurring in the projiosed im- provement, and among the objections urged, were the obstruction to navigation, the division from the trade of the canals, and consequent loss of revenue to the state, and the obstruction it wouhl be to tlie fortress of the United States government, north of the road and near the boundary. This matter has been since decided, and a floating draw bridge con- structed so that trains pass fi-eely over without hinderance. It is less the amount of travel over this road than that of freight, that gives it importance. Being remote from the great lines of travel, it as yet, has not generally attracted that notice which it deserves, but when its advantages come to be known and appreciated, it can not fail of draw- ing a considerable amount of New England travel going westward. The < fficers of the Northern Rail road, can boast of one fact which few other roads would be able to do, viz: that they have never caused the death or in- jury of a passenger who has entrusted himself to their charge. This ex- emption from accident is not due to chance, but mainly to the admira- ble precision with which the trains are run, and it is doing injustice to no one to assert, that this is principally due to the talents and ability of tiie chief engineer Col. Charles L. Schlatter, who has from the be- ginning had the management of the road. Every employee is instructed in his duties, and no excuses are r-eceived for any violation or neglect of them. This inexorable rule has its advantages, which are felt and ap- proved by all concerned, and it is said that men can be employed in running irains at less wages on this than on many other roads, from the feeling of security, resulting from these arrangements. The officers of the company as given by the last, are T. P. Chandler, R. G.Shaw, Benj. Seaver, H. M. Holbrook, H. G. Kuhn, of Boston; Isaac Spaulding, of Nashua, N. H.; G. V. Hogle, of Champlain; Hiram Horton, of Malone; John Leslie Russell, of Canton; Geo. N. Seymour, and H. Van Rensselaer, of Ogdensburgh, James H. Titus, and Samuel J. Beals, of New York, directors. T. P. Chandler, president. .James G. Hopkins, of Ogdensburgh, secretary. Wm. T. Eustis (office No. 14 Merchant's Exchange, Boston), treasurer. Chas. L. Schlatter, of Malone, superintendent. The Potsdam and Watertown Rail Road originated from the dissatis- faction felt by Potsdam and Canton, in not having the Northern R. R. pass through their villages. Soon after the Rome and Cape Vincent rail road was opened, the want of a connecting link with the Northern road began to be felt, and it became an object of importance to decide whether this should connect at Ogdensburgh and run along the St. Lawrence or at a point east of this and through the interior of the county. In July 1851, a convention met at Watertown, and persons ap- pointed to collect the means for a sqrvey ; Mr. E. H. Brodhead employed, and at a meeting lield at Gouverneur, on the 8th of Jan. 1852, this re- port and survey were rendered, and a company formed the next day, under the general law of the state. In no place will the route vary three miles from a direct line ; the grades will not exceed 36.96 feet to the mile, and with one exception, the shortest radius of curve does not AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 563 exceed 2000 feet. Length 69 miles, estimated cost $293,721-50, for grading, bridging, and besides $6000 per mile for superstructure. A route was surveyed to Sackett's Harbor in connection with this. From this time vigorous efforts were made to secure a sufficient amount of stock to commence tlie construction of the road, and by an act passed April 7, 1852, the company was authorized, whenever the subscription ♦o the capital stock should amount to $5000 per mile, to exercise the powers, rights and privileges usually possessed by a company incorpo- rated tmder the general act. This act was considered necessary in this case, in order to secin-e the rights of way, and made contracts for the same. In October 1852, the sum of $750,000 having been subscribed, the directors felt themselves warranted in entering into a contract for the making of the road, and accordingly contracted with Phelps, Matoon, and Barnes, of Springfield, Mass., by which the road was to be com- pleted July 1, 1854. It will be one of the cheapest roads in the state, and must add imtnensely to the prosperity of the already rich and popu- lous country through which it passes. Its present officers are O. V Brainard, Eli Farwell, Hiram Holcomb, Wm. McAIIaster, Wm. E. Sterling, Edwin Dodge, Barzillai Hodskin, Orville Page, Zenas Clark, Samuel Partridge, Joseph H. Sandford, Wm. W. Goulding, A. M. Adsit, directors. Edwin Dodge, president. Zenas Clark, vice president. Daniel Lee, treasurer. H. L. Knowles, secretary. Telegraphs. — Northern New York was first brought into direct com- munication with the great cities in 1849, by means of the Canadian line of telegraphs, operating on the Morse principle. A station was estab- lished at Brockville, and another at Prescott. The JVew York State Line extended a branch from Watertown to Ogdensburgh, by way of the Old Military road, in the summer of 1850. Tije only station in the county is at Ogdensburgh. In the summer of 1851, the Vermont and Boston Line originally intended to extend only as far as Burlington, was continued on to Rouse's Point and Ogdensburgh, partly along the line of the rail road, and partly along the highway. It has stations for receiving and transmit- ting intelligence at Ogdensburgh, Canton, Potsdam, North Potsdam, Ma- lone, and Chateaugay. Both of these lines are operated on the principle of Bain's electro-chemical telegraph, and sufficient stock was taken up along the routes to defray the expense of erection. Steam boat navigation was first attempted on the great lakes, by the building of the Ontario, in 1816, by Charles Smyth, David Boyd, Eri Lusher, Abram Van Santvoord, John I. De Graff, and their associates, who in February 1816, made an unsuccessful attempt to secure an in- corporation as the Lake Ontario Steam Boat Company, with a capital of $200,000. In their memorial before us, they state that they had p^u*- chased of the heirs of Robert R. Livingston and Robert Fulton, the right to the exclusive navigation of the St. Lawrence. Their steamer, which is shown at the head of this chapter, is engraved from a drawing, by Capt. J. Van Cleve. The boat was 110 feet long, 24 wide, 8 deep, and measured 237 tons. She had one low pressure cross-head engine, of PA inch cylinder and 4 feet stroke. The latter was made at the Allaire works, New York. She was designed to be after the model of the Sea Horse, then running on the Sound near New York, and was built mainly under the direction of Hunter Crane, one of the owners. The first trip was made in 18l7, and heR%rival was celebrated at all the ports on the lake and river with the most extravagant demonstrations of joy, and hailed as a new era to the commerce of our inland seas. In every vil- 34 564 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE lage that conld muster a cannon, and from every steeple that had a bell, went forth a joyous welcome, and crowds of eager citizens from the adjoining country, thronged the siiores to salute its arrival. Bonfires and illumi- nations, the congratulation of friends and the interchange of hospitali- ties, signalized the event. The trip from Lewistown to Ogdensburgh required ten days. Fare $16. Deck fire $8. Master, Capt. Maliaby, U. S. N. The Ontario continued till 1832, seldom exceeding five miles an hour, and was finally broken up at Oswego. The Frontenac, a British steamer, at Kingston, and the Walk-in-the- Water, on Lake Erie, followed soon after. The Martha Ogden, was built at Sackett's Harbor, about 1819, with Albert Crane, managing, owner the first season. She was lost in a gale off Stoney point, and the passengers and crew saved by being landed in a basket, drawn back and forth on a rope from the wreck to the shore. No one was lost, and the engine was recovered and placed in the Onta- rio. The Sophia, originally a schooner, was fitted up as a steamer at S. Harbor, at an early day. The Robins, was another small schooner built over, but never did much business. The Black Haivk, built at French Creek, by G. S. Weeks, and owned by Smith, Merrick & Co., was used several seasons as a packet, and afterwards sold to Canadians, and the name changed to The Dolphin. The Paul Pry was built at Heuvelton, in 1830. by Paul Boynton, for parties in Ogdensburgh, and run some time on Black lake to Rossie. About 1834, she was passed into the St. Lawrence, at great delay and expense, and used as a ferry until from the affair at the Windmill, in 1838, she became obnoxious to the Canadians, and was run on Black river bay afterwards. The Rossie, a small steamer, was built near Pope's mills, about 1837, by White & Hooker, of Morris- town, and ran two seasons on Black lake. This was a small affair and proved unprofitable. An act of January 28, 1831, incorporated the Lake Ontario Steam Boat Company; capital, $100,000; duration till May, 1850. The affairs were to be managed by fifteen directors, and the office to be kept at Oswego. This company built the steamer United States, which was launched in November, 1831, and came out July 1st, 1832, under the command of Elias Trowbridge. Length, 142 feet; width, 26 feet beam, 55 feet over all; depth, 10 feet; engines, two low pressure ones of 40 inch cylinder and 8 feet stroke. Cost, $56,000. This steamer, so much in advance of anything that had preceded it on the American side, run on the through line till 1838, when, from having become obnoxious to the Canadians on account of the use made of her at the affair of the Windmill, she was run upon the lake only afterwards, and was finally broken up at Oswego, in 1843, and her engines transferred to the Rochester. This was the first and only boat owned by this company. The Oswego was built at that place in 1833; of 286 tons; was used for several seasons on the through line, but after running six years, the en- gines were taken out and placed in the steamer St. Lawrence. She was changed to a sail vessel and lost. The Brownville was built on Black river, below the village of that name, in Jefferson county. In going down the St. Lawi-ence, she took fire and was burned to the water's edge, but was run on an island, and her crew saved. She was afterwards rebuilt, and run awhile with the former name, and subse- quently lengthened at Sackett's Harbor, and her name changed to the William Jlvery. The engines, built by Wm. Avery, of Syracuse, which had previously been high pressure, were changed to condensing. With a few minor exceptions, there are at present no high pressure engines AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 565 employed on the lake oi- river, except in propellers. In 1834, the Wm. Avei-y was run between Ogdensburgh and Niagara, with W. W. Sher- man as master. She was dismantled in 1835. The Charles Carroll was built at S. Harbor, and riiu from Kingston to Rochester, in 1834. After- wards she was rebuilt and lengthened at Sackett's Harbor, in the summer of 1834, and her name changed, to the America. Her engine was high pressure. The America, with D: Howe master, was running from Og- densburgh to Lewiston late in the season of 1834. The Jack Downing was a very small steamer built by P. Boynton, at Carthage, Jefferson county, in 1834; drawn on wheels to S. Harbor, launched, fitted up, and intended as a ferry at Ogdensburgh ; but used for this purpose a short time at Waddington, and afterwards run from Fort Covington to Cornwall. Her engine was in 1837, transferred to the Henry Burden, a boat on a novel principle, being supported on two hollow cylindrical floats and the wheel between them. It was afterwards taken by the Rideau canal to Ogdensburgh, and used a short time as a ferry. The Oneida, of 297 tons, was built at Oswego, in 1836. A. Smith was her first master. Her owners were principally Henry Fitzhugh, of Os- wego, E. B. Allen and G. N. Seymour, of Ogdensburgh. In 1838, and during some part of 1840, she was in the employ of government. With these exceptions, this vessel made regular trips from Ogdensburgh to Lewiston, until 1845, when her engine was taken out, and she was fitted up as a sail vessel. The engine of this boat is now in the steamer British Queen, one of the American line of boats from Ogdensburgh to Montreal. Lost as a sail vessel on Lake Erie. The Telegraph, a steamer having 196 tonnage, was built near Dexter, Jeflferson county, and first came out in the fall of 1836. She was owned by parties in Utica, Water- town and Sackett's Harbor. Sprague was her first captain. She was in the employ of government in the fall of 1838, the whole of 1839, and some part of the spring of 1840. Changed to a sail vessel and burnt on Lake St. Clair. The Express was built at Pultneyville, Wayne county, H. N. Throop, master and one of the owners, about the year 1839. It was used on the through line for several years, and afterwards ran from Lewiston to Hamilton. It was finally laid up in 1850. The Saiiit Law- rence, 402 tons, was enrolled at Oswego in 1839, the engines being the same as those which had been used in the Oswego. In 1844, it was rebuilt, and the tonnage increased to 434 tons. Her first trif) was per- formed in June, 1839. Cost about $.50,000. It was run till 1851, most of the time as one of the through line, when it was dismanded at French Creek. This is said to have been the first steamer on this lake, that had state rooms on the main deck. Length, 180 feet; beam, 23 feet; liold, 11 feet. In 1839, she was commanded by John Evans; in 1840-6, by J. Van Cleve. Her place on the line was supplied by the Cataract. The George Clinton and the President, were small boats built at Os- wego, in 1842, and the former was wrecked on the south shore of the lake in 1850. About 1842, a stock company called the Ontario Steam and Canal Boat Company, was formed at Oswego, who in 1842, built the Lady of the Lake, of 423 tons, G. S. Weeks, builder; used on the through line until 1852, when she was chartered as a ferry in connection with the rail road from Cape Vincent to Kingston. This was the first Ameri- can boat on this water that had state rooms on the upper deck. J. J. Taylor was her master for several years. The Rochester, built for this company by G. S. Weeks, at Oswego, in 1843, of 354 tons, and run on the lake and river until 1848, since which she has run from Lewiston to 566 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE Hamilton. In July, 184.'5, the JVxagara, of 473 tons, came out, having been tlie first of a series of steamers built at French creei<, by .T. Oad^s. Her lericth was 182 feet; beam, 27i feet; total iireadth, 47 fee't; hold, 7i feet. Enfjine from the Archimedes works, with cylinder of 40 inches and 11 feet stroke. Wheels ;30 feet in diameter.' The Britith Queen was built on Long: Island between Clayton and Kingston, in 1846, by Oades, the engines being those of the Oneida. Length, 180 feet; beam, 42 feet; engine double, each cylinder 26 inches in diameter. The British Empire was built at the same time and place with the last. TTie Cataract, came out in .Inly, 1837. She measures 577 tons, and Avas commanded the first season by James Van Cleve. Length of keel, 902 feet, breadth of beam 27i feet, breadth across the guards, 48 feet, AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 583 in place of Dickinson, Februaiy 24, 1843; Martin R. Diirkee, in place of Adams, March 9, 1845; John Roberts, 4th, in place of Durkee, MiJrch3, 1848; Henry H. Hosford, March 3, 1848; Henry H. Hosford, March 19, 1850; John Roberts, 4th, March 19, 1850. This county received $30,771*91 of the United States deposit fund. Jlssemhlymen from Franklin County, — By its act of incorporation, this county was attached to Clinton, forming one district, which was repre- sented by the following persons: 1802, William Bailey; 1803-4, Peter Sailly ; 1805, Benjamin Mqoers ; 1806, William Bailey ; 1807, Nathaniel Piatt ; 1808, Elisha Arnold; 1809, Kinner Newcomb; 1810-11, Gates Hoit; 1812, no returns; 1813-14, Allen R. Moore; 181.5, Robert Plutt; 1816-17, Benjamin Mooers; 1818, Gates Hoit; 1819, Ebenezer Brownson; 1820-1, Piatt Newcomb; 1822, Abijah North; 1823, William Hogan. In 1823, Franklin county was erected into a single assembly district, and has since so remained. 1824, George B. R. Gove; 1825-6, Asa Hascall; 1827, James Campbell; 1828-30, Luther Bradish; 1831-2, James B. Spencer; 1833-4, Jabez Parkhurst; 1835, Asa Hascaii; 1836-8, Luther Bradish; 1839. Asa Hascall; 1840-1, John S. Eldridge; 1842, Thomas R. Powell; 1843, Joseph H. Jackson; 1844, Francis D. Flanders; 1845, Hiram Horton; 1846, Sidney Lawrence; 1847, Joseph' R. Flanders; 1848, EIos L. Winslow; 1849, George B. R. Gove; 1850-1, Wm. A. Wheeierj 1852-3, Darius W. Lawrence. 5 84 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE CHAPTER VIII. BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 'T is the most pleasing part of the historifin's duties to record the names and services of those who have acted n leading part in the events which make up the annals of any period or of any country ; and, in sliort, history may be considered but the record of tiie actions of leading men, as all popular movements and all the events of life are originated and guided by a few. In a vi^ork like the present, it is a delicate task to discriminate in the selec- tion of subjects for notice, and numl)ers are necessarily omitted from the impossibility of obtaining data concerning them. We trust it will not be deemed invidious that a few living citizens are noticed in the following pages. We have been induced to this from a frequently ex- pressed desire of numerous friends, and regret our inability to extend them to that of others, who through a long series of years, have been foremost in measures tending to the general welfare of the country, and the promotion of its internal improvement and prosperity. RussEi.L Attwater was born June 20. 1762, at Cheshire, Ct, and was a son of Reuben Attwater, of Englisb descent, and one of the committee of safety in New Haven county during the revolution. Mr. Attwater en- gaged in mercantile pursuits at Blauford, Mass., in early life, and while on'business in New York in 1798, he was induced by McCormick, with whom he had dealings, to purchase parts of the present towns of Russell, Pierrepont, Hopkinton, &c., and to become an agent for McCormick, Harrison and others. An Account of his labors has been given in our history of Russell, Norfolk and Brasher. In 1808 he was appointed an associate judge, and held the office many years. In the opening of the St. Lawrence turnpike, and the roads towards Lake George and Albany, he had the principal direction, and his energies were for many years de- voted to the promotion of tiie various internal improvements of the coun- try. In 1814 he was elected a senator, and in 1816 a presidential elector, and voted for Clinton. He died at the residence of his son, Phinneas Attwater, in Norfolk, in June, 1851. Thomas B. Benepict was a son of a clergyman, a native of Woodbnry, Ct., where he was born October 23, 1783. When a young man, he came into De Kalb with judge Cooper, and engaged in mercantile pursuits. In 1812 he held a colonel's commission, and had principal charge of the military operations at Ogdensburgh in the summer of 1812. During the war he was promoted to a brigadier general. He was a man of much ability, and merited the confidence reposed in him, but military affairs impaired his relish for the quiet pursuits of peace, and presented tem[)ta- tions to which stronger men have vielded. He died at De Kalb, March 11,1829. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 585 John Boyd was born in New York city, August 2, 1772, and settled in Hamilton in 1805. Being appointed sheriff, lie removed to Ogdensburgh, and remained with an interval of two years, a citizen of that village till his death, July 17, 1833, after a long illness. He possessed much perse- verance and energy, and was an active and useful member of society who deeply felt the loss occasioned by his death. James Campbeli,. Few citizens of Franklin county have held more public offices or have seen more of the growth and progress of that country than Mr. Campbell. He was born in Rockingham, Vt,, June 3, 1784, and in 1809 settled at French Mills, as a mechanic. In 1812 he was ?^ppointed inspector of customs, and during the snmmer of 1812, he acted as adjutant of the 66th regiment, then including the county, and assisttantU. S. store keeper, to receive the immense quantities of suj)plies ordered to the place during the sojourn of Wilkinson's armv. From 1815 to 1818, he held the office of sheriff, and from 1818 to 1823, was one of the judges of the county. In 1820, as deputy marshal!, he took the census of the county, and in 1827, was a member of assembly. In various military and civil capacities, as justice, presidential elector, and in numerous town and county offices, he has been equally useful. Daniel W. Church, whom we have so often mentioned as a pioneer millwright, and to whom we are indebted for many facts relating to the origin of the several towns, was born May 10, 1772, in Brattleboro, Vt., and moved into the county in 1801, and for many years was actively engaged in erecting the first mills in various parts of this county and Franklin. In the hardships and labors neces- sarily involved in these pursuits, there was constantly afforded an op- P portunity for the exercise of that presence of znind and self reliance which rendered him particularly useful to the country, and during the military operations at Ogdensburgh, which terminated with its capture in February, 1813, he was particularly active. He is living at an advanced age, with a son in Morris- town. Thomas J. Da vies, a na- tive of Washington, Conn., / came into the county in 1800, at the age of 33, selected a farm on Black lake, eight miles from Og- densburgh, commenced improvements and in the following winter brought in his family by way of Vermont and Canada, and from an early period, took a leading part in political and public affairs, being the first acting sheriff of the county, which office he held for many years. He also for some time, held the office of county judge. He died on his farm at Black lake, April 18, 1845. Judge Davies, with only an ordinary education, possessed a business talent which joined with much energy of character, rendered him valuable as a public officer, and prosperous in his private affairs. He acted with the democratic party. His son, Charles Davies, has attained distinction as a mathematician, and for many years held a professorship in the military academy at West Point. CATfij Qi^n'JL ']/^^(^^cJv I 586 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE John Fine was born in New York, AHgnst26, 1794, and was prepared for college by Andrew Smith, a Scotchman, a well known and severe teacher. He entered Columbia college in 1805, and graduated in 1809, at the age of J 5, receiving the second honor, the English salutatory. Among his college classmates were bishops B. T. Onderdonk and J. Kemper, Rev. Dr. W. E. Wyatt, Rev. C. R. DufFee and J. Brady; Drs. J. W. Francis and E. N. Bi'bby, and the Hon. Murray Hoffman. Mr. Fine studied law four years with P. W. Kadcliff, one j'ear with G. W. Strong, and attended a course of law lectures of one year under judges Reeve and Gould, at Litchfield, Conn. He removed to St. Lawrence county in 1815, and formed a law ytartnership with Louis Hasbrouck, which continued until the death of the latter in 1834. In 1824 he' was apppinted first judge of the county, and was continued in this office by reappointment till March, 1839. In the fall of 1838, he was elected to congress, and in the latter of the two years was on the committee on foreign affairs. In 1844 he was reappointed first judge, and held that office until the adoption of the new constitution in 1847. During his service of over eighteen years on the bench, Z^ '?>..^ AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 593 casion will not present itself. I consider it proper to give your excel- lency the earliest information upon this subject, and it was but yesterday that Gray cnrne forward." Mr. Ford was appointed first Judge, which office he held for many years, and in this capacity he ever evinced that promptness and decision, joined with sound judgement, that rendered him peculiarly valuable to the public, and a terror to evil doers. In politics he was federal, and although he denounced the policy of the war, his course was such as to secure the confidence of the officers stationed at Ogdensburgh, and he was particularly useful in disuading from predatory incursions for plun- dering which led only to retaliations. For several years previous to his death, which occurred in April, 1829, his constitution had been yielding to the insidious approaches of consumption, but the vigor of his mind remained unimpaired, and he continued to feel a deep interest in public affiiirs, after his strength had denied him the power of taking part in them.' He had seen and/e/f the first fefeble beginnings of a colony which had "-rown up to a j)opuious and thriving town, and the howling wilder- ness traversed only by savages and wild beasts, transformed into cidtiva- ted fields and inhabited by an intelligent and prosperous people. With the pro"^ress of a third of a century before him, he looked forward into coming°years, and with the prophetic faith natural to his employment, realized in his mental vision tl;ie change which a century would work in the condition of the country around him. Some time before his death, a friend conversing on this subject, asked him if, in his dreams, the future aspect of the town ever presented itself. The idea instantly struck him, and with an energy beyond his strength, and an eye kindling with enthusiasm be replied, "■Dreamt I see it! A rich and populous city! A wide extent of coimtry covered with houses; a harbor crowded with the fleet of the lakes!" He then went on and in glowing language, portray- ed the coming greatness and opulence which natural advantages were destined to confer upon the town. From the earliest period, Mr. Ford had taken the strongest interest in the welfare of the Presbyterian church in the village, and the day before his death, he had a conversa- tion with some of the officers of the society, in which he said, " You know the deep intej^st I have always taken in the society, and how ardently I feel at the close of life for its welfare. I enjoin it upon you all to cultivate peace among each other, and let no jealousies or dissen- tions creep in among you. Let every one of you try to excell the rest in giving up their own individual wishes for the good of the whole. 1 am drawing nfear the close of life, I look forward to the salvation pur- chased by Christ, as abundantly sufficient to save all who will put their trust in him." , . . , , • ^ In person, Mr. Ford was thm and slender, and his features are well represented in the portrait given ; his eye possessed unusual brilliancy, and when excited by any topic that engaged his whole soul, it sparkled with enthusiasm and feeling. In his manners he was courteous and graceful, and his hos[)itality was of that elegant kind which while it made its recipients at ease, gave them a sense of welcome, and a home feeling, so eminently pleasing to the guests. He was interred in the family vault, in the western part of the village, which is neatly enclosed in a wall, and the grounds within are suitably adorned with shrubbery. Asa Hascall a native of Vermont, removed from Essex county where he had acquired the legal ])rofessioii, and settled at Malone, in 1815 In 1818 he was elected supervisor of Malone which office he held till 1838. From 1840 to 1843, he held the same office. He was for ^94 HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE many years a justice of the peace and district attorney for Franklin county. He also repeatedly represented his district in assemhiy. He died in Malone, January 5, 1852, at the age of 66, having for several years been disabled by a paralytic stroke. In his private and i)ublic life, lie was a true specimen of the noblest work of God. In every station which he held he always acquitted himself like a man. The members of the bar in the county, were accustomed to look to him with a feeling bordering upon reverence, as a pattern of integrity and worth in their })rofession^ whom they might safely imitate. As a citizen, as a lawyer, and above all, as a Christian, his influence was great and unbounded, and employed to a good account." Louis Hasbroock, was the fifth in descent from a family of French Huguenots, who fled from France to Holland, and thence to New York, and settled on the Hudson, in the present town of New Paltz, Ulster county. He was born at New Paltz, on the banks of the Wallkill, April 22, 1777, and received his collegiate education at Nassau Hall, in Prince- ton, at which he graduated Sept. 25, 1797, and studied law in New York, under Josiah Ogden Hoffman and Cadwallader Golden. In August, 1801, he was admitted at Albany to practice in the supreme court, and in Sep- tember following, to the Ulster court of common pleas. While at Albany, at the time of his admission to the supreme court, he met with Judge Ford, and was persuaded to come to Ogdensburgh to settle, and through the same influence he received an appointment as clerk of the county, March 10, 1802. In June he arrived at Ogdensburgh, and officiated at the first court held in the old garrison in that month. He came by horse- back, with others, through the Mohawk and Black river countries. He returned in October, and continued for two years to spend his winters below, and his summers in Ogdensburgh. In May, 1804, he started with the view of making a permanent residence, accompanied by his wife, brother, a lady cousin, and a female slave, and proceeded up the Mo- hawk valley and the Black river settlements, in a wagon, as far as Cof- fin's tavern, in West Carthage. It being impossible to proceed further by wagon, he hired another horse of a Frenchman called Battise, and proceeded on from thence with three horses to the five travelers. One of the horses was used as a pack horse, and across tt were laid two bags containing provision and clothing. Their outfit for a march of several days through a wilderness, with no guide but a line of marked trees, and only casual opportunities of procuring supplies from the huts of scattered settlers, consisted of some dried beef, a few lemons for making lemon- ade, hard crackers, and a little tea and sugar. For milk, bread, and other provisions, they trusted to the supplies they might procure along the road of inhabitants, or kill in the forest with their fire arms. Mr. Joseph Hasbrouckled the waj, and the others followed in Indian file, adopting at times the practice of riding and tying, and at others mounting do«t>le. The route led through Wilna, Antwerp, and somewhere near thit Hne of the Old State road, to the Oswegatchie, at the present village of Heuvelton, where they crossed the river in a scow. Their first night was spent at Lewis's, their second at Lee's (now Mordecai Cook's, in Antwerp), their third at Bristol's (De Peyster's), and their fourth at the old garrison in Ogdensburgh. The Hasbrouck mansion was erected the year previous, and finished in 1804. Mr. H. moved for a few weeks into Judge Ford's building, at the garrison. Mr. Hasbrouck arrived in the in- fancy of its settlement, and commenced the practice of law in that vil- lage, which he continued till his death. He held the office of county clerk until 1817. During a period of thirty-two years, in which he saw AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 595 the progressive and rapid rise of the county, from a wilderness to a pop- ulous and prosperous district, he was intimately.concerned with its busi- ness and its interests, and was extensively known to its citizens, by all classes of whom he was highly esteemed for the many excellent quali- ties he possessed. With the purest rectitude of principle in all his conduct, he united a kindness and benevolence of disposition, that made him alike respected and beloved by all. Modest and unpretending in his manners, he sought not public distinction, and preferred the walks of private life, from which he could not be prevailed to withdraw, until at the fall election of 1832, he reluctfntly consented to allow his political friends to nominate him for the office of senator of this state. To this office he was elected, and continued until his decease, which resulted from the hydrothorax on the 20th of Aug., 18.34. The members of the bar of the county of St. Lawrence, resident in Ogdensburgh, convened the day after, and testified their respect for the amiable character of the deceased by passing a series of resolutions highly expressive of their esteem for his merits, and sorrow at his death ; and followed in a body to his last resting place, the remains of the citizen whose memory it was their privilege to honor. The trustees of the village also called a meet- ing of the inhabitants to consider the proper measures to be taken for paying suitable respect to his memory. The meeting thus assembled, adopted measures for testifying their sorrow and expressing their sympa- thy with the family of the deceased. RoswELii Hopkins, was born in Amenia, Dutchess county, in May, 1757. At an early age he embarked in the arduous struggle of the revo- lution, and was engaged in the battle of Bennington, and also at the capture of Burgoyne, near Stillwater. He afterwards served two cam- paigns as a volunteer at West Point, and its vicinity. His campaign at this latter place, was terminated, however, by his being taken a prisoner, when he was put on board one of the British prison ships, and eventu- ally landed at Newport, Rhode Island, where he was incarcerated with others for a considerable period, and for four days immediately subse- quent to landing, without taking a morsel of food. He. was released from this place on parole, about the close of the war. He settled in Ar- lington, in Vermont, where he resided till after he was appointed secre- tary of state, when he removed to Bennington, then the seat of the state government. Besides the office of secretary of state, (to which he was reelected annually, by the general assembly, ibr ten years or more in suc- cession, till he gave in his resignation), he held various other responsible state offices, and was once appointed elector of president and vice presi- dent of the United States. At the period of the early settlement of this region. Judge Hopkins purchased d large tract of land, including the townsiiip of Hopkinton, in this county, and removed his family from Vermont to his late residence. During all the hardships and privations incident to the settlement of a new country, a wide field is necessarily opened for the exercise of all those charities and acts of soothing kind- ness which have distinguished the conduct of some of the proprietors of this county. The course of Judge Hopkins with respect to the settlers of his land, to whom he stood in the relation of a father, was strongly marked by that unbounded generosity and munificence, which formed so prominent a feature in his character. Soon after the organization of the county, he was appointed a judge of the court of common pleas, the duties of which station he discharged with his usual ability, for several years. He was elected to a seat in the legislature of this state, four years euccesaively, from 1810 to 1813. For some years before his death he 596 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE took no part in public affairs, but continued to enjoy the confidence and esteem of ail vvlio knew iiim. He died at the age of 73, Sept. 5, 1 8*^9, in Chazy, from injury sustained by being thrown from a wagon, and his remains were brought back and interred in Hopkinton. Hiram Horton. B'ew persons held a more conspicuous place in public life among the pioneers of Franklin county than Judge Horton. He was a native of Springfield, Mass., and his ancestors were among the first settlers of that place. In his youth he failed to enjoy the ad- vantages of an education, arid vvas never able to attend a district school but six weeks in his life, but feeling the importance of this element, so necessary for the nerformance of the active duties of life, he set himself about the task of ielf education, and at the age of twenty, had fitted him- self to become the teacher of a district school, and was employed as an assistant by the secretary of state in Vermont. At about this time he re- moved to Brandon, Vt., where he purchased a commodious farm on Otter creek, and now in part occupied by the village of Brandon, and by a diligent and successful course of industry, acq)nred a considerable amount of property. In 1808, he removed to Malone, where he pur- chased the mill privileges on both sides of Salmon river, and erected the first mills worthy of the name. He subsequently filled the offices of supervisor, county treasurer, judge, and first judge, and was for many years an agant for Pierrepont and Ellice, in the sale and settlement of their lands. His death occurred Oct. 5, 1824, at Malone, at the age of .64. During the war he was a federalist, but sustained the measures of government in prosecuting that measure, and towards the close of hia life his political preferences were in favor of Clinton. David C. Judson, came into the county of St. Lawrence in the spring of 1808, his father's family having settled on Black lake, in Osvvegatchie, two years previously, from Washington, Ct. It being the period of the embargo, Mr. J. engaged in no permanent business, until 1811, wlien on the appointment of the late Thomas J. Davies, to the office of sheriff, he in connection with his friend xVIr. York, undertook to do all the active duties of the office throughout the county, the former taking all east of the east line of Lisbon and Canton, and the latter the remainder. He accordingly located at Hamilton, in Madrid, and this arrangement continued during the official term of Mr. Davies, .nnd of Mr. York, his successor. In 1818, he was appointed sheriff, and assuming the active du- ties of the western half, and thus became thoroughly conversant with the entire county, and a witness of its early and feeble beginnings, which was of eminent service to him in subsequent lite. In the division of the demo- cratic party, during the era of good feeling in national politics, in rela-' tion to Mr. Clinton and his policy, Mr. J. adhering to Mr. C was re- moved from the office of sheriff, on the triumph of the Bucktail party, in 1821. He was immediately after nominated and elected to the senate fr^^m the eastern district. The constitution of 1821, coming into operation in 1822, by which all legislative and judicial offices were vacated, he de- clined renomination, and was principally instrumental in securing the nomination of Silas Wright, Jr., who was elected, and then first occu- I)ied the field in which he became so eminent. In the selection of a new suite for the public buildings, Mr. Judson from his intimate know- ledge of tiie county, gave his influence for a change, believing that the public wants required it, and his identification with this measure con- tributed to his election to the assembly in 1818, the county having be- Er^rE^vad Dy J C Bu-Ure mm a DaaJcrreOType ii \\ I ' 1 (' Cn-( AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 599 fore been decidedly federal. The measure was brought forward this session, but defeated, principally through the influence of the late George Parish. In 1826 it was again brought forward, aided by Mr. Wright, in the senate, and Mr. Judson, notwithstanding his interests, and residence at Ogdensburgh, gave his influence for it. It was at lasL successful, having been made the issue of the election of ]8'27, and ha was one of the building committee appointed to superintend the erection of the new buildings, which were completed in time for the fall term of 1829, at a cost of less than $7000. From 1829 till 1840, he was one of the judges of the county court. In the fall of 1829, he was chosen cashier of the Qgdensburgh Bank, and remained till 1840, Avhen he resigned, and in the fall of that year was appointed collector of the district of Oswegatchie, by Van Buren, and held this station under the different presidents, until 1849, since which he has enjoyed " the post of honor — a private station." It is sel- dom that an individual is found, who for nearly half a century, has been so extensively and so intimately concerned in public affairs, and it is but justice to add, that his worth is appreciated as extensively as his name is known, and in most of the public improvements of the county in gen- eral, and of Ogdensburgh and vicinity ,in particular, we witness some of the beneficial results of his influence. Dr. Robert McChesnex, a native of Troy, studied his profession with Dr. Joseph White, of Cherry Valley, and David Little, of Spring- tield, N. Y., and in 1810, removed to Madrid, and in the year following to Potsdam. He there engaged in the practice of his profession with increasing reputation and success, until his death in May 1824, at the age of 3t3. He was a man of sound judgment and fine abilities, and en- joyed to a high degree the confidence of the public. David A. Ogdex, with his father Abraham Ogden, and his brother Thomas L. Ogden, all of whom then resided in Newark, New Jersey, purchased of William Constable in 1796, the town of Madrid. After the decease of their father the two brothers became the owners of this property, one third of which they sold in 1803, to Joshua Waddington, of New York. David A. Ogden, was the eldest of a family of twelve children. His father Abraham Ogden, was a native of New Jersey, where he spent the greater part of his life, and his ancestors were among the earliest settlers of that state. He resided in Morristown, during the time when the American army lay in winter quarters there, and his house was occupied by General Washington, as his quarters, during his sojourn there. Mr. Abraham Ogden, followed the profession of his father, that of a lawyer. Upon the organization of the general government, he received the unsolicited appointment of district attor- ney for the state of New Jersey, which ofiice he held until his death, in 1798. Besides the purchase of Madrid as above stated, Mr. A. Ogden, in company with Mr. Hoffman, his brother-in-law, purchased a tract in Hague and Cambray, since called the Ogden and Hoffman tract. He was a brother of Samuel Ogden, the early owner of Oswegatchie, and th.e person from whom the present village of Ogdensburgh derived its name. D. A. Ogden, studied law in his father's office, and at about the period of the death of the latter, he removed to New York, and in com- pany with his brother T. L. Ogden, commenced the practice of his pro- fession, where they formed a business connection with Alexander Hamil- ton, which gave them a prominence in their profession, and terminated with the memorable duel between Hamilton and Aaron Burr, which cast a gloom of sorrow over the nation. Mr. Ogden continued the 600 