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HUNTING EXPEDITIONS OF 0. H. PERRY.
One hundred copies printed.
No.
87



OLIVER HAZARD PERRY.
From an oil painting.

HUNTING EXPEDITIONS OF
OLIVER HAZARD PERRY
OF CLEVELAND
VERBATIM FROM HIS DIARIES
EMBELLISHED WITH TAILPIECES ENGRAVED
ABOUT 1800 BY DR. ALEXANDER ANDERSON AND OTHERS
AND PRINTED FROM THE ORIGINAL WOOD
CLEVELAND
FOR PRIVATE DISTRIBUTION
1899

Copyright, 1899, by CHARLES W. BINGHAM.

Zoology-Museums
Ramar
2- 8. 44
49427
PROEM.
M
a
15-44 BH
R. OLIVER HAZARD PERRY, the author of the
journals of early hunting expeditions embraced in
this volume, was an extraordinary and interesting
man; and this publication, which is a limited one, is now made
for distribution among his personal friends.
He was born at Cleveland, O., April 12th, 1817. Mr. Perry
grew to manhood at a period, in a region of country, and with
every other accompanying circumstance highly favorable to a
vigorous and manly physical culture. Endowed with a robust
constitution, and his native tastes and liberal studies inclining
him to pursuits of natural history, he early became familiar with
the haunts of every species of game with which the wilds of
Ohio and Michigan then abounded; and as he possessed ample
means for the gratification of these inclinations, he enjoyed noth-
ing so much as a protracted encampment with one or two friends
in the depths of our boundless and trackless woods, making
the camp the center and rendezvous for extensive expeditions
in all directions: and as the company of friends was not always
available for efforts long sustained, such company was, fortu-
nately for Mr. Perry, by no means indispensable. It was not an
uncommon occurrence for him to start out solitary and alone
upon one of his great hunts, occupying several months, relying
for “society where none intrudes” only upon nature as she al-
ways appeared to him in her multitudinous charms.
V

vi
Proem.
It was the practice of Mr. Perry during the greater portion
of his life to preserve a careful and detailed account of his ob-
servations and experiences on these expeditions; and it is not
too much to say they are a valuable contribution to the litera-
ture of the period to which they relate.
Although these records are replete with delightful and mar-
velous descriptions of the hunter's recreations and triumphs, as
well as primeval scenery long since marred or obliterated by the
tramp of civilization and the demands of human necessities, they
were obviously prepared not with
any
ambitious purpose
lication, but rather with the single view of enabling the actual
participants to more distinctly recall and reënjoy in after life the
thrilling adventures and pleasures so graphically recounted.
Mr. Perry was killed in a railroad accident on the Cleveland
& Pittsburgh Railroad, December 23d, 1864.
of pub-
CLEVELAND, OHIO, May ist, 1899.

CONTENTS. .
.
53
58
PAGE
His First Deer
3
A Hunt in Avon, Ohio.
6
Another Hunting Expedition to Avon
8
A Hunting Camp in Russia Township
13
Elk Hunting in Northern Michigan
17
Deer Hunt in Lorain County.
23
Hunting Excursion in Russia, Lorain Co. Ohio.
27
Another Hunt in Russia.
31
Hunting Excursion in Russia, Lorain Co. Ohio
37
Hunting Excursion in the Black Swamp, 1842
39
One Day's Deer Hunt in Parma .
47
A Hunt in the Country West of Toledo .
50
A Hunt Near Monroe
Deer Hunt in Parma in 1844 .
Deer Hunt in Lenawee County Michigan
60
Deer Hunt in Lenawee, Paulding, and Henry Co..
63
Deer Hunt in Henry County, Ohio
Deer Hunt in Kenton Harding Co. Ohio
90
Deer Hunt in Henry Co. Ohio
95
Third Hunt in Parma
97
Deer Hunt in Henry Co. Ohio, 1848
99
Deer Hunt in Henry County Ohio, 1849.
108
Elk and Deer Hunting Excursion in Sanilac County Michi-
gan, and Henry County Ohio, 1850
121
Deer Hunt in Tuscola County, and Hillsdale County Michi-
gan 1851
136
Deer Hunt in Harding County Ohio 1851
• 142
Elk and Deer Hunt in Sanilac and Tuscola County Michi-
gan 1852.
145
Saginaw Indian Method of Tanning or Dressing Deer Skins. 176
vii
80

viii
-
Contents.-Illustrations.
PAGE
177
Diary of My Deer Hunting Excursion on the Cass River,
Tuscola County, Michigan, in the Year 1853
Diary of My Elk Hunt on the Forks of the Cass River, &
Deer Hunt in Tuscola County, Michigan, in the Year
1854.
Diary of My Deer Hunting Excursion on the Cass River, in
Tuscola County, Michigan, in the Year 1855
204
223
.
ILLUSTRATIONS.
Oliver Hazard Perry
Camp on the Cass River
Residence of Nathan Perry, Esq.
Frontispiece
168
240

THIS BOOK CONTAINS AN ACCOUNT
OF THE HUNTING EXPEDITIONS OF
O. H. PERRY, COMMENCING WITH
DECEMBER, 1836.
a


26
un
புய
USTIN
HUNTING EXPEDITIONS OF O. H. PERRY
HIS FIRST DEER.
N December (3d) 1836 + Peter Perry, a New York
Gentleman, and Myself started from Cleveland in
Peter, Sleigh to (12 miles) Avon on a Deer Hunt.
We found the Sleighing good, and fetched up
about
3 P M. at * Kinny, Tavern, on French Creek in Avon, 18
miles from Cleveland, where we made preparations for our
Hunt. The morning of the next day was clear, and the
tracking in the snow eccellent. I started into the woods
and soon found some fresh tracks which I followed, but be-
ing inexperienced in hunting Deer, I got no shots although
I saw quite a number. towards night I saw a Possum which
I shot, and brought in to the Tavern. At night a Serenad-
ing Band of some twenty persons, came to the Tavern to
drink, and prepare themselves for the purpose of greeting and
doing honor to a Mr Cahoon, an Old Bear Hunter, who had
just returned from the Columbus State Prison, where he had
been serving the State for some time to make amends for pass-
† Died in December 1843.
* Killed by being thrown from his waggon in 1843.
Іa
3

4.
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
ing Counterfeit money. A kind of half fool that was among
them, came back to the Tavern about 10 Oclock, and I made
a bargain with him for 25 cts, to watch all night with the Op-
possum I killed. he said he had watched with dead folks, but
he had never done such a thing as watch with dead animals;
but still he undertook the task and performed it faithfully.
The next morning was clear and much warmer than the day
before, and the snow thawed very rapidly. I started into the
woods by the break of day, in company with an Old Hunter.
we came to a place in the woods where he said an Old Buck
lived, and if we worked it cunning we might get him. he told
me to go to a certain place on a ridge and stand, and make as
much noise as I liked in going there, and he would go to an-
other place and stand.
I went to the place designated, but made as little noise as
possible, and taking my station behind a large Chesnut tree,
waited to see what would happen. A short time after being
there I discovered an Old Buck bounding along to the very
spot where I stood. After coming within about six rods of me,
he stopped and looked back on his back track. I took advan-
tage of the opportunity and fired. he immediately wheeled and
ran off into the woods again. I loaded my Rifle, and went to
where he stood, found blood, and following his track on for
about half a mile I found him between two logs dead. The
old Hunter having heard me fire, came up, and assisting me
we soon hung up the Old Buck, and started off again after
others.
During the day we saw two Bucks as we supposed fighting,
but could'nt get near enough to shoot at them. In the afternoon
it commenced raining, and we hurried back through the woods
to the Tavern. I took Peter, Horse and getting a waggon,
and
a person to accompany me, I went in the rain after
my
deer
and brought him back to the Tavern. The next day being very
cold, and the snow all gone, I started back a foot to Cleveland,
leaving Peter at French Creek and with the promise that when
a

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
5
ол
he returned he would fetch my deer. I got home about 2 P M,
and the next morning getting up quite early, I went to the
Kitchen door, and upon opening it, the first thing I saw was
my Old Buck standing up as straight, and natural as life. I
took the old fellow to the shop, thawed him out, skinned him,
prepared his hams for drying, and sent portions of his fore
shoulders to Uncle Weddell, Mr Baldwin, Wilson, and several
others.
This was the first deer I ever shot, and I felt much elated
at my success in killing him.
wo.
STAG.

6
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
A HUNT IN AVON, OHIO.
HE last of December 1836, there being a good snow
I took my black Mare and Cutter, and in company
with D. W. Cross, and with all my stock of funds in
my pocket (viz one dollar and a half) started for
Avon on a Deer Hunt. We stopped at Fuller, Taven, in Avon
Centre, 17 miles from Cleveland. Nex day there being a good
tracking snow we started out together, and after getting into the
woods, parted company. Soon after, I struck the tracks of ten
deer all in one drove, and following them up a short time,
started them.
After following them an hour or two, I discovered a small
deer (a doe fawn) crossing their tracks in front of me. I im-
mediately drew up my Rifle and fired. the deer fell, and upon
going up to it, I found that I had broke its back. I cut its
throat, took out its entrails, and cutting a stick with a crotch in
it, hooked it into its jaw and drew it on the snow some four
miles to the Tavern.
Towards night Cross came in feeling quite discouraged, hav-
ing seen no deer and but few tracks.
The second day I saw several deer, got two or three shots,
but owing to my Rifle being very fine sighted, killed none. I
however killed this day five Hedgehogs. I found them on the
tops of the trees eating the bark, and they made a very tempt-
ing and beautiful mark.
The third day I saw quite a number of deer, got several
shots, but owing to my bad sights killed none. Cross more
lucky, killed this day a large fine Doe. He hunted with a long
large bored Rifle which he borrowed from Peter Perry.
The 4th day, the snow being still good, I went out again,

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
7
and struck the track of a monstous Buck. I followed him five
or six hours, saw him several times but always with his flag
hoisted, until luckily I discovered him very carefully coming
towards me on his back track. I let him come within eight
rods of me when I fired. at the report of my gun he suddenly
.
stopped, looked around a moment, and then bounded off.
I had the Buck-fever when I shot at him, and my arms and
legs trembled violently, and that no doubt was the reason I
missed him. I felt so vexed and mortified at not hitting him, I
went home the next day. The sleighing was first rate.
ANTELOPE.

8
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
ANOTHER HUNTING EXPEDITION TO AVON.
HE latter part of January 1837 in company with
Mr Curtiss (a Law Student in Mr Payne, office)
and Mr Cross I again started to Avon on another
Deer Hunting Expedition. The sleighing was good,
and we all three went in my Cutter. We stopped at Fuller,
Tavern in Avon Centre. The next day after getting there, we
all three went into the woods together, I hunting next to the
clearing, and Cross and Curtiss hunting parallel with me in the
woods some 40 rods distant.
Shortly after hunting in this manner I started two deer out of
a tree-top and fired at them, and they running down to where
Cross and Curtiss were, they both fired at them, but none of
us hit them. we followed their tracks untill other deer joining
them we had a drove of 12, or 15. when following the tracks
we put up a large covey of Partridges, and spent some time in
shooting at them. We fired at the head of one several times,
and not hitting him to end it, I shot him through the body.
We took turns about following ahead on the tracks of the
deer. during one of my turns of being ahead, I saw the whole
drove only some twenty rods in front of me. getting down on
the snow and resting my Rifle on my knee, I singled out one
of them, and fired. Cross a moment afterwards also fired.
Going to the spot where the deer stood that I shot at, I found
hair and blood. following the track up, I at last saw the deer
lying down, and as I supposed dead. I placed my Rifle beside
a tree and was going towards him to cut his throat, when he
jumped up and ran off. I took his track and followed it a mile
or two, when I again discovered him lying down. I took good
sight, fired, and this time finished him. Upon examining him I
found that I had shot him the first time through the paunch.
a

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
9
After I had gutted him, I cut a hole in his throat and putting
my hankerchief through it, looked at my compass and then com-
menced dragging him in the direction of the Tavern. A vio-
lent snow storm coming on, I got bewildered, and wandered
about in the woods till just at night, when I came out to a road
One mile from Beebee, Tavern on the South Ridge, Eight
miles from where I started from in the morning. I stopped with
Beebee over night and made an agreement with him to send
my deer to P. M. Weddell, Store Cleveland. The deer was a
Doe-fawn of large size.
Next day I started back through the woods to Fuller, . saw
several deer and a flock of Turkies but killed none.
The 3d day Cross and myself went into the North woods and
hunted in Company. we started four deer near a meadow, when
being very frightened they jumped into the meadow, and when
some forty rods off, Cross fired and broke the leg of one a large
Doe. they then jumped over a fence into a man, barn-yard,
from there into the North Ridge road, then into an Orchard,
and finanly made their way through the clearing,s into the South
woods.
We followed their tracks till they parted, when Cross and
Myself divided —he taking the track of the wounded one,
and I the tracks of the others. I got five or six shots at them
during the day, but only made out to wound one and he slight-
ly. Cross had better success, for he killed the Doe he followed,
and only about fifty rods distant from the Tavern, and within
twenty rods of a collection of some thirty people who were
burrying a Merchant of French Creek who had accidentally got
killed a few days before.
The 4th day hunted by myself. Started a fawn out of a chop-
ping in the South woods early in the morning, and followed him
till 2 P M, without getting a shot, when giving him up and
hunting towards the Tavern I saw an Old Doe and her Fawn
feeding. I fired at them as they were very slowly walking, and
missed them. They not being frightened or discovering me, I
b

ΙΟ
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
loaded and fired at the Fawn, when down he fell, my ball hav-
ing broke his back.
Upon going up to him he made a most terrible bleating, and
I had some little difficulty in cutting his throat. It was a fine
large Buck Fawn and quite fat. I gutted him and fastening a
hooked stick into his jaw, drew him along to the Tavern and
got there an hour or two after dark. Cross also killed this day a
deer, a very fine large Doe.
The 5th day I went into the woods alone, and finding the
tracks of 14 Deer all in one drove, I followed them untill night,
without getting a shot, although I saw them often. I left them
within half a mile of a Clearing, and five miles from the Tavern
where I stopped.
Next morning Cross & Myself got up two hours before day
and started for the place where I had left them. Getting there
before daylight, we went into a Log House to stay until we could
see to follow the tracks. The Owner of the house showed us a
Fawn that he had in a Tub of water, and which he said his dog
killed the evening before. we had our suspicions that the dog
had been chasing the flock of Deer I had followed, and upon
going out and finding the tracks we found that it was so, and
that the dog had scattered them in every direction.
We finanly found where four or five of them had united
again, and after following them up very rapidly for two or three
hours, we came in sight of them and kept them in sight almost
constantly, but being ourselves very fatigued from over exertion,
and being in the woods nearly opposite the Tavern, we seated
ourselves on a log and held a Consultation, the deer then being
in sight of us. The result of our consultation, was, that we gave
up following the deer any farther that day, and went back to
the Tavern to recuit for the next day, hunt.
Next day I started into the South woods very early in the
morning, and after hunting an hour or two I came across the
fresh tracks of five or six deer. following them a mile or more,
I at last discovered them standing some thirty five rods off, and

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
II
there being a crust on the snow I was afraid to approach them
nearer, and consquently fired from where I stood when I first
saw them. On the report of my Rifle they bounded off, and run-
ning up to where they stood to see what execution I had done,
I found that I had missed them entirely, not even cutting a hair.
Loading up as soon as possible I started in pursuit of them,
and when the deer were going past a Clearing a dog ran out and
scattered them in all directions.
After hunting in various directions to strike their tracks, I at
last found where two had joined Company together. following
them a short distance, I discovered one of them standing some
twenty rods off in the thick brush. I immediately drew up my
Rifle and fired at it. it never moved.
Loading as soon as possible, I took aim lower down it, side
as I supposed, and again fired. this time it jumped and ran off
like lightning
Going up to where it stood, I found plenty of hair, and fol-
lowing the track a short distance found blood. from the
way
it
tracked in the snow I saw that I had broken its hip. it ran pretty
smart for a mile or two, when getting exhausted from loss of
blood it laid down very often. jumping up at last very near me,
I fired at it and missed, when being vexed at my ill success, I
took after it without stopping to load my gun and outrunning it
caught it by the head and ears and cut its throat with my knife.
It proved to be an Old Doe in middling order.
After dressing it I drew it to a Clearing some half a mile dis-
tant and hung it up on the fence. Going to the House in the
Clearing to enquire who lived there, a beautiful young Girl of
some 18 years of age answered all my enquiries, and seeing how
fatigued I was, also gave me a glass of first rate Cider to drink.
Getting back to the Tavern about 4 Oclock in the afternoon,
I harnessed up my horse and putting her into the Cutter and
getting a person to accompany me I went through the woods
after my deer, which I got and returned back by moonlight to
the Tavern which we reached about 8 P. M.
bi

I 2
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
The next morning the sleighing being very poor I put the 4
deer Cross & Myself had killed into my Cutter and started for
Cleveland Curtiss and Myself walking while Cross improving an
opportunity to ride went to Cleveland with Robert Parks in his
Buggy. Parks then lived at Rocky River.
I got to Cleveland about 2 P. M. and leaving Cross, deer
at his Boarding House and making Mr Dudley Baldwin a
present of one of my deer I took the other and went home
when I found that our folks had been feasting for a week past
on the one that I had first shott.
BEAVER.

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
13
A HUNTING CAMP IN RUSSIA TOWNSHIP,
a
OV. 24th 1837 Cross and Myself having received an
invitation to join a Hunting Party from Cleveland
who had Camped in Russia Township Lorrain Co.
Ohio, we concluded to accept the invitation, and
consequently started off at 8 A. M. in the stage and arrived at
Amherst at 4 P. M. taking it a foot from Amherst we went to
Burgesses House four miles where we stopped for the night.
Getting next morning one of Burgesses Boy,s for a Guide we
went some three and a half miles through the woods to the
Camp of the Hunting Party.
None of the Hunters were at Camp when we got there, all be-
ing out hunting, but toward, night they began to string in, like
bees to a hive, and we found the Party were composed of John
R. St John, Merchant Lewis, John Wills, Van Voast, and James
Williamson. they had hunted but one day and killed nothing
but a Turkey
Suffering some from cold in sleeping in the Tent the first
night, it was proposed that the whole party should devote the
next day to backing in straw from Hitchcock, Farm, (the
nearest Clearing, One and a half miles distant,) and try and
make our sleeping department more comfortable.
After getting the straw, we went to work and cut down a
large tree for Back Logs, fixed up the puncheons around our
Camp, and extended our blazings. For Bed clothes we had
several Blankets & Coverlids, and One large Coon Skin Robe.
We took turns about cooking, each one alternately cooking
a day.
A few days after Cross and Myself joined the Party, Col. Wil-
liams and William Case also came and joined it, bringing with

14
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
them a box of Cigars, a basket of Hard Bread and a Jug of
brandy. With the addition of Col. Williams and Wm Case to
our numbers, we had nine persons in our little Tent.
Our Fire Arms consisted of Nine Rifles, and Six Pistols, two
of them Rifle barreled. Game was not very plenty, but having
a good stock of Tobacco, Cigars, Hard Bread, Rum, Brandy,
Sugar, Codfish &c, we passed the time away very merrily.
At the end of a week our party having killed five deer, and
the weather getting warm, we went to work and jerked them.
The Snow having all gone, and rainy weather setting in, we had
no success for several days in hunting, but with our jerked veni-
zon, and occasionally a Partridge, and fresh bread twice a week
from Hitchcock,s we fared very
well.
St John, Cross & Myself coming into the Camp together one
day, we found that John Will, Hound had gone in to our Tent
and eat up a large portion of our Jerked meat. the aforesaid
Hound also being in the habit of chasing the deer, and spoiling
our hunting, we after a short consultation decided that he
should die, and drew cuts which of us should kill him. the lot
fell on Cross. he took the Hound and led him off alone into
the woods. Shortly we heard the report of his Rifle, and the
loud yelping of the Hound. A few minutes afterwards the
Hound all covered with blood came rushing into the Tent. St
John and Myself both sprung for our Rifles, but getting mine
first I shott him through the heart. we then carried him off into
the woods, and secreted him in a large fallen Hickory tree-top.
Cross said than when he raised his Rifle to shoot, his heart
failed him, and he made a bad Shott. We kept the shooting of
the dog an inviolable secret from the rest of our party.
One Morning Wm Case, James Williamson and Myself start-
ed in to the woods together. we had not been out long before
we came across the fresh tracks of four deer. stopping a short
time for consultation, we agreed that we would follow the deer
at least two days, before coming back to our Camp. After we
had followed them about five miles, we put up in a Thicket

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
15
S
a
that we were passing through, a flock of Partridges, and stopping
to fire at them Williamson, Gun gave out when he and Case
turned back. I continued to follow the deer two days, during
which time I passed on logs the East and West Branch of Black
River, twice, saw one large flock of Turkies, and occasionally got
sight of the deer I was following. A hard Crust on the snow
prevented me from getting a Shott at them. I stopped over
night at the House of M! Parson,s, Cousin to Levi Parson, who
Graduated at Andover College the same time with my Uncle
Philanthropos Perry.
It continueing rainy weather for a week or more, and no pros-
pects for snow, our Hunting Party all left for Cleveland except
St John, Cross, and Myself. We passed away our time very
pleasantly sitting by our Camp-fire at night Smoking our Cigars,
discoursing about the past, present, and future, and telling all the
little incidents in each others history.
Our Camp was so far in the woods, that we could hear no
noise from the settlements, and the dead silence that reigned
around at Night, was only broken by the hooting of Owls, the
nasal twang of Crosse, Singing, and the loud Indian Yells of St
John. St John having resided several years among the Seneca
tribe of Indians near Buffalo, told us many interesting incidents
about them, and gave us a considerable knowledge of the
Indian Character.
Hunters from Henrietta, Camden, and Wellington, occasion-
ally visited our Camp, and we invariably treated them with the
greatest hospitality, always giving them Brandy, Cigars, &c.
After we had remained some three weeks in our Camp by Our-
selves, occasionally killing a deer, James Williamson came and
joined us again.
The weather was very rainy and as warm as September.
Lake Erie remained open, and Steam Boats run the principal
part of the winter. Waiting patiently for snow some three
weeks, our hopes were one morning realized by finding on the
ground some twelve inches of snow. we immediately gave three

16
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
cheer,s , Yelped, halloed and made all manner of sign, at our
good fortune. We hastily prepared ourselves to start out into
the woods, expecting now we had snow, to make great destruc-
tion among the deer; but alas, all our fond hopes and bright
anticipations were blasted, by the dark and portentous heavens
sending down a perfect deluge of rain, carrying away with the
snow, all our bright hopes and prospects.
Fate seeming to be against us in regard to Snow this winter,
and having already Camped out Myself five weeks, and feeling
very seriously the bad effects of an injury to my hand, I finanly
concluded to give it up, and in Company with James Williamson
I started a foot for Cleveland. We travvelled as far as Ridge-
ville, when we stopped for the night, and took Stage next morn-
ing for Cleveland.
When we had finished our Hunt, we found that our Party
had killed Nine Deer, three Coon, One Turkey, Seven or eight
Partridges, and as many Hedge-Hogs. Having no property, or
money, I was only enabled to go on this Hunt by borrowing
,
Five dollars from Dudley Baldwin. When I left the Camp, I
was indebted to Cross for borrowed money, and to the Com-
pany for my part of the expenses incurred for Provision, &c,
ten dollars, which sum I liquidated in May 1838.
HEDGEHOG.

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
17
ELK HUNTING IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN.
D
UITE
ECEMBER 11th 1838, Started on the Stm Boat“Gen
Wayne" in company with T. N. Graves, and a
Canadian, on an Elk Hunting Expedition to the
Northern part of Michigan. We arrived at Port
Huron on Black River, One mile this side of Lake Huron, Oct.
13th, and providing ourselves with a barrel of Hard-bread, 25
lbs of Pork, an Indian Axe, Frying Pan, three tin Cups, and a
wooden Pail, we engaged a Team to take these Articles, to-
gether with our Baggage, to the Forks of Black River, Seven-
teen miles from its mouth, where we stopped for the night at
a House situated at the forks of the river.
Shortly after eating our supper the Man with whom we
stopped, asked me if my Father, name was not Nathan Perry.
I answered him it was. he then said that his Wife had seen a
resemblance in me to my Father, and said that when I was a
child some One Year and a half old, his wife then 12 years of
age, came from Painsville with my Father, and resided in his
family a year or more.
Passing this day through a woods on the Black River some
five miles in extent, we came to a Cluster of Log-Houses occu-
pied by a Mr Waddam, (a Batcheldor who owns a large tract
of land lying some five miles in extent on the banks of the
River) who was very largely engaged in the Lumber Business.
He treated us very hospitably, and took us to the edge of his
woods, where he showed us some five Acres of land enclosed
with a high and strong fence, and in which enclosure were a
large Buck Elk that the Indians had given him, and also several
1
Deer of various ages. The Elk was very fierce and attempted
to get at us. He placed his horns against the fence, and pushed
с

18
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
* with all his force, when not succeeding in throwing the fence
down, he reared up on his hind legs and attempted to jump it.
He was very fat and sleek, and decidedly a very beautiful ani-
mal. The large Buck Deer beside him, looked like Fawns in
comparison with him.
The next day after we arrived at the Forks, we engaged the
man with whom we stopped, to take his Ox team, and a Sled
made out of a crotched tree and take our provision and bag-
gage one days drive into the woods. We traveled over logs, and
through swails, and Swamps, till nearly night, when we stopped
for the night.
We made a large fire out of old dry Pine logs, which lit up
the forest around, and made things look wild and cheerful.
About midnight it commenced raining, when we hustled around
and cut four crotched sticks, placed them in the ground, laid
poles across them, and then spread a Camlet Hair Cloak over
them. we all of us got under this Shelter, and saved ourselves
from getting wet. Our Amunition we protected as securely as
possible, and had the satisfaction of not having it injured.
The next day was clear and pleasant, and after changing our
location to a Pine Grove near a swail, we commenced falling
trees to make our Camp. We spent two days in making it, and
the third day commenced blazing our lines, when the rest of our
Party suggested that I should go out and try to kill a deer.
I started, and after hunting several hours, and seeing a num-
ber of deer without being able to get a shott at them, I started
back for the Camp, when travelling till night and not finding it,
I built a large fire, made a kind of shelter out of spruce brush,
and Camped for the night. The night was clear and frosty,
which with the novelty of my situation prevented me from
sleeping.
I started early the next morning, and after travelling some
two hours, I came to a Creek, the banks of which I followed
down till nearly noon, when getting fatigued I laid down to rest
myself in an Old Indian Camp. After being there a short time

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
19
I heard the brush crack, when carefully getting up and looking
out of the Camp, I discovered a large Doe Elk feeding only
some four rods off among the thick spruce bushes. I immedi-
ately put down another ball in my Rifle, and resting it across
the side Pole of the Camp was just on the point of shooting,
when a motion in the bushes attracted my attention, and look-
ing I discovered a large Buck Elk right in front of me, and only
some two rods off. being so very near, my heart beat terribly,
and my body shook violently. but steadying my nerves as much
as possible, I took aim and fired at his head. he immediately
fell, but before I could get to him, he got up and ran off. from
the noise that he and the other Elk made crashing through the
brush, I supposed that there was quite a drove of them. Hav-
ing aimed low for fear of overshooting, I supposed I shott the
Elk in his jaw, and consequently gave up following him, and
pursued my course again down the Creek till night, when I built
a fire and Camped.
During the day I had seen a good many Bear Signs, several
deer, a good many Partridges, and quite a number of deserted
Indian Camps. In some of the Indian Camps that I saw this
day, I found Birch Bark Mococks with the bottoms burnt out,
also I saw plenty of Elk Horns hung up in them, and Elk hair
scattered all around the Camps, where they had been dressing
the skins. I opened a number of rag-bags that I found hanging
up in the Indian Camps, and found that they contained seeds
of various kinds.
There are no squirrels in these woods, and I did not succeed
in killing any kind of game. The night was very cold, and I
suffered considerably. Nesting pretty close to the fire during
the night, the sparks snapped out and burnt numerous holes
through my Coat.
The next morning I started very early and continued my way
down the Creek. About 10 A. M I saw some ducks, and suc-
ceeded in killing one. shortly after, I also killed two Partridges,
when feeling that I would have something to eat that night, I
CI

20
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
felt in quite good spirits. At 2 P M I came to where some trees
had been cut down, and looking around I found a Dead-fall
baited with a dead Horse for wolves. I followed a kind of trail
that led from it and came to a log-house. the folks in it received
me very hospitably, and gave me a good supper. I eat till I
nearly killed myself. they told me that the nearest house was
some ten miles off on the Black River.
On my giving them an account of where we Camped, they
said it must be near the Great Indian trail, and not more than
three or four miles off.
Next day one of them started with me, and I reached our
Camp about Noon, when I found Graves and the Canadian
making preparations to leave as they supposed I was killed. I
prevailed on them to stay, and after taking a days rest I com-
menced hunting again. Graves in a day or two afterwards get-
ting sick, became frighened and very hastily left us.
The Canadian and Myself were then alone, our only company
being the Owls that lived on the trees around us, and a large
Yellow Dog that we brought with us. Although Game was
plenty, the woods were so very dry and thick that we had very
little success in hunting. we lived very comfortably however,
and enjoyed ourselves very much. with our Pork and Bread,
and the addition of the little Game we killed, we fared very
well.
Indians were not numerous, but occasionally a band of them
would go by, in sight of our Camp. Their Wigwams were scat-
tered all through the woods and the Chippewas from Canada
were in the habit of hunting on these grounds every fall. We
found great numbers of Elk Horns hung up in their Camps.
Peter-non-e-quit a Saginaw Indian killed while we were hunt-
ing, two Elk in one day some three miles from our Camp, but
the fall being too dry for good hunting, the Indians all left for
Belle River where the hunting was better.
Hunting one day about two miles from our Camp, I found
the remains of an Elk which the wolves had killed. I took his

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
21
horns, brought them to our Camp, and when I started back to
Cleveland took them with me. we found in the woods and
brought in to our Camp, two pair of Deer Horns that were
fastened together. The Deer evidently had been fighting, got
their horns fastened and died in that situation.
A large Bear one night came within two rods of our Camp,
and we could plainly see his tracks in the swail next morning.
Four miles West of our Camp was the Great Indian Trail of
the Saginaws which passed near a large Cranberry Marsh of
several thousand acres, where the Indians go every summer,
make boxes of Birch Bark, fill them with Cranberries, put them
into their Canoes and go down to the Mouth of Black River
where they sell them at a dollar a bushel.
Having very nearly eat up our provision, and feeling quite
satisfied with our Expedition, we packed our blankets &c, on
our backs, and left our Camp for Port Huron. After passing
the forks of Black River about two miles, we came to where a
man lived by the name of Beard. he gave us something to eat,
and some first rate whiskey to drink. He showed us an extra-
ordinary large pair of Elk-Horns that the Indians had given
him.
Leaving his house late in the Afternoon, we arrived at Wad-
dams about 10 Oclock at night. M' Waddam, House-keeper
had a large fire made up in one of the log-houses, and some
blankets spread on the floor for our benefit. She afterwards
came in to see that we were comfortably situated. After thank-
ing and complimenting her for her hospitality, I asked her how
the Old Buck Elk flourished? She said that a few days after
we left going up the River, it broke out of the enclosure, and
seeing her through the window, it dashed right through it after
her, and she barely escaped by springing up a ladder into the
Garret of the log-house. while there she screamed and halloed
most lustily, when Mr Waddam finding out the trouble, got his
Rifle and shott the Elk in the House.
Leaving Waddams in the morning, we arrived at Port-Huron

22
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
about noon the same day. After remaining at Port-Huron for a
few days to get some half barrels of fish put up, I started in a
Stm Boat for Cleveland, leaving the Canadian at Port-Huron.
I arrived at Cleveland safe and sound, with blankets, Rifle
and Elk Horns.
LY
TERS
ELK.

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
23
DEER HUNT IN LORAIN COUNTY.
ANUARY 29th 1839 there being a good Hunting-
Snow, Charles Baldwin borrowed a Horse of Peter
Perry and putting it into his Brother, (Edward
Baldwin) Cutter, William Case and himself started
to Russia, Lorain Co. Ohio, on a Deer-Hunt, and stopped with
Axtell on the old Boynton Farm.
After being there a few days Wm Case wrote me such a flat-
tering account of the fine times he was having there Deer
Hunting, and urged me so strong to join him, that I immedi-
ately run some balls, put on my hunting Clothes, and with my
dog Sport took the stage and in less than twenty four hours
from the receival of his letter, was with him.
A crust coming on the snow and remaining as long as the
snow lasted, prevented us from killing any deer, but was very
favourable to trapping Turkies. We made and repaired three
Turkey-Pen,s, and made trails of straw all through the woods
leading to them. The Squirrels and Blue Jays sprung our traps
so often that we caught no turkey,s the first week, but I had the
good luck to shoot three very fine ones.
Wm Case getting discouraged went back to Cleveland. The
day before he left he proposed to me to go and visit the spot
where Himself, Cross, St John, and Myself and others had
camped out two winters before. The day was very cold and
we put on thick Over Coats, and there being a very hard crust
on the snow, we did'nt expect to see any Game; but after go-
ing through the woods some two miles, talking and making con-
siderable noise, I all at once discovered a Doe standing about
ten rods off to our left looking at us. My Over-Coat troubling
me I had great difficulty to get a good sight on my Rifle, but
finally succeeding as well as I could, I fired. the deer jumped,
.

24
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
and William then seeing her fired a heavy single barreled Shot
Gun loaded with Buck-shot at her, but upon going to the place
where she stood and following the track a short distance we
discovered no hair or other signs of her being hit.
Leaving the track of the deer, we bore on in the direction of
our Old Camp, and succeeded in finding it about 2 P. M. The
Puncheons and poles that helped to make it were all down, and
a deep snow covered them as well as the brands of our Camp-
fire that we had left two years before. The tracks of three Wild-
Turkey,s were plainly to be seen in the snow right over the fal-
len Puncheons.
Sad and gloomy thoughts came into my mind, when I viewed
the well known trees, and other objects, and witnessed the wild
desolation that a deep and solemn silence reigned around.
Here two years before a happy party of us, in the spring tide
of our existence, spent a portion of the most pleasant period of
our lives. All was life and animation. the noise of singing,
laughfing, talking and hooting made the woods resound. but
now how different! The great changer Time had intervened,
and a part of that merry Company were scattered to all portions
of the earth, while two of them were then gazing in melancholly
silence on the ruins of their old deserted Camp before them.
The next day after William left, Baldwin and Myself went
some three miles into the woods near the Henrietta Road and
made a large Turkey-Pen. The following day we carried straw
and made the trails to it. The third day in the afternoon we
went to our Turkey-pen and coming across one of the trails
leading to it, we found the tracks of fifteen turkies following it.
Going to the pen, we found the door down and that all the
Turkey,s had gone into it and been caught, but the poles over
the top of the pen being rather light, the Turkey, by constantly
jumping against them, had finally parted them and escaped.
The next day the crust on the snow having thawed some, I
took the tracks of four deer and followed them nearly all day,
but only got one opportunity to shoot and then missed.

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
25
At night telling Axtell about the deer I had followed, he con-
cluded to go into the woods with me next day. Getting an
early start in the morning, we in a short time came across the
tracks of seven deer and followed them till 2 P, M getting sev-
eral shots, but missing, the deer being a long distance off.
In returning back through the woods we parted company,
and when within about a mile of the house, I saw two Coon
walking around the foot of a large tree. before I could shoot,
they crawled into a hole in the tree and disappeared.
On returning to the House, I told Baldwin about the Coons,
when he immediately took an axe and my dog Sport and went
after them. He cut into the hollow of the tree and succeeded
in killing one of the Coons, the other escaped.
Early the next morning I took my dog Sport and hunted in
the East woods, towards Oberlin. while following the track of
a deer I saw a Mink walking along with a mouse in its mouth.
Sport taking after it, run it into a hollow tree, and I went to
work cutting it out with my Hatchet. after hacking a couple
hours into the tree, (the Mink all the time making a terrible
squalling) I finally made a hole into it, when the Mink jumped
out, and Sport being near, it caught him by the lip, but he
shaking it off succeeded in killing it.
On getting back to Axtell,s, I found Baldwin there with five
Turkey,s. He in the morning had gone out to one of the Turkey
Pens and found twelve turkey,s in it, but on seeing him they
fluttered around so that they commenced breaking out, when he
began shooting at them in the Pen, and succeeded in killing
five.
Having now Eight Turkey,s we concluded to go home, but
finally thought we would hunt one day more before we started.
The next morning I took Sport and went into a thicket where
there were Partridges, and after a long tramp made out to kill
three. these with some squirrels was all the game I killed this
day. Baldwin killed some thirty squirrels.
The next morning we settled with Mr Axtell (and after bid-
d

26
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
ding himself and wife good-bye, as likewise Miss Axtell a young
lady some twenty years of age, who belonged to the Babtist
Church, and who amused us very much evenings by her inter-
esting conversation) and started for Cleveland. The snow be-
ing all thawed out of the road, we were compelled to walk the
whole distance, the horse only being able to draw the Turkey,
and Cutter. We arrived at Cleveland about noon of the sec-
ond day.
MAN
AYAL
BEAGLE.

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
27
HUNTING EXCURSION IN RUSSIA,
LORAIN CO. OHIO.
N
OV. 24th 1841, I put my long maned Sorrel Mare
into a Buggy and in Company with Bushnell White
left Cleveland at 8 A. M. for Russia, Lorain Co. on
a Deer Hunt. Soon after starting, a Sleet storm
came on which finally settled down into a hard rain. Getting
thoroughly wet, we stopped at 12 A. M. at Dover, got our din-
ner and dried ourselves. At 12 past 3 P. M we started again
and got to Elyria just at dark. Enquiring the road to Oberlin
we started on in that direction, when a most terrible thunder
storm came on. The rain fell in torrents and the thunder and
lightning was truly awful.
We got completely drenched. the night was horribly dark;
the houses were far between; the road was very muddy; we
were constantly getting off of it, and could hardly make our
Horse go even on a walk. White was very anxious to stop at
the first house we came to, but I insisted on keeping on. White
walked ahead of the horse feeling the way, and when he came
to a cross road went ahead till he came to a house and inquired
which of the roads to take. In this way we kept on till 11 in
the evening when we got to Oberlin.
Tracy keeping a kind of a Tavern we stopped with him.
Finding a man I gave him half a dollar to thoroughly clean and
rub down my
horse.
Tracy made up for us a large fire in the Kitchen and while
we were drying by it got our supper prepared. Two Oclock at
night having got thoroughly dried we went to bed.
Getting up in the morning we found the ground covered with
snow. After eating our breakfast we took our Rifle,s and Car-
di

28
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
S
pet Bags and started west, intending to stop at the first house
that would keep us.
The first house we applied at, the folks were sick, but at the
second one (Mi Smith, ) no objections were made and we
stopped.
Smith,s house was made of logs, and was very old. It had
two small rooms partially partitioned off below, and an upper
loft which you entered by a ladder. His family were composed
of himself wife and nine children. He was dreadfully poor and
the accommodations we got corresponded with his poverty.
Leaving our Carpet-Bags at the house, and loading our
Rifles, we started into the woods, and in a very short time came
across the tracks of a large flock of Turkey,s. Following the
Turkey, I got sight of them in a swail, and firing at them shot
one through the body but lost it. I saw no deer this day.
2d day started three Deer in the morning and followed them
till three in the afternoon, when I saw one of them standing up
beside a tree and the two others lying down. Being off some
distance I aimed high and fired, but I had the mortification of
seeing my ball strike the snow this side of them.
Going back to the house White soon came in dragging on the
Ground the fore-quarters of a Fawn which he said he had killed.
Expressing to him my surprise that he should have left the skin
in the woods and dragged in that part of the deer, “he wanted
to know what part he should have brought in"? I told him of
course the saddle. “Well,” says he “ I'll know better next time
when I kill a deer."
3d day hunted in West towards Henrietta, and at dusk had
got within three quarters of a mile of Smith, without having
seen any deer, when passing along on the banks of a swail I
noticed something walking along some eight rods in front of me.
Very soon I made them out to be three deer, a Doe and two
Fawns. It being too dark to take sight on my rifle, I pointed it
towards the Doe and fired. She ran off and I distinctly heard
her fall making a loud cracking in the brush. Hurrying in to
a

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
29
Smith, I got my supper, and when the Moon rose, took two of
Smiths boys and young Disbroe of Amherst, and went after my
deer. We found her about 20 rods from where I had shot her.
My ball had gone through her lights. Drawing her to the house
I dressed and hung her up.
Our Log-House was well cramed with occupants this even-
ing, Mrs Smith Sister having come on a visit together with her
whole family. One of the 'visitors, Miss Disbrow, a young
damoiselle of seventeen summers was quite pretty and intelli-
gent. White and Myself being very dry from eating a great
many Hickory-nuts during the evening kept Miss Disbrow and
Catherine quite busy in handing us tea-cups of water.
4th day, hunted in a South-west direction and about noon I
saw Seven deer coming towards me. When they came within
about
15 rods of me, I fired and shot one through the paunch.
Two men shortly afterwards coming up on their tracks I
joined them and followed on after the deer till the one I
had shot left the others, when I parted company with the two
men and followed after it.
The sun having come out very warm, and the snow thawing
off very rapidly, I followed the wounded deer very fast, and
having on a thick Over-Coat sweat very profusely. Becoming
fatigued and the snow going off fast I gave up following the
deer, and went back to Smiths.
White this day had killed a fine lot of squirrels, which Mrs.
Smith served up for our supper.
After Supper, feeling rested, I walked 272 miles to Oberlin,
got my Horse and Buggy, drove back to Smith,s, settled with
him, put my deer in the Buggy, and with White drove that night
four miles to Amherst. Reddington the Landlord having no
licquor White would'nt stop with him, when we drove three
miles farther to a Tavern where they had plenty of it, and also
where they prepared us a good supper.
Next day we made a very comfortable ride of it into Cleve-
land.

30
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
Smith was born in the Catskill Mountains, was very slim and
tall, some 50 years of age and wore a very long beard. He was
an industrious man working hard on his Clearing all day, and
making Boots & Shoes at night for his neighbors and family.
He showed me a vest and other clothes that he was married in
thirty years before. One of his daughters Catherine (nearly 17
years old) was an interesting Girl, and cooked venizon to our
entire satisfaction. Smith Charged us Seventy five cents a week
for our board and longing.
White on this expedition killed some squirrels but no Deer
or Turkeys.
thibiti
SQUIRREL.

Hunting Expeditions of O. H. Perry.
31
ANOTHER HUNT IN RUSSIA.
2
S
ECEMBER 17th 1841 James Williamson and My-
self providing ourselves with half a Gallon of Old
Jamaica Rum, 3 Papers of Cocoa, 3 pounds of
Sugar and a loaf of Brown Bread, took our Rifles
and with my Sorrel Mare and Buggy started for Smith, in Rus-
sia, Lorain Co, Ohio, on a Deer-Hunt. On arriving at Smith,s,
we found all our traps safe with the exception of the loaf of
Brown Bread; that we had lost somewhere on our route.
A good snow being on the ground, the tracking was eccellent.
The first day we saw no deer. The next day Saturday we
hunted Turkies pretty much all of the day but killed none. At
night we went with Smith, daughter Catherine some two miles
to a Spelling School.
Sunday we took my Buggy and went four miles to Podunck
(Amherst) to Church. After Church took dinner at Redding-
ton,
Monday Catherine wanting to go and see her Sister who re-
sided some five or six miles off, I told her that if “Dad” would
saddle my Mare she might have her to ride. She telling “Dad”
of my offer, he went out with her to the Barn, and with the as-
sistance of Catherine he finally succeeded in getting on my
Mare a saddle and Bridle, and helping Catherine on her back
she started off to her Sisters, after which “Dad” and Myself
took our rifles and went into the woods. We saw one or two
flocks of Turkey, and several Deer but got no shots.
Tuesday I struck the tracks of two Deer and followed them
some distance when some person came on the tracks in front of
me and cut me out. Shortly after, finding some more fresh
tracks, I followed them an hour or two, when some Hunter

32
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
came in ahead of me and cut me out also on these. feeling very
much vexed I stood still not knowing exactly what to do, whether
to continue to follow on the tracks, or give them up, when sud-
denly off to my right I heard the report of a gun. running over
in that direction I very soon came across the track of a Deer on
a keen jump. noticing blood on its track, and knowing that it
had just been shot, and feeling mad that I had been cut out in
following my Deer, I sprung in on the track and followed it
some four miles in as rapid a gait as I could go, when getting
tired and thinking the Hunter whoever he was would give it up
by this time, I went along more moderately seeing the Deer
often but afraid to fire at it, for fear of the Hunter hearing the
report of
my
rifle. At last towards night I tried to get a shot at
it but failed, and when it got too dark to follow the track any
longer, I gave it up and went back to Smith,s.
Telling him about my Deer Chase, the next morning he took
a strap and went out with me to where I had left the track. fol-
lowing it on a short distance we found the Deer dead.
It was a very fat Doe, and shot in the hip, the ball a very
small one glancing into the body. I told Smith he might have
the Deer, but kept the circumstance of another Hunter having
shot it, a secret from him.
Wednesday, saw several Deer and a flock of Turkey,s. Shot
one of the Turkey,s through the body, and followed it a mile or
more, when the track got so mixed up with others I lost it.
Coming back to Smith,', I found that Catherine had returned
and was vainly endeavouring to put a large pot (containing our
supper) over the fire, “Dad” standing by without offering to as-
sist her.
Thursday we devoted to repairing several old Turkey-Pens,
and making trails of straw to them. but our labour was all in
vain, as Shack was so abundant the Turkey, paid no attention to
our trails.
Friday there being a crust on the snow we hunted parallel
with each other keeping some 30 rods apart. After going over

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
33
a
to the Henrietta Road some three miles we turned around and
hunted back walking parallel to each other some 50 rods apart.
When about a mile from the Henrietta Road, I heard a crack-
ling noise, and looking in the direction where "Dad” was hunt-
ing I discovered a flock of “Deer” trotting along directly to-
wards me. when within 15 or 18 rods of me I fired at one of
them and knocked it down, but it soon jumped up and running
off joined the others. On going to the spot where it stood I
found that I had cut off a great abundance of hair, but could
discover no blood on the track.
Going back to Smiths I related to him the circumstances of
my shooting the Deer, when he took his Dog, Rifle and Strap,
and Dad joining us we all went to the place where I had shot
the Deer. After following the tracks of the deer a short dis-
tance, we found where one had separated from the others, also
one drop of blood on the track, and that it went on three legs.
following this track on for a couple of miles, all at once I saw
Smith raising his Rifle to shoot. looking in the direction that he
pointed his gun, I saw the Deer and told Smith not to shoot, as
it was dead. but just at that moment seeing its ears move, I
drew up my Rifle and shot it through the neck. After dressing
it Smith hitched his strap to it, when we drew it on the crust to
his house. It was a large fine Doe, and my ball had just grazed
the Shoulder passing along the body and breaking one of the
hind legs.
Saturday hunted North in the wind-fall by Myself and started
three deer. After following them some two hours, two Hunters
joined me, and while with me we saw another Deer, when they
left me and took after it.
About the middle of the afternoon another Hunter joined me
and kept on following the Deer in company with me till night.
This Hunter told me that some few weeks before he killed a
Fawn, when a Hunter from Cleveland, by the name of White, a
Lawjer, came up to him and bought the fore-shoulders of him
for fifty cents. These were the fore-shoulders that White had
e

34
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
dragged in when we were hunting together at Smith, a few
weeks before.
Sunday, French came over to Smith,s and asked me to go
with him hunting, but I declined preferring to remain in the
house and rest.
Monday Dad and Myself following two different flocks of
Deer, they finally came together, when we followed the tracks
in company. The Deer steered directly South, (after following
them till 3 P, M,) I proposed to Dad to turn around and go
back as it would take us till night to get to Smith,s.
Getting out my Compass I told Dad the course to take, when
I branched off from him, having thereby a better chance to see
Game. I travvelled very fast, and ran a portion of the way, but
notwithstanding I did not get in to Smith,s till dark. We waited
some time for Dad before eating our Supper.
After Supper one of the Neighbors came in, who asked me
where Dad was. I told him that I had left him some six miles
in the woods, and I rather thought he had gone over to the
Henrietta road and stopped.
“Well” says he “it is such a cold and cloudy night if he don't
get out of the woods by 10 Oclock, he is a dead man.” Feel-
ing quite confident that he had stopped over at the Henrietta
Road, I felt very little alarmed about him.
Between Nine and Ten in the evening hearing a noise at the
door I went to it and opened it, when in tottered Dad, his
Clothes all torn to pieces, and himself looking the very picture
of despair. In a faint voice he eagerly asked for some rum,
“quick some rum." I got the jug and poured him out nearly
half a glass full, which he drank off at once; then setting a chair
for him back from the fire he sank into it almost exhausted.
Mrs Smith went to work and prepared him some supper
which he eat with a most ravenous appetite. After supper he
gave us a short account of himself.
He said after leaving me he kept on his course towards
Smith,s, when he came across a large flock of Turkey,s, which
a

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
35
S
he followed till nearly dark. Coming to the Turkey Pen that I
had made two years before, and which he knew, he was in a
quandary, whether to go out to the Henrietta Road (which was
half a mile) and stay at the first house he came to, or try to go
through the woods at night three miles to Smith,s. Deciding on
Smith,”, he started, when getting as he supposed about half way,
,
he fell down and broke the glass of his Compass. He then con-
tinued on in the direction he thought right till he came back to
a spot
that he had started from an hour before. Getting fright-
ened, he took another direction and travvelled on with all the
speed he could make. Soon he became very tired, fell down
often in the snow, sat down every few minutes on the logs, and
could hardly draw his legs after him. The Clouds having
broken away a little, and it becoming more light, he thought he
could see an opening in the woods which he steered for, and
which luckily proved to be Smith,s Clearing.
Next day “Dads” face, feet, and legs swelled up, and he
could hardly walk. I took his track and out of curiosity fol-
lowed it a mile or more. the steps were very short, and the
spots where he had sat down very frequent. he had taken sev-
eral complete circles, each one gaining ground towards the East,
which finally was the reason of his seeing Smith, Clearing.
I continued to hunt four or five days longer, till “Dad” got
recruited so as to stand our journey home, when I harnessed up
my Mare and drove the first day as far as Elyria where we
stopped for the night.
After supper the Landlord asked us if we did'nt miss some of
our luggage when we arrived at Smith,%. Said that he found a
s
loaf of Graham Bread in our room after we left. I told him that
very probably the Bread belonged to my friend “Dad,” as he
was in the habit of taking his luncheon with him when he went
hunting. Next day without any thing remarkable taking place,
we drove safely to Cleveland.
I had a very pleasant time of it on this Hunt. In the even-
ings Smith would set before us large quantities of Hickory nuts,
er

36
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
and while we were cracking and eating them, and he pounding
away on his leather, he would relate to us many interesting inci-
dents of his early life when residing among the Catskill Moun-
tains. Catherine occasionally had young female friends visit her
in the evening from Podunck, and they presented to “Dad” a
good opportunity to study female human nature.
பவர்
permanente
--
WOLF.

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
37
HUNTING EXCURSION IN RUSSIA,
LORAIN CO. OHIO.
N
OV. 24th 1842, a good hunting snow having fallen, I
started early in the morning with my Sorrel Mare
and Buggy for Russia on a Deer Hunt. I arrived
safe at Smiths just at dark, and found the family all
well. I hunted three days (the snow remaining on the ground
that length of time when it thawed off) seeing several flocks of
Turkeys, and quite a number of Deer, but did not succeed in
killing any.
The 2d day, early in the morning, I started out of their beds
a Buck, Doe, and two Fawns, and followed them on a fast walk
till 3 P, M, when passing through the wind-fall I discovered
3
some thirty rods off the Buck standing up, and the Doe and
fawns lying down near him. A Sleet Snow Storm raging vio-
lently at the time, and the snow on the ground from being wet
squeaking very bad, I got down on my belly and crawled some
fifteen rods to a large log which lay between me and the deer,
when I took my Cap and carefully placed it on the top of the
log for my rifle to rest on. Getting all prepared I slowly raised
my head to look for the deer, and soon had the satisfaction of
seeing them all lying down unconscious of any enemy being near.
Resting my rifle across my Cap, I took aim at the Buck and
pulled the trigger when the Cap snapped. hastily putting on
another Cap, I pulled trigger again, but without any other re-
port saving the second snap of the Cap. This time the deer
jumped up and looked around, seemingly much frightened. I
snapped two more Caps at them, when they gave a whistling
snort, and with their Colours raised started off on a keen jump.
After many useless endeavours to get my Gun off, I reluc-

38
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
tantly left the tracks of the deer, and started back for Smiths.
I was completely wet through with sleet, and rain, and after
arriving at the house had great difficulty in getting the charge
out of my gun.
The 3d day when following a flock of deer through a Clear-
ing, I discovered one of them (a small fawn) fastened in the
fence; but on seeing me it struggled so violently to get loose,
that before I could get my rifle from my shoulder and shoot, it
escaped.
In driving home when passing through the Township of
Ridgeville, I saw a doe and fawn run across the road just in
front of my buggy, and some half a mile farther on also saw
five wild Turkey,s in a Corn field joining the woods. The mo-
ment I saw the latter, I instantly stopped my horse, and loaded
my rifle as speedily as possible.
Two Irishmen coming along at the time who offered to hold
my horse, I left it in charge of them and crept along towards
the Turkey,s. Taking sight at an Old Gobbler, I fired away at
him, and had the satisfaction of seeing him tumble over. The
remainder of the turkey,s flew into the woods.
Upon getting home, thinking my turkey was an uncommon
large one, I weighed it, and found that it weighed just twenty
eight pounds. It was very fat, and so large, that in order to
cook it in the stove, we were obliged to cut it in two. Not-
withstanding it was roasted very well, it tasted so rank, and
strong, that none of our family could eat it.
TUTT

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
39
HUNTING EXCURSION IN THE
BLACK SWAMP, 1842.
H
EARING a great deal said about a celebrated wolf
hunter by the name of Snyder, who Cabined in the
“Black Swamp,” I determined to go and see him,
and also spend a few days in hunting with him.
Accordingly Dec. 14th 1842, equiped with my rifle, and a
two Gallon jug filled with whiskey, I took my Sorrel Mare and
buggy, and in company with John Williamson, started on the
expedition.
The first day we drove to Amherst, and stopped at Reding-
tons Tavern over night. After supper John accompanied me on
a visit to Smiths, with whom I often stopped with, when deer
hunting, and who lived four miles from Amherst. Finding Smith
and his family well, and learning of them all the strange things
that had happened in the neighborhood since I was there last,
we bade them good night, and footed it back to Amherst.
The 3d day from the time we left Cleveland, when driving
along through the “Black Swamp," we all at once heard Mar-
tial Music, and stopping our horse a few minutes, soon saw im-
merging from the woods a company of men marching in Indian
file to the tune of the “dead march in Saul.” Behind them,
came a waggon containing the dead body of an Old Revolu-
tionary Soldier, who after having fought successfully the battles
of his Country, emigrated into this wild and lonely region, where
the keen old Hunter "Death" met him in the “war path” and
sent him to the home of his fathers. The echoing solemn music,
as it broke upon our ears from the surrounding woods, together
with the solemn mien of the men and their regular tread, made
quite an interesting and imposing scene.
When near Woodville, while driving along, we saw a large

40
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
2
flock of turkeys in the woods near the road. At 2 PM, on the
3d day we arrived at Woodville in the “Black Swamp.” This
being the nearest place that we could get to Snyders with our
horse and buggy, we left them here, till we should return.
Having got our dinner and enquired the direction to Sny-
der,s, we buckled on our belts, and shouldering our rifles, started
off at precisely 3 P, M, from Woodville. The day was cold and
blustering with occasionally Snow Squalls. A snow but a few
inches deep, with a hard crust on it, lay on the ground, and the
road being rough made the walking very hard.
Just at dark we found that our road which before had been
quite plain, was now nothing more than blazed out, and ex-
tremely difficult to follow at night. We judged that we were yet
some four Miles from Snyder,s, and consequently made as rapid
headway on our difficult road as possible.
At about 8 in the evening, we lost our road entirely, and
when looking for it, seeing some timbers laid across an arm of
the Portage River, John proposed to go across them and look
for the road on that side, while I should search for it on this,
and if either of us found it, the signal was to be the firing of our
rifles. John went across the timbers, and some half hour had
elapsed without hearing any thing of him, when all at once I
heard the report of his gun. Hurrying over the timbers, I went
in the direction of the sound, and in a short time found him. I
enquired of him, if he had found the road? He replied, “No!”
" that he fired off his gun because he had got lost.”
Holding a short council, we concluded to return on our back
track about a mile, and strike for a light that we saw there
through the woods when coming along.
About an hour after this, we fetched up at the door of a mis-
erable dilapidated old log house, and knocking, it was soon
opened by a long, lank, forlorn looking woman, whom we told
our unsuccess in looking for the Cabin of Old Snyder. Says she,
“this is Snyder, house,” and sure enough, in a moment more,
we stepped into the august presence of the rough Old Wolf
a

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
41
Hunter himself. He spoke to us very kindly—gave us in his
rough way, a cordial reception — bade his wife prepare supper
for us, and seemed mightily pleased that his fame as a Wolf-
,
hunter had extended so far as Cleveland.
His house was situated near the Portage River, and besides
never having been chinked, possessed no floor, save a few loose
puncheons. The house had but one room, and that contained
all the plunder that Snyder possessed in the world; viz a few
Traps, Deer Skins, Cooking Utensils, and two beds (six feet
square) that he had made himself out of white-ash and Bass-
wood bark.
His family that he had living with him, consisted of his Wife,
a daughter of Eighteen, and five boys from four years of
age,
up to Nineteen. Snyder, his Wife, and the youngest boy (whom
we nicknamed “Puking Jake" slept) slept in one bed, and the
Girl, and three of the boys, slept in the other, while the eldest
boy, John, and Myself, camped down by the fire, and without
any covering to protect us from the cold.
During the night, “ Jake” who had the “Ring's-Evil" on his
neck so bad that he could'nt move his head, had several violent
fits of coughing and puking. In one of these fits, he unluckily
puked on the bed-clothes, when his mother got up and slapt
him most to death, telling him that “he was a nasty little brute
to puke so all over the bed.”
Just before day, John and Myself heard a scratching noise
under our heads, and immediately afterwards the lusty crowing
of an old veteran rooster. In a short time after this, the whole
Snyder family were out of their beds, and we learned afterwards
that on account of having no Clock, this Crowing of the old
“Game-Cock of the wilderness," was the morning reveille" for
all hands to muster for duty.
After our breakfast, which consisted of some fried venizon
and a tin cup of Spice-bush tea, Snyder, John, and Myself, with
our rifles started into the woods. After proceeding about half a
mile, Snyder stopped and pointed out to us the different courses
f
f

42
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
we were to take, and said that when we heard the hooting of an
owl, to go in the direction of the sound, and we would find him.
Snyder possessed the faculty of imitating perfectly the noise
that the wild animals made, and before we left his house to re-
turn home, he gave us specimens of his skill in that respect.
Shortly after parting from Snyder, I saw a fine doe running
along ahead of me. Bleating at her, she stopped, when, I took
aim at her fore-Shoulders, and fired, but being deceived in the
distance I missed her. A few minutes afterwards, I heard the
report of a gun off to my left, and immediately thereafter the
"hooting of an owl.” Going in the direction of the sound, I
soon found Old Snyder, who had shot a fine young doe.
He quickly stripped off some bass-wood bark, and tying it
around the neck of the deer, turned to me and said, “that as I
was a young man, and he an old man, he would carry my Rifle,
while I might drag the deer." From the nature of the case, I
could do nought else but comply with his wishes, and after a
hard tug through the woods, and upon the ice in following down
the river, finally reached the house with his deer, firmly resolved
however in my own mind, that for the future I would pay no
further attention to the “hooting of owls.”
I saw five deer during the day after this, but the crust on the
snow made such a noise, that I could get no shots. John saw
several deer this day, but got no opportunity to shoot.
Our supper this night was the same as our breakfast in the
morning, viz Venizon and Spice-bush tea.
In the evening, Snyder told one of his ragged urchins to get
his fife and play us some tunes, and to our surprise he did so,
performing remarkably well. As a finale, Old Snyder took the
fife and made the old Cabin ring again with its sharp and pierc-
ing notes. After this, we all retired to roost- John, and Myself,
with our feet in the ashes, and no clothes to cover us, while
“Puking Jake" lying between his father and mother, was half
smothered with a feathered bed which covered them.
Nothing disturbed our rest this night, save our extreme suffer-

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
43
ing from Cold, the soreness of our backs, and ribs, from coming
in contact with the hard puncheons, and the unearthly groaning
of poor Jake, who afflicted with the “Rings Evil," and a sick
stomach, occasionally during the night gave us specimens of his
"Turkey Buzzard" vomiting, which made the old folks grunt,
and John and Myself groan in madness and despair, at the stink-
ing effluvia that rose from old Snyders bed.
The Rooster beating the morning tattoo, by a lusty crow,
soon made all activity again in old Snyders Cabin.
Snyder the night before telling us that he should have to
leave us for a few days, for the purpose of visiting his traps, and
carrying the Wolf Scalps to Lower Sandusky to prove them and
get the bounty, gave us an early shake of the hand this morn-
ing, bidding us at the same time to make ourselves contented
till his return; then turning away from us, he shouldered his
rifle, and a quarter of Venizon, and was soon lost from our sight
in the dark bosom of the forest.
Partaking of my breakfast of Venizon, and Spice bush tea, I
took
my
rifle and sallied out into the woods, leaving John at the
Cabin, who was suffering considerably from the “blues," aris-
ing probably from “ Black Swamp” board, or from an incipient
affection that had sprung up in his bosom for old Snyders
daughter.
After hunting two or three hours without having seen any
game, I struck an old turkey trail, and as the turkeys had
scratched the snow from the leaves, I could walk along in it
quite still. While carefully following this trail, and keeping a
sharp eye out for game, I thought I saw the motion of some-
thing in the woods to my left. looking intently in that direction
for some time, I at last detected the movement of a white object
some 40 rods off behind a log. In a moment more, I discov-
ered that it was the antlers of a “buck," who was lying down,
the log preventing me from seeing any thing more of his body.
I immediately determined to crawl to a large Cotton-wood
tree which was some ten rods nearer the buck, and then getting
a
fi

44
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
а
all ready, make a bleating sound, when the old buck would rise
up out of his bed, and I would then have a fair opportunity of
shooting at him.
As resolved, I crawled to the tree, and peeping from behind
it, saw the old fellow standing up with his ears in full play try-
ing to detect some strange sounds he had heard, probably the
noise of my footsteps in the cronching snow. As the buck the
moment I got sight of him from behind the tree, was looking
towards the spot where I stood, I did not dare make a motion
to shoot. At last, turning his head in a different direction, I
drew up my rifle to fire at him, when just at that moment, he
lay down.
Thinking that I was still too far off from the buck to make a
sure thing of hitting him, I carefully crawled towards him some
six rods nearer to a tree, when cocking my rifle, I rested it on
the side of the tree and looked in the direction of the buck, who
to my surprise, I again saw standing up and quickly moving his
head around, seemingly somewhat frightened at some noise he
had heard, but not satisfied in what direction it came from. His
head being turned sideways, I took aim at his neck on a line
with his body, and fired. The very moment I shot, he made
several tremendous jumps, and was soon out of sight.
It appeared to me that this was the largest buck I ever saw,
and both before and after I had shot at him, I felt very much
excited. On going to the spot where the buck stood, I found
that instead of its being directly behind the log, it was in fact,
some four rods distant from it. I found no blood, but saw on
the snow a small tuft of hair that looked as if it was cut off by
a ball. In pacing the distance from the tree that I fired from,
to where the buck stood, I found it to be just 28 rods.
I took the track of the buck and followed it some thirty rods,
when finding no blood, and that he made such tremendous
jumps, gave up pursuing him. In measuring some of his jumps,
I found several of them that spanned nine paces (27 feet).
Taking a look at my Compass, I shaped my course towards

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
45
Snyder, (which was also in the direction that the buck went)
and had gone about three quarters of a mile, when I started up
a noble large buck in front of me. I fired, at him when on a
keen run, and going towards him found that my ball had struck
the
top
of a large log, (that lay between Myself and him), and
had glanced up.
Knowing of course that I had not hit him, I had very little
curiosity to go and look at his track, but finally doing so, was
greatly surprised to find spots of blood in it. Instantly it flashed
across my mind that this was the same “old buck" that I had
first shot at, and going back on his back track a short distance,
found that such indeed was the case.
Loading my rifle so as to be certain of its not missing fire, I
went to the place where I saw the buck last, and carefully fol-
lowed up his track. After running about half a mile, he slacked
up and went on a walk. One single drop of blood fell on the
snow at every step he took.
About an hour after I had shot him the second time, while
following on his track and keeping a sharp look out ahead, but
more particularly to the right and left of me, I all at once dis-
covered him within a few rods of me, wheeled around facing
me, with his hair bristled up, his head depressed, and just in the
attitude of making a dash at me.
I instantly fired, when he partially fell, but immediately re-
covering himself plunged on directly towards me.
sideways a rod or two and got behind a tree, when I heard a
loud cracking noise, and a hoarse, guttural, bellowing sound
near me, at the same moment looking from behind the tree, I
saw the old buck lying square on his back, with his horns fas-
tened in the earth, and with his legs pointing towards the
heavens kicking very violently. Struggling thus for a few sec-
onds, he at last recovered his feet, and running a few rods,
again tumbled down.
Being much excited it took me longer than usual to load
my rifle, but finally having done so, I took aim at the old fel-
I sprung

46
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
lows neck, and fired, when he dropped his head over on the
ground, stretched out his legs, and after a few faint struggles,
lay still.
Going up to him, I drew my hunting knife from its sheath,
and cut his throat. I found him to be a remarkably large
buck, and possessing horns of remarkable whiteness and polish.
On examination, I found that my first ball had hit him in the
neck, going through the thick part of it, but without cutting any
of the arteries, or breaking a bone. My Second shot striking
the top of the log, had missed him. My third shot had struck
him in the briscuit, and passing into the shoulder had glanced
on the bone, when it penetrated the body. My fourth shot
broke his neck.
Without stopping to hang up the buck, I dressed him on the
ground, and then leaving him took a direct course for Snyders,
where reaching, I got John, and two of Snyders boys to go
back with me and help drag him in.
Next day (John not being able to stand Snyder, board any
longer) we went back to Woodville, I at the same time having
engaged a Frenchman to take my deer there.
Before leaving Snyder,s, we wished to compensate Mrs Sny-
der for our board, but she refusing to receive any remuneration,
we placed some money in the hands of one of her children, and
bidding the family good bye, started off.
Arriving at Woodville, I found that I could'nt possibly get
the whole of my buck in any manner into my buggy, conse-
quently I skinned off the fore shoulders, and only brought home
the head and saddle. We had a very pleasant drive home,
which we reached in three days. The skin of the buck I took
out to the Shakers, and had it oil dressed.

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
47
ONE DAY'S DEER HUNT IN PARMA.
PANUARY 28th 1843, a fine snow having fallen the
day before, I proposed late in the afternoon of this
day to E. G. Williams, to go to Parma on a deer
hunt. He acceeded to my proposition, and at 8
oclock in the evening, all equipped, we started with my Sorrel
Mare and buggy for Walkers at the Stone Tavern. We arrived
there about 10 in the evening, and after arranging things for an
early start in the morning, retired to bed.
The next morning we had our breakfast and was in the woods
before daylight. After going into the woods about one mile
directly west from Walkers, I found the fresh tracks of two
deer, and after following them a mile or two, started them. The
day was warm and clear, the sun shone very brightly, and the
snow was thawing rapidly. On account of the dazzling effect
of the snow, I failed for some time in getting a sight of the
deer, but at last they changing their course which brought the
sun more on my back, I succeeded in getting a sight of one of
them. It was of to my right side about twenty rods, and was
looking back on its back track. As it was almost wholly con-
cealed by trees, in order to shoot it in a vital part, I was forced
to shoot between the range of two trees, only leaving a clear
space of about the width of my hạnd to shoot through. Rest-
Rifle on the side of a Beech tree, I took cool and de-
liberate aim at the deer, and fired. immediately on the crack of
my rifle, it bounded into the air and darted away like lightning
from my sight.
After loading my rifle, and looking at my watch and finding
it just 10 A M, I went to the spot where the deer stood, and
found hair and blood. following up the track (the snow being
ing my

48
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
a
a
sprinkled with frothy blood on each side of it) for some forty
rods, I found the deer lying down, and dead. My ball had
struck it rather high on the body and passed through the upper
part of its lights. It was about a two year old doe, of middling
size, and in tolerable condition.
After dressing it, I cut a crotched stick and hooking it in the
lower jaw of the deer, dragged it about a mile and a half through
the woods to a clearing, where I left it, and then bent my course
through the fields and woods for Walkers Tavern. Before reach-
ing the Tavern, I discovered a fine large turkey in a Corn field,
and resting my rifle across the fence, shot at it, but missed it.
At Walkers, I got a Horse & Cutter and a man to go with me
after my deer. by taking a round about way, we were enabled
to drive quite near it, when having helped the man to get it to
the Cutter, I started back again into the woods.
Very soon I came on to the tracks of three deer, and followed
them but a short distance, when I got a shot at the smallest one
and slightly wounded it. the two others separated from it, and
I followed it two or three hours before I again got sight of it. It
bled but very little, and kept constantly on the move, going
principally on a kind of trot, and walking but seldom. I had a
very fatiguing march in pursuing it, and the warmth of the day
added to the rapid gait at which I travveled, made me sweat
very profusely. During the afternoon I discovered it standing
still, and firing, shot it through its hips. this made it run quite
smart for a short time, when it finally settled down into a fast walk.
When following the track across a wet swail, with its sides
lined with thick underbrush, I suddenly came on a large flock
of turkies, and fired at them, but killed none. Loading my rifle,
I paid no further attention to the turkies, but put on again after
a
a
my deer.
It getting to be nearly night, I begun to have apprehensions
about finally being able to kill it, and consequently followed the
track at a very rapid rate. The sun had set behind the trees,
and darkness was beginning to pervade the forest, when I saw

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
49
for the last time, my deer standing on his legs, about thirty rods
off, and looking back in the direction where I stood.
Poor fellow, he no doubt was in hopes than when the shades
of evening come on, his pursuer would leave him, and that then
free from danger, wounded, fatigued and hungry, he might seek
refreshment and repose during the night. But the worshipper
of the God Bow-waw-nee, was on his track, and his fate was
sealed. he had coursed for the last time the dark forests of
Middleburgh, and his eyes were soon to forever close on his
favorite “stamping grounds." I took aim high on his fore-
shoulders and fired. he instantly fell, and on going up to it,
strugling in death, its soft, black, and innocent eyes, were re-
proachfully cast upon me. My ball had passed through its heart.
Being off several miles in the woods, and some six miles or
more from the Stone Tavern, I hastily skinned off the fore-
shoulders, and taking the saddle on my back, took the nearest
course to get out of the woods. It becoming dark, the saddle
getting heavy, and I from my rapid travelling being very fa-
tigued, I took the saddle from my back and cut off all the sir-
loin, or roasting piece, then started on again.
It having become dark, and seeing a light through the woods,
I went to it, and found a dutch shanty occupied by four dutch-
men, who were keeping batcheldor hall while they were clearing
the land. Being very tired, I made a bargain with one of the
dutchman to carry my deer-hams to the Stone Tavern.
After travelling some three miles, we came to Fays Tavern,
when the dutchman stopped and said this was the place. I
could'nt make him understand to the contrary, and consequently
was obliged to hire him over again to go to the Stone Tavern,
- which we reached at nine in the evening. I found Williams
there, but he had not seen, or killed any game.
Being a witness in the Bank Case of Hayward vs M' Payne,
I was compelled to be in Cleveland the next day, therefore in
the morning I put my deer in my Buggy, and in company with
Williams drove home.

50
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
A HUNT IN THE COUNTRY WEST OF TOLEDO.
CT. 29th, 1843, never having been back in the coun-
try west of Toledo, and having a desire to see it,
and also if an opportunity presented to hunt a little,
I took a Steam-Boat this day and left Cleveland for
Toledo. Arrived at Toledo next morning, Oct. 30th
Oct. 31st, took the Rail Road Cars for Adrian, and arrived
there about noon. found Adrian a very thriving little village,
and a great trade going on in wheat. some thirty teams loaded
with wheat, were before the Grain Ware-Houses waiting for
their turn to unload.
Making enquiries about Game, and learning that Deer were
scarce in the vicinity of Adrian, I took the Cars and returned
to Blissfield. Saw on the road for the first time in my life, a
flock of Prarie Hens.
Stopping at the log house of a person who resided near the
edge of the Cotton Wood Swamp, I hunted two days and saw
eight or ten deer, but the bushes being thick, and the swamp a
dead level, the chances to shoot deer were very small.
Nov. 32, I left the swamp and took the morning train of Cars
for Toledo. A snow fell this day of sufficient depth to make
good tracking
Nov. 4th, after breakfast, I took my rifle and started into the
woods. hunted in a north west direction from the Burying
Ground, and saw no game in the forenoon, but when following
in the afternoon a crooked Cow-path in the thick red bushes,
I suddenly saw moving towards me a little above the tops of the
bushes, the horns of a buck. A moment afterwards, the old
Buck with a head of horns like a Rocking Chair, met me full in
the face in the Cow path, and being greatly excited at so sud-

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
51
2
denly meeting him and his near proximity to me, I too hastily
fired at him, and missed him. It being useless to follow him
in the thick red bushes, I turned around and tramped back to
Toledo, chagrined enough at my bad luck.
Next day Nov. 5th, a large party went out hunting from
Toledo on horseback, and sent me an invitation with the offer
of a horse to accompany them. I declined the horse, preferring
to foot it.
I struck into the woods back of Manhattan, and hunted in a
zigzag manner through the woods to the Turn-pike, but saw no
deer, or fresh signs. Coming to Ten-Mile-Creek, I hunted about
a mile along its banks, and saw vast numbers of Ducks, and
some few flocks of Geese.
About 2 P. M. leaving the Creek I bore in a Northerly direc-
tion, and had gone about half a mile from the Creek, when I
saw three deer (a doe and two fawns) running along in front of
me about 20 rods off. I bleated when they stopped, and taking
aim at the Doe fired. Loading my rifle and going to the spot
where the deer stood, I found hair and blood. following the
track, of the deer some sixty rods, I discovered the doe lying
down, and the two fawns standing beside her. Supposing the
doe dead, I was more careless than I otherwise would have
been in trying to get a shot at the fawns, and the result was,
that the old doe jumped up and ran off, the fawns parting from
her and running in a different direction. I took the doe,s track
and followed it to Ten-Mile-Creek, when I could see signs suffi-
cient to convince me that she had gone in and swam across the
Creek, which was some sixty rods wide, and filled with flags
and rushes.
Coming across two Hunters in the woods, I told them of the
circumstances, when one of them started up the Creek intend-
ing to cross the bridge and try and head her off, the other went
with me to a house on the banks of the creek about half a mile
off, and got a Canoe. The Creek being froze about four rods
out from the edge, we cut with an axe a passage for our Canoe
gi

52
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
through the ice, and paddled over to the other side, and got
there about the same time with the other Hunter. hunting
around, we at last saw the doe lying down between two logs,
when one of the men shot her through the head. On exam-
ining her, I found that my ball had paunched her, going square
through the body. She was a good sized deer, and in good
condition.
I offered the two Hunters, fifty cents and their suppers, if
they would take her to Toledo for me. they accepted my offer,
and tying the deer, legs together, they cut a pole and passing it
through them, then resting the ends of the pole on their shoul-
ders, they carried it in this manner to Toledo, and arrived there
about an hour after dark. None of the party that went out on
Horse-back, killed any deer this day.
Nov. 6th, left this morning at 10 A. M. in the Stm Boat Indi-
ana for Cleveland, and arrived there 12 oclock at night, when I
took my Carpet-bag and deer to my room, where I staid till
morning
GRAY SQUIRREL.

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
53
A HUNT NEAR MONROE.
OV. 22d 1843, Horace Weddell requesting me to go
with him to Detroit, and aid him in recovering his
Guitar that Martinez a Spanish Music Teacher had
carried off, I agreed to do so, provided he would
take his Rifle along and return by the way of Monroe, and have
a short Deer Hunt. He agreeing to my proposal, we took our
rifles and started for Detroit.
Shortly after getting there, we went to Martinez House, and
found his wife an interesting French woman at home, but Mar-
tinez was absent. Having a State Warrant for him, we put it
into the hands of an Officer, who soon found him, and brought
him before Esq Williams, a Justice of the Peace. Horace
settled with him at the Justices Office, Martinez restoring to him
his Guitar, defraying his expenses in coming to Detroit, and also
paying the Costs of Court.
Taking a Steam Boat the next morning after settling with
Martinez, we started for Monroe, which placed we arrived at,
about Noon. Having some acquantances there, we devoted
the afternoon to calling on them.
In the evening Charles Taylor, Sterling, and others of our
acquaintances coming in to the Tavern, we talked over with
them in regard to the best place to go and hunt, and as they all
recommended us to go out West on the Rail Road 22 miles, we
finally agreed upon that, as being the best course. during the
evening, among those that we were introduced to was a Mr Clark,
son of the Mayor of the City.
Next day, Horace and Myself concluded to take a stroll in
the woods, near Monroe, and try our Rifles. Going to our Car-
pet Bags to get our Hunting Coats, Horace made the discovery

54
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
that he had left his on board of the Steam Boat. but putting
on his ordinary Coat, we took a short walk into the woods, shot
our rifles at a mark till we were satisfied, and then returned.
In the evening we received an invitation to visit Mr Clark, ,
and form part of an Eucre party. Going there, we found a
small party of four, or five, assembled, among them, two young
ladies. One of them, Miss Abby Clark, a daughter of the
Mayor,", was a very handsome and interesting young lady.
Horace had her for his partner in our Eucre playing. A table
was spread in the room, well supplied with fruit Cake, and Wine,
and the evening passed off so pleasantly, that it became very
late before we left.
Taking the Cars next morning we arrived at our destination
about 10 A, M, and stopped at the log house of Esq Halls, a
Justice of the Peace. We immediately commenced preparing
ourselves for a tramp in the woods, but on coming to load our
Rifles, Horace had lost all his balls, and also his Bullet Moulds.
Hall rolled out three or four of my balls for him, and John
Woods an old Hunter went with him into the woods. They
saw several Deer, but got no shots. I took quite a long turn in
the South woods, saw plenty signs of game, but no game itself.
Next day went into the South woods and hunted till late in
the afternoon. saw five Deer, but was unable to get a shot at
them. When I returned to Halls, I found Horace gone, he hav-
ing taken the Cars for Monroe.
There being no snow, I hunted next day in the North woods
towards Tecumseh, and after travvelling some five miles through
the woods, I came to a low wet prairie, some Eight Miles
across. In hunting along the borders of this prairie, I saw
numerous signs of Bear. Deer signs were scarce, and I saw but
one deer this day. I saw in many places the remains of old
Indian Camps. Hunted three or four days after this, without
any thing worth noticing, taking place, seeing but a few deer,
and those at too great a distance to shoot.
A light snow having fallen, I got an early start into the woods

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
55
the morning after, and while hunting at a distance of about a
mile and a half in the South woods, I discovered a large Buck
browsing on the hill side. he was about forty rods off, and the
woods so open there was a poor prospect of getting nearer, but
watching the opportunity when his head was down, I gradually
approached till within twenty eight rods of him, (his head being
towards me) when I fired. immediately after my firing, he
kicked out with one of his hind legs, wheeled, and run up the
hill, then turning around he violently shook his head, and finally
got out of my sight.
Loading my rifle as soon as possible, I ran down the hill, and
I
having gone up on the other side, looked very carefully in the
direction I saw him last. Very soon I discovered him getting
up, when walking a few rods, he laid down again, constantly
shaking his head. Getting up within fifteen or eighteen rods of
him, I could plainly see the blood running down his neck and
out of this mouth. He was constantly getting up on his hind
legs, and kneeling on his fore legs. finally having a good chance
to shoot at his neck, I fired, when he stretched himself out. On
going up to him, I found that my first shot had gone through
his neck, cutting the jugular vein. He was a very thick, short,
heavy bodied buck, and had horns of rather dark colour, and
flat. his hair instead of being gray, as Deer, are usually at this
season of the year, was of a dark brownish colour.
After hanging him up, I bore on in the direction of the Bear
Swamp, when a Fawn jumped up within a few rods of me.
bleating at it, it stopped when about ten rods off, the fore part
of its body being behind a tree, when I fired at its hind quar-
ters, and broke its back. I found it to be a buck fawn, fat, and
of good size. hanging it up, I immediately went back to Halls
to get assistance in getting my deer in. Clark also having killed
a deer this day, he took a yoke of Oxen and we succeeded in
getting all three of the deer in during the afternoon.
Next day I started into the woods in the same direction, and
came to the head of the Bear Swamp, when I saw something

56
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
move in the thick brush. not being able to make out what it
was, I went a little nearer, when out rushed two deer. taking
their tracks, I followed them a short distance, when I struck a
fresh Bear track. I followed it a considerable distance in the
Swamp, and started it out of its bed, without seeing it however.
I continued to follow it all day through swamps, Swails, and
Marshes, but got no sight of it. At one time, when following
the track very slowly and carefully through a thick brush
Swamp, I heard directly in front of me, a great cracking of the
brush. Supposing of course it was the Bear, I cocked my rifle
to make ready for him, but was disappointed in seeing that it
was nothing but a large buck, who had heard me and was
bounding away in the brush.
The third day of the snow while hunting in the Cotton Wood
Swamp, I saw something move in the thick bushes, and not be-
ing able to see it distincly, I fired at it, at random, when a deer
raised its tail and loped off.
In the afternoon of this day, I came across a dead Ox cov-
ered with logs, and with a great gash cut in his hind legs. sup-
posing that Indians or some white men had accidentally killed
him, and thus tried to hide him, I throwed off some of the logs
and examined the marks on his ears, the colour of his skin, &c,
then going off just as far as I could see him, made a blazing
out to the Indian Shanties.
At night when I came out to the Clearings, I told of the cir-
cumstance, when two days afterwards three men called on me
and made particular enquiries about the Ox, and how they
might find him. I told them all I knew about him, and of my
blazing from the Indian Shanties to him.
They went to the Shanties, took my blazing, and following it,
found the Ox. Knowing as soon as they saw it that it was a
Wolf bait, they cut a stick and poking around, soon found a
large Wolf Trap, then throwing off all the logs off the Ox, they
discoverd it to be Old Brown, a well known Ox belonging to
one of them, named Munson.

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
57
Searching among the bushes, they found where some person
had cut its throat, and after driving it to a suitable place had
then shot it in the head. Making enquiries to whom the Trap
belonged, they had the owner of it arrested, who telling the
mans name to whom he had lent it, they served a writ on him,
when he compounded with them, by paying fifty dollars for
the Ox.
Just as I had finished blazing out to the Indian Shanties this
day, a most drenching rain come on, when finding the Shantee
that I took shelter in, leaked very bad, I took down part of one
of the others and patched it, and made a fire out of one of the
remaining ones.
The rain holding up a little just at night, I started for Halls,
and had gone but a short distance, when I discovered a large
buck standing beside a tree. I took good aim at his shoulders,
and attempted to fire at him, but my Rifle from getting wet,
snapped. the Buck gave a snort out of compliment to me, and
then bounded away.
The snow all disappearing a few days after it fell, and a poor
prospect of more soon coming, I took the Cars and went back
to Monroe. From Monroe I took the Stage for Maumee City,
but the roads being very bad, I walked the most of the way.
Stopping at Maumee one day, I again took the Stage for Lower
Sandusky, at which place hearing of the awful state of the
roads, and having an opportunity of sending my Carpet bag to
Cleveland, I shouldered my Rifle and started on a foot.
I walked the whole distance from Lower Sandusky to Cleve-
land, and at the time I left Sandusky had a bad cold, and no
appetite, but before I arrived at Cleveland, my cold had taken
its departure, and my appetite was eccellent.
After getting home, making enquiries about Horace, I found
that he had had a most miserable time of it in getting back to
Cleveland, having got very fatigued on the journey, and taken
a most severe cold, which held on to him some three weeks.
h

58
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
-
DEER HUNT IN PARMA IN 1844.
D
TI
EC. 13th 1844, in the afternoon of this day, (there
being a fine tracking snow on the ground), I took
my horse (Sorrel Mare) and Buggy, and drove out
to Harris, Tavern in Parma, for the purpose of
having a short Deer Hunt.
Early next morning started into the woods and hunted south
of the Podunck Swamp near Lake Abram. during the fore-
noon, and when some two miles in the woods, I heard a hound
bay. hurrying over in the direction of the sound, I soon dis-
covered a fine buck gently loping along. happening to stop on
a runway, he came within six rods of me, when I bleated, but
he paying no attention to it, I fired at him running, and missed
him. the Hound (a black one) soon came along on the track.
I endeavoured to stop him and get him off, but could not suc-
ceed in doing so, consequently I gave up all idea of farther fol-
lowing the buck. Saw no more deer this day.
2d day hunted through the Podunk Swamp, and while fol-
lowing the track of a deer, with my head down closely observ-
ing which way the track went, all at once a large Doe with her
tongue out came rushing right on to me. I jerked up my rifle,
and instantly fired at her when not more than ten steps off, but
owing to the suddenness of her appearance, missed her. She
paid no attention to me, or my shot, and from her distressed
looks, and blind zig zag manner in which she ran, I am con-
vinced she was then pursued by Wolves, as they were plenty in
those woods.
I saw the day before the tracks of where three of them, all in
one pack, were following on a keen jump four deer. I also saw
where the snow was sprinkled with blood, for thirty, or forty

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
59
rods, the wolves evidently having caught one of the deer, and it
effecting its escape again for the moment.
3d day, the snow being in fine condition for hunting, accom-
panied by Hunter, (my Gibbralter Spaniel Dog that I purchased
at Malden Canada of a British Officer) I started by the break
of day and bore North of the Podunk Swamp.
Soon I crossed the tracks of two deer, and following them
up, discovered one of the deer browsing. taking aim at its
shoulders, I fired, when it sprung into the air and bounded off,
being joined by its partner. Loading my rifle and going to
where it stood when I fired, I discovered both hair, and blood.
After following the track along for a mile or two, the snow
being pretty well sprinkled with its blood, I discoverd the two
deer slowly walking along some twenty rods in front of me. not
wishing to shoot the wounded one, I took aim at what I con-
sidered the well one, and fired. it instantly fell, on running up
to it I found that I had shot it through the back part of the
neck, and also that it was the wounded deer. I had shot him
the first time through the briscuit, an inch back of the forelegs,
and very low down, slightly breaking the bone, but not pene-
trating its belly.
Two Hunters (one of them Fays son) coming along soon
after I had hung it up, I got them to assist me in dragging it to
the Tavern. As soon as they took hold of the deer, my dog
Hunter seized it by the hind legs, and jerking back with all his
might, tried to prevent them from dragging it along. After they
had dragged it on the snow some fifty rods, with Hunter hang-
ing to it, I succeeded in coaxing him off, but still he would oc-
casionally seize it by the legs in spite of all I could do.
Getting my deer to the tavern, and giving each of my
Hun-
ter friends a glass of Whiskey, some Pie, and Cheese, and my
thanks, I put my deer into my Buggy and drove home.
hi

60
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
DEER HUNT IN LENAWEE COUNTY MICHIGAN.
H
AVING received a letter from Esq. Hall stating that
both Bear and Deer were plenty in his vicinity, I
packed up my traps and Oct. 220, 1844, left Cleve-
land for his house. Arriving there, I found after
several days hunting that there were neither Bear, or Deer, the
Bear having emigrated North, and the deer gone to the open-
ings and the Cotton wood Swamp.
Leaving Halls, I took my Carpet bag and went to the log
house of Munsons, situated on the edge of the openings, and
distant about one mile from the great swamp.
This was one of the most pleasant places at which I had ever
stopt, both Mr and Mrs Munson being the cleverest kind of
people. I had a good bed made up every night on the floor be-
fore the fire, and my breakfast was always ready an hour before
daylight. The fare was plain, and good, with plenty of wild
honey.
The second day after I came to Munsons I shot and badly
wounded a large buck, but after following him a long distance
was forced to give him up, he having gone into the bear swamp.
,
.
When I returned to Munsons and had told him of the cir-
cumstance, he immediately proposed to take his dog Cub (a
small black dog) and go after him. Acceeding to his proposal,
we started off, and when we arrived at the swamp, stopped and
put a rope round the dog, neck, and then followed the bloody
trail of the deer until we started him, when we let the dog loose.
In a few moments we heard him barking very earnestly, and
working our way through the Swamp as fast as we could, soon
came up to both the dog and buck. The buck was standing
still, with his hair all bristled forward, and his eyes green with

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
61
rage, while the dog kept off about a rod from him keeping up
a continual bark. Occasionly the buck would make a dart at
the dog, who would turn and run as fast as he could through
the bushes, but who would as soon as the buck ceased chasing
him, wheel round again and pursue the buck, biting him on the
hind legs until he stopped.
After seeing them manovre thus for a short time, and in the
mean time regained my breath, I walked up to within four rods
of the buck and shot him through the heart, he falling down the
instant my rifle cracked.
It was a four pronged buck and very large and fat. I had
shot him in the first place through behind, in a quartering man-
ner, crippling him considerably, and preventing him from run-
ning fast.
As there was no trees in the swamp large enough to hang
him up on, we skinned him on the ground, after which I backed
in the hide, and horns, while Munson Carried the Hind quar-
ters, leaving the ballance of the buck on the ground. We got
out of the swamp a little after dark, and in a fatigued state ar-
rived at Munsons house.
This venizon proving very fine flavored, we had portions of it
on the table every day afterwards that I remained at Munsons.
A few days after killing the buck, I killed and hung up a fine
fawn One Mile east of Munson,s house. In the evening of the
same day, I was awakened by the noise of some wild animal,
and upon getting up and going to the door, I could distincly
hear it scream, or bark, in the vicinity of my deer. Munson
,
upon getting up and coming to the door, said it was a bear.
Next morning on going to my deer, I found it safe, but its
entrails were all eaten up. A few days before I had come to
Munsons, a pack of Wolves came into a field of his (next to the
house) bordered by woods, and killed and almost entirely eat up
a Yearling Calf.
During my further stay at Munsons, I killed One Prairie
Hen, and two more very fat deer. One of the deer, was a

62
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
small fawn who had lost its mother when very young, conse-
quently it had become stinted, but was very fat and the finest
kind of venizon.
I took with me from Cleveland several papers of Turkish To-
bacco, and in the evenings when seated before the fine large
wood fires, we all three of us, Munson, his Wife, and Myself,
enjoyed the luxury of smoking our pipes.
Several squads of Indians were camped in and around Mun-
sons. I met them several times, and one day showed two of
them my three deer that I had got brought in to Munsons
house. I occasionly saw in the woods a Venizon that they had
killed and hung up. One young Indian and his Sister had
their Camp near Munsons. the young Indian had great success
in hunting Coons, but his rifle being poor, he had miserable luck
in killing deer.
After I had finished my hunting, I engaged Munson to take
my deer to Blissfield in his Ox waggon, from there I took
them on the Cars to Toledo, and from Toledo, on the Steam
Boat to Cleveland, where I arrived with them safe and sound.
The very moment I threw them off the Dray on to the grass at
old dog “Sport” tore the entire tallow, and kidneys,
out of one of them, and that particular deer, was rather dry
eating for want of that portion of it that old “Sport” stuffed his
belly with
home, my
whe
RACCOON.

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
63
DEER HUNT IN LENAWEE, PAULDING,
AND HENRY CO.
a
CTOBER 30th, 1845, having received from Morgan
James of Utica New York, the double barreled
Casteel Rifle that I ordered him to make for me,
and having remained very closely on the Farm all
Summer, my Father having been absent to the Virginia Springs,
I had on this account more than my usual fall fever for a Deer
Hunt, and in consequence (in company with D. W. Cross)
started West on a Hunting Excursion with the most sanguine
expectation of enjoying an extra amount of excitement and
pleasure.
We left Cleveland for Monroe by the way of Toledo, and
after a tedious voyage in a slow Boat, we reached Monroe in
the afternoon of the second day. Remaining there but a short
time, we took the Cars for Clarks Mills in Lenawee Co. and
arrived there about noon. Shortly after the Cars had left Mon-
roe, in passing a buck wheat field, we noticed some wild Tur-
keys fly over the fence, which excited us considerably and which
we regarded as a happy omen.
Taking our Carpet bags on our backs, we left Clarks Mills for
the log house of Munsons, some one and a half miles distant.
Upon reaching the house, we noticed on the gate posts in front
of the door a pair of large Buck horns which we examined and
found had but recently been taken off. This raised our spirits to
the highest pitch, and with the most elastic step we approached
the door of Munsons house, and rapped. Our rap being an-
swered by the welcome sound of “Come in” we pulled the latch
string and I immediately had the satisfaction of greeting my
friends M', and Mrs. Munson. Introducing to them Mr Cross,

64
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
we sat down and had a long talk about divers things, principally
however in regard to game.
Next morning, rising early, Cross and Myself started into the
woods, taking different directions, and hunted till night. Dur-
ing the day while standing on a log, I saw at a great distance
among the low oak bushes, a buck and doe feeding, but upon
getting down from the log and going towards them, I failed in
finding them. The woods were very noisy on account of the
leaves being thick and dry, and the deer no doubt heard me.
I looked very sharp to day for deer signs, and felt disappointed
in finding so few.
Cross this day, saw but one deer, a large buck. It was feed-
ing when he first saw it, but a moment afterwards it walked
along through the oak bushes and stood still about four rods
from him. being so near, Cross concluded to shoot at his head,
and accordingly he took aim at it, and fired. At the report of
his Rifle, the Old Lenawee Ranger threw up his head and very
dignifiedly looked around, when seeing nothing before him but
an Ohio Democrat with a green pair of spectacles on his nose,
very cooly walked off, and before Cross could load again, dis-
appeared from his sight. Cross mourned for several days after-
wards, at the kind of farewell he was forced to take of the
old fellow.
2d day hunted South in the Cotton Wood Swamp, and East
towards the River Raisen, and returned to Munsons by the Oak
Openings. Saw in my long tramp of this day but two deer, and
those on the run. Cross saw no deer this day.
3d day Cross, Munson, and Myself started into the woods be-
fore daylight and got to where we supposed was a runway for
deer. Holding a consultation, it was agreed that Cross should
stand where we were; Munson go North about thirty rods and
stand, and I go the same distance South.
Just as I was starting to my place, a large Turkey came fly-
ing past and lit down where I intended standing. I went along
quite carefully and when within about ten rods of where the

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
65
turkey lit, I discovered two deer running past. I immediately
without taking any particular aim, fired both of my barrels at
them, and which I could plainly see, without doing any execu-
tion. In fact they were too far off to expect to kill them.
Shortly after I fired, Cross and Munson came to me and en-
quired what I had shot at. I told them, and just at that mo-
ment we discovered a Hunter (by the name of John Woods)
following the trail of the deer. We then knew the cause of the
Turkey flying past us, and the deer I had shot at, being on the
run. Separating, we hunted in different directions during the
rest of the day without any of us seeing any more game.
Being satisfied that on account of there being no Shack, or
from some other cause, that the deer had pretty much all left, I
talked the matter over with Cross, and we too concluded to
leave.
Next morning after breakfast, I carrying the two Rifles, Cross
carrying his Carpet bag, and Munson carrying mine, we started
off through the woods Seven Miles to Blissfield, which we
reached just in time to take the Cars for Toledo. We went on
a "dog trot” nearly all the way from Munsons, to Blissfield, I
leading the way, and Cross constantly swearing at my rapid
gait.
Just as we arrived in sight of Blissfield and were descend-
ing the banks of the river Raisen to cross the river, with our
tongues out, and panting and blowing like tired hounds, we
heard the shrill whistle of the Cars, when adding a little more
speed to our gait, we in our Hunting dress, with our Toma-
hawks and Knifes belted to our sides, our faces red, sweating,
and begrimed with dust, rushed into the Cars to the gawking
wonder of the men, and great consternation of several Wolverine
Maids.
We arrived at Toledo during the forenoon, and at Seven
P, M, took the Canal Packet and started for, we did'nt know
where.
Next day, several of the passengers informing us that Game
i

66
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
was very abundant near the Junction, we continued on there,
and stopped. The village at the Junction, has perhaps 100, to
150, inhabitants — is built on low wet land, and has twenty
or thirty mean, miserable, dirty log houses, and two equally
as mean log Taverns.
In the evening calling on Mr Bumberger the Canal Collector,
we made enquiries of him about the game around the Junction,
when he informed us that it was scarce, but that at Section 10,
twenty three miles from the Junction on the Cincinnati Canal,
it was represented as being plenty.
Next day in the afternoon, we took a Canal Boat and reached
Section 10. in the evening, one of the passengers taking a lan-
tern and pilotting us to the Tavern.
When putting away our things, Cross discovered that he had
left his Tomahawk and Knife in Toledo. Not having any
chance to look around, we made a few enquiries about game,
and then retired to bed.
Next day after looking at the Town of Section 10. which was
built in the woods (most of the trees still standing) and com-
posed of three dwelling houses, one Tavern, and a small 10
by 14 store, we started into the woods, which we found were
very extensive, and very low, and level.
The frost had cut off all the Shack, and deer were very scarce,
they having emigrated to some place where shack was more
abundant. During the forenoon I came across a flock of Tur-
keys, and firing at them, killed one. After peeling some bark
and tying its head and legs together, and throwing it over my
Shoulders, I heard some turkeys gobbling off in the woods some
50 or 6o rods from me.
Going in the direction of the sound, I very soon came up to
them, and found them very busy scratching in the dry leaves,
making a great noise.
While creaping up to get a shot at them, (with the Turkey I
had killed still on my back) I saw what I supposed to be a Colt,
walking along in the thick bushes. but paying no attention to

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
67
a
him, I was just raising up my rifle to shoot at the turkies, when
there walked out in plain sight before me, about eight rods off,
this supposed Colt, which I now saw to be a most noble buck,
with large and Magnificent Antlers.
The buck fever seizing me, in a moment I was all shakes, and
made two foolish shots at the Old Patriarch, who hearing a
noise, and smelling gunpowder, threw up his head, hoisted his
flag, gave a snort and bounded away forever from my sight,
leaving me to suffer from chagrin, and mortification, at the re-
sults of my two shots. Returning to the Tavern, I found Cross,
who had seen a few deer, but got no shots.
Stopping at the Tavern, was only one other boarder besides
ourselves, a Canal Engineer, who together with us drinking pretty
freely of brandy and water, we played the Game of Eucre in
the evening to see who should pay for it.
2d day saw no deer, or turkies. Cross saw three deer and
slightly wounded one.
3d day I saw two or three deer, but the woods being dry, and
the brush thick, I could get no shot at them. C. this day got
no shots.
Shooting my rifle at a mark to day after I came in from
hunting, and making a very wild shot, I requested Cross and
the Landlord to go out with me and also shoot it. We put up
a mark some 20 rods off, and fired, 20, or 30 times at it, and
made most miserable shooting. My Rifle having double sights
on it made it very difficult to shoot it accurately.
4th day, Cross and Myself having accidentally met on the
banks of the Canal some two miles from Section 10 came in to-
gether. having seen no deer, and being satisfied that there were
but few in the woods, we concluded to leave, and return back
towards Toledo, thinking that perhaps something might turn up
yet in the way of good deer hunting. Settling with the Land-
lord, we next day took a Canal Boat and started.
When within forty miles of Toledo, Cross and Myself being
afoot on the tow path, we passed a house close to the Canal, in
i 1

68
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
front of which, was a man chopping wood. We enquired of
him if there were any deer in that vicinity, and he replying that
there was, we concluded to stop at the first house we came to.
following along the tow path some three miles farther, we finally
saw a large white house at which we concluded to stop.
Cross having jumped aboard of the boat, I went to the side
of it and made a spring to also jump aboard, when I missed the
deck, and fell back into the Canal. Crawling out half choaked
with the foullest of Canal water, I quickly run on a head to a
bridge, when Cross handed me up our Rifles and Carpet Bags,
after which taking off my Coat, Vest, and socks, and wringing
them as dry as possible, directed my steps to the house.
Entering, I found a woman and her two daughters (young
ladies grown) occupying a room with a fine cheerful wood fire
blazing before them. Hastily telling them of my misfortune,
and also our wish to abide with them a few days for the purpose
of hunting, they very generously acceeded to my request, and
immediately thereafter retired from the room, leaving me in
“batcheldoric solitude” to enjoy myself in the pleasant occupa-
tion of evaporating the moisture from my clothes. .
Cross in the mean time (being a married man, and not wish-
ing to lose any time by conversing with the old lady, or young
damoiselles,") put a goodly quantity of his favorite “bald eye"
in his stomach, a few bullets in his pocket, shouldered his rifle,
and turning over with extatic delight an old “chaw” of Tobacco
in his mouth, started into the woods, the last sound of his foot-
steps reverberating back the exhilarated state of his mind and
body.
During the afternoon my services being no longer required in
drying my clothes, I devoted the rest of the day to cultivating
an acquaintance with the young “Buckeye damsels,” whom I
found to be perfect originals; their conversation being unique
and interesting, and having about it such a peculiar charm, that
at that happy hour when the evening twilight had thrown its
shades around I felt myself almost in a “Mohammedan para-

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
69
>
a
dise,” but was soon doomed to be routed away from it by the
return of that most zealous disciple of “Nimrod,” Cross, who
suddenly made his appearance singing in his original nasal style
the doleful song of the “Misletoe Bough.” He had seen no
deer himself, but had returned just in time to frighten away the
two graceful young does," who, with their black bright eye-
lashes and beautiful arched necks, were, but a moment before,
so lightly stepping around me perfectly regardless of danger.
The next morning I took my rifle and hunted faithfully in the
North woods all day, but with the exception of a few Partridges,
saw no game, and but little signs.
In the evening after supper, Cross and Myself being seated
before the fire relating to each other the incidents of the days
hunt, he remarked, “that if we were only provided with a few
cigars, we would be perfectly happy," when our worthy host,
John Patrick, stepped into an adjoining room, and in a few mo-
ments returned with half a box of most eccellent ones. With
the Cigars, a pack of Cards, and the two young “feminines,”
Mary, and Asseneth Patrick, as partners in the game of Euchre,
we passed away a very pleasant evening.
.
Hunting for several days after this in the North woods with-
out seeing any deer, (having however in the evenings some
amends for it, by the pleasure we experienced in smoking our
Cigars, and playing Euchre with the young ladies,) and hearing
that game was abundant across the river, we determined to hunt
no more in the North woods, and consequently made our ar-
rangements for an early start next morning across the river.
Jane Patrick, a bright young lass of fourteen (a daughter of
P—'s) volunteered to get up before daylight and prepare us
some warm coffee. Morning came and with it the smiling face
of our young friend, whose hot coffee, and other “et ceteras,"
warmed our hearts and strengthened our limbs for the days
campaign.
Arrraying ourselves in our hunting garbs, we shouldered our
rifles and followed up the banks of the Maumee one and a half

70
Hunting Expeditions of O. H. Perry.
miles, when just at the break of day, we procured a Canoe of a
boy and crossed the river.
As soon as we had stepped out of our Canoe into this large
and to us then unexplored forest, a strange feeling of solitude
came over our minds, and wishing to commune alone with our
feelings while penetrating the wilderness before us, we parted,
and in our course slightly diverged from each other.
A most destructive fire had raged on that side of the river for
two or three weeks, and had burnt over an extent of Country
some fifty miles in length, and varying from six to twenty miles
in breadth, totally destroying all the underbrush and small trees,
and in many instances the larger ones.
About the time we first came to Patricks, a heavy shower had
fallen and quenched the fire, leaving a strip of land about half
a mile in width bordering on the Maumee, untouched by it.
During the time the fire lasted, all the deer and turkeys in that
whole region had congregated in this belt, and a hunter informed
us that going through it when the fire was raging and the smoke
envelloping the whole woods, he saw deer and other game at
every step he took.
After leaving Cross, having gone through this belt of land and
got some distance into the burnt district, I came to a large log
(which afforded an elevation of about four feet above the dead
level of the surrounding forest) and stepping up on it, then
stopped to look at the dark, burnt, and blackened surface of the
land that was spread out before me.
A deep silence pervaded the woods, for the destroying fire in
its course had driven away all the large animals, and, the smaller
ones, unable to escape, were wrapt up in the devouring flames,
and with the leaves and logs, nought of them remained but their
blackened ashes.
While surveying the scene before me, a black array
of moving
darkness seemed to be approaching me resembling the dark
storm-clouds that slowly and gradually rise from the lakes. Cast-
ing my eye through the forest, as far as I could see, this same

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
71
omnious moving darkness extended. Occasionally the woods
would roar with sounds strange, discordant, and somewhat
frightful to my ears. The day itself had gradually grown dark,
and lowering, and the thick black clouds that now enveloped
the heavens, hung low and threatening.
Gradually this moving phenomenon of darkness approached,
which I felt would soon encircle me in its fearful folds, as I
seemed by some mysterious and potent power to be rivited to
the spot where I stood, and with no disposition to make the
slightest effort to escape. A thick rolling cloud of blackened
ashes rising some five feet high, and seemingly borne on the
dark backs of some strange animate creation, had already begun
to shed over me its fearful shadow, when all at once my eyes
were opened, and a sight presented to my vision, perhaps unap-
paralled, and which produced on my hunter heart such bewil-
dering feelings of pleasure, that it bordered on felicity itself.
The dark black mass that extended itself in the woods before
me as far as my eyes could see, and rolled up in its front those
fearful looking clouds of blackened ashes in its onward march,
was formed of more than five hundred black and noble turkeys,
who with flowing beards, and turkish dignity, were roaming
over these ancient hunting grounds of the noted Ottaways.
Considering myself an enemy to these black proud inhabitants
of the forest, I stepped into the “war path” before them, and
deliberately taking aim with my rifle, poured two rounds into
the front of their advancing columns. This somewhat staggered
them, and two old veteran Gobblers, reeled, faltered, and fell,
the blackened ashes forming their shrouds, and the dark shadows
of the forest their mantles. Quickly loading again, I gave
them
two more rounds, and the sharp, clear, ringing sound of my
steel rifle, had hardly ceased in my ears, when the report of
Cross rifle, came over with a cheering booming sound from my
right.
Some of the younger Toms not having the courage to stand
my fire, broke their ranks and flew off, but the main body, com-

72
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
66
posed of old veteran Gobblers, disdaining to fly, kept on their
feet, and in an unbroken line slowly receded. I followed them
up, pouring in on them in quick succession five or six more
shots, the sharp sound of each one of them, being quickly an-
swered by the death knell” report of Cross, more sure and
deadly “fire arm."
Gradually the old "black beards" retired into the bosom of
the forest, and Cross and Myself having united, we held a short
council of war, when considering how actively we had been en-
,
gaged, the empty state of our “bread-baskets,” the total exhaus-
tion of our "pistol amunition," and the small supply of powder
and ball that we had left for our rifles, decided to cease all
farther pursuit, and return over the hostile woods of our engage-
ment, and gather up the trophies of our victorious battle.
This immense number of turkies extending in a line through
the woods for at least a mile, were no doubt gathered together
in one body, by the fire driving flock after flock into the nar-
row strip of unburnt woods lying on the banks of the Maumee.
After the rain had quenched the fire, they commenced return-
ing to their old haunts, and when Cross and Myself came upon
them, they had not yet got divided. We must have wounded a
large number out of this immense flock, as we often came across
wounded turkeys for several days afterwards.
The woods we hunted over to day, were entirely unsettled,
and were the hunting Grounds of the Ottaway Indians, and
from which they were removed West of the Mississippi (via
Cleveland) in the Years 1838, and '39. A few years before
they left, they numbered some 1,200 individuals, but by intem-
perance and diseases acquired from the whites, they became re-
duced at the time of their removal to 700 souls.
Cross and Myself returned early in the afternoon to Patricks,
and after passing the evening very pleasantly, and making ar-
rangements for an early start next morning, we retired to our
Camping room, when undressing ourselves, we found to our
horror that we were all over as black as “niggers," the effect of

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
73
walking through the burnt woods, the light blackened ashes
having worked up the legs of our pantaloons. Not having any
water in our room wherewith to whiten our “Ethiopian” skins,
we tumbled into bed just as we were, and upon arising next
morning, found a perfect imprint of our bodies in the clean
white sheets.
We made a very early start this morning, getting to the place
where our Canoe lay before daylight. Having crossed the
Maumee, and having but one Canoe, we agreed that neither of
us should cross the river before 5 P, M, and if either one us
came to the river before that hour, he should wait till that time
for the other.
Separating we took different courses into the woods. I hunted
in South to the Prairie, followed its outlet down for about three
quarters of a mile, then bore North East for the Maumee, which
I reached about 4 P, M. Cross coming shortly after, we crossed
the river together. I saw but one deer this day, although I
noticed great numbers of their tracks in the ashes.
3d day, we hunted again across the Maumee river, and as
usual parted when we got into the woods. Taking a South west
course, I hunted about three miles to an oak ridge, covered
pretty densely with the standing naked bodys and limbs of a
large size underbrush, when suddenly I heard a noise behind me.
turning around and looking in the direction of the sound, I saw
in the thick brush some kind of an animal approaching me.
When within about six rods of me, I discovered that it was a
deer, and immediately fired at it, when it wheeled, made a few
jumps, stopped and looked back. At that instant I fired at it
my second barrel, when it closely hugged its tail and leaped
away from my sight among the bushes.
Hastily loading my rifle, I went to the place where it stood,
when being afraid of losing the spot, I took my Tomahawk and
commenced blazing a tree, when six other deer which were fol-
lowing on in the trail of the one I had shot at, discovering me,
raised their tails and run past me about ten rods to my right.
j
a

74
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
Finding the track of the one I had shot at, and tracing it in
the leaves a short distance, I found blood, when, following the
track along some fifty rods farther to a large log, I carefully
stepped upon it, and looking ahead, saw the deer lying down
about twelve rods off, with its tongue protruded, and seemingly
in great distress. Cooly taking aim at its neck, I fired, when it
sprung up and after running a short distance, its wounds prov-
ing a too serious obstacle at any further effort at escape, it
tumbled town. Rushing up to it, it imploringly cast upon me
its green glassy eyes, but regardless of its life pleadings, I drew
from its sheath the dreaded steel of “Sa-con-da-ga," and plung-
ing it into the throat of the strugling victim, let out the crimson
current of its body, as a propitious offering to “Bow-waw-nee,"
the hunters god.
It was a fine yearling doe, and having stood quartering to
me, my first shot had struck her in the belly on the left side,
and come out on the right fore shoulder, giving her what would
be termed a “paunch shot." Hanging her up and dressing her,
I skinned off the fore shoulders and hung them on the side of a
tree about three feet from the ground.
Hunting till about three in the afternoon without seeing any
more game, and noticing indications of a storm brewing, I bent
my course directly towards our Canoe, and had reached within
one hundred rods of it, when the sky suddenly became dark,
and I could hear at a distance that peculiar rushing sound that
indicated an approaching tempest of wind and rain. In a few
minutes more, the sound appeared much nearer, and I could
distinctly hear the crashing of the falling trees, as the storm was
sweeping through the burnt district. The vivid flashes of light-
ning, succeeded by the most awful thunder — the horrid roar of
the wind, added to the loud crashing noise of the falling trees
and limbs, made me tremble for my safety.
Hastily placing my powder flask and rifle under a large log,
I went and took refuge behind a stout oak, and had hardly
hugged up close to its body, when the head of the terrible roar-

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
75
ing blast came sweeping by. The air was completely filled with
leaves, ashes, sticks, and limbs, and when the full force of the
storm reached the spot where I stood, many around me of the
old veteran trees of the forest, yielded to its fearful power, bid-
ding their companions a last farewell in the roaring crashing
sound of their fall. But amid this fearful blast, this horrible
noise of elements, and crash of falling trees and limbs, the noble
old oak under whose protecting arms I had placed myself, stood
firm and unscathed, its sturdy and majestic frame, bidding proud
defiance to the storm. Several branches of trees fell close to my
feet, but the body of the Oak being large, fully protected me
from falling limbs.
The storm of wind lasted but a minute or two, and was suc-
ceeded by a heavy shower of rain. Keeping my position behind
the oak until the rain had subsided, I then took my rifle and
flask from beneath the log and bent my steps towards our Ca-
noe, when seating Myself in one end of it anxiously waited for
Cross. Remaining thus situated till the mantle of night was ob-
scuring the heavens, and a gloomy darkness beginning to per-
vade the forest, and Cross not coming, I cast off the rope and
with considerable difficulty, on account of the high winds, and
waves, crossed the Maumee and returned to Patricks.
Bed-time came and Cross not making his appearance, I had
great fears that the storm had overtaken him in some part of the
woods where he could find no large oaks to shelter him, and
that there alone in the wild woods, amid the crashing sound of
that terrific blast, he had perished by some falling tree, or limb,
which in the noise of its approach, and death dealing power,
had struck upon his ear like the deadly crack of the rifle upon
the noble buck, the ball at the same moment having sierced his
heart. But happily in the morning, my fears were “dispelled
like mist before a summers sun,” by hearing from a travveller of
Cross, safe arrival the evening before at Napoleon, three miles
up the river from Patricks.
4th day, Cross very early in the morning yesterday, saw and
ji

76
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
a
shot at a deer, and while loading his rifle to shoot again, the
deer not having run, he suddenly heard a whistling behind him.
looking around, he saw a dark swarthy looking man, dressed in
Hunter Costume with a rifle on his shoulder, and accompanied
by a dog, approaching him. As soon as he came up to Cross,
he asked him “what he shot at”? Cross replied, “a deer," and
then questioned him, "where he lived, and where he came
from"? The man replied, “ that he lived in Napoleon, and that
being out hunting the day before, he had got off a long distance
in the woods, had made a fire some three miles from where he
then was, and camped down by it all night.” Cross noticing
that his eyes were very red, his face pinched up and otherwise
looking very hard, “ asked him, “if it was not rather cold lying
out in the woods all night"? He replied, “No, that he slept
warm and like a top all night.”
Cross had doubts about the accuracy of his story, and shortly
after leaving him, he came across the very place where he had
camped, the fire still burning. The truth was, the hunter had
got lost, was obliged to lay in the woods all night, and was
ashamed to own it.
While hunting to day, I came across the deer I killed yester-
day, and noticed that some wild animals had eaten up all its
entrails and a portion of the foreshoulders which I had hung
up but a few feet high on a tree. Neither Cross, or Myself, saw
any deer this day.
In the evening telling Cross of the wild animals eating my
deer, he borrowed a large steel trap, and early the next morning
(5th day) we started for the place in the woods where I had
hung up my deer. Digging a hole in the ground under where
the fore shoulders hung, we put the trap in it and carefully cov-
ered it
up with leaves, after which we parted, and took different
courses.
After hunting some two or three hours without seeing any
game, I bent my course towards the outlet of the Prairie, and
when nearly there, and while walking along very carefully on

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
77
the top of a log, I saw something white shake in a dense thicket
some twenty five rods ahead of me. Looking very earnestly in
the direction I discovered the form of a deer in the thicket, and
fired at it. It made no particular movement when I fired, but
a moment afterwards came more plainly into view, when I dis-
covered it to be a monstrous large buck, and fired at it my sec-
ond barrel, to which it paid no more attention than to the first.
I then hastily loaded my right hand barrel, and waiting till my
nerves were more settled, took deliberate aim at its fore shoul-
ders, aiming high, and fired. The moment my rifle went off this
time, the old fellow mounted the brush and made every thing
crash in the thicket, as he bounded out of it and away
from
my
sight in the dense woods.
Going to the thicket, I could discover no blood or hair, and
as the leaves were very dry, and thick, I made slow progress in
following him. After an hour, or so, I had followed him some
twenty five rods near to a large log, at which place I completely
lost the track, and was just on the point of giving him up,
when
stepping upon the log I happened to look towards the extreme
end of it when I discovered the old buck stretched out dead on
the leaves close to the log.
My ball had hit him in the fore shoulder and gone through
his heart, and the skin drawing over the bullet hole, had pre-
vented the blood from spirting out. I found him to be a very
large buck, but run down in flesh, carrying on his head a large
pair of horns, and having his ears slit out from fighting, and in-
jured in the hoof of one of his hind legs.
As it required some hard labour to hang him up whole in the
swail where he fell, I skinned him on the ground, and after
hanging upon a Sapling his Skin and hind quarters, (leaving the
foreshoulders on the leaves), I took his horns upon my back
and started back to Patricks.
When within some sixty rods of the Maumee River, Cross
seeing me at a distance through the woods with the horns on
my back, hallooed out to me, "where did you find them"? I

78
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
answering, "on the head of a buck,” he cam to me and we pro-
ceeded together to Patricks.
Next morning Cross started early over to the trap to see what
had occurred, and upon getting there found the trap gone.
Searching around, he found in the vicinity of where we had set
the trap, hair and blood, the leaves tore up, and Sapplings with
their bark eaten off, the trap having evidently got hitched to
them. Cross after a long search found the trap, the jaws of it
being covered with hair, but the animal that got into it, had
escaped.
Next day going to the spot where I had killed the buck, we
found that the wild animals had completely covered up its fore-
shoulders with leaves, after having eat what they could of it.
Seeing that our trap was not strong enough to hold these ani-
mals, whatever they were, we give up trying to catch them.
Finding the old buck,s saddle to look rather hard, and it be-
ing some five miles in the woods across the river from Pat-
rick,, I thought it would be too much labour to get it out, and
consequently cut it down from the staddle on which I had hung
it, giving the wild animals a still farther supply for their future
feasts. I carried out of the woods this day, the skins of the two
deer I had killed.
The next day while following the tracks of some deer in the
burnt woods, a violent rain storm coming up, I sat down for an
hour or two under a leaning stub that protected me from the
rain, taking off at the same time my belt that contained my
Tomahawk and Knife, and laying it down by my side. After
the rain had subsided, I started up and after hunting some three
miles from the spot where I had sat down, I saw three deér-
ahead of me.
Feeling by my side to see if all was right, I found to my sur-
prise that
my belt was gone. turning around immediately, I en-
deavoured to retrace my steps back to the Stub, but after many
hours of fruitless endeavours was forced to give it up. Having
thus parted with all hope of ever refinding it, I became sad, and
га

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
79
dejected. I felt as if I had lost an old, true, and tried friend.
The Tomahawk was the gift of an acquaintance, had seen much
service before my time, and was associated with all my deer
hunting expeditions to the present time. The first blazing I ever
made in the woods, was done by this tomahawk, and at the
hanging up of the first deer I killed, its assistance was brought
into requisition. It had been my silent hunting companion
when ranging the forests of the Cotton Wood Swamp, Black
Swamp, Parma, Toledo, Avon, Russia, and Lenawee. I had
used it when under all the ardor and excitement of youth. I had
used it when my excitement was tempered with maturer years.
But it was gone, its memory alone remained, and its requium to
be chaunted.
Silently, and sadly, I wended my way through the woods to
the spot where I had killed my first deer on this excursion, and
putting the Saddle on my back, shaped my course directly to
Patricks. Arriving on the banks of the Maumee, I turned and
bid the old echoing woods farewell, determined that the wild deni-
zens that roamed in them, should no more that fall be alarmed
by the Cuyahogian Hunter stalking through their forests.
Arriving at Patricks, Cross and Myself agreed that we would
leave the next day. The following morning after having settled
with Patrick, Cross proposed to the Girls Mary, and Asseneth,
to join in a game of Cards during the time we were waiting for
the Boat. they willingly assented, but chairs being scarce, Cross
proposed that we all set down on the floor. this they demurred
to, and a boat shortly afterwards heaving in sight, we with a
“good bye,” and a “God bless them,” took our departure, and
"
next day arrived at Toledo. No boat being ready to leave, we
took in the afternoon a short hunt up the Canal, back of
Toledo, accompanied by a man and his two hounds, but neither
we or the hounds succeeded in starting any deer. A Boat
finally being up for Cleveland (the last one for the season) we
went aboard, and after a tedious voyage of two days arrived
safely there.

80
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
DEER HUNT IN HENRY COUNTY, OHIO.
EFT Cleveland October 25th 1846 in Company with
E. W. Andrews for Napoleon, Henry County, Ohio,
on a Deer Hunting Excursion, and arriving at Na-
poleon we stopt at the Old Log Tavern, (the only
Tavern then in the place, situated between the Canal and
the Maumee River) Mr Funk being the Landlord, but Daniel
Yarnell managing its affairs, which principally consisted of buy-
ing every week several bushells of potatoes, and every day deal-
ing out by the pint and glass a few gallons of whiskey to the
degraded and pauper population of the Town. The boarders.
consisted of but two individuals, viz. Old Yarnell, and a young
intelligent lawyer by the name of Story, who was formerly a
Ware House Clerk in Huron Ohio, but had come to Napoleon,
studied Law, been elected Prosecuting Attorney, and not having
half business enough to support him, nor money sufficient to get
him out of the place, had become dispirited, and imbibing the
bad habits of the drunken loafers of the town, was seized in the
winter of 1846 with the consumption, brought on by an attack
of Delirium Tremens, and before Spring was an inhabitant of
one of the Indian Mounds of Napoleon.
Story was always by the inhabitants called Judge, from his
name being the same as Judge Story,s. He was quite talented,
and a very interesting person to converse with, and I passed
many a pleasant evening in listening to his narative of events
that had taken place in Henry County since he had settled there.
He was very polite and gentlemanly, and perfectly honourable
in all his actions, and when in the presence of ladies showed
them the greatest respect, which continued till the latest hour of
his life. A lady a few hours before he died signifying her inten-

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
81
tion of visiting him, he requested that his room and person
might be put in such order, as not to in the least degree offend
her modesty.
Ferguson an old friend of his who was keeping School some
12 miles from Napoleon on the ridge, called to see him, and
when leaving told him that he would call again in four weeks.
“Ferguson," says the Judge “I am not good for four weeks,
but I think I am good for three weeks.” The Judge predicted
right about the length of time he would live, for Ferguson re-
turned at the expiration of three weeks, and just in time to bid
him farewell before he died.
On this Hunt I took with me my Spaniel dog Hunter (the
second one I owned of that name). He was good at following
the track of deer, giving tongue like a hound, but on coming up
with them, he was so timid that he would immediately wheel
around and run back. The first six or seven days of this hunt
I shot and wounded several deer, two of them quite badly, but
having some difficulty in following them, I put Hunter on their
tracks, when giving a few sharp barks as he came in sight of
them, turned around and left them, and the only thing I could
do was to grin and bear it.
Mr Andrews hunted some seven or eight days, when having
killed two very large Bucks, and wishing to save them fresh, he
started back to Cleveland.
Feeling determined to kill some deer, the next morning after
Andrews left, I came down into the Bar Room and seeing a
number of the Town, people present, I requested them to bid
on each other the lowest price for which they would bring in all
the deer I would kill for the next six days. They made differ-
ent bids, but I accepted Daniel Yarnell, bid of $2.50, as he had
a horse that was accustomed to carrying deer, was himself a
good backwoodsman, and by making slight blazings from my
deer, he could go and get them without my acco
my accompanying him.
After taking a stiff drink with Yarnell of “Old Bald eye” to
bind the bargain, I shouldered my rifle and started into the
k

82
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
woods. Crossing over West the second Creek, I went into the
woods about forty rods and hunted parallel with the river. The
underbrush was very thick, being composed of Spice bush, and
Oak with their red leaves on. Being necessitated I hunted very
slow and carefully, and soon had my vision greeted by the faint
outlines of a Doe standing in the bushes. Remaining perfectly
still a few moments, all at once I discovered a few feet from the
Doe, the horns and neck of a magnificent Buck. taking rest by
the side of a tree, I took as cool aim as possible, and fired at
the Buck.
All remained still, and when the smoke from my rifle cleared
away, I could neither hear or see any thing. A moment longer,
and the Doe came rushing by me through the bushes like the
speed of lightning. Then carefully going to the spot where the
buck stood, I found him sprawled out on the ground, and as
dead as a “door nail," my ball having broke his neck.
Hunter mustered up courage enough to pinch his throat a
little, but at the same time seemed rather shy and suspicious of
him. He had five prongs on his horns, was very large and fat,
and with all the strength I could muster, I was not able to swing
his body clear from the ground without his head touching.
Fearful that the hogs in the woods might tear him down, I
immediately went back to the log Tavern and informed Yarnell
that I had work for him. Yarnell taking his horse and another
man with him, we went after the Old Pioneer of the forest, and
after a good deal of exertion, we finally got him on to the horse,
when we cleared with our axes the way through the bushes to
the road.
Glass having assisted Yarnell in getting in my Buck, Yarnell
when we returned to the Tavern gave him as compensation for
his services, a double dose of "eye opener," which operating on
his hunting spirit, he proposed to me to go into the woods and
kill another deer. I agreeing to his proposal he came over to
the Tavern about 2 P. M, when we started off.
Going to the second Creek we followed it up as far as Beales
2

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
83
Clearing, when we went on top of the hill and commenced
hunting. When about half a mile from Beales we saw two deer
running, and going a short distance farther we saw three more
on a keen jump.
Glass being a little “corned" made considerable noise when
walking along, and feeling confidant I should kill no deer when
in his company, I proposed to him to separate. While talking
with him about it, we discovered a flock of Turkeys very busily
engaged in scratching for Beach nuts some thirty rods off.
While making endeavours to get a shot at them, they discov-
ered us and run down a large wide Gulley that was near them
and went up on the banks of the opposite side. Glass going
after them, I remained on the South side of the Gulley, and thus
got separated from him.
About half an hour after Glass left me, hunting along very
still and slow within twenty rods of the brow of the Gulley, I
heard a stick crack and looking in the direction of the sound I
saw a deer on the jump. making a few more bounds it stopped
by the side of a tree top and looked back, and just at that mo-
ment I fired when he fell. running up to where he was, I saw
that he was alive and getting up, and before I could give him
another shot, he run with great speed down the hill when he
again fell. Approaching him very carefully I saw that he was
shot through the jugular vein and was fast bleeding to death.
Allowing him to remain undisturbed a few minutes, I then with-
out any difficulty went up and cut his throat. He was a fine fat
Spike Horn Buck with a thin neck like a doe.
Glass hearing the report of my rifle came to me and assisted
me in hanging him up. being right on the bank of the Creek, I
had but a slight blazing to make to mark the spot. It having
got dark, Glass and Myself took the track of the old Stone
road and followed it to Napoleon.
2d morning, I took this day the same course as yesterday, and
when within forty or fifty rods of the spot where I shot the big
Buck, I saw a doe on a gentle lope with her tail down. bleat-
ki

84
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
1
ing at her and she not stopping, I continued on my course,
when all at once I saw a large Buck bounding along on the
track of the Doe. He discovering me, suddenly came to a halt,
when I fired both barrels at him, and he not liking the reception
of Gunpowder and rifle bullets, cocked up his tail and scooted
off. As I could find neither hair or blood on his track, I sup-
pose I missed him.
I
Loading up my rifle I proceeded on a short distance when I
saw the white horns of a deer moving gently along through the
woods. Stepping to where I could see an open place in the
woods, I waited till he made his appearance in it, when aiming
at his foreshoulders, I fired. He immediately wheeled and made
every thing crack again with the rapidity and force with which
he jumped. Taking his track I followed it but a few rods before
I found frothy blood. I then knew that I had shot him through
the lights, and that he would not run but a short distance. Go-
ing on some forty rods I found him lying on his side stone
dead, and the ground near him entirely bare of leaves, he hav-
ing kicked them all away in his dying struggles. He was a two
pronged buck and I had shot him through the lights high in
the shoulders.
I returned to the Tavern and got there about 10 A. M. keep-
ing my having killed a deer a secret. After getting my dinner
at 12 A. M., I came into the Bar room, buckled on my Toma-
hawk, and shouldering my rifle, I asked Yarnell if he dare bet
the “Scubald” for the whole company, that I would not get a
deer that day. He replied, "Yes, he would bet both the licquor
and Cigars." I accepted the bet in the presence of some half a
dozen vagabond witnesses that were interested.
Starting into the woods I hunted all the afternoon without
seeing any deer, and returned to the Tavern just at night. After
supper the witnesses to my bet congregated in the Tavern, and
desired to know how it had terminated. I informed them that
I had shot that day a very fine two pronged buck, when Yarnell
seeing where I had come it over him, told them to come up and

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
85
take their licquor and Cigars, and say nothing farther about
the bet.
Mr Funk intending next day to go East as far as Cleveland,
Yarnell next morning got in my buck, when taking my two
small bucks, and the Saddle of the large one, I sent them home
to Cleveland by Mr Funk.
3d day hunted North four or five miles to the heads of the
Creeks that empty into the Maumee River near Napoleon, and
about three in the afternoon came out at Prices Clearing, with-
out having seen any deer. Feeling tired I took the partially
cleared road that leads along the high banks that border, the
Maumee, the Canal lying between the banks and river. The
woods that border on this road on its North side, from Prices
Creek, to the next Creek East, one mile, are very dense, and the
underbrush of oak bushes
very thick.
Having trudged along (with "Hunter” by my side) about
three quarters of a mile on this road, I saw but a few rods ahead
of me in an oak bush the head and horns of a large buck. from
the thickness of the bushes, not being able to see his body I fired
at his head. Not seeing him run, and hearing no noise, I sup-
posed I had killed him, but on going up to where he stood, I
could neither find Deer, track, or blood. putting Hunter on the
track, I soon heard him giving tongue when turning into the
woods in the direction of the sound, all at once a large Buck
and Doe came rushing almost on to me and stopped some few
rods off behind some large trees. Stepping very softly a few
feet sideways in order to get a shot at them, and then seeing
them quite plain, I was just in the act of raising my rifle to
shoot, when the sharp bark of Hunter burst on my ears, which
the deer hearing they immediately hoisted their flags as a signal
of courtesy and bounded away into the forest. Feeling in no
good humour with Myself I hastily walked on to Napoleon.
4th day Glass and Myself went into the woods together.
After crossing the first Creek, we parted and bore into the
woods directly North. Having gone down a Gulley I was cross-

86
Hunting Expeditions of O. H. Perry.
a
ing over a little knoll in the flats where two or three gulleys
terminated at its base, when I discovered directly in front of me,
some ten rods off, four deer all in a huddle with their heads
erected and seemingly somewhat frightned. instantly drawing
up my rifle I fired at them when one tumbled over, the other
run off some thirty rods and then commenced walking. follow-
ing them
up, I saw two of them standing, when I pulled trigger
on them, but my gun snapped. putting on a fresh cap I was
about shooting when they took fright and bounding off in the
thick woods that surrounded them were soon hid from my
sight.
A hard shower of rain came on a few minutes before I first
shot at the deer which wetting 'my caps was the cause of my
rifle snapping. I turned back to find the deer I had shot, but
there being so many gullies, and the general features of the
woods were so much alike, it was not until after a long search
I found the knoll from which I had shot. Going to the deer, I
found it dead, my ball having gone directly through its heart.
it was an old Doe, of good size, and in good order. After hang-
ing her up, I went back to the Tavern and on account of the
,
rain hunted no more this day. Glass killed no deer this day,
although he had a shot at the head of an old buck lying
down.
5th day hunted up to the heads of the Creeks, and during the
forenoon while following along on the bank of a Creek I saw a
large buck coming towards me, when stepping beside a tree I
waited for him to come in shooting distance, but when he had
approached within some thirty rods of me, he suddenly wheeled
around and ran back on his back track. Not knowing what had
frightened him I followed on in the same direction he went, and
when I had gone about twenty rods another old buck came up
the hill in front of me and trotted off in the same direction the
first one took. The first one no doubt hearing the second one
under the hill, got frightened on that account and ran off.
Turning around and hunting towards Napoleon, I saw two