fflSTORY Of ST. LAWRENCE practice of his profession in New York until 1812, when he retired from that pursuit, to carry into execution a plan which he had for some years cherished, to remove to the St. Lawrence, and fix his permanent residence on its beautiful shores. In pursuance of this, he built a fine and sub- stantial dwelling on the island opposite the village of Waddington and commenced its improvement as a farm, which comprises nearly eight hundred acres. He was at this time in the prime of life, and carried with him those tastes for rural employments, which he had imbibed in early life, which with his favorite literary pursuits, were well calculated to render his residence agreeable, not only to himself, but to those who might associate with him. He early turned his attention to improving the natural advantages of his location, not only as an agricultural but as a commercial and manufacturing district. A feeling of brotherhood, and community of interest, was engendered by the difficulties encountered by the pioneer settlers, and many early emigrants speak with gratitude of the sympathy and assistance they re- ceived from him in time of need. He was once elected to congress, and for eight years held the office of first judge of the county court, when on account of declining health, he retired from the bench. At the announcement of his intention to do this, the grand jury then in session, passed a resolution expressive of their regard, and containing settlements highly complimentary to his character as a citizen and as a judge. With these exceptions he held no public offices. His death oc- ccured at Montreal, June 9, 1829, at the age of sixty. His remains were brought back to Waddington and interred. The St. Lawrence county bar, ujjon the news of his death being received, met and passed a series of resolutions highly expressive of their sense of the loss which they had to sustain in his death. David Parish, was the second son of John Parish, an English gen- tleman, a resident of Hamburgh, who was the first to hold the office of United States Consul at that place. The subject of this notice was one of five brothers, whose names were .John, David, Richard, Charles and George. The first is still living in Bohemia, and has attained much dis- tinction as an astronomer, which science he has pursued as an amateur, and a number of important discoveries have been made by him at his private observatory. He is the proprietor of a large crown estate, and to which a great number of serfs belong; and he bears the title of Baron Seuftenberg. Charles Parish, and Richard Parish, the latter the father of George Parish, Esq., of Ogdensburgh, still reside at Hamburgh, in Germany. Mr. David Parish was educated as a banker, which pursuit was the business of his father; and the financial operations in which they were engaged, were on a most extensive scale. About the year 1808, there was an enterprise undertaken by some of the principal mer- chants and capitalists of Europe, in which they entered into an agree- ment with the French government, then in the hands of Bonaparte, to transfer a large amount of credits to Europe from the Spanish colonies in Mexico. The wars between France and England, and the restrictions upon commerce, which then existed, rendered the navigation of the Atlantic with valuable cargoes, extremely perilous, from their liability to capture by British cruisers, which swarmed in every sea where an opportunity existed for annoying the commerce of France. The only practicable way of transferring to Europe an equivalent for the specie which had been intercepted by blockade in the ports of the Spanish colonies, was to procure its shipment to maritime cities in the United States, where it could be invested in colonial produce, and shipped to r.uril \-l ,,.A1|.; i^ AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 603 neutral ports in Europe, under the American flag, which in certain cases was allowed, by the arrogant British government, to pursue a commerce with Europe. The causes were then being developed which soon ripened into an open war between the United States and Great Britain, which principally grew out of the arbitrary assumptions of the latter government. The principal commercial house engaged in the enterprise above mentioned, was that of Hope &. Co., of Amsterdam, and Mr. David Parish was employed to visit the United States, to carry into effect the arrangements which had been made for the accomplishment of this object. Vessels built with express reference to speed, and manned by picked crews and experienced pilots, were employed to enter the block- aded ports whenever circumstances warranted, and convey the funds to such American ports as they might be able to enter. On several occa- sions very narrow escapes from capture occurred on these voyages, which , were generally remarkably successful, and proved very lucrative to the projectors. While engaged in carrying these measures into effect, Mr. Parish resided in Philadelphia, and his business brought him infrequent contact with the financial men of that place, among whom were Robert Morris, Gouverneur Morris, the Ogden families and Le Ray de Chaumont. Among the more prominent of the subjects which engaged these gentle- men at that time, was the purchase and settlement of lands in the state of New York, and this subject being kept prominently before him, he was induced to listen to overtures from them on the subject of purchases. From the peculiar organization of European society, the ownership of large landed estates confers importance upon the possessor, and places him on a level far superior to that of the owner of a similar amount of capital invested in manufacturing or commercial pursuits; and this is coveted as the most desirable species of weulth, as well from its perma- nence and freedom from loss by accident or fraud, as from the certain revenues which it produces, and the importance in social life which it confers. The gentlemen above mentioned were at that time engaged in settling their lands in the northern part of the state, and Mr. Parish, with the view of learning the value of the tracts offered him, sent Mr. Joseph Rosseel, then a young man, who had escaped from the military con- scriptions of his natiye country, to explore the country, and make to him a report of its value. The result was the purchase of extensive tracts in Rossie, Antwerp, Hopkinton, Parishville, &c., and the village of Ogdens- burgh, excepting parts previously sold. In September, 1814, the town- ship of Hammond, and at various times, other tracts have been added to these purchases. Soon after acquiring an interest in these lands, Mr. Parish commenced the task of their improvement and settlement with much energy, and possessing resources which enabled him to undertake that which mefti of limited means would not have been able to accom- plish. In 1810, he erected the large stone store on Water street, and his dwelling in Ogdensburgh, and in 1813, commenced the construction of a blast furnace at Rossie. The settlement of Parishville, and the openingof lines of communication between different sections of the coun- ty, and to the markets; the erection of mills, and openingof mines of iron ore, were among the enterprises in which he engaged, and which gave life and spirit to the settlements which he projected, and employment for the industry of those who had no other means to meet the payments due on their purchases, than the labor of their hands. The war checked the prosperity of Ogdensburgh, but scarcely affected the back settle- ments of Parishville and Rossie, which rather increased in proportion as 36 604 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE the front diminished in popnlation, from tlie accessions which they re- ceived from the timid, and those thrown out of employment by the war. While the war was pending, and in anticipation of the event, the government negotiated a loan of $16,000,000, and Stephen Girard and David Parish became parties to the loan of $7,000,000 of this sum. With occasional interruptions, Mr. Parish continued to be engaged in the improvement of his estates in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties, until tlie year 1816, when he returned to Europe. Not long after this, he was induced, through the influence of Count Metternich, the cele- brated Austrian minister, to engage in a partnership with the commer- cial house of Fries & Co., of Vienna, with the expectation that they should have a share of the patronage of the Austrian government in its financial operations. The parties with whom he became associated, sustained the style of living and equipage which can be afforded only by princes with imperial revenues, and although their dwellings con- tained galleries of paintings, and elaborate treasures of the fine arts, and they displayed all the dazzling parade of wealth, the real condition of the firm was most corrupt, and its affairs were fast tending to irretriev- able bankruptcy. This fact Mr. Parish did not, unfortunately, discover, until it was too late to recede, and he found himself involved in the ruin which shortly overtook them. A large portion of his European estates were sacrificed to satisfy the claims of creditors of the house with which he was involved. The business in America, which had for some time previous been managed by David and George Parish, was soon after assumed by the latter. Mr. David Parish will long be gratefully remembered, by the citizen of St. Lawrence county, as their early benefactor, and is never mentioned by those who enjoyed an acquaintance with him, without a warm expression of esteem and respect. His wealth enabled him to extend those offices of kindness and support to those who needed, which with many would exist in intention only: the deserving poor found in him a benefactor; the man of enterprise and industry, a patron; the gentleman of culti- vated mind, and enlightened views, a companion, who could appreciate and enjoy his society; and every member of the community in which he lived felt towards him a sentiment of respect and regard, which was as universal as it was deserved. The portrait which we give, was engraved after a miniature, painted on ivory, by Spornberg, at Cheltenham, in England, in .1810, and is said by those who knew him, to be a correct resemblance. Mr. Parish was, by a special act of the legislature, passed in November, 1808, empowered to hold and convey real estate, but this act did not confer upon him the full right of citizenship. George Parish, was a younger brother of David Parish, who received a finished commercial education in Europe, and came to Ogdensburgh to reside, in 1816. He had pi*eviously held the office of collector in the East Indies, and was a gentleman of great intelligence, polished man- ners, and a capacity for the transaction of business which is seldom sur- passed. He continued the improvements which his brother had com- menced, and was among the first of our land proprietors who adopted towards settlers the equitable and accommodating system of receiving payments in kind, of whatever surplus grain, stock or labor he might have in exchange for land. The greater portion of the northern part of the state was purchased and held by capitalists, who bought upon specu- lation, and sold their lands through agents who received money only for AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 605 their lands. The proprietors residing in the cities felt no personal interest in the afiairs of their settlements, further than to realize as large a profit as possible, and expended money for roads and improvements only so far as it tended to enhance the value of their property and make it more saleable. The moneys received were usually remitted to the owners, and the country not benefited by its expenditure; and this sys- tem very naturally gave rise to a feeling of ill will towards the proprietor, which was evinced in various ways. To this may be traced ihe causes of those abuses of power in voting for taxes, of which our past history affords many examples, and which, in some instances in Franklin county, grew into a studenduous system of fraud and crime, which required the action of the legislature to sup- press, by withdrawing the power which had been exceeded. The privations of a poineer settler, who has to contend against the rugged wildness of nature, in addition to povertj', want of access to markets, and the numerous casualties which befall those who advance beyond the precincts of civilizatiou, and lay the foundation of what it is his ambition to make a home, and a freehold, are of such a nature that it requires persevering industry and rigid economy on the one side, and forbearance, liberal accommodation and easy terms on the other, ia order that the purchaser and the landlord may each derive the greatest benefit, and the settlement prosper to their mutual advantage. During his residence in the count}% he acquired the general respect of the inhabitants, by his courtesy and kindness. With the graces and urbanity derived from his early education and former associations, and a true sense of the requirements which genuine politeness, unattended with ostentation, or aristocratic airs, dictate, he assumed no position in the society of those around him which was calculated to convey a feeling of superiority. During his administration of the estates of the family in this country, he spent several years in traveling in the north and east of Europe. In the course of these journeys, he traversed Norway and Sweden, visited St. Petersburgh, Moscow, Astrachan and many other cities in the east of Europe, and was preparing to undertake an exten- sive tour over Asia, when he died suddenly at Paris, France, on the 22d of April, 1839, at the age of 58. Dr. Horatio Powell, a native of Hartford, Vt., removed to Malone, and engaged in the practice of medicine, in 1811. From that period till within a few years before his death, he continued in the practice of that laborious profession, and acquired to a great degree the confidence and patronage of the citizens of Franklin county. For several of the latter years of his life, he was disabled by a paralytic affection. He died at Malone, November 12, 1849. Benjamin Raymond, a son of Paul Raymond, was born at Richmond, Mass., October 19, 1774. Jn his youth he received such advantages as his native town afforded, and while a young man removed to Rome, and became acquainted with Mr. B. Wright, which led to a friendship that endured for life. In this way he became connected with the surveys of northern New York, of which we have given an account. While tra- versing the country, the several parties would occasionally meet, and spend the night together, exchanging the news which they might chance to pick up, compare notes, and speculate on the probable destiny which the future held in store for the country which they were exploring. On one occasion, Mr. Raj'mond, in a letter to Wright, distinctly expressed his belief, that the navigable icaters of the St. Lawrence would at a future 606 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE day be united taith those of take Champtain, so as to afford a channel of communication hetiveen them; and this germ of an idea of a canal he never lost sight of, but often and repeatedly urged it upon the public notice, and lived to see a concerted and general movement towards its realiza- tion, nor was the project wholly abandoned, until it gave place to a scheme for a rail road, which has but recently been completed. Having traveled through St. Lawrence county in various directions as a surveyor, and observed the character of tlie soil and surface, he pro- cured, on his return, from the proprietors of Potsdam, an agency for the sale and settlement of that town; and in this he was aided by the influ- ence and recommendation of his iriend Wright. In May, 1803, he started for his location from Rome, in a bateau, laden with iron for a mill, provisions for the season, and several men, and proceeded by the slow and difficult water route to Point Iroquois, above the present village of Waddington, where he hired teams, and opened a road sufficient to allow the passage of wagons to a point on Raquette river, about half a mile below the present site of Potsdam village. Here he built a raft, and floated up his effects to the falls, where he landed on the west side of the river, opened a land office in a bark shanty, and commenced the erection of mills. During the first year, he got in operation a saw mill, cleared a small tract and made arrangements for removing his family. In 1804, he returned and spent the summer, erecting a grist mill and a house, which was the first framed dwelling in town. The principal roads from the village to the neighboring towns are very direct, and were surveyed by Mr. Raymond, during the first season of his residence, with the view of making his settlement a central point with relation to the surrounding towns. During the second year of his residence, he opened a small store, for the accommodation of his settlers, and in 1810, he built a house, which he called an academy, and subsequently conveyed for that purpose. In the founding of this institution, and in securing its endow- ment by an appropriation from the state, he was peculiarly active and successful, and the St. Lawrence Academy may justly be considered as owing its origin to the zeal and energy of Mr. Raymond. He also took an active part in organizing the first religious society in town, and in se- curing the services of a clergyman. About the year 1810, he became an agent for a tract of land in the town of Norfolk, and erected a warehouse at the head of navigation on Raquette river, and subsequently took much interest in the navigation of that stream, which was in early times regarded as a matter of much im- portance. The potash and other produce of the young settlements back of this place, was brought here for shipment, and the merchandise used in the country arrived by the same route. In 1818, he removed to the settlement in Norfolk which bears his name, and which it received at the request of the inhabitants on the es- tablishment of a post office. He remained at this place several years, as the agent of Mr. McVickar, having relinquished the agency of Potsdam, and engaged in the improvement of his new settlement, the erection of mills, and the formation of a line of boats to run between this place and Montreal. He was engaged in this business in partnership with Henry McVickar, and continued in this connexion until the death of the latter in Europe. Mr. Raymond was appointed one of the first justices of the peace on the organization of the town, and held that office as well as that of supervisor of the town of Potsdam, for many years. On the 8th of April, 1808, he was appointed a judge and justice of the county court. In 1823, he was employed by a committee chosen at a convention called ^^-r^/ ^-;"?^^-7^ ^^/ y^ yz (^?^V l.v I'pankhn V,. H'.ni«:li. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 609 to concert measures for securing a canal frona the St. Lawrence to Lake Champlain, to examine the route, and his report was instrumental with the petitions forwarded to the legislature in securing the passage of a law providing for the survey of the route by one of the engineers (Mr. Holmes Hutchinson), in the employment of "the canal commissioners. He continued actively engaged in his land agency, milling, farming, and merchandise, until 1824, when he went as an engineer and assistant of Benjamin Wright to the south, and engaged on the Delaware and Chesapeake canal, where he soon after sickened and died of a prevailing fever at St. Georges, Newcastle, Delaware, on the 26th of September, 1824. Mr. Raymond was tall and well built, and possessed a dignified and genteel deportment, which would lead one to select him in a crowd, as a man of superior ability and one w ho took a leading part in pub'.ic affairs. His complexion and hair were light, and his features are admir- ably represented in the accompanying engraving. A single propensity in his character, impaired his usefulness and prevented him from being universally esteemed; which was a peculiar faculty for sarcasm that possessed a point and severity, and was expressed in language so concise and pertinent, that its sting often remained in the feelings of the unlucky subject long after the occasion had passed w^hich induced it. This was not indulged from a cynical motive, nor from malicious feeling, for DO man ever possessed a heart more open to the calls of humanity or a hand more ready to convey relief to the widow and the fatherless, the sick and the afflicted, than him; but rather to gratify a taste for the lu- dicrous, and to hold up in an absurd manner the arguments and motives of those from whose opinions 'he differed. Among those who had been politically and otherwise opposed to him on numerous occasions, and who had oftenest been the subject of his satire, the writer has not found one individual who did not concur in the assertion, that Mr. Raymond was a man of spotless integrity, great benevolence, and superior ability, in whatever station of public or private life he was called to fill. AxEXA>TJER Richards, was a native of New London, Conn., where he spent his early life. When a young man he removed to New Jersey, and becoming there acquainted with the Ogden family, he was sent by them as an agent to their lands in Madrid, where he located as the suc- cessor of Joseph Edsall in the land agency of that town in 1803. In 1811, he was appointed collector. During the war he was an active par- tisan, and being of the republican school of politics, he sustained that measure to. the extent of his abilitj\ He died at Waddington, Oct. 16, 1834, aged sixty-nine. Joseph Rosseel, although never placed in a public station, yet from his early and prominent connection with the business of Ogdensburgh, has become in a measure identified with its history. He is a native of Ghent, Belgium, and came to America at the age of 25, with letters from the house of Hope & Co., of Amsterdam, introducing him to Mr. Parish, and to several commercial houses, ostensibly with a view of extending his commercial knowledge, but in reality, to avoid the military conscrip- tions of Napoleon. He reached Baltimore in August, 1807, and resided a year in Philadelphia, where he became acquainted with Robert H. Rose, late of Montrose, Pa., and with him took a tour into Pennsylvania. Late in 1807, he was sent by David Parish to explore the lands in North- ern New York, which that gentleman proposed to buy, but from the lateness of the season was obliged to defer the exploration, which was accomplished in the summer of 1808, in which he traversed Antwerp 610 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE Rossie, and Kilkenny, then mostly a wilderness. In September, while on his way to " the garrison," he met D. Parish and G. Morris, and the latter oftered strong inducements lor him to locate at Morriatown, and promised a gift of a mile square, where the village now is, if he would establish himself there; but Mr. Parish was convinced that Ogdensburgh would be the place, and his advice prevailed. With Mr. Parish's advice, and sustained by his capital, he commenced mercantile business with David M. Lewis,* under tiie firm of J. Rosseel & Co., and for several years did an extensive business, but an unfortunate speculation in western produce led to embarrassments, which Mr. Parish met. Having implicit confidence in Mr. R. he offered to again establish business, or to give him the general agency of his lands. He chose the latter, and has since continued in the employment of the family. Dr. Joseph W. Smith, was the first physician who settled in St. Lawrence county, at a period when the hardships of that laborious pro- fession were unusually severe. The physician's avocation is always one of great responsibility, and requires for its successful prosecution the great- est amount of sagacity and skill, but especially amid the privations of a new settlement, where conveniences for the sick are sometimes not pro- curable, and the usual methods from necessity are supplanted by such as the exigencies of the moment may suggest, does it require in a special manner the exercise of sound judgment and a prompt and judicious action. Dr. Smith was born at Cheshire, Mass., Feb. 22, 1781. His father removed from Cheshire to Addison, Vt., and died in the year 1791. He studied with Dr. Ebenezer Huntington, of Vergennes, in 1799, and completed his professional studies with Dr. William Rose, at Middlebury, in 1802. In the following year, he removed to Lisbon, and commenced practice. During the time he resided here, his business extended to Madrid, Canton and Oswegatchie, and was one of great hardship from the want of passable roads, and the great distance which he was com- pelled to travel, often on foot from the impossibility of getting through otherwise, and exposed to the various vicissitudes incident to a new country. He has been known to travel on foot through the forest by torch light, at night, without a road, to Canton, a distance of 18 miles. In 1807, he removed to Ogdensburgh, and became the first physician at that place. He was the first president of the County Medical Society, and continued to fill that office during a great part of the time till hia death. He also held the office of loan commissioner for some time. The following tribute to his memory, published soon after his decease, is believed to be but a just picture of his life and character: " From the first settlement of the county till the close of his life, his whole time and energies were devoted to his profession. He underwent incredible fatigue in his extended practice in the country without roads, and never spared himself in his exertions to mitigate the pain of others; neither dangerous roads, or the darkness of night, or inclement weather, ever deterred him from attending to the calls of the sick, even though that call were made by the most poor and profligate of our race; all will bear him witness to his kindness, charity and compassion. It was no selfish principle that prompted his exertions. The love of gain seemed to have no influence with him, for he habitually did himself great in- justice, as well in respect to the amount of his charges, as in his reluct- ance to collect those he had made. He was undoubtedly a man of great * Mr. Lewis was private secretary of Mr. Parish, and died in New Orleans, June 1, 1&34, aged fifiy-eight. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 611 Bcience, skill and judgment in his profession. Perhaps no physician ever had the universal confidence both of his professional brethren and of his patients^ than Dr. Smith; at the bedside of a patient he was rarely mistaken, either in the disease or its appropriate remedy. To the poor and distressed he was the good Samaritan, and in t])e various relations of professional and private life he was ever found exemplary." He died at Ogdensburgh, July 4, 1835. GuRDON Smith, was born in Windham, Ct., Feb. 12, 1775, where he resided till his'^lst year, when he removed to Rome. Here he became acquainted with Mitchell and Wright, who had been extensively engaged in surveying, and becoming interested in this science, he commenced the study and subsequently assisted, as has been elsewhere stated, in the township surveys of St. Lawrence and Franklin counties. He was one of the first justices of the peace appointed on the organization of the town, which were Benjamin Raymond, John Delanee and Gurdon Smith ; the latter held his ofiice about twenty successive years. James B. Spencer, removed fi-om New Haven, Vt., in 1810, to French mills; during the war he served his country with fidelity, in the capacity of captain in the 29th regiment of U. S. Infantry, and took part in several of the engagements of this frontier. He subsequently held many ofiices of trust, among which were those of magistrate, judge, deputy collector, member of assembly, presidential elector, and Indian agent, and in 1836 he was elected to congress. His tastes led him into the field of political strife, and he acquired much influence in the democratic party. A deep thinker and a man of an active temperament, he was well calculated to plan and execute whatever business of a political or a social nature he might 'Undertake. Few citizens of the county have acquired more influence, or have been more highly esteemed than the subject of this notice. He died at Fort Covington, in March 1848, at the age of 64. Richard Townsend, was born at Hebron, New York, about 1768. In his youth he pursued the study of medicine but did not engage in its regular practice. He removed to Delhi, Delaware \County, and engaged in the business of lumbering, when being in New York, in the course of his trade he became acquainted with Gouverneur Morris, by means of Gen. Lewis R. Morris, which resulted in his appointment as agent for the sale and settlement of wild lands in the townships of Cambray and Kilkenny, much of the former belonging to Morris, and the latter to Messrs. Fowler and Gilchrist. He was married about 1804, and in the year following made the first exploration with the view of settlement, of which a particular account is given in our history of Gouverneur. He settled in the village of Gouverneur, and spent the remainder of his life in that town, devoting his time to his agency, and to farming. During the epidemic of 1813, he practiced his profession, from necessity ; but otherwise did not serve the public in that capacity except in cases of emergency. Towards the close of life he became a Quaker, and died in that faith, at his house two miles below the village, about 1826. He was interred at the Friend's settlement in Philadelphia, Jefferson county. He was active, intelligent and benevolent, and won the esteem of his settlers by his kindness and generosity. William Henry Vining, was a young man of brilliant talents and en- dowed with a capacity which would have rendered him the ornament of his age, had his life been spared, but he was unfortunately for his country, stricken down early in life, but not until he had evinced on several occasions the splendor of his genius, and those traits of character 612 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE which belong not to ordinary men. Mr. Vining's father was a member of congress from the state of Delaware, who died without wealth, and left his family dependent upon relatives. The mother alse died while her sons were young, leaving the training of their children to a maiden aunt. Two of them were educated at West Point, but died young. Henry was received while a boy, into the family of Mrs. Gouverneur Ogden, his maternal aunt, and came to Waddiugton, where he after- wards lived. Adopting the legal profession he studied in the office of his uncle G. Ogden, and was admitted to practice in the supreme and county courts as an attorney in 1817, and as counsellor in 1820. In 1821 he was elected to the assembly, but declining health prevented him from taking his seat. In the autumn of that year he sailed for the island of St. Croix, and arrived, as he expressed it in a letter to a friend, " A lonely invalid in the land of the stranger." In the spring he returned to New York without benefit from his voyage, and died in that city among his relatives in 1822. In the few cases at which he appeared at the bar, he evinced an eloquence and ability that elicited remark, and on an occasion of a slander suit, while pleading the cause of the plaintiff, it wad said by several members of the profession that the plaintiff could well afford to be slandered, to be so eloquently defended. The management of his argument was masterly and its effect upon the jury and the audience was wonderful. On another occasion before the supreme court at Utica, he received the commendation of Chief Justice Savage, for the chasteness and purity of his language and careful preparation of authorities. He was a man of delicate sensibilities, a lively and poetic fancy, and of unsullied purity of character; he recognized in the beauties of nature the evidences of a God whom he loved and worshiped, and on every occasion which hisbrief career afforded, evinced that he possessed a heart that sympathizes with his fellow man, and a genius that needed but the opportunity to have rendered him eminent. The foregoing facts are derived fix)m an article written twenty years after his death, by one Avho knew him well, and had been favored with his confidence. Dr. Henry S. Waterhouse, was a native of Salisbury, Vt., from which place he removed to Oneida, and thence to Malone, where he settled during the war, as a physician and surgeon. His tastes and studies led him to direct especial attention to anatomy, and he acquired much dis- tinction as a surgical operator, and led to an appointment in the medical department of Vermont university, in 1826. He held this post about two years, and then removed to Key West, Florida, where he resided several years. He was drowned at Indian Key in Florida. Joseph York, the second sheriff of St. Lawrence county, an active partisan in the war of 1812-15, and a citizen who enjoyed to a great de- gree the esteem of the public, was born in Clarenden, Mass., Jan. 8, 1781, and removed with his father's family at an early age to Randolph, Vt. From thence he emigrated in 1805, to Ogdensburgh, and for three years held the post of deputy sherifi imder Thos. J. Davies, when he succeeded that gentleman, and held the office of sheriff four years. At the battle of Feb. 22, 1813, he was residing in the court house, and had care of the prisoners. Measures had been taken to raise a new com- pany, and he was to have been one of its officers. He had charge of a cannon which was posted at the corner of Ford and Euphamia streets, and was the only person of his party who was not killed or wounded. He was captured and taken to Prescott, but soon after, at the intercession of his wife, he was paroled, and in a few weeks after exchanged. The prisoners in jail were set free on their own as^sertion that they were con- AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 613 fined for political offences, but upon being assured of the contrary, they , were mostly rearrested, and given up to Mr. York, who met the British authorities at the national boundary on the ice, in the middle of the St. Lawrence, and received them. Among these was one who had fled to Montreal upon his receiving his liberty, and was there captured. He had been confined on a charge of murder. During three successive years, Mr. York represented the county in the legislature. The town of York, in Livingston county, N. Y., derives its name from him. He died on the 6th of May, 1827, at the ageof 46, after a lingering illness of seve- ral months. . . ^ Mr. York was a very public spirited man, and especially m times ot danger or alarm, he was one of those who placed himself in front, and by his word and example encouraged others more timid or less qualified to think for themselves at moments of excitement. This was particu- larly the case in fires, on which occasion he never failed to take the lead in directing the means to be taken for suppressing the consuming ele- ment, and in rescuing property. Silas Wright. This illustrous citizen was born in Amherst, Mass., May 24, 1795, and in infancy removed with his parents to Weybridge, Vt., where he formed his earliest associations. After an academic course, he entered Middlebury college, and graduated in 1815, and while still a student he entered warmly into the political discussions of the day, and became a republican in politics. Having studied law with Henry C. Mar- tindale, at Sandy Hill, N. Y., he was in 1819, licensed to practice as an attorney in the supreme court, and in that year, being led to Canton on a visit to a friend, he was induced to setde in that new and thinly settled village. Here he commenced the practice of law, and soon acquired the esteem of his fellow citizens, and the confidence of the public gen- erally, for his sound judgment and good sense. He was soon appointed surrogate, justice, commissioner of deeds, and post master ; held several town offices, and passed through the several grades of military promo- tion to the office of brigadier general. As a magistrate he discouraged litigation, and as a lawyer he was especially eminent in the happy man- ner in whieh he drew from witnesses the statements bearing upon the case, without ever touching the feelings by rudeness or satire. His argu- ments were always lucid and logical, and carried with them a conviction not only of their truth and justice, but also of the genius and talents of their author. i i • In the various improvements of the town and county, he took an active part, and especially in the erection of county buildings, after the selec- tion of the site, was he noted for his zeal and activity m collecting mate- rials, and assisting the work. , . , , n -Mr The influence which the upright character and evident talents ot Mr. Wright had acquired, led his fi'iends to wish to try his abilities on a wider field; and his name was presented in the fall of 1823, without his previous knowledge, to the republican convention of the fourth senate district, then embracing the counties of Saratoga, Montgomery and Ham- ilton, Washington, Warren, Clinton, Essex, Franklin, and St. Lawrence. The opposition of De Witt Clinton and his friends to the convention of 1821, and other causes, had led to a new organization of parties, styled Clintonians and buck tails, anti-Clintonians or republicans. Mr. Wright was known to be friendly to the latter, but his known candor and libe- rality rendered him more acceptable to the Clintonians than any other candidate that could be offered, and he was unanimously nominated. During the legislative session preceding the nomination of Mr. Wright 614 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE to the office of senator, the republican members of both houses from the 4th district, met to decide by ballot which county in the senatorial district should be entitled to senator. The county designated was to be entitled to the privilege of selecting their candidate, thus dispensing with the formality of a convention of the whole district. After seven baliotings, and some feeling being created in the minds of some members, the choice fell upon St. Lawrence county. Mr. Wright was thus enabled to enter a field in which he was eminently qualified to excel, and his fu- ture career might have been quite different had the choice of a different county been the result of the balloting. The electors for president and vice president had, since 1789, been selected by the legislature in the same manner as senators of the United States are now chosen, which gave great additional importance to the members of the legislature, and trom the relative prospects of the five prominent candidates for the presidential term to commence in 1825, (Crawford, Adams, Jackson, Clay, and Calhoun), the friends of Mr. Crawford believed that their in- terests would be promoted by retaining the existing law for the appoint- ment of electors. Other parties proposed to restore the right of naming the electors, to the people, and most of the candidates of 1823 were questioned in relation to their views, and Mr. Wright among others. He freely deeclared himself in favor of giving directly to the people the choice of electors. No pledge was given or required beyond the failh reposed in the frank and unreserved declarations made by him in con- versation. His vote in the county was 1,419, that of his opponent 20. In Canton it was 199 to 1. The one vote was doubtless given by Mr. Wright himself. The session of 1824 was memorable for the spirit with which the pas- sage of the electoral law, as the proposed change in the mode of elect- ing presidential electors was called, and this became the engrossing sub- ject of the session from the time of its opening till the final passage of the bill. Mr. Wright's course in this contest was such as to draw from his political opponents the admission that he was governed by upright and consistent principles, although at variance with their plans, and sub- versive of their cherished schemes. While in the senate, early in the session of 1825, a great number of applications for bank charters were presented in both houses, and such were the restrictions then in force, that banks that held charters virtually possessed great privileges for transacting pecuniary busiuess, and hence charters were eagerly sought after. Mr. Wright opposed these applications to the extent of his ability, and was to a considerable degree successful. His influence constantly increased in the senate, and in 1826 he was elected to congress. The tariff question was then a subject that was agitated by the parties, and Mr. Wright became a member of a committee which had an important bearing upon this subject. At the next election for congress, Mr. Wright was defeated from the omission of the word junior in his name on some of the ballots, and from an irregularity in returns. Early in 1829, he was appointed comptroller, which office he filled with distinguished ability, until in 1833, he was chosen U. S. senator, and took his seat in this august body at the age of 38, and at the time when the nullification measures of South Carolina, the removal of the deposits from banks, the rechartering of the national bank, and other exciting topics distracted the national councils. Mr, Wright opposed the continuance of the bank in a speech of great ability. At the end of the short term to which he was chosen, he was, in 1837, reelected, notwithstanding the powerful bank influences brought against him. At the national convention ot AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 615 1844, the nomination of vice president'was tendered to him, but declined. In 1842, his friends had solicited from him the .privilege of nominating him for governor, but he declined, as he had also done that of the office ofjudgeinthe supreme court of tlie United States. In 1844, he was nominated for governor, and elected. During his official term, the con- stitution of the state was revised, and several subjects requiring in espe- cial manner the exercise of promptness and discretion, arose. In 1846 he was again nominated foi- governor, but Mr. John Young, his opponent, was elected. At the close of his official term, Mr. Wright returned to his residence in Canton, and engaged in that pursuit for which during a long period he had evinced a decided fondness, — that of practical agriculture. He was appointed in 1847, to deliver the address at the State Agricultural Fair, at Saratoga Springs, and accepted the ap- pointment, but was suddenly attacked by a severe illness of which he died in two hours. He had for several months devoted his days to hard labor on his farm, and hisnightstocorrespondence, which were believed to have been the proximate causes of his death. This sudden bereave- ment cast a gloom over the community, and the heavy tidings were re- ceived with sadness by his numerous friends, and the public generally. The democratic party were at this time looking about for a man upon whom they might unite at the next presidential canvass, and from every quarter there came expressions that indicated the preference they felt for Mr. Wright, and it is highly probable that had he lived he would have been selected as their candidate. During his lifetime, his mercantile friends had procured a testimonial of their esteem which after his death was forwarded to Mrs. Wright. It consisted of 125 pieces of silver plate manufactured by Gerandus Boyce, of New York, each article bearing a suitable inscription, commemorating the occasion of the gift. The articles were two pitchers holding four quarts and one pint each; a silver tea kettle holding three quarts; a coffe pot, tea pot, sugar dish, cream pot, slop bowl, soup ladle, fish knife, crumb knife, ice cream sheer, pair of sugar tongs, four butter knives, and nine dozen table and dessert spoons and forks. The total value was about $1,900'. Soon after the death of Mr. Wright, his^dow and family yielding to the solicitation of his neighbors auil friends, accepted the offer which they tendered, of erecting a plain and simple monument over his grave, as a testimonial of personal esteem and private friendship. An ostenta- tious display of architecture was deemed inconsistent with the modest and unassuming character of the man whose name it bore, and unneces- sary to perpetuate the memory of one who had become endeared in the hearts of the people. A subscription was drawn up in October, 1847, the amount of each contribution limited to $1, and its circulation to citi- zens of St. Lawrence county. With the avails of this, a simple shaft of pure white marble from the Dorset quarry, 15 feet in height, resting on a base of Canton granite 11 feet high, vt^as erected and inclosed in a neat iron paling. This unassuming monument is shown at the end of the present chapter. The shaft bears on one side his name and date of birth and death. On the other the inscription "erected by the citizens of the county of St. Lawrence." The citizens of Weybridge and vicinity, in Vermont, (which town Mr. Wright always regarded with the feelings of a natal place), in the March following his decease, united in testifying their respect for his character by erecting a monument to his memory. A series of resolutions highly expressive of regard, were drawn up, and a committee appointed to pro- 616 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE cure the means for erecting it and a steel plate engraving of it. Solo- mon W. Jewett and Samuel O. Wright, of Weybridge, and Samuel S. Phelps, of Middleburj^were appointed the committee, who, at a cost of about $4,400, erected in their village near the school house, and over the same ground vi^here the Congregational church stood, at which Wright and his parents had worshipped, a shaft of white marble about thirty eight feet in height. The main shaft is twenty-eight feet high, three feet square at the base, and seventeen inches at the top. It stands upon a mound, and is supported by three bases; the first 8, the second 65, and the third 5 feet squai'e. Above this is a die four feet square, wiiich is surmounted by the shaft. Inserted in the monument is a beautiful and accurate medalion bust, executed by E. D. Palmer, of Albany. The only inscription which it has upon it is, Silas Wright. It is surrounded by a circular iron railing six rods in diameter. His biography has been ably written by the Hon. Jabez D. Hammond, and forms the third volume of the Political History of New York. The well known character and abilities of this talented writer, are a sufficient guaranty of its value. We are indebted to Hammond's Life of Silas Wright, published at Syracuse, by Hall and Dickinson, for the portrait which faces our title. The reader will find in that work a very mirmte and correct account ol the life and public services of this truly illustrious man. His memoirs have also been written by J. S. Jenkins. Wright^ s Monument, Canton. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 617 CHAPTER IX. EVENTS OF THE WAR OF 1812—1815. N the 5th of April, 1805, a regiment was formed in St. Law- rence county with Alex. J. Turner, It. col. commandant ; Jo- seph Edsall, 1st major, and David Ford, 2d major ; and on the _ 11th a brigade, embracing Lewis, Jefferson, and St. Lawrence counties was formed, having VVaher Martin, its brigadier general, He had previously been lieut. c6l., and his place was supplied by Jonathan Collins, of Turin. On the 3d of April, 1806, the follow^ ing appointments were made in Turner's regiment. Isaac Beach, adjutant; John King, paymaster ; D. W. Church, quartermaster; Joseph W. Smith, surgeon; Povell Davis, surgeon's mate; Louis Hasbrouck, Timothy Pope, Timothy Crosset, Nathan Stone, Wm. Perry, Thomas B. Benedict, Solomon Linsley, Jr., Isaac Bartholomew, Richard Flacky Elisha Deniston, and Benjamin Stewart, captains; Jehiel Dimmock, Kelsey Thurber, Samuel Armstrong, Martin Philips, Medad Moody, Pot- ' ter GofF, Seth Gates, John Hawley, John W. Lyttle, Calvin Hubbard, and Benjamin Baiiey, lieutenants ; and Jacob Arnold, Jr., Thomas Lee, John A. Armstrong, Abner Wright, James Parkil, Jr., Joel Woodhouse, Daniel Greene, Nicholas Reynolds, Robert Jackson, Seth Matthews and David French, ensigns. An artillery company was formed April 6, 1807, with Alex' Richard, capt. ; Amos Wells, 1st It ; Joseph Freeman, 2nd It. A battallion of four companies, under Alric Man, major commandant, was formed in Franklin co., June 4, 1808, and belonged to Gen. Benj. Moore's brigade. Our space forbids the use of the details collected in relation to .subsequent organizations. The location of our counties upon the front- ier, made them the theatre of events that will be briefly enumerated, and checked their growth and settlement to a most lamentable degree; not so much by the actual as the dreaded evils of war, and the entire ces- sation of trade, which had mainly found an outlet by the St. Lawrence. With business stopped, the industry of the country palsied, and the brightest prospects of the future blighted, it is not surprising that the war was to a considerable degree unpopular, especially with those classes whose business was interrupted by the measure, and whose , property was depreciated and in some instances rendered valueless by its occur- rence. The measures which preceded and led to hostilities belong to our national history. Grievances had existed for several years, and ef- forts had been made to settle the difficulties between the two nations by diplomatic arrangements, but these failing, a resort to arms became the only means effectual in attaining these ends which could not be accom- plished peaceably. On the 22d of Dec. 1807, congress laid an embargo upon all ships and vessels in the ports of the United States, and directed that no clearance should be furnished to any ship bound to any foreign port or place, ex- cept under the immediate direction of the president. lu the event of 618 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE the suspension of hostilities between the belligerent powers of Europe, or of such changes in their measures, as wouhl render the commerce of the coiuitry safe, the president was authorized, by ^n act passed on the 8th of April following, to suspend in whole or in part, the operations of the embargo. This applied to the lakes as well as the sea board. Early in 1809, Captains Samuel Cherry and Thomas Anderson, were stationed at Ogdensburgh, to enforce non intercourse and occupied temporary barracks erected for tiieir use. These two companies of troo[ts are represented as the worst set of men that ever lived, and were charged with being needlessly officious in searching persons crossing, the river, which led to jealousies that almost ripened into hostility with the citizens. The latter, for their own protection, organized a niglitly patroll to protect their gardens and hen roosts, and thus between the preservation of national and personal rights, the village bore the disci- pline of a camp, until, to the great joy of the citizens, the news arrived that the soldiers were to be withdrawn. This was too desirable an event to pass unnoticed, and pre[)arations were made lo celebrate it, which coming to the knowledge of the other party, an attempt was made in the night time, to seize an old French cannon, belonging in the village, which was to be fired on their departiue, and to throw it from the bridge into the river. The plot was discovered, and the party sent was arrested by the citizen guard, and in the morning marched back to their quarters, and released at the solicitation of their officers. As they were leaving, a citizen who went down to their boats to recover some stolen property, was seized and thrown overboard, which instantly raised an excitement, and as they left, they were followed by the hootings and cries of the irritated crowd. The old iron cannon, and the discordant music of a hundred tin horns with as many cowbells, assisted in expressing the general satisfaction. The books of a mercantile firm show an unsettled balance of $300 against one of these worthies. Congress, April 10, 1812, required 100,000 men to be raised in anticipation of the war, which were to be officered with present militia office^rs, paid at the same rates as the regular army, and were not comjielled to serve longer than six months after arriving at the place of rendezvous. It was stipulated, that no non- commissioned officer musician or private, should be subject to corporal punishment by whipping, but stoppage of pay, confinement, and de- privation of rations, should be substituted. $1,000,000 was appro- priated for this purpose. Gen. Jacob Brown, whose brigade included the county, wrote May 2, 1812, to Col. Benedict, to raise 43 men, in- cluding noncommissioned officers, to be held ready at a minutes warn- ing, and two competent men as lieutenant and ensign. These be re- quired to be embodied and stationed in the village of Williamstown, [Ue Kalb.] as soon as possible. Col. Stone, of Herkimer county, was also instructed to raise 37 men, and 1 lieutenant, to join the above. A company was accorflingly raised of about 80 men, with Darius Hawkins, of Herkimer county, captain; John Policy, of Mas- sena, and Elisha Griffin, of De Kalb, lieutenants. These were sent on to Ogdensburgh, and Col Benedict wrote. May 25, 1812, to D. W. Church, adjutant, in charge of the barracks, as follows : They appear to have laid in for a stock of military supplies. " You will probably re- ceive this letter by the hand of Lt. Policy, who has the command of a detachment of men from this encampment. I have ordered him to Og- densburgh with the detachment. Lt. Griffin, as commanded, will fol- low in three or four days. They are to go to the public barracks. Lt. Policy is to be obeyed as commander, until the arrival of Lt. Griffin. You will receive by Whipple, four bbls. of pork, four axes, and one fry- AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 619 ing pan, which belong to the troops, together with one bbl. of whiskey, for their use. I expect to be at Ogdensburgh on or by Monday next, and until my arrival I have to request the favor of you to furnish flour, bread and other camp necessaries; in fine to be an assistant to the Lt., and lend him all the assistance in your power. On my arrival I shall make the necessary arrangements until the arrival of the proper officers." These troops arrived on the last of May, and for a few days were quartered in the court house. The citizens, from their former expe- rience, disliked the idea of having troops among them, and it is said that difficulty was experienced in getting their bread baked from this cause. , The declaration of war, in June 1812, was made known by the ariival of Major Darby Noon, to erect barracks, which were temporary and located a short distance below the village. No sooner Avas the news of the declaration of war received, than the greatest alarm was immediately created on both sides of the lines, from mutual fears of hostile incursion from the other side of the boundary. In St. Lawrence county especially, this fear was greatly increased by rumors that parties of Indians were about to fall upon the settlements, then young and feeble, and lay waste the couuti-y with fire and tomahawk. On the slighest alarm, often from trivial or accidental causes, a rumor would originate and spread through an entire settlement; the timid would flee to the woods, and not imfrequently the most grotesque and ludicrous scenes were enacted. Families hastening off' and leaving their houses open and the table spread with provisions, and fleeing on horseback and on foot, in carts, and in wagons, laden with such articles of value as they were able to snatch in their haste; some driving their flocks and herds before them, which others left behind, and each fugi- tive from the danger they apprehended, augmented the fears of the others, which they met by i-elating their own. Many of these did not return till peace and some never. By degrees it was remarked that no real danger from these sources existed, and confidence became reestab- lished, so that before the close of the war, the former feeling of friend- ship had in some degree been renewed between the settlers along oppo- site the St. Lawrence. The first news of the war in June 1812, was tbe signal for general alarm, but before the close of the season, the minds of the settlers had become accustomed to these rumors and they were but little regarded. The sight of an Indian, however innocent and peaceable, his business, or of an Indian or squaw's track in the sand, was an especial subject of alarm, and this operated greatly to the dis- tresses of the St. Regis tribe, who were thus cut off from their custom- ary pursuits and compelled to remain at home, for fear of exciting- alarms. To say that this alarm was general, would be doing injustice to a large class of citizens wboawaited whatever events the war might entail, with a constancy and steadiness which reflected great credit upon their charac- ter. In every town on the St. Lawrence, however most ludicrous scenes were enacted, originating in accidental alarms or the wanton reports set on foot by those who adopted this method of testing the personal courage of their neighbors. The settlers in De Peyster were on one occasion, driven to the woods by a report brought by a young man who rode through on horseback at great speed, and spread an alarm of Indians. This proved to be entirely groundless, and its author just a year after- wards, got severely flogged for this indulgence of his humor. A ludicrous incident occuri-ed in Louisville, in June. An early settler who lived upon one of the points that project into the St. Lawrence, and who to a f pn 620 HISTORY OF ST LAWRENCE ness for a practical joke, added miicli personal courage, became disgusted at the timid conduct of his neighbors, and feared that the Canadians would cross over for plunder, sui)[)osing the country deserted. He ac- cordingly resolved one still beautiliil evening, to try the effect of a strata- gem which was to convince the peo[iIe opposite within sight of his resi- dence, that although some had fled, yet others were left, and that hia government was not unmindful of the interests of its citizens on her northern frontier. He accordingly, with the aid of two or three accomplices, built a great number of fires in a conspicuous point on the bank, and then passing up and down, he announced in a loud voice which resounded for miles across the placid waters of the St. Lawrence, the orders which it is cus- tomary to issue to the different companies and battallions of an army when taking their positions in a canip. These orders were duly responded to by his aids who were posted at suitable distances. The fires had at- tracted notice on the Canada shore, and the orders of tne commander-in- chief were conclusive evidence that an army of Americans had arrived, and were about to precipitate themselves upon the British dominions. Immediately the cries of alarm, the barking of dogs, which their masters vainly tried to suppress, and the rattling of wagons announced that the settlers were on their way to the woods, where as it subsequently ap- peared, they spent the night in the greatest terror and confusion. One old Dutchman alone remained, declaring that the voice that came across the waters, was too much like that of an old fellow with whom he was acquainted. As might have been supposed, the alarm spread in the vicinity of the fires, and a British army was reported to have landed and taken posses- sion. Great numbers fled in terror to the thickets, snatching whatever was at hand capable of ministering to the first necessities of nature, and remained several hours until two or three of their number who had been sent to reconnoitre and had crept cautiously up to the fires without en- countering the picket guard or the line of sentinels, returned with a report of their observations. This little circumstance by showing the ridiculous consequences of false alarms, did much good by placing the citizens on their guard against them. The sayings and doings of diverse persons who headed this retreat, weje not soon forgotten. As soon as war was declared. Gen. Brown drafted six companies in the regiments of Colonels Benedict and Stone, "which were under Captains Griffin, of De Kalb, Armstrong, of J^isbon, Cook and Hovey, of Lewis county, and Bell and Weaver of Herkimer county. Oliver Bush, of Turin, was 1st Major, and Whitman, 2d Major of Benedict's regi- ment. Col. Stone's regiment arrived soon after with several companies, among which was an independent rifle company under Capt. Noadiah Hulbard, of Champion. The militia captains on duty during a consider- able part of the summer of 1812, were as follows in the order of their commissions: Nathan Adams, Nathan Cook, Imri Case, Jost Bell, Moses A. Bunnell, Howland, Jacob Hovey. When war was de- clared eight schooners were in Ogdensburgh harbor, which on the 29th of June, attempted to escape to the lake. Mr. D. Jones, an active parti- san residing near the present village of Maitland, on the Canada shore, seeing the movement and appreciating the advantage that would result to the British interests if thisfleet could be ,prevented from reaching Lake Ontario, raised a company of volunteers, pursued them in boats till he overtook them near the foot of the Thousand islands above Brockville. Tvyo of the vessels, the Sophia and the Island Packet, were taken with- AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 621 out resistance, as they were fitted for trade only, and had on board no armament. Several emigrant families on board, with the crew and a part or the whole of their effects were set on an island, and the vessels burned. The crews of the remainder immediately steered back to Og- densburgh. The following extract from the correspondence of Mr. Joseph Rosseel, conveys an account of the excitement produced by these measures: " July 2, 1812. Since my last there has been much confusion through- out the town. This I intend sending by Mr. H., who is packing up to start with his family for Utica directly. This confusion commenced on Sunday morning with the setting out of a party from this place in a rev#hue cutter, in pursuit of 13 king's boats laden with cannon ball, swivels and ammunition; this pursuit proved unsuccessful, the wind fail- ing the cutter. On Monday morning, Major Noon arrived here from Sacketts Harbor, in company with several merchants from Oswego, in a long boat, with men armed. His object was the arranging for barracks for 1000 troops and a hospital. The armed men came to accompany up eight vessels which lay here wind bound, when the news of the declara- tion of war reached us. These vessels with those of Ogdensburgh, holding out temptation to the enemy, sailed on that day at noon to the rejoicing of the inhabitants. We held a conference with Capt. Mayo, owner of the Genesee Packet, about sinking the Ogdensburgh vessels, but it was deemed improper. The i-emainder of that day was employed in keeping down the marauding spirit. The whole town met, and their proceedings were concluded with much propriety and harmony. All went on well till Tuesday, about noon, when five of the vessels which sailed the day before, returned to this port. That which excited a general alarm, was the circumstance of one of the returning vessels making signal of distress. The report was that two vessels had been burnt in the narrows by Indians and whites, who secreted themselves on the islands. This report which run through the country with the swift- ness of lightning, together with the general orders which were at the same time issued to march to Ogdensburgh, all the men in town pre- pared for immediate action, created such confusion as is indescribable. In less than an hour all the settlements on Black lake and St. Lawrence, from hence upwards, were entirely deserted — people every where run- ning through the woods in great dismay. At 2 P. M., we were all under arms, an immediate attack being expected from the enemy with a view, as was supposed, of burning our vessels ; — our fears were not realized." Very soon after, the Prince Regent, a new vessel of 10 guns, came down from Kingston, and fears were apprehended that an intention ol attacking the town was entertained. On the 20th of July, Brigadier Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer, arrived, and a rumor prevailed that two more vessels were coming down to destroy the fleet. As afterwards appeared, several plans were laid to take the vessels, but none were attempted ; as a further security, they were taken above the bridge, and during an arm- istif.e that occurred in summer, were got up to the lake. Soon after the arrival of the Prince Regent, the Earl of Moira and Duke of Gloucester, the former of 18 and the latter of 10 guns, arrived at Prescott. A scheme was laid for destroying the Duke of Gloucester on the night of July 23, and from the original volunteer list before us, it appears that about 60 men offered themselves for the service who were to act under Colonels T. B. Benedict and Solomon Van Rensselaer. Three parties were to cooperate, but befox-e night the vessel changed her position, aud the at- 37 622 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE tempt was not made. In July, Gen. Brown despatched the schooner Julia of the navy, armed with one 18 and two iron 6 pounders, and laden with military stores, under the command of Lieut. FI. W. Wells, of the government brig Oneida, and accompanied by Capt. Noadiah Hubbard ■with a rifle company in a Durham boat. She sailed July 29, and on ar- riving at Morristown, she was met at 3 o'clock on the 31st by the Earl of Moira, which soon as they came alongside, dropped their anchors, brailed up their canvass, and commenced a cannonade, which lasted, three and a quarter hours without intermission, but, singularly enough, without loss of life and with but little injury to the vessels. The Earl of Moira was hulled a few times, and the Julia received a slight injury from one shot. Near dark, the enemy's vessels were warped up to Elizabeth- town (now Brockville), and the guns taken out and placed in battel* on shore. The Julia weighed anchor and fell down the current, and by being towed by the Durham boat and the schooner's yawl, reached Og- densburgh before morning. She lay oif in the stream between Prescott and Ogdensburgh, until the fifth of September, under the command of Capt. Wm. Vaughan, sailing master in the navy. Samuel Dixon and Abram Shoemaker, volunteers, acting master's mates. Lieut. Wells re- turned the day after the affair to Sacketts Harbor. A scout had been sent to notify the Julia of her danger from the two armed vessels, but did not arrive seasonably. The firing being heard at Ogdensburgh, and the occasion of it being surmised. Adjutant Church was sent, by Col. Benedict, to proceed with a party of volunteers to offer any assistance that might be possible. They hastily marched to the scene of the engagement but did not arrive until after the aflTair was over. From Mr. Church, the foregoing account was derived. Samuel Dixon, who was on board the Julia and participated in this affair as a volunteer, had been in the employment of David Parish, as captain of the schooner, Collector. The principal merchant vessels on the lake, were bought up by government on their reaching the lake, and fitted up with an armament. Captain Mayo's schooner the Genesee Packet, had its name changed to the Hamilton. The Experiment, one of Mr. Parish's vessels became T%e Growler. An incident occurred during the summer of 1812, while the militia were on duty at Ogdensburgh which created much talk at the time, and has since been a standing subject for a story; properly regarded it re- flects high credit upon the military courage of the individual, and was at the time so regarded by his comrades. Had he been assigned a dangerous position in an assault, he would doubtless have acquitted himself in as conscientious and efficient a manner as he acted on the mistaken orders he received on the following occasion. An alarm had required a hasty draft of recruits from the militia of the adjacent towns, who arrived in the forenoon, and were from the necessity of the occasion put upon duty the same evening, before they had had time to learn the discipline of a camp, or the duties of the soldier. The articles of war were read in their hearing, in which the penalty of death was declared the doom of every offender, who should violate the rules of order, or be found wanting in deeds of omission, as well as commission, in the rou- tine of the soldier's duty. To those who had just been called from the quiet labors of the field to participate in the events of war, and act a part in the rigid discipline of a camp, the soldier's life appeared to de- pend on more contingencies than casualties of batde, and the profession of arms to be a path beset with pitfalls and dangerous passes, so straight and narrow, that the utmost caution was required so to conduct one's AND FJIANKLIN COUNTIES. 623 deportment as not to incur the death penalty. Such doubtless was the sentiment of the subject of the foliowinj? incident, when on the evening of his arrival, he was placed on duty as a sentinel, with the usual in- junctions to allow no one to pass without the countersign. This was not given him either through accident or design, and the omission was noticed by him at the time, and lie enquired of one of the party who had previously known something of the usages of the camp, what he should do in this emergency, who replied that he must do as he had been ordered. He accordingly formed the resolution to obey orders to the letter; to know no man in the dark, and to stop all persons passing hy land or loater. There are those who believe that the sentinel wag thus purposely left, in order to test his fidelity by endeavoring to deprive him of his arms, and thus make him a subject of ridicule. In- deed, one of the officers who was subsequently detained by him, is said to have boasted that he had got two or three guns away from sentinels on guard that night, and intended to get as many more. The guard had all been posted and the serjeant and his party of some six or eight men, were returning to the guard house, when on approach- ing the spot where the man had been posted, without the countersign, they were ordered to stop and one by one were commanded to advance, lay down their arms and sit down ,upon the ground. Here they were kept in perfect silence and stillness by the resolute orders of the sentinel who noticed every motion, and with loaded musket threatened instant death to the first one who should offer to leave his place, or make the slightest move towards recovering his arms. The answer that the Ser- jeant had returned, on being first hailed, which was the remark that Colonel B had given orders to allow a boat to pass up, had made the sentinel suspicious that something was wrong. About eleven o'clock at night, when preparing to go the grand rounds, the captain of the company on duty, made inquiries for the serjeant of the guard and his relief. No one knew what had become of them as they had not been seen since dark. The corporal of the guai-d was also found missing. Captain Hawkins, to whose command these belonged, Adjutant Church, and two privates, immediately started to go the rounds and ascertain the cause of the absence, and were proceeding along in single file, the two privates in advance, when they were stoppedby the customary challenge, "Who comes there," to which it was replied, "Grand rounds." This was as unintelligible as Greek to the new recruit, who abruptly replied, "I'll grand rounds you," and he ordered the first one to advance and be seated. The captain was next disarmed and placed on a level with his privates, which altogether formed a group of a dozen or more, including all the missing ones, who were not only kept in their places, but kept still and silent by the resolute sentinel armed with a loaded musket. The other private was soon added to the captive party, and Adjutant Church was next ordered to advance, an order which with characteristic firmness, he promptly refused to obey. No sooner had he refused, when the sentinel instantly fired, but it being dark, the shot took no effect. Captain Hawkins, upon this sprang to his feet and endeavored to seize the musket, but he was collared and kept at arm's length by the iron gi-asp of the sentinel. A struggle ensued in which the bayonet was loosened from the musket, but retained by the owner, and the captain received a severe wound in the arm. The serjeant was also wounded •in the leg, upon which the farty retreated, leaving their arms on the field. In the excitement of the moment, the captain had ordered the stubborn guardsman to be shot, but a second thought dictated a more 624 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE humane policy, and a line of sentries was posted around him to keep others from falling in his way till morning. The line beyond him was at length relieved, much wondering what strange event had kept them on duty so long. Meanwhile, our soldier, conscious of having commit- ted some erro^, the nature and consequence of which he knew not, resolved still to act strictly upon his orders and to trust to common jus- tice the event. He neatly stacked the weapons he had captured, hanging the swords and hats upon the bayonets, and upon the top of all he placed the military hat of his captain, and resumed his duties resolved to defend his position, at least as long as practicable. Two or three com- panies were ordered out to take him forcibly from his ground, but upon a little discussion it was thought expedient to let him remain. A young officer hearing of these occurrences offered to go alone and get him off, and he parted with that design, but nothing more was seen of him till after sunrise the next morning, when he was found sitting very quietly under guard, not far from the stack of trophies, of the last night's adventure. The sentinel refused to let him off, notwithstanding some of his neighbors went to mtercede in his behalf, until the man who had givep him the orders on leaving him the night before should grant him the 'uthority. But the latter had been wounded, and was unable to walk, and he was accordingly carried to within speaking distance of the sen- tinel, and succeeded in procuring his release. He still refused to leave his post, until assured by an officer with whom he was acquainted, that no harm should come from the last night's proceedings, and he appear- ed deeply affected at the mistake he had committed, and especially at the unhappy consequences that had resulted from it. The censure of public opinion, as soon as the first impulse was over, fell justly upon the officer who had placed a sentinel upon guard, with injunctions coupled with the death penalty, to stop all persons passing, and at the same time neglecting to give him the countersign. The man, who thus proved himself true to his orders, was Mr. Seth Alexander, still living in DeKalb. About the middle of September, it was learned, that a number of bateaux were coming up the river laden with stores, and a party under Capt. Griffin, in a Durham boat, accompanied with a gun boat, having eighteen men and a brass six pounder, under D. W. Church, left Og- densburgh in the evening, and late at night landed on Toussaint island, opposite the town of Lisbon, and near the place where the enemy lay. The only family on the island was secured, but the man managed to escape by swimming and gave the alarm, and the provincial militia were hastily rallied. The bateaux lay under the north shore behind the island. The party under Capt. Griffin, took a position near its head, while Church was directed to station his gun boat near its foot. A sharp firing soon began and was continued for some time, when the boat was abandoned with the loss of one man, (Macomb) and one wounded. It drifted down the channel, and was taken up by the enemy before it reached the foot of the island. The gun boat about sunrise came to anchor and was immediately fired upon ; at the second discharge having five of the eighteen wounded, but before the third shot, the cannon was brought to bear, and very shortly after the regulars, who accompanied the enemy's boats, broke and run. Failing in its object, the party return- ed by land, and the gun boat was sent to Hamilton. Adjutant Fitz Gib- bon, was said to have charge of the British party, two of which at the time were reported killed and several wounded. We had but one man killed. Towards the close of the season, Capt Benjamin Forsyth, with a com- AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 625" pany of riflemen, arrived at Ogdensburgh. Gen. Brown was frequently in the place. On the 2d of October, about forty British boats, escorted by two gun boats, were j)roceeding up the river towards Prescott, when a cannonade was commenced from the enemy's batteries upon the vil- lage, to cover the boats, which was returned a short time, until it was found that long shots had but very little effect. On the 3d, the firing was renewed, but not answered. On Sunday morning,' the 4th, an at- tack was made by twenty-five boats and two gun boats, which had pro- ceeded up the river nearly a mile, and w^ere then seen to turn their course towards the village. The morning parade had just been dismissed, but the order to rally was instantly issued, and a wooden battery near the stone ware house was manned with the brass six pounder, under Adjutant Church, and an iron twelve pounder, under the orders of Joseph York, a volunteer citizen. There was but one embrasure which was occupied by the brass piece, the other being stationed at its end, and without protection. The regiment under the orders of Gren. Brown, and Forsyth's riflemen, which then lay encamped west of the Oswegatchie, was drawn up with the militia. The Americans numbered 1,200 men. Firing commenced from the enemy's batteries with the embarkation of the troops, and continued as they advanced, and was returned by our troops as soon as the boats arrived within musket range. The flotilla appi-oached to within a quarter of a mUe, when one of their gun boats having been disabled and two of their number killed, they returned to their own side. It was reported that one of their bateaux was sunk, but of this fact the author's informant was not certain. Not a drop of blood was lost on the side of the Americans, but some little injury was done to property and buildings by the shot of the enemy. About thirty rounds were fired from each of the two pieces at the wooden battery. The firing continued nearly two hours. The assailants in this attempt were commanded by Col. Lethbridge, and according to the accounts published by the British, they numbered 750 men. Christie, a British author, has thus described the affair: " They advanced without opposition to mid channel, when the enemy opened a tremendous discharge of artillery, which checked their progress. A confusion immediately ensued, and they were compelled to make a percipitate reti-eat, with the loss of three men killed and four wounded. The Americans were commanded by Brigadier General Brown, and are said to have behaved with much cool- ness and intrepidity. This enterprise, undertaken without the sanction of the commander of the forces, was censured by him, and the pubhc opinion condemned it as rash and premature." After this unsuccessful attempt of the enemy, nothing further of con- sequence occurred till the close of the year. The winter set in early, and was very severe. The drafted regiment returned home, and left the place und«r the protection of Captain Forsyth, with his rifle com- pany, and a small detachment of Captain Kellog's artillery company of Albany volunteers. The remainder of that company had been detached to Sackett's Harbor. On the 6th of February, 1813, about a fortnight be- fore the attack upon Ogdensburgh, Captain Forsyth, being told by spies aud friends in Elizabethtown, (Brockville), that a large number of Ameri- cans were confined there in jail, and pressing news being repeatedly re- ceived that they were treated with severity, that some were claimed as British deserters, although they hud become citizens of the United States, and that some of these would be executed by the authority of the British courts martial, it was resolved to attempt their rescue. A party con- sisting of Captain Forsyth's company, and citizen volunteers to the num- 626 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE ber of about two hundred, was organized, and ready to start about nine o'clock in the evening, and leaving the town in the care of Captain Kel- log, of the Albany volunteers, and a few citizens, they proceeded on foot and in two or three sleighs (the latter in the rear), to Morristown. Hav- ing halted here a few moments, and procured a guide,* they crossed in two divisions, marching in open order on account of the weakness of the ice, Captain Forsyth leading one division, and Colonel Benedict the other. Flank guards were dispatched to each side of the town, to ar- rest such as might attempt to escape, while the main body marched into the village, and stationed themselves in the square in front of the jail, which then occupied the same site as at present. Adjutant Chux-ch was ordered to detach platoons from the main body, and station them at the corners of the streets, and those points best calculated to prevent re- sistance or a combination of forces. Lieut. Wells commanded the right flank guard, and Lieut. Johnson the left. Sergeant Foster, of the main guard, who had been stationed with a few men on one of the corners, on hearing the approach of a company of men, hailed them with the challenge, " who comes there?" He was answered by the reply, "not friends of King George." Not hearing the first word in the reply, he fired and wounded one man. The party proved to be the left flank of the Americans, and an understanding was soon regained. Meanwhile Captain Foi-syth, with a few men, entered the jail, and demanded the keys, which were sun-eudered without resistance, and every prisoner, with the exception of one confined for murder, was removed. He na- turally begged hard to share the fortune of the others, but was left. Some of the more prominent citizens were taken prisoners, and (with the ex- ception of one physician who was paroled at Morristown), taken to Og- densburgh, at which place the party arrived before daylight. The res- cued prisoners and citizens brought back, numbered about fifty-two, of whom six or seven were ofiicers. One man was wounded by a shot from a window, with which exception no resistance was offered. The counter- sign of the party on this afiair was Americans. Among the prison- ers was Major Carley, three captains, and two lieutenants. The following is a list of those taken, except officers: Stephen Chip- man, David Wheeler, Charles French, Benjamin Gould, Wm. Graves, Winthrop Tufts, Zea Castle. Ichabod Wing, George Allen, Henry Staats, Timothy Buel, Abram McCue, Thomas Daehnham, Alex. Campbell, John Davis, Dan'l McMullen, Richard McBane, Joseph Trader, Isaac C , (name illegible), Uri Stone, Archibald Ladd, David Wheeler, John W. Easton, Peter Whitman, Joseph Howard, Levi Stone, Thomas Thorn- ton, Isaac Mather, Samuel Elliot, Joseph Woolley, James Smith, Horatio Bradshaw, Gamaliel Tuttle, John Green, Joseph Ryon, Nonis Loverin, David Stevenson, Jehiel Smith, Thomas Rambley, Wm. Robinson, Rich- ardson Cameron, Henry Smith, Cleveland SafFord, John Joy, John Whitlesy. Total 45, besides officers. (From the original list.) They also seized and brought away one hundred and twenty muskets, twenty rifles, two casks of fixed ammunition, and some other public stoi-es, but no private property was either taken or destroyed. A writer from Ogdensburgh, giving an account of this affair, says: "Captain Forsyth was led to this enterprise by the repeated aggressions of the British guards, who had been in the habit of crossing the river a few miles * Arnold Smilh, who kept a public house in the place. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 627 above this place, and taking deserters, sixteen of whom they had in the - jail at Elizabethtown, threatened with being shot. Capt. F; being in- formed of this, determined to effect their liberation, in which he suc- ceeded. One prisoner confined in the jail for murder, he declined taking. Capt. F. speaks of the conduct of the officers and men in the highest terms of approbation. Two British officers, from Prescott, came over a few hours after the return of our troops with the prisoners, to effect their release. I understand they are all paroled, and are to return again to Canada this evening. The movement of the troops on the other side indicating an attack on this place, Col. Benedict was induced to call out his regiment of militia, so that we have now in Ogdensburgh about 800 men ; and should an attack be made from Prescott, I have the fullest con- fidence in our success. Indeed, from the high tone of our troops, it is difficult to restrain their ardor; and should they not be attacked from the other side within a few days, I should not be surprised were they to go over there." This affair led the enemy to take measures for retaliation, and the governor arriving on his way to Upper Canada, Lt. Col. Pearson com- manding at Prescott, proposed an attack upon Ogdensburgh, but the governor did not deem it expedient to order an attack; but as two men had deserted on the evening of his arrival and gone over to the Ameri- cans, who might, upon ascertaining the arrival of the governor, waylay him on his route, it was determined that Lieut. Col. Pearson should pro- ceed on the ensuing morning with his excellency to Kingston, while Lt. Col. McDonnell, second in command at Prescott, should make a demon- stration upon the ice in front of Ogdensburgh, as well with the view of engaging the attention of the troops, as by drawing out their forces to ascertain the strength of the garrison. To afford the data from which " to estimate the relative merit of the defence, the following account of the armament and force in garrison at Ogdensburgh is given, as derived from the memories of citizens then in town. It had been learned froni spies that the British were preparing to attack the town, and Capt. Forsyth had written to General Dearborn, at Plattsburgh, soliciting assistance. To this Gen. D. sent word that he could afford him no help, and that he must do as well as he was able. If he could not defend the place he was at liberty to evacuate it, and it was left optional with him to do this before or after making an attempt to defend it. lu his letter he said that the loss of the place might arouse the American spirit, intimating that the town was to be made a sacrifice for the good of the country. Upon receiving this letter. Captain Forsyth assembled the officers around him, consisting of Captain Kellog, Lieutenant Smith of the rifle company, Lieutenant Baird, second lieutenant in the same. Lieutenants Lytle and Wells of the volunteers, then just raised, and Adjutant Church, who had at the request of General Brown joined Forsyth, to await the arrival of volunteers. A few others whose names are not remembered, were present. To these he read the letter of General Dearborn, and solicited their advice. The result of the deliberation that eusued was, that it was expedient to defend the place as long as practicable, and to abandon it only when compelled. The defences of the place were as follows : Near the intersection of Ford and Euphamia (now State) streets, stood an iron twelve pounder, under the command of Captain Kellog, of the Albany volunteers. It was mounted on a wheel carriage, and was one of the trophies won in the revolutionary war from Burgoyne at Saratoga. In front of the arse- 628 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE nal* in Ford street, was a brass six pounder, on a wheel carriace belong- ing to the state of New York. It was under the command of Joseph York, with a few men mostly citizens and volunteers. A short distance north of the northeast corner of Mr. Parish's store, was a rude wooden breastwork, defended by an iron twelve pounder, which was mounted on a sled carriage. It was also one of the trophies won from Burgoyne, and was under the command of Captain Joshua Conkey, of Canton, but it is said was not fired, although it was so placed that it might have done the enemy much injury, and perhaps have checked them altogether. This piece had been on the armed vessel Niagara. On the point where the light house now stands, was a brass nine pounder, which had also been brought down on the Niagara, near the close of navigation. It is said to have been mounted on a sled carriage, and was under the com- mand of a sergeant in the company of Captain Kellog. This piece was fired repeatedly with effect, and its commander was one of the last who retreated when the place was finally evacuated. Back of the old stone garrison were two old fashioned iron six pounders, which were mounted on sleds. They had formed a part of the armament of some gun boats that had dismantled the fall before. One of these pieces was under the orders of Daniel W. Church, and the other of Lieut. Baird, of Captain Forsyth's company. In front of the gateway between the two buildings which formed the stone garrison, was a six pound brass piece on a sled carriage. This piece had been in the village during the summer, and for some tirne previous had been used in their exercises by a company of flying artillery then being formed, but which was absent or scattered at the time when the place was taken. About twenty feet to the left of this, was a six pound iron cannon, on a sled carriage, which had been taken from a gun boat. Besides these, there were several cannon which had been thrown from gun boats upon the beach in front of the stone garrison, which were frozen into the ice, and which together with all of those above enumerated, were taken by the enemy, and were never re- covered. Below the town and not far from the present brewery, was an unfin- ished redoubt which had been commenced towards the close of the season previous, but which Was at the time not occupied or defended. It had been commenced under the orders of General Brown, and was planned by M. Ramee, a French engineer, who had been in the service of Bonaparte, and was to have been quadrangular in form, and bore the name of Fort Oswegatchie. " The troops stationed here have been employed since last Thursday, in building a fort — it progresses pretty fast, considering the number of men employed. It is believed, however, that it will not be finished be- fore the winter sets in. The plan of the fort, we understand, was the production of Mr. Ramee, a French gentleman, who resides in this vil- lage." ( Ogdeitsburgh Palladium, vol. ii, M). 46. JVovember 10, 1812.) The drafted militia had long since returned home, and Capt. Forsyth's company alone remained. Lieut. Lyttle had received orders for raising a company of volunteers, and Joshua Conkey, of Canton, had arrived a little before with thirteen men, towards a company. On the evening previous to the attack, an arrangement had been made, that in this case Adjutant Church was to have charge of the piece at the garrison, and Sheriff York the brass bIx pounder, near the arsenal. Early in the morn- ing of Feb. 22, the governor departed, and at the same time Lt. Col. • 4 store on the west side of Ford, between State and Isabella streets. AND FRANKLIN COUJJTIES. 639 McDonnel marched out on the ice in two columns, with an intention, as stated by British authorities, of only making a demonsti-ation, but which he turned iuto a real attack. One of these said to be five hundred strong, directed their march to a point where the breastwork had been thrown up below the village, but which at the time was without defense, and the other of about three hundred, approached from a point above the stone garrison. Besides the regulars, there were not more than fifty to show their faces to the enemy. Capt. Forsyth had drawn up his men in the rear of the garrison, and facing the column that was approaching from that quarter, and, when within half musket shot, he walked down in front of his men, and directed them to reserve their fire until the word of command was given. Near the right of the line. Lieutenant Baird was stationed with an iron six pounder, and Adjutant Church was about two-thirds the way down the line, with a brass six. No order was given to fire until the enemy had nearly reached the bank, where the snow had drifted about knee deep, and here they first fired, but without effect. Captain Forsyth then ordered his troops to fire, and a volley was at once discharged from the rifles and the two cannon. Upon hearing the order, the soldiers of the enemy fell prostrate, and immediately after the dis- charge, the company jumped up and ran off without ceremonj', leaving eight of their number dead on the ice. This detachment consisted of provincial militia and volunteers, under British officers. The column of five- hundred from below, under McDonnell, marched into the village without resistance. York and Kellog each fired upon them, but the gun of the latter was disabled, by the breaking of the elevating screw, at the first fire, which prevented it from being again used. York continued to fire till two of his men* were mortally wounded, and himself and party taken prisoners. Kellog and his men, after the accident which deprived them of further means of I'esistance, retired across the Oswegatchie, and joined Captain Forsyth. Meanwhile, the greatest confusion and alarm prevailed throughout the village, and numbers of citizens were hastening away, most of them in the direction of Heuvelton. The nino pounder, which was posted on the point under the charge of a sergeant, was fired with effect upon the first column, the moment they began to show disorder and commence retreat, but its position was such that it could not molest the other lower body. Captain Conkey surrendered himself without resistance. These three cannon being in their possess- ion, together with the village, the enemy next directed his efforts towards the position of Forsyth. There were planted in front of the stone garrison, occupied by him, one iron and a brass cannon, both sixes. These were loaded by Church and Baird, but when about to be fired, a white flag borne by two men was seen approaching. One of the bearers was Duncan Frazer, and the other Jonas Jones, who has since filled a high judicial station in Canada. The object of their visit was to present the compliments of Colonel Mc Donnel, and the conditional alternative, of " if you surrender, it shall be well ; if not, every man shall be put to the bayonet." Captain Forsyth promptly replied, " Tell Colonel McDonnel there must be more fighting done first." The bearers of the communication immediately returned, and had no sooner entered the ranks, which were drawn up in Ford street, near the Hasbrouck place, when the two cannon before the gate way were immediately discharged. The brass piece was loaded with case shot, and disabled eight men; but being a little too elevated, it had * Joseph Kneeland and Hyde, b )ih citizens. 630 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE but little of the effect that would have been witnessed, had it been por- perly pointed.* Immediately after this discharge, the enemy retreated behind the stone store of Mr. Parish, for shelter. Up to this time thiere had been none of Forsyth's company killed, and as there remained no enemy in sight, the latter ordered his men within the gates, as the British began to fire at his company from behind various objects, by which several were wounded, among whom were men by the names of Squires and Clark. They were not so badly wounded but that they were able to retreat. Lieutenant Baird lingered behind after the order for retreat was given, and only retired when a messenger was sent with a second com- mand for him to leave. Soon after, some of the party, among whom were Church and Baird, went out to load the cannon in the rear which had been first used, hoping that some chance might occur for discharg- ing them with effect, but on returning, both were wounded, the latter severely. Deeming further resistance useless, Captain Forsyth issued orders for his men to retreat, and to rendezvous at Thurbei-'s tavern, on Black lake, and thence chey proceeded to De Peyster Corners, where they ari'ived in the evening. The British took prisoners all the men in the hospital, eight in number, and Sergeant Carr, who had care of the arsenal. Lieutenant Baird was too badly wounded to retreat, and was conveyed to the house of Judge Ford, where he was taken prisoner. Adjutant Church, with the assistance of two of Forsyth's men, retreated. None of this company Wtis killed, and with the above exceptions, none taken prisoners. There were on the side of the Americans five killed and eighteen wounded. As the enemy were marching down Ford street, some of the number on entering the store room used as an arse- nal, were met by a lad at the door, by the name of Jones, from Canton who discharged a musket, and severely wounded one of their number, and was in the act of reloading his piece, when the soldiers, enraged at this resistance, fired a volley upon the courageous boy, and finished their work with him by a thrust of a bayonet, which pinned him to the coun- ter. Further resistance not being offered, the enemy pi-oceeded to ran- sack the town for public property and pillage, carrying off or wantonly destroying private property to a great amount. Fifty-two prisoners were taken over to Canada, where citizens were mostly paroled and allowed to return home, excepting those who had been found under arms. Con- key and his men. Sergeant Rogers, Lieutenant Baird, and a few others, believed to be about twenty, were sent as prisoners of war to Montreal, and thence by water to Halifax, until exchanged, except fourteen, of whom Rogers was one, who escaped from jail at Montreal, and returned home. These prisoners were confined in an upper story of the prison ; their window was grated with a double row of iron bars ; a line of sentinels patrolled the premises surrounding, and the yard was enclosed with a stone wall. The manner in which they effected their escape, is said to have been as follows: Besides those taken at Ogdensburgli, there were several others confined in the same apartment, among whom was one who resided just south of the boundary on lake Champlain, who was known to be an active partizan, and had been seized on British soil, and * The anecdote is related, that as Mr. Church ■was about to fire this cannon, Captain For- syth stepped forward and ordered him to elevate it more. The former replied that it was high enough, but the commander, impatient of contradiction, peremptorily renewed his order, whicli was sullenly obeyed. It has been suggested that an additional turn of the screw was given to prove the soundness of his argument, and thus the lives of many of the enemy were saved . AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 631 confined, as a prudential measure. To him, however, on account of friends residing in the city, considerable indulgence was shown, and they were allowed to send him, from time to time, certain dainties from their tables. Being of ample corporeal dimensions, and enjoying an appetite adequate to its maintenance, the dishes were sometimes of proportionate size; and especially some of the puddings, which might have sufficed for a small party, but which were found to conceal numbers of sharp files and saws. With these the prisoners worked, whenever they could do so, unobserved, and at the end of two weeks, had so neai'ly severed the bars, that they could be removed with little labor. To conceal their operations, the notches worked with the files were filled with a sort of paste mingled with the filings in such a manner as not to be readily detected without close observation. At length a propitious night arrived for their flight. An inclement storm drove the sentinels to their boxes, and the tempest howled around the premises, deadening what ever sound they might accidentally make. Their bedding was torn up and twisted into ropes, the bars removed, and one by one, with the exception of the corpulent gentleman, from whose dinners the tools had been derived, they glided down the rope unobserved, and succeeded in scaling the wall and getting away. One of their number strained his ancle, and was unable to accompany them ; but finding friends in the city, he remained two or three weeks, and finally in the garb of an agent of the commissary depart- ment, he was conveyed away, and Conkey and Baird remained prisoners till the close of the war. . To return to the subject: the enemy continued through the day to seek and carry away whatever commodities their caprice or their wants indicated, among which was a large quantity of provisions from the stone store, of which they were said to be much in need, and for which they paid the value. The prisoners in the jail, upon their own asser- tion that they were confined for political reasons, were set free, but upon a true representation being made afterwards, several were pursued, X'e- captured and given up to the sheriff. The wanton destruction of private property, which is said to have extended to every house in the village except three, was perj^etrated by swarms of the abandoned of both sexes from Canada, and by numbers of the dissolute class who belonged to the American side, and who seized this opportunity to gratify a morbid passion for gain, and for wanton ruin. The barracks were burned, and an attempt was made to fire the bridge, but without effect, as it was covered with ice and snow. The citizen prisoners captured at this incursion, were exchanged for those taken at Brockville. It is but just to observe that the wanton plunder of the enemy was disclaimed by those in command, and some efforts were made to procure the restoration of a few of the articles stolen. The following are the British official accounts of this affair, dated KingSjfon, February 23, 1813 : General Orders. — His excellency the commander of the forces, has the satisfaction of announcing to the army in British North America, the complete success of an attack made by Lieut. Col. McDonnel, of the Glengary light infantry, and the detachment stationed at Prescott, yes- terday morning, on the enemy's position at Ogdensburgh, which termi- nated in the capture of that place, and of eleven pieces of cannon, and all the ordnance and marine stores, provisions and camp equipage, and the destruction of two armed schooners and two gun boats. Such of the enemy's garrison as did not fly to the woods, were made prisoners. The conduct of every individual engaged, and which includes the whole 632 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE of the troops, regular and militia, stationed at Prescott, appears to have been highly honorable to them. The following officei-s are particularly noticed by Col. McDonnel, as having distinguished themselves: Capt. Jenkins, of the Glengary light infantry, who, the commander of the forces laments to find, is severely wounded, as also Lieut. Empy, of the militia, who has lost a leg, and Lieut. Powell, of the King's regiment, slightly wounded. Staff Adj utant Ridge, of the King's regiment, who led the advance guard, and Lieut. McAuly, of the Glengary light infantry. Lieutenant McDonnel reports that he was well supported by Capt. Eustace, and the officers of the King's regiment; by Col. Eraser and Lieut. Col. Eraser, and all the officers of the militia, as well as by Capt. Le Lievre, of the Royal Newfoundland regiment, attached to the militia. The field artillery was well served by Ensigns McKay of the Glengary light infantry, and Kerr, of the militia, and the good conduct of the Royal engineers is likewise particularly noticed. The commander of the forces was induced to authorize this attack, not by any means as an act of wanton aggression, the troops under his command having been ordered at all times to abstain from all acts of that nature; but as one of a just and necessary retaliation on that which was recently made on the British settlement of Brockville, by a party from Ogdensburgh, and in consequence of frequent depredations from that garrison committed on the persons and property of his majesty's subjects within its reach; and in announcing its results, his excellency feels much pleasure in publicly expressing his entire approbation of the gallantry and judgment with which it appears to have been conducted. His excellency directs the officers and men taken prisoners on this occasion to be sent to Montreal, there to remain until further orders. A salute to be fired inimediately. John Harvet, Lieut. Col. and Dep. Adj. Gen. Office of the Adjutant General's Department, Montreal, February 25, 1813. General Orders. — The major general commanding, has much satis- faction in announcing to the troops in the lower province, that he has received a report from Lieutenant Colonel McDonnel, of the Glengary light infantry, stating that in consequence of the wanton attack lately Made by the enemy on the village of Brockville, it had been determined to retaliate by an assault on his position at Ogdensburgh. This took place, in a gallant and spirited manner, under the command of that offi- cer, on the morning of the 22d inst., and was crowned with success after an action of an hour and a half, in which the enemy had about twenty killed, and a great number wounded. Lieutenant Colonel McDonnel reports his having taken possession of all the enemy's artillery (with the exception of one piece), as well as naval, military, and commissariat stores; and of his having destroyed the barracks and shipping. A detailed return of the stores, has not yet been received, but eleven pieces of artillery and several hundred stand of arms had arrived at Prescott. Lieut. Colonel McDonnel speaks In high terms of the conduct of the force under his command, particularly of the gallantry of Capt. Jenkins, of the Glengary light infantry, who was sevei-ely wounded. The lieut. colonel also mentions the assistance which he received from Colonel Frazer, Lieut. Col, Frazer, and all the officers of the militia, from Capt. Eustace and officers of the King's regiment, Capt. Le Lievre of the New- AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 633 foundland regiment, Lieutenant McAuley and the officers of the Gflen- gary light infantry, and from Lieut. Gangrelen, of the Royal engineers; Ensigns M'Kay of the Glengary, and Kerr of the militia, who directed the service of the field pieces, as well as of the spirited manner in which the advance was led on by Staff Adjutant Ridge. List of killed and wounded in the attack upon Ogdensburgh, U.2d Feb., 1813. Royal artillery — One rank and file killed. King's regiment — One ser- geant killed ; 12 rank and file wounded. JVewfoundland regiment — One rank and file killed, and four rank and file wounded. Glengary light in- fantry — Two rank and file killed; one lieutenant colonel, one captain, one lieutenant, two sergeants, seven rank and file, wounded. Militia — Two rank and file killed; one captain, eight subalterns, one sergeant, fifteen rank and file, wounded. Total — One sergeant, six rank and file, killed; one lieutenant colonel, two captains, four subalterns, three ser- geants, and thirty-eight rank and file, wounded. JVames of officers wounded — Glengary light infantry, Lieut. Col. McDonnel, Capt, Jenkins, severely ; Lieut. M'Kay. Militia — Capt. J. McDonnel, Lieut. Empy, severely; Lieut. M'Lean, and Lieut. M'Dermott. J. ROWEN, Deputy Assistant Adjutant General. Capt. Forsyth announced to the secretary of war the event at Ogdens- burgh, in the following letter, dated Feb. 22, 1813. " Sir : — I have only time to inform you that the enemy, with a very superior force, succeeded in taking Ogdensburgh this morning, about 9 o'clock. They had about two men to our one, e?^lusive of Indians. Numbers of the enemy are dead on the field. Not more than twenty of our men killed and wounded; Lt. Beard is among the latter. I have made a saving I'etreat of about eight or nine miles. I could not get all the wounded off. We have killed two of the enemy to one of ours killed by them. We want ammunition and some provisions sent to us, also sleighs for the wounded. If you can send me three hundred men, all shall be retaken, and Prescott too, or I will lose my life in the attempt. I shall write more particular to-day. Yours, with due respect, Benjamin Forsyth, Cap. Rifle reg. com'g. The following extracts convey additional facts in relation to this affair, and from having been written soon after the occurrence of the events, possess additional interest. The first is from Mr. Rosseel, and the second is understood to have been written by Mrs. York, to a brother in New York, and was published in Niles's Weekly Register. " By the middle of the afternoon, having rigged out an apology for a one horse sleigh, I left Ogdensburgh with the land office papers, to re- join my family, who left it the moment the place was being taken and came within an ace of receiving the contents of a 32 pounder, loaded with grape and canister, which stood at the four corners (near St. Law- rence tavern), in front of which the sleigh in which my family were, was driving furiously along, undistinguished from the enemy, and the dread effect of which discharge I witnessed from my window. Several of the British fell at the corner of Mr. Parish's premises [in the fence of which, what remains, may yet be seen to this day, the marks made by 634 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE the grape shot.] I had received from General Arnold, of the militia, who was here prisoner on parole, a commission for Capt. Forsyth, that he prepare for an attack that night. Forsyth and his rifle corps were at Kellog's [about a mile s. w. of Depeyster corners — on state road], and I found the militia at Remington's [HeuveJton]. They would not allow me to go fui'ther till I told them my errand. The teamster who drove me was very drunk, and never minded the challenge from the pickets placed here and there along the road, which was narrow, I sometimes feeling their rifles touching our bodies. At Kellog's I found almost all Ogdensburgh, soldier and civilian, all pell-mell. But after I communicated to Capt. Forsyth my message from Gen. Arnold, the sound of the bugle cleared the room of riflemen, and the people breathed more freely. After placing my family in safety, I returned to Ogdensburgh, between which place and Rossie Iron Works my attention was divided." Extract of a letter, February 26, 1813. " I did not leave the bouse until the British were close to it, and not till they had shot a great number of balls into it. I took nothing with me but some money, and my table spoons, and ran as fast as possible, with a number of other women; our retreat was to the distance of about 15 miles. The next day I returned; our house was plundered of almost every thing, and my husband a pris- oner on the other side. You can easier imagine my feelings than I can describe them. They did not leave any article of clothing, not even a handkerchief— they took all my bedding but left the beds; they broke my looking glasses and even my knives. Thus situated I determined to go over to Canada, and accordingly went to a flag of truce, which was then in this village, for permission, which I obtained. I went to one of my acquaintances on the other side, where I was favorably received. I applied to the commanding ofiicer for the purpose of ascertaining whether I could procure any of my clothes ; he assured me that I should have them if I could find them, but did not trouble himself to make any inquiry. My journey was not lost; I procui-ed the release of my husband, who was paroled and returned with me. Most of the houses in the village wei'e plundered. * * * You will be astonished when I tell you that they were not contented with what the Indians and soldiers could plunder during the battle, but after it was over, the wo- men on the other side came across, and took what was left." The partizan spirit of Mr. York, which was well known to the enemy, may have rendered his house an object on which to expend their antipathies. It was reported that a company of women, under the protection of a guard, was sent over to plunder, but this rumor is scarcely credible. The following anecdote, however, is doubtless reliable. One of the provincial militia in crossing during the day, was met by a woman re- turning with a large mirror, which she said she had stolen from the Yankees. She had scarcely spoken, when her feet slipped on the ice, which threw her prostrate, and her ill gotten booty was lost, while boast- ing of her success in obtaining it. Capt. Forsyth having retired with his company to Depeyster, the place was left defenceless, and the same day evacuated by the British. Gen. Brown having received news of the aflfair arrived the next day, but did not enter the town, and soon returned home, and Forsyth proceeded to Sackett's Harbor, to join the forces at that place, which a few months after participated in the descent upon Little York. Most of the citizens who fled on the attack returned home, and the place was left entirely without military defence, or any semblance of re- AND FRANLKIN COUNTIES. 635 sistance during the remainder of the war. This defenceless condition occasionally exposed them to insult, and in May 1813, some deserters having come over from the enemy, an officer was sent across with a flag, with a threat to commit the village to the flames, if they were not re- stored. To this requisition, Judge Ford, with his usual promptness re- plied, that they would do -no such thing, for no sooner should he see them landing, than ivith Ms own hands he would set fire to his own house, rally his neighbors, cross the liver with torches, and burn^ every house from Prescott to Brockville. The British officer seeing the consequences that might ensue, afterwards apologized for his conduct. In the fall of 1813, Col. Luckett, with a regiment of dragoons, forming a part of the regular service, was sent in advance of the array of Gen, Wilkinson, to examine the country and report. He is believed to have been instructed to make no demonstration that would create alarm to the enemy, or lead to an attack. On the day of his arrival, Oct. 11, 1813, the town was filled with people, who had come to attend comt, which was to commence its session on the following day. It was secretly reported the same evening, to persons still living, that there would be a flurry next day, the meaning of which in due time be- came apparent. The court met and had begun business, Benjamin Raymond presiding as judge, assisted by Daniel W. Church, and John Tibbits, assistant justices. The grand jury had received their charge and retired, and a case was being tried, when a cannonade was heard from the fort at Prescott, which led to much uneasiness, and after a little discussion, the session of the court was interrupted for the day, by the withdrawing of a juror, and the room was hastily evacuated. The grand jury also hearing the cannonade, adjourned for the day, and left the house. Their room was above the court room, in what is now a masonic hall. In passing out, the room was hardly cleared, and the last person of the number in the door, when a 24 pound shot entered the room, shattering an end beam in the house cut obliquely across the seats, but a moment before occupied by the jury, and lodged in the parti- tion beyond. Fortunately no one was injm-ed by the cannonade, but some damage was done to houses. As soon as the firing commenced Col. Luckett retired into the back country, and there are those who be- lieve that a display of his force was designingly made to get up an ex- citement with the enemy. In August 1813, a direct tax of $3,000,000 was apportioned through- out the United States, of which ^770 was drawn from Franklin, $3,000 from St. Lawrence, $4,610 from Jefferson, and $1,960 from Lewis counties. Before giving an account of Wilkinson's expedition, we will notice the operations in Franklin county, in the campaign of 1819. A com- pany of militia from Lt. Col. Alric Man's regiment was drafted early in the summer, and commanded by Capt. Rufus Tiiden, and about 18 mounted men, who were undetr the orders of the general officers of the regiment, to which Tiiden was attached, viz: the 8th, commanded by Lt. Col. Thos. Miller, of Plattsburgh. Tilden's company were posted at French Mills, and commenced building a block house. Early in the fall, other companies of the 8th regiment, under Major Ransom Noble, of Essex, joined, and afterwards others under Major Young (p. 157). The mounted men were used as express men. This party acted in the descent upon St. Regis, which we have described (p. 156), but the merit of their boasted capture of the colors, loses its importance, if the follow- ing extract from Christie's history of the war (a British writer) be true. 636 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE " The Americans in plundering the village found an ensign or union jack, in the house of the resident interpreter, usually hoisted upon a flag staff at the door of the chief, on Sundays or Holy Days, which said the American Major in an order issued upon the occasion (not a little proud of the achievement,) were the first colors taken during the war.^ The same author in giving an account of the affair at Toussaint island, states that the British force numbered 138 troops under Major Heathcoat. A detachment of militia commanded by Capt. Munroe had arrived near the close of the skirmish. Soon after the affair at St. Regis, Col. Young was withdrawn, and the enemy planned an attack upon Capt. Tilden, in re taliation for the first aggression. This took place on the 22d of Novem- ber, according to Christie, by detachments of the Royal artillery, 49th re- giment, and Glengary light infantry, amounting to seventy men, with de- tachments from the Cornwall and Glengary militia, of near the same num- ber, the whole under the command of Lieut. Col. McMillan. The block house was not finished and had no roof, and the company was quartered in a house on Water street, since owned and occupied as a dwelling by the late James B. Spencer. During the night an alarm had been brought in, and the company repaired to the block house. The British marched in on the old St. Regis road, west of Salmon river, crossed and paraded on Water street. The block bouse stood on a rising ground at some dis- tance east of the river. Deeming it impossible to avoid it, Capt. Tilden surrendered his party prisoners to the number of 44, including himself and two subalterns. Many escaped, and the prisoners were sent to Mont- real and imprisoned, one third being on parole each day until in three weeks they were exchanged for the very men they had taken at St. Regis, and released. At the affair at French Mills, Thomas Fletcher was shot in his door, having first discharged his rifle at a company of soldiers. After Captain Tilden's company were taken prisoners, their place was supplied by militia and volunteers from Columbia county, under the command of Major Tanner, part of the 9th regiment New York State militia, who i-emained here until the first of March, 1813, when Captain David Erwin raised a company of volunteers who were stationed as a garrison for the block house, here, during the spring and summer of 1813. This company in the fall joined General Hampden's forces at Chateau- gay, where he was intending to cooperate with General Wilkinson, after which this company was discharged. Early in 1813, a plan of operations for the reduction of Canada was discussed in the cabinet, Gen. John Armstrong being the secretary of war, and Major General Henry Dearborn at the head of the northern armies. The following is a copy of the general outline proposed by Armstrong to Dearborn, February 10, 1813: " 1st, 4000 troops will be assembled atSacketts Harbor. 2;d, 3000 will be brought together at Buffalo and its vicinity. 3d, the former of these corps will be embarked and transported under a convoy of the fleet to Kingston, where they will be landed. Kingston, its garrison, and the British ships wintering in the harbor of that place, will be its first object. Its second object will be York (the capital of Upper Canada), the stores collected and the two frigates building there. Its third object. Forts George and Erie, and their dependencies. In the attainment of this last, there will be a cooperation between the two corps. The composition of these will be as follows : 1st, Bloomfield brigade, 1,436; 2d, Chandler's brigade, 1,044; 3d, AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 637 Philadelphia detachment, 400 ; 4th, ^Baltimore detachment, 300; 5th Carlisle detachment, 200; 6th, Greenbush detachment, 400; 7th, Sacketts Harbor detachment, 250; 8th, several corps at Buffalo under the com- mand of Col. Porter, and the recruits belonging there, 3000: total, 7000. Ihe time for executing this enterprise will be governed by the opening ot Lake Ontario, which usually takes place about the first of April. The adjutant general has orders to put the most southern detachments m march as expeditiously as possible. The two brigades on Lake Cham- plain you will move so as to give them full time to reach their destina- tion by the 25th of March. The route by Elizabeth will, I think, be the shortest and best. They will be replaced by some new raised regiments from the east. You will put into your movements as much privacy as may be compatable with their execution. Thev may be masked by re- ports that Sacketts Harbor is in danger, and that the principal efforts will be made on the Niagara, in cooperation with Gen. Harrison. As the route to Sacketts Harbor and to Niagara is for a considerable distance the same, it may be well to intimate, even in orders, that the latter is the destination of the two brigades now at Lake Champlain." The attack of Little York, and the operations on the Niagara frontier were a part of the plan, and tended more or less to its accomplishment' but their details belong to our general histoiy. On the 8th of July, 1813,' Gen. Dearborn was withdrawn from the command of the northern army' and on the 5th of August, a communication was addressed to Gen. Jas.' Wilkinson, proposing a plan of operations which he approved, and un- dertook to execute. This was to bring a combined force upon Canada, a part to descend the St. Lawrence, and another portion by way of Lake' Champlain, which were to unite and cooperate as circumstances might dictate. The former of these was to be under the command of General Wilkinson, and the latter that of Gen. Wade Hampden. It remained to be discussed v/hether Kingston was first to be reduced, and in the advice of the secretary of war, this measure was strongly recommended. Gen. Wilkinson arrived at Sacketts Harbor, towards the last of August, and' proceeded to the head of the lake to make preliminary arrangements for concentrating his forces. A series of unpardonable delays hindered him from effecting this object or of returning to Sacketts Harbor, before the 4th of October. The secretary of war was at that post, and on the day following a discussion was held between Generals Armstong, Wilkinson, Lewis and Brown, at which the reasons for and against making Kingston the first point of attack, were brought forward and examined in detail, but at length abandoned. The same delays and embarrassments con- tinued and were increased by the storms incident to the lateness of the season. The forces assembled at Grenadier island. On the 28th of Oc- tober, he wrote : " The inexorable winds and rains continue to oppose and embarass our movements, but I am seizing every moment's interval to slip into the St. Lawrence, corps and detachments, as they can be got ready. Our ren- dezvous will be in Bush creek, about twenty miles below, and nearly op- posite to Gananoqui, which position menaces a descent on the opposite shore. I shall sail from that position at 4 o'clock in the morning, and will pass Prescott about the same time the ensuing mornino'. We have had such a fluctuation of sick and well between this place and Sacketts Harbor, that it is impossible to say in what force we shall move ; but I calculate on 6000 combatants, exclusive of Scott and Randolph, neither of whom will I fear be up in season, notwithstanding all my arrangements and exertions to accelerate their march." 38 638 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE On the first of November, 1813, the commander in chief wrote to Gen. Armstrong, as follows : "You will perceive from the duplicate under cover (letter of the 28th of October), what were my calculations four days since; but the winds and waves, and rains and snow still prevail, and we have made several fruitless attempts to turn Stoney Point, one of them of great peril to three thousand men, whom I seasonably remanded to the harbor without the loss of a life. Our sick, one hundred and ninety six in number, have not fared as well; they were embarked in stout comfortable vessels, and sailed the day before yesterday morning for Sacketts Harbor, but they were driven on shore by a storm which continued with unremitting vio- lence all night, and as no exertion could relieve them, I anticipated the loss of the whole; but the tempest having abated and the wind shifted from S. W. to N. E., boats were sent out yesterday morning, and Dr. Bull reports the loss of three men only. Otiier means of traus[)ort will be pro- vided to-morrow, and these unfortunate men will be sent to the hospital at Sacketts Harbor. Brig. Gen. Brown, with his brigade, the light artil- lery, the riflemen, the gun boats, Bissel's regiment and a part of Macomb's are, I expect, safe at French creek, with the artillery and ordnance stoi-es. These corps have made the traverse of the arm of the lake under cir- cumstances of great danger, though fortunately without the loss of a life, but at the expense of some boats. I shall wait one day longer, and if the passage shall still continue impracticable to the troops, I will land them on the opposite shore, march them across the country to the St. Law- rence, and send the empty boats round to a given rendezvous. As Major General Hampton is under your orders, permit me to suggest to you what is worthy of reflection — whether he should take a position and wait the arrival of my command near the confluence of the St. Lawrence and Grand/rivers, or whether he should move down the St. Lawi-ence and menace Chambly? If he is strong enough to meet Sir George, the latter will be the preferable plan, because it will have the effect to divide the enemy's force; otherwise, he shoidd adopt the first idea, hazard nothing, and strengthen my hands. The enclosed copy of a memorandum from Colonel Swift, will show you what he is about, I flatter myself, to your satisfaction. The sole unpleasant circumstance before me, is our total ignorance of the preparations of Sir George, and what we may expect to meet on the island. I fear no consequences; but it must be painful to lead more than 6000 men to battle hoodwinked^ and yet all my efforts to procure intelligence from Montreal, have proved fruitless." The following account of the progress of the expedition down the St. Lawrence, is derived from the journal of Dr. Arnasa Trowbridge, of Watertown, who attended in a professional capacity, and occasionally from .the published diary of General Wilkinson. On the 29tb, Gen. Brown's brigade, with the light and heavy artillery, embarked and proceeded down the St. Lawrence, the entrance of which was about six miles from Bason harbor, and arrived safe at French creek the same evening. On the 31st, orders were issued directing the remain- der of the army to follow, bujt a severe storm prevented the embarkation. The winds continued unfavorable till the 2d of November, when the whole embarked and arrived at Cape Vincent, nine miles, tlie same day, and encamped. General Brown, with the van of the expedition, had been attacked by the enemy's armed schooner and gun boats, but were repulsed with loss, and were compelled to move up the river and take a position eight miles below Cape Vincent. In the evening, about 10 AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 639 o'clock, Commodore Chauncey came into the river from the lake, and anchored near the encampment. The army appeared much gratified at the appearance of the fleet. On the 3d, the fleet weighed anchor and stood down the river. At seven the troops embarked and followed, with a favorable wind, and at nine passed onr fleet at anchor, at the junction of the British channel with that on the south, in such a position as to oppose the enemy, should they attempt to annoy the army in descending. At 3 P. M., joined Gen. Brown at French creek. The 4th was spent in waiting for boats with provisions and troops from Sackett's Harbor, and making necessary ar- rangements for the expedition. The 5tli was a charming day, and in the morning orders were issued for sailing, and at six the whole army was under'way, in about 300 small crafts and boats, and arrived the same evening at Morristovvn, a distance of forty miles; a favorable landing was selected, and the boats put in in good order. On the 6th the expedition proceeded on to within three miles of Ogdenst>urgh, and yjreparations were made for passing the fort at Prescott. At this i)lace Gen. Wilkin- son issued the following proclamation to the Canadians: " The army of the United States, which I have the honor to command, invades these provinces to conquer, and not to destroy; to subdue the forces of his Britannic majesty, not to war against his unoffending sub- jects. Those, therefore, among you, who remain quiet at home, should victory incline to the American standard, shall be protected in their per- sons and property. But those who are found in arms, must necessarily be treated as avowed enemies. To menace is unjust, to seduce dis- honorable; yet it is just and humane to place these alternatives before you. Done at the head quarters of the United States armj^, this sixth day of November, 1813, near Ogdensburgh, on the river St. Lawrence. (Signed) James Wilkinson. By the general's command, (Signed) N. Pinkney, >- Major and Aid-de-camp." "The powder and fixed ammunition were debarked and placed in carts, to be transported by land, under cover of the night, beyond the enemy's batteries. As soon as the general returned, orders were issued for the debarkation of every man (except so many as were necessary to navigate the boats), who were directed to march imder cover of the night, to save useless exposure to the enemy's cannon, to a bay two miles be- low Prescott; and arrangements were made at the same time for the pas- sage of the flotilla by that place, the superintendency of which devolved upon Brig. Gen. Brown, the general officer of the day. About 8 o'clock P.M., we had so heavy a fog, that it was believed we could pass the British fortress unobserved, and orders were accordingly given for the army to march, and the flotilla to get under way. The general, in his gig, pro- ceeded ahead, followed by his passage boat and family; but a sudden change of the atmospliere exposed his passage boat to the garrison of the enemy, and near fifty-two twenty-four pound shot were fired at her without effect, while the column on land, discovered by the gleam o^' their arms, were assailed with shot and shells without injury. General Brown, on hearing the firing, judiciously halted the flotilla until the moon had set, when it got into motion, but was perceived by the enemy, who opened upon it, and continued their fire from front to i-ear, for the space 640 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE of three hours; and yet out of more than three hundred boats, not one was touched; and only one man was killed, and two were wounded, Before ten next morning, the whole of the flotilla, except two vessels, reached the place of rendezvous." [Another account states, that the general resorted to the expedient of sending some old boats forward, on which the British expended their long shot; and the army passed harmless, except from one shot, which killed two men and wounded three others.] "About noon this day. Colonel King, adjutant general of the army of Gen. Wade Hampton, arrived, and waited on the commander-in-chief, whom he informed that he had been to Sackett's Harbor, with a despatch fi-om Gen. Hampton to the secretary of war; that he had no communi- cation, written or verbal, from Major General Hampton (the commander- in-chief), but that not finding the secretary of war at Sackett's Harbor, he had thought proper, on his return, to call for any communication which he (Gen. Wilkinson), might have to make to Gen. Hampton. The gene- ral had intended, in the course of the day, to send an express to Gen. Hampton, with an order to him to form a junction of his division with the corps descending the St. Lawrence, and availed himself of the op- portunity presented l)y Col. King, to send the order. In passing Pres- cott, two of our largest vessels loaded with provisions, artillery and brd- nance stores, either through cowardice or treachery, had been grounded in the river near Ogdensburgh, and opposite Prescott. The enemy kept up so constant a cannonade on them, tJiat we found it difficult, and lost half a day to get them out. We perceived the militia in arms at Johnstown, directly opposite us, and several pieces of field artillery in motion. Understanding that the coast below was lined Avith posts of musketry and artillery at every narrow pass of the river. Colonel Macomb was detached about one o'clock with the elite corps of about 1200 men, to remove these obstructions, and the general got under way about half past three o'clock. Four or five miles below, we entered the first rapids of the river, and soon after passing them, two pieces of light artillery which Colonel Ma- comb had not observed, opened a sharp fire upon the general's passage boat, but without any further eflfect than cutting away some of the rigging. Lieutenant Colonel Eustis, with a party of our light gun barges, came within shot of the pieces of the enemy, and a cannonade ensued without injury to either side. In the mean time. Major Forsyth, who was in the rear of the elite of Colonel Macomb, landed his riflemen, advanced upon the enemy's guns, and had his fire drawn by a couple ofvidets, posted in his route, on which their pieces were pi'ecipitately carried off". The general came to at dusk, about six miles below the town of Ham- ilton, where he received a report from Colonel Macomb, who had routed a party at a block house about two miles below, and captured an officer." On the morning of the 7th, information had been received that the enemy had taken a position on the river above Hamilton, at a narrow pass, and had foitified it to annoy the flotilla in passing. These were dislodged by Major Forsyth. A body of dragoons had assembled here for crossing, and the whole of the 8th and following night were de- voted to transporting ^hese. About noon, advice was received that two armed schooners, and a body of the enemy in bateaux, estimated at 1000 or 1500 {men, had descended the river from Kingston, and landed at Prescott; that they had immediately sent a flag across the river to Og- AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 641 densburgh, and demanded the surrender of all public property there, under the penalty of burning the town. Not long after, we received in- formation that the enemy had reembarked at Prescott, in their bateaux, and were following with seven gun boats. While the expedition lay at the narrows near Hamilton, on the 8tb, a council of war was held, Generals Wilkinson, Lewis, Boyd, Covington, Porter, and Swartwout, being present, in which the commander-in-chief stated that his force consisted of 7,000 men, and that he expected to meet 4,000 more under Gen. Hampden, at St. Regis; that his provisions amounted to ten day's bread and twenty day's meat; that from the best of his information the enemy's force was 600 under Colonel Murray, troops of the line at Coteau de Lac, strongly fortified with artillery; 200 on the island opposite, with two pieces of artillery, and about the same number on the south shore, with two pieces of artillery; 200 or 300 men of the British line of artillei-y, but without ammunition, at the Cedars ; at Montreal 200 sailors and 400 mariners, with the militia, numbers unknown ; no fortifications at that city or in advance of it ; 2,500 regular troops ex- pected daily from Quebec; the militiaon the line reported at 20,000 men, Canadians chiefly. This information was procured by colonel Swift, who employed a secret agent for the purpose. Under these cii-cumstances Major General Wilkinson submitted to the council the following pi-opo- sition, viz: Shall the army proceed with all possible rapidity to the at- tack of Montreal ? The above information was given by a confidential agent of reputed integrity, who left Montreal on the 3d instant ; it was added, that two British armed vessels, with sixty bateaux with troops, had arrived at Prescott this morning, and that four hundred were the last evening. at Cornwall, about thirty-three miles below this point. With these facts before them, the question was asked, "shall we proceed to attack Montreal .'" to which Lewis, Boyd, Brown, and Swartwout, de- cided in the affirmative, and Covington and Porter expressed strong ap- prehensions from want of proper pilots, &c., but saw no other alternative. A body of 300 provincial militia had, the evening before the arrival of the main army, been driven by Forsyth from a block house, with two 6 pound cannon, and this he had burned. On the evening of the 8th, the passage of the cavalry to the north shore was accomplished, and on the 9th at 6 A. M., the 2d brigade with two companies of the 2d artillery, the riflecorps and cavalry commenced their march by land to Williamsburgh, and in the afternoon the flotilla moved down the river. Very early in the morning, the enemy in the rear had a slight skirmish with the rjfl&- raen, in which we had one man killed, and the enemy retired. The object of Gen. Brown's being sent forward with a part of the army, was to clear the shore of any annoyances which the enemy might have erect- ed, opposite the rapids and narrow defiles of the river. The flotilla passed down 11 miles, and came to for the night, and the army encamped on ground selected by Gen. Boyd, guards were posted, and all remained quiet for the night. The enemy continued to follow up the rear, and on arriving at Hamilton availed themselves of the opportunity to send to that village a peremptory demand for the restoration of some merchan- dise that had been captured under the following circumstances: In October, 1813, some six or eight bateaux laden with merchandise, and owned in Kingston and Toronto, were passing along up the river, under the Canadian shore, and were moored for the night, not far from opposite the head of Ogden's island, when they were surprised, while most of the crews were sleeping, and captured without resistance. This expedition was planned and executed mostly under the direction of Ben- 642 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE jamiii Richards, of Hamilton, acting under a letter of marque, and as- sisted by a volunteer party of citizens. A part of the captured goods were stored in a warehouse in the village, and the cloths and lighter articles were taken to Madrid (Columbia village) and in other inirts of the town for greater security. Soon after Gen. Wilkinson with his army Jiad ))assed, Col. Morrison of the army which hung upon the rear of the Americans, stopped at the village, landed a part of jiis force, and de- manded a surrender of the merchandise. No resistance could of course be offered or attempted, and he was proceeding to take what might be found of the property. While engaged in this, he heard a cannonade below, which made him impatient of delay, and he hastily spiked a 6 pound iron cannon which he found in the village, and ordered the goods and building in which they were to be set on fire. The day was beautifully dry and sunny, and the building, if burned, must have con- sumed a considerable part of the village. The principal citizens begged of the commanding officer of the enemy to consider this, and succeeded in getting tiie order coimtermanded under the stipulation that all the goods inthe village which had been captured should be the next day landed on the Canada shore. This agreement was fulfilled, but the portions which had been sent back to the Grass river were still in the hands of the captors. Some barracks belonging to the village of Hamilton, and which had been used by detachments of troops, were burned. In January following, Capt. Reuben Sherwood, an active loyalist, of daring courage, who was well acquainted with the country, having acted as a surveyor, and who often appeared without disguise or concealment on the south shore of the St. Lawrence, crossed the river near Point Iroquois, with the design of recovering the remainder of the merchan- dise. He arrived late. in the evening with a company of provincial ixiilitia, [)0sted guards in the village to prevent resistance, pressed a number of teams with their drivers, and proceeded to Columbia village,^ where he succeeded in recovering, without difficulty, the greater part of what had been deposited in that place, which had not been purloined. The party engaged in this incursion returnetl about day light, decked out with ribbons and streamers of brilliant colors, which formed a part of their capture, and recrossed the St. Lawrence, without the loss of a man. Scandal relates that a party was hastily rallied to pursue and recover the goods, but that a quantity of shrub, a very agreeable mixed liquor, was left in a conspicuous place, which had its designed effect, and that the pursuing party were thus disarmed. This incursion, from the boldness with which it was conceived and executed, created a general feeling of insecurity among the inhabitants, and convinced them that the state of war was a reality; that they were at any moment liable to an unexpected and unwelcome visit from the enemy, and that their lives and property were alike at the mercy of the British. From this lime forward, there was nothing attempted that might provoke retaliation, or invite an unceremonious visit from Canada. To return from this digression: on the morning of Nov. 10, informa- tion was received that the enemy had collected at or near the foot of the Long saut, determined to oppose the passage of the flotilla. To dis- lodge these, Gen. Brown was sent forward, and about noon was engaged by a party of tlie enemy near a block house on the saut, erected to har- rass the flotilla in its descent. At the same time the enemy \yere ob- served in'the rear, who commenced a cannonade, which obliged the general to order two 18 pounders to be run on shore, and formed in AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 643 battery, which soon compelled them to retire up the river. These oper- ations had so far wasted the day, that the pilots were afraid to enter the saut, and they came to anchor opposite the premises of John Chrysler, about nine miles above the head of the Long saut rapid. At 4 p. bi., a party of 50 men under Capt. Burbank, fell in with a party of the enemy in a grove about a mile in the rear of the camp, who were dispersed by a few volleys, losing one man and killing two. A few minutes after this', a small body of mounted men appeared in the road near the river, who were fired upon by our rear guard of gun boats, and dispersed. At 5 o'clock, a body of men appeared at the same place, with two 6 pound- ers, and opened a fire on our gun boats, which was returned, and kept up for some minutes. Gen. Boyd advanced against these, who retired. As it was considered important to hear from Gen. Brown, whether the passage was clear before committing himself to the saut, from which there was no retreat, the American flotilla fell down a short distance, and came to under Cook's point,* about a mile below Chrysler's. Before giving an account of the battle that ensued, it may be well to describe the topography of the country. The Canada shore is here very level with the exception of three or four ravines, caused by rivulets, which would afford no obstacle to the crossing of troops, but would hinder the passage of artillery. With the exception of a narrow strip of woods, between, Chrysler's farm and Cook's point, the country was cleared. Parallel with the river, and a mile distant, lays an ash swamp, which forbade the mai"ch of troops. The current of the river at the point is very strong, the channel being but 1,300 yards ovei', and very deep, so that it would have been ditficult for boats to retain a position, except near the shore. During the whole voyage, and especially at the time of the battle. Gen. Wilkinson was very ill, and much of the time , confined to his cabin. Word having been received about 10 o'clock, that Brown had dislodged the enemy, and was proceeding down, orders were issued for the flotilla to sail, when eight of the enemy's gun boats appeared in the rear, and commenced a smart fire upon the rear guard of gun boats. Several shots were directed at tlie flotilla, but none took effect. A large row galley, carrying a 32 pound cari'onade, was the most formidable in the enemy's line. The following is an extract from Gen. Wilkinson's ofiicial account of the events of the 11th of November: " A variety of reports of their movements and counter movements were brought to me in succession, which convinced me of their deter- mination to hazard an attack, when it could be done to the greatest ad- vantage; and therefore I resolved to anticipate them. Directions were accordingly sent by that distinguished ofiicer, Col. Swift, of the engineers, to Brig. Gen. Boyd, to throw the detachments of his command assigned to him in the order of the preceding day, and composed of his own, Covington's and Swartwout's brigades, into three columns, to march upon the enemy, outflank them, if possible, and take their artillery. The action soon after commenced with the advanced body of the enemy, and became extremely sharp and galling, and with occasional pauses, not sus- tained with great vivacity in open space and fair combat, for upwards of *The river at this place is very narrow, and in the following summer, a small fort of earth and timber liaving the shape of the annexed plan was erected. It enclosed a quarter of an acre, and was built under Lieut Ingles, from whom it received the name of Ingle's fort It has since been levelled . 644 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE two and a half hours, the adverse lines alternately yielding and advanc- ing. It is impossible to say with accuracy what was our number on tlie field, because it consisted of indefinite detachments taken from the boats to render safe the passage of the saut. Gens. Covington and Swartwout voluntarily took part in the action, at the head of detachments from their respective brigades, and exhibited the same courage that was displayed by Brig. Gen. Boyd, who ha|)pened to be the senior oflicer on the ground. Our force engaged might have reached 1,600 or 1,700 men, but actually did not exceed 1,800; that of the enemy was estimated from 1,200 to 2,000, but did not probably amount to more than 1,500 or 1,600, consist- ing, as I am informed, of detachments from the 49th, 84th and 104th regiments of the line, with three companies of the Voltigeur and Glen-' gary corps, and the militia of the country, who were not included in the estimate. It would be presumptuous in me to attempt to give a detailed account of the affair, which certainly reflects high honor on the valor of the American soldier, as no examples can be produced of undisciplined men with inexiperienced officers, braving a fire of two hours and a half, with- out quitting the field, or yielding to their antagonist. The information is derived from officers in my confidence, who took active parts in this conflict; for though I was enabled to order the attack, it was my hard fortune not to be able to lead the troops I commanded. The disease with which I was assailed on the 2d of September, on my journey to Fort George, having, with a few short intervals of convalescence, preyed on me ever since, and at the moment of this action, I was confined to ray bed, and emauciated almost to a skeleton, unable to set on my horse, or move ten paces without assistance. I must, however, be par- doned for trespassing on your time a few remarks in relation to the afftur. The objects of the British and American commanders were precisely opposed; the last being bound by the instructions of his government, and the most solemn obligations of duty, to precipitate his designs on the St. Lawrence by every [iracticable means; because this being effect- ed, one of the greatest difficulties opposed to the American arms, would be surmounted; and the first, by duties equally imperious, to retard and if possible, prevent such descent. He is to be counted victorious who effected his purpose I The British commander having failed to gain either of his objects, can lay no claim to the honors of the day. The battle fluctuated, and seemed at different times inclined to the contend- ing corps. The front of the enemy were at first forced back more than a mile, and though they never regained the ground they lost, their stand was permanent and their courage resolute. Amidst these charges and near the close of the contest, we lost a field piece by the fall of an officer who was serving it, with the same coolness as if he had been at a parade or a review. This was Lieut. Smith, of the light artillery, who, in point of merit, stood at the head of his grade. The enemy having halted and our troof»s being again formed into battalion, front to front, we resumed our position on the bank of the river, and the infantry being much fatigued, the whole were reembarked and proceeded down the river without any further annoyance from the enemy or their gun boats, while the dragoons with five pieces of light artillery, marched down the Canada shore without molestation. It is due to his rank, to his worth, and bis services, that I should make pai-ticular mention of Brig. Gen. Covington, who received a mortal wound directly through the body, while animating his men and leading them to the charge. He fell where he fought, at the head of his men, and sur- AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 645 vived but two days. The next njorning the flotilla passed through the saut, and joined that excellent officer, Brig. Gen. Brown, at Barnhart's, near Cornwall, where he had been instructed to take post and await my arrival. And where I confidently expected to hear of Major General Hampton's arrival on the ojjposite shore. But immediately after I halted, Col. Atkinson, the inspector general of the division under Major Gen. Hampton, waited on me with a letter from tliat officer, in which to my unspeakable regret and surprise, he declined the junction ordered, and informed me he was marching towards lake Cham plain by way of co- operating in the proposed attack upon Montreal. This letter, together with a copy of that to which it is an answer, was immediately transmit- ted to a council of wai', composed of my general officei-sand the colonel commanding the elite, the chief engineer and the adjutant general, who unanimously gave it as their opinion, that the attack upon 3Iontreal should be abandoned for the present season, and the army near Corn- wall should be immedia'tely crossed to the American shore for taking up ■winter quarters, and that this place afforded an eligible position for such quarters. I acquiesced in these o|)inions, not from the shortness of the stock of provisions, (which had been reduced by the acts of God), because that of our meat had been increased five days, and our bread had been reduced only two days, and because we could in case of extremity, have lived on the enemy; but, because the loss of the division under Major Gen. Hamilton, weakened my foree too sensibly to justify the at- tempt. In all my measures and movements of moment, I have taken the opinion of my general officers, whicli have been in accord with my own. I remained on the Canada shore until next day, without seeing or hearing from the "powerful force" of the enemy in our neighborhood, and the same day reached the position with the artillery and infautiy. The dragoons have been ordered to Utica and its vicinity, and I expect are fifty or sixty miles on the march. You have under cover a summary abstract of the killed and wounded in the affair of the 11th inst. which shall soon be followed by a particular return, in which a just regard shall be paid to individual merits. The dead rest in honor, and the wounded bled for their country and deserve its gratitude." Killed. — Subalterns 3; Serjeants 7; corporals 3; musicians 1; privates 88 ; total 102. Wounded. — Brigadier general 1 ; assistant adjutant general 1 ; aid-de- camp 1; colonel 1; major 1; captains 5; subalterns 6; Serjeants 9; corporals 13: musicians 1; privates 198; total 237. Total killed and wounded, 339. JVames of the commissioned officers killed and wounded. — Killed, Lieut. Wm. W. Smith, of the light artillery; Lieutenant David Hunter, of the 12th regiment of infantry; Lieutenant Edward Olmstead, loth do., do. Wounded. — Brig. Gen. Leonard Covington, mortally, (since dead); Major Talbot Chambers, assistant adjutant general, slightly; Maj. Darby Noon, aid-de-camp to Brigadier Gen. Swartwout, slightly; Colonel James P. Preston, of the 23d regiment infantry, severely, his right thigh fractured; Major W. Cummings, 8th regiment, severely; Captain Ed- wai'd Foster, 9th do., slightly; Captain David S. Townsend, do. do., severely, (taken prisoner); Captain Mordecai Myers, 13th do., severely; Captain John Campbell, do., slightly; Captain John B. Murdoc, 2.5th do., slightly; Lieut. Wm. S. Heaton, 11th do., severely; Lieut. John 646 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE Williams, 23d, do., slightly; Lieut. John Lynch, do. severely, (taken prisoner); Lieutenant Peter Pelham, 21st do. severely, (taken prisoner); Lieutenant James D. Brown, 25th do., slightly; Lieut. Archibald C. Crary, do. do., severely, in tlie skirmish the day before the action, British Official Account of the Battle, dated LaChine, ISthJSfov. 1813. General Orders.— His Excellency the Governor General and Com- mander of the forces, has received from Lieut. Col. Morrison, 89th regi- ment, the official report of the action which took place on the 11th inst., at Chrysfler's farm, 20 miles above Cornwall, between the corps of ob- servation, consisting of the 49th and 89th regiments, and a detachment from the garrison at Preseott, under Lieut. Col. Pearson, the whole amounting to about 800 men, and the principal division of the enemy's army, commanded by Major General Boyd. On the day preceding the action, an affair took place in consequence of the corps of observation ])ressiug on the enemy, which after a short conflict, determined in his defeat, the British division occupying that night the ground on which the affair had taken place. On the 11th, Lieut. Col. Morrison continued his pursuit, when the enemy concentrating his force, made a grand effort to relieve himself from so troublesome an opponent, and advanced with his heavy columns of infantry, supported by artillery, his front covered by a numerous body of cavalry and riflemen. Lieut. Col. Morrison fell back gradually, and took up a judicious position, (which he had previously made choice of), with his little band, his right on the river, consisting of the flank companies of the 49th regiment and a de- tachment of the Canada fencibles, under Lieut. Col. JPearsen, with a six pounder a little advanced, supported by the companies of the 89th regiment, under Captain Barnes; the 49th and 89th regiments formed the main body of reserve extending across the road to a pine wood, occupying a space of seven hundred yard.s. Major Heriot, with a de- tachment of the Canadian Voltigeurs, and a small baud of Indian war- riors under Lieut. Anderson, secured the left flank. The action com- menced about 2 o'clock, p.m., and in half an hour became general, the enemy attempting to turn the left of the British, but were repulsed by the 49th and 89th regiments, which advanced firing by wings and pla- toons. The enemy having failed in this attempt, united their utmost efforts in an attack on the right, supported by four pieces of artillery and their cavalry, which was in like manner repulsed, the 49th and 89th regiments having moved up in echellon and formed in line; a charge commenced by the 49th regiment, was not persevered in, in consequence of the enemy's having charged upon the right, and threatened to gain the rear; but their cavalry were so gallantly received by the three companies of the 89th regiment under Captain Barns, and the well directed fire of the artillery under Capt. Jackson, that they were instantly repulsed, and by the rapid pursuit of Capt Barn's party, a six pounder was cfiptured from the enemy, whose attention was now solely directed to cover the retreat of his beaten forces. In this last effort he was foiled by a judicious movement of the corps under Lieut. Col. Pearson, who continued to pursue the enemy in his flight. [Here Col. Morrison speaks of the merits of Lieut. Cols. Pearson and Plenderleath ; Majors Clifford and Heriot, of the militia, and Capt. Jackson; also of Lieut. Col. Harvey; Captains Skinner and Davis, of the staff; Lieut. Anderson, of the Indian depart- ment; and Lieut. Hagerman of the militia.] AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 647 It is with deep regret that Lieut. Col. Morrison transmits a list of casualties, containing the loss of several brave soldiers, but when the unequal contest, and the quadruple loss of the enemy, and the im- portance of this splendid victory are considered, the comparative British loss will appear less than might reasonably be expected. [The particular returns of the several corps are omitted.] Total. — 1 captain, *2 drummers, and 19 rank and file, killed; 1 captain, 9 subalterns, 6 Serjeants, and 131 rank and file wounded; twelve rank and file missing. Mimes of Officers killed and wounded. — ^19th" regiment, Capt. Nairne, killed; Lieut. Jones, wounded dangerously; Lieut. Clans, wounded, left leg amputated; Lieut. Morton, wounded severely, not dangerously; Lieut. Richmond, wounded slightly. 89th regiment — Capt. Brown, w^ounded severely, not dangerously; Ensign Leaden, wounded slightlj". 49th flank compan}' — Lieut. Holland, wounded severely. Canadian Fencibles — Lieut.. Delorimiere, wounded dangerously, since dead ; Lieut. Armstrong, wounded dangerously. By his Excellency's command, Edward Bat^jer, Adj. Gen., N.A. The preceding reports were made the subject of severe comments by the American press, generally. The following account of the battle was prepared by Dr. A. Trow- bridge, of WatertowD, N. Y., who was present: ■ "Night came on and all schemes for meeting or attacking the enemy were changed for making suitable arrangements for the safety of the camp. The troops were marched back and posted on the same ground they occupied the night before. Strong guards were sent out in different directions, the troops were posted in line of battle, and directed to sleep on their arrns. The night passed uninterrupted by alarms. It appeared evident from the movements of the enemy that a considerable force was advancing to attack us or pass our rear by land. The morning of the 11th was spent in making the usual preparations for marching. At 10 orders were issued for detachments of Generals Boyd's, Covington's and Swartwout's brigades, with 4 pieces of light artillery, and the re- maining body of dragoons to march to join Gen. Brown, wiio it was un- derstood had dispersed the enemy and taken a position at Cornwall. The movements had begun when the rear was attacked, the boats were brought to, and Gen. Swartwout sent back to meet the enemy. He dashed into the woods with the 2d regiment infantry, coiumanded by Col. Ri})ley, who, after a short skirmish, drove them back to a ravine, where they kept up a sharp fire upon our advancing columns, which charged upon the enemy, killed and wounded several, and took 20 pri- soners. The enemy retreated in a scattered condition, in various direc- tions. The main body of the enemy were now seen advancing in columns on the west extremity of Chrystler's field. They opened a fire of musketry, and from a six pounder which was heavy, and galling upon our troops composed of the 1st regiment and a detachment from the first brigade commanded by Col. Cole. This body was now ordered to flank the enemy's left. This was promptly done imder a heavy fire from the enemy. Gen. Covington having been ordered up now took the position just left by Ripley and Coles, nearly in front of the enemy, and within rifle shot distance. The fight now become general and quite stationary. 648 HISTORY OP ST LAWRENCE Gen. Covington soon received a mortal wound by a rifle shot. Col. Preston next in command, w^as soon after w^ounded in the thigh by a ball, fractur- ing the bone. Major Cumins was next wounded, and was obliged to re- tire. Many platoon officers were wounded or killed, and within 30 minutes after, the whole brigade was in confusion and left the field. A few minutes previous, two six pounders were brought up by Lieut. Smith, and posted near some houses occupied by the enemy. Their position was favorable and their fire destructive to the enemy, but the lieutenant was soon killed, and most of his men wounded by musketry from the liouses, and our piece taken. The enemy's fire was now turned upon Ripley and Coles flanking party retiring from their position. About this time a squadron of dragoons commanded by Maj. Woodferd, took a])osi- tion in the rear, and suffered much from the enemy's fire. They were finally ordered to charge the enemy. This was made in the road upon the enemy in houses and behind board fences. The whole body soon returned with 30 horses without riders. The enemy's attention was so much diverted from Ripley and Coles retreating detachment, that by passing, partly covered by the forest, they made good their retreat. The guard left at the boats was ordered up commanded by Col. Upham. They occupied a position a few minutes in front of the enemy, who remained stationary in column, keeping up a steady fire from iwo six pounders upon everything that appeared on the field to annoy them. Many of our wounded had been taken back to the boats ; about 40 were left in a ravine and taken by the enemy. Gen. Boyd was the senior officer on the ground. Gen. Wilkinson was sick and confined to his boat and bed, and unable to muster forces without assistance. Gen. Lewis, next in command, was sick and unable to do duty. Tlie American troops were stationed on the margin of the river near the flotilla, and were reembarked with the wounded and sick, and pro- ceeded down the river without further annoyance from the enemy or their gun boats, Avhile the dragoons with 15 pieces of artillery, marched down the Canada shore, witjjout molestation. The flotilla arrived at the heac of the saut at 9 o'clock p. m., and encamped on the American side of the river. The badly wounded were placed in barns and log houses, and made as comfortable as circumstances would permit. The weather was cold, with snow and sleet, with storm and wind. The next morning the flotilla passed the saut, and joined Gen. Brown at Baruharts, near Cornwall. A council of officers was called which soon unanimously gave their opinion that the attack on Montreal should be abandoned, and that the army should be immediately crossed to the American shore for taking up winter quarters. The dragoons were recrossed and marched for Utica the same day, and the flotilla proceeded directly to French Mills, where they arrived the same night at 3 o'clock A. M. On the arrival of the army ai French Mills the weather become intensely severe and re- mained so till the 23d of January. The soldiers have been subject to great fatigue; many had lost their blankets and extra clothing. The sick and wounded had no covering or shelter except tents in the severe lati- tude of 45 degrees. In the vicinity of French Mills, the country was a wildnerness. Provisions were scarce and of bad quality. Medicine and hospital stores were not to be found, and a supply could not be obtained short of Albany, a distance of 250 miles. It was ascertained that these stores were abundantly provided at Sacketts Harbor, but were, in stead of being placed on board of separate boats, distributed throughout the boats of the flotilla for which no officer could be made accountable. The want of these necessaries for the sick and wounded was severely felt. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 649 Under these circumstances, sickness and mortality was very great, and excited general alarm." , On the 11th of November, Hampden wrote to Wilkinson that he would be unable to meet him at St. Regis, but would return to Lake Champiain, and cooperate by a descent from that place. " This reached Wilkinson at Barnhart's island. A council was convened and it was re- solved to cross to the American shore, and take up winter quarters at French Mills, and accordingly the flotilla entered Salmon river and took possession. There a frightful mortality occurred, which is described by Dr. LovelJ, a, surgeon, as follows: The weather soon became intensely cold, and remained so all winter. In addition to the great fatigue to which the soldiers had been exposed, especially the division fioni Fort George, most of them had lost their blankets and extra clothing on their march, or in the action of the 11th. Even the sick had no covering ex- cept tents, fi-om the period they debarked at the Mills, until the 1st of January, in the severe latitute of 45*^. Provisions were scarce and of a bad quality. Medicine and hospital stores were not to be found, having been lost or destroyed in the passage down the St. Lawrence. Under these circumstances sickness and mortality were very great. A morn- ing report now before me, gives 75 sick, out of a small corps of 160. The several regiments of the army, in their returns, exhibited a propor- tionate number unfit for duty. Of the 75 referred to, 39 were reported of diarrhcea and dysentery; 18 of pneumonia; 6 of typhus; and 12 of para- lysis of all the extremities. Many of the paralytics, on their arrival at the Mills, were attended with mortification of the the toes and feet. In a few of these the pain was severe, whei'ein opium not only relieved the pain but checked the progress of the mortification. Stimulants, both externally and internally, were beneficial, and when these remedies were assisted by a nutritious diet, warm lodging and clothing, a cure was effected. The last complaint generally seized those who previously had been extremely reduced by disease, and un- der our unavoidably bad situation, frequently in a few days proved fatal."* " In the vicinity of the French Mills, the country was a wilderness. Huts and hospitals were necessary to render the army comfortable. The erection of these was a work of great labor, and required several weeks to complete it, A supply of hospital stores could not be ob- tained neai'er than Albany, a distance of 250 miles. The want of these necessaries for the support of the very wretched and enfeebled soldier, was most severely felt. The poor subsistence which the bread of the first quality afforded, was altnost the only support that could be had for nearly seven weeks. These accumulated evils the army encountered with much patience and heroic fortitude. Now it was the chief sur- geon, who was with the flotilla, found himself loaded with a weight of censure, of which he should be fairly exonerated, so far as he was blamed for the loss or waste of medicine and hospital stores on the St. Lawrence. It was abundantly demonstrated that no separate transporta- tion for these stores, although expressly ordered by the commander-in- chief, had been provided; but that they had been improvidentally dis- tributed throughout the boats of the flotilla, and for the security of which no officer had been, nor could have been made accountable. The deaths, sickness and distress, at French Mills, xjxcited general alarm. The great mortality had obvious causes for its existence. In all *Mann'8Medic'alketches, p. 119. 650 - HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE such cases censure will fall on some department. And as each was disposed to exonerate itself, upon which was blame more probable to have ali<>hted than the medical — than upon the surgeons of the army under whose immediate care the victims of disease were daily prostrated! Thei'e are to be found some, who ignorant of the effects of medicine on the human constitution, are too prone to believe its exhibi- tion may be equally efficacious, under every circumstance and condition to which the patient may be subjected. Hence it was incorrectly in- ferred, when men were beheld expiring under the prescriptions of the surgeons, the mortality was a consequence of injudicious management or neglect of duty. Predispositions to diseases, the effects of obvious causes, the comfortless conditions of men exposed to cold, wanting the common necessaries of life, to support them in their exhausted states, are seldom taken into consideration. Di-. Lovell, one of the most able and indefatigable surgeons of the army, emphatically observed, " It was impossible for the sick to be restored, with nothing to subsist upon except damaged bread. '* * * '^' * * At Malone Hospital on the 1st of February, 1814, the number of sick had increased to 450. For an additional number of 200, sent from French Mills, rooms were wanted, which were promyjtly j)rovided by Capt. Dwight, A. Q.. M. G., who continued to give me his assistance." for supplying the army of Gen. Wilkinson, an immense quantity of stores had been forwarded from Piattsburgh and Sackett's Harbor, at great expense. A portion of the latter was deposited at Hopkinton, and Malone, and these were constantly arriving when the order to evacuate the place was received. On the week before leaving, about 1400 barrels of pork and beef, a 100 casks of whiskey, and other parts of rations, were sent by James Campbell, assistant store keeper at tlie Mills. About 60 tons of hard biscuit, being considered not worth removing un- der the circumstances, was sank in Salmon river, in a hole cut in the ice, besides which about ten tons were distributed among the inhabitants, to keep from the enemy, but much of this was soon after seized by the British. The troops on evacuating, burned their boats (328 in number), down to the level of the ice, together with their barracks. The ex- penses to government during the time that the army tarried at French Mills, is said to have been $800,000. "On the 9th of February, 1814, orders were issued to leave the canton- ment. One division under Gen. Brown, moved up the St. Lawrence to Sackett's Harbor, the other under the immediate command of the com- mander-in-chief, directed its march to Piattsburgh. In consequence of the retrograde movement of the army from French Mills, the hospital at Malone, at this time under good regulations was broken up and the sick were ordered to proceed on routes destined for their respective regiments. * * * The few accommodations on the routes were wretched. The inhabitants although kind were not under circum- stances to furnish means to render the situation of the sick men even comfortable. Nothing was omitted within their abilities to meliorate their miserable condition. Knowing that so large a detachment of sick and invalids could not be covered at night, if they moved in a body; the sleighs that transported them were successively put in motion in small divisions. Their line of movetnent, three days forming, extended the whole distance from Malone. The first division arrived at Piatts- burgh, the place of their destination, about the time the last commenced its jtrogress. About 20, very sick, who were left in the hospitals, under *Mann,s Medical Sketches. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 651 the care of a citizen physician, were made prisoners of war, by the British, who immediately followed the retrograde march of the army, as far as Malone. Those left in the hospitals were not molested in their persons, but were only dbliged to sign their paroles, the greater part of whom, after five or six weeks, joined the hospital at Burlington.* * * The last of the American army had scarcely left French Mills, and a few teamsters were employed in removing what they might be able of the stores, when a detachment of British troops, marching in columns, and preceded by a hoard of savages, entered the village to plunder whatever of public property might be left. An unlucky teamster, having lingered behind, and as the enemy ap- proached, was attempting to escape, was shot by the officer who com- manded the Indians. The ball lodged in the muscles of the neck, and still, it is said remains; the man, contrary, to all expectations, having survived. He still lives to relate the narrow and hazardous escape which he ran. An account of this incursion was published soon after, in the paper, from which we quote the following: " Oh Saturday, the 19th, the enemy hearing that our troops had marched, ventured to cross the St. Lawrence, with a motely tribe of regu- lars, provincials, and a detachrnent of the devil's own, — sedentary militia, and their brethren, a band of savages. This martial body amused them- selves at French Mills until one o'clock, p. m., and then inarched, with eight pieces of artillery and two cart loads of congreve rockets. At the fork af the roads, eleven miles from the mills, ii detachment was sent off to Malone, aiid the main body passed on to Chateaugay, where it ar- rived about 4 o'clock in the morning of the 20th, There, it is reported, a scene of plunder began, which greatly distressed several of the in- habitants, and every particle of beef, pork or flour, with every drop of whiskey which could be found, was seized on as public property, antl carried away. By this gleaning, without discrimination between the in- dividual and the public, it is believed the enemy earned off between 150 and 200 barrels of provisions of all sorts, good and bad — public and private." During the winter some ten or fifteen teamsters had been hired in Lewis county, and many more from Jefferson, to convey flour from Sackett's Harbor to French Mills. They received each seven barrels, and were allowed nine days to perform the trip, at $4 per day and ra- tions. They arrived at Hopkinton towards the last of January, where their loads were left (some 300 barrels, under the care of a few soldiers), and thence they proceeded to French Mills, to aid in removing the sup- plies from that place to Plaftsburgh. They performed one trip, and were returning, when they were pressed at Chateaugay, and again com- )ielled to return to Plattsburgh, with loads of provisions and stores. This they accomplished, and had got as far as Chateaugay, where 32 teams had stopf>ed at a tavern, in the village for the night. There was a rei)ort in circulation, that the enemy were over, and their horses were left in their harnesses, ready for instant retreat if necessary. Mean- while the party within, unmindful of danger, were singing and drinking to pass away the night, for sleep among such a crowd, was out of the question, when their gayety was suddenly arrested by the entrance of a British officer (Major Sherwood), who enquired of the landlord, who these gentlemen were, and on being told that they were American team- sters, he informed tiiem that they were all prisoners of war. There were but 28 British soldiers, wiio were under the immediate command *Manii,s MeJical Sketches. 652 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE of Captain Conklin. The night was spent in searching for military stores and provisions, which were placed in the sleighs, and in the morn- ing they commenced a retreat with whatever they could pick of public property.* Gen. Hampden's movements have been alluded to. He had been ordered in September to proceed to Burlington, and Vaise recruits to join Gen. Wilkinson in his proposed operations. He advanced a short dis- tance into Canada, and returned to Chazy, from whence he proceeded to Chateau gay. His artillery consisted of 8 six pounders, 1 twelve and 1 howitzer, but was deficient in military supplies and provisions. On the first of Octo- ber, an attack was niade with 3 or 400 regulars and as many Indians, upon Col. Snelling, an outpost, but was repulsed. On the 21st of October, an incursion was made into Canada, but without accomplishing its object. An intervening forest of eleven or twelve miles existed before 'reaching the Canadian settlements on the Chateaugay, and the obscure road through this had been blocked up by fallen timber, and was defended by the Indians and light troops of the enemy. The following is an extract from the official account of Gen. Hampden : "Brig. Gen. Izard, with the lig-ht troops and one regiment of the line, was detached early in the morning to turn these impediments in flank, and to seize the more open country below, while the army preceded by a strong working party, advanced on a more circuitous route for a road. The measure completely succeeded, and the main body of the army reached the advanced position on the evening of the 22d. The 23d and 24th were employed in completing the road, and getting up the artillery and stores. I had arranged at my departure under the direction of Maj. Parker, a line of communication as far up the St. Lawrence as Ogdensburgh, for the purpose of hastening to me the first notice of the progress of our army down. I had surmounted 24 miles of the more difficult part of the route, and had in advance of me seven miles of open country, but at the end of that distance commenced a wood of some miles in extent, which had been formed into an entire abatis, and filled by a succession of wooden breast-works, the rearmost of which was supplied with ordnance. In front of these defences were placed the Indian force and light corps of the enemy, and in the rear all his disposable force. As the extent of this force depended on his sense of danger on the St. Lawrence, it was a cause of regret that all communication from yourself or Major Parker, seemed to be at an end. As it was however b.elieved that the enemy was hourly adding to his strength in this position if free frotn the ap|)rehension of danger fi-om above, an effort was judged necessary to dislodge him, and if we succeeded we should be in possession of a position which we could hold as long as aey doubts remained of what was passing abov^e, and of the real part to be assigned us. Our guides assured us of a shoal and practic.ible fording place opposite the lower flank of the enemy's de- fenses, and that the woods on the opposite side of the river, a distance of seven or eight miles, was practicable for the passage of the troops. Col. Purdy, with the light corps and a strong body of infantry of the line, was detached at an early hour of the night of the 25th, to gain this ford by the morning, and to commence his attack in the rear, and that was to be signal for the army to fall on in front, and it was believed the pass might be cari-ied before the enemy's distant troops could be brought forward to its support. I had returned to my quarters from Purdy's column about 9 ♦Among other stores they took oft' a large cask, supposed to conlain rum, Imt which when they reached Fiench Mills, was found to hold nothing- but water. The unfortunate cask was nstautly knocked in the iiead, much to the amusement of the teamsters. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 653 o'clock at night, when I found a Mr. Baldwin, of the quarter master general's dapartment, who put into my hands an open paper from the quarter master general, respecting the building of huts in the Chateaugay, below the line. This paper sunk my hopes, and raised serious doubts of receiving that efficient support which had been anticipated. I would have recalled the column but it was in motion, and the darkness of the night rendered it impracticable. 1 could only go forward. The army was put in motion on the morning of the 26th, leaving its baggage &c., on the ground of encampment. On advancing near the enemy it was found that the column on the opposite side was not as far advanced as had been anticipated. The guides had misled it, and finally failed in finding the ford. We could not communicate with it, but only waited the attack below. At 2 o'clock the firing commenced, and our troops advanced rapidly to the attack. The enemy's light troops commenced a sharp fire, but Brig. Gen. Izard, advanced with his brigade, drove him every where behind his defenses, and silenced the fire in the front. This brigade would have pushed forward as far as courage, skill and perse- verance could have carried it; but on advancing it was found that the firing had commenced on the opposite side, and the ford had not been gained. The enemy retired behind his defenses, but a renewal of his attack was expected, and their troops remained some time in their posi- tion to meet it. The troops on the opposite side were excessively fatigued. The enterprise had failed in its main point, and Colonel Purdy was ordered to withdraw his column to a shoal four or five miles above, and cross over. The day Avas spent, and Gen. Izard was ordered to with- draw his brigade to a position three miles in the rear, to which place the baggage had been ordered forward. The slowness and order with which Gen. Izard retired with his brigade, could but have inspired the enemy with respect. They presumed not to venture a shot at him during bis movement, but the unguardedness of some part of Purdy's command ex- posed him to a rear attack from the Indians, which was repeated after dark, and exposed him to some loss. These attacks were always re- pelled, and must have cost the enemy as many lives as we lost. Our en- tire loss of killed, wounded and missing, does not exceed fifty. In its new position within three miles of the enemy's post, the army encamped on the night of the 26th, and remained until 12 o'clock of the 28th. All the deserters, of whom there were four, having concurred in the informa- tion that Sir George Provost, with three other general officers, had ar- rived with the whole of his disposable force, and lay in the rear of these defences, and a letter from Major " Parker (by express received in the evening of the 26th), having informed me that no movement down the St. Lawrence had been heard of at Ogdensburgh, and for some distance above. The following questions were submitted to the commanding officers of the brigades, regiments and corps, and the heads of the general staff, in a council convened for the purpose : " It is advisable under ex- isting circumstances, to renew the attack on the enemy's position, and if not, what position is it advisable for the army to take, until it can receive advices of the advance of the grand army down the St. Lawrence?" The opinion of the council was expressed in the following words : " It is the unanimous opiniou of this council that it is necessary, for the pre- servation of this army and the fulfillment of the ostensible views of the government, that we immediately return by orderly marches to such a position (Chateaugay), as will serve our communications with the United States, eirher to retire into winter quarters, or to be ready to strike below." In pursuance of this opinion the army has retui-ned by slow marches to this place, and now awaits the order of the government." 39 654 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE As soon as news reached Plattsburgh that the enemy had followed, a bod}' of troops was sent back to meet them, but they were soon informed that tlie invading party had retreated. In our accoimts of Hopkinton, Malone and Fort Covington, are given the details of this affair. The unsuccessful issue of the military operations of the northern army in the campaign of 1813, created much dissatisfaction throughout the Union, and the conduct of the generals who had conducted the enter- prises became the subject of severe censure, and both became the subject of investigation by courts martial. That of Gen. Wilkinson was by an order of the secretary of war, assembled at Utica, in January, 1815, and adjourned to Troy. He was charged, 1st, witli neglect of duty and un- ofiicer like conduct, stated in eight particulars; 2d, with drunkenness on duty, with two specifications; 3d, conduct unbecoming an officer and gentleman, with six instances; and 4th, in countenancing and encourag- ing disobedience of orders. To all of these he plead not guilty, and after a protracted trial, during which his actions and motives wei-e severely canvassed, he was discharged. The official correspondence of the cam- paign was published by order of Congress, On the 25th of March, 1814, the citizens of Franklin county held a public meeting at Malone, to unite in a petition to the legislature for protection against the insults and ravages of the enemy. With glowing and expressive language they represented their miseries, and invoked aid to protect their property from ravage and themselves from insult. The following is an extract from this document. ^We, the subscribers, being chairman and secretary of a genei-al meet- ing of the inhabitants of Franklin county, do respectfully represent: That we are peculiarly and dangerously situated, and as freemen of this state, and citizens of our common country, ready to shed our blood in its defense, we ask for protection. Like our brethren of the Niagara frontiers, many of our good citizens have experienced the spoliation of their goods, clothing and provisions, the locks of our desks and trunks have been broken, and books sacred and profane, valuable papers and money have been taken from them. We have escaped massacre and conflagration, but we have witnessed that Avhoever run was stopped by the force of powder and lead, and whoever submitted was under the humiliating and mortifying situation of being an eye witness to the spoliation of his goods. But this whole country is exposed to daily depradations. The barbarous savage may be prowling about our dwellings, and in our weak state of defense we must tamely submit to every insult and injury. The father experiences, with tenfold increase, the anxious solicitude of a parent and a husband. The mother hugs her infant closer to her breast, contemplating with fear and horror the dangers that await her. The God of mercy only knows how soon the father may fall a victim to the brutal inhumanity of our enemy, in defending the land, the home of his affection ; how soon the infant may be torn from the arms of its mother, and sacrificed to the sanguinary notions of a brutal foe ; and how soon the house that shelters them from the stormy tempest, maybe laid in ashes, and not a vestige of husbandry or cultivation be left to mark the residence of man. Why have these calamities happened ? Has it been the production of General Hampton's letters to the secretary at war, degrading the frontier settlements as almost improper subjects of protection, that the army should be ordered from their strong positions in this county, to the vil- lages of Plattsburgh and Sacketts Harbor.? These are strange move- AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 655 ments, at a great sacrifice of public property, which we are unable to account for. But our situation is too dangerous and degrading- for us as Americaii citizens, to have patience to sit peaceably under, and yet to flee our resi- dences would but complete the ruin which is already begun. We do further represent, that our enemies are continually drawing supplies of provisions from our frontiers, and the majesty of the civil law is trampled under foot, and the arm of the magistrate is put forth with little or no effect. Our jail has been opened by our enemies, and prisoners set at liberty, and our military force is wholly insufficient to render us secure. By an act of April 6, 1814, the sheriff of St. Lawrence county was directed to remove the prisoners in the county jail, to the Lewis county jail, for safekeeping. In the summer of 1814, Capt. Thomas Frazer crossed the St. Lawrence at Hammond, with 60 men, and proceeded to Rossie to apprehend some horse thieves who were said to be lurking in the vicinity. Mr. James Howard was at the time holding a justice's court, which was hastily dis- solved, and the parties sought were not secured. They made inquiries into the operations of the furnace then building, and are said to have exacted a pledge that munitions of war should not be cast there. In returning several persons volunteered to row them down the lake to the narrows, from whence they crossed to Canada. A plan was formed to attack them as they passed down the river, but this was discountenanced as only calculated to excite retaliation. This event occurring at about the time of the taking of Washington, gave rise to the presage, "that since the head and tail of the nation had both been captured, the re- mainder of the body would follow as a natural consequence." 656 msTORY OF st. Lawrence CHAPTER X. THE PATRIOT WAR OF 1837-40. HERE had existed for several years in the Canadian provinces, a pai-ty which labored to obtain certain reforms in government, among which were the extension of the elective fran- chise and the procuring of a responsible elective council. This aroused a bitter feeling, and late in November, 1837, the press of the reformers was destroyed by a mob, which but increased the excitement, and at length the aid of the military force was called out to arrest certain prominent leaders of the reform party. The prisons became filled with persons charged with treason ; martial law was proclaimed in the lower province, and numerous instances of wanton violence on the part of the soldiery occurred. Numbers fled to the states for an asylum, and the popular riots that ensued were only aggravated by the efforts made to suppress them. It is not our purpose to narrate the details of the causes pr merits of the movement, but however much justice there may have, been in the demands of the reformers, it will be the duty of the future historian to record the fact, that the pretext was seized by sundry American citi- zens, as a favorable opportunity to push forward their private schemes of personal aggrandizement and pecuniary speculation, and the planning of enterprises which they had neither the honor nor the courage to sus- tain when their support involved personal danger. The masses who acted in these movements, were doubtless actual^ed by sincere motives, and were blinded and misled by a few designing villians. The sympa- thies of our citizens have ever been on the side of political liberty, and our past history is filled with examples of its expression towards those seeking it, and this was the more sensibly felt from the vicinity of the arena of operations, and the belief that the sentiment of revolution, and aspirations for an independent republican existence were entertained by the masses of Canada. Refugees from the provinces were scattered through the northern states, who related with excited language, their version of the movements, and these causes, with many others concur- ring, led to efforts having for their avowed object the independence of the Canadas. The destruction of the American steamer Caroline,* Dec..29, * The Caroline was built as a small coasting' sail vessel, in South Carolina, and her timber "was the live oak of that section. At Troy she was changed into a small steamer, and under the name of Carolina, was run from Troy to Albany for some time. She "was then taken through the Erie and Oswego canals to Lake Ontario, and plied as a ferry at Ogdensburgh. From this place she was taken through the Welland canal, and was used as a small ferry boat at Buffalo and vicinity, when she was employed in the patriot service, seized and destroyed by a party of Canadians. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 657 1837, excited this feeling to an extraox'diuary degree, and public ?iieetings were held throughout the country to express an honest indignation at the outrage and invoke the executive arm to protect our national rights. In this movement there vs^as no political or sectional feeling. The sub- ject became the absorbing topic of the press, and eveiy mail was eagerly awaited to learn the news fi'om the seat of the disturbances. On the 12th of Feb., 1838, Wm. L. McKenzie, a prominent leader of the move- ment, addressed the citizens of Ogdensburgh on the Canadian question, and in the evening and following morning a cannon was fired several times with the view of honoring the speaker, but with the effect of as- sembling crowds of excited citizens. In the evening several persons from Pi'escott crossed to ascertain the cause of the firing, who met a company of the Patriots, (as the friends of the movement were called,^ who arrested and detained them till morning. This illegal proceeding irritated the Canadians, and increased the hostility. On the 18th of Feb. 1838, ,the state arsenal at Watertown was robbed, and a reward of $250 offered for the burglars. Active measures were taken to assemble arms and munitions of war along the frontier, and secret associations styled Hunters' lodges, wer6 soon formed in the large villages, to organize a plan of resistance, and circulate early intelligence of the movements. On the night between the 29th and 30th of May, 1838, the British steam boat Sir Robert Peel, on her passage from Prescott to the head of * the lake, while taking fuel, at Well's Island, in Jefferson county, was boarded by a company of armed men, the crew and passengers driven on shore, and the steamer burned. The details of this infamous trans- action, as collected soon after by several gentlemen from Ogdensburgh, are given below : " On the 30th of May, the undersigned were informed that the steamer Sir Robert Peel, a British boat, had been boarded by a band of armed men, plundered and burnt, at a place known as Wells island, Jefierson county. We immediately started in the steam boat Oswego for the neighborhood of the outrage, and at Brockville took with us the purser and several of the hands of the steam boat Sir Robert Peel, with a view to obtain their testimony in aid of bringing the offenders to justice. On our arrival at French Creek, we learned that six men were then under arrest charged with the offence of burning and plundering the boat, and that three had been committed. From the evidence taken, we think we can not err in saying the fol- lowing is the substance of the facts relative to the destruction of the Sir Robert Peel: On the night of the 29th of May, the steamer on her pass- age up from Prescott to the head of the lake, touched at a wharf on Wells (a United States) island. The wharf was built entirely for selling wood to steam boats. There was no building, except one log shanty, belonging to the woodmen, within half a mile or more of the wharf, and there is not more than an acre of cleai-ed land in sight of the wharf, on the island. When the boat first touched at the wharf, the man furnish- ing wood informed the captain of the boat that he had seen armed men on the island, and he was afraid they might be there with hostile inten- tions against the boat. The captain made light of the woodman's warn- ing, let down the steam, and proceeded to take in wood. The captain, mate, and all the cabin passengers retired fi-om the deck of the boat, and most of them were in bed. The boat touched at the wharf about 1 o'clock in the night, and had lain there about an hour, when a band of men armed with guns and bayonets, painted and dressed in Indian cos- tume, suddenly rushed upon the boat, and by hideous yells and violent 658 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE thrents, drove all the officers, hands and passengers on shore. There were about ten passengers in the ladies' cabin who were driven on shore without their baggage, and in their night clothes; and the passengers lost a considerable portion of their baggage. Immediately after the pirates got possession of the boat, they proceed- ed to sack and plunder it. Very soon after they had driven the officers, hands and passengers of the boat on shore, they cut her from the wharf. She floated out some thirty rods, and stoi)ped at a small island or rock. About an hour after the armed band got possession of the boat, they set fire to her in several places, and then took to their boats, which they had in preparation. Most of the witnesses estimate the number of armed men from thirty to forty, who took possession of the boat. On our arrival at French Ci'eek, we found nine persons had been ar- rested on suspicion of being concerned in bm-ning the boat. At French Creek we found one Thomas Scott, a surgeon, who had been a passen- ger on board the Sir Robert Peel, having come on board at Brockville. Doctor Scott is a citizen of Brockville, U. C, and his character as a most reputable man has been vouched for by several respectable inhabitants of Brockville. Upon the examination of the prisoners. Dr. Scott was sworn as a witness, and testified that he was a passenger ou, board the Sir Robert Peel; that after the band of armed men got possession of the boat, and he had been upon the wharf, he returned to the boat for his baggage, invited by one Robinson, another passenger, assuring him of safety, and was taken to the ladies' cabin to dress a wound of Hugh Scanlan, who said he bad I'eceived a blow from a stick of wood. Scan- Ian was one of the prisoners, and identified by Dr. Scott. Dr. Scott states that while he was dressing the wound, the boat was cut from the wharf, and floated so that he could not get ashore, and after the boat was set fire to, to save his life, he went into the boat with the armed band, and they took him away to an islajid (we have since learned, called Abel's island). The band of men there had a kind of shanty or encampment. He remained with them until after sunrise the next morn- ing. The pirates enjoined, and he promised, not to make any disclos- ures to injure them. They then allowed him to depart, and he got a farmer to take him ashore. He saw and counted all the persons who boarded the boat, and who went to the encampment, and he knows there were no more than twenty-two armed men who boarded the boat. He saw them all washed, and in their natural dresses, after sunrise, on the morning of the 30th of May. It was talked and understood at the pirate's encampment, that all the persons, except two, who were engaged in the capture of the boat, were Canadian refugees, or Canadians who claimed to act in revenge for in- juries. Dr. Scott states that if he could see, he could identify nearly every person engaged in the outrage. Nine of the persons concerned were fully committed for trial, and two or three, yet unarrested, are known, who were concerned in the outrage. Vigorous means have been taken to secure their arrest. The boat is wholly destroyed, John Fine, B. Perkins, Smith Stilwell." At 5 o'clock in the morning, while the Robert Peel was still burning, the steamer Oneida, on her downward trip, arrived, and took off the passengers on the island to Kingston, the nearest British port, about 30 miles up the river. The cabin passengers, nineteen in number, acknow- ledged in the public papers their gratitude to Capt. Smith, of the Oneida, for thus generously relieving them from their unpleasant condiiion. An outrage so flagrant as this, could not pass without the notice of AND FRANLKIN COUNTIES. 659 government, and the most prompt and decisive measures were adopted by the authorities on both sides of the St. Lawrence, for the arrest of the authors of the act. The leader of the party that boarded and burned this steamer publicly acknowledged the act, with the motives which m- duced hiin to the attempt, in the following proclamation that was cn-cu- lated through most of the newspapers: To all ivhom it may concern: I, William Johnston, a natural born citizen of Upper Canada, certify that I hold a commission in the Patriot service of Upper Canada, as commander-in-chief of the naval forces and flotilla. I commanded the expedition that attacked and destroyed the steamer Sir Robert Peel. The men under my command in that expedition were nearly all natural born English subjects; the exceptions were volunteers for the expedition. . My head quarters were on an island in the St. Lawrence, without the ju- risdiction of the United States, at a place named by me Fort Wallace. I am well acquainted with the boundary line, and know which of the islands do, and which do not, belong to the United States, and in the selection of the island I wished to be positive, and not locate within the jurisdic- tion of the United States, and had reference to the decision of the com- missioners, under the 6th article of the treaty of Ghent, done at Utica, in the state of New York, 13th of Junp, 1822. I know the number of islands, and by that decision, it was British territory. I yet hold possession of that station, and we also occupy ^a station some twenty or more miles from the boundary of the United States, in what was his majesty's dominions, until it was occupied by us. I act under orders. The object of my movements, is the independence of the Canada^. 1 am not at war with the commerce or property of citizens of the United States. Signed this 10th day of June, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight. William Johnston. On the 4th of June, 1838, Governor Marcy issued a proclamation, offering a reward for the arrest of certain persons, alleged to be con- cerned in the burning of the Robert Peel, viz: For William Johnston, $500: for Daniel McLeod, Samuel C. Frey and Robert SmiUi, each $250; and $100 each for the detection and delivery of other otte"ders. In a letter to the secretary of war, dated Watertown, June 3, 183«, he advised the cooperation of the governments of Canada with the United States, in endeavoring to clear the St. Lawrence of the Patriot forces, said to be lodged among the Thousand islands. , j It was estimated that at least five hundred men well armed, and ac- commodated with boats adapted to the object tobe accomplished, would be required to effect this purpose. The governor of Canada also offered a reward of £1,000, for the conviction of any person or persons con- '"''on'^thrmonihigS'the 2d of June, 1838, the American steam boat Telegraph, while leaving Brockville, was haded by two sentries, belong- ing to the volunteer militia, and fired upon with balls, six shot in all belnc^ fired, three of which struck the steamer. About the same time, several shots were fired from another wharf. Upon an examination which ensued, it appeared that the firing was not justified by orders, and it was asserted that no intention to hit the steamer existed. The sentries stated that they fired them as alarm guns. They were discharged,, but no further action was taken in relation to the matter. 660 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE Jn a message from President Van Bm*en to congress, of June 20, 1838, it is stated that the outrages committed on the steam boat Sir Robert Peel and upon the Telegraph at Brockville, had not been made a subject of formal demand for redress by either government, as these acts were considered criminal offences committed within the jurisdic- tion of tribunals competent to enquire into the facts, and to punish those engaged in their i)erpeti'ation. Directly opposite the present depot at Ogdensburgh, stands a tall but massive stone tower, with a tin covered dome, whose enormous but di- lapidated appendages indicate thepurposesof its erection as a wind mill. This has been the theatre of a sanguinary conflict, the details of which were as follows: Early in November, 1838, the Patriots, who had previously rallied in clubs and secret lodges, which had free and constant communication with each other, began to exhibit an intention of making fresh demon- strations upon Canada, at some point which was known only by those who were in their confidence. Unusual numbers of strangers were seen about Syracuse, Oswego, Sackett's Harbor, Watertovvn, &c., and large quantities of arms, many of which were of most beautiful work- manship, were collected and concealed. About the 10th of November, two schooners named the Charlotte of Oswego and the Charlotte of Toronto, were noticed as being freighted at Oswego, from boats that had arrived from Syracuse, by the Oswego canal, under circumstances that were suspicious. After being laden they left the harbor, taking a northerly course. The steamer United States had been in port from Tuesday, the 6th instant, undergoing some repairs, which were not completed till Saturday the 10th. There had been a pretty heavy gale on the lake on Friday and previous days, which created a heavy swell, and made the navigation of that water unpleasant. The United States left Oswego about 9 o'clock on Sunday morning, the llth instant, to continue her regular trip down the lake and river. On her leaving Oswego, she took about a hundred and fifty passengers, ac- cording to the testimony of Wm. Williams, the first mate. All of these, except one, were men passengers, without any baggage, except small budgets, and two or three trunks. There was a nail keg put on board, which fell in handling, and the head came out, when it was found filled with lead bullets, which rolled over the deck. There was also a number of boxes taken on board, marked for Cape Vincent. The steamer ar- rived at Sackett's Harbor between I or 2 o'clock, and lay there three- fourths of an hour, and here about twenty or thirty passengers came on board, all of whom were men. The fire room was filled with men, the window of the fire room, in shore, was shut down, and in other respects the men were about the decks as usual. The United States passed the Telegraph (a steamer then in the service of the United States government), about eleven miles from Sackett's Harbor, opposite Point Peninsula. The passengers were on deck, and in open view of those on the government steamer. The mate of the United States testifies, that he heard some of the leaders of the men tell them to keep out of sight. The steamer stopped at Cape Vincent about half an hour, and here some ten or eleven passengers came on board. On arriving near the foot of Long island, below Mil- len's bay, the two schooners that had left Oswego, on the 10th, were discovered, and Cf.pt. James Van Cleve, upon the request of a respect- able looking passenger, who represented that they belonged to him, and were fi-eighted with merchandise for Ogdensburgh, consented to take them in tow. Soon after the wuid shifted, and blew more down the AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 661 river, having previously been in such a quarter, that the vessels couid not sail down to advantage. These schooners were lashed one on each side of the steamer, and her speed with them in tow was about eight miles an hour. The speed of the Telegraph was about nine miles an hour. The steamer touched at French Creek a few minutes, and seven or eight men came on to the schooners. Soon after leaving this port, the nature of the business of the passengers became evident, and swords and pistols were openly taken from boxes on board the steatner. The passengers being exclusively males, and unencumbered by baggage, and the suspicious character of the little freight which they did take on board with them, rendered it sufficiently evident that they formed a body of men designing some military enterprise against some point on the St. Lawrence. The boxes on board the steamers were here transferred to the schooners, which had not been long in tow before great numbers of men came from the latter on board the steamer, the greater part of them from the larger of the two, which was the Charlotte of Oswego. A consultation was now held between the captain and two of the owners of the stamboat present, and Hiram Denio, one of the bank commission- ers, who was on board as a passenger, as to what was best to be done under the circumstances; and it was concluded to stop at the wharf at Morristown (the next American port), and cause information to be given to a magistrate of the character of the passengers on board of the steamer, and of their supposed objects, and of the steam boat having towed down the schooners, and also to send an express with like information to Ogdensburgh, with instructions to communicate the same to the marshal, if he should be there (as it was supposed he was), or if not, to a magis- trate ; and for the said steamer to remain at Mon-istown, until the express should have had time to ari'ive with the intelligence. It was obsei'ved that one of the passengers on board the steamer, had a sword concealed under his cloak, and was looked upon by the others with that deference that indicated that they regarded him as their com- mander. Under his direction, about half of those on board entered the schooners, and the rest remained on board. Just before the steamer reached Morristown, (about eleven o'clock on Sunday night, Nov. 11), the schooners were unfastened, and dropped astern, and were seen no more by those on board the steamer, until their arrival in Ogdensburgh on the next morning. An express was sent on, as had been agreed upon. It is also believed that information was sent over to the village of Brock- ville, to the same effect. It had now become quite certain, that Prescott was the point against which the expedition was to be directed. The United States, after.stopping two hours and a half, resumed her course to Ogdensburgh, where she arrived about three o'clock on Monday morn- ing. The fires were put out immediately on entering the port, as usual, and the hands, with the exception of the customary watch, retired. The schooners, after parting company with the United States, proceeded on their way, and the wind being favorable, reached Prescott during the night. They contained, as has been above suggested, and as afterwards appeared, a military armament under the command of General John W. Birge, but which were under the more immediate command of one Von Schoultz, a Polish exile, who had seen much of military operations in his own countiy, and who doubtless had been induced to join this ex- pedition from sincere motives, to promote a cause which Jie had been made to believe was just and honorable. Upon their approaching Pres- cott, one of the schooners was made fast to the upper wharf, and Von Schoultz urged his men to land, with bayonets fixed, and muskets un- oaded; march into the village, and take possession of the fort at once. 662 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE A hesitation on the part of some of the leaders, and a diflference of opinion as to the mode of attack, arose, which led to a delay, and the schooner was soon after cast off. Those who Avere conversant with the condition of the town, and the strength of the garrison at Fort Welling- ton at that time, have expressed an opinion, that but little difficulty would have been experienced, at the first moment, in taking effectual possess- ion. Soon after, the Charlotte of Oswego, grounded on the soft slimy delta of mud, which the Oswegatqhie has deposited in the St. Lawrence, at its confluence with the Great river. About sunrise, on Monday morn- ing, a crowd assembled on the dock, at which the United States was moored, and from the movements and conduct of those who took a lead- ing part in the proceedings, it was evident they intended to seize that steamer, in order to assist in promoting their enterprise. Early in the morning, an iron six pounder cannon, belonging to the village of Ogdens- burgh, and a brass four pounder, belonging to the state of New York, and in charge of an artillery company under Capt. A. B. James, were seized by the Patriots, and afterwards conveyed across the river in a scow, to the Avind mill. Several of the owners of the steamer, upon perceiv- ing that the demonstrations on shore, and the movements of the armed men, threatened the seizure of the boat, endeavored to obtain of the civil and military authorities assistance in preventing it. The marshal of the district was absent; the collector (Mr. Smith Slilwell), as was abundantly proren by evidence taken subsequently, upon a suit growing out of this affair, made strenuous and diligent efforts to prevent the proceedings which ensued, but without effect. Meanwhile the streets were filled with armed men, and it was perceived that the village of Prescott was alive with the bustle of preparation to resist the movements which were in progress against them. The leaders of the patriots in Ogdensburgh pro- ceeded to muster a volunteer company to man the steamer, and openly derided the efforts of the civil authorities in preventing them. Having obtained a crew, partly it is said by volunteers and those whom they hired of the crew, and partly by those from on shore,, the fires were kindled, and as soon as steam could be got up, they left the wharf, with loud cheers from the crowd, to go to the assistance of the schooner that had run aground. The schooner Charlotte of Toi-onto, after casting off from the upper wharf, fell down the stream, and took a position early in the morning, nearly opposite the wind mill, about a mile below. The walls of this were thick and massive, and the interior was divided into several stories. It had been formerly used as a grist mill, but for several years previous to this time, it had been deserted, and its machinery had fallen to i-uius. Around it were several massive stone houses, at a short dis- distance,''the most or all of which were inhabited by famihes. The pub- lic road from Prescott down the river, passes immediately by it, and separates it from most of the stone houses. The point on whicli the wind mill stands, juts for some little distance into the St. Lawrence, and the margin of the river for a considerable distance above and below, as well as opposite, was overgrown by a thicket of cedar. Here from the schooner, and from a number of small boats that crossed the river, a lodgement was made, and a portion of the armament of the schooner was landed. The steamer United States did not succeed in getting off the grounded schooner, and presently returned to the American shore. The Experiment, a British steam boat, was lying at this time at the wharf at Prescott, and being armed with cannon, fired upon her without effect. Additional hands were now procured to navigate the steamer, which had herself groinuled tor a short time on her first trip, and she was again worked into the river, near where the schooner Charlotte of Oswego, AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 663 lay agi'ound, ancj soon after again returned. A demand was here made, from one on board to those on shore, for a longer hawser, which was promised from a neighboring store, and a quantity of bread and other provisions was conveyed aboard. On again leaving the dock, she went out into the channel, going between the grounded schooner and the British shore, and passed down the river nearly or quite to Wind Mill point, and was twice fired upon by the Experiment, but it is believed without effect. After arriving at Wind Mill point, she remained there some time, and about this time the Charlotte of Toronto, having re- mained opposite the wind mill till about the middle of the day, sailed up the river, and came to anchor near the American shore, not far fi-om where the other schooner subsequently anchored, and remained till dark. The movements of the United States had consumed nearly half of the day, and she came up at about the same time with the Charlotte of To- I'onto, and apparently with a view to cover her from the fire of the British steam boat. She again went down to Wind Mill point, at each tims of passing receiving a fire from the Experiment, which shot were cheered by those on board, who were assembled on the promenade deck ; but as she was coming up on her last trip, with great speed- and ap- parently under a great press of steam, a cannon shot from the British steamer, entered the wheel house, and instantly beheaded a young man by the name of Solomon Foster, who stood as a pilot at the wheel. Upon arriving in port this time, the United States lay during the remainder of the daj', near the wharf. During this time the boat was apparently under the orders of one Oliver B. Pierce, and had on board John W. Birge, of Cazenovia, Madison county, the reputed commander of the invading forces. Mr. Hiram Denio, who was personally acquainted with the former, was requested by the owners of the boat to go on board, and so- licit the peaceable surrender of I he property, which, after some consult- ation, was done, and the parties who had taken possession, withdrew from it. During the last trip which the steamer made, it was particularly ob- served that but a small part of those who went over returned. The others were, it is said, landed at or near the wind mill. Mr. Nathaniel Garrow, of Auburn, the U. S. marshal for the northern district of New York, arrived fi'om Sackett's Harbor between seven and eight o'clock on Monday evening, and between eight and nine made a formal seizure of the steamer United States. In the afternoon of Mon- day, the Paul Pry, a small steam ferry boat, went over to the stranded schooner, in charge of a company of the Patriots, and succeeded in haul- ing her off. Not long after being relieved, she passed down and took a position near the other schooner, and in performing this service en- countered a brisk fire from the steamer Experiment, which was returned with small arms. In the evening, she was also seized for a violation of the neutrality of the frontier. During the whole of Monday, there was frequent crossing of the river in small boats, and no attempt to prevent it was made or deemed practicable by the civil authorities. During the night, every thing remained quiet, and reports of cannon were heard at long intervals. The unusual and very exciting state of things, however, which were evidently preparing for some crisis, kept the public mind awake, and every one anxious to learn what 'there might be known of the nature and progress of the expedition, its force, its chances of success, and the pro- babilities that they would be sustained by the Canadian population, or be reinforced by recruits from the states. Rumors of every kind floated through the town, and a meeting was held to concert measures for de- 664 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE fense, but such was the novel and perilous crisis that had arrived, that nothing was effected. Some of the citizens warmly sympathized with the movement, and ardently wished it success, while another part, em- bracing most of those of influence and property, looked upon the^ pro- ceedings as tending to nothing but ruin, and as calling upon the patriot- ism of every good citizen, to lend his aid in discouraging the prosecution of the enterprise, and in protecting the national honor and the interests of the village. Such, however, was the influence of the armed strangers in the streets, that this sentiment could scarcely be found to operate iu eflicient exertions. Monday night was spent by the patriots at the wind mill, and adjacent premises, in fortifying it as they might be able, under the direction of Von Schoultz, upon whom, in the absence of the supe- rior officers, devolved the defence of a position, which it has been strongly insinuated and firmly believed, those who had incited and encouraged them to it, had not the courage to share with them. It is difficult to estimate that moral baseness and utter depravity, that would, by the most solemn promises, engage to sustain the acts of others, and by means of these assurances, lead unsuspecting and inexperienced youths into a position in which utter ruin must inevitably await them, and having involved the destruction of their victims, meanly shrink from them. This remark is not intended as a justification of the conduct of those who occupied the wind mill, but as an illustration of the character of those who originated the expedition, and were most loud and confident in their declarations and assurances of its ultimate success. On the fol- lowing morning (November 13), the two schooners were seized at about ten o'clock, by the marshal. They at this time lay in the American waters, about thirty or forty rods from the pier or abutments of Creigh- ton's brewery. The Charlotte of Oswego, at the time of her seizure, had on her deck two or three cannon, one properly mounted on wheels, and the other two on small plank trucks. There were also on board, boxes and small casks, which contained guns and munitions of war. There were about half a dozen men, who were the captain (Sprague), and crew. The other vessel had on board some barrels of apples, but most of the munitions had been removed from her, and landed at the wind mill. Her captain (Quick), and three or four men, supposed to be her crew, were onboard. These were put in charge of Colonel W. J. Worth, of the 8th U. S. in- fantry, who had arrived in the steamer Telegraph on Monday evening, and subsequently sent to Sackett's Harbor for safe keeping. This steamer had visited the place on Satui-day, to bring Colonels Tot- ten and Thayer, of the engineer service, and was under the command of Capt. Hill, of the U. S. army. After the United States had been seized, her machinery was taken apart, so that she could not be used without the assent of the owners. The efforts of the military authorities were directed to the prevention of all further communication with the Patriots and the American shore, and the arrival of the troops afforded the first means that the authorities had possessed of enforcing the laws. The testimony that was taken in a case growing out of this affair, concurs in proving, that on Monday, the arm of the civil law was powerless, and that there did not exist the means of preventing the proceeding which ensued. Colonel Worth had under his command two companies of government troops. On Tuesday, the British armed steamers Coburg and Victoria, having arrived at Prescott with a reinforcement of troops, at about seven o'clock, they, together with the Experiment, opened a dis- charge of cannon, and commenced throwing bombs at the._Patriots AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 665 in the wind mill, who fired with . field pieces fi-om their batteries on shore, in return. These exciting and novel proceedings, very na- turally drew a large crowd of spectators from Ogdensburgh and the ad- jacent country, to Mile point, the ])resent site of the rail road depot, and the most eligible point from which to observe the doings of the British, in their attempt to dislodge the Patriots. On Tuesday morning, a detachment of forty men of the 83d regiment, under Lieut. Johnson, and thirty marines under Lt Parker, wei-e landed and joined by detachments of militia. At a quarter before seven the British advanced in two col- umns. The left under Col. D. Fraser, consisting of the marines, Capt. G. McDonnel's company of L. G. Highlanders, Capts. Jones's and Eraser's companies of 2d regiment Grenville militia, and 100 men of Col. Martle's regiment of Stormont militia. The right column was led by Col. Gowan, of the Queen's borderers, and 100 of Capt. Martle's regiment. Soon after, a line of fire blazed along the summit of the hill, in the rear of the mill, for about eight)' or a hundred rods, and the report of small arms made an incessant roar. The morning being dark and lovi'ering, the gleam of the discharges became the more observable, and tended to heighten the horrors of the dramatic events that were transpiring. The Patriots were mostly protected by stone walls, and comparativelj' secure, while the British were fully exposed in the open field, and suffered greatly from the sharp shooters that were posted in tlie upper stories of the wind mill. The officers on horseback "were seen distinctly to fall, here and there, on the field, and the ranksof the soldiers to waste away under the unequal contest. The British did not, at that time, have at Prescott guns of sufficient weight to make a sensible impression upon the massive walls of the tower, and their shot rebounded from the surface without producing efiect. After twenty or thirty minutes one party gave way, and retired out of sight over the hill, and at about nine o'clock the firing had ceased, ap- parently leaving the Patriots in possession of their strong hold, but Avith- out the ability to pursue, or to return to the American shore, or to main- tain their present position for any great length of time, from want of provisions and munitions. At the time when the action commenced, the patriot forces are supposed to have numbered about one hundred and eightj', but during the engagement, a party consisting of fifty-two, who had pursued the retreating militia over the hill, were separated from their comrades, scattered, pursued and captured, in detail. The Patriot loss on this occasion, is said to have been five killed and thirteen wounded, while that of the British was said at the time, to have been about a hundred killed, and as many wounded. The official return of Colonel Young, gave two officers, and eleven rank and file killed, and sixty-seven wounded. It has been generally believed that their loss ex- ceeded this number. Finding that the strong hold of the Patriots re- sisted any means of impression which they possessed, the British re- solved to await the arrival of heavier cannon, and took precautions, meanwhile to prevent any reinforcement of the invaders. From nine till three there was but little excitement. An irregular firing was kept up on the windmill, and a body of regulars fired an occasional volley at a stone house, in which a portion of the Patriots were established. At three o'clock in the afternoon, a barn was burnt by the Patriots, as sheltering the British. During this time the Patriots occupied the wind mill, and several of the houses adjoining, and the brow of the hill. On the evening of the 13th, a requision was sent to Sackett's Harbor, for more troops, to be ready, if necessary, to assist those alread}' at Ogdens- burgh, in restraining any attempt at reinforcement. Lt. W. S. Johnson, 666 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE of the British army, belonging to the 83d regiment, was among the killed. The dead and badly wounded, lay on the field till the morning of the 14th (Wednesday), when the British sent a flag of truce, for per- mission to bury the dead, and both parties were for a short time, en- gaged in collecting and carrying off from the field the slain. The night between the 13th and the 14th, was quiet, and the wind blew so rough that all attempt at crosing the river, had nothing else prevented, would have been hazardous. At half past nine, troops were again marched to Fort Wellington, but no engagement ensued. In the forenoon of Thursday, Colonel Worth sent for several of the prominent citizens of Ogdensburgh, to come on board the steamer, who accepted the invitation. His object in doing this was to ask their opinions and advice, on the pro- priety of a course which he proposed, of applying to Colonel Plomer Young, the Britisii commander, to ask of him the privilege of staying the further effusion of blood, by being allowed to remove the Patriots, and becoming responsible that they should attempt no fuither disturb- ance on this frontier. The humane intention of this measure, com- mended itself to the approbation of those to whom it was explained, and a citizen of high standing in the community, vi^ho was personally ac- quainted with Colonel Young, offered his services to procure an interview between Cols. Young and Worth, and accordingly visited Prescott, where he was politely received by the 13i-itish officer, who accompanied him back to the steamer, and a private interview was held between the two colonels. The delicacy of the measure proposed, and the obvious charges that would be brought against the official character of an offi- cer, who would consent to the escape of an enemy, who was entirely within his power, rendered a compliance with the request, a thing to be not for a moment entertained. He pointedly denied the favor asked, but from an intimation that was dropped, either from inadvertence, or de- sign, that the machinery of the Experiment, 'the Colburg and Victoria having gone up the river the night previous), needed repairs, that would prevent her being used until two o'clock the next morning, it was very naturally inferred, that no means of annoyance would be in the possess- ion of the British during the early part of the night. This opportunity Colonel Worth wished to have improved, and having consulted some of the citizens on the subject, it was undei'stood that eai-ly in the evening, the steamer-Paul Pi-y, should be at the service of a party of volunteers, who might safely approach the wind mill, and rescue the inmates, if they could be induced to improve the opportunity. This delicate and re- sponsible service, was entrusted to Mr. Preston King, the post master of the village, who was selected as possessing the requisite qualifications for the duty. A sufficient number of volunteers was i-aisedfor the occasion, and the steamer repaired to the vicinity of the .wind mill. Among the volun- teers was a man connected with the Patriots, who was said to be an offi- cer of their organization, and to know their pass words ; he was for these reasons, recommended as a suitable person to open the communi- cation with them, and was sent on shore in a small row boat, to com- municate the errand of the steamer, which as the shore was shoal, and there was no wharf, was compelled to lay off several rods from the shore to avoid grounding. By subsequent information, it was ascertained, that some person who went ashore in the first boat, reported that a reinforcement of men and supplies might soon be expected by the Patriots, and they were advised to maintain their position. After waiting a considerable time for a return from the row boat sen AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 667 ashore, a small boat rowed by two men, brought to the steamer a wounded man from the wind mill, from Avhom and his companions, those remaining on board the steamer first heard of the report of rein- forcements that had been made on shore. Mr. King then took a small boat, with one man, and repaired himself to the wind mill, made known the nature of his errand, stated the folly of looking for reinforcements which there was no reason to expect, and earnestly requested them to avail themselves of the only chance of escape that would be offered. The delusive hope and divided councils arising from the I'eport of i-e- inforcements, produced delay and uncertainity in the movements of the Patriots to avail themselves of the opportunity to retire from their posi- tion. The men on board the steamer became impatient at the delay, and insisted upon the return of the steamer to Ogdensburgh. Mr. King was thus reluctantly compelled to return, without having accomplished his purpose, further than to bring off six or seven men from the mill, one of whom had been wounded in the thigh by a musket ball. He had scarce returned to port, when the British armed steamer was seen going down the river, and all chance of passing between the American shore, and the mill was cut off. The persons first sent on shore to com- municate with the Patriots did not i-eturn to the steamer, but were left, and returned to the American shore in their row boat. During the time the Paul Pry lay near the wind mill, firing along the line by the British piquet guards was kept up by musketry, which ren- dered the men on board the steamer impatient of inaction and delay. Had it not been for the false expectation of reinforcements, it is believed the patriots might at once have availed themselves of the opportunity offered for escape, and the sad events which subsequently followed, have been avoided. On Thursday evening, the steamer United States (Captain Van Cleve), 'ii! charge of Captain Vaughan, sailing master of the navy, with a party of troops under Captain Wright, started for Sackett's Harbor, having along side in tow, the two patriot schooners, and manned by a company of United States troops. The schooners had on their' decks, the cannon w!iich had formed a part of their armament. Apprehending that they -'OiOdmeet a British force, expected from Kingston, to complete the re of the wind mill, and believing it to be prudent to be provided :rt any emergency that might arise, Capt. Wright had caused the ' ; i-vTr to be loaded, and the military to be held in readiness. When tl: - . d arrived at a point just above Oak point, they met the British stei luoj' Brockville, having two gun boats in tow. The United States vas hailed, and ordered to "lie to and send a boat aboard." Tlie peremptory and insulting tone in which this was expressed, for- . ido compliance on the part of the officer, who had the flotilla in charge, aid the re}'ly was made, that they might " come aboard." The demand \\'as agiiu repeated, and answered with a coolness and pointedly laconic brevity, tluu did the highest credit to the courage and ability of Captain Wright. The parties having passed, the British steamer turned and fol- lowed for some distance, but no further notice being taken of her by the United St utes, the pursuer shortly resumed her original course. Oil the I'lorning of the 16th (Friday), the British having been rein- force ' witi- a regiment of four hundred regulars, and by gun boats armec with ordnance sufficient for the reduction of the place, set them- selves at wo.-k systematically, for this purpose. An eighteen pounder was posted back of the mill, under Major McBane; a gun boat was posted b' low the mill, and a heavily armed steamer above it, so that the shot fron ihf;se three points might not interfere -with each other, and 668 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE still have the mill in their focus. They were beyond the range of rifle shot, and sufficient to accomplish ere long the demolition of the tower. During the whole of Thursday, a white flag had been displayed from the mill, but no attention being paid to it, it was finally fastened on the outside. Three or four flags were sent out, and the bearers shot down, as soon as seen, as the British appeared to be inclined to receive no terms. At length on Friday, in the forenoon, the firing ceased, and an unconditional surrender being made, the prisoners, (for as such they were received, and regarded,) were marched out between files of regulars, and conducted to Fort Wellington, from whence they were sent to Fort William Henry, at Kingston, for trial. Had it not been for the interposition of the regulars, the prisoners would have been torn in pieces by the enraged militia, who exhibited a vindictiveness and ani- mosity, that has scarcely found a parallel in the annals of French and Iiidian warfare. Every species of abuse and insult was heaped upon the unfortunate band. During the firing that ensued in celebrating the surrender. Captain Drummond, of the British army, was accidentally shot. The British burnt, at once, four dwellings and two barns, in the vicinity of the wind mill. Von Schoultz was said to be opposed to of- fering the enemy a flag of truce, and besought his men to rush upon the enemy, and die in the contest, but their ammunition and provisions were exhausted, and the fatigue of five days and nights incessant watching and labor, had made them indifferent to their fate. British official return of killed and wounded in action with the Brigands, near Prescott, on the 13th JVovember, 1838. Killed. — 83d regiment, 1 lieutenant. L. Glengary Highlanders, 4 rank and file. 2d regiment, Dundas militia, 4 rank and file. 1st regiment, Grenville militia, 2 rank and file. 2d regiment, Grenville militia, 1 lieu- tenant. Captain Edmondson's Brockville Independent company, 1 rank and file. Total, 2 lieutenants, 11 rank and file. Wounded — 83d regiment, 4 rank and file. Royal marines, 1 lieutenant, 14 rank and file. L. Glengary Highlanders, 1 ensign, 7 rank and file. 9th provincial battalion, 1 lieutenant colonel, S rank and file. 2d regi- ment. Dundas militia, 1 lieutenant, 12 rank and file. 1st regiment, Gren- ville militia, 4 rank and file. Capt. Edmondson's Brockville Independent company, 3 rank and file. Captain Jessup's Prescott Independent co»n- pany, 1 sergeant, 4 rank and file. Gentlemen Volunteers, 2 rank and file. Total, 1 lieutenant colonel, 2 lieutenants, 1 ensign, 1 sergeant, 62 rank and file. JVames of Officers killed. — W. S, Johnson, lieutenant 83d regiment; Dulmage, lieutenant 1st regiment Grenville militia. Wounded. — Ogle R. Gowan, lieutenant colonel 9th provincial battalion, slightly; Parker, Royal marines, slightly; PardoW, lieu- tenant 2d regiment Dundas militia, severely; Angus MacDonnell, ensign L. G. Highlanders, slightly. P. Young. The board of supervisors were in sessions at Canton at the time, and the cannonade of the battle was distinctly heard at t^iat jjlace- Some of the board were warm sympathizers in the movement, and the following resolutions which were brought forward for action repeatedly? but failed to pass, shows the strong feeling that was entertained in rfjlation to the patriot war, and may be regarded as a curiosity worthy of record. The resolution of Isaac Ell wood is called up in the words following. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 669 « to wit: - Whereas the members of the board of supervisors of St. Law- rence county, having received information and believing the same to be authentic, that the patriots have made a noble stand at Windmill point, near Prescott, in Upper Canada, and have had a severe engagement with the advocates and minions of Britj^i tyranny and oppression on the 13th inst. and having every reason to believe from said information, unless the said patriots are reinforced in the perilous situation in which they are ])laced, that they will meet with defeat, and sacrifice their lives in contending against a merciless and cruel foe: and whereas, this board feel a deep interest and intense anxiety in the success of that patriotic struggle which would spread the light of liberty ever our oppressed brethren in Canada, and for the preservation of the lives of those patriots who are contending for the rights of men born free, and for the republican principles for which our venerable forefathers shed their blood. Resolved, that this board adjourn, to meet again at the court house in the said county, on the last 3Ionday of the present mouth, at 1 o'clock, p. M., in order to enable the members thereof to rescue that Spartan band of patriotic friends, and preserve their lives from the hands of their enemies, the tj'rants and advocates of the British crown. On motion by Mr. Buck, seconded by 31r. Doty: — Resolved tliat the above resolution lie on the table until the same shall be again drawn up." The resolution was never called up from the table. Bill Johnston, the avowed leader of the gang that boarded and burned the Robert Peel, had been seen publicly in the streets of Ogdensburgh for several days, and no one ventured to an-est him, until on the 17th, shorth'^ after the surrender of the band in the windmill, he was seen to enter a boat with his son, and leave the harbor; the collector of the dis- trict, seeing him depart, called the attention of a deputy marshall to his movements, and advised that an attempt should be made to arrest him. Failing in this, he entered a boat belonging to the ofBce, hoisted thf revenue flag, and pursued him, in company with several others. John- ston and his son landed about three miles above the village, was pursued, headed, and finally induced to surrender, on condition that his arms might be received by his son. He was armed with a Cochran rifle, (with twelve discharges) and two large rifle pistols, with several smaller ones and a bowie knife. The merit of arresting Johnston has been claimed by different parties, and the bounty offered for his apprehension is said to have been paid to C. T. Buswell and A. B. James, who pursued on horseback as soon as he had lauded, and were present when he smren- dered his arms. The steamer Oneida, in the service of the United States government, and having on board a detachment of troops, was in the river when the boat in which Johnston and his son were escaping, was run on shore. The officers in charge of the steamer immediately steered towards the point where the boats landed, to afford any assist- ance that might be found necessary, and the captured party was convey- ed on board the steamer, and taken to Sacketts Harbor. On the Monday after the capture, the Hon. John Fine, in company with Charles G. Myers, consented at the solicitation of some of the friends of the prisoners to visit Kingston to carry a contribution of se- veral hundred dollars to supply their wants, make inquiries into thei* condition, and offer legal council. The season of travel being passed and there being no direct communication with Kingston, they wrote to Colonel Worth at Sacketts Harbor, asking if he could be sent over from thence, aud furnished with a letter to the commanding officer at Kings- 40 670 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE * ton, both of these requests were declined. They then crossed the river to Prescott, to confer with Major Young, and on being escorted from the wharf to his quarters by a sentinel, they were kindly received, and furnished with a note of introduction to Colonel Dundas, at Kingston. A citizen of Prescott gave the use 9 a small steamer, without charge. At the hotels in Kingston, they found several Americans from Oswego, Salina, &c,, on a similar errand, who stated that they had been there some time endeavoring to get access to the rooms of the prisoners but the sheriff had denied every application which had been made for this purpose. The next morning, they called upon Colonel Dundas, who stated that he had delivered the prisoners to the care of the sheriff, and that application must be made to him. He was told that the sheriff had positively i-efused, under any circumstances, any interview under orders from the governor, to several similar applicatiouB. They then added as a last resort, that being both lawyers they had some right to serve the prisoners in the capacity of legal counsellors, having been employed by their friends for that purpose. It was the boast of the English law which the Americans had inherited from the mother country, that every one was presumed innocent of a crime until proved to be guilty, and that the prisoners had a rig-ht to legal advice in this case, and the privilege of obtaining witnesses lor their defense. Upon this the colonel arose and accompanied them to the fort, introduced them to the sheriff and re- quested that they might be permitted to see the prisoners. The sheriff said that the governor had sent orders that no one be permitted to visit them, but the colonel said that he would risk the responsibility, and requested the keys, which were given him. Several military officers were introduced and joined in the visit to the different rooms. These Avere above ground, large, cleanly, and contained about fifty prisoners each. Inquiry was made of those from St. Lawrence county, of their want of clothing, &c., which was afterwards procured and sent to them.* They said that they were furnished with good and sufficient food and were well treated. In one room was a company of about fifty boys under twenty-one years of age, and some as young as sixteen. Several of them alluded to the late events and the causes which had in- duced them to engage in the foolish enterprise, with sobbing and tears. Several of the officers present were much affected and proposed to leave. The Ogdensburgh citizens remarked to the boys, that there was hope in their case. The power of England was not so feeble as to fear the loss of Canada by the hands of boys, and the glory of England would not be enhanced by their sacrifice. They were advised to plead their infancy, and throw themselves upon the mercy of the government. The court martial was organized and one of the prisoners was on trial. Solicitor General Draper, con- ducted the examination of the prisoners with fairness. He allowed the accused the opportunity to state all the extenuating circumstances which he wrote down, and said he would send to the governor. In the even- ing an interview was had with Mr. Draper, at the rooms of the council, and at the suggestion of some o^f the citizens, an application /Was made to the governor general of Canada, through the medium of Judge Jones of the Queen's Bench, for the pardon of the boys. An answer was re- turned, that if the friends of the boys would exert their influence to prevent further aggressions, they should be released, and as an earnest of the performance of this promise, six were set free. From time to • One of these boys on being questioned as t6 his wanlg. solicited some candy. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 671 time others were liberated until most of those under age were allowed to return to their friends. The issue of this expedition, did much to render the Patriot cause unpopular, and a health'y reaction was soon felt along the frontier, but a spirit of jealousy and hostility ha^ been engendered that led to much difficulty. On the 21st of Dec, the village trustees resolved to organize a company, to be held ready at a minute's warning to act in preserving order, and repell if necessary any aggression. Arras were to be procured for tliem from Russell. On the last day of Dec, a crowded meeting was held to unite in a petition to Congress for protection of the frontier and intervantion in favor of the prisoners. In support of the latter, they asserted for our government an equal merit in the capture, inasmuch as the Patriots had been cut off from their supplies by the official seizure of the schooners and armament. A becoming tribute was paid to the valor and courage of the misguided youths who had been seduced into the measure. On the 2d of Jan., 1839, another public meeting was held to discourage all further invasion of Canada. The call for this was signed by nearly seventy prominent citizens of all parties, and it was addressed by several of the inhabitants and by Major General Winfield Scott, in a very able manner. In his address. Gen. Scott, after conceding that a feeling favorable to Canadian independence pervaded the country, went on to enquire what act of that people had evinced their desire for a change, and pointed out in a masterly manner the folly of attempting to force upon them a measure which their acts proved that they did not desire. A series of resolutions was passed embodying the sentiment of the considerate of all parties, and appealing to all good citizens to aid in putting an end to these proceedings so destructive of the public peace and so perilous to our national welfare. As the steam boat United States, Capt. Whitney, was leaving Ogdens- burgh on the evening of April 14, 1839, with a larffe number of passen- gers, from 6 to 10 rounds of musket shot were fired from a wharf in Pres- cott, at which a crowd was assembled, but a subsequent inquiry failed to fix upon any one as the culprit, and the same evening she was fired upon from the wharf at Brockville. These insulting measures were greatly aggravated by a high handed outrage upon the schooner G. S. Weeks, Turner, master, on Friday, May 17, 1839, at Brockville, where she had stopped to discharge some merchandise. The usual papers were sent to the custom house, and a permit to unload was issued by the deputy col- lector. There was lying on deck a six pound iron cannon belonging to the state, consigned to Capt. A. B. James, to replace the one that had been seized by the Patriots, upon discovering which an attempt was made to seize it, but was resisted by the crew until the collector of the district cjime up and took possession of the vessel under some alleged iri-egu- larity of her papers. The gun was then taken by the mob, who paraded the streets with it and fired it I'epeatedly. Word was immediately sent to Col. Worth, at Sacketts Harbor, who repaired without delay to the place in the steamer Oneida, and sent a res|>ectful inquiry to learn on what grounds the schooner was detained. To this the deputy could give no direct answer, and, but from what he could learn, Col. Worth inferred that the seizure was without justification, and resolved to vindicate our na- tional honor in recovei'ing the cannon that had been taken from it. On Saturday evening he repaired to Prescott, and peremptorily demanded of Col. Frasier, a release of the vessel and her cargo, to which at 10 o'clock the next day answer was given that the vessel au^ cargo should be re- leased, but doubts were expressed whether the cannon could be got from the mob. To be prepared with an intelligent and prudent witness 672 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE in case the necessity for extreme measures should arise, the Colonel in- vited Mr. Bishop Perkins, a legal gentleman of high standing in his pro- fession to accompany him to Brockville. He had on board a company of about 100 i-p.gulars, who were well supplied with a double number of muskets and ammunition sufficient for the occasion. The steamers took up a position alongside tiie schooner, and a demand for die restoration of the gun was sent. The wharves and block house were densely crowded witii an excited and furious mob, many of whom were armed, and ail of them partaking of the excitement which the occasion called forth. The civil authorities endeavored to procure the restoration of the piece, but found themselves incapable of persuading or compelling the rabble to surrender it quietly. Had any of the crowd on shore in the exitement of the moment fired upon the steamer, there is little reason to doubt but that the fire would have been promptly returned by the regulars on board the Oneida, and the effect upon the crowded masses upon the wharves must have been signally fatal. Matters thus remained several hours, during which a collision was momentarily expected. At 4 p. m., a steamer from Kingston, with British regulars arrived, which had been sent for by the magistrates of the town, with the aid of which several of the ring leaders of the mob were arrested and lodged in the guardhouse. Having waited sufficiently long. Col. Worth notified the authorities for the last time that the cannon must be instantly returned, which was done with the utmost haste, and the prize was released. Col. Worth expressed the opinion that the civil magistrates evinced commendable zeal in their ef- forts to restore order and'recover the cannon, but the utmost insolence was shown by the i-abble towards the bearers of messages from Colonel Worth. The tidings of this event brought his excellency Governor Sir George Arthur, to Brockville, where he was presented an address signed by 266 persons, as an attempted justification for the recent outrage. They protested against the manner in which the gun had been given up at the demand enforced by the presence of an armed steamer in their harbor, and declared that they submitted only through the improper interference of some of his excellency's promineni and courageous officials in civil authority. In his reply the governor admitted that the seizure was illegal, and regretted that greater caution had not been exei-cised before that act. The step once taken he regretted that the seizure was abandoned without due authority, and mop especially under the circumstances, although be admitted that some magistrates had acted with honest zeal and from a sense of public duty to advise the measure. He declared the seizure and firing of the cannon after it had been taken by the revenue officer, was a lawless proceeding, and regretted that pei-sonal abuse had been ofifered to the foreign officers who had entered the country on public duty. It is due to the Canadian press and the more considerate portion of the in- habitants, that they mostly denounced the seizure as wholly unjustified. The collector of Brockville was removed from office by Governor Arthur. On Tuesday, June 25, 1839, a party from Prescott attempted to abduct a deserter from Ogdensburgh, but their plans being discovered, the gang was surrounded by a large concourse of people, covered with tar, and marched back to their boat under an armed guard.. The leader of the gang was said to have committed suicide the next day. The British steamers commenced touching at Ogdensburgh in thelatter part of June, and were well received. It was hoped that a renewal of friendly inter- course would do much to allay the animosity existing between the border inhabitants of the two nations. As the American steam packet St. Lawrence, was passing down on her AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 673 regular trip on the 4th of August, 3839, she was fired upon by an armed British schooner lying in the stream opposite Brockville. The particulars of this infamous outrage committed not by a lawless rabble, but by a government vessel, became the subject of a correspondence between the officers of the two governments in command of the naval and military forces along the frontier, a copy of which is before us. It appears that the steamer having numbers of passengers of both sexes was passing at about 5 p. M., when on approaching Her Majesty's armed schooner Mont- real, she was hailed and ordered to show her colors, which being disre- garded, several musket balls were fired by order of W. N. Fowell, com- mander. This being communicated to Col. Worth, an explanation was demanded, and the act was feebly attetapted tobejustifiedouthe ground , that they were ah-aid the steamer contained Patriots, that they wanted to know to what nation it belonged, &c. &c. These frivolous excuses, some of v^'hich would have been applicable on the high seas, when ap- plied to the St. Lawrence, became extremely ridiculous. On the 10th of August, 1840, Gen. Scott arrived at Ogdensburgh, in the Telegraph steamer, then in the service of government. He was on his way to Plattsburgh. The continuance of secret lodges for the agitation of the Patriot ques- tion, led President Tyler to issue a proclamation September 5, 1841, call- ing upon all good citizens to discountenance them as tending to evil con sequences. The following is a list, as nearly as could be procured, of the prisoners taken at the ivind mill, and tried at Kingston. The following notes and abbreviations are used: g., plead guilty; n. g., plead not guilty; t, transported to Van Dieman's Land; h., hung at Fort Henry; a., acquitted; tv., wounded in the battle; r., released without trial ; p., pardoned. Numerals denote the ages of prisoners. All, except those in italics, were sentenced to be hung. q Dorephus Abbey, 47 (Watertown), n. g-., ^. Dec. 12; Philip Alger, 23 (Bents, N. Y.), iv. r.; Charles Allen, p.; David Allen, 24 (Volney), t ; Duncan Anderson, 48 (Livingston co,), h. Jan. 4; Oliver Auhre (L. C.), w. r.; Samuel Austin (Alexandria, N. Y.),^.; Thomas Baker (Winder, N. Y.), t; Hiram W. Barlow, 19 (St. L. co.), p.; Rouse Bennett, 17 (Herk. CO.), p.; Ernest Berentz (Poland, Europe),;?.; John Berry, 40 (Columbia CO.), f.; Orlin Blodget, 23 [Je&. co.), g.t; Geo. Bloudeau, 19 (Canada), p.; John Bradley, 30 (Ireland), t; John A. Brewster (Henderson, N. Y.), p.; Chas. S. Brown (Oswego co.), p.; Geo. T. Brown, 23 (Le Ray, N. Y.), n. g., t. ; Bromley (died of wounds in hospital) ; Christopher Buckley (Onondaga co.), h. Jan. 4; Chauncey Bugbee, 22 (Jeff, co.), f. ; Hugh Calhoun (Ireland), t.; Paschal Cerventes (Vt.), p.; Levi Chipman, r. July 29; Truman Chipman, p.; Cidver S. Clark, 19 (F. co.), p.; Eli Clark, (Oswego CO.);?. on account of age and infirmities; Robt. G. Collins, 34 (Og'h), t.; Philip Condrat (Germany), p.; Hiram Coultman, 19 (Jeff, co.), IV. r.; Peter Cranker, 19 (Jeff, co.), p.; John Cronkheit (Otsego co.), t; Chas. Grossman (Jeff, co.), p.; Jas. Cummings (Canada), r. on account of insanity ; Lysander Curtis, 33 (Og'h), w., t. (died in V. D.'s Land) ; Luther Darby, f.; Leonard Delino, 25 (Jeff. co.),t.; Wm. Denio, 18 (Le Ray), g.p.; Joseph Dodge (Mont, co.), p.; Aaron Dresser, Jr., 22 (Alexandria, N. Y.), t. (released in 1843); Joseph Drummond (Oswego co.), p. ; David' Dufeld, 22 (U. C.);?.; Moses A. Dutcher (Dexter, N.Y.),t; John Elmore (Jeff. CO.), p. ; Shelah Evans, 35 (Jeff, co.), r. ; Ebon Fellovps,g-., t. ; David Field [Gvaxihy, N. Y.); Lorenzo F. Finney, 21 (Watertown) lo.; Michael Friar, 23, t; Francis Gagnion, 18 (Canada), p.; Emanuel Garrison (Vt.) . 674 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE t.; Wm. Gates (Lyme, N. Y.) t. ; Daniel George (Lyme), h. Dec. 12 (pay- master); John Gilman, t; Cornelius Goodrich, (Salina, N. Y.), p. 7 y'rs penitentiary; Gideon A. Goodrich (Mass.) t. ; Price Gonifl, 21 (JefF. co.), p. ; John Graves (Plattsburgh), r ? Jerry Griggs (Ct.), t.; Nelson J. Griggs (Onon, CO.) t; Hiram Hall, 15 (Jeff, co.), 7 y'rs pen'ry, p,; Jacques Herod [France), IV., r. ; Garret Hipks, 27 (JefF. co.), f. ; Edward Holmes (Syra- cuse), jo.; Chas. Hovey (Lyme), p.; David Houth, 24, f. ; Daniel D. Hns- tace, 27 (Watertovvn), f.; Jas. Ingles (Scotland), t; Henry Jantzen, 29 (Ger,), p. ; John M. Jones (Phil., N. Y.), p. ; Geo. H. Kemble, 18 (Brown- ville), 10., p.; John O. Koinski (Cracow, Poland), p.; Hiram Kinney, 20 (Onon.), p. ; Oliver Lanton (Alb.), p. ; Sylvester A. Lanton, 23 (Lyme), h. Jan. 4.; Andrew Leeper, 42 (JefF. co.), t.; Joseph Lee, 21 (Oswego), p.; Joseph Lefort, 19 (Cape Vincent), t.; Lyman N. Lewis, n.g.; Daniel Liscomb (Lyme), t; Samuel Livingston (Lisbon, N. Y.), r.; Hiram Loop, 26 (Oswego CO.) n. g., t; Foster Martin (Ox Bow), t; J. II. Martin, /.; Calvin Mathers (Salina), t; Chauncey Mathers, 24 (Onon. co.), t; Fred'k Meals, 21 (serv't of Von Schaltz, iv., died of wounds); Jllonzo Mignoteth, r? Phares Miller (Watertown), p.; Justus Meriam, 17 (S. H.), r.; John Marriset, 26 (Canada), w.,i.; Andrew Moore, 26 (Malta, N. Y.),rv.,t.; Peter Meyer (Syracuse), r.,- Sebastian Meyer, 21 (Bavarian),/).; Joseph JVorris, a.; Wm. OPJVeil, 38 (Alex.), n. g., a.; Alson Owen, 24 (Oswego), t. (died in V. D.'s Land); Jacob Paddo'.h. 17 (JefF. co.), t; Joel Peeler, 50, n.g., /^.,Dec.22; Lawton S. Peck, 20 (J. fF. co.);>.; Ethel Penny, 18(JefF. CO.), p.; Russell Phelps (Watertown), h Jan. 4; Jas. Pierce (Oneida co.), t. ; Ira Polly (JefF. co.), t. ; Lorenzo Phinmy, iv., r. ; D. S. Powers, (Brown- ville); Gains Pouxrs, v.; Asa Priest, 43 (Auburn), w., t. (died in V. D.'s Land); Jacob Putnam, 19 (M. co.), p.; Levi Putnam, 21 (do), p.; Timo- thy P. Ransom, 21 (Alex.), p.; Solomon Reynolds (Salina), f.; William Reynolds (Orleans), t.; J. B. Razeau (L. C.), r., very young; Asa H. Richardson, 23 (Oswego), f.; Andrew Richardson (Rossie), p. ; Lawrence Riley, 43 (Vt.); Edgar Rogers; Orson Rogers, 23 (JefF. co.), ?•. ; Hiram Sharp (Onten. CO.), t ; Heriry Shaw, t.; Truman Shipman (Morristown); Andrew Smith, 21, p.; Chas. Smith (Lyme), p.; Owen W. Smith, 26 (Watertown), t.; Price Senter, 18 (Ohio},n.g., p.; Jas. L. Snow, 21 (Os. CO.), r. ;' Wm. Stebbins, 18 (JefF co.), p. ; Joseph Stewart, 25 (Mifflin co., Pa.), i.; Tho's Stockton, 26 (Felt's Mills), t.; John G. Swanberg (Alex., N. Y.), t.; Dennis Suete (do.), n. g., t.; Sylvanus Sweet, 21, g., h. Dec. 22; Giles Thomas, 34 (Onon. co.), iv., r.; John Thomas, 26 (Madrid, N. Y.), t; John Thompson (Eng.), p. ; Abner Townsend, 17 (Jeff, co.), g. p.; Nelson Truax, 20 (Antwerp); Oliver Tucker, 17, n.g., p.; Geo. Van Ambler, 17 (Jeff, co,), p.; Cha's Van Warner, 21 (Ellisburgh), p.; Mar- tin Van Slyke (Watertown), a.; Hunter C. Vaughan, 19 (S. Har.), p (from intercession of father) ; Nils Szoltereky Von Schoultz (general), ^g-., h. Dec. 18; Joseph Wagner (Salina), p.; Saul Washburn (Warren co.), t; Simeon H. Webster, p. ; James M. WTieelock, 22 (Jeff, co.), w. ; Patrick White,.22 (Irish), t; Riley Whitney {Yt.),t.; Nathan Whitney (Ct.), t.; Hosea C. Wilkie (Orleans, N. Y.), p.; Cha's Wilson, p.; Edward A. Wilson, 23 (Pompey), f.; Sampson Wiley (Watertown),^.; Cha's Wood- ruff, 19 (Salina), g-., p.; Martin Woodruff, 24 (Onon. co.), h. Dec. 19; Beman Woodbury, 24 (Cayuga co.),tv., t; Wm. Woolcot,20 (M. co.),m>., p.; Stephen S. Wright, 25 (Denmark), t., released 1843. All of those who were transported were after several years pardoned, and most have since returned. While detained in the penal colonies, they suffered incredible hardships, and numbers of them died. Those who survived, mostly came back with impaired constitutions from pri- vations, and the hard labor to which they had been subjected. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 675 CHAPTER XI. GEOLOGY, MINERALOGY, METEOROLOGY, &c. ^E have extended the foregoing chapters, so that the present must be necessarily concise From the map, opposite page 467, it will be seen that the southern part of these counties is underlaid by priman/ rock, as the oldest, formed of rocky masses, are designated by geologists. It is made up of a mixture of simple minerals, which often show in the structure and mode of ar- rangement, that they have been at some period subjected to the ac- tion of heat. The constituents of these primitive rocks, are generally quartz, hornblende, and feldspar, arranged in irregulai* and often very tortuous strata or layers, which are generally highly inclined. This pecu- liar mixture and arrangement of simple minerals is denominated gneiss rock. When stratification is wanting, it becomes sienite, and when mica takes the place of hornblende it is called granite. A great variety of minerals occur in gneiss rock in certain localities, and it is a valuable re- pository of lead and iron ores. In some places simple minerals occur in large quantities, to the exclusion of everything else, as serpentine, lime- stone, &c., which of themselves often become rock formations. The boundaries of the gneiss rock are very nearly as follows. They consti- tute the Thousand islands, the last of which lie before Morristown, although both shores of the St. Lawrence are here composed of newer rock. A narrow strip of this rock extends from Chippewa bay, up the valley of the creek of that name, two or three miles, being bounded on each side by a formation, which geologists have named Potsdam sand- stone, of which a further account will be given hereafter. The gneiss rock next enters the county from Jefferson, near the line of the military road in Hammond, and its northern margin runs nearly in a direct line to Blaek lake, and forms all the islands in that water, although the north shore is sandstone. It leaves the lake in Depeyster, and runs across that town, De Kalb and Canton, leaving the most of these towns underlaid \f^ gneiss, and passes across a small part of Potsdam into Parishville and the southern part of the settlements in Hopkinton, and thence through township No. 7, 8, and 9, of Franklin county, and the northern edge of Bellmont. With small exceptions to be mentioned, near Somer- ville, the whole of the country south of this line is primary, and to this region metalic ores, except bog ores, must be necessarily limited. At the village of Potsdam, the same rock comes up to the surface, like an island in the midst of sandstone, and at other places, the same thing is observed. However irregular the strata of gneiss may be, they will gen- erally be found to dip, or slope down towards the noi-th, which explains a remark made by Mr. Wright in his early surveys, that the mountains [like all in the southern forest] afford very good land on the north side, and gradually descending, but on the south side have high perpendicular ledges." 676 HISTORY OP ST LAWRENCE The extensive forest of northern New York, is underlaid entirely by pri- mary rock, which seems to have heen thrust up through newer formations, that surround it. In some places, the latter are thrown into an inclined position hy this intruded mass. Gneiss rock has but few useful applica- tions. In early times (and still for coarse grindinoj), it was used for millstones, and in some places it occurs suitable for building, but is gener- ally too hard to be wrought with profit. In the south part of Canton, a very fine grained and durable variety occurs, which has a uniform grey color and close texture, that recommends it where permanence is re- quired. Towards the western part of St. Lawrence county, white lime- stone is of connnou occurrence with this formation, and it has given rise to much discussion, whether the limestone be primitive and coeval with the gneiss, or whether it be a later deposite, altered by heat. As this inquiry would be out of place in this work it will be omitted. One fact is well established, viz: that the white limestone underlies the sand- stone, and many instances of this occur in Rossie, Antwerp, &c. In some cases there is a relative position between limestone and granite that strongly indicates the primitive character of the former, of which Prof. Emmons has figured, one near Hailesboro, which we give in figure 3, opposite page 684, in which a is limestone, and b granite. Another example is given below, in which a is a limestone, with a wavy structure, and b granite. This locality is in Lyndhurst, Canada. This limestone has been used to some extent as a marble, and mills for sawing it have existed in Rossie and Fowler, but its coarse crystalRie texture impairs its value, except for the more massive kinds of archi- tecture. For the manufacture of lime, however, there is probably no- where in the world a material that will surpass this. It is generally in this rock, or along the line of junction with the gneiss, that the more splendid varieties of minerals occur, that are so eagerly sought by col- lectors. Limestone is rare in the primary rock of Franklin county; it, however occurs in township No. 9. In agricultural capabilities, the soil underlaid by primary rock varies in quality, and seems to be in a mea- sure, dependent upon the prevalence of limestone, and the nature and amount of the loose drifted materials that overlie it. It has been gen- erally conceded by geologists, that these transported materials, which in many instances constitute the soil, and modify to a great degree its agri- AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 677 cultural capabilities, are derived from localities north of the place they now occupy. The northern border of the state, and for a great distance into Canada, is undei'laid by rocks of a more recent period, in which lime is an important ingredient, and these give character to the soil for a considerable distance south, which can scarcely be said to differ from that immediately above them. The surface of the primary, is generally more or less broken by ridges of rock, often rising but little above the surface. These ridges have a prevailing direction of n. e. and s. w., which gives to the rivers, tributary to the St. Lawrence, their general course, and occasions the remarkable flexures, so strikingly noticed in the Os- wegatehie and Indian rivers, which flow in natural valleys for a con- siderable distance between ridges of gneiss. Towards the southern borders of St. Lawrence county, the upheavals become of greater alti- tude, and as we go into the easteiii part of this, and soutiiern part of Franklin county, they attain the altitude of mountains, which in Essex, become the highest east of the Mississippi river. These bald and sterile peaks, support but a scanty vegetation, and overlook innumerable ponds and lakes, with fertile intervales; but thousands of acres will be found wholly unfit for tillage) and of no value beyond the timber on the sur- face, or the iron ores beneath it. These lands form an elevated plateau, liable to late spring and early autumnal frosts, but adapted to grazing, the uplands aflfording pasturage, and the intervales meadows. Of min- erals interesting to the collector it has none, but it abounds in iron ores, which will hereafter employ the industry of great numbers, as it unites the three essentials of ore, water power, and fuel, to which, in a great degree, has been added in the Northern Rail road, an access . Sec'?/. God Save the King. We much regret our inability to refer to M. Pouchot, the commander of this post, at the time of its surrender.— fPowcAo/ M. Memoires siir le Derniere Guerre des Amerique, Septentrionale, entre la France et I'Ang-leterre, 3 vols. 12mo, Trerdon, 1781. Two English historians (John Entick, in a work in 5 volumes 8vo, en- titled General History of the War in Europe, Asia, Africa and America, London, 1763; and John Knox, in a work of 2 volumes, 4to., entitled An Historical Journal of the Campaign in JVorth America), have detailed with minuteness the events of the campaign, and added other particu- lars. The latter accompanied the English army, and wrote from per- sonal observation. We quote from his account: " 18th August. The weather is extremely unfavorable to our opera- tions, yet the general, intent on the vigorous prosecution of his mea- sures, resolves to lose no time. This morning was taken up with the repairs of the row galleys and prize vessel, and at 10 o'clock the en- gineers with the covering party returned, and made their report; hut his excellency was predetermined, and the army are in readiness. The first division, consisting of the grenadiers, twobattalionsof light infantry the right brigade of regulars, Schuyler's regiment, the greatest part of the Indians with Sir William Johnson, three row galleys and some field artillery, are to proceed down by the north shore, commanded by the general in person; pass the fort and take possession of the islands and coasts below it; at the same time the second division, composed of the left brigade of regulars, Lyman's regiment, two ranging companies, the remainder of the Indians, and two row galleys, under the command of Col. Haldiman, to row down to the south coast, and take post opposite to the fort, where they will not be exposed to the fire of the place, whilst the prize now deservedly called the Williamson brig, under Lieut. Sin- clair, will s&il down the centre of the river, between the two divisions with direction to moor at random shot from the fort; Brig, Gen. Gage' with the rest of the army and heavy artillery, to remain at Oswegatchie! Such is the disposition his excellency made before the return of the en- gineers, and it was spiritedly executed accordingly, under a brisk and continued cannonade, directed against the brig and the general's column whereby one galley was sunk, ten men were killed and wounded, one of whom lost a thigh, and many bateaux and oars were grazed with shot. As the north division rowed down in single files, it was 11 at nio-ht be- fore the sternmost boat joined, and then the blockade of the fort was completely formed. Our Indians landed on the islands Gallop and Pic- quet, which the enemy abandoned with the greatest precipitation, having left a number of scalps, two swivel guns, some barrels of pitch, a quan- 42 706 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE tity of tools and utensils, with some iron behind them. Our Indians were so exasperated at finding the scalps, that they fired all their Iiouses, not sparing even the chapel. Late in the night an attempt was made to weigh up the galley that was sunk, but we could not succeed. 19th. The general, with Col. Williamson and Lieut. Col. Eyre,* re- connoitered the fort and the islands nearest to it, on two of which ground is made choice of for batteries, about six hundred yards from the fort, as also for a third on an advantageous point of land on the south shore ; and detachments are immediately ordered to break ground, cut and make fascines, with every other preparation for carrying on the siege. Orders were sent to Oswegatchie, for the heavy artillery, which are expected down this night. The Onondaga and Mohawk appeared to- day; they received orders, in like manner as the brig, to come to anchor at random shot from the fort, and if cannonaded, not to return it. The I'emainder of the army, except one Connecticut regiment, are ordered down from Oswegatchie, whence our heavy artillery arrived late at night, and the row galley with her gun was weighed up. The fort fired on the brig yesterday, which she spiritedly returned, until ordered to desist. 22d. The troops have worked with such diligence, that our batteries will be completed this night, and I'eady to play on Fort Levis to-mor- row. 23d. The batteries were opened this morning, and had such effect, that the enemy drew in their guns, and endeavored to serve them h convert. After some hours' firing, a disposition was made to storm the fort with the grenadiers of the army, in which the three vessels were to have assisted. For this purpose, a number of marksmen were judi- ciously placed on board each ship, with the view of compelling the enemy to abandon their guns ; and they were ordered to fall down on the fort within the range of small arms ; but whether the vessels were confused with the weight of the enemy's fire, or that the miscarriage may be imputed to the navigation or the wind, is difficult to determine ; for the general, not approving of their manner of working down, sent orders to them to return to their former station, and desisted from his project for the present. The garrison expended a great deal of ammu- nition to little purpose; and our artillery were so well served, that the enemy were rather shy of standing to their guns. 25th. We have had warm cannonading on both sides, but their guns being at length dismounted by our superior fire, M. Pouchot, the gov- ernor, after displaying as much gallantry as could be expected in his situation, beat a chamade, and in the afternoon capitulated for his garri- son, who are become prisoners of war ; they consist of two captains, six subalterns and two hundred and ninety-one men, all ranks included; they had a lieutenant of artillery with twelve men killed, and thirty-five wounded. The ordnance mounted at Fort Levis, are twelve 12 pound- ers, two sixes, thirteen fours, four of one pound each, and four brass 6 pounders. Lieut. Col. Massey has taken possession of the fort, with three companies of his battalion. Fort Levis, on Isle Royale, is in a most advantageous situation. ' The island is small, and entirely compre- hended within the works, which are carried on in the same irregular manner as nature has formed the insulary shore about it; but the area of * This genteel fellow arrived at that rank solely by his merit, of ■which he had a large share. He was unfortunately drowned on his passage to Ireland, long after the conclusion of the war, and in the prime of his life. In his profession as an engineer, he was exceedingly emi- nent, and an honor to his country : the service, and the army, to whom he was a shining oma- ment, have sustained a very considerable loss by his death. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 707 the fort is a regular square within four bastions only, which seems to have been the first intention in fortifying tlie island, so that the other defences, to all appearance, have been occasionally added, to render the place more respectable, and cut off communication to Montreal, to which It was an excellent barrier; at the head of a number of dreadful rapids, and commands, in a great measure, the navigation between lake Ontario and Canada. The country north and south is apparently even, rich and capable of great improvement inhabited principally by Indians, which, with the uncommon fertility of the circumjacent islands, pi'oducing In- dian and other corn in great abundance, and the prospect of an immense fur trade induced the governor general to establish a strong settlement in this district. The batteries erected against Fort Levis consists of six guns each, besides mortars, though designed for a greater number, if necessary, and the two islands whereon they are constructed, are occu- pied chiefly by Col. Massey's grenadiers, with Brig. Gage's and Col. Amherst's corps of light infantry, who first took possession of them; and the remainder of the army, except Col. Haldiman's detachment, on the fourth point batteiy, are dispersed on other contiguous islands, in such a manner as to surround the fortress, and cut off the enemy's retreat, in case they had been inclined to abandon and retire." NOTE B. [Referred from page 109 ] It had been our design to enumerate some of the evidence of supersti- tion, as evinced in various enterprises of money seeking, by digging, draining the beds of streams, &c., &c., and searching for vampires, of which the annals of St. Lawrence county afford at least three instances. Our space forbids the details, revolting to humanity, and regard for the living, leads us to pass unnoticed these heathenish mutilations of the dead. NOTE C. [Referred from page 111.] Instead of continuing our account of St. Louis, a short space will be devoted to the Mohawk dialect of the Iroquois. As it exists in Canada, it is said to have but 11 letters, viz: A, E, H, I, K, N, O, R, S, T, W, for the last of which a character like the figure 8, open at the top, is used. It is remarkable for the combinations of which it is susceptible, and which arises from the fewness of the roots or primitive words. The natives having but few ideas, and these of the most common and familiar objects, when it. became necessary to speak of abstract ideas, as those of a religious character, the missionaries were obliged to use figurative terms, and comparisons couched in language suited to their capacity. From this cause, the speeches delivered at treaties abound in rhetorical figures, especially in metaphors. Hence arises a flexibility and range of modification in mood, tense and declension said to be much analagous, especially in the verb, to the Greek. The following is an instance of combination : 708 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE Ka o-nwei-a, signifies a boat of any kind, (hence our word canoe). Wa-ten-ti-a-ta, any thing ''that goes by fire." He-liio-kea, " on the ground." Ot-si-re, " five." ffatentiata-hetiiokea-otsiere, " a machine that runs on the ground by fire," i. e., a rail road. fFaientiata-kaonweia-otsire, " a boat that goes by fire," i. e., steam boat. The Algonquin language has a relation with all those of the north and northwest. The dialect of this spoken at St. Francois, is tlie softest and most musical of all. For this reason the Iroquois call the latter sken-sb- wa-7ie, signifying a bird that soars and warbles. This arises from the prevalence of letter L, instead of R. The Iroquois called the Algonquins m derision, Mirondacs, or " wood eateis," which term has been applied to the lofty chain of mountains in Essex county. Mt. Marcy, the highest peak, is called Ta-ha-was, " that cleaves the sky." The following are the numerals used in the Mohawk dialect, as given by Dwight, in the Transactions of the American Antiquarian Society, vol. ii, p. 358. 1, Oohskott; 2, tekkehnih; 3, ohson; 4, kuhyayrelih; 5, wissk; 6, yah- yook; 7, chahtak; 8, sohtayhhko; 9, tihooion; 10, weeayhrlih: 11, oohskohyahwarrhleh ; 12, tekkehninhyahwurrhlih ; 20, toowahsun ; 30, ohsonnihwahsun; 100, oohskohtowenyaoweh; 1000, towenyaowwehtse- realahsuhn. We are indebted to Dr. E. B. O'Callaghan, editor of tlie Documentary History of New York, for the following: The Lord's Prayer in Mohawk. [Ffom Davis's Translation of Book of Common Prayer, New York. 1837, y. SO.) Tagwaienha ne garon hiake tesiteron; Aiesaseennaien; A-onwe ne Our Father who heaven in dwellest ; Glorified be ihy name ; May come Sawenniiosera ; Tsinisarikonroten ethonaiawenne nonwentsiake, tsiniio Ihy kingdom ; Thy will be done earth on the, as ne garon hiake; Niatewenniserake tagwanataranontensek ; nok sasani- heaven in ; To day our bread give us ; and for. konrhen tsinikon gwanikonraksaton ; tsiniiot ni-i tsiongwanikonrhens give us our trespsisses; as we the tresjasses forgive nothenon ionk-hinikonraksaton ; Nok tosa asgwatgawe nothenon aiong those against us who trespass; And lead us not into gwanikonrotago ; Noktennon heren tagwariwagwiten ne gariwaksen; occasion of sin ; But us lead away from deeds evil ; Ise sawenniiosera, iah othenon tesanoronse, nok agwa saiataneragwat, For tis thy kingdom, power, and the glory, iah tegagonte etho neniotonhake. Amen. for ever and ever. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 711 NOTE D. [Referred from page 2-I5.J As the name of Stephen Van Rensselaer is intimately associated with the early history of the purchases in Lisbon and Canton, and as the citizens of St. Lawrence connty are indebted to him for the early and efficient interest which he manifested in promoting the construction of roads and internal improvements, we have deemed him fully entitled to a brief notice in the history of the connty. The first ancestor of the family was De Heer Kiliaen Van Rensse- laer, who was originally a pearl and diamond merchant, and afterwards a commissioner appointed to take charge of the business of the Dutch West India Company, and one of its directors. He is said to have re- moved to New Netherlands, and acquired an extensive manorial tide to lands on the Hudson, in the vicinity of Albany, having previously ex- tinguished tlie Indian title to the lands by purchase. Stephen Van Rens- selaer, the late ])atroon, was born inl764, in the city of New York. At the age of nineteen he graduated at Cambridge University, and in 1786, was aj)pointed a major of infantry, and two years after .he received the command of a regiment. In 1790, he was elected to the^ate senate, and held this office five years. In 1795, he was elected by a large majority lieutenant governor, and was reelected in 1798, and afterwards hehl sev- eral important and responsible offices connected witlithe state govern- ment. In 1810, and subsequently, he was entrusted with responsible duties in relation to the preliminary measures for the construction of the Erie canal, and in 1812, he "was appointed by Governor Tom])kins, ma- jor general of tiie New York milftia, and was entrusted with the charge of the entire northern ami western frontiers of the state, from St. Regis to the Pennsylvania line. His military career ended with this campaign. In 1801 and in 1813, he was nominated for governor, but was in the lat- ter defeated by Mr. Tompkins. In 1816, he distinguished himself for his zeal in promoting the canals, and remained one of the canal com- missioners till his death. He was several tinies elected member of as- semi)ly and congress, and in 1819 he was appointed a regent of the univer- sity, which office lie held till his death. In 1821, he was a delegate to the convention for revising the constitution, and took a distinguished pai"t in the deliberations of that body. But it is chiefly for the zeal and mu- nificence with which Mr. Van Rensselaer engaged in promoting the causes of agriculture, science, Bnd,educatioi»; that his name will ever be venerated by the citizens of our state. In 1819, he had been successful in directing the attention of the legislature to the importance of fostering the agricultin-al interests in the state. Twenty-six county societies were organized in consequence of this movement, the presidents of which assembling in Albany in January, 1820, elected him president of the board of agriculture. This movement had unfortunately but a brief existence ; but his ef- forts did not cease with those of the public, and he caused to be made, at his own expense, an agricultural and geological survey of Albany and Rensselaer counties. He afterwards employed Prof Eaton to execute a similar survey on a general scale, of the different rock formations along the line of the canal, which was executed in 1822-3, and this led the way to the state surveys since accomplished. The results of this exploration be caused, like the others, to be |)ublished with illustrations at his own expense. In 1826, there was incorporated an institution known as the 712 HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE Rensselaer Institute, which he had established at Troy, and which was designed to impart a practical knowledge of chemistry, philosophy, nat- ural history, and mathematics, and has since proved eminently useful in confering a thorough practical knowledge of the useful sciences. A peculiar feature in the mode of instruction adopted at this school, deserves mention. For several seasons it was the custom of Professor Eaton to take his classes with him in canal boats, fitted up for the purpose, through the canal to Lake Erie, that his pupils might have the opportunity of studying the different rocky strata in their localities, and of collecting the fossils and other objects of interest that might have relation to the sub- jects of their study. Excursions for exercise in civil engineering, and the formation of collections in natural history, form a prominent feature of this school. The Rensselaer Institute was founded and liberally endowed by him, and while he was bearing from his own purse not less than half of its current expenses, caused an invitation to be given to each county in the state, to furnish a student selected by the county clerk for gratuitous in- struction, imposing as a condition that they should instruct in their own counties for one year on the experimental and demonstrative method. Mr. Van Rensselaer took an active part in the formation and support of the Albany Institute, an institution devoted to the promotion of science, and till the close of his life continued usefully employed in fostering and encouragaing various measures for the public good. He was especially fond of giving encouragement to young men of genius and talent, but who, from the pressure of poverty, were unable to derive those advan- tages] which they so eagerly desired, and who felt in all its force the reality of the sentiment expressed by the poet Beattie, in the following stanza: " Ah who can tell how hard it is to climh, The steep wliere fame's proud temple shines afar, Ah who can tell how many n soul sublime, Has felt the influence of malignant star, And waged with fortune on eternal war, Checked by the scoffs of pride, and envy's frown, And poverty's unconquerable bar, In life's low vale remote, have pined alone, Then dropped into the grave unnoticed and unknown." Some of our most illustrious men of science owe their first impulse and encouragement, to the kindness and the munificence of Stephen Van Rensselaer. In his benefactions he was unostentatious, and it is only from indirect sources that it is learned that in the cause of agricultural and educational science alone, he expended not less tiian $30,000. He died Jan. 26, 1839, at Albany. An author* who has written a sketch of his life and character, thus, with great justice, closes his eulogy upon him: " What a mild splendor do the virtues of such a life shed around the horizon of the totnb. Far preferable to laurels won on battle fields or monuments of marble. We can not euloeize his military qualifications, although they were excellent, for such characters have abounded in all ages and among all nations. We much prefer his other qualities, of which the world does'not afford so many shining examples; I mean h s * See Ho" gate's American Genealogy, p. 55. A discourse on the life and character of Mr. Van Rensselaer, is also published in IMunsell's Annals of Albany, vol. 3, pp. 281-327. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 713 philanthropy and disinterested benevolence. He seems to have had great purity of character, a sound judgment, and well balenced mind. Entire confidence seems to have been reposed in his talents and patriot- ism. He died a Christian, having been admitted a member of the Re- fornjed Dutch church at Albany in 1787, when 23 years of age." NOTE E. [Referred from page 430.] We have stated that the town of Pierrepont derives its name from Mr. Hezekiah Beers Pierrepont, of Brooklyn, Long Island. This gentleman was so large a proprietor of lands in these counties, and so many of its inhabitants have derived their titles to land from him, that his name must always be connected with the annals of this district, and a short sketch of his life, therefore, will not be uninteresting. He was born at New Haven, Connecticut, November 3, 1768, and was descended from the Rev. James Pierrepont, who was the first minister settled in that colony, at its establishment. It is worthy of note, that in 1684, the town plat apportioned to him has been ever since occupied by the family, and is still in their possession. It never has been sold since it was ceded by the Aborigines. The immediate ancestor of the Rev. James Pierrepont, was John Pierrepont, of England, who belonged to the family of Holme Pierrepont, of Norman descent. John came to America with his younger brother Robert, about the year 1640, as tradition says, merely to visit the country, but married, and settled at Roxbury, near Boston. The name being French, became Anglicised, and has been spelt Pierpont, but the correct spelling is now resumed by this branch of the family. The subject of this memoir being of a very active and enterprising spirit, was early dissatisfied with the prospect of a professional life, and left college without graduating, and entered into the office of his uncle, Mr. Isaac Beers, to obtain a knowledge of business. His uncle was an importer of books. He remained with him till 1790, when he went to New York, and at first took an engagement in the custom house, with the intention of obtaining a better knowledge of commercial business. The next year he associated himself with Messrs. Watson and Greenleaf, and acted as their agent in Philadelphia, where he realized a small fortune by the purchase of government debt. In 1793, he entered into partnership with Mr. William Lefiingwell, and established in New York the firm of Leffingwell & Pierrepont. France being then in revolution, neglected agriculture, and derived its supplies from abroad, principally from America. Mr. Pierrepont went to France, to attend to the shipment of provisions. The seizures that were made by England so embarrassed the trade, that he abandoned it, and madu a voyage to India and China, acting as his own supercargo. On his return with a valuable cargo, his ship, named the Confederacy, was taken by a French privateer, and condemned and sold in France, contrary to our treaty stipulations and the laws of nations. He remained in France, making reclamations against the government, and had a fair prospect of recovering the value of his ship and cargo, when the United States made a treaty with France, by the terms of which it assumed the 714 HISTORY OF ST. I-AWRENCE claims of its citi/eiis against France. To the disgrace of this country, tills claim, which is classed among many similar ones, under the title of " claims for French spoliations prior to 1800," has never yet been paid, though twenty-one reports in favor have been made in Congress, and many of tiie most distinguished and best men of the country have ad- mitted their justice and advocated them. It has been admitted by one of the greatest opj)onents of the claims, that if they could be brought before the supreme court, they would beyond a doubt obtain a decision in their favor. Mr. Pierrepont was in Paris during the most bloody days of the revo- lution, and saw Robespierre beheaded; he was also cletained in England by the legal steps that were necessary to obtain his insurance, part of which he recovered. His neutral character as an American, enabled him to travel without difficulty on the continent, though war prevailed. Our country being represented abroad by able men, as well in, as out of, the diplomatic circles, he enjoyed tlieir society and cemented friendships,' some of which lasted during life. That with Robert Fulton was one of these, as a testimony of which Mr. Pierrepont named a son after him, who died an infant. After an absence of seven years, he returned to New York, and in the year 1802, married Anna Maria, daughter of Wil- liam Constable. Wishing after his marriage to engage in some business of less hazard and uncertainty than foreign trade, he established a fac- tory for the manufacture of gin, which was attended witii great success, and the article wiiich he iVianufactured attained a high reputation. He purchased a country seat on Brooklyn Heights in 1802, which he after- wards made his permanent residence. He was at that time one of only twenty-six freeholders, who owned a territory which has since become covered by a city, no'w the second in this state. From his connection with Mr. Constable, who was a great land holder in this as well as other states, he had his attention drawn to lands in these northern counties, and purchased in 1806 the town of Pierrepont, and subsequently Louisville and Stockholm. He afterwards made large additions to his purchases from the estate of Mr. Constable and others, and became the owner of about half a million of acres. This extensive property engaged his whole attention ever afterwards, and his summers were devoted to visiting his lands. At his earlier visits he traveled on horseback, making thus the entire tour from Schenectady to Jefferson, St. Lawrence, and Franklin counties. His first visit having been in 1803, he saw the country, when as yet it was almost an unbroken forest, and had the gratification ibr a long series of years, of seeing its gradual settlement and improvement, much of which, in various sections, was the result of his own exertions. Jn his treatment of his settlers, for mOre than thirty years, he was uniformly kind and lenient, and he extended his indulgence in the collection of their dues for a long period, very much to his own pecuniary inconvenience. During the four years pre- ceding his death, he surrendered the active care of his lands in these counties to his son Henry, who has since continued in charge of them. He died August 11, 1838, leaving a widow, who still survives him, two sons and eight daughters. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. 715 ADDITIONAL NOTES ON MADRID. The following notes on Madrid were received from ]flr. E. A. Dayton, too late for use in their proper place, and are here inserted as interesting addenda to the history of that town. The Rutherford brothers, mentioped on page-3f J , were from Roxburgh- shire, Scotland, and emigrated in 1801. They werfj met in New York by Mr. Ogden, and induced to visit the town whire they afterwards settled, in a neighborhood that has since been called Rutherford's Ridge. The land oi-iginally settled by them is still mostly occupied by their de- scendants. These families were two months in removing from Pitts- town, N. Y., by the tedious water route of Oswego. Jesse Goss settled at Columbia village in 1801, and in 1823 built the first house east of the river at that place. It stood near the place of A. Goss's present store. He was the first to erect a cloth dressing and carding mill here. The present stone woolen factory was erected in 1835. Most of the east part of the village (known locally, as Brooklyn), has been built since that time. Joseph Freeman and his brothers Asa, Eiisha and Rufus were natives of Dalton, Mass., and removed to Madrid in 1850. The former was born May 7, 1773, and in 1798 removed to Johnstown, in Canada, and thence to Madrid, crossing on the ice, and losing by an accident his stock of provisions. In 1801. Cyrus Abernethy, from Vermont, settled on the pla're now owned hy Roswell Abernethy. The first marriage in the south part of the town, was Eezkiel Abernethy to Linsley. The first mill at Columbia village, built by Seth Roberts, was afterwards burned and the land and water privilege were bought by Timothy Reed, who built a new dam, and a saw and grist mill. The first store at this place was built by Buck & Meach, on the present site of the burying ground. In the summer of 1800 an attempt to navigate Grass river was made with a flat bottomed boat, but without much success, as in ascendin"' the loading had often to be taken out, and the empty boat dragged up with great labor. In 1808 or 9, Eli and Nathaniel Hamblin, and Wm. Castle built a small distillery on the river below the mill, and it was used till about 1830. Samuel Allen, originally from Vermont, settled in town among the very first. In 1797, having ])reviously made a short sojourn in Chateau- gay, and been engaged with his father, brother and a man by the name of Whelpley, in cutting the first road from that place to the French Mills. He states that on the llth of March, 1797, there was but one family in town, which were Dutch. They lived in a hut in the present village of Wacidington, and every member of it were clad in garments of deerskin. The first death of a white known to have occurred in town, is said to have been that of Daniel Tuttle, who lived a short dis- tance above Point Iroquois on the river. The first birth among the white settlers, was that of Wm. L., son of Samuel Allen, Oct. 19, 1797. He was one of the unfortunate party at the windmill, at Prescott, ia Nov. 1828, and is supposed to have been killed there, as he was never heard of after that event. On the 4th of July, 1798, the first celebration of our national inde- pendence was held in town, on the extreme end of Point Iroquois, at which about 12 or 15 were present. The declaration was read by Jacob Redd ngton, Esq., who delivered a short oration, which was followed by the firing of guns, and cheering. This uproar attracted the notice of the Canadians, who did not know what could be the cause of the disturb- 716 HISTORY OF ST. LAW. AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES. ance among the Yankees, and they sent over a " flag of truce " to learn what might be th* matter. They were told that they would not be hurt, and upon this assurance returned. The exercises of the day were con- cluded by a ball, for which they lacked none of the requisites but music of some kind, and this was supplied by the voice of Mrs. A , who sang while the others danced, and the sport went on with as much spirit as if there had been a hundred fiddlers. Tradition relates that the first town meeting in Madrid, was held in the fields, the presiding ofiicer, seated on a pine stump. The first Associate Reformed Society, of Madrid, erected a church edifice in 1819, at a cost of $800. Wm. Taylor, the first pastor, re- mained from September, 1819, till 1837. In 1840, the Rev. John Mor- rison, the present pastor, succeeded. A parsonage was built eoon after the church was burned in 1841, and the society have since built one of stone. A second church was built in 1842, since which meetings have been held alternately in each. In December 1852, thirty-six members residing in north Potsdam, formed a separate organization, and are now erecting a church. Present number in Madrid 350. INDEX. Aboriffinal traces,lS; in Macomb, 19; Potsdam, 21; Massena, 21; Oswegatchie, 22; Canada, 27; paintings on St. Lawrence, 22; on Black lake, 26; names of places, 198. Academies, St. Lawrence, 53b; Gouvemeur W. sem., 54:1; Canton, 545; Oswegatchie, 547; Tranklin, 548; Fort Covington, 551; statis- tical tables, 552. Agricultural Societies, 527; statistics, 578. Algonquins, language of, 708. ^mherst, (Lord) Mante's account of expedi- tion, 89; French account, 96; takes Fort Levi, 90; account given in Annual Regis- ter, 97; his disasters in the rapids, 93, 97. Assembly Districts, St. Lawrence co., 680 ; Franklin co., 583. Assistant Justices, St. Lawrence co.. 578; Frank- - lin CO., 581. AtlieruBum, Ogdensburgh, 415. Bangor, 478. Banks, 530. Bell of St. Rogis (see St. Regis). Bellmont, 481. BicknelviUe, 476. Biographical notices, of Tirens, 182; Col. Louis, 182; WUliam Gray, 198; Thomas Williams, 200; Russell Attwater, 584; Thomas B. Benedict, 584; John Boyd, 585; James Campbell, 585; Daniel W. Church, 585; Tho's J. Davis, 585; John Fine, 586; Still- man Foote, 586; David Ford, 589; ^lathan Ford, 589; Asa Hascall, 593; Louis Has- brouck, 594; Koswell Hopkins, 595; Hiram Horton, 59b; David C. Judson, 596, Kobt. McChesney, 599; David A. Ogden, 599; Da- vid Parish, 600; George Parish, 604; Hora- tio Powell, 605; Benjamin Raymond, 605; Alex'r Richaids, 609; Joseph Rosseel, 609; Joseph W. Smith, 610; Gurdon Smith, 611; . James B. Spencer, 611; Rich'd Townsend, 611; Wm. H. Vining, 611; Henry S. Water- house, 612; Joseph York, 612; Silas Wright; 613; Henry A'an Rensselaer, 711; Hezekiah B. Pierrepont, 713. Bonibay, 482. Boundary, National, 504. Brandon, 484. Brant, his difficulties with the St. Regis, 146; Gov. Clinton's letter to, 147. Braslier, 267. BrockvilU, Forsyth's descent upon, 625. Bucli^s Bridge, 438. Burke, 485. Canada, discovery and settlement of, 29. Canton, 273, Charlevoix, journey of 43; his account of St. Louis, 47. Chateaugay, 486. Chimney island (see Oraconenton, Fort Levi, Amherst, &c.). Cholera, account of, 413. Chrysler's field, battle of, 643; British accounts of, 646. Churches, in the different towns, see each town. Clerks, St. Lawrence CO., 577; Franklin cc 581. ColUm, 284. , „„ --a. Congressional Districts, St. Lawrence CO., o»». members, 579; Franklin co., 58^. Constable, 494. Copperas manufacture, 282. ,,i;„ •„ Coromrs, St. Lawrence co., 579; Franklm co., Court house, St. Lawrence c«., removal of, 211; described, 213; enlarged, 215; Franklm co., 219. Daytmi, E. A., statistics by, 345, 715. DeerUdd, capture of, 118, 121. De kalb, 286. .^. , , -,„„_ De la Barres's fruitless expedition to Jetterson CO., 40. De Feyster, 293. Dickinson, 496. • District Custom House, 513. District Attorneys, St. Lawrence co., &(». Duami, 497. , , „„, Duke of Glmccesler, armed vessel, bZl. Ihrl of Moira, armed vessel, 621. _ Hastburn, Rob't, narrative of captivity, D.S. Edwards, 297. , ,, i „ „f English jealous of the Trench, 55; plan oi union, 56; invade Canada under Lord Am- herst, 89; conquer it, 93, 97; retain Fort Oswegatchie, 107. Fine, town of, 298; memoir of John F., 586. Fort Covington, 498. „„ „_ „„ ^omo Fort Levi, buiit, 94; taken, 90, 97, 98; name changed, 91; its importance, 9(, (00. Fowler, 500. „ . „,q. „„„. Franklin county, erecteA, 216; act, 218, name, 219; bounds changed, 219: record of super- « visors, 216; towns of, 478. Franklin, 505. , ,„ .„„_ French, the; their discoveries and early, voy- ages, 29; send priests among Iroquois,