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
87
a
deer running through the woods as far as I could see. In a few
minutes they took a circle and ran in about ten rods of me,
when I fired at the front one (an old doe on a keen jump) and
shot her down in her tracks. the other one a fawn jumped off
a few rods and stopped, when I fired at it and missed. being
behind a tree I quickly loaded my rifle again, and shot at its
hips that being the only exposed part of it. As soon as I fired,
it fell, but before I could get to it, it got up and staggered off.
I loaded and put on after it, but after following it a short dis-
tance, fearing that I might loose the Doe I had shot, I went
back hung her up and made a blazing from her three quarters
of a mile to Beales Clearing.
Not having Hunter with me I asked Beals if he had a dog
that would follow deer? He replied, “he did'nt know, I might
take his dog and try him," but preferring a little more certainty
about it, I turned around and was leaving him, when he begged
of me a charge of powder. I gave it to him and then returned
to Napoleon. A short time after I left, Beales took my blazing
and putting his dog on the track of my wounded fawn, he soon
caught and killed him.
The wolves howled most terribly across the Maumee River
almost every night, and the dogs on my side of the river, in an-
swer to them, kept up during the night a continual barking.
Wm Case wishing me to catch him a Wild Cat or two, to pre-
pare as Specimens for his Museum, I devoted the Sixth day of
my hunting after Andrews departure, to exploring the woods
across the river, and finding the most suitable place to set my
trap for Wild Cats. The Wolves had driven all the deer out of
the woods on that side of the river, and the Wild Cats and
Wolves were confined to that side.
Ist day of trapping I hired Glass for fifty cents to carry (two
miles across the Maumee river into the South woods) the fore
Shoulders of the large Buck I had killed, I at the same time
carrying my trap and gun. Hanging up the bucks foreshoulders
about four feet high on a tree on a small island in the outlet of

88
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
a Cat Marsh, I cut a whole in the ground beside the tree and
set my trap in it, attaching to the end of the chain a wooden
clog, and carefully covering up both chain and trap with dirt
and leaves. After I had set my trap Glass and Myself hunted
the remainder of the day on that side of the river, but we saw
no game nor any signs of any.
Next morning long before daylight, I took a Canoe crossed
the river and went through the woods in the direction of my
trap, and when I had approached within about thirty rods of
the place where I had set it, I suddenly heard a grum muttering
sound and a moment afterwards a most terrible ratling of the
trap chain. A cold shudder for a moment came over me, for I
knew not whether the animal that was caught was a Wolf, Bear,
or Wild Cat, and I was two miles away from any clearing, and
night, and nought but a deep dark forest around me. Seating
Myself on a log I waited for daylight to come, and as soon as I
could perceive the sights on my Rifle I started forward to the
spot where I had set my trap. hearing the chain clank I went
in the direction of the sound, when I soon discovered a large
reddish coloured Wild Cat struggling in the trap. As soon as he
saw me he made two or three tremendous springs, and finally
broke out and ran off, leaving one of his legs in the trap. He
had dragged the trap some twenty rods from where it was first
set, and getting fastened to a Sappling, he had scratched and
knawed the bark all off it.
Setting the trap again in the same place, I returned back to
Napoleon carrying the Wild Cat leg with me. A number of per-
sons being in the Bar Room I showed them the leg and asked
them what kind of an animal it belonged to. Some said it was
a young “Painters Paw," some a “Wolverine," and some a Wild
Cat, and after it was pretty generally agreed among them to be
a Wild Cat, a dispute arose among them in regard to its being
a fore, or hind leg, which was not decided, the company being
divided in opinion about half and half. It was the hind leg of
the Wild Cat. I devoted the rest of the day to skinning the

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
89
a
two does I had killed and preserving their hams by rubbing on
them dry salt.
About ten next morning I took my gun and went over to my
trap. Going to where I had set it I found it gone. Looking
around I found the ground bare where the clog had scraped the
leaves off, but could get on no trail of the animal. Searching
among a clump of bushes near the outlet of the Marsh, and not
far distant from where I had set my trap, I saw all at once two
fiery glary eye balls looking at me, the animal at the same time
scroutching on the ground. I raised my rifle and shot it through
the foreshoulders, and then getting it out of the bushes found it
to be a good sized Wild Cat of a bluish grey colour and slightly
spotted. It was caught in the trap by its fore leg and had got
tangled in the bushes.
Setting my trap again, I took the Wild Cat to Napoleon, and
removing its entrails, rubbed the inside of it with arsenic to pre-
serve it from spoiling, as I designed it for Wm Cases Museum.
Next morning in company
with another person I went over to
my trap again, and when within thirty rods of it I saw a black
animal of some kind struggling in it. At first I thought it was a
Bear, on coming nearer I thought it a Fisher, on coming still
nearer I was totally unable to make out what it was, but on
coming close up to it I found it to be a large Raven caught by
the leg. I took a stick and killed it, and with my trap started
back to Napoleon.
Packing up my things, next day I took the Packet for Toledo.
Having my Venizon hams placed inside of my Deer Skins, I put
them on deck and chained Hunter near them. Next morning
on getting up I found that Hunter had got the hams out, and
made his breakfast on one of them.
Arriving at Toledo I found the Indiana there and advertized
to start at 3 P. M. Being acquainted with Capt. Pheatt, he took
my Game and had it placed in the Steward, Room, and which
when arrived at Cleveland was delivered me in “good order
and condition.”
1

90
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
DEER HUNT IN KENTON HARDING CO. OHIO.
E
RIDAY Dec. IIth 1846, D. W. Cross and Myself
took the Stage and started West on a Deer Hunt-
ing Excursion. Saurday Dec 12th we arrived at
Bellevue and remained there over Sunday. Sun.
Dec 13th Cross procuring a Novel from the Landlord, we retired
to a room and devoted this day to the aforesaid Novel Cross
reading it aloud.
Monday Dec 14th learning that there was fair prospects of
good hunting in Kenton Harding County, some Sixty Miles
South of Bellevue, we took this day the Rail Road Cars for that
place, and arrived there in the afternoon, and made our head
quarters at Furney,s Tavern.
Dec 15th, hunted all of this day on the South side of the
Sciota River. killed One Partridge, but saw no deer. Dec.
16th hunted on both sides of the river across the Rail Road.
saw a flock of Wild Turkies, shot at them three times and killed
two. took my turkies, brought them in to Kenton and hung
them up in Furney, back Stoop. Dec 17th, saw no game this
day.
Dec 18th, hunted through the woods to Old Fort McArthur
on the Sciota river. followed the river down, and when near
Kenton started a deer. shot at him twice on the run but missed
him.
There being no snow and prospects rather poor of killing any
deer in the immediate vicinity of Kenton, Cross & Myself en-
gaged this day (Dec 19th) a person by the name of Plum to take
us in his waggon to Hutchinson,s in Allen County Eighteen
miles distant from Kenton. The day was cold, and the road
bad, but we got there about an hour before sun down. As we

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
91
had the waggon box filled with hay, I laid down in it and slept
most of the way.
Dec. 20th not liking Hutchingson, I left Cross there, and
started back with Plum to Kenton. It commenced snowing
shortly after we started, and when about half way to Kenton I
got out of the waggon and hunted in to Kenton through the
woods. during the afternoon I saw five deer, and had several
fair chances to shoot. Once the snow from a bush fell on to my
rifle just as I was drawing it up to shoot at three deer that were
standing in front of me not ten rods off. An hour or two after-
wards up jumped a deer close to me. I bleated, when it stop-
ped behind an old root. however I fired both barrels at it and
missed. Just at night when returning to Kenton by the road, I
met a man on horseback by the name of Carden, who discover-
ing that I was very tired, stopped and pulling a bottle of whis-
key out of his pocket offered me a drink. after partaking of his
hospitality he invited me to come to his house and stay a few
days as there was good hunting all around him. After learning
from him where he lived, I promised that I would the next day
come and stop with him.
Dec. 21st started this day at 2 P. M. for Carden, (who lived
Eight miles from Kenton) and arrived there just at sun down.
Mrs Carden a fine old lady, (born in “Old Tuckaho" as she
said) cooked for my supper some corn cakes in a spider, which
with some Maple Molasses made me a good supper. Carden,
house was an old log one, with but one room, and was entirely
surrounded by woods. His family was composed of himself,
Wife, and a boy some ten years old. The main body of the
woods lay West of Carden, house towards the Sciota. they
were very thick, low, level, and wet.
Dec. 22d hunted all of this day, saw an abundance of fresh
tracks, but no deer. Come across a hunter this day in the
woods who had just killed a fine fawn. bought of him the sad-
dle for fifty cents, and putting it on to my back brought it in
to Carden, and had my supper prepared from a portion of it.
S
11

92
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
In the evening I was diverted by hearing Carden and an old
friend of his relate their adventures during the last war with
Great Britain.
Dec 23d hunted most of this day, saw a flock of Turkies,
but no deer, killed two Partridges. Dec. 24th hunted this day
through the woods to Kenton, and arrived there in the after-
noon. Crossed Sixty three deer tracks on my route, and saw
eleven deer, but owing to my careless hunting killed none.
Dec 25th not finding Cross at Kenton, started back early this
morning for Carden, . during the day, started out of his bed a
fine buck but a few rods in front of me. Shot at him running
but missed him. followed him three or four miles when find-
ing that he was bearing off too much in an Easterly direction, I
gave
him
up. saw two other deer also this day.
Dec 25th, the Sun shone out bright and clear this morning,
and the snow commenced thawing quite early in the day.
About
9 A. M. came very suddenly on to a Doe and two fawns,
and they being badly frightened separated from each other, the
doe going in one direction and the fawns in another. I took
the tracks of the fawns and followed them about a mile, when
just as I was going over a small rise of land I discovered them
standing about eighteen rods off in a thick clump of underbrush..
While endeavouring to see them more plainly, one stepped out
into an open space. I immediately took aim at his foreshoulders
and fired. After the smoke had cleared away, I saw the head
,
of another one in the thick bushes, and fired at it. instantly
loading up both barrels, I looked in the direction where I had
just shot, and perceived the ears move of a deer. making a cal-
culation where the head should be I fired.
Soon afterwards I saw the head and neck of a deer in the
bushes, and fired at its head, when not seeing any more move-
ments I supposed I had killed them all, and started towards the
bushes to find them. After searching awhile I found where one
had tracked around in the bushes considerably and finally gone
off on a keen jump.
.
a

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
93
a
Going back to the spot from where I had first shot, I then
went to the place where I supposed the first deer that I fired at,
stood, and after searching a short time I found lying dead in
the snow a fine, large, fat fawn. I had shot him directly through
the heart. I hung him up and then started for a clearing, and
while going along very carlessly, saw a large buck running
through the woods very rapidly. Thinking that either a hunter
a
or wolves were in pursuit of him, I remained perfectly still for
some twenty minutes, when nothing making its appearance I
trudged on.
Presently I saw ahead of me a whole squad of hunters, very
earnestly following the track of something. Going up to them,
I found one hunter on horseback, and three or four a foot with
some six or seven dogs. One of the hunters in the morning had
shot a bear and slightly wounding him, had gone to the Settle-
ments and got other hunters and their dogs to assist him in the
pursuit.
Coming out to a clearing I made an agreement with the
owner (Sheldon who married Philo Taylor, daughter of Cleve-
land) for fifty cents to take his horse and carry my deer to
Carden,
Dec 26th hunted all of this day and saw no deer till the after-
noon, when passing over a knoll in a dense thicket I saw a fresh
deer track, and following it through the thicket I looked ahead
on the track and saw some fifteen rods off, a fine doe standing,
with her head turned around towards me. I made a motion to
raise
my
rifle when she bounded off. The sights on my rifle were
altogether too fine to hunt deer with, and made it impossible for
me to take quick sight.
Dec 27th Started for Kenton, Carden carrying my deer on
horseback. saw three deer on the way but got no shot. Cross
having killed a turkey a few days after we first came to Ken-
ton, and leaving it there when he went to Allen County, Furney
cooked it this day for dinner, and I arrived at Kenton just in
time to make a good meal out of it.

94
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
Not hearing any tidings from Cross, and not knowing when
I should, I wrote him a letter enclosing in it Twelve dollars, and
with my Game, One Deer, two Turkies, three Partridges, and
One Quail, took the rail road Cars and Started for Bellevue.
Dec 28th
put my game on the top of the Stage and left Belle-
vue for Cleveland. At Norwalk Jail the Stage stopped, when a
man heavily ironed was put aboard who had committed a mur-
der in Pittsburg
Cross hunted several weeks after I left, and killed several
Turkies, Owls, and Partridges but no deer.
WILD-CAT.

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
95
DEER HUNT IN HENRY CO. OHIO.
EFT Cleveland Oct. 26th 1847 in company with E.
W. Andrews and arrived at the Log Tavern in Na-
poleon, on the morning of Oct. 28th hunted all of
this day on the North Side of the river. Saw three
deer, and shot at one of them twice, but without hitting it.
Oct. 29th hunted on both sides of the river. Saw fifteen deer,
got two shots, but killed none. Oct. 30th hunted in North
Woods. Saw Eight deer, shot at them twice, and wounded
One. killed One Partridge. Nov. Ist saw Seventeen deer, got
a fair shot at one of them but missed it.
Nov. 2d saw two deer running, shot at them both, but with-
out doing any execution. Feeling confident I should kill no
deer with my rifle sighted as it was, I informed Mr Andrews
that I intended to start for home in the morning, and he having
killed no deer, and feeling somewhat discouraged said he would
accompany me. We accordingly next morning started for
Cleveland, and arrived at Toledo the same day, stopping at
the Indiana House. During the night my Trunk was stolen,
and in the morning procuring some Officers to search for it,
they at last found it under a waggon in the Street, it having
been broken open and robbed of all its contents, saving my
Wolf Trap.
Arriving at Cleveland M" Andrews put new sights on my rifle,
and having purchased Myself a new Hunting Apparattus I took
Steam Boat and started back again for Napoleon. Arriving
there about daylight in the morning, after eating my breakfast,
I started into the South woods and hunted all day till night, and
succeeded in killing three deer (2 Does and One very large
Buck.

96
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
After hunting some three days longer and killing One three
Pronged Buck, and a large Doe, I hired a man by the name of
Robinson to assist me in getting my deer in to Napoleon, after
which I placed them on board of a Canal Boat and started for
Cleveland.
After arriving at Toledo, I was detained there six days before
a Boat was ready to leave for Cleveland, and then on making
an examination of my Deer I found them all spoiled.
PAINTER, OR COUGAR.

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
97
THIRD HUNT IN PARMA.
210
A
GOOD snow having fallen yesterday, Cross and
Myself determined on having a short Deer Hunt
in Parma, and consequently with our rifles on our
Shoulders started a foot this afternoon at 4 o clock
for the Stone Tavern, and arrived there at 7 P. M. where we
found a band of Six or seven other hunters assembled.
Getting our breakfast very early next morning, we started into
the woods. After hunting until 11 A, M without having seen
any Game, I struck some fresh Turkey tracks, when following
them some distance I came to where they had flown, when
looking around among the trees I discovered one about 25 rods
I
off on a limb of a large Oak. resting my rifle on the side of a
tree I took aim at the body of the turkey and fired. the turkey
dropped. I went to it and found that my ball had broke its
neck. peeling some bark and tying its head and legs together,
I threw it over my back and again commenced hunting.
Going through a swailly piece of ground I discovered a Doe
walking along some 25 rods in front of me, when stepping to
a tree to get a better chance to shoot, I lost sight of her, but
shortly seeing her again, I fired, when discovering that I had
missed her, tried my other barrel on her, the ball of which
struck her in the hip. She hobbled off on three legs, and load-
ing as soon as I could, with my turkey on my back, pursued on
after her.
The weight and heat of the turkey on my back making me
sweat dreadfully, I struck out of the woods for a clearing to
leave it, but the clearing I came to being Dutch, and they not
understanding English, and fearing I should not find the place
again, I put back into the woods again and commenced follow-
m

98
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
ing up
ing the track of my wounded deer. Every rod or two I saw
spots of blood in the snow, but as the snow thawed very rapid-
ly the ground in many places had become quite bare and the
tracking on that account quite difficult.
The Turkey on my back bothering me very much, I was just
on the point of quitting the track, when I saw through the
woods a Hunter approaching me. I called to him, when com-
I found him to be a Mulatto from the Negro Settlement
on on Rocky River. I told him that here was the track of a
deer that I had wounded, and that I would surrender it him.
leaving him to follow the deer I started back for the Stone Ta-
vern which I reached at 4 P, M.
4.
When night came and our Hunters had assembled, we found
that two of them had succeeded in killing deer. One of them
had killed a doe and dragged her in to the Tavern. Another
had killed two fawns, skinned them and brought their skins in,
but had hung up their Carcasses in the woods.
2d day the snow being nearly gone, there was no chance to
follow tracks and I saw no deer. Cross started off with the
hunter that had killed the two fawns to assist him in finding
them, but after hunting a long time without being successful
gave it up .
3d day Cross & Myself took the Stage at about 9 A, M, and
9
started for Cleveland, telling jokes and anecdotes about each
other all the way to the great amusement of a young damsel of
about 18 who was in company with us in the Stage.

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
99
DEER HUNT IN HENRY CO. OHIO, 1848.
HURSDAY evening Oct 19th 1848, in company
with D. W. Cross of Cleveland, and Potter and
Wakefield of Painesville Ohio, I left in the Steam
Boat Rochester on my Annual Deer Hunting Ex-
cursion in Henry Co. Ohio. Our Boat being detained in San-
dusky Bay until after 12 A. M. Friday, we arrived at. Toledo
too late for the Packet going West, and consequently were
obliged to remain over till Saturday evening when we went
aboard of the Packet and started for Napoleon, which place we
reached very early Sunday Morning.
The evening that we left Toledo was clear and comfortably
cool, and Potter and Wakefield being good Singers, and on this
evening having imbibed just enough stimulating fluid to lighten
their hearts, and make them contented with the world, went out
upon
the deck of the Packet and for an hour or two gave vent
to their exhuberant feelings in most melodious strains of music.
The “Death of Napoleon" was their last song, and they sung it
with great effect, and as the Packet noiselessly sped along, the
tall trees disrobed of their foliage casting their shadows over it,
and the echoing Music sounding on all sides of us, and finally
as the words, “and no sound shall awake him to glory again,"
were borne on the night winds through the forest until they
almost imperceptably died away from our ears, created in our
hearts that curious combination of sad and happy feelings that
no language can describe.
On arriving at Napoleon we learned that the log Tavern had
closed its doors, but that Judge Powell had opened his private
house for the entertainment of travelers. Going over to the
Judge, he recognized me and very hospitably received us.
mi

IOO
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
After breakfast not wishing to hunt it being Sunday, I took a
stroll through the woods, and after an hour or so, came to a
large black walnut log upon which I sat down. While cogitat-
ing for a short time upon the events that had taken place dur-
ing the former years that I had visited Napoleon, I discovered
Cross with his rifle on his shoulders making his course through
the woods near to where I was seated. bleating to him, he ap-
proached me, and in a short time persuaded me to accompany
him through the woods, and from my better knowledge show
him the runways and haunts of the deer.
After proceeding together a mile or more, I saw three deer
running past us in front, and endeavoured to show them to him
but without avail, however in a few minutes afterwards I dis-
covered a large buck walking toward us, and tapping Cross on
the shoulder drew his attention to him, when he immediately
drew up his rifle to shoot. I requested him to hold on, as the
buck was coming nearer us, and he would get a much fairer
shot. Cross having lowered his rifle, the buck approached with-
in about Eight rods of us, when Cross levelled his Gun and
spanged away at him. The old fellow after this salute, quickly
tossed up his head, and somewhat surprised, gazed around,
showing us his splendid Antlers and his fine large symmetrical
frame. I whispered to Cross to load quick, but before he could
charge his rifle again, the old fellow walked off. Cross felt cer-
tain that he had hit him, and while I remained at the spot from
where he fired, he diligently searched for hair and blood but
was sadly disappointed in finding neither.
Feeling certain that I could go to the exact spot where the
buck stood, I requested Cross to come and stand where I was,
while I made a search. he doing so, I went directly to the
place where the buck had stood, and there in the center of a
tree, on a line with the Shoulders of the buck, and about two
feet above from where his back must have been, I discovered
the marks of his ball. Showing it to Cross, he very reluctantly
confessed that it must have been his shot.

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
IOI
We continued on together during the remainder of the day,
but saw no more deer. When within about a mile of Napoleon,
and all farther hunting had ceased for the day, I noticed that
Cross was remarkably silent and dejected. Asking him the rea-
son of the same, and how he felt after having missed so fair
a shot at so magnificent a buck, he replied, “I will tell you
how I feel, I feel as though I would have been under a lasting
obligation to you,
if
you had stepped up to me immediately
after I shot at that buck and kicked me all the way back to
Napoleon." Returning to Napoleon we found that Potter and
Wakefield had also been out hunting, but had met with no
success.
Next day Monday Oct 23d I hunted on the North side of the
river, and at 10 A. M. in some thick bushes some two miles
from Napoleon, on the left bank of a small stream, I discov-
ered a deer slowly poking his way through the bushes. bringing
my rifle to bear on him, I blazed away, when down he tumbled.
It was a fine fat spike-horn buck, but of the smallest size. My
ball had completely passed through its shoulders. Hastily dress-
ing it I swung it up on a sapling and continued on hunting but
saw no other deer that day, I however killed a Partridge.
On returning back to Napoleon, I found that M' E. W. An-
drews of Cleveland had come to join our Hunting party, he
having agreed to do so before our leaving Cleveland.
Tues. Oct. 24th. A clear, bright, and pleasant day. hunted
on North side of river. Going west until I struck the Second
Creek above Napoleon, I followed it up a Mile or more, when
wishing to cross it, I jumped onto a small log which lay in the
middle of the Stream, and which immediately after I jumped
onto it rolled over and precipitated me nearly up to my neck in
the water. After getting out I fired off my rifle, rubbed it dry,
cleaned and loaded it again, and feeling chilly from my cold
bath traveled on very rapidly.
Coming to quite a steep hill and noticing a well traveled deer
trail going up its sides, I stepped into the trail and had followed

IO2
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
it nearly to the brow of the hill, when a deer on a lope met me
square in the face. before I could fire, it turned and fled over
the hill, when I quickly made a few steps more and reached the
top of the hill, and the deer at the same moment having stopped
its flight to look back, In a second I fired at it when it fell and
strugled very violently. running up to it, I sat my gun beside a
tree and endeavoured to cut its throat, but it bounded around
in such a manner as to prevent me from doing so. taking up
my rifle I was about to shoot it again, when I discovered a four
pronged buck coming along on the same trail. Stepping behind
a tree I allowed it to approach within 18 or 20 rods of me,
when I fired. Similtaneously with the explosion of my rifle it
rushed through the bushes out of my sight. The deer that I had
first shot (and which was a fine spike horn buck) still making
exertions to get away, I turned around and shot it dead so as to
make a sure thing of that one, when I started after the other,
but after a search of an hour or two and finding neither track,
hair, nor blood, I give it up. returning to the Spike horn I had
killed, I drew him partly down the hill, when I hung him up
and dressed him. Saw no more deer this day.
Wed. Oct 25th. Hunted on North Side of river and followed
up
the left bank of the Stone Road Creek to its forks when I
discovered a fine doe standing on the brow of the hill, but be-
fore I could draw sight on her she started off down the hill. I
immediately took a circle in West to head her off, and when
making the circle coming to what appeared like a crossing place
for deer, I stopped behind a tree and thought I would watch
awhile and see if any deer would cross.
deer would cross. In a short time a doe
came ambling along, and not stopping at my bleating, I shot at
her on the run, after which she made a few quick jumps and
struck against a large tree killing her instantly.
When going up to her I thought I discovered some object
move in the woods and looking intently a few moments, I made
out quite distinctly the form of a buck which no doubt had been
following on the track of the doe, but hearing my shot, had
a

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
103
jumped sideways from the track a few rods and stopped. One
barrel of my rifle being loaded, I drew sight on him and fired,
he immediately on the explosion dashed away from my sight in
the woods.
Going to the doe, I found that I had shot her directly through
the heart, and that in striking against the tree she had broken all
of her ribs on one side. There being plenty of saplings near, I
hung her up on the spot where she fell, and then went in search
of the buck. After hunting for at least at hour and finding
neither track, hair, nor blood, I gave him up and with my tom-
ahawk made a blazing to a small Creek, so as to enable me to
find again the doe I had killed, when I started back to Na-
poleon.
After proceeding about half a mile, and not feeling satisfied
about the buck, I turned back and commenced another search
for him. Going to the spot from where I had shot at him, I
took out my compass and made a bee-line to the spot where I
thought he had stood, then continuing on in the same direc-
tion some eight rods further I crossed a small creek, and on its
slightly elevated bank I found the track of the buck, and the
spot where he stood when I fired at him. Following the track
with some difficulty some twenty rods, I found blood, and then
had no farther difficulty in tracking him until I found him dead
with his head firmly fastened between two trees. I had shot him
through the lights, and running with great speed and jumping
high he had endeavoured to pass between the body,s of two
trees that were joined together within a foot or two of the
surface of the ground, and the trees being not further enough
apart to admit his body through, he had struck against them,
and falling had got his neck wedged in between the two trees
which held him fast, and from which I could not pull him out
from until I had cut off his head. He was a three pronged buck
and of large size.
Thurs. Oct 26th. Hunted in West on North Side of river and
saw nothing until about 10 A. M. when crossing the Second

104
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry. .
Creek about three miles from its mouth I discovered a two
pronged buck walking slowly about in a kind of second growth
thicket and smelling on the ground. Approaching him as near
as I dare without frightening him, and then watching him, in a
short time he turned in a manner so as to present his side to me,
when I fired at him, when he quickly sped away from my sight
in the woods. Soon finding his track I found that I had
wounded him, and that he was bleeding quite freely, but on
account of the dryness of the leaves and the great quantity of
them on the ground, I made slow progress in tracking him.
After an hour, labour in following him I lost his track when
within about eight rods of the brow of the hill bordering the
creek. While searching very carefully for the track, I all at
once saw the head of a deer peeping over the brow of the hill.
taken somewhat by surprise, and just in the attitude of stepping,
I could not controll my nerves so as to hold my rifle still, and
seeing nothing but the head of the deer, the rest of its body be-
ing beneath the brow of the hill, I had a small mark to shoot at,
and as I expected, when I did fire, missed the deer. After I
shot, I ran to the brow of the hill, when I saw at the bottom of
it the doe that I had fired at and a large buck running off to-
gether.
After hunting around some time I at last found again the
track of my wounded deer, and following it down the hill into
the flats, I at last beside a large log found it dead. It was a
good sized two pronged buck, and I had shot it directly through
the lights, but too far behind.
Hanging it up, I returned to Napoleon in time for dinner
where I found Potter engaged in reading. He said he couldn't
find any deer, and had got sick of hunting. After dinner Potter
said he wanted to see some deer, and proposed to go with me
and bring in some of those I had killed. Potter filling his Can-
teen with whiskey, I got John Stout with his two horse waggon
and went after some of them. Following up the Stone road as
far as it went in the direction of my deer, we then left it and

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
105
a
cut a way for the wagon through the bushes to within about
half a mile of four of the deer, when we peeled some bass-wood
bark and going to each one of the deer tied it around their
necks and dragged them to the waggon, after which we loaded
them up and started back for Napoleon.
The Afternoon was very warm, and the exertion I made in
cutting the bushes and dragging the deer made me sweat pro-
fusely, and being compelled to walk all the way on account of
the roughness of the road, and having already before had a hard
days hunt of it during the forenoon I felt completely tired out
when we arrived at Napoleon.
Friday Oct 27th. Owing to my having over exerted myself
yesterday, and drinking very freely of poor water I felt sick all
of this day and remained in the house.
Sat Oct 28th Feeling quite well this morning, I sallied out
with
my rifle very early and followed up the banks of the Mau-
mee to the Second Creek, when I struck into the woods keep-
ing back some twenty five rods from the banks of the Creek.
When I had followed up the banks of the creek a mile or more,
I discovered a doe skipping lightly over the brow of a small hill
some forty rods distant from me, and immediately afterwards a
buck came darting along on her track. They rushed by me like
shadows and I had no time to shoot, but directing my steps to-
wards the hill in a few minutes I saw the doe again running in
her old track and immediately behind her the buck in full chase.
I bleated at him when he stopped, and taking good aim at his
shoulders, fired, when he wheeled around and ran off. proceed-
ing to the spot where he stood, I found that my ball had struck
a large Staddle and diminished the force of it so much as not to
have done the deer any damage. While very intently examining
the Staddle the doe came back on her back track and presented
herself before me face to face and gazing at me with great sur-
prise. My surprise was equal to hers at our so unexpectly be-
coming confronted to each other, but she recovering her senses
before Myself, took advantage of it and made her escape.
n

106
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
a
I returned to Napoleon and in the afternoon took a short
hunt across the Maumee in the South woods. During the after-
noon I saw two deer a buck and doe, who were engaged in
chasing each other. the buck would chase the doe for a minute
or two when he would stop, and a minute or two afterwards the
doe would return to him when he would renew the chase after
her. Several times they came within a few rods of me, but I
hesitated to shoot at them as I wished to see their actions.
Finally I made up my mind to kill one of them, when the
buck took after the doe as before, but she instead of running a
few rods and stopping as before she had done, made a strait
wake down the hill over the small creek and up on the opposite
side and ran into the thick woods out of my sight and the buck
after her and I never saw them more.
Sunday 29th remained in house all of this day. Monday Pot-
ter, Wakefield and Andrews left for Cleveland. Andrews took
with him home two fine deer that he had killed, but Potter and
Wakefield took their departure without any trophies to show of
their Hunting Expedition.
Cross remained some three days longer and having killed
near Gillson, two days before he left a fine fat doe, he had her
and the saddles of two other deer that he had killed to take
home with him.
Oct. 31st hunted in the South woods, and during the forenoon
saw in the thick brush two deer ambling along. bleating they
stopped when I discharged at them one of my barrels but with-
out effect. immediately firing my other barrel I brought one of
them down, but soon recovering himself he hobbled off. load-
ing up my rifle I pursued on after him firing five or six times at
him but seemingly with no effect. The deer would run some
thirty rods, when he would fall down, and when I would get
within shooting distance of him, he would jump up and run till
he fell again.
Not being able to load quick with slug ball I loaded with
round ball and seeing his horns project over a log, I sided round

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
107
a little until I got a view of his neck, when I fired and straitened
him out. On coming up to him I found him to be a large deer,
but was surprised at the smalness of his horns, they being but
two pronged but very white. Hanging him up I hunted no more
I
this day but returned to Napoleon.
The following sunday without my gun I took a walk through
the woods to where I had hung him up, and while standing be-
side him two does and a fawn came feeding along to within two
rods of me. I stood perfectly still till they fed out of my sight.
During the week that Cross left I killed a fine barren doe
three miles North of Napoleon and hung her up. A few days
afterwards, going after her, I found her tore down and nothing
of her left but the bones and skin.
Stopping with Gillson two days I hunted very faithfully to
repair my loss, but without success, seeing quite a number of
deer but killing none.
While at Gillson, I struck through the woods to the Wigwam
of Old Hutch a celebrated Wolf and Bear hunter. I found him
in a poor miserable hut that he had occupied for the last twen-
ty years, and with him were two of his children some Nine to
Eleven years of age. their mother had run away years before.
In his hut over the fire place were hanging several paws of
Bear, and the top of the Shanty and its sides were covered with
innumerable quantities of deer horns. He talked in such an in-
coherent manner that I could not get interested in his conversa-
tion, and as he was then suffering with inflamed eyes, he was
cross and surly. He was a powerful built man, being at least
six feet high, and well proportioned. He came to this region
from the wilds of the Alleghany Mountains.
As it was getting late in the season, a few days after I visited
Old Hutch I packed up my Venizon and left for Cleveland
S
ni

108
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
DEER HUNT IN HENRY COUNTY OHIO 1849.
EFT Cleveland Oct 18th 1849 in company with E.
W. Andrews on board the Steam Boat Rochester
at 6 P. M. and arrived at Huron about midnight.
from there went to Kelley, Island, where we re-
mained till morning, when finding a too heavy sea running to
get into Sandusky, we returned back to Huron and landed there
our Sandusky passengers.
Oct 19th. 9 A. M. just opposite Sandusky. day clear and
pleasant, with a light wind and considerable dead swell. Ar-
rived at Toledo 1/2 past 3 P. M. At Seven P. M. went on board
of the Packet, and arrived at Napoleon next morning at day-
light.
Making enquiries of Judge Powell about the health of the
people, I learnt from him that with the exception of some ague,
he, and his family, together with all the other good folks of Na-
poleon were quite well.
Oct 20th. Hunted on North side of river, and during the day
saw two does. I shot at the neck of One, and at the side of the
other, but owing to my taking a too coarse sight, and being sud-
denly struck with Buck fever, I missed both. the woods were
very thick, the leaves just commencing falling. day very clear
and pleasant.
Oct 21st. Devoted day to rest and receiving visits from my
friends, from whom I had been absent a year. two of them
John Glass, and Uncle Yarnell celebrated my arrival among
them again by indulging very freely in Native Ohio (Ohio
whiskey).
Oct 22d Monday. Spent this day in exploring the woods to
find the haunts and runways of the deer. Walked very fast,

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
109
a
blundering along without making any effort to see deer, but not-
withstanding I saw eleven who had unfurled their white flags to
the breeze, and were making off from me at a speed of not less
than ten knots an hour.
Oct 23d. Troubled this morning with a very sore throat. did
not go into the woods till after breakfast, and then remained but
a short time.
Oct 24th. Throat worse. hardly able to swallow. went into
the woods a short time, saw some few deer, and shot at a buck
but missed him.
Oct 25th Thursday. Throat no better. Cut a crooked stick
and with a piece of sponge, made a swab, and with a solution
of nitrate of silver (made out of all of that article that Dr Pat-
rick had on hand) I swabbed my throat. weather very warm
and dry.
Oct 26th Friday. day very warm. throat continues bad. took
my
rifle and went into the woods for an hour or two.
Oct 27th Saturday. Went into the woods a short time this
day. saw five deer, and a flock of Turkies, but got no shot.
day very warm like summer. All of this week has been exceed-
ingly warm. throat no better. not able to eat meat, or any
other tough substance. In fact the effort of swallowing any
article of food, has been so painful, that I have nearly starved
Myself during the week past.
Oct 28th Sunday. My throat being very much better, I feel
in quite good spirits again. Rambled in the woods a little this
day.
Oct 29th Monday. Having nearly recovered from my sore
throat, my “hunting fever" has returned, and I hunted this day
with some pleasure and spirit. I struck in the woods this morn-
ing on the North side of Napoleon, and hunted through nearly
all the swails, hills, and Gulley, that lye near and border on the
Second Creek west of Napoleon. during this route I saw but
two deer, and late in the afternoon I was returning to Napoleon
without having killed any thing, when I came across Mr An-

IIO
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
drews also returning to Napoleon. I held a short parly with
him, when he told me that he had that day hung up One fine
doe, and had also shot at other deer. As we were still two and
a half miles from Napoleon, I proposed to him to separate from
each other and hunt in.
After we had separated, I had not hunted more than ten
minutes, when I discovered a noble great buck with magnificent
antlers magestically walking along within fifteen rods of me. I
bleated, when he stopped broadside to me, and as I was stand-
ing on a log he was a little below a level from me, enabling me
from the slight dropping of the muzzle of my rifle, to take eccel-
lent sight. I pointed a little back of his shoulders, and fired.
In an instant afterwards, like an Avalanche he went crashing
through the thick brush out of my sight.
Proceeding to load my rifle, I had hardly commenced doing
so, when I heard the report of Andrews rifle not more than
forty rods off, and immediately afterwards in quick succession
two more reports. By the time I had got loaded, Andrews
came to me, when he informed me that he had fired three times
at the largest kind of a buck, but had missed him. He said he
did'nt know what had got into him that he should miss such
fair shots.
Feeling much afraid that the buck I had fired at, was the same
one he had shot at, together with Mr Andrews we went to the
spot where he stood when I fired at him, and following his track
a few rods found great quantities of blood. In a short time
we trailed him up and found him dead, my ball having gone
through his lights. Mr Andrews assisting me, we got him hung
up before it became very dark, and were enabled to find fa-
miliar land marks, to mark the spot, before we left. When dress-
ing this buck, I felt something hard on his neck, and cutting
into it, I found it to be a rifle ball flattened out like a cent, and
encased in skin in the muscle of the neck. As there was no mark
on the skin, and the ball being encased in a white skin, there is
no doubt but what he was shot with that ball
years
before.
a
a

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
III
Oct 30th. Tuesday. Hunted on South side of River. Saw
several deer and a flock of Turkies. Got no shot at the deer,
but fired once at the turkies.
Oct 31st Wednesday. Hunted on South side of Maumee
river, and followed up some three miles the old blazed Kalida
road. the road being grown up to underbrush, and but few of
the large trees having been cut out of it, makes it quite a resort
for deer, and has many deer crossings on it. While following
this road I saw a fine doe leisurely walking along, and fired
both barrels at her but without effect. I probably in my excite-
ment over-shot her. I saw four other deer this day but had no
chance to shoot. Mr Andrews left this evening (in the Packet)
for Cleveland, taking home with him three fine does that he
had killed.
Nov. ist. Thursday. Hunted on South side of river and
took the same route as of yesterday, following up the Kalida
road. When I had followed it up some three miles near to the
Great Oak blown across it, I saw a buck walking along quite
rapidly. bleating, and stopping him, I fired, when he ran some
twenty rods and fell. He proved to be a two pronged buck,
and very fat. Hanging him up, I bore in East through the
Prickly Ash swails, to the Oak ridges and swails, and while go-
ing through saw two other deer, and a flock of Turkies. I got
no shot at the deer, but killed a 20 lb gobler. I peeled some
Bass-wood bark, and tying the head and legs of the turkey
together, strung him on my back and brought him into Na-
poleon.
Nov. 2d. Friday. Hunted over same grounds as yesterday,
and when going through quite an open swail, a little East of the
Kalida road, I saw a Doe and her fawn feeding. When I first
discovered them they were too far off to shoot, and as the swail
was open, and the deer very watchful, it was difficult without
being discovered to approach them. Finally after a long time
spent in sneaking and crawling I approached to within gun
shot
of them, when I fired and missed, but the fawn coming out

II2
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
more fair, I fired my second barrel at him, when like a comet
he made a tangent straight from the doe, and rushing along pell
mell fell dead in a tree top. The old doe with consternation in
her countenance, gazed a few moments at the singular perfor-
mance of her buck fawn, and then raising her white flag of
alarm, bounded away out of my sight.
After hanging up the fawn, which was a very large one and
fat, I took my course through to the Oak ridges. when passing
along the swail that borders the Oak ridge, I thought I saw
some coons walk behind a log. Proceeding to the spot very
carefully, I discovered two large tom turkies, and fired at one of
them, when he turned, and reeling, and staggering came within
a few feet of me, when he fell dead. The other turkey missing
his companion was gazing around, when I shot him, but suc-
ceeding before I could catch him in rising off his feet from the
ground, he flew some twenty rods and fell. Going to the spot,
I almost grabbed him before he rose again, but finally he made
clear off. I shot him too far behind. Taking some bass-wood
bark I tied up the head and legs of the Turkey I had killed,
and carried him into Napoleon. This was a very warm day,
and the Gobbler I carried on my back weighing 18 lbs, made
me perspire profusely. I vowed to myself that I would kill no
more turkies on this hunt.
Napoleon being the County Seat of Henry Co. Ohio, Courts
are held there, and the present week was Court week. Two of
the Judges Powell & Craig reside at Napoleon, and besides the
Napoleon lawyers, there are lawyers from Maumee, and Perrys-
burg, that attend Court there. The lawyers from abroad gener-
ally stopped with Judge Powell, and many of them for years
in
succession, have been indebted to my success in hunting, for the
many Venizon and Roast Turkey feasts, that they indulged in,
when attending Court at Napoleon.
Lawyer Spink from Perrysburg was considered one of the
most able Lawyers that plead at the bar of Napoleon. He, in
his day, had been a good deer hunter, had camped out often

Hunting Expeditions of O. H. Perry.
I13
a
in the woods, and had a faculty of relating in a very interesting
manner all the little incidents that took place during his hunting
campaigns.
Court was held in an old log building South side of Canal. I
attended Court several times. the last day I attended, there
were three cases tried, two on application for divorce, and one
for breach of promise. In the latter case, the parties had been
legally married at a Corn husking, but one of the parties, the
Man, said that he thought it was all in fun, and had no idea of
the thing being done in earnest.
Quite a number of murder cases have been brought before
this Court. In one case, two young men were tried for the mur-
der of three Wyandot Indians. After killing the Indians, they
dressed themselves in the garments of the murdered Indians,
and taking the Indian horses and dogs travvelled through three
or four Counties before they were detected.
My turkey that I brought in to day, was served up for the
members of the hon. Court.
Nov. 30 Saturday. As the woods were very dry, and noisy,
and consequently the hunting poor, I devoted this day to get-
ting in to Napoleon the deer I had killed. On coming to the
spot where I had hung up the buck fawn that I killed yester-
day, I found it gone, and no trace of it to be found. some un-
principled hunter no doubt carried it off. like a Jackall he had
prowled around, and when he heard me fire, had approached
the spot, and stealthily carried off, what his own knavish skill
could not honestly and honorably acquire.
Went to the two pronged buck, and cutting out his hams
slung them on my back and started for Napoleon. Left the
ballance of the deer to the Wild Cats and ravens.
Nov. 4th Sunday. Remained in the house all of this day.
Nov. 5th Monday. Very warm and sultry. Hunted South of
the Maumee, and followed the old Kalida blazing some three
miles, when I bore in East. After having left the road nearly
a Mile, I came to a large log and getting upon it I carefully
O

114
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
looked around for game. While looking I heard the Bluejays
making a great squalling in a thick copt of bushes some twenty
rods east, and south of me, to my right. Keeping perfectly quiet
several minutes, at last I discovered a deer walking out of the
copt of bushes towards me. It looked unusually blue for this
season of the year, and besides having a large belly it looked
plump and round like a very fat weather.
Allowing it to approach within about twelve rods of me, I
then drew sight a little back of its Shoulders, and fired. It then
ran off some twenty rods and fell. Following her up,
I discov-
ered that her mouth was open and that she was in great pain. I
again fired at her, and hit her, but she ran off again some twen-
ty rods and laid down. Loading my rifle, I again approached
her, and when I saw her blue glossy skin, bright and beautiful
black eyes, and the great degree of agony she was in from her
wounds, together with the sad and painful expression so well
portrayed in her face, I felt a sickning remorse in my heart, for
having been the instrument of wounding, and causing thereby
so much pain and agony to so beautiful a creature.
Hardly having the heart to shoot at her again, and still not
wishing to have her suffer, I drew up my rifle with all the feel-
ings of one condemned to slay the innocent, and fired in quick
succession both barrels at her. At their discharge, she gently
fell over on her side, and after quivering a few moments lay
still.
After gazing on her for a few minutes, as she lay among
the red leaves of the forest, the blood gurgling out from her
wounds, and upbraiding myself for my inhumanity in destroy-
ing so innocent and beautiful a creature of Gods creation, I
proceeded to dress and hang her up.
Although prepared to see a very fat deer, I was however
surprised to see how very extraordinary fat she was. The skin
when I took it off, was covered with fat. In shooting her all of
my four shots had passed directly through her, making eight
ball holes in her hide.

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
115
not go
In returning to Napoleon I saw two other deer. they were
chasing each other, and made a great noise in the dry leaves.
Nov. 6th. Tuesday. Hunted none this day, the weather be-
ing too warm and sultry.
Nov. 7th Wed. The weather still continueing very warm, did
into the woods. Attended Court all of this day.
Nov. 8th Thursday. Hunted in South, and when near the
Kalida Road, saw a strange hunter poking along very slow
through the woods. After he had passed out of sight, I went
partly in the direction where he came from, and noticing a
smoke went to it, when I found a few live embers burning, and
scattered around at the foot of the trees, were a bag, a loaf of
bread, a Coffee pot, an Axe, and a deer skin.
Thinking immediately that the miserable owner of these mis-
erable outfits of a Hunter, Camp, was the purloiner of my deer,
I examined the deer skin that lay rolled up by the roots of a
tree, and found a ball hole in the skin exactly in the spot where
I had shot mine, likewise it was a buck fawn deer skin. As the
skin was not valuable, I left it, but returning to Napoleon I told
the circumstances to the Hunters, when three of them one
(Joseph Stout, Brother in Law) McMahon from Wood County,
and John Glass, volunteered to go after the fellow and bring
hím into Napoleon dead or alive. As two of these Volunteer
Hunters, were fierce and determined characters, I was afraid
they might kill the poor devil, and some trouble cause me, so I
said no more about it.
Nov. 9th. Friday. Having made an agreement last night to
go hunting with Joseph Stout to day, 'I got up this morning very
early and called at Stouts house. I found him eating his break-
fast, and all prepared to start. We hunted on the North side of
Napoleon, and followed up the Maumee river some three miles
before we struck into the woods.
As soon as day began to break we separated from each other,
and shortly afterwards while carefully walking on a log, I saw
some forty rods from me, five or six deer feeding. As the
ΟΙ
j

116
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
ground was covered with leaves, and very frosty, consequently
very noisy, it seemed like a poor show of my being enabled to
approach any nearer to the deer without disturbing them. For-
tunately however, a buck in chasing one of the does run her up
to within twenty rods of where I stood, when I fired at her,
when she together with the rest of the gang ran off together.
Following them up, I found by the blood on the leaves I had
hit the doe, and in a short time I started her, only one other
deer then being in her company. that deer soon finding out her
condition also deserted her. Tracking her along an hour or two
with a great deal of patience, and trouble, I at last in a large
hollow or flat lost her track, when I went some mile and a half
after a dog. Failing in getting one, I commenced search again
for the track and finally after a long search found it. following
it along some time, I heard some Geese Cackling, when think-
ing there might possibly be a dog where the Geese were, I left
the track and started for the Geese. In about three quarters of
a mile from where I left the track, I found the Geese and a log
house near by, but as bad luck would have it, the Owner of the
Cabin with his dog had gone over to a Neighbor, some three
miles off.
Hastily returning to my deer track, I was determined to dog
it out Myself, and finally with great care and noticing the slight-
est indentation in the leaves, I was enabled to track her to a tree
top from which she jumpt out from, and ran off, but laid down
again in another tree top within sight. Crawling some of the
way on my hands, and knees, and removing the leaves in other
spots so I could step without making a noise, I at last reached
the tree top when searching it all over with my eye, I at last
discovered her head and part of her neck projecting over a log.
Firing at her neck, I missed her, but she immediately getting
up, I fired my other barrel at her body and dropped her in her
,
tracks. My first shot that I fired at her in the morning had
paunched her, and my last shot had passed through her heart.
I killed her exactly a quarter to One P, M, having followed her

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
117
track in the dry leaves since daylight in the morning. She was
rather thin in flesh, and meeting two men shortly after I had
hung her up, I gave them her fore shoulders and three shillings
,
I
besides to carry her saddle to Napoleon for me. the distance
was some five miles.
Nov. 10th Saturday. Spent the greater portion of this day
in visiting Elijah Gun, who resides five miles up the Maumee
river from Napoleon. Mi Gun, was one of the Original white
Settlers of Cleveland, having settled there I think in 1794.
Upon entering the house I was greatly surprised at being ad-
dressed by my name by a female whom I did not recognize, but
who soon informed me that she was formerly a Mrs Waterman
of Cleveland, but now the wife of Mr Gun, Son of Elijah Gun.
Mr Waterman the first husband of the present Mrs Gun, was
the keeper of the old log Jail on the Public Square, and died
some twenty years ago.
I found Mrs Gun greatly changed in her personal appearance
since I saw her last. She then being quite corpulent and healthy
looking, while now, she is thin, and gaunt, has an unhealthy
look, and wears spectacles. Her present husband is a mild, and
inoffensive looking man. dresses very miserably. Pantaloons
with large patches on them. Coat with holes in the elbows and
under the arm pits. hat, an old fur one, with a white tape
around it. A man judging from his dress and personal appear-
ance to be either miserably poor, or very miserly. The people
at Napoleon say that he is a very good citizen, although an ex-
tremely close calculator.
The farm that they own, is known as Girty, point, and was
cleared and cultivated by the Indians hundreds of years ago.
Mrs Gun showed me many little articles seemingly of French,
and Indian manufacture, that they had found on their farm
when ploughing it. The land since the Indians left it, had
grown up entirely to Grape Vines and brush wood. Old Mr
Gun bought this farm twenty one years ago, and has One hun-
dred acres of it under improvement, and One hundred acres un-

118
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
S
improved. The farm lies on the Maumee river, and the Canal
now passes through it. The land is what is called ist and 2d
bottom lands, and the soil is of the first quality.
Mrs Gun made many enquiries of me about different indi-
viduals in Cleveland, and asked very particularly about her boy
Nathan (Nathan Perry Payne). She was one of the female
counsellors, and principal adviser at Nathan, Grandfather,
mansion at that period of the world when Nathan, bewildered
eyes first dawned on Earth. She has the name of being a very
clever and industrious woman, makes Woolen Cloth,, Carpets
&c, and besides weaving them, she also colours them, and she
says they are fast colours too.
Wishing to see Old Mr Gun they brought him in and intro-
duced him to me. He remarked to me that I had some of my
father, looks. that Cleveland had changed a great deal since
he first emigrated there, having learnt that it now contained
14,000 persons. He is very deaf and it is difficult to make him
understand any thing you say to him. His eye sight is dim and
poor. His memory and other mental faculties are good, and he
has a very venerable appearance. While I was in the house, he
filled his pipe, and then went outside and smoked it. After-
wards he cam in and taking his station by the side of the fire,
looked at me constantly, and seemed as if he was listening to
our conversation. It filled me with pain and melancholly to see
the
poor old man gazing at me so intently, his mind filled prob-
ably with past events that took place in Cleveland when he was
there.
After I had bid them all good bye, the Old Man followed me
out, and said to me, "that he wished me to give his respects to
my Father, to tell him that if he lived till next Christmas, he
would be Ninety years old, and tell him I hope he may live as
long as I have." I remarked to him that he had been blessed
with an unusual long life, and had seen a great deal of the world.
“Yes,” he said, “I am nearly Ninety years old. it has been a
long journey, and still a short one." Upon leaving him, he

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
119
said, “farewell," a very affecting adieu from him, indeed in all
probability, it was a last farewell.
Nov. 11 th Sunday. Remained in house a portion of the day,
and occupied the remainder in visiting Mary & Asseneth Pat-
rick, who reside three miles East of Napoleon. They seemed
quite glad to see me, and placed before me good cider, cake,
and apples.
Nov. 12th Monday. Hunted on South side of river. Saw
Seven deer, and shot at, and wounded a large buck. I saw him
coming in the thick Oak bushes, and when he was in ten or fif-
teen rods of me, I bleated at him, but he payed no attention
to it. finally yelling at him, he stopped when some twenty five
rods off from me, and cast his head around. He stood in such
a manner I was forced to shoot at his hind quarters. My ball
cut off from him great quantities of hair, but the Oak leaves be-
ing very thick and dry I could not track him.
Nov. 13 th Tuesday. Took my rifle and went into the South
woods to a spot where I had peeled some bass-wood bark yes-
terday to find my Hunting Knife that I had probably lost there.
Finding it in a short time, and intending to leave for Cleveland
in the evening, I thought I would hunt a short time for the
buck I wounded yesterday. While proceeding to the place
where I had shot him, I discovered some fifteen rods ahead of
me, two fawns feeding. Quickly drawing up my rifle, I fired at
one of them, when it instantly fell. the other, running off a few
rods further, I fired at three times, but failed in hitting it.
Going to the one I had shot, I found that my ball had broken
its back. whenever I took hold of its ears and tried to cut its
throat, it struck my hand away with its fore feet. finally giving
a jab at its neck with my knife I severed the jugular vein when
it soon bled to death. Hanging it up, I went back to Napoleon,
and getting Samuel Powell he came with me and assisted me in
dragging it in to Napoleon. These two fawns I had often seen,
but they were so wild and wary, I had never before been able
to get a shot at them.

I 20
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
My Napoleon friends assisted me in getting my Venizon and
other luggage down to the banks of the Canal, and John Glass,
and Tempe bringing along their musicical Instruments the Vio-
lin, and Clarionett, played for my amusement and gratification
till half past ten P. M. when the Packet came along. Soon
seeing my plunder all safe aboard, I bid farewell to as hospit-
able a set of people in their way as the sun ever shone upon.
Nov. 14th arrived at Toledo at 8 A. M. and left for Cleveland
in the Steam Boat Troy at 72 past 2 P, M, and arrived at
Cleveland Nov. 15th at 3 A. M.
a
The following is a list of names of those individuals residing
in and near Napoleon with whom I became well acquainted
with.
Judge Powell. Merchant.
Esquire Craig. Landlord.
Wm Sheffield. Lawyer formerly from Painesville Ohio.
Edward Sheffield. do
J. Heaton. Lawyer and Merchant.
John Glass. Mason and Hunter.
Dan. Yarnell. Trader.
Uncle Yarnell. Shoemaker.
Joseph Stout. Merchant.
John Patrick. Wealthy Farmer.
Dr Patrick. Physician.
Do.
Wm Strong. County Clerk.
Old Stout. Formerly Hotel keeper in the old log tavern.
Ferguson. A Scotchman. A Cabinet Maker and an educated
Dr Tyler.
man.
Tempe. Blacksmith.
Robinson. Farmer, formerly from Newburg near Cleveland.
Gilson. Farmer, from Canton Ohio.
Spafford. Farmer.
Dod. County Treasurer, and Merchant.

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
I 21
ELK AND DEER HUNTING EXCURSION IN SANI-
LAC COUNTY MICHIGAN, AND HENRY COUN-
TY OHIO, 1850.
EELING weak and debilitated this fall, and my
friend Leonard Case Jun, being also in a poor con-
dition of health, we finally by talking the matter
over, came to the conclusion that we might become
greatly invigorated, by Camping out a month or two among the
evergreen forests of the North of Michigan. Accordingly hav-
ing agreed upon making the Expedition, I made preparations
for it, by getting my Tent put in good order, packing up three
half barrels of hard bread, Seventy pounds of bacon, 30 lbs
Sugar, an Axe, Tea, Blankets, cooking utensils, such as a Camp
Kettle, Frying pans, Tin plates and Cups, Knifes forks &c, and
all the other essentials necessary for a Camp-out in the Woods.
Having fully completed our preparations, on the evening of Oc-
tober 1st 1850, we left Cleveland in the Steam Boat Southerner,
Capt. Pearce, and arrived at Detroit at 8 A. M. the next morn-
ing. The fore part of the evening was cool, and pleasant, and
we remained on deck till quite late. During the after part of the
night, the wind sprung up and produced a considerable sea.
Getting our plunder removed by a Dray from the Southerner
to the small Steamer Telegraph, we went aboard, and at 9 A, M,
she started and landed us safely at Port Huron at 8 P, M the
same day. The weather was cold and very windy, and a heavy
sea rolling on Lake St Clair, and our boat being small, she
pitched dreadfully, making most of our passengers sick. I felt
quite squamish in my stomach but could not vomit. We took
up our quarters at the Port Huron Hotel.
Oct 3d Thursday. Arose at 72 past Six this morning, and
р

I 22
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
found a white frost on the ground. The morning was clear and
cold, not a cloud to be seen. Made many enquiries this day
about Elk, and all represented them as being plenty around the
head waters of the Cass and Black rivers. We concluded to day
that we would go to Hurds Mills, some Sixty miles above Port
Huron, on the Lake Shore, and then strike in from there
through the woods to the head of Black river. After tea this
evening we strolled across the Black river, and visited several
of the Saw Mills. Leonard exercised himself quite violently by
swinging, and raising himself up by one arm on the limb of a
tree that overhung a bank. During this night he was taken
very sick with a violent diarhea, and suffered considerably.
Oct. 4th Friday. Clear, and cool, with a pleasant south wind
that blew all day. Leonard feeling no better this morning, I
started after a Physician, and tramped the town all over two or
three times, before I could procure one. Dr Traverse, the phy-
sician I got, prescribed for Leonard and also recommed him
not to expose himself in the woods, but to return home. Owing
to Leonard, illness, we almost concluded to change our route,
and go to Elk Creek Sixteen to Eighteen miles back of Lex-
ington.
I saw to day Mr Hurd, owner of Hurds Mills. He informed
me that Elk were numerous back of his Mills, and that a few
days since, several Moose tracks had been seen there. He also
informed me that Deer were plenty, and that a short time since
he was at an Elk Lick back of his place, and found it all cut up
with Elk tracks.
Horace Weddell, Dudley Baldwin, and Lilly, arrived this
,
evening at Port Huron bound on a duck hunt. Baldwin & Lilly
were quite anxious to accompany us on our Elk Hunt.
Oct. 5th Saturday. We made an Agreement this day with
Benjamen Waterman to go with us on our Hunting Excursion
in the capacity of a hired man, and remain with us, and in our
employ, till we return again to Port Huron. It is agreed be-
tween us, that we are to give him at the rate of Thirteen dollars

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
123
per month for his services, and to pay all necessary expenses
while absent with us. He is to pack our things into the woods,
cut wood, make fires, and attend to keeping the Camp &c.
No Steam Boat to arrive to day, I went into the woods a
short time with Mr Baldwin, but saw no game. Horace and
Lilly also went out, but saw nothing with the exception of a few
Partridges. Lilly went into the Kitchen to day and got some
toast prepared for Leonard, which he seemed to relish.
Oct. 6th Sunday. Spent the whole of this day in reading
Cummings South Africa Hunting Expedition. Baldwin and
Lilly attended church. Leonard recruited up fast to day.
Oct. 7th. Monday. Leonard, Myself, and our Man Ben
started in an open waggon for Lexington twenty two miles up
the Lake. The road most of the way was through woods, and
was so horribly rough, that when we arrived at Lexington I felt
completely knocked to pieces. Leonard looked deadly pale and
sick. during the journey he wrapped around himself a heavy
Mackinaw blanket, while Ben carried his rifle. We stopped at
a little low log house purporting to be a tavern kept by a widow
woman by the name of Buel.
Oct 8th Tuesday. This was a delightful Indian Summer day.
A gentle south wind stirring up a little the smoky atmostphere.
Leonard recuited up considerably to day, and we took together
quite a stroll in the woods. We both of us looked so much like
invalids, that I felt quite ashamed in making enquiries of the
inhabitants about Elk.
As we completely failed in our endeavours this day in pro-
curing teams to draw our things through the woods to Elk
Creek, we were forced to abandon all idea of going there, con-
sequently we looked around to find a sail boat to take us to
Hurds Mill. The reason that persons gave, to whom we applied
for aid, in not assisting us to get out to Elk Creek, were, that
the woods between Lexington and Elk Creek are very low, and
level, and at the time were submerged with water, and they con-
sidered it an impossibility to get there with a team. Lexington,
pІ

124
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
we found to be the "jumping off place," no roads going from it
either North or West.
The evening of this day was quite cool, and our Landlady
had a cheerful wood fire blazing in her wigwam. The pleasure
that we might have derived from it, was sadly marred however
by a cross-eyed Scotchman who hugged up close to it and with
the most horrid looks and unearthly groans gave us a specimen
of Sanilac Ague fits. Our spirits were not revived much by this
sight of our Scotch friend, but still we consoled ourselves with
the idea that "Jack frost” was a pretty safe barricade to rely on
for protecting us against that cursed enemy of the Western Set-
lers. I slept quite well this night and upon the whole think I
have recuited up some.
Oct. 9th Wed. A Sail-boat fortunately having come to Lex-
ington this morning, we made a bargain with the two young
men who had it in charge to take us to Hurds Mill some thirty
miles up the Lake shore from Lexington, A strong South wind
blowing we made rapid headway through the water and at 3
P, M, landed at a point on the lake one and a half miles dis-
tant from the Mill. Leaving Leonard and the rest of the party
I walked through the woods in a fine meandering road to the
house and getting an old man by the name of Wells and Hurds
team we returned to the lake and brought up to the house all of
our baggage and Camp equipage.
Buel, who lived in the house and had charge of the Mill was
absent in the woods hunting for his Oxen when we arrived but
his wife receved us very hospitably. There was about two acres
of land cleared around the house, which was planted with pota-
toes.
Buel returning late in the afternoon we were pleased to find
him a good natured whole souled person and immediately felt
quite at home in his house. He excited us very much by relat,
ing to us the numerous signs of Elk that he had seen within the
past week, and showed us a large pair of Elk horns that he had
cut off from an Elk that he had killed within sight of his house

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
I 25
the past winter. He had nothing in the shape of fire arms but
a kind of Horse pistol rifle totally unfit for hunting yet still he
had managed to kill the Elk with it.
His family consisted of himself, Wife, two young daughters,
and two hired men. The mill that he run, was a most miser-
able, worthless affair, and could not by any possibility aid him
in his worldly advancement. Mrs Buel was a kind and agree-
able woman, prepared us a good bed, and did all she could to
make us comfortable.
Oct 10th. Thursday. It raining hard all of this day, we could
do nothing towards preparing for a start into the woods. A
board covered shed being near the house, with its sides all open,
in order to releive Mrs Buel a portion of the day of our pres-
ence, we got under that, and by Smoking, Chewing, eating and
talking with each other and Buel the day slowly waxed away.
Mrs Buel informed us to day that for the two years past that
she has been here, she has not seen a white woman, and regrets
very much on account of her daughters, two very interesting
little girls, that she is obliged to reside so far distant from the
Settlements. Leonard Gave the children a Pen and Pocket
Inkstand and made for them several writing coppys.
The Old Man Wells put on an Oil Cloth Coat this morning
and taking his gun started off on a hunt after Elk and deer, but
after he was gone Buel told us that he hadn't the least doubt in
his mind, but that instead of going after Elk and deer as he had
stated, he had gone to Cherry Creek, Nine miles off down the
lake to get a horn of whiskey.
Buel agreed with us to day that as his Oxen are gone and he
wishes to find them, that he will to morrow pilot us out to the
Elk Lick as it lies at the head of a small stream around which
is abundance of good feed and where he thought possibly his
Cattle might be.
Oct. 11th. It continued to rain nearly all of this forenoon
but clearing off at 12 A, M, we made our preparations, and at
One P, M Buel, Ben, and Myself, started for the Elk Lick. I

126
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
carried
my Rifle and Tent, while Ben carried the Blankets and
some of the cooking utensils together with a small supply of
provisions. Leonard accompanied us about a mile carrying the
Tent when he turned back to Buel, house as it was not de-
signed he should
go with us to day to the Lick, but that to mor-
row Ben should return and pilot him out.
This afternoon was very close, and warm in the woods, and
our course taking us over hills, and Creeks, and through Cedar
Swamps, made the travvelling with the Tent on my back very
laborious and caused me to sweat profusely.
Owing to Buel, getting off of the right course, and conse-
quently our travelling an hour or two in Cedar Swamps in an
opposite direction from that which we should have taken, we
did not arrive at the Lick until after dark, and having not yet
recovered entirely from my late sickness I was completely ex-
hausted with fatigue. We made a fire, fried a few potatoes,
pitched the Fly, and then laid down. I could not eat any
thing. During the forepart of the Night, feeling very thirsty
Ben made me a torch out of Pine sticks which I took and
finding the Elk Lick dranked very freely of the water which
greatly helped me. It rained gently all of the night but did us
no particular damage.
Oct. 12th. Buel started off very early this morning in search
of his Oxen and said he would return to the Lick by evening.
Ben shortly afterwards also left for Buels house, intending to re-
turn by night and piloting out Leonard.
Night came, but neither of them returned, when feeling quite
unwell this evening I wrapt myself up in the India rubber cloth
and laid down thinking I should be able to keep warm without
a fire. but a cold rain coming on in the night, I soon began to
shiver, and before the morning light dawned upon me I had
suffered severely from the cold. This was a long and dreary
night to me, and the monotonous sound of the rain falling from
the trees was only in a few instances broken by the dismal
screetchings and hooting, of the large eared Owls.

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
127
a
a
Oct 13th. After having made a fire this morning, I went to
work and pitched my tent, and after having got every thing
about it arranged to my satisfaction, sat down to rest Myself,
when quite unexpectedly I heard a whoop in the woods, and a
few minutes afterwards Leonard and Ben accompanied by the
Old Man Wells as a pilot made their appearance before me.
this was about 12 A. M.
Making enquiries of Leonard the reason why Ben did not re-
turn yesterday, he related as follows, viz. that Nine O clock last
evening he was seated before the fire when Ben came bolting
into the house and without saying a word seated himself by the
fire and bending down his head a little, placed both hands to
each side of it and then ejaculated “dam the hunting.” After
waiting some time, and Ben making no further remarks, Leon-
ard enquired of him, where he had been, when he turned a lit-
tle and quickly answered in a very mad tone of voice, “God
knows."
Ben enlightend me a little on the subject by stating that after
he left me he followed an Elk trail some distance when feeling
some misgivings about its leading him in the right direction, he
left it and took another course, when getting completely turned
around he had no idea which way to go, but travelled on very
rapidly through all manner of mean woods and swamps till
night, when he came to the Lake. When there, he was in quite
a quandary, not knowing whether to go up, or down the lake,
but finanlly choosing the former course he at Nine P. M. fetched
up at Buels house completely exhausted and having traveled as
he sincerely beleived some forty miles.
After we had eaten our dinner to day all hands went to work
and cut a large quantity of Hemlock brush for our bed. I be-
gan this evening to feel better and slept quite well through the
night. During the fore part of the night I heard some animal
running near our Camp.
Oct 14th. The Old Man Wells left us this morning. On go-
ing to the Lick we saw the fresh tracks of two Elk that had

I 28
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
come in during the night. Devoted this day to blazing our lines
and while doing so I heard a deer snort several times.
Oct 15th. Took my
rifle and started off on an Elk trail lead-
ing directly west, and had proceeded on it some three miles
walking very slow and carefully, when I spied an object some
eight rods from me moving along in the thick evergreen bushes;
drawing sight upon it I pulled the trigger when my gun snapped,
but hastily cocking my other barrel I fired that when immedi-
ately a bouncing big buck crashed away through the bushes. I
felt very confidant I had killed him, and was not disappointed,
for following up his track some twenty rods I found him dead.
He was remarkably fat and large and had five prongs on his
horns.
I hung him up and cutting off his horns brought them and
his heart into Camp. Hiding his horns on the outside of the
Tent I brought the heart to the Camp fire and told Leonard
that I had killed and skinned a Partridge and that we would
cook it for our supper. I fried it and he eat heartily of it sup-
posing it to be a Partridge. We enjoyed ourselves very much
this evening around our Camp fire.
Oct 16th. To the great surprise of Leonard, I told Ben this
morning that I wished him to accompany me and help get in a
large buck that I killed yesterday. We skinned him and brought
back to Camp with us only his saddle leaving the fore shoulders
on the ground. We fried some of this Venizon for our supper,
and also stewed a kettle half full for our next day meals. This
Venizon was remarkably fat and tender and we indulged our
appetites quite freely in eating a goodly quantity of it. I saw
two deer when going out after the buck, but got no shot.
Oct. 17. Ben started of this day for Buels to bring in to
Camp more of our articles. Feeling fatigued I did not go into
the woods untill about 9 A. M. and then not feeling like hunting
9
soon returned. Saw nothing but a couple of Partridges.
Oct 18th. It raining this day, and finding that our Camp
that we occupied during the day, and for cooking purposes,

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
I 29
leaked very badly, we went to work and constructed one in
another place, and before night had the satisfaction of seating
ourselves within it before a large wood fire and perfectly pro-
tected from the rain which continued to fall all day. In our
work we got completely wet through. The Camp that we
erected to day we built in the form of a shed, the front of it
open, while its roof and sides were enclosed. to make the roof
shed rain, we got a large quantity of dry Cedar bark from the
swamps near us, and cutting it in suitable lengths lapped each
piece over the other in the same way that they lay Oak shingles
roof,s in the Country. Over the bark roof we placed a large
quantity of Hemlock brush and kept it in its place by laying
poles across it. In front of our Camp and around it we drove
crotched stakes in the ground and laying poles on them we
placed against the poles Pine and Hemlock brush which kept
the wind away from our fire and saved us from smoke.
A few rods from our Camp was a very dark and deep ravine,
thickly studded with Cedar, and other evergreen trees. At the
uper end of it we procured our water, several large springs there
uniting together making quite a stream. Our Venizon we hung
up in one corner of our Camp, and where protected from damp,
and feeling continually the drying effect of a large fire, it pre-
served wonderfully.
The large hemlock trees so obscured the light, that when go-
ing from one of our Camps to the other at night, we were com-
pelled to grope our way along in a very slow and careful man-
ner, the darkness being so intense.
Oct. 19th. Explored the country North of our Camp to day.
Saw no game. Noticed great quantities of old signs of Elk, but
no new signs. We are all of us feeling well, and happy. Leon-
ard indulges himself very freely in both eating and smoking.
Sunday Oct. 20th. It rained very gently nearly all of this day.
Buel and another man came to our Camp, and brought us as
a present from Mrs. Buel, 2 apple pies, a Short Cake, some
pickle, and potatoes. We fried for our Visitors some Venizon,
q

130
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
and potatoes, which together with some Hard bread, Tea, and
what remained of our Venizon stew, we placed before them.
They eat very heartily, and said that if they could only camp out
in the woods a few months they would get as fat as Bears.
Oct 21st. Explored in a South direction to day, found a few
fresh signs of deer, and numerous old Elk signs. Elk trails are
every
where to be found in the woods. The woods around our
Camp are very unpleasent ones to hunt in, being composed of
thick Cedar swamps, and dense Beach and Hemlock.
Oct 222, 23, 24th & 25th. Nothing of unusual interest tran-
spired in our Camp during these days. We felt well, eat hearty,
and enjoyed ourselves very much. During one of these days I
.
got lost, and at night was preparing a temporary shelter, when
I discovered a blaze on a tree that I knew, and which was the
means of my finding our camp. Deer we found to be very
scarce, and difficult to be seen.
Oct. 26th. Our Venizon being all gone, we started out very
early this morning to kill another. I hunted in South West, and
about 10 A, M, came to a small Creek called Elk Creek. While
standing on its banks I heard a noise behind me and looking
around I discovered a deer coming down the hill to the banks
of the Creek. Stepping beside a beach tree I watched him till
he made his appearence from behind a large log, when I fired
at him. he run some twenty rods and fell dead. I had shot
him directly through the heart. He was a three pronged buck,
middling fat but very slim and long legged. I hung him up and
then returned to camp.
To night and every night for a week past, some animal has
come to our camp and made a very peculiar kind of noise.
A few nights since some animal run so near to our tent and
made so much noise among the leaves and brush that it
awoke us.
Oct. 27th. We all of us very early this morning went out
after the deer that I shot yesterday, but on coming to it, Ben
saying that he could carry it in alone, we left him with it, and

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
131
continued on hunting. About three in the afternoon hearing sev-
eral guns fired, I answered them, and bent my course through
the woods in the direction of the sound. After travelling a long
distance, and firing many guns, I at last came up to Leonard,
and Ben, and soon learnt from them the cause of the firing.
Leonard had come into the Camp about 12 A, M, and not
finding Ben there, immediately thought that he must be lost,
and fired off his rifle several times from the Camp, thinking that
he might hear it. Afterwards he took the West Elk trail, and
after he had followed it some three miles, stopped and fired his
rifle two or three times again. These were the Shots I heard,
and Ben fortunately also heard them, and approaching in the
direction of the sound and hallooing he at last reached Leon-
ard. He was very much exhausted, but had stuck to the deer,
fearing he said, “that if he dropped that, he might starve to
death."
This Venizon was not so tender as the first one I killed,
although much younger. We sent in by Ben, and the Old
Man Wells, who visited us, a good portion of it to Buel,$.
Oct. 28th & 29th. This does not seem to be the season of the
year,
when
game abounds in this region. Numberless signs in-
dicates that during the summer season both Elk and deer fre-
quent here in great numbers. the paths that approach the Deer,
and Elk licks, are well beaten, and show that during the sum-
mer months they are well frequented.
Oct. 30th. There being no kind of prospect of killing any Elk
in this region, yesterday Leonard and Myself decided to pull up
stakes here this morning and start for Henry County Ohio, when
after killing a few deer there we would return to Cleveland.
Accordingly struck tent this morning, and after packing our
things, each one of us took a load on our backs, and started in
for Buels, which we reached at 2 P. M. This was a very warm
day, and we sweat dreadfully under our loads before we reached
Buel,s. Many of the creeks that were quite dry when we first
went into the woods, were now swolen into quite large streams.
1

132
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
we
a
Oct. 31st. Started back for our Camp at 8 A. M. this morn-
ing and reached it at 10 A. M. Cooked some Venizon on a
stick for our dinner, and then taking the remainder of our things
on our backs, and giving our Camp a last farewell, started for
Buel,s, which we reached a little before 2 P. M.
Nov. 1st. This day was very calm, pleasant, and warm.
are axiously waiting for some opportunity to get away.
Nov. 2d. No chance offering to get away, we finanly thought
we would risk our lives in Buel, old Boat, and making a bar-
gain with him, we put our things aboard and at 10 A. M.
shoved off. there was considerable swell on the lake and as
the wind was not fair we made slow progress.
At 2 P. M. we run ashore near the Blue Ledge and eat our
dinner of Pork, hard bread, and tea. We lost here in the woods
two Hound puppies that we had on board, and were delayed a
long time in finding them. Getting all aboard again we started,
but a stiff wind having sprung up, and a rain storm coming on
we just at dark reached the mouth of Cherry Creek where we
landed.
Hastily preparing as good a shelter as possible to protect our
things from the rain, we made a torch and felt our way along
up the Creek to a log house where we stopped for the night.
This place was just nine miles from where we started from in
the morning. It continued to rain hard all night and our pros-
pects seemed gloomy enough.
Nov. 34. Packed our things in the boat, and started quite
early in the morning, but owing to there being but little wind
we made slow progress during the fore part of the day. The
wind having sprung up considerably by noon, at 2 P. M. we
reached Lexington, and on going ashore there, our boat filled
with water, a considerable swell breaking on the shore.
After remaining some half hour at Lexington, we again
launched our boat, and wading out some distance from shore
among the breakers, shoved off, and committed ourselves once
more in our rotten boat to the mercy of the winds and waves.

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
133
The wind having during the afteroon increased very much, we
were compelled on account of the heavy swells near shore, to
stand out Seven or Eight miles in the Lake. Our Boat was
heavily loaded, and leaked badly, keeping Leonard and Myself
constantly engaged in bailing her out. Ben became very sea
sick and vomited frequently.
At night the wind subsided and the sea ran down, but it was
so dark that we could hardly perceive each other. Luckily how-
ever we discovered just above the water the lights of the Port
Huron Light House, and steering for it at last reached safe and
sound the mouth of Black River, having rowed on the Lake
more than ten miles after dark.
After we had all eaten a 10 o clock supper, Leonard & My-
self settled with Buel, and Ben, and retired to bed. During the
night the wind came on to blow most dreadfully and we con-
gratulated ourselves on our good luck.
Nov. 4th. Saw Ben this morning, but hardly knew him, his
4
beard and locks having undergone a most thorough trimming.
Leonard has changed very much since he has been in the
woods, having grown strong and fat. His face is very round
and he sports a moustache grown in the woods. We left Port-
Huron at 12 past 8 A. M this morning, and arrived at Detroit
at 72 past 5 P. M. Stopped at the Michigan Exchange.
Nov. 5th. Devoted this day in looking around Detroit. In
the evening we visited many of the Cigar Manufactories, and
bought many samples of their stock.
Nov. 6th Left Detroit this morning for Toledo. Arriving at
Toledo stopped at Thayer, Exchange. Leonard met here an
old acquantence, who asked many questions of me, but did not
recognize him for some time.
Nov. ythLeft Toledo this evening at 72 past 7 P. M. on
the Canal Packet for Napoleon Ohio.
Nov. 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, & 12th, hunted more or less during
these days, but saw very few deer, the woods being too noisy to
meet with any success. On the 9th hunting on the North side

134
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
a
of the river, I saw 5 deer, and wounded one a fine doe. follow-
ing her track up by the blood, I got two more shots at her, but
I
missed both times, finally I left her track and went after Joseph
Stout, dog, but after getting the dog, he unfortunately got on
the track of a well deer and ran off. In searching for the Doe
next day, I found her dead, my ball having paunched her.
Nov. 13th John Glass, Leonard, and Myself, got up very
early this morning, and crossed the Maumee river in a Canoe
an hour before daylight. After striking the shore, Glass, and
Leonard took one direction, and Myself another.
After proceeding quite rapidly about one and a half miles on
the old Kalida blazed road, I went along more cautiously, and
just as day was breaking, I heard a noise on the frosty leaves
quite near me. Looking around I soon discovered a large dark
object standing within four rods of me. Drawing a line on it
with
my rifle, I fired, when it crashed away through the bushes.
Waiting a short time for it to grow lighter, I then searched for
the track, and soon found it with plenty of blood on each side
of it. I followed but a short distance the bloody trail, when I
came up to a large fine 4 Pronged Buck, lying on the ground
dead. I had shot him through the heart.
Hanging him
up, I then went for assistance to get him to the
river, and after having procured the aid of a man, and got the
buck half way to the river, I saw Glass and Leonard walking
along, some forty rods ahead of me. Hailing them, they came
to me, and aided in getting my buck to Napoleon. Neither
Glass, or Leonard saw any deer this day.
Nov. 14th. Leonard intending to leave to day at 9 A, M, in
the Packet for Cleveland, I got up very early and went into the
woods, hoping I might kill a deer for him, and get it in before
he left. I saw a drove of five, but got no shot, but as some
compensation for my misfortune, I came across a flock of Tur-
kies, and succeeded in killing three of them at one shot. Peel-
ing some Bass-wood bark, I tied the legs and necks of the tur-
kies together, strung them on my back, hurried in for Napoleon
a

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
135
and had the satisfaction of getting there before the Packet came
along. After removing the entrails from the turkies, and wash-
ing the blood from the feathers, I gave them to L-d who
about 10 A, M, left in the Packet for Cleveland.
Nov. 15th. Hunted on North side of river. Shot two turkies
and wounded a Deer. Saw but two deer this day.
Sat Nov. 16th Hunted on North side. Saw 5 deer, got two
standing shots at long distance. Missed both shots, probably
owing to my running and being out of breath.
Monday 18th, went this day to the spot where I fired at the
deer Saturday, and following up the tracks discovered some
blood.
Tuesday Nov. 19th. Hunted on North side. Saw during this
day, hunt, 13 deer. When returning to Napoleon and going up
the side of a hill, I discovered a Doe feeding. Crawling around
the brow of the hill, I succeeded in getting within range of her
when I fired. She made a jump or two and stopped, when I
discovered three more deer near her. I fired at her my other
barrel, when they all scampered off. Going to the spot I found
a staddle lapped over that my ball had cut, and also a large
quantity of hair and a little blood, but failed in tracking up the
deer.
Nov. 20th Started home this day on the Packet Ohio, at
IO A. M.
WEASEL.

136
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
DEER HUNT IN TUSCOLA COUNTY, AND HILLS-
DALE COUNTY MICHIGAN 1851.
2
EFT Cleveland at 12 past Six P. M. on Steamer
Baltimore for Detroit. For an hour after starting,
the Lake was quite calm, when a strong West wind
sprung up, and at 10 P, M, the Lake became very
rough, which increased in roughness all night. The Boat pitched,
and rolled dreadfully, the paddles often being entirely out of
water. two thirds of the passengers became sick, and vomited
up the Contents of their stomachs.
Owing to the Cars having left, before I reached Detroit, in
company with five others we engaged a Spring Wagon to go to
Pontiac. The day was clear and warm, and I had a pleasant
ride to Pontiac. The Country for the first ten miles, was a dead
level, and wet, but after that distance, it became more rolling,
and presented a very pleasant appearance. We arrived at Pon-
tiac at 3 P. M. and stopped at the Hodge Hotel.
3
We had among our passengers an eccentric character, who
added very much to our amusement by his anecdotes and con-
versation. One of our horses happening to stumble a little, the
driver cracked him up very severely, and disabled him by so
doing so much that just as we arrived at Pontiac he completely
broke down.
As the Stage for Flint was not to start till 11 A. M. we
walked around Pontiac. The town is very pleasantly situated,
and seems to be a stirring place for business. Went into one
Flour Mill that used Steam and water power in conjunction.
The wheat that I saw was very plump and fine and commanded
in the market 57 cents. Went to see a 272 story Frame House
that was struck by lightning some three months since. The

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
137
S
House presented a very ruinous spectacle, being entirely tore to
pieces. two persons were killed in it a man and his wife. I
noticed that all the houses near were protected with lightning
rods.
Started at 11 A, M, for Flint. The day was very cold. It
snowed nearly all day yesterday, and the greater part of this
day. The roads were very bad and we made slow progress.
however at 11 P, M we arrived in the night half froze at Flint.
The Vehicle that we went in, was a miserable old wagon com-
pletely stowed full of Boxes and Trunks.
Oct. 26th 1851. Hired a Buggy this morning and started for
Cass river. At 10 A. M. arrived at Pine Run, and at 72 past
One P, M, after going through the woods Eight miles over the
worst roads ever cut out, I arrived at Simeon Newton,s log
tavern, three miles from Tuscola and Cass river. Here I met a
large number of Ohio Hunter, (some 14 in all) who represented
game as being very scarce on the head waters of the Cass, and
one party of five who had been hunting a week, had not killed
a single deer.
Went into the woods some three miles this afternoon, saw
plenty of Deer signs, and considerable Bear signs, but the
woods are too close and thick to meet with any success deer
hunting. Bear are seen almost every day, and one was shot the
day before I came. The Indians killed quite a number of Elk
this fall on Cass River, and among those killed were two large
Bulls.
Oct. 27th. A man with a team coming along, I made a bar-
gain with him to take myself and baggage to Pontiac. He
started, taking my baggage, some two hours before me, and I
overhauled him two miles beyond Pine Run a distance of 12
miles from Newtons. I walked Eight miles through the woods,
some three miles of it along a beautiful Pine ridge. Went this
day 13 miles beyond Flint. The day was very cold, and it was
difficult for me to keep warm. The Landlord having no bed
unless I slept with a hard looking case of a travellor, I preferred
r

138
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
staying up all night, and as the night was cold I had rather a
tough time of it.
Oct. 28th. Started early this morning for Pontiac, and arrived
there at 12 A. M. day cold as winter, and wind very cutting.
Took the Cars for Detroit, and arrived there at 4 P, M.
Stopped at the Exchange. //
Oct. 29th. Owing to my not having slept any the night be-
fore, I over slept myself last night, and was chagrined enough
this morning on getting up to find that the Steam Boat had left
for Toledo. Taking my Carpet Bag on my back, I started for
the Stage Office, and took seat in a two horse Carriage for
Monroe, at which place I arrived at 5 P. M. The road was
bad, and it rained in torrents all day. I got one side of me
well saturated with rain. .
Oct. 30th. Left Monroe this day in the Cars for Hillsdale,
and when at Deerfield got off the Cars took my Carpet Bag on
my back, and went a mile or more to Munson, House. found
it unoccupied, Munson having left the Country. Returned back
to the Rail Road and stayed all night at the widow McKee,s.
The people here, told me that all kinds of game were much
more numerous now, than when I was last here. The Country
has not settled any, since I was last here in 1845.
Oct. 31st. Left Deerfield in the Cars this day for Hillsdale,
and arrived there at 4 P, M. saw a large flock of Turkies on
the road.
Nov. ist. Left Hillsdale this day at 10 P, M, for Corslet,
Log Tavern on the Indiana Road, 20 Miles from Hillsdale, and
arrived there at 4 P. M.
Nov. 2d took a short walk in the woods, deer signs scarce.
Saw however 4 deer. Mrs Corslet, my landlady, I found to be
a fine motherly woman. Set a most eccellent table, and had
every thing in her house as neat as a pin. The house which was
a log one, had but two rooms in it, but it was a comfortable
House notwithstanding.
Nov. 3d hunted south two miles into Ohio, and West a mile

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
139
1
or two into Indiana. Saw 2 Deer. During this Evening, Mrs.
Corslet gave me a history of herself and family, and I became
so interested with the history of one of her daughters that mar-
ried John Canada, that when she farther stated that she lived
some 12 miles from her in the woods, and that game was very
abundant there, I determined on the morrow to start for her
house. Mrs. Corslet, besides her husband (a shiftless coot) had
in her family a widowed daughter some 20 years of age, a Son
18, and a daughter some 14 years old. This last was a sweet
singer, and one of her songs called Sophronia, Farewell, she
wrote off for me, and gave me.
Nov. 4th. Started this day with my Carpet Bag on my back
for John Canada, 12 miles from Corslet, $. The most of the
way was through woods, with occasionally a clearing. Having
a bad cold, my walk with the weight of a Carpet Bag, heavy
Over Coat, and Rifle, made me quite fatigued. I arrived at
Canada, about the middle of the afternoon, and found him at
work dressing a large Buck, that a man named Durban stopping
with him for a few days, had just killed.
Canada, house was a small log one, and surrounded entirely
by woods, a few acres being cleared around it. Canada, wife
I found not only pretty, but smart and interesting. She had
three fine children, all young. Canada I found a very sociable
man, and it is seldom that on my hunting Excursions I got into
such good and comfortable quarters. As where I slept was next
the roof and very airy, I discovered before morning from sure
indications on my bed clothes, that there was a Snow Storm go-
ing on both on the outside and inside of the House.
Nov. 5th. The snow this morning covered the bushes so
much, and squeaked so when walking on it, that I saw no deer.
I however saw a flock of Turkies in a field and shot at them,
but missed them.
Nov. 6th. Hunted all day, saw 1o deer, but got no shots.
Nov. 7th saw two deer this day, a Doe and a Spike horn buck.
Shot at the Doe and wounded her, but failed in getting her.
a
TI

140
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
Canada this night, lit his Lantern, and with his axe, and dog,
started into the woods on a Coon Hunt. Coming home about
2 in the morning, he awoke me to tell of his success. He had
killed
3 fine Coons, and was coming home, when he heard his
dog barking most furiously. going to the spot, he found he had
got something in a fallen tree top, and looking soon discovered
gazing on him, a pair of large and fiery eyes. instantly raising
his axe he made a blow at the unknown animal, and happening
to hit it on the head, killed it. On examination it proved to
be a deer, and the very one I had during the day wounded.
Nov. 8th. Hunted all day. Saw 2 Deer, a large Buck, and
a small Doe. Fired at the Doe twice, but missed her.
Nov. 9th. Saw 3 deer to day, a Buck and 2 Does. Shot the
3
Buck through the body, and badly wounded him, but not being
able to kill him alone, I went back to the house, got Canada,
Durban, and a dog, and then pursued after him. The dog soon
run him into the little St Joseph, river, and the Buck crossing
it several times, the dog soon lost his track. The Deer bleeding
very freely, we were enabled to follow him, by some of us tak-
ing opposite sides of the river. The Buck in one instance took
his back track and bothered us considerably. About Noon we
were joined by two more hunters, and at last, late in the after-
noon the dog drove him into the river again, where we suc-
ceeded in killing him. I skinned off the fore shoulders and gave
them to the 2 hunters. Canada took the saddle and carried it
on his back to the house, while I satisfied myself with carrying
the horns.
Nov. 10th. Hunted all day, but saw no deer. Mrs Canada
cooks well, and I live well. we have pork and venizon, pota-
toes, turnips & pumbkin pies, wheat bread, Buck-wheat cakes,
sugar and honey. Opossums are very numerous in the woods,
and I kill numbers of them for Canada, who on account of their
skin and oil, considers them quite a prize.
Nov. IIth. Hunted all day. Saw 3 deer. shot twice at one,
but missed it.

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
141
Nov. 12th. Saw 8 deer, and 2 flocks of Turkies this day.
the deer were too far off to shoot at. Shot twice at the turkies
but killed none.
Nov. 13th. Rained all day. Went into the woods a short
time. Saw 7 deer, got no shots.
Nov. 14th. Hunted all day. Saw no deer. Made arrange-
ments to leave to morrow. Canada having killed a Calf and
wishing to sell the meat in Hillsdale, I agreed with him to also
carry my Venizon and Carpet Bag to Hillsdale.
Nov. 15th Left Canada, on foot at 72 past 9 A, M, for
Hillsdale 21 miles distant, and arrived there 7 minutes after 5
P. M. The travelling was very bad, the ground being wet, and
the roads very muddy. Canada got in about 72 past Nine at
12
night, and said his team had a hard days travel of it.
OPOSSUMS.

142
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
DEER HUNT IN HARDING COUNTY OHIO 1851.
EFT Cleveland in company with Capt Benjamen
Stanard, Jan. Monday 6th 1851 for Patterson Ohio.
Arrived at Shelby 20 minutes before 2 P. M. and
left Shelby by the Mansfield road at 6 P. M. and
arrived at Sandusky City 5 minutes before 9 P. M. Left San-
dusky at 12 past 5 A. M. next morning and arrived at Patter-
5
son at 10 A. M.
It being early in the day and a good snow on the ground, I
loaded
my
rifle and at II A. M. started into the woods. In a
short time I put up a number of Partridges, shot at them three
times but killed none.
Leaving the partridges, I hunted for deer and in an hour or
two, discovered two walking. Edging around so as to get in
their front, I at last saw the leader of the two, a fine doe, ap-
proaching directly towards me. When within fair shooting dis-
tance, I shot at her breast, when she immediately wheeled and
ran off some 20 rods in a contrary direction from me, when she
struck a tree and bounding backwards, reared up on her hind
legs and giving one spring into the air fell back dead. Going to
her, I found that my ball had struck her between the fore legs
and passed through her heart. The snow for ten feet in front of
where she fell was sprinkled with blood. While dressing her a
hunter came along whom I hired for the foreshoulders and fifty
cents to carry her in to Patterson.
Hunting the rest of the day I saw another deer walking but
failed in getting a shot. Capt Stannard hunted with a Shot-Gun,
but found no game this day.
Wed. Jan. 8th. Capt B and Myself started into the
woods together at 12 past 7 A. M. Coming across some par-
a

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
143
tridges, he stopped to shoot them, while I went in pursuit of
deer. Finding very soon the fresh tracks of 5 deer, I went back
to the Captain and tried to enlist him to go with me after them,
but he preferring the Partridges I went alone after the deer.
A hard crust being on the snow which made the walking very
noisy, I followed the deer on a fast walk until 12 past 11 A. M.
before I had the satisfaction of seeing them. They were then
on a keen run, an old buck leading some 10 rods ahead with his
flag hoisted, while the others followed with their tails down.
At 72 past One P. M. I discovered the old buck some 30
rods from me walking. Presently he stopped before a tree, when
I drew a coarse sight for the top of his back and fired. Going
up to where he stood when I fired at him, I found a consider-
able quantity of hair, some with the skin attached, but finding
no blood on his track I felt convinced that I had only grazed
him.
Continueing to follow them, at 2 P. M. I discovered them
some 25 or 30 rods from me slowly walking along behind a
large log. Taking good aim at the hindermost one, I fired,
when they all ran off again. Going to the spot where they stood
when I fired at them, I found blood, and following the tracks a
short distance farther, found blood. Very soon afterwards when
following very carefully on the track I discovered the wounded
deer lying down, his ears in motion, and seemingly on a sharp
look-out. I made quickly two shots at it, but missed both
times. Hastily loading up both barrels of my rifle, I again went
on track of the deer, which when I fired, had ran off. I soon
overhauled him again, when I made a shot at him which struck
a staddle and glanced. immediately firing my other barrel, the
ball struck him in the neck and tumbled him over. Running up
to him I cut his throat, and found that I had killed a large fine
fat Buck Fawn. My first ball had struck it in the belly and
paunched it.
After hanging him
I went some two miles to a house,
where I got a boy and horse, and just at dark with their assis-
up,

144
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
tance got my deer in to Patterson. Capt. B-killed 5
Par-
tridges and several quail this day.
Thursday Jan. 9th It having thawed during the night, this
was a most eccellent morning for hunting, but I roamed the
woods two or three hours without seeing any fresh deer signs.
At last meeting with some fresh turkey tracks, I followed them
awhile, when it began to rain.
Knowing that the rain would finish my hunting after to day,
I concluded to give the turkies an all day chase, and protect-
ing my gun as well as possible put on after them. About One
P. M. I saw them standing still under some trees some 25 rods
off. Getting three of them in a range I fired, when as none
tumbled over I suppose I missed them. A violent wind spring-
ing up, which made the woods unsafe to remain in, I left the
turkies and hastened back to Patterson. On my way out to
Paterson, I saw three deer and several partridges, but as I was
wet through and afraid of the falling trees I paid no attention to
game. Capt B. killed this day one Partridge and 4 or 5 quail.
Jan. 10th Left Patterson in the Cars for Sandusky, where we
remained all night. In the evening, Capt and Myself visited an
Oyster Saloon, and stuffed ourselves with that delicious Shell
fish, and shortly after leaving the saloon it took fire and burnt
completely up, together with several more adjoining buildings.
On account of the fire, we remained up the greater part of the
night.
Capt B. found in the Cars a female acquaintance whom he
took charge of and saw safely home in Cleveland. Getting my
deer safely home to Cleveland, I took the saddle of the largest
one and sent it as a present to the Captain.

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
145
ELK AND DEER HUNT IN SANILAC AND TUS-
COLA COUNTY MICHIGAN 1852.
EFT Cleveland at 7 P, M, this day, Monday Sep.
6th 1852 in company with Frederic Deming on the
Steam Boat Forest City for Detroit and arrived there
at 4 A, M, next morning. The Lake was calmn and
the night moderately cool. I went to my berth early in the
evening, feeling weak and very tired. My health having been
very poor for the two weeks past, I felt too indisposed to enjoy
the trip
Sep. 7th Left Detroit this morning at 9 A. M. in the Steam
Boat Ruby for Port Huron, and arrived there at 4 P. M. Felt
sick and feeble all day, although my Appetite has much im-
proved. Stopped at the Port Huron House, and early in the
evening went to bed. Was rather restless in the fore part of the
night, but in the afterpart slept some.
Sep. 8th Left Port Huron at 4 P, M, in the Steam Boat
Pearl for Lexington, and arrived there at 6 P M. After placing
things in Store House, went to Mrs. Buels Log Tavern. Felt
bad all this day. had considerable fever. went to bed early,
and it raining hard all night, the patting of the rain on the roof
had a soothing effect on me, and I rested some.
Sep. 9th. The weather being very stormy and rainy, I made
no preparation to move from Lexington this day. I felt tired
when night came, but on the whole was considerably improved
in my feelings. It rained pretty much all the afternoon and
night.
Sep. 10th. A strong North wind blowing, it prevented us
from making any endeavours to go up the Lake. Talking with
several individuals who represented Elk as being somewhat
S

146
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
numerous on the head waters of Elk Creek, I concluded to
send Frederick there on a prospecting Expedition, and provid-
ing him with some provision, at 72 past One P, M, he started
for Elk Creek.
Sep. 11th. Going out some three miles towards Black River,
I met Fred at 2 P, M, returning from his Exploring Expedition
to Elk Creek. He made so good a report of the Elk, Deer,
and Bear signs he saw, that I at once determined to go there,
and made a bargain this afternoon with Mr Meddaw to take
our things through the woods to Elk Creek on Monday next.
MMeddaw came to Lexington this afternoon and took our
things to his house, so as to be in readiness to get an early start
Monday morning. Fred saw yesterday when on his way to Elk
Creek, One Bear and two deer. /
Sunday Sep. 12th. It being pleasantly cool, I walked around
considerably with Fred in the paths of the woods this day. On
the whole I think I feel much better, and am certainly improved
much in strength.
Sep. 13th. Started at 5 A, M, for Meddaws, and arrived at
his house a little before daylight. The woods between Meddaws
and Davis Mill,s on Black River, 5 miles from Lexington, are
5
very wet, and covered in many places a foot deep with water.
Meddaw carried our things in an Ox Waggon to that place,
when he sent back home the Ox team by his boy, and tieing
our things with ropes to a kind of sled made of a crotch, he
hitched to it an active pair of Indian Ponies he had brought
along with him, and started for Elk Creek 13 miles off through
a dense woods. Meddaw from the time he started, till he
reached Elk Creek, never varied from his course, going strait
forward through water and over logs. He and his Ponies both
were great travellers, and I had to make considerable exertion
to keep up with them. The Sled repeatedly turned over, and
several times our things broke loose, but by peeling some bass-
wood bark, we soon tied them on again. Going over a large
log my Camp Chest got burst open, but the ingenuity of Fred
a

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
147
and Meddaw repaired it. Going through a swail Fred showed
me the track of the Bear he saw Saturday, but to my surprise
and regret I saw but very little signs of game on the rout.
Just as we reached Elk Creek, I saw three deer in a drove,
and on a sand bar of the Creek, saw several fresh signs of Elk.
The Creek we found almost completely dried up. What little
water there was in it, being from Springs.
I felt somewhat tired this night, but no feeling of sickness.
I slept cold and a sharp frost was on the ground in the morn-
ing
Sep. 14th. Spent all of this day in making our Camp, clear-
ing away the rubbish around it, and sticking up Pine & Hem-
lock brush to keep the wind off. Slept cold this night.
| Sep. 15th. Got breakfast very early this morning, after which
went into the woods. I hunted down the Creek some two miles
saw some fresh Elk tracks in the Licks, but no Elk. Saw two
deer, but had no chance to shoot. The Banks of the Creek were
lined with old Indian Camps, several of which had Elk legs
hanging up in them, and large Turtle Shells lying on the ground
around them. Shot two Wood Ducks in the Creek this day, and
stewed them for our supper.
Sep. 16th Hunted in a Northerly direction from the Camp.
Saw five deer, but from the thickness of the woods, and the
great quantity of leaves and sticks on the ground, I made so
much noise I could get no chance to shoot. The woods are
principally composed of Black Ash Swamps, a few ridges of
hard timber, and numerous small ridges or elevations of land
covered with Pine and Hemlock. In some places the timber is
so thick as to entirely obscure the Sun. Saw numerous old signs
of Bear and Elk this day, and some well beaten trails of Elk
and Deer.
Sep. 17th, Hunted up the Creek some three miles, and about
the same distance in West. Found three large Elk licks, and
some fresh signs of Elk, but saw no game with the exception of
One deer. Went through some meadows which had in them
SI

148
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
great abundance of old Elk Signs. In the meadows I found
two licks, and the bones of several Elk that had got mired in
them. These meadows contain from 50 to 100 acres of land,
are low, have in them a growth of long, thick, coarse grass, and
are surrounded with a thick woods of Pine & Hemlock. Por-
tions of these meadows are quaggy and miry, shaking for rods
around where you are walking, and oozing out a saltish water.
A short wiry grass grows on these portions of the meadows, and
these spots are where the Elk resort, to lick the saltish water,
and wallow in the muck.
Fred hunted a short time this day, and saw three deer feed-
ing. Shot at one of them, but only slightly crippled it. He
brought into Camp a very large Hedge Hog that he had
killed.
Sep. 18th. Hunted down the Creek this day. Saw two deer
feeding on the banks, and made efforts to get a shot at them by
creeping behind the trees and logs, but before I could get in
fair shooting distance of them, they moved their position and
became so hid by the bushes, that I could not find them after-
wards.
Sunday Sep. 19th. Remained in Camp all day. It rained
some this day.
Sep. 20th. It rained hard all day and night, and penetrated
our Cooking Camp to such a degree that we were forced to
abandon it, and keep within our Tent all day.
Sep. 21st. Clearing off this morning, we determined the first
thing we would do, would be to bring from the Indian Wig-
wams bark enough to make a water proof roof to our Cooking
Camp.
When going after bark met two Hunters on the Creek. One
of them a hard looking Case, lived in Cleveland with Samuel
Irwin in the year 1836, and together with Samuel Irwin cradled
a field of Oats that year for my Father. His face was familiar
to me the first time I saw him, but it was some minutes before
I could make out who he was. The Hunters belonged to a

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
149
Camp on Black River, four miles from the Junction of Elk
Creek. I was very much surprised to meet them, little dream-
ing of seeing any White Hunters in this region. I told them the
direction of my Camp, and invited them to it, telling them that
I would return before night.
The rain having raised the Creek it had now considerable
current, and noticing a flopping on a riffle I fired both barrels
of
my Rifle at the spot, when immediately the white bellies of
two fine fish showed themselves on the surface of the water.
The Hunters did not come to our Camp. Probably they
could not find it. Our Camp is located about fifteen rods from
the banks of the Creek in a dense growth of evergreen trees,
and surrounded by the tops of young hemlocks which we cut
off and stuck up to keep the wind off.
Sep. 224. Devoted the first half of this day to pitching over
our Tent, and cutting hemlock brush for our bed. The two
hunters succeeded this morning in finding our Camp. They
came along about 10 A, M, and said that they had had a long
hunt for it. We gave them for their dinner, fresh fish, Pork
Hardbread and tea. They had numerous hunting stories to tell
us about the deer, bear, wolf and Elk, that they had killed, also
of their tricks that they had played off on the Indians. At 2
P. M they shouldered their Rifles, and after giving us an ear-
nest invitation to visit their Camp, bade us adieu and started
off.
Going out hunting in the afternoon three miles through the
woods to the big meadow, I saw where a drove of Seven or
Eight Elk had just passed along. It being late I followed their
tracks but a short distance, but saw in a small Alder Swamp
where they had tramped and tore the brush all to pieces. After
leaving the Elk tracks, I scared up a number of Partridges, and
killed two of them.
Sep. 23d. Started off early this morning into the woods, but
saw no fresh deer or Elk tracks. Devoted the afternoon to
cooking Partridges, repairing Camp, and examining Map. Fred

150
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
went out a short time this day. He shot one Duck, and re-
ported seeing a number of Partridges. Held council this even-
ing about making a campaign over to the head waters of Cass
River, and finally decided to do so.
Sep. 24th. Weather cloudy, and a portion of the day rainy.
I remained in Camp all day making preparation for our Cass
River expedition. Fred went hunting a short time but met with
no success. We cooked the duck for our dinner and had a good
meal. Boiled a piece of pork for our journey, and fully agreed
to start for Cass River to morrow morning. After examining
our Map, we determined that our course should be North west
about three miles, and then bear directly west, expecting thus
to avoid some of the Swamps indicated on the map as lying
between our Camp and the head of the South fork of Cass
River.
Sep. 25th. This morning rainy and continued so the most of
the forenoon, but it subsiding some, we packed into our Knap-
sacks a small sack of Salt, the Indian rubber Cloth, a portion of
boiled pork, and six days scant rations of hard bread for each
of us, and tieing up our Tent sallied forth at 20 minutes past
One P, M, with our Rifles, Knapsacks, Tomahawks, and Axe
for Cass River.
After travelling some three miles to the Great Meadow Lick,
we bore off in a West direction, when striking a well beaten Elk
trail that bore very near West, we concluded to follow it, and
continued on in it till half past 3 P, M, when it commenced
raining so hard we were compelled to stop and Camp. After
kindling up a large fire, we placed our Indian Rubber Cloth
over some poles, and cutting some hemlock brush put them on
the ground under the Cloth, and then deposited on them our
Guns, knapsacks, and Coats, and then went to work preparing
wood for the night, after which we eat heartily of Pork and
hard bread, and then dried ourselves, we being nearly soaked
through with rain.
Our Camp this night was by the side of a Swail filled with

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
151
water, and the woods which were very dense, were mostly hem-
lock. It rained very hard a portion of the night, but cleared off
before morning. The fore part of the night was warm, but the
after part cold. With the exception of the hooting of some
Owls, we heard no noises of wild animals this night.
Camping a dark and rainy night without a tent so far from
Settlements in a dismal forest, brought up in
my
mind
strange
thoughts and feelings, and reminiscences of old times, with a
melancholly sorrow that they had forever passed away.
I lost my pencil this night and was fearful I should not be
able to make any farther record of our expedition, but Fred
soon releived me on that score by handing me a black lead
pencil that he happened to have in his vest pocket.
Sep. 26th. Left our Camp of last night 10 minutes past Six
this morning and very shortly after came to a low hemlock
ridge which gradually descended down to a thick Cedar Swamp,
piled up with old fallen trees. This Swamp was of considerable
extent, and very difficult to pass through. The wind had at
some time prostrated all the timber, which now lay cross ways
on the ground, and piled up in many places seven or eight feet
high, and covered nearly a foot thick with moss, which like a
sponge was full of water. The second growth Cedar some
twenty feet high, grew very thick, and it was with great diffi-
culty we could get through it with our Knapsacks on. Fred
in crawling over the tops of some slimy logs, slipped off and
sprained his knee joint. It made him quite faint, pained him a
great deal, and greatly impeeded his travel.
After forcing through this Swamp which was some three
miles wide, we passed through several Black Ash, Tamarack,
Cedar, and Hemlock Swamps of small extent, and then came
to the border of a large dark dismal looking Tamarack Swamp
which we dreaded to enter, but our course lying through it, we
plunged into it, and found it very wet, mucky, and miry, we
frequently sinking in above our knees, and compelled much of
the way to jump from the roots of one tree to those of another,

152
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
and often in stepping on what we supposed a little hillock of
earth, we would break through and go in to our middle.
We had hard work of it in our progress, and the day being
dark, cloudy, and rainy, we felt much depressed, but as there
were no dry land to Camp on, we were forced to keep on. At
last we came in to a thick Black Alder Swamp of great width,
which so used us up that I proposed to Fred to climb a tree
and see if he could discover an opening anywhere. Throwing
off his pack, Fred mounted a tree and took a survey, but could
see nothing but a dense Alder Swamp. Going higher up the
tree he saw an opening which crooked around in the Swamp,
and pointing the direction of it, I took the point of Compass,
and when he came down, we headed for it, and soon reached a
little Creek, some three feet wide, which we knew was one of
the heads of Cass river. We followed down the Creek, going in
the Elk trails that wound around through the Alders near the
Creek, stooping and almost crawling in some places, while in
others it was quite good walking, until 2 P, M, when being com-
pletely fagged out and wet through, we Camped for the night
in a wet Elm bottom.
We scraped up some leaves and threw on the ground for our
bed, but the ground being too wet to lay on, we sat up the
most of the night on a log by our Camp fire.
In our travels this day, we noticed a few deer and bear signs,
and bordering the Creek plenty of old Elk tracks. We heard
continually through the night some animals make a loud gnarl-
ing noise, sounding as if there were a number of them together
and quarrelling over some Carcase. Afterwards for some time
one of them kept up a loud moaning noise.
Sep. 27th. While making preparations to start from our Camp
this morning, we heard in a clump of grass and thick bushes
near our Camp a loud snarling and growling noise. Taking
our guns with us, we very cautiously approached the spot where
the sounds proceeded from but could see nothing.
Going back to our Camp fire we put on our packs and
a

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
153
a
started down the Creek 20 minutes to 8 A. M. We continued
travelling down the Creek till 12 past One P, M, when coming
to some hemlock woods, the first we had seen to day, and feel-
ing quite tired, we Camped for the night.
That portion of the Creek that we followed by the side of to
day, seemingly had no current, & was bordered by a broad Elm
flat, sparsely covered with trees. The banks of the Creek were
very low, and the Creek itself in many places was but a few feet
wide, while in others it widened out several rods, making little
ponds. It rained a little to day.
We saw during this days travel, three deer, numerous signs of
bear and wolf, and a few Elk signs. I killed one snipe and two
fish ducks, but lost one of the ducks having killed it in a miry
hole I could not wade in. In going down the creek to day, we
heard a noise similar to the bawling of a Calf, but did not see
the animal that made it. The banks of the Creek in many
places are covered with thick Alder brush, almost impenetrable,
and also in many places are wild grass and weeds some four
feet high covering several acres. We found numerous trails of
wild animals in the grass.
Where we Camped we found a fresh bear track, and few
rods from us was a tree with the bark some Seven feet high all
raked off by Elk. We cut a large quantity of hemlock brush
for our bed, and made ourselves rather a comfortable camping
place for the night. Before our large Camp fire we dried our
Socks, Boots, & Clothes, and roasted our duck and Snipe, which
we eat with a hunters appetite. Shortened our allowance of
hard bread to day. Eat up our pork yesterday.
Notwithstanding it rained hard nearly all night, making our
prospects very poor of being able to return back to Elk Creek
by the Swamps, still we gave ourselves no anxiety on that ac-
count, and slept as sound and well as our peculiar circumstances
would permit of. We heard no noise of Owls, bears or other
animals this night.
Sep. 28th. So much rain having fallen since we left our Camp
t

154
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
on Elk Creek, I became convinced this morning that it would
be impossible for us return back to our Camp the way we came,
the Swamps that we passed through being undoubtedly filled
with water; and now determined to follow down the Creek
until we reached the North fork of Cass river, then follow up
that fork till we reached its forks, when taking its Southern fork,
follow that up to its head, then strike across for the head of
Black River, and follow down that stream to Elk Creek, and
then follow Elk Creek up to our Camp, requiring a period of
time of at least seven or eight days.
Fred had the Blues considerable this morning, expressing fears
that we would not kill any game and consequently starve to
death. He said if we could only kill a deer so as to have plenty
to eat, he did not care how long we were in the woods before
we got out.
It raining this morning, we did not leave Camp till 20 min-
utes to 10 A, M, when we started and had a sorry time of it go-
ing through the thick second growth hemlocks that bordered the
Creek and which showered down on us oceans of water. After
traveling a mile or two, we came to some Thorn Apple flats, and
the trees being loaded with fruit, we stopped and eat what we
wanted, and then filled our pockets with it.
At 12 A. M. we came to a Thorn Apple flat that was com-
pletely tramped all over with fresh Elk tracks, and looking care-
fully around we found where the Elk had left the flat and gone
down the Creek. Fred spirits now revived, and he proposed
that I should go ahead, while he would follow on behind, and
possibly by that means I might get a shot at them.
Examining very carefully my Rifle to see if all was right, I
then took a lead some ten rods in advance of Fred, and very
carefully followed the trail, when in a short time I heard the
shrill whistling and loud bugling noise of the Elk, which seem-
ingly were not a very great distance ahead of me. Increasing
my speed, I put along after them as fast as I could, and soon
came to where they had gone down the steep bank of the Creek

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
155
a
to a Salt Lick, from which place they had struck off back into
the woods.
Continueing to follow down the Creek, sometimes following
on the trail of the Elk, and sometimes not, till 72 past One P,
M, and having followed them an hour, or more, without over-
taking, or hearing them for some time, I slackened my speed,
and Fred coming up to me we commenced talking, when sud-
denly we heard the Elk bugle in the woods but a short distance
from us, directly in East from where we were standing. Quickly
throwing off my pack and leaving it with Fred, I cautiously
went in the direction of the sound, and did not proceed over
a hundred rods before I saw eight or ten Elk walking very lei-
surely along Indian file on an Elk trail. Creeping along after
them, I soon got within gun shot of them, and singling out a
large Cow, the rear one of the herd, and the fairest shot, I fired,
when they all immediately broke into a jump and were soon out
of sight.
Blazing back to Fred, he came with me, and we searched for
hair and blood, but could find neither. Searching around, we
found a Staddle cut, that stood directly in front of the Elk I
shot at, and presuming that my ball from cutting the staddle
had lost so much of its force as not to seriously wound the Elk,
we very much grieved and disappointed at our mishap, gave up
all farther idea of following the Elk, and went back to our trail
on the Creek.
Putting on our Packs, we were about starting again, when in
the very same direction that we had just come from, we heard
the loud bugling of an Elk. Throwing off my pack, I started
for him, and soon heard him raking the brush with his horns as
he advanced along, making at the same time a loud whistling
and bugling noise. Coming to a thick sapling Pine, he stopped
and commenced raking down the limbs with his horns, when
getting within about twenty rods of him and having a fair broad
side shot, I took cool and deliberate aim back of his fore shoul-
ders, and fired. The moment I shot, he ran some Six rods in a
ti

156
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
a
direction towards me, and stopped. I then took aim at him a
little farther back of the shoulders, and fired my second barrel.
He did not flinch or move a particle. I loaded both of my
bar-
rels as quickly as possible, and drew up to shoot him again, when
he suddenly reeled over backwards, and making a loud bellow-
ing noise, kicked and struggled a few minutes and then lay
still.
Before going up to him, I blazed my way back to Fred, when
we put on our Knapsacks and started for him. He made such
a loud bellowing noise when he fell, that Fred plainly heard him
where he was, and asked me if it was the Elk I shot that made
the noise.
On coming up to him we found him to be entirely dead, and
a Bull Elk of the largest size, with tremendous horns. Fred
having never seen an Elk, expected to see an animal about the
size of a large deer, and consequently was greatly surprised
when he first saw him.
There being no water near, we concluded to skin the Elk, and
cut off what meat we wanted to cook for our supper, and then
go back and camp by the side of the Creek.
Taking off our Coats, we stood our guns up against two dif-
ferent trees near us, and then commenced skinning the Elk,
when happening to look up, I discovered a large Cow Elk only
I
some twenty rods off coming directly towards us. I crept to a
I
tree where I supposed my Rifle stood, and taking it up found
that it was Fred, Shot-Gun, and as the Elk had then got with-
in Eight rods of me while creeping to my Rifle, it saw me and
whirling around ran off.
I then went back and commenced skinning again, when
shortly I heard another Elk bugle near us to the South. I paid
no attention to him remarking to Fred, that it was too bad to
kill so large an animal when we had no means of preserving the
meat. Fred replied “I want a pair of Elk Horns. Go and kill
him for his horns. I'll carry them out of the woods if it takes
me a month to do so."

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
157
a
I then started after him in my red flannel Shirt, and soon
came up within fair Rifle range of him, when taking careful
aim a little back of the fore shoulders, I pulled trigger. At the
explosion of the gun he immediately jumped and ran some four
rods, when he stopped. I quickly fired at him my second barrel
hitting him quartering through the hips, when he partly fell,
after which recovering himself, he stood still a few moments
and then slowly walked hobbling away. I did'nt follow him but
a few rods, as I found that he had gone into a dense thicket,
and it was getting near night. He was a very large Bull Elk
and had large horns.
I hurried back to aid Fred in his skinning labor,s and after
this neither saw or heard any more Elk to day. We got our Elk
skinned about 6 P. M. when we cut off the head and hung it
up on a tree, also hung up the Skin, then cutting out the Ten-
derloins we started for our trail near the Creek. We reached it
just at dark, too late to make a hard wood fire, or a Camp save
sticking up a few Evergreens. We staid up all night and was
busy in trying to keep warm, and keep up our fire. We were
camped among thick hemlock and had nothing but
green
hem-
lock to make our fire with.
It rained some during the night, and being tired, and wet, we
were rendered quite uncomfortable. We cooked Elk meat for
our supper on a stick toasting it before the fire. We heard no
wild animals this night.
Wednesday Sep. 29th. After making a breakfast on Elk meat,
we then went to work and made ourselves a more comfortable
Camp, and got up a quantity of hard wood for our fire, after
which we went and brought in the Elk Skin, it requiring both of
us to carry it, Fred saying that it weighed more than 80 lbs.
We went to work and stretched the skin Indian fashion on
poles, cutting small holes in the edges of the skin, running bass-
wood bark through them and tying it to the poles. This being
a new operation to us, it required nearly all day to accom-
plish it.

158
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
We neither saw or heard any Elk to day or any other game
save a flock of Wild Geese. Fred and Myself hunted a short
time this day after the Elk I wounded yesterday, but owing to
the track going into a Thorn Apple thicket which was com-
pletely covered with Elk tracks, we failed in tracing it up.
We stinted ourselves on hard bread to day, making our meals
almost entirely on Elk meat. Our Elk meat is rather strong
scented, but it is tender and juicy. We made ourselves wooden
plates, by taking two large chips and scooping them.out a little
with our Tomahawks. Roasting our Elk meat on a stick with-
out any application of salt, until done, we find makes it more
juicy and palatable.
Thursday Sep. 30th. Having slept very comfortably last night,
we felt quite invigorated this morning, and eat a hearty meal of
Elk. I went during the forenoon and fetched in to our Camp
the Elk horns.
Fred made a trough to jerk our Elk meat in, after which he
brought into Camp a hind quarter of Elk which we cut up and
filled the trough with, making a brine in our cups with a portion
of the small quantity of salt that we had left. I trimmed off this
afternoon the skull attached to the Elk horns. Fred reported
that while washing himself he saw some kind of an animal
swimming in the Creek. This day was clear and pleasant, the
only pleasant day we have seen since leaving our Camp on Elk
Creek.
Taking the Elk meat out of the trough, we hung it up to jerk
before the fire, and then filled the trough with meat again. We
eat very hearty of meat to day. We cut off large portions of
meat to Jerk on poles to serve as provisions for us when we
shall return after our Elk Hide and Horns. This night was
clear and warm. We heard some animal making a great splash-
ing in the water during the night.
Friday Oct. ist. Got up a little after 7 this morning, and
after eating a hearty breakfast of Elk meat, we took out of the
trough the Elk meat we had salted, and hung it upon Poles be-

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
159
fore the fire to jerk, after which I tied up with bark the skull of
the Elk, and spent an hour or two in rubbing the rust off my
Rifle. Put
my
Rifle
up
without
any
load in it. This night was
clear, warm, and pleasant, and the Wolves howled around us
considerably
Saturday Oct. 2d. About 7 this morning after my
breakfast of
Elk meat, I thought I would go to the place where I had killed
my Elk and see if the Wolves had eaten any of the carcase. I
went in my red flannel Shirt and without my Rifle. When I had
gone about one third of the distance I heard a slight noise in
the leaves, when standing perfectly still, a jet black Wolf soon
made his appearance and trotted along directly in front of, and
within eight rods of me, when he stopped. In a moment more
two other black Wolves came trotting along and joined the first
one, when snuffing the air in the direction of the Carcase of the
Elk I had killed, they slowly trotted off.
I immediately returned back to Camp for my Rifle, and went
in pursuit of the Wolves but failed in again seeing them.
Packed up the Elk Skin this afternoon and put it up on a
scaffold supported by stakes and a tree. Also put-the Elk horns
on the scaffold and made a roof over them of old bark, shed
rain, after which made a blazing to the Elk trail on the Creek,
and fell two or three trees across the Creek to serve as a land
mark. Made our préparations for a start to morrow, and
cooked meat for to morrow, dinner. This night was very
comfortable.
Sunday Oct. 34. On awaking this morning found it raining
gently, but notwithstanding we determined on a start. Our hard
bread amounting to about two whole pieces, we divided equally,
relying on our jerked meat entirely for sustenance. We left
Camp 10 minutes to 7 A. M. and traveled till 72 past 9 A. M.
when we struck quite a good sized stream emptying into the
Cass on the right bank of the river going down.
We saw this forenoon two Magnificent Bull Elk, either one
of which I could easily have shot, but being wet through, and

160
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
in a hurry and anxious to get out to a Settlement, having already
been eight days in the woods without either Tent or Blanket, I
had no desire to shoot them.
At 12 past 10 A. M. we halted, made a fire, hung our Coats
up before it, and eat our dinner of Elk meat that we cooked
yesterday. It had rained so far all day, and we were completely
wet through
At 12 A. M. started again on our march, but at half past
three P, M, being weighed down with our wet clothes, we
halted and Camped for the night, and it was 10 P. M. before
we could make ourselves in any way comfortable. The bows
were all wet and we had to dry them before the fire before we
could use them for our bed. Our boots, socks, & Coats had to
be dried, our Guns cleaned, and our Elk meat had to be strung
up again before the fire and undergo a second Jerking.
We saw more signs of Elk to day than any day yet, and were
anxious that they might disappear, as we are desirous to get out
to some civilized land. We made our supper this night on jerked
Elk meat with a very small piece of hard bread.
Eat this day large quantities of Thorn Apples that we found
on the flats of the Creek, and filled our pockets with them. It'
rained some in the early part of the evening, but before mid-
night it cleared off and the Moon and Stars shone out quite
bright
Monday Oct. 4th. Sky clear and bright this morning. Hung
up our meat on a pole to dry. Eat our breakfast on jerked
meat with a very small piece of hard bread. Elk signs yet to be
seen near our Camp.
Crossed this day two large streams emptying into the Cass,
besides several smaller ones. A great deal of Cedar Swamp
traveling to day, and one wind fall almost impenetrable. Passed
several places where lumbering in getting saw logs in the river
had been carried on last winter, but not now occupied. Traveled
all of this day till 12 past 5 PM, when we Camped.
Saw one Elk to day on the brow of a hill near the banks of

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
161
the river. Found some frost grapes and eat them which re-
freshed us considerably. We made our dinner, also our supper
exclusively on dried Elk meat.
One of Freds legs gave out to day, and pained him very
much in traveling. He very anxiously wishes to get out some-
where. No signs of a Clearing, or a road yet to be seen.
We were so tired that we made no Camp this night, but built
our fire beside a large log and lay down before it. The night
was clear, cold and very frosty, and as we had no covering
either under us, or over us, we suffered severely with cold.
Tuesday Oct 5th. This morning clear and pleasant. Having
rested very uncomfortably during the night from cold, one side
of us being warm, and the other freezing, we arose very early
and renewed our tramp without eating any thing. For the first
few miles we encountered what we considered the worst travel-
ing that we had yet seen. At 9 A. M. stopped and rested a
short time, and eat our sumptous breakfast of dried Elk.
Saw during our march this morning, many signs of Elk, also
large numbers of deer signs. Shortly after leaving our Camp
fire this morning saw a fine Cow Elk some ten rods off quietly
trotting along, seemingly not being frightened by us. Found on
a high knoll this forenoon a quantity of Pigeon berries when we
stopped and picked them.
Could hardly stand a portion of this day from extreme ex-
haustion caused by so long an exposure to wet and cold, poor
diet, and the labor of walking through Cedar Swamps, Wind
falls and thickets, through muck and mud, and climbing over
heaps of fallen timber, carrying in my hands a Rifle of 11 lbs
weight, and on my back the amunition for said Rifle, together
with a pack containing One heavy Under Shirt, pair of socks
&c, and some 25 lbs of jerked Elk meat. Fred besides his pack
of Elk meat &c, carried a Shot-Gun and an Axe.
At 12 A. M. I proposed to Fred to wade the river and see what
kind of travelling there was on the opposite side of it. He did
so, and after walking down the river a quarter of a mile or so,
u

162
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
reported quite good traveling, but as there was no riffle where I
could ford, we continued traveling on opposite sides of the river,
occasionly hallooing to each other to keep within hearing dis-
tance, until 3 P. M. when I hallood to him to recross the river
and come to me, as I was in sight of a small Clearing on the
Banks of the Cass. After searching awhile Fred found a place
in the river that he thought he could wade, and going in suc-
ceeded in crossing over without wetting his Cravat.
Now at 3 P. M. we are seated on a log enjoying a luxurious
rest by gazing at our discovered Clearing, looking upon it as a
haven of rest where we shall receive a hospitable reception.
I am so entirely used up that I must of course stop with
them, or die. Hope that they have got some wheat or corn
flour, as I am most terribly hungry for bread.
Arriving at the Log House, we found it to be the remotest
house on the river, and the spot where it was built called the
Indian fields, the Garden and former burying ground of the In-
dians, distant 25 Miles from the small town of Tuscola, and no
other house being built on the river until you go 19 miles far-
ther down the river.
Mrs. Bigelow the woman at the house received us very hos-
pitably, giving us two bowls of milk to drink and plenty of
bread to eat. She very kindly gave us permission to remain all
night, or longer if we desired, stating however that she and her
daughter (a girl of 17) was all alone, her husband having gone
to Saginaw whom she expected home to morrow.
Shortly after dark, Fred and Myself having cleaned our Guns,
hung up our knapsacks, and got our stomachs well filled with
potatoes and bread, seated ourselves before the fire and were
taking solid comfort, when we heard a wild hoop outside, and
in a moment afterwards a ferocious looking Indian, dressed in
full Indian Costume, blankets, leggins &c, came walking into
the house. He could speak but very little English, came to see
Mrs. Bigelow on some business, and after remaining an hour or
two departed.

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
163
Mrs. Bigelow told us that his name was “Kinnee-Woop,”
that his Wigwam was on the opposite side of the river from her
house, and that he was a most celebrated Chief and hunter,
having but a few days before killed three bears. He was greatly
feared by some white men for his bad disposition, and some few
years before he had shot his Father-in-law for some insult of-
fered him.
I find that I am almost as ragged as a beggar, my thick strong
pantaloons being very badly torn. Mrs. Bigelow supplying me
with needle and thread, I used up a portion of the evening in
repairing damages. Slept in a bed this night and got well
rested.
Wed. Oct. 6th. Gave Fred some money and started him off
by the way of East Saginaw for Lexington on Lake Huron, to
go from there to my Camp on Elk Creek, and pack up my
Tent and Camp Utensils and bring them to Tuscola.
Made a bargain yesterday with two men to go after
my
Elk
Skin and horns. One of them lived some two miles from Bige-
lows. They started early this morning taking with them my Axe
and Pack-Bag. This day was fine and clear. Went into the
woods and hunted a short time but saw no fresh signs of Game.
Eat very heartily to day but still feel weak.
As there was no wood for the fire worked an hour or two in
dragging in from the woods to the house some dry poles and
chopping them up.
A man came into the house just at dusk this evening and
stated that he had just seen two wolves but a few rods from the
house, and that hallooing at them and they not running off, he
threw his Cap at them.
Mr Bigelow came home with his ox team a little after dark.
It rained some during the night.
Thursday Oct. 7th. Got up at 7 this morning. heard it thun-
dering. At 8 A. M. a violent rain storm came on, which I fear
will give the men I sent after my Elk horns a most wretched
drenching
UI

164
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
Friday Oct. 8th. The two men I hired to go after the Elk
horns returned this afternoon. They reported that they saw no
Elk, but heard the Wolves howl most terribly. One of the men
said “that traveling through the woods, he would as live carry
the devil as those horns on his back. He said he would not be
tempted again for One hundred dollars to do the same job.
Their faces were scratched terribly and their clothing torn bad.
The Indians showed them an Indian trail that struck the Cass
River at the 2d forks some thirty miles from the Indian fields.
By this route the distance was much shortened, and they
avoided most all the bad places I had to pass through. They
said it would have been impossible to have brought the horns
by the way of the river as I came. They had some eighteen
miles of the distance to go without having any Indian trail to
travel in.
Sat. Oct. 9th. It rained hard all of this day. No other way
but to remain in the house. A long tedious day.
Sun. Oct. 1oth. Cloudy but no rain with the exception of a
Shower in the morning. Went into the woods taking the See-
bee-wane trail for some two miles, then bore East on a line pa-
with the Cass some three miles farther, when in passing
through a fire deadning I saw a large Buck jump up out of a
clump of Briar bushes. I fired at him on the run, and shot him
through the paunch. He bled profusely and laid down after
running some fifty rods, but coming upon him very suddenly, he
jumpt up again and I was forced to shoot at him on the run
and this time missing him.
I followed him by his blood until he entered a dense Cedar
Swamp, when it getting late I gave him up. I felt quite disap-
pointed at the loss of my deer, as Mr Bigelow had no pork or
meat of any kind in his family, and this Buck would have been
to him quite a treasure.
In returning to the Indian Fields saw a man in the woods
setting down on a log, with five or six sawed boards forming a
roof over him. I approached him when he told me that he had

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
165
M
purchased a tract of land where he was sitting, and intended this
fall and winter to clear an acre or two, build a log house, and
in the Spring fetch into the Country his wife and Seven old
maids.
Monday Oct. IIth Bright fair day. Hunted a short time
.
but saw no game. On account of the Wolves, or from some
other unknown cause, there seems to be no deer in the vicinity
of the Indian fields. Old Settlers of two years in the Country
informed me that at some seasons of the year, deer are very
plenty and that they often very suddenly disappear for months.
Hung out in the sun to day my Elk Skin. The moist weather
has nearly ruined it together with the scalp on the horns.
The Squaw that the Indians sent down the river thirty one
miles to Dutch-town for Whiskey, arrived yesterday with five
gallons, and the Indians with this new supply were enabled to
keep up their Pow-wow of Drum beating, screetching & yelling
all night. This is the great Hunting Pow-wow that annually
takes place with this heathen band at this season of the year
for
success in their fall hunts.
They have now been at it for three days and nights, and
the Pow wow is held in “Kinnee-Woop”,» Camp, and besides
“”
Kinnee-Woop,” “Camp Sattan,” “Cock-a-Cheece," Indian
William, and their families, all of whom are located at the In-
dian fields, there are other heathen Indians in attendance from
See-bee-wane, and Qua-na-cussee.
One of the White Settlers near the Indian fields, who has no
ear for Pow-wow music, told me to day that he had become so
disgusted with the infernal din, that he was almost tempted to
go and get a whole barrel of whiskey and take over to the In-
dian Camp, and thereby kill every Red Skin assembled there.
The woods bordering both banks of the Cass River near the
Indian fields, are mostly composed of Evergreens, Hemlock
greatly predominating. It rained again this night — the most
abominable weather.
Tuesday Oct. 12th Dark cloudy day with some rain. At 9

166
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
a
o clock in the evening went out of the Shanty a few steps, when
some animal growled quite savagely at me. Two men immedi-
ately came to the door and wanted to know of me what kind of
an animal made that noise. I was unable to inform them. The
night was too dark to make out any object.
Wed. Oct. 13th. A hard white frost last night. A sad and
sorrowful day for poor Bigelow and his family. Bigelow is a
poor man, his whole wealth consisting of a Yoke of Oxen, for
whose labor and that of himself during the winter months in the
Lumber Country, he is entirely dependent on for the support of
his family.
Bigelow,s family consists of Mrs. Bigelow, (who has a very
appropriate name, as she is big and low) and two children,
one a Girl of 17 and the other a smart boy of about ten years
of age.
Bigelow tied up one of his Oxen to a stump last night to pre-
vent it wandering off, and on going out to it this morning found
it dead. Loud lamentations were soon heard in Bigelow,s fam-
ily. Mrs Bigelow started out for the log shed in order to give
louder utterance to her grief, but as she approached it, she
thought she heard a human voice, and listening, she perceived
that it was her boy, and that he was engaged in prayer.
His
prayer she heard and repeated to me. It was this, “Oh God,
Old Brown was a good old Ox. I loved him very much. I
want him to be happy. I pray thee Oh God take Old Brown,
Soul to heaven."
Thursday Oct 14th. Cloudy and rainy. Bigelow got his Ox
hauled off into the woods to day, and then sent word over the
river to the Indians that they might have the Carcass. During
the day the Indians came over the river with their dogs, and
after examining the dead Carcass of the Ox, and finding it very
purulent, they decided that it was not good food for Indians.
The Indians had a long private talk with Bigelow to day, and
told him very seriously that the reason why his Ox died, was
that he had got a bad "Je-moke-o-mon" in his house, and that
"

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
167
if he did not immediately send me away, some other great mis-
fortune would befal him.
Fred returned this afternoon, having brought my Tent, Pro-
visions, and all our hunting Equipage as far as Tuscola, where
he left them.
Friday Oct. 15th. Bought a Canoe this morning of Kinnee-
Woop, and Cock-a-Chees, and at half past 9 A. M, Fred and
Myself stepped into it and paddled Sixteen miles down the river
to the small settlement called Vasser. With the exception of
one solitary log house, in process of erection, with a few trees
cut down around it, it was one unbroken wilderness all the way
from the Fields to Vasser.
One large flock of Geese, and some ducks were all the Game
we saw going down the river. We passed over many rapids,
and feeling considerably tired with paddling, when we arrived
at Vassar I hired a Young Man, who was going up to the
Fields, to help Fred with the Canoe down to Tuscola, and from
there
up
the river to the Fields. I walked from Vassar to Tus-
cola, and arrived there about the same time that Fred did.
Sat. Oct. 16th. Started the Boys off this morning from Tus-
cola for the Indian Fields in my Canoe loaded with Tent, Camp
Utensils, Provisions &c. Day clear and pleasant. They ar-
rived at the Fields at 4 P. M. I started a foot, the distance be-
ing 25 miles, and at 3 P. M had got within four miles of the
Fields, when unluckily I took a Marsh hay road which led me
deep into the woods, so that I was unable to get to Bigelow,
before 7 at night, being in the woods after dark nearly two
hours. I travelled on a keen jump when I found I was lost,
and striking a small Creek I followed it down stream to the
Cass, about a mile above Bigelows.
Sunday Oct. 17th. Started this morning at 12 past 8 A. M.
in our Canoe for the first forks of the Cass, and after a hard
days work paddling and poleing we went ashore at 72 past 3
P, M and Camped. We had a great many rapids to go up to
day, and Fred got out of the Canoe and pulled it over quite a

168
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
number of them. This was a real Indian summer day, being
delightfully warm and pleasant. The scenery along the Cass to
day was very wild and gloomy. We saw one deer standing on
the bank of the Cass, some four rods from us, and Fred made
an effort to shoot it, but his gun snapped. During the night we
heard Deer, Elk, or some other animals make repeated loud
splashings in the water.
Monday Oct. 18th. Got breakfast before daylight, and started
from Camp at 12 past 7 A M, and arrived at the Forks of the
Cass at 2 P. M where we Camped. After going some three
miles this morning, the river became so shallow, and the ripples
so numerous, that both Fred and Myself had to be in the water
above our knees half the time in pushing and lifting our Canoe.
The hardest work I ever did in my life, I done to day. The
weather was most charming, being a warm, still, and a little
smoky Indian summer day.
We saw no game to day with the exception of a Mink or
two, and the entrails of some animal, that the wolves had killed,
lying by the side of the river. A short distance from where we
camped to day, we saw the Carcass of a large Buck that the
wolves had killed.
We boiled Pork, Potatoes, & Coffee for our meals to day,
and I think I never before eat so much in my life in any one
day, as I have to day. Fred went to work and is making a log
Camp in front of the Tent, so that we can have fire in the in-
side.
Tuesday Oct. 19th. This was another beautiful Indian Sum-
mer day. We were both busy this day in making Camp. I
spent most of the day in cutting hemlock brush for the inside
of the Tent, and in cooking for Fred and Myself. In driving a
stake I struck my hand with the back of the axe and bruised it
quite bad.
Wed. Oct. 20th. Another fine Indian Summer day. Devoted
entire day to fixing Camp, and cleaning Gun, and getting every
thing ready to be able to commence hunting to morrow. Shot

PRINCESS
DET
WE
CAMP OF O. H. PERRY, CASS RIVER, MICHIGAN.
Drawn by Dr. E. Sterling.


Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
169
a
at a Partridge close to Camp, but it got off. Fred worked all
day making roof for Camp.
Thursday Oct. 21st. Got up and had breakfast before day.
Started into the woods at 7 A, M, and hunted up the river some
Six miles. Saw no fresh signs of Elk, and but few signs of
deer. Shot twice at a mink in the river but missed it. On com-
ing back to Camp, found that Fred had got it entirely roofed,
with a space left just large enough to allow the smoke to escape.
It is the most comfortable Camp I ever saw, and if we can only
kill a Deer, or Elk, we are fixed out.
Friday Oct. 24th. Fred & Myself, both hunted to day. He
went up the North Fork of Cass River, and I went down the
Cass. I saw no Elk or deer, and but one fresh Elk sign. Fred
saw a 3 Pronged Bull Elk, and said that when he first saw it, it
made a few jumps, then stood still a moment, and walked off.
Made preparations this evening for a Campaign 18 miles up
the
South fork of the Cass, to start to morrow.
Sat Oct. 23d. Left our Camp at 7 A M for the head waters
of Cass River. We put into a Haversack three days provisions,
and equipped with our Guns, Axe, &c, we started. We travelled
together up the Cass river some eight miles, when I shot at a
Mink, and wading across the river to find it, and not succeed-
ing, I told Fred that I would remain on that side of the river,
and meet him at the forks.
After leaving Fred I came to a Thorn Apple Grove, and
found that Six Elk had just been there, and from the way the
ground was ploughed up by their jumping, I suppose I started
them. I saw two or three more fresh Elk signs, but no fresh
deer signs.
I arrived at the Forks 10 minutes after 12 A, M, where I
waited for Fred till 20 minutes to 2 P. M. when he arrived. He
reported seeing no Elk, and but few fresh signs. After our lun-
cheon, we held a consultation, and concluded to return back.
We travelled down the river on our return till 4 P, M when we
Camped.
V

170
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
Sunday Oct. 24th. Started this morning at daylight for our
Camp and arrived there a little after Nine. Shot one Partridge
on the way. The remaining portion of this day staid in Camp,
and the weather being mild, and comfortable, we rolled up our-
selves in our blankets and took a Sunday snooze. Cooked Par-
tridge in the afternoon and had a most eccellent meal. Con-
cluded this day that we would give up Elk hunting, and start
down the river to morrow. Made preparations for doing so.
Monday Oct. 26th. Packed up and left our Camp at 7 A,
M, this morning, and after a hard days push with the Oars and
wading some thirty rapids, some of them 40 rods long, we
camped for the Night. We saw some ducks and a Wild Goose,
and Fred shot the Goose with buck shot.
We met three Elk hunters hard to work to day poleing up the
river, who very anxiously enquired of us how far it was to the
Forks. They were very much discouraged from the fatigue that
they had already undergone, and two of them were inclined to
turn back. I encouraged them all I could to go ahead, as I
wanted them like myself to see the Elephant.
After picking our Goose we made preparations to explore to
morrow the woods in the Vicinity of our Camp. This was a
cloudy and rather cold day.
Tuesday Oct. 26th. Started into the woods at daylight this
morning. Walked some eight miles in an Eastern direction and
back again to Camp which I reached at One P. M. Saw no
fresh signs of Elk, and but few of deer. Woods very Noisy.
Fred having boiled the Goose 272 hours, I put into the pot
with it some pork, Potatoes, and hard bread, and stewed it
down, and had the satisfaction of finding it a most palatable
and eccellent dish. After Dinner, Fred hunted some three
hours, but saw no game, or signs.
Wed. Oct. 27th. Struck Tent at 12 past 8 A, M, and started
again up the river, and after proceeding some Eight miles, a
good portion of the distance being up the meanest kind of
rapids, we went ashore, and agreed that this should be our last

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
171
а
Camping Place, Game, or no Game. While fixing our Camp
this day, we heard a splashing in the water, and looking around
we saw a fine Buck trotting along in the middle of the river. I
run to the Tent for my Rifle, and chased the Buck down the
river about half a mile when I gave him up. It rained a little
this night, but the weather being warm we slept very com-
fortably.
Thursday Oct. 28th. Very rainy this morning. Went into the
woods a short time, got wet through, and returned to Camp. It
rained constantly all day.
At 72 past 3 P, M, we saw wading down the river, drawing
their flat Boat, the three Elk hunters that we had met when
coming down from the Forks. When opposite our Camp, they
stopped, and warmed themselves an hour by our fire. They
were drenched through to the skin with rain, and looked cold
and chilly. One of them was used up. They swore about the
Swamps they got into above the forks, and said they saw noth-
ing else. They had in the short space of three days seen the
Elephant. These Elk hunters said that when they went Elk
hunting again, they would know enough to take a good stock
of provisions with them. They also said that the Swamps were
so thick and bushy near the Forks, and a man made so much
noise in ripping through them, that an Elk must be a fool to
let a man get near enough to him to shoot him.
Friday Oct. 29th. It rained all last night. This morning dark
and rainy. I remained in Camp all day. Fred went into the
woods a few hours, and came back wet through to the skin.
He reported seeing no game, or signs. It rained hard all day.
Sat. Oct. 30th. Dark, foggy, & misty. I hunted half of the
day and saw two deer. Three weeks ago when we were here,
Elk, and deer signs were numerous, but now none are to be
seen. Fred worked all day to day and completed our Camp.
It rained all of this night, but still we slept very comfortable.
We have a large wood fire in our Camp right before the mouth
of our Tent.
VI

172
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
а
Sun. Oct. 31st. This day, dark, foggy, and misty. We spent
the most of this day in Camp, and besides eating very heartily,
we also slept very soundly. Some animal made a loud screetch-
ing and moaning noise around our Camp in the night, and also
in the morning made a loud moaning noise.
Monday Nov. ist. Eat Breakfast at 9 A, M this morning,
and made preparations for a start down the River. Left Camp
at 1 P. M and the river being high from the heavy rains, our
Canoe darted down the river like lightning, going over all the
rocks and rapids without any difficulty. We saw a large Buck
rubbing his horns against some willow bushes on the banks of
the river. We also saw a few Mink, & shot at one of them,
but he finally got away. We arrived at the Indian fields at 12
past 4 P. M.
Tuesday Nov. 2d Left the fields at 8 A, M, and arrived
with our Canoe at Vassar at 12 past One P. M. After getting
our dinner, we got a Yoke of Oxen and drew our Canoe over
the dam and started for Tuscola, which place we reached 20
minutes after 4 P. M. It rained hard all of the afternoon, and
we got completely wet through.
Wed. Nov. 34. It raining this day, we stopped in Tuscola.
Fred & Myself went out hunting in the afternoon. He saw 5
deer, I saw one, but neither of us got any shots.
Thursday Nov. 4th. A drizly rainy day. We hunted all day.
Fred saw 3 deer, I saw one. Got no shots. It rained all of this
night.
Friday Nov. 5th. This was also a rainy day. Started early
into the woods, and saw several deer early in the morning but
got no shot. At 11 A. M. discovered a long distance ahead of
me an Old Buck slowly walking along. Following him up,
he
soon disappeared among some old tree tops, but proceeding
along very carefully and cautiously, I at last got sight of him
again standing broadside towards me. Taking aim at him a lit-
tle back of the foreshoulders, I fired, when in an instant after-
wards he was making most fearful plunges in the brush and old

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
173
tree tops. I pursued after him and had not gone ten rods when
a fine Doe jumped up right before me and ran off without my
getting a shot. I found the Buck dead some thirty rods from
the spot where I had shot him. My ball had gone directly
through his heart.
After hanging him up, I made my way through the woods to
a solitary log house, called the Buck horn Tavern, a Pair of
buck horns answering for a sign. I got here a good dinner of
Venizon, potatoes, and bread. The Landlord was a portly fine
looking man, and an expert hunter. He said his two boys were
good shots with a Rifle, but that his daughter excelled them
both in that respect.
.
Saturday Nov. 6th A rainy day. Got a stiff neck, and a
severe pain across my shoulders. Was in the woods a short
time but saw no deer.
Sunday Nov. 7th. A rainy day. Had a bad night of it last
night. Pain in my shoulders continues.
Monday Nov. 8th. Slept very poorly last night. The pain in
my shoulders continues. Fred went after my Buck this morn-
ing, and returning about Noon, we got dinner, when getting our
Canoe over the Tuscola Dam, some three men assisting us to
carry our Articles to the Canoe, we at 72 past One P, M, bid
adieu to our Tuscola friends, and started for Bridgeport, a place
of One House, which place we reached half an hour after dark.
The river was high, very beautiful, and we had a delightful trip
of it. We saw no game, save a Mink and some ducks.
During the day we passed the Dutch Dam, two of their men
assisting us over it. We put all our articles, with the exception
of our Guns and Elk horns, in an old deserted log house that
stood near the banks of the river, and then went up to the soli-
tary One house in Bridgeport, and stopped over night. They
got us a most eccellent supper, and my Elk horns excited much
curiosity.
Tuesday Nov. 9th Left Bridgeport at 8 A, M, and after a
very pleasant run down the river arrived at Saginaw at 2 P. M.

174
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
We saw to day One large Buck, and great quantities of ducks.
The distance from Bridgeport to Saginaw by water is called 15
miles, by land 9 miles. This bend of the river is called the great
bend of the Cass. The river from Bridgeport to Saginaw being
broad and deep, and a dense forest lining its banks, the Ca-
noeing was very pleasant. We passed several Indian hunting
Camps. At one of them I stopped and enquired En-u-e-taw-
way waw-wash-kish, and received in reply the answer, Cowin-
shin-Cago.
Wed. Nov. 10th. After storing my Camp Chest and Canoe
in Mr Lyttle, Ware-House, and finding no Steam Boat in port,
went to see a Mr Johnson who formerly resided in Cleveland at
an early date, and got him to take Frederick,s daguerotype in
full hunting rig.
Remaining at East Saginaw (a miserable place) several days
without
any Steam Boat arriving, I hired a team and started for
Pontiac some sixty miles or more from Saginaw. At Pontiac I
took the Cars for Detroit, and from the latter place got aboard
a Steam Boat and arrived safely at Cleveland with
my Venizon,
Elk-Horns &c.
DISTANCE FROM THE SPOT WHERE I KILLED
THE ELK
8 Miles
I 2
To the 2d forks of the Cass River
From 2d forks to ist forks of the Cass
From ist forks to Indian Fields
Indian Fields to Tuscola
Tuscola to Saginaw
30
66
22
66
18
Estimated distance by land
Increased distance by water
90 Miles
20
110 Miles

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
175
SCHEDHULE OF PROVISIONS, HUNTING APPA-
RATUS, TENT EQUIPAGE &C TAKEN WITH ME
ON MY LAKE HURON HUNTING EXCURSION
FOR YEAR 1852.
One Cloth Tent & Fly for Same.
4 Blankets, & India Rubber Cloth to roll same up in.
One Double barrelled Steel Rifle.
One do do Shot-Gun.
2 lbs Buck Shot, 4 lbs No. 4 Common Shot.
i Indian Axe, 1 Tomahawk, 1 Tin Camp Kettle.
1 Tin Tea Pot, 5 Tin Cups, 3 Iron Spoons.
2 Knifes & Forks, 1 Frying Pan, 6 Tin Plates.
i Coil Cord, 16 Small Wax Candles.
1 lb Powder in Canister for Rifle, 1 lb Powder for Shot-Gun.
2 Powder Flasks for Rifle & Shot-Gun, 1 Bag Bullets of 124 balls.
2 Wooden Starters, 1 Cone Driver, 1 Screw Driver.
2 Wooden Wipers, 1 Charger, 1 Priming Wire.
3 Boxes Heavy Caps, 1 Box Patches, 2 Compasses.
2 Hunting Knifes, 1 Whetstone, 1 Ivory Hunting Comb.
72 Lbs Bacon, 150 lbs Hard Bread.
20 Lbs Sugar, 2 Lbs Black Tea.
i Small Sack Salt, 3 Papes Pepper.
3 lbs Soap, One Camp Chest, 1 Carpet Bag.
i Stout Bag to Carry Fred, Articles in.
MINK.

176
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
SAGINAW INDIAN METHOD OF TANNING OR
DRESSING DEER SKINS.
Put the skin in water until the hair slips off easily. Then with
a dull edged instrument scrape the hair and grain off. Then let
it dry, after which, take the brains of a deer and squeeze it
through a coarse cloth, then put it into a Vessel of some kind
and add a quart or so of Soap Suds. Then take the skin and
soak it in this preparation about an hour wringing it and work-
ing it as much as possible, after which take it out and put it in
a frame rubbing it dry, or pull it dry before a fire. To smoke
it, dig a small hole in the ground and make in it a fire of dry
rotten wood. Then put the skin on hoops over the smoke, and
let it smoke an hour or two, or until the skin shall become the
same color of the rotten wood.
a
MUSKRAT.

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
177
DIARY OF MY DEER HUNTING EXCURSION ON
THE CASS RIVER, TUSCOLA COUNTY, MICHI-
GAN, IN THE YEAR 1853.
S
EP. 1st 1853. Left Cleveland this day in company
with Frederick Deming at half past 7 P. M. in the
Steam Boat Cleveland for Detroit. The night was
clear and comfortably cool, and the Lake was calm,
save a light dead swell. I slept very comfortable this night.
Sep. 2d Arrived at Detroit at 5 A. M. this morning, and left
Detroit on the Steam Boat Huron at 8 A. M. for Saginaw. The
day was warm and the voyage up St Clair River very pleasant.
Arrived at the mouth of Lake Huron just at night.
Frederick was taken with a fit to day when upon the deck of
the Boat, and fell suddenly backward on his head. Gentlemen
that were present and assisted him told me that they thought he
was dead, but by friction and rubbing him, they brought him to.
He frothed at the mouth, was wild and delirious, and probably
had an attack of Delirium Tremens, although some thought it
was an appoplectic fit. This evening was delightful. Slept
sound this night and felt well.
Sep. 34. Arose this morning at daylight and found that we
crossing Saginaw Bay on our way to the Sauble river,
where we were to unload some 280 barrels of salt for the fisher-
man there.
Arriving at the Sauble at 8 A. M. we spent some four hours
in unloding our Salt into small boats, after which we made for
Saginaw Bay and river, and at Sun down arrived at East Sagi-
naw, where we landed, and after getting our things stored in
Ware House, went to the Tavern. Fred recruited up some this
were cro
W

178
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
a
day. Found my Canoe & Camp Chest left in Ware House last
fall, all right.
Sunday Sep. 4th. Clear and warm, with a light wind from
the South. Remained at the Tavern all day— reading the
papers.
Sep. 5th. This day was very warm, with a strong South wind
in the afternoon. Got down our Canoe in the morning and
made preparations for a start. Fred planed the bottom and
sides of the Canoe, after which I purchased half a gallon of oil
and a brush, and oiled its sides and bottom. Our paddles hav-
ing been purloined, we went over to Saginaw City and pur-
chased a couple of Indian paddles to supply their place.
Having loaded our Canoe and got all things ready, after din-
ner, 72 past 2 P. M. we left the dock of East Saginaw on our
Excursion up Cass River. The wind blowing very hard dead
ahead, we had a hard pull of it until we reached the Cass, when
it went a little easier. We continued on till 12 past 6 P. M.
when we Camped. Fred was very much fatigued and ex-
hausted, and complained of feeling very weak.
Having pitched our tent, and started a fire, we made some
strong Tea, which with some Hard Bread made our Supper.
We suffered this day much from thirst, not wishing to drink the
Cass river water, as it was covered with a green scum, and was
black and warm.
The banks of the Cass as far as we went to day, were very
low and Swampy, and we could not sleep at night on account
of the multitude of Mosquitoes. Saw this day great numbers
of Wood duck,s and Pigeons. The Musk-rats were swimming
around all night.
Sep. 6th. Not having been able to sleep last night on account
of Mosquitoes, we built up a larger Camp fire in the after part
of the night, and boiled a piece of ham which we intend to have
last us two or three days. After breakfast we loaded our Canoe,
and at 12 past 7 A. M. we started.
It thundering considerably, and the sky having an appearance

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
179
of rain, at 2 past 8 A. M. we stopped and Camped. We had
just got our Tent pitched and our Articles stowed in it, when
the rain came on, which proved a very hard one. It continued
to rain hard all day.
At 3 P. M. an Indian, voyaging down the river in his Canoe,
stopped at our Camp and complained of being very buck-a-tay.
I gave him some boiled ham, hard bread &c. He eat a tre-
mendous quantity, and at 72 past 4 P. M. he left us, first en-
quiring of me how far to Saginaw.
We pitched our fly and placing our luggage under it, we re-
served the whole of our small Tent this night for our Sleeping
Quarters. The Mosquitoes troubled us some during the fore
part of the night, but towards morning they left us.
Our Camp this day was by the side of an Indian Hunting
Camp of last winter. The deer horns, with the hair still on the
sculls, hanging up in the trees. Great numbers of ducks were
swimming in the river near our Camp, and flying past us to
day.
Sep. 7th. Got up very early this morning, eat our breakfast,
packed our boat, and started 15 minutes to 7 A. M. The fog
was so dense on the river we could hardly see our way, and as
we proceeded we found the river very low, and had to get out
into the water and draw our Canoe over bars of sand and shal-
low places a great many times.
We went ashore at 72 past One P. M. and eat our dinner,
and at 12 past 2 P. M, we again started, and during the after-
noon passed the Dutch dam, and proceeding on some three or
four miles farther, at 7 P. M. we Camped in a most beautiful
Maple Woods where the banks of the river were high.
We were in the water so much this day, and labored so hard,
that we felt very fatigued, but it was 12 past 9 P. M. before we
went to bed. We made a fine Camp fire to enjoy the evening
with, and to eat our supper by. No Mosquitoes at this Camp-
ing ground.
We saw to day great numbers of Pigeons, and a good many
WI

180
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
ducks. Fred stopped at the Dutch Settlement and got a plug
of Tobacco for his use.
Sep. 8th. Struck tent at 8 A. M. and after passing, pulling,
and lifting our Canoe over innumerable shallows, we arrived at
Tuscola at 10 A. M. Stopping there some two hours, and learn-
ing to our sorrow that there was no water above, we lifted our
Canoe over the dam, and by super human exertion went some
three miles up the river, when we concluded to Camp and wait
till the river raises. We pitched our Tent in a beautiful Maple
and beech Woods, and where the banks of the river were quite
high.
Sep. 9th. Leaving Fred to fix things around Camp, and make
two good stout paddles, I took my Rifle and at 72 past 9 A. M.
took a stroll into the woods on the south side of the river. Saw
four deer, and had one good chance to shoot, but being too
slow, the deer started off before I could pull trigger on him.
On my way back to Camp shot one fine fat Wood duck in the
river. The woods are very dry, and I found the deer in the
Swails.
Sep. 10th. This day was clear and pleasant. Started into the
woods at 6 A. M. and returned to Camp at 12 A. M. Saw
Seven deer, and once came near getting a shot. After cooking
duck and a Squirrel that Fred killed, went to work making a
front to our tent out of slabs. Felt very tired this night, but
slept middling well.
Sep. 11th. The river has fell one inch since we camped here,
I find by examining our water mark board to day. This day
was delightfully cool and pleasant. I find that the woods are
completely parched up. Wanting some fresh Venizon, hunted
a short time to day. Saw no deer, but shot a Wood duck.
Sep. 12th. This morning smoky, and very similar to Indian
summer weather. Hunted part of the day. Saw one deer, a
large Doe. Shot at her twice, and missed both times. Cooked
Duck for dinner. The woods within a mile, on the south side
of the river, being Hemlock, with a thick growth of under

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
181
brush, with their summer foliage still on, makes it very difficult
to get a fair sight at game.
Sep. 13th. This was a beautiful day, too clear and pleasant
for good hunting, and feeling fatigued from Yesterday, tramp
in the woods, I busied Myself about the Camp to day. Fred
went out hunting early in the morning, and remained out till
after 2 P. M, but saw nothing.
Sep. 14th. A very rainy day. Sent Fred to Tuscola with a
letter for Van Voast. Wrote said letter on a paddle. It rained
hard all this day and most of the night. River raised about one
inch.
Sep. 15th. The rain having made the woods in good hunting
condition, Fred & Myself took our Rifles and went out to try
our luck, but finding the woods very foggy, and not feeling like
hunting, I soon came back to Camp. I saw nothing. Fred re-
mained out till 3 P. M. He reported as having seen four deer,
but got no shot. After he retured, he took a bag and went to a
clearing on the North side of the river and got half a bushel of
potatoes. It rained a little this day.
Sep. 16th. We got our breakfast before day this morning,
and crossed the river into the South woods by daylight. After
hunting an hour or so, I discovered a four pronged buck feed-
ing in a Swail, and immediately hauling up, I fired at him and
had the good luck of shooting him down in his tracks. After
hanging him up and dressing him, returned back to Camp which
I reached at 12 past 9 A M.
This day was terribly warm, and the Mosquitoes swarmed in
innumerable numbers in the woods. After returning to Camp
took a bath in the river, and also washed my
shirts.
At 12 A. M Fred returned, and after dinner he went to the
Clearing to get Mr Slafter to aid him in bringing the Buck into
Camp. The weather was so warm, and the Mosquitoes so
numerous, that Fred and Slafter had a hard time of it in carry-
ing the Buck into Camp, which they did, slung to a pole, they
tying up Moss in their hankerchiefs and putting on their shoul-
a

182
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
ders to prevent the pole from cutting in too hard. I gave
Slaf-
ter for his trouble the fore quarters of the Buck, which was a
very fat one. We cooked some of the Venizon for our supper
and found it Nish-she-shin.
Sep. 17th. This was another very warm and sultry day, and
I perspired very profusely. Remained in and around Camp all
day. Cooked Venizon twice for our meals, and Fred busied
himself in making a trough and Shelf for Camp. It thundered
and lightened a great deal during the night, and rained consid-
erably, with a high wind. Hearing a Gun fired off during the
night, I took my Rifle down and answered it, supposing that
some Hunter had got lost.
Sep. 18th. It rained and stormed the most of this day, rain-
ing and thundering very hard during the fore part of the day.
The weather which has been excessively warm for a few days
past, has cooled considerably to day. Finding that the most of
our Venizon was spoiled, we took the remaining sweet part of
it and salted for jerking. It stormed most terribly during the
night, the rain falling in torrents, and the wind howling in the
tree tops in a most hideous manner.
Sep. 19th. This day was cool and pleasant, and I remained
the whole day in and around Camp. The river has raised so
much, I think of pulling up stakes and starting day after to mor-
row, if the water continues up. Made a Venizon stew to day and
eat of it very heartily. Fred went up to Vassar to day.
Sep. 20th. This was a rainy and stormy day. Went hunting
an hour or two in the morning. Saw one deer and some Wolf
signs. Intending to make a start for the Indian fields to mor-
row, made preparations to day. Stewed up a quantity of Veni-
,
zon, and took Deer Skin, some bacon, and other articles that
we shall not need till our return, and left them with our Neigh-
bor Slafter.
The weather has been so warm that the deer skin, and the
Horns, (the Horns being in the Velvet) are nearly spoiled,
smelling very bad. The Owls last night roosted in a tree next

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
183
a
lbs of sugar.
to our Tent, and frequently gave us a serenad during the night.
We have so far since we have been in this Camp been treated
nearly every night with the plaintive notes of the Whippoorwill.
It rained the greater part of this night.
Sep. 21st. Eat our breakfast early this morning, but on ac-
count of a rain coming on and continuing all the morning, made
no particular preparation for a start. I chopped down a large
beach tree for exercise. On looking at my water mark, I find
that the river has fell two inches since yesterday.
It clearing off some about Noon, we struck Tent, packed our
Canoe, and at 72 past One P. M. started. At 72 past 3 P, M,
3
arrived at Vassar, where I got some Cigars and 3
Lifting our Canoe over the Vassar dam and reloading it, we at
4 P, M, again started.
Going along some two miles, we discovered ahead of us some
kind of animals running along the banks of the river, when I
got out of the Canoe and went after them, and finding them to
be a couple of Coons, I killed them. Going along a short dis-
tance farther, we saw another Coon, when I put the Canoe
ashore, and sent Fred after it. He soon ran it down and killed
it, after which we again started, determined to pay no more at-
tention to Coons, and at 6 P. M shoved our Canoe ashore &
Camped. Boiled some water, and had tea and stewed Venizon
for Supper. The night was clear and cold and I slept very com-
fortably.
Sep. 22d. This being a clear and pleasant morning we made
preparations for an early start, but having considerable to at-
tend to, we did not begin to load our Canoe till about 9 A M,
9
and had barely commenced doing so when I heard a splash in
the water, and looking up the river I saw a fine doe standing in
the water, about 25 rods off. Going to my Tent and loading
my Rifle as soon as possible, I was just starting for the side of
the river when I discovered three deer, some 25 rods off, walk-
ing along in the woods in front of my Camp.
I stood by the side of my Tent and shot at two of them.

184
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
The first one that I fired at, I hit. Following their tracks about
a quarter of a mile, I found plenty of blood, when returning to
Camp, I got Fred, and putting on my Coat & Boots, we went
after them. We tracke them by the blood into a Marsh when
we left them. The river being very low, and the day far spent,
we concluded to stay where we were.
Frederick got stung twice to day by Yellow Jackets. The
tree in which they lived being close to our Camp, we burnt
them out at night. There was an immense Colony of them,
Comb enough almost to fill a small Bee Hive. It rained a little
during the night. Night warm and comfortable.
Sep. 23d. Went hunting a short time to day, but saw no
game and but little signs. After Fred came in (he reported see-
ing one deer) we struck tent, packed our Canoe, and at 2 PM
started up the river. Proceeding some two miles and finding it
impossible to go any farther on account of the low water, we
concluded to stop and Camp, and remain until there is an abun-
dance of water to go up the river with, or turn back. We pitched
our tent, got supper, and then retired to sleep, and had a very
comfortable rest.
Sep. 24th. This was a clear and pleasant day. Fred worked
all day making our Camp. I went into the woods and spent the
greater part of the day exploring. Saw one deer, and some fresh
signs. Deer however rather scarce, too much Hemlock and
Pine. Slept cold this night, first cold night since we started.
Heard a deer snort in the night close to our Camp.
Sep. 25th. Clear, cool, and pleasant. On account of having
no meat, tried my luck a hunting a short time this forenoon.
Saw two deer but could get no shot at them. Shot twice at
Partridges and killed one. Pigeons we yet continue to see in
great abundance.
In the afternoon at 4 P. M. when hunting, I heard a loud
squalling noise in a Swamp near me, and the noise continueing
I went in the direction of it, and as the woods were very noisy
I went very slow and carefully, and had got within some ten or

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
1 185
twelve rods of where I supposed the animals were, when one of
them made such a loud squalling noise, that my ears fairly
tingled. I remained perfectly still to get the right direction of
the sound, but heard them no more, with the exception of two
subdued moans. It getting dark, I carefully drew away from
the place, and returned back to Camp.
Fred finished the roof over our log Camp to day, and we are
now fixed very comfortably. Our appetites are tremendous,
and we eat great quantities of Pork, Hard bread, Meat and
potatoes.
The way our Camp is fixed, is this — first we pitched our Tent,
with the Fly over it, covering the bottom of the tent with a
thick layer of Hemlock brush. Then built up in front of the
tent, and joined to it a three sided enclosured of logs, 12 feet
long, by 10 feet wide, with a door next to the tent on one side.
In the space left for the door we hang a blanket to keep the
wind & cold air out. We drive down two large stakes at the
back end of the log Camp, to hold up the back logs, then build
up a fire inside of our log Camp, and cook in it. Slept this
night very comfortable.
Sep. 26th. This was a delightful day, being pleasantly warm
with a fine breeze. Hunted a short time. Saw four deer, and
two Partridges, but could get no shot. Fixed and blazed out a
place where I think by a little manouvering I think I shall be
able to snab a fine Buck that lives near our Camp. Fred saw
no deer and but little signs. Cooked Partridge and the last of
one Ham.
Sep. 27th. A warm and pleasant day. Felt sick at my stom-
ach all day. Had slight chills and pain in my joints, all of
which I attribute to my eating too plentifully of cold unripe po-
tatoes. Fred went hunting a short time, and saw three deer but
got no shot. Deer are scarce in these woods, and if the river
would only rise, we would soon be off.
Our Camp is the most pleasant one I ever saw, being situated
amid thick Hemlocks on a high piece of land, with the Cass
х

1186
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
river on one side, and a Creek on the other. It looks very com-
fortable and in fact is far more comfortable than a great many
houses. I was quite sick during the night, but rested some. It
rained all of this night.
Sep. 28th. A rainy morning. Felt so much better that I went
out to my runway this morning but met with no success. Found
another spot where the deer pass in returning from the flats of
the river to the thick hemlock woods, and after making an ever-
green screen, blazed the way back to Camp. With this latter
runway, and the one heretofore fixed, I think that I certainly
shall be able to trap a deer.
3 3 P. M. feel quite hearty and strong again. Fred went hunt-
ing a short time but saw no game. Chopped wood and other-
wise worked hard nearly all of this day. The night being cold,
and my bed damp, slept but little, and was up most of the
Night.
Sep. 29th. This was a clear and frosty morning. Went out
early to runway and after being there a short time four fine
deer came along. I shot at two of them, and missed both, my
ball in once instance striking a staddle. This was very provok-
ing as we are very much in want of the Venizon, and these
deer I may not be able to trap again.
Fred went hunting all the forenoon, and saw one deer, but
got no shot. Spread bark on the bottom of our tent to keep the
damp out. Slept on bark this night, and found that it answered
well in keeping the dampness of the ground off of us, we both
sleeping warm and sound.
Sep. 30th. Arose at 12 past 4 this morning and got breakfast
by firelight, and at 6 A, M, started for runways, and while go-
ing blundering along saw 4 Deer with their white flags hoisted,
and bounding rapidly away from my sight. Hunted till 12 A,
M, and saw one more deer running. Fred saw no deer. I did
not feel strong to day. Water in the river continues to fall. poor
prospect of getting any farther up the Cass.
Oct. ist. This was a cloudy morning. Went out early to run-

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
187
way, and when going there, saw four deer on a run. Hunted
till 11 A M and saw another deer, but getting no chance to
shoot returned to Camp. Fred returned at 12 A M, he saw no
deer. Cooked Ham, and stewed dried Venizon for dinner and
supper. Rained some during the night. Slept finely. Bed dry
since we put bark on the bottom.
Oct. 24. Got our breakfast before daylight, and went to run-
way, but saw no deer. Afterwards hunting in South saw five
deer in one drove, one of them a large buck which I was just
drawing up my rifle to shoot, when I accidentally touched the
trigger and it discharged. The Buck ran off some six rods and
stopped, when I fired at him my Second barrel and wounded
him. I followed him by his blood till 11 A M, when he went
into a wet windfall, when I left him. Fred returned to Camp
without having seen any game. Cooked Ham and potatoes for
dinner. Sharp frost this night. Slept well.
Oct. 3d Clear and pleasant. Went out and stood on run-
way a short time this morning. Three deer came past me, but
out of gun shot. Saw two other deer this day, and shot twice
at them, but the brush being thick, and the Hemlock woods
dark, I could not see my sights plain when aiming at them, &
consequently missed them. Fred returned about Noon and re-
ported having seen three deer and heard several others snort,
but could get no shot. Cooked Ham & potatoes for dinner.
Hunted in the afternoon, but saw no deer. I feel well now,
eat heartily, sleep well, and if I only had a Venizon would
enjoy life.
My Wigwam is the most pleasant, and the most romantic
looking one I ever saw. An Indian Hunter visited my Camp
this afternoon. He says he shot one deer through to day, but
lost it. He and another Indian with their families are camped
a little below Vassar. Slept first rate this night.
Oct. 4th. Got our breakfast this morning before daylight,
and just at the break of day started for our runway. Several
deer came running past me, two of them in gun shot distance.
XI

188
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
a
I fired at them both, and wounded one, a large doe, which
separating from the other one ran across the river, up the bank,
and into the swamp when I lost her. This is luck bad enough
to try the patience of Job. I found on search that one of my
balls had struck a staddle that stood directly in line with the
first deer that I fired at.
Hunting in South, about 9 A, M, I discovered a large Buck
standing behind a tree with no part of his body exposed so as
to make a dead shot. Waiting till he walked out from behind
the tree, I then took aim at him a little back of the fore shoul-
ders and fired, when he ran off some 20 rds and fell dead. On
going up and examining him, I found him to be the sam buck
that I had shot at and wounded Oct. 2d.
I hung him up, and in the afternoon Fred & Myself went
,
with our Canoe about a mile down the river, and then striking
through the woods to where he was, took his Hide & Horns, 4
or 5 lbs of tallow, and one hind quarter, and carried them to
the Canoe, when we returned up the river back to Camp. He
was very fat, and we felt sorry to see him so wasted, but I felt
spleeny about eating him.
Oct. 5th. Morning dark and stormy, with sharp lightning &
terrific thunder. Went out late in the morning to runway but
saw no deer. Hunted in South and walked very fast to spy out
some new hunting grounds. Saw 6 deer, but got no shot. Fred
was out all the forenoon, and saw one deer, and shot one Par-
tridge.
Oct. 6th. Clear and pleasant. One deer came through the
runway. I shot at and missed him. Having shot so many
times at deer in the morning and missed them, I am convinced
that it is owing to the darkness of the woods so early in the
morning preventing me from seeing through my back sight.
During the forenoon I saw one other deer but got no shot.
Returned to Camp at Noon.
Fred made to day 13 steps down the bank to the river. This
with a wooden railing, makes it easy and safe to go from our

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
189
Camp to the river either in the day or night time. Wild animals
having eat the Venizon that we placed in different spots through
the woods, I set my trap to day by the side of one piece that
they had partially covered up with leaves. This was a delight-
ful evening and I slept sound. I go out of the Camp still even-
ings just before going to bed and listen for ten, or fifteen min-
utes, to the different noises that the wild animals make in the
woods.
Oct. 7th. Got up very early, eat breakfast, and went to trap
before daylight. Found it sprung and a black rat in it. Went
to runway and saw four deer but got no shot. Hunted all the
forenoon, saw four more deer but no chance to shoot.
Fred started with the Canoe this morning for Vassar to pro-
cure potatoes and Sugar. The people told him at Vassar that
Van Voast had gone past there some two weeks ago on his way
to the Indian Fields, and that his things had only to day been
sent to him. Just at night a Hunter in his Canoe stopped op-
posite our Camp and enquired how far it was to Vassar. He
said that Van Voast had been with his party up to the forks of
Cass river on an Elk Hunt.
Oct. 8th. Arose early and hunted till 10 A. M. Saw but one
deer. Woods too dry and noisy to hunt with any success. At
II A. M. Fred & Myself took our Canoe and went down to
Vassar to see Van Voast. We got there at 12 past 12 A. M,
but found that he had gone down the river leaving me a letter
stating that he was pretty well used up, having been to the forks
of the Cass, and up White Creek, and had neither seen deer or
Elk.
On our return up the river to Camp, stopped and got another
piece of the Old Buck for bait. This has been a mild and pleas-
ant day, a real Indian summer day.
Oct. 9th. A most delightful Indian Summer day. Hunted
till after One P. M and had a long tramp of it. Saw three
single deer and shot twice at one of them, but as I stood upon
a small log when I shot, I could not take steady sight and

190
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
missed. Fred saw two deer this day. Washed my shirts in the
afternoon.
Oct. 10th Dark, sleety, and stormy. In going to runway
.
this morning I starte three deer, and one of them running near
Fred & stopping, he fired at it twice & missed. I saw three
other deer this day, and shot twice at one of them and missed.
The woods are so thick in places that it is almost impossible to
shoot a ball through the brush so as to hit a deer.
Kin-nee-woop, a celebrated Indian Hunter stopped at my
Camp to day. When he saw my Canoe, he laughfed, and
pointing to himself said, Me, Me, meaning that he made it. He
came into my Camp, poked the fire, asked for Tobacco, and
Whiskey, and said that he and Cock-a-cheesh were camped
three miles above me, and were hunting Elk. He said he had
got three Elk jerked for Winter & next summer. He said that
the fire in the woods had driven the Elk away from their usual
haunts. When he was coming up our stairway from the river
to our Camp, he stopped, looked, and then laughfed out aloud.
We were also visited to day by a Je-moke-o-mon hunter. Some
animal having eat the bait that we put in the woods South of
our Camp, we went to the spot and set our trap. Night clear
and cold.
Oct. 11th. Clear, cold, and frosty. While on the way to run-
way I started three deer, but got no shot. Hunted till One P.
M. and saw four more deer, but had no chance to shoot. Went
with Fred to our trap, and found a large Wild Cat caught in it.
I shot him, took him out of the trap, and then again set it.
Oct. 12th. Clear, cold, and frosty. Went hunting, but found
the woods too noisy to have any hopes of success.
Saw no
deer, but shot one Partridge, and one Pidgeon, which I cooked
for dinner. Fred while hunting to day, saw a very large Wolf
some eight rods from him, and shot at it, and missed it, his ball
having struck a large staddle and nearly cut it in two. He cut
down the staddle, and made a Cane of it. Slept sound and well
this night.

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
191
Oct. 13th. Feeling fatigued from yesterday, tramp, I hunted
but a short time to day. Saw four deer, but had no chance to
shoot. The woods are too thick and noisy to see deer before
they run. There not having been rain enough to raise the river,
I shall give up my Elk Hunt & return down the river to where
the woods are more favorable for deer hunting. Fred was out
all of the forenoon and saw five deer, but as usuaal got no shot.
In the afternoon sent him off down the river to explore, to be
absent till to morrow night. This night was clear & cold and I
slept sound and well.
Oct. 14th. Hunted a part of this day and saw one deer.
Killed one Partridge and a Squirrel. Got quite fatigued in mak-
ing a new path to runway. Fred returned just at night and
made a poor report of deer signs down the river. Slept well
this night.
Oct. 15th. This morning clear and cold. Went out to run-
way by a back track, got lost, and did not get around in time
before five deer had run out. Some large animal having been
to our bait in the Swamp on the North side of the river, I sent
Fred after the trap and set it there.
A A party of Six Surveyors visited our Camp to day, and bor-
rowed some of our Articles to cook with. Three of them re-
turned at night, having left their Packs at our Camp, and re-
mained with us till 9 P M in the evening, when they pitched
their small tent under the bank of the Creek near us. They had
travelled a great deal through the woods, and said the best place
for Elk was on the head waters of Sucker Creek. According to
their directions, follow the Creek up to its forks, then take the
left hand fork and go in a North East direction a mile, or two,
and you get into rolling beech land where the Elk come out
from the bordering Swamps and feed.
Oct. 16th. Clear & pleasant. Went to runway but saw no
deer. returning to Camp crossed the river and visited trap and
found it not disturbed. Saw unmistakle signs this morning that
the animal that visits our bait, is a large Bear. One of the Sur-

192
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
veying party remained with me at my Camp till One P. M. At
2 P. M. the whole of them put on their packs and bade us
adieu. This night was warm, and no frost.
Oct. 17th. Fred & Myself crossed the river before daylight
this morning and went to our trap and found it gone. Follow-
ing the trail of it a few rods, we found it sprung but no animal
in it. The bait was knawed and eaten considerably, and one
large piece of meat that the bear had torn off the bait, lay on
the ground near the spot where we had set the trap. The bait
itself was a foreshoulder of the Buck I killed and was tied se-
curely to a small tree, and hung within about two feet of the
ground.
Set trap again, but have no hopes of the Bear again visiting
it since he has sprung it. After returning to Camp, went out to
runway, and started one large Buck on the way, but saw no
,
other deer. Sent Fred this day to Vassar to get flour & pota-
toes. This has been a clear, warm and pleasant day.
Oct. 18th Clear & pleasant. Went out to runway, but saw
no deer. Returning to Camp sent Fred to Tuscola after rising
pouders, after which, hunted till 12 A M. Saw four deer, all in
one drove. Shot at one of them a fine doe, and from her ac-
tions felt convinced that I had mortally wounded her. Going
to the spot where she stood when I fired at her, I soon found
blood, and following her track along by the blood some Sixty
rods, found her dead. I had shot her through the Lights, my
ball going entirely through her body. After hanging her up
and
dressing her returned to Camp.
I am well convinced that there are but very few deer in the
woods in the vicinity of my Camp. The woods are on fire, and
the fire & smoke have driven them away. Two of the Survey-
ing party, Smith and Baldwin returned to my Camp to day on
their way up the Cass river bound on an Elk Hunt. One of
them took dinner with me to day. Fred returned just at night.
Night clear & warm.
Oct. 19th Clear & pleasant. Saw no game at runway.
. .

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
193
at
Brought Doe into Camp, and took a portion of her and made
bait of it. Finding to day that the Wild Cats had been working
my
bait on the South side of the river, removed my trap from
the Bear bait, and set it for the Wild Cats. In the afternoon
Fred and Myself took the Canoe, Blankets, & some provision,
and went down the river and camped.
Oct. 20th. An hour before daylight this morning we took the
Canoe and paddled very carefully down the river a mile, or so,
to a spot where a day or two since I had seen plenty of deer
signs. Going ashore, we took our station in the middle of a
narrow flat, and watched there till half past Seven A, M, for
deer, but were disappointed in seeing any. Went to our trap
and found it just as we had left it, after which returned up the
river back to our Camp and cooked ourselves a good Venizon
breakfast and dinner all in one meal. A very strong smell this
day of the burning woods. The Deer have all left.
Oct. 21st. Warm and dark, with a mild gentle rain. Went
out to runway, but met with no success. There are now no
deer in the woods. The fire, smoke, or other causes, have
driven them all away.
Oct. 22d. Cold & rainy. Remained in Camp all day. Salted
.
some Venizon for jerking. Fred went to the trap this morning,
and in an hour or two returned to Camp bringing on his back
an uncommonly large Wild Cat. It had grawed one of its feet
nearly off in its exertion to get out of the trap. Our roof leaked
some this day causing us some trouble. Slept sound and warm
this night.
Oct. 234. Dark & Snowy. Went out to runways. Saw this
time two deer, but could get no shot at them.
Oct. 24th. Cold, cloudy & freezing, with some hail. Went
Hunting a short time, but saw no deer. Sent Fred to Vassar
and he returned in time to assist me in setting trap for Bear. A
Bear last night had come to some bait that we had set, and be-
sides eating and carrying off nearly a whole shoulder, had cov-
ered up a neck piece with leaves.
y

194
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
Oct. 25th. Cold & frosty. Went on our scraped path very
carefully to Runways, but saw no deer. After returning to
Camp went to bait, and found that it had not been disturbed.
Took a turn South through the great Swamp, and got back
to Camp at 3 P M. Saw nothing. Fred succeeded in get-
ting a shot at a deer to day, and wounding it, but failed in
getting it.
Oct. 26th. Warm and cloudy. Sent Fred to the Indian fields
to see if we can get there with our large Canoe, and also to
make enquiries about Elk. Went to runway but saw no deer.
Went to trap and found the bait nearly eat up, but the trap not
sprung. It commenced raining this afternoon and continued to
rain all night
Oct. 27th, Comfortably warm. Went to trap, but found it
not sprung. Worked all day in making preparations to leave
Camp to morrow. Fred returned about noon and made a poor
report in regard to our being able to reach the Indian fields
with our Canoe. In the afternoon he made a visit to our baits
in the South woods and found them all
very
much eaten, some
of them eat up entirely.
Oct. 28th. Clear & cool. Struck tent, loaded our Canoe, and
left Camp at 12 past 8 A. M. to go down the river to one of
our former camping grounds some two miles and a half this side
of Tuscola, which place we reached at 12 A. M. On our way
down the river met an Indian spearing fish, and shortly after
arriving at our Camping Ground, and while eating dinner, the
same Indian came to our camp. I gave him some dinner, after
which he said he had a large Buck in his Canoe which he shot
a few minutes after we left him. The Buck he said was in
pur-
suit of a doe and followed her across the river only a few rods
distant from where he was spearing fish. In the afternoon fixed
our Camp, and made things as comfortable as we could.
Oct. 29th. Clear & cool. Hunted to day through the woods
to Vassar, and saw Seven deer, but got no shot. Bought at
Vassar a pair of Shoes to Hunt in. Fred took the Canoe and
a

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
195
went back to our old Camp after boards. I met him on his re-
turn at Vassar and we both took dinner there.
Oct. 30thClear & cool. Hunted a short time in the fore-
noon but saw no deer. Baldwin and his Companion came to
our Camp this evening, and remained till 10 P. M, and the
night being very dark, and he having to go some distance
through the woods before he would strike the road to Smith,
House, where he had left his things, Fred took some fat pine
and made a good torch to light him through the woods. Bald-
win told us that he had been abent on a Elk hunt ten days, and
during that whole time had neither seen an Elk, or any fresh
signs of Elk. He also informed us that great numbers of Elk
Hunters had been up the Cass this fall, and that the fire in the
woods had driven the Elk over to the Bay, where the Indians
had already killed some thirty of them.
Baldwin also told us that he Camped one night in one of our
Camps Eight miles down the river from the first forks of the
Cass, and that he had a good supper there of young potatoes
that he pulled up near the roots of a tree, and that had grown
from some potatoes that we had covered up with leaves and left
there last fall. He also said that five Hunters were building a
log House Hunting Camp at the forks, and intend wintering
there. When he was there, they had already been there four
weeks, and had killed two deer and one Elk.
He also saw Kinne-woop, who looked very sad, and told him
that Chay-way, and Snaw-ba too, will soon be Cock-ca-go.
Oct. 31st. Hunted in South through the Hemlocks to the
hard timber, and saw three deer, but got no shot. Day warm
with considerable wind.
Nov. ist. Hunted in South, but saw no deer. The deer I
think are farther East of us on Gooden, Creek. The Hemlocks
there are very thick, and I understand that it is a favorite resort
for deer in rutting time. Shot a Hare to day.
Nov. 2d. It rained during the night, and finally turned into
snow this morning. Went into the South woods and got com-
yi

196
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
pletely drenched through with the wet snow falling off the trees.
Hurried back to Camp, and saw four deer on my way back, but
made no exertions to get a shot at them, as my Compass had
failed me, and I had great difficulty in finding my way through
the dark Hemlocks to Camp. On reaching Camp threw my
Compass into the fire. Fred went this day after Turnips, and
returned with half a bushel.
Nov. 34. Found the snow frozen this morning. Went into
the woods, but I made such a noise in walking on the frozen
snow and leaves, that there was no use in trying to hunt, and
consequently returned back to Camp.
Nov. 4th. Remained at Camp all day, and spent the time in
Chopping wood, Cooking, Eating, mending, and doing many
other little Camp duties. Sent Fred to Tuscola after Sugar and
flour, and as the river is frozen over, he went afoot.
An Indian brought me this day an hind quarter of Venizon.
There are about forty Indians, including squaws and children,
camped within half a mile of me on the same side of the Cass.
Baldwin & Smith came to our Camp after dinner and re-
mained nearly all of the afternoon. They reported Wm Case
being at Saginaw.
Nov. 5th. Cold. Snowed all day. Early this morning crossed
the river in Canoe and hunted in South woods. Just as I had
crossed the river, a large Buck came bounding down the bank
and breaking the ice on the edge of the river, ran across it at
the riffles, where the water was about two or three feet deep.
Not being prepared, I made no shot at him.
After going some two miles through the hemlocks up the
river, and finding the woods too noisy to expect any success in
hunting, I went to an old deserted lumber Camp, built up a
large fire in it, dried my Clothes, and made myself very com-
fortable. Leaving the Lumber Camp at 3 P. M. I returned
back to Camp, the woods presenting a most beautiful appear-
ance, the boughs of the thick hemlocks being covered and
loaded with snow, and joined so close together as to make

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
197
almost a complete canopy. The river is now so frozen below us,
that we could not leave our Camp, if we felt so disposed. Took
paddle and shovelled the snow off the fly of our tent, the snow
having pressed the fly against the sides of the Tent itself.
Two Indians came to our Camp just at night and brought
us some venizon. This night was clear and very cold. Water,
Meat, &c froze in our tent, but we slept however warm and
comfortable.
Nov. 6th. Morning clear & cold, and the middle of the day
a little thawy. Left Camp at 2 P. M. and hunted in South to
the hard timbered land, and saw three deer, 2 Bucks and a doe.
One of the Bucks and the Doe I saw together some 25 rods off
from me, slowly walking along and feeding. Having the best
chance to shoot at the Doe, I fired at her first, when she ran
sideways & partly towards me into a tree top, some 20 rods dis-
tant from me, and stopped.
Knowing that I had given the doe a death shot, I turned
my attention to the Buck, who after my firing at the doe, had
jumped off a few rods, stopped, and was looking back to the
spot where the doe had gone. I fired my second barrel at him,
but being in too great a hurry missed him.
Loading up as quickly as possible, and seeing the doe still
standing in the tree top, I fired at her again, when she moved a
little farther into the tree top, and was hid from my sight.
Remaining perfectly still, in a short time the Buck approach-
ed very slowly and cautiously the tree top where the doe was,
and getting a fair chance to shoot, I fired and broke his fore-
shoulder, wounding him badly. He ran off a few rods and then
settled down into a slow walk.
It getting to be night, I first hung up the doe, whom I found
that I had twice shot through, once however through the
paunch, and then went after the Buck. After following his
track a short time, I started him out of his bed, and following
him along a short distance, I saw him some thirty rods ahead
of me slowly hobbling along, but it getting dark & the snow

198
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
having frozen, making a cronching noise when walking, I had
no hopes of getting near enough to shoot and left him for to
morrow.
It became quite dark by the time I reached the hemlocks,
and if I had not been well acquainted with the woods, I should
not have been able to have found my way back to Camp.
Nov. 7th. Fred, and Myself started this morning very early
into the woods after my wounded Buck, but after finding the
track & following it a short time, it got so mixed up with other
deer tracks that we finally lost it. While following the track,
we found where the Buck had laid down three times in a dis-
tance of 8o rods. He bled quite profusely at first, but before
we lost the track, we could only now and then find a drop of
blood.
Returning back to Camp, Fred & Myself separated, and just
as I had struck the edge of the hemlocks on my return, I dis-
covered directly ahead of me, some 30 rods off, a fine buck
walking. About the moment I saw him, he heard me, or some
other noise, and quickly tossing up his head, stood still, and
gazed in my direction. Drawing a fine aim on him a little back
of the shoulders, I fired, when he suddenly dropped his tail,
squinched, and with great rapidity darted away through the
hemlocks.
Loading my Rifle, I went to the spot where he stood when I
fired at him, and following his track a few rods, I found by the
blood, hair, & other unmistakeable signs, that I had shot him
through, but a little too far back from the shoulders, and that it
would probably require something of a tramp before I could get
him. Considering it over I thought it best to return to Camp
and get Fred to assist me.
Hastily eating some dinner after arriving at Camp, and Fred
in the mean time having returned, we at 14 past 3 P. M. went
3
in pursuit of our game. Striking his track and following it a
short distance, we found that he had come down to a walk and
was bleeding considerably, and consequently expecting to see

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
199
do so.
him very soon, proceeded along very still and cautiously. After
following the track about half a mile, to our great surprise we
came to the spot where a Mogasin foot had cut in ahead of us
on the track.
Counselling together a moment, we finally agreed to pursue
on as fast as we could, and overtake the Indian if possible to
When near sun down, and while walking along as fast
as we could on the Mogasin & deer track, we heard two rifle
shots fired in quick succession about half a mile ahead of us,
which spirred us on more rapidly than ever.
Following on, we at last came to the end of the track, and
near was a pile of snow & leaves. I told Fred that the Indian
had shot our deer, and that it lay under that pile of snow &
leaves, and that I thought the Indian was near by to see if any
hunter was following up the track of the wounded deer, and if
no Hunter came along before dark, he the Indian would take
the deer & carry it to his Wigwam.
On opening the pile of snow and leaves, as I expected, we
found my buck. The Indian had neither cut his throat, or
dressed him. We soon dragged him out, hung him up, and was
dressing him when an Indian Hunter came walking up to where
we were. Finding that he could talk no English, I asked him
in Indian if he shot the Buck. He replied Yes, and pointed to
his bullet hole in him. I then showed him where I had shot
him, my ball having went through its hip & belly. He was per-
fectly satisfied, and wanted me to go with him a little distance.
Following him he went to another pile of leaves and showed me
a fine buck that he had covered up there, and then going a little
farther, he showed me where he stood when he shot at the two
Bucks. He killed mine first, and immediately after shooting
discovered the other.
Knowing that it would be impossible for Fred and Myself
without the aid of the Indian to get back to our Camp through
the dark hemlocks after dark, I made the Indian an offer of the
foreshoulders of my deer, and One dollar for the saddle of his
a
a

200
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
deer, if he would pilot us through the woods to our Camp. Ac-
cepting my offer, he quickly stripped the skin from his deer, and
taking the shoulders of his buck, and my buck, he hung them
on a tree. Then peeling some basswood bark, he tied up the
Saddle in the skin, and strapping it on his back, started through
the woods for my Camp. Fred carried on his back, the Saddle
of the Buck I shot, and I carried our two rifles and the Buck
Horns. The Indian traveld very fast, and only stopped three
times to adjust his pack. Fred & Myself sweat most profusely,
and we wanted to rest, but the Indian would'nt understand, and if
we let him get ten ft ahead of us we could'nt see him in the dark.
After travelling about an hour in the dark hemlocks, the In-
dian came to a halt, threw off his pack on the ground, and
wanted me to go with him. We went a few rods down a bank
to the river, when he looked up and down the stream, and
finanly pointing to some object, I looked & could quite plainly
see my cloth Tent across the river.
Going to the spot where I had left my Canoe, we all three of
us crossed over to my Camp. making up a fire, I gave the In-
dian a Supper of bread and pork, after which paying him One
dollar for his Saddle of Venizon, he took his deer skin and
started off for his own Camp half a mile down the river.
Nov. 8th. A rainy day. The Indian that killed my buck in
company with two other Indians came to my Camp to day to
be ferried over the river. The rain slaking up a little, at 1/2 past
3 P. M. I went into the woods and saw two Bucks, and when
just on the point of shooting at one of them, my gun went off.
The other buck I fired at twice, but missed him.
One of my locks bothers me very much. The woods were
very dark to day, and I could hardly see through my back
sights. Fred went out but saw no deer. It rained hard all of
this night.
Nov. 9th. A poor day for hunting. Travelled in South and
East, but saw no deer, and but one fresh track. Fred reported
seeing one deer.

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
201
Nov. 10th Cold, cloudy, and the woods cronchy, a most
miserable day for hunting. Indians brought me a saddle of
Venizon, and told me that the deer had migrated East of us.
Nov. 11th. Very early this morning, Six Indian Hunters with
Rifles and packs on their backs came to my Camp to be ferried
over the river. After stopping a few minutes, I told them all to
get into the Canoe at once; this they demurred to at first, but
after talking together they finally marched down to the Canoe
in Indian file, each squatting down and crossing his rifle across
the Canoe as they took their position in it.
Finding that my large cargo of Indians loaded my
Canoe
almost down to the water, edge, I first paddled up the river
close to the bank, to get a little accustomed to my load, and
then shoved off into the current, when the Indians laughfed and
were quite merry. I finally landed them safe across the river,
but if they had been White men instead of Indians they would
certainly have turned the Canoe over.
After ferrying over the Indians, took Canoe and went down
the river to Tuscola. When passing the Indian Lodges saw the
Squaws engaged in dressing deer skins. They had a large num-
ber stretched on poles with the hair and grain off.
Saw Sherman at Tuscola who told me that he had shot two
Bear this summer. He also told me that when the last snow
storm came on, the Hemlock woods at the Indian fields were
filled with deer, and that in September the Indians killed four
Bull Elk. Saw my name to day on a dry good,s box in Harri-
son, store written yesterday by Wm Case, who left Tuscola yes-
terday.
Nov. 12th. Commenced making preparations this morning to
leave Camp, but a hard rain coming on which lasted all day
and night, I made no headway. Cooked the last of our flour
yesterday. The Indian Hunters that went off yesterday came
straggling back to day. As they came opposite my Camp, they
gave a shrill whistle, when I took the Canoe and brought them
across. The whole party had killed two deer, the saddle of one
Z

202
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
I bought of them, giving for it 2 Iron Spoons, some pork, lead
& powder. One Indian that I ferried across, was pretty well used
up. He was wet as a rat, very hungry, and remained in my Camp
some two hours. I could talk with him quite well. I gave
him
some Venizon, fried pork, and a small piece of bread to eat.
Fred & Myself brought into Camp the Doe that I killed, and
as she had been out in the rain so long, we were afraid she
would spoil, and consequently after dark we skinned her. This
rain is making us a great deal of trouble, and I don't know
when we shall be able to leave Camp.
Nov. 13th. Cloudy, and cold, but no rain. Continued our
preparations for making a start. During the forenoon saw a
Canoe with a man and woman in it coming down the river.
They had been up at the Forks intending to stay all winter, but
getting discouraged, had made a Canoe and left. The woman
was about 30 years old, slim, and very keen eyed, said that she
had for several years past Camped out and hunted in different
parts of the West, and generally with good success. She, and
her husband had with them three rifles. She told me that
when at the forks she got a shot at a Wolf but unfortunately
missed it.
Having eaten up all our provisions we took our Canoe and
went down to Tuscola to Supper, and returned back to Camp
by moonlight. Not feeling satisfied with our Tuscola Supper,
we made up a fire cut the tenderloin from a deer and cooked it
on a stick. About 9 P. M. four men having got benighted in
the dark hemlock woods across the river, and making a great
hooting noise, Fred & Myself took our Canoe and went to their
aid. It was so dark in the hemlocks, that we couldn't see a foot
ahead of us, but we finally got the party into our Canoe and
brought them across the river, and piloted them a short distance
towards the road to Tuscola.
Nov. 14th Got up early this morning, and after making
some Coffee, struck tent, dried the fly and tent, loaded our
boat, and then bidding our Old Camping Ground adieu, started

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
203
down the river. Arriving at the Indian Camps, I hallooed,
when some of the Indians came to me, to whom I gave such
articles that we did'nt need, then bidding them good bye, we
shoved off arriving at Tuscola at 9 A M. Going ashore we
ordered breakfast and while this was preparing we worked in
getting our Canoe and things over the dam.
Leaving Tuscola we arrived at Bridgeport 12 miles at One
P, M, having had to pass the Dutch Dam on the way which
caused us some trouble. We also stopped and assisted some
Squaws in dragging their Canoe around the dam.
Going to the Tavern at Bridgeport, I purchased some pro-
visions, when running down the river about a mile we stopped
and rested about an hour, eating our dinner.
We then started again passing on our way down quite a
number of Indian Camps. Proceeding on till after dark, we
stopped, made a large fire out of drift wood, eat our supper by
the light of it when we again at 7 P, M got into our Canoe
and by moonlight paddled down the river.
After reaching the Saginaw river, having a favorable wind we
continued our course to East Saginaw, arriving there at 9 P. M,
where we found the Steam Boat Huron.
Tying our Canoe under the Dock, and leaving our articles in
it, with the exception of our Rifles and Carpet Bags, we went
up to the Tavern, where for the first time since the 5th of Sep-
tember last, we slept in a bed.
Nov. 15th. Morning clear and pleasant. On going to our
Canoe, found it and all the articles in it safe. After packing
away some of our Articles in the Camp Chest, and receiving
from Mr Lyttle a Ware House receipt for it, and our Canoe,
the Steam Boat Huron came over from Saginaw City, and get-
ting ourselves and traps on board, she started down the river,
and after visiting the Sauble, and lying one whole night in
Taw-wass Bay, where she got aground, we at last safely reached
Detroit, where finding a Steamer bound for Cleveland, we went
aboard and next morning awoke in Cleveland.
ZI

204
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
DIARY OF MY ELK HUNT ON THE FORKS OF
THE CASS RIVER, & DEER HUNT IN TUSCOLA
COUNTY, MICHIGAN, IN THE YEAR 1854.
EP. 7th Left Cleveland in company
with Addison
Alderman on the May Queen for Detroit, and
owing to one of the boilers failing, arrived too late
at Detroit to take the Saginaw Steamer. Not wish-
ing to remain in Detroit until next tuesday morning which I
would be obliged to do, if I waited for the Saginaw Steamer, I
took the Cars Sep. 8th for Pontiac, and arrived there at 7 P M.
Sep. 9th. It having rained yesterday, and a considerable por-
tion of to day, was obliged to remain in Pontiac all of this day.
Made a bargain to day with the Landlord to take us to Tus-
cola.
Sep. 10th. Started this morning in a two Seated light two
horse wagon for Tuscola, and as the day was cool, and the
roads quite good, we got along quite comfortably, arriving at
Pine Creek 48 miles from Pontiac at 7 P. M, where we stopped
for the night.
Sep. 11th. Started at 12 past 7 this morning and went 12
miles to Tuscola. The roads were perfectly awful, the most of
it being Corduroy, and the ballance over roots of trees and
black deep mud. Stopped on the way at the Buck-horn and
saw Mr & Mrs. Newton.
Found at Tuscola a young English Officer who had just re-
turned from an Elk Hunt. He had an eccellent outfit, his
whole rig being water proof, and was accompanied by a half
breed Indian. He stated to me that he had been two weeks at
the Forks, but found so many Indians there that he could see
no Elk. He went from the Forks to the Lake South of White

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
205
Creek, and when going there shot a large Bear. He took a
great fancy to my Rifle, and was anxious to get one like it.
Sep. 12th. After having engaged, this morning, a team to go
to the Forks, I took my Rifle and Carpet Bag, leaving Alder-
man to follow with the team, and started on foot for Vassar.
Visited
my old Camp on the river and found portions of it
still standing. The Tent stakes were all sticking in the ground
just as I left them. Bones, deer feet, portions of Hard bread
barrels, trough,s, poles, and many other things that I had used,
lay just as I had left them. Even the wood that I had chopped,
laid there undisturbed. Arrived at Vassar at 4 P M, and stopped
at Pennells.
Sep. 13th. A clear, cool, and pleasant day. Not being able
to wear one of my shoes, got a piece of buck skin and made
myself a Mogasin. In the afternoon took my rifle and went up
the river some four miles to visit my old Camp. Found it
changed some, one end of it being closed up with brush, and
many of the trees having been chopped down around it. On
the opposite side of my Camp across the River I found the
banks all tracked up with deer. On my return through the
woods back to Vassar I saw four deer but got no shot at
them.
Sep. 14th. A very rainy day. Remained in house nearly all
day. No news from my team, or Alderman to day.
Sep. 15th. Cloudy and a little drizzly. North brought me
word to day that Alderman was sick and wanted me to come to
Tuscola. Started for Tuscola, and met Alderman on the road
coming to Vassar. He was weak and feeble and could hardly
totter along. About 5 P. M. the Ox team having my things
aboard arrived at Vassar.
At
5
P. M, in company with another person, started for
Kinne-woop,» Camp up the river. Found some Venizon hang-
ing up in it, took one Ham, and left stuck in a crotched stick a
quarter of a dollar for it. Arrived back at Vassar an hour after
dark.

206
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
I have now been at Vassar nearly three days, & have had
most miserable board. The water also is very poor.
Sep. 16th. Morning clear and frosty. Started off early for
the Indian Fields. Alderman is very sick and seems hardly able
to walk. At 12 A. M. we arrived at Mrs. Glones and took din-
ner. Alderman is hardly able to stand up, and all advise him to
stop, but as he hates to be left here in the woods, he got on to
the Wagon and went along.
We were out in the woods on a blazed road this night till 11
P. M. when we came to a log House where we stopped. The
woods were so dark, I could only get along by following directly
behind the wagon for four hours this night, and got wet and
muddy up to my knees. At the house, the woman got up and
cooked us some supper. I eat quite hearty, but Alderman could
eat nothing.
Sep. 17th Clear and fine. After eating a hearty breakfast,
and procuring a New Wagon in the place of the old one which
we we broke, at 11 A. M. we started and travelled till dark
when we stopped for the night in thick hemlock woods. We
made very fair progress to day, and had few logs and trees to
cut to make road for wagon. We made a fire this night by the
side of a large hemlock tree, and pitching no tent, we took out
of the wagon a piece of bacon and some hard bread on which
we made our supper.
Being all of us very thirsty, and having no water, we suffered
considerable and could eat but little. Making a torch, I took
the Teamster and started South through the woods in search of
water. We found the bed of a dry Creek and dug down in it,
in several places but got no water. Our Teamster is a very in-
temperate man, and being now deprived of water he is feverish,
and on returning to Camp from our search after water he was
taken
very
sick & vomited several times.
The poor Oxen having neither water to drink, or any think to
eat, I chopped down all the small trees within the light of our
Camp fire, and allowed them to browse on them till 11 P. M.

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
207
when I took the Oxen and chained them to a tree for the
night.
Alderman was sick all day, eat nothing, and seems entirely
used up. He was advised last night not to go any farther. I
had all the hard work to do, providing wood and keeping the
fire up all night. This night was cool, with a sprinkling of rain
in the afterpart of the night, and I fared badly.
Sep. 18th. After eating a little pork and Hard bread, all of
us being sick and used up, we hitched the Oxen to our wagon
and started. We travelled through the worst kind of woods
during a portion of this day, having to cut logs and trees every
little distance. I walked on ahead of the team, pointing out
the way
About 11 A. M, when going through a beautiful rolling piece
of woods I saw to one side of us a large party of Indians, with
their packs on, and going in a western direction. I went over
& held a short parley with them, enquiring of them how far to
water, and where they had been hunting. Water was 272 miles
farther on in advance of me, and they had been on an Elk
Hunt to the Forks, but had met with no success.
Coming to the water, which was a very small creek running
through a narrow Cedar Swamp, we stopped, built a fire, un-
yoked and browsed our Oxen, and eat some dinner. We, Oxen
and all, were so dry, it seemed as though we could not quench
our thirst.
Starting again, at Sundown we fetched up on Cass river, one
mile below the forks, where we camped for the night. After
cutting some wood, and making a fire, I waded across the river,
and followed up the bank to the forks, where I found my Old
Camp that Fred and Myself had made two years ago. As the
rest of the party were sick, the labor devolved on me of keep-
ing the fire up all night.
Sep. 19th. After eating a little, we drove across the river and
went to my old Camp, where we arrived at 11 A. M. In cross-
ing the river, our wagon got fastened in some way to an old log

208
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
in the river, and we for hours, with the water up to our middle,
were trying various expedients to get it off. Finally by unhitch-
ing the Oxen from the tongue and hitching them to the back
part of the wagon, we got off.
The wind blew dreadfully this night, and the roar of the
woods from the mixed sounds of screeching tree tops, breaking
limbs, and falling trees, was perfectly awful. Many trees during
the night fell with a loud crashing sound very near to our
Camp. I ran out of Camp and remained on a shallow riffle in
the middle of the Cass river for an hour or two, during the
worst of the storm. During the afternoon our Teamster started
back on his return to the Settlements.
Sep. 20th. It rained some this day. Being afraid to make
fire in my old Camp on account of its being so dry, went to
work tearing down old Camp and making a new Camp, and
worked hard all day. Not much appetite, but still I eat con-
siderable. Slept cold this night in my new Camp. Alderman
is very sick, and suffering horribly with the blues. Killed one
Partridge to day that came close to Camp.
Sep. 21st. Clear & cold. Having slept very cold last night,
I tore down my new Camp and made another one to day.
Worked very hard all day making Camp, cutting hemlock
brush, Cooking, chopping wood &c. Alderman still sick and
anxious to get away. It rained during the night, and my Camp
fire having gone out I slept rather poorly.
Sep. 224. Clear & warm. After eating a little Hard bread
& pork this morning, took my rifle & started up the South fork
on a little Exploring expedition. When about one and a half
miles from Camp, and about 14 of a mile from the river, while
I was passing through a small Cedar Swamp, I very suddenly
heard a loud cracking noise, and looking around saw immedi-
ately ahead of me in the Swamp a large Bull Elk slowly walk-
ing along. I immediately cocked and drew up my rifle to
shoot, but at that moment the Elk stopped walking, and I
could not distinguish his form in the thick brush. Remaining

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
209
perfectly still I tried for five minutes, or longer, to get a sight
of him, but without success, when carefully moving forward a
few paces, in a moment a whole drove of Elk started up, almost
petrifying me with astonishment at their sudden appearance,
and the loud crashing sound that they made in rushing through
the thick evergreens of the Cedar Swamp.
Following up the river some three miles farther, I heard an
Elk bugle, and started in the direction of the sound, and soon
came to his track, together with other smaller tracks, and while
following them along heard the Elk bugle several times, but
finanly I gave up following their tracks any farther, and struck
across to the North fork, and following it up several miles, saw
quite a number of fresh Elk tracks made to day.
Sep. 234. Clear & warm. Hunted up on the west side of
the river some five miles, and returned back on the East side.
Saw one large Coon wading the river, and a little back from the
river saw two deer running. Woods are very noisy, and it will
be next to impossible to get near enough to a deer to shoot.
Saw to day large numbers of fresh Elk signs, but no Elk. Shot
two Partridges on my return to Camp, and made a stew of them
together with the one I killed a few days since.
Sep. 24th. Cloudy & warm. Remained in Camp all day.
Heard an Elk bugle across the river. Alderman boiled roots
for medicine. A terrible thunder storm came on during the
night accompanied with a heavy rain. Our Camp leaked
badly.
Sep. 25th. Tore down Camp, and spent the whole day in
making it over anew. Towards night two Land Hunters came
to Camp and remained with us all night.
Sep. 26th. Warm and foggy. The Land Hunters got their
breakfast in our Camp, and leaving their packs with me started
off. Hunted for three or four hours to day. Saw three deer,
but no fresh Elk signs.
Sep. 27th. Warm & cloudy. Hunted up the South fork till
2 P M, and started two deer out of their beds, but saw no signs
a
aa

210
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
”
a
of Elk. The Land Hunters Camped with me to night, and I
supplied them with provisions. Alderman remains sick & also
has the "blue,s” very bad. I am obliged to work hard, and feel
very fatigued this night.
Sep. 28th. Clear & warm. After breakfast the Land Hunters
packed up and started for the Indian fields. I sent Alderman
with them, they agreeing to carry his pack, and also assist him
in getting to the fields. Just as they started I gave Alderman a a
dose of 17 drops of laudanum. I sent two letters by the Land
Hunters, one home, and one to Van Voast.
Hunted
up the river and returned to Camp One P. M. Saw
two deer but no fresh Elk signs. Chopped wood in the after-
noon and arranged things about Camp. Slept very comfortably
this night.
Sep. 29th. Clear & warm. Hunted up the North fork to the
flats, and started one large Bull Elk, but got no shot. Returned
on the North side and found it a terrible swampy country. Saw
two deer.
Soon after dinner, Baldwin and Slafter with their packs on
their backs came to my Camp. They chopped up a quantity of
wood, baked some bread, and we had a fine supper together.
When Night came, they made up a large fire and kept it agoing
all night. I slept very comfortably.
Sep. 30th. Clear & warm. After breakfast, Slafter took my
shot-gun, & Baldwin & Myself our Rifles, and crossing the
River started over North West to the Big Marsh, some Seven
miles the way we went, to hunt for Elk. When on the way we
met a large Gray Wolf some five rods ahead of us, who discov-
ering us, wheeled and ran into the thick brush. Baldwin snapped
at him, but Slafter & Myself had no chance to shoot, both of us
being behind Baldwin.
Arriving at the Marsh, we crossed it, and hunted round its
border but saw no Elk or fresh signs of Elk. Returning, we
separated about fifty rods from each other, and hunted on a line
parallel with each other towards the river.

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
211
When within about a mile of the river, I discovered a mag-
nificent great Buck poking along in the evergreen brush about
twenty rods distant from me. Bleating, he instantly threw up
his
head, making with his thick neck a fine mark. Drawing a fine
aim for the center of his neck, I fired, when he instantly fell.
Running up to him and finding him struggling on the ground, I
shot him again with my second barrel and strecthed him out.
Hallooing Baldwin soon came to me, and after firing our
rifles several times, Slafter also came, when we Skinned the
Buck and carried his saddle back to Camp with us. I carried
Baldwin Rifle and blazed the way to Camp, so that if we
wanted more of the Buck we could find him. This was the
largest and fattest Buck I ever saw, and Baldwin, who is a good
judge of the weight of deer, says that it will weigh two hundred
pounds.
Oct ist. It rained all night last night, but clearing off in the
morning, the day was pleasant. Slafter & Myself spent the
whole day in preparing, and cooking a great Venizon stew,
picking Leeks for the same, and making things comfortable
around Camp
Baldwin took his famous dog “Lead," and started to hunt
up to the Indian Grave some Seven miles up the South fork.
While on his way he shot at a deer and missed it. When near
the Indian Grave, Baldwin saw across the Creek, walking along
a fine Spike horned Bull Elk. Firing at, and wounding it, he
put "Lead" on his track, who soon brought him at bay, but
upon Baldwin coming up, he broke and run, but finally after a
long and hard chase Baldwin succeeded in killing him, having
shot him in four places. Baldwin didn't return till nearly dark,
but was in first rate condition to enjoy with Slafter and Myself
our great Venizon Stew.
I am so overrun with deer mice that I can hardly live in the
woods. They eat the Strings of my Tent, my Shoes, Pork, Hard
bread, Gloves, leather strings, Bags &c, and commenced last
night working in my hair, and planting their cold noses on the
aar

212
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
scalp of my head. I have tried one experiment in trapping
them, but it did not succeed. I must devise some way of kill-
ing them, or leave the woods.
Oct. 2d. Clear and comforably warm. After breakfast, Bald-
win and Slafter went up the river to cut trough, and salt down
the Elk meat. I gave them my sack of salt to use. Taking my
pack strap I went after the Hide and Horns of the Buck I
killed Saturday, and had some difficulty in finding them. When
going through the swamp I started an Elk, but did not get sight
of him. He made a large track.
On returning to Camp stretched the Buck Skin Indian fash-
ion, and then after sharpening my Knifes & Axes, Cooking &
eating my supper, I went to work at my mouse trap, and just
before going to bed set it in my tent. It rained nearly all
night.
Oct. 3d. Cloudy and rainy. After breakfast went to my tent
to see what my Mouse trap had done during the night, and to
my great surprise and happiness I found that it had killed twelve
of the little rascals. I eat very hearty of Venizon and feel strong.
Laid new brush in Camp to day, cleaned Rifle &c.
About
5 P. M. I began to prepare Supper, when Baldwin and
Slafter returned wet through to the skin. They brought me a
large piece of Elk meat, and also brought back with them the
Head & Horns of the Elk. I caught four mice in my trap this
night.
Oct. 4th Baldwin and Slafter started off this morning to
hunt for Pine lands. I hunted up the North fork after Elk, and
returned at 12 past 4 P M. Saw three fresh tracks of Elk. The
deer mice still continue to be very troublesome, eating my shoe
strings, and committing all sorts of depredations. Baldwin &
Slafter returning early to Camp, cut up a 72 cord of wood &
piled it up. I eat hearty of Venizon. Slept well this night.
Caught three mice.
Oct 5th. After breakfast Baldwin & Slafter left for Tuscola.
I made an arrangement with them to employ some Indians to

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
213
come to my Camp two weeks from to day and take my things
down the river to Tuscola. Made preparations to day for a start
up to the 2d forks of the Cass, by frying 3 lbs of Venizon, put-
ting in papers an allowance of from 3 to 5 days of Tea, sugar,
salt &c, and putting into a bag an allowance of Hard bread for
five days. Getting, before Bed time, my Pack all arranged
which consisted of one heavy Mackinaw Blanket, 1 small cloth
Tent, 1 Axe, 1 Tin Cup, and five days provisions of Bread,
Meat, Tea, Sugar & Salt, I retired to bed, wishing and hoping
that to morrow morning may be clear & pleasant. Caught three
mice this night.
Oct. 6thClear and very warm. After breakfast at 8 A, M
with my Pack on my back, my Rifle in one hand, and my Axe
in the other, I started off for the 2d forks. The travelling was
very bad a great portion of the way, the woods being swampy
and the under brush very thick, and my pack being heavy, and
the day warm, I perspired very freely, wetting through my
woolen Hunting Coat.
Arrived at the forks at 3 P, M, but loitered about an hour on
the way. I immediately went to work & pitched my tent, made
a fire, and cut wood for the night; after which I made tea, and
with some Venizon & Hard bread made a good supper. I saw
great numbers of Elk tracks to day, but no Elk. Being over
fatigued, I did not rest well this night, although warm. Going
to the river after a cup of water I saw a large Coon hunting
among the stones.
Oct. 7th. Clear and warm. It being very noisy, and I feel-
ing a great degree of lassitude, I explored the woods but little
to day. I went nearly up to the forks of the North fork, and
saw plenty of Elk signs but no Elk. Having a slight head
ache, and not feeling remarkably strong, and being here all
alone in this Wild Wilderness, I have decided to return back
to morrow to my Camp at the first forks of the Cass, 12 miles
down the Creek from this spot.
My Camp is near two Elk Licks, and but a short distance

214
Hunting Expeditions of O. H. Perry.
from three crossing places of Elk. Going to the river to night,
I saw 2 Snipe. This night was clear and warm. Near morn-
ing, I heard a thrashing in the bushes, and expect that it was
an Elk frightened by my Camp. During the afternoon, cut
Frederick Deming, name and my own on several Beech trees.
Oct. 8th, An Indian summer day, clear & warm. Arose
early, eat my breakfast and at 7 A M put on my pack and
started down the river for my Camp at the 1st Forks of the
Cass. It was so dry and noisy, and I stumbled so with my
heavy pack on my back, that I did not expect to see any game,
but nevertheless I did see 3 deer, heard several others snort, and
3
also saw quite a number of Partridges. It being very warm I
packed my Coat in my Pack & travelled in my Shirt Sleeves.
I went up to the forks on the West side, and returned back
to day on the East side. Most of the way was poor travelling,
the under brush being thick and a good many logs to go over.
I got back to my old Camp at 12 past 12 A, M, and found
every thing just as I had left it. After Tea, made up a large
fire and burnt up in it the Elk meat and Venizon that I had in
Camp and which had become fly blown. I found
trap, making 25 that I have caught so far in all.
Oct. 9th. Clear and warm. Washed my clothes this morning,
after which, went in bathing. Van not coming and it being no
object for me to kill deer in this far away woods, I think some
of leaving
Commenced making preparations for leaving, when at 4 P, M
I heard a shout in the woods, and in a few minutes more, Van
Voast with his Rifle and Carpet Bag came into Camp. Taking
a little Skiedam with him, and hastily asking him many ques-
tions, I went to work getting supper, after which making a good
fire, we laid down before it and enjoyed ourselves. It rained
considerably during the night. Killed one mouse, but set no
trap. Van Voast, at Sherman, where he stopped last night,
had all the buttons of his Vest eaten off by the mice.
Oct. 10th Cloudy and rainy. About 9 A. M. Van and my-
3
mice in my

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
215
self took our Rifles, crossed the river, went through the Swamp,
and then separating, hunted in North. Shortly after our separa-
tion, I discovered a large Bear about 20 rods off from me,
walking along in the thick bushes. I made considerable exer-
tion to get a fair shot at him, but the woods being very noisy,
and I being very careful and cautious, stepping along very slow,
the Bear gained on me so much that I could only occasionly get
a glimpse of him. Leaving him, I went after Van who was to
the right of me, and we tried to head the Bear, but I saw no
more of him.
Van & Myself concluded to night that to morrow we would
hunt up to the 2d forks after Elk. Set trap to night and caught
Seven deer mice.
Oct. IIth Clear and warm. At 8 A. M. with our packs on
our backs we left Camp for the 2d forks. After travelling in
company a mile and a half, we parted taking opposite sides of
the river. I took the West side and struck in back from the
river about a mile, and when about half a mile from the river I
saw a Buck rubbing his horns against a small staddle, and when
at the moment of drawing up to shoot, another buck nearer to
me, winding me, run up to the first buck, and they trotted off
together. I shot twice at them, but they seemingly did not
mind it.
I arrived at the Forks at 3 PM, and shortly afterwards heard
a gun fire up the South branch of the 2d forks, and an hour
afterwards Van came to the forks, he having in the first place
gone past them. We saw no fresh signs of Elk to day.
It was star light when we laid down in our Camp to night,
but about 12 at night it commenced raining, and rained hard all
night. We rested comfortably, and on the whole had a very
good night.
Oct. 12th. It rained very hard this morning until 10 A M.
At 20 minutes past 10 A. M. we started back down the river,
arriving at our old Camp at 4 P. M. It raining some, and the
bushes being saturated with water, we were completely wet
a

216
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
through. I packed my Coat and Cap into my pack and trav-
elled in my Shirt Sleeves. With the exception of a few Coons,
we saw no game. From the Elk tracks we saw, we judged that
the Elk had migrated to the North East.
Arriving at Camp we made a large fire and soon were com-
fortable enough. I had difficulty in getting my Rifle off, and
could not draw the ram rod. Found on examining mouse trap
that nine had been caught in my absence, making 42 in all
that I have caught up to this time. Slept very comfortably this
night.
Oct. 13th Cool & cloudy. Examined mouse trap this morn-
ing and found 12 in it, making 54 that I have caught in all.
After breakfast went to work at my gun, and tried every expe-
dient that I could think off, for two hours, to draw the ramrod
but without success. At 12 past 10 A M having succeeded in
drawing my ram rod went into the woods on the North side of
the river, and hunted till 4 P. M. Saw three deer in the thick
Cedars, got no shot. Found signs of game scarce. Killed one
Partridge.
It rained hard all night, but the night was comfortably warm.
Several times since I have been in this Camp, I have heard the
Bears bawling in the night, and also the Elk bugling.
Oct. 14th. Windy & cloudy. Caught Seven Mice this morn-
ing making 61 up to this date. Went into woods a short time,
but not feeling well, hunted with no spirit. The Elk have left
the woods in the vicinity of our Camp for the present and there
is no knowing when they may return.
I caught a bad cold last night, by standing in my shirt sleeves
when very warm in a draft of cold air. My bones ached con-
siderably this night, but on the whole I slept well.
Oct. 15th. Cold & cloudy. Caught 4 mice last night, mak-
ing 65 up to this time. Remained in Camp all day. I am very
weak and my bones ache considerably.
Oct. 16th. Clear and cold. Feeling a little better, went into
the woods a short distance, but saw nothing. After returning to

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
217
Camp made some Hemlock tea, and drank it, but feeling no
better took at 11 P M at night 3 of McKenzie, pills. The
Camp smoked so bad last night that I could not remain in it,
and consequently sat up the most of the night. Caught 3 mice
last night making 68 in all.
Oct. 17th. Variety of weather this day. Remained in Camp
all day. Bones ached a good deal. Feel weak, and hardly able
to stand up. Van Hunted till 3 P, M, and saw one deer, but
got no shot. It rained some during the day, and during the
night a kind of hail fell that covered the ground. Heard the
deer snort last night.
Oct. 18th. Clear & cold. Feel a little better, but still am
very weak. Made some preparations to leave Camp, but I feel
as though it is almost impossible for me to drag myself along 22
miles out through the woods to the settlements.
Oct. 19th. A very hard white frost on the ground this morn-
ing. About 9 A, M, having every thing packed, we started for
the settlements. I felt uncommonly weak and miserable.
Not being able to find the underbrushed road, after leav-
ing the Marsh Road, we travelled some five miles through the
woods when we struck the old lumber road which was about
2 P M. I was hardly able to drag myself along, and felt as
though it would be the death of me if I had to remain in the
woods during the night. I had some considerable fever, and
my knee joints seemed as though they could not hold out dur-
ing the days travel.
Just at night we arrived at the Millet fields, and at dark, two
miles farther on from the Millet fields, we came across a log
Shanty erected during the past week, but there was no kind of
a chance for us, the Man having a Wife and four Children, and
not room enough for his own family. He told us that two miles
farther on, on a very blind partly underbrushed road, we woul
come to a Clearing. We started on, and by good luck in the
dark reached it, but the family had just moved in, the log House
was unfinished, and they had no provisions, or accomadation,
bb

218
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
for us, aside from a mere shelter, which even that they were
very loth to grant us.
It being a cold, rainy night, and having neither fire, bed, or
bed clothes, and being sick and very tired, I never in my
life
suffered more than I did this night, from pain, cold, and ex-
treme exhaustion. I had a bad head ache, my knees pained me
severely, and I was obliged to move my legs every moment.
Van suffered nearly as much as myself.
Oct 20th. A rainy morning, but notwithstanding, at daylight
we took up our line of march, and at 8 A, M stopped and eat
our remaining one hard bread. Continueing on at 7/2 past 10
A. M, we arrived at Sherman,, where we halted to recruit up.
Engaged Belmer to day, to go to the forks after my things, he
agreeing to start to morrow afternoon. I feel some better this
day, but am still weak.
Oct. 21st. Pleasantly cool. Feel better this morning. Went
out with Sherman to runway but saw no deer. Remained all
the rest of the day in the house. During the afternoon had a
kind of dumb ague, and felt bad. Deer mice are very numer-
ous and destructive in the woods here this fall. They have
destroyed all the Corn that the few Settlers have raised, and at
night pour into their log houses in such numbers that they de-
stroy every thing before them. The only way the inhabitants
save any thing is, by placing the legs of table, in pans of water,
and then placing on the table at night every thing that they
possess that can be destroyed. We found the mice very numer-
ous in Sherman,s house. After dark they were hopping around
on the puncheon floor as thick as Crickets. Sherman caught this
night 25 of them in one pail. He says that he has caught in his
House this fall over 2.000 of them. It rained all of this night.
Oct. 22d. It continued to rain all day. Had a stiff neck, a
bad Cold, and another attack of dumb ague. Felt miserable
all day.
Oct. 23d. A drizzling rain this day. At 9 A. M. we started
for Vassar 1872 miles from Sherman, . Took dinner at One

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
219
.
PM at McGlone, 11 miles from Sherman,s. Passed a large
Indian Encampment, the Indians having just killed 2 Bear and
wounded another one as we came along. Arrived at Vassar
during the afternoon and without feeling much fatigued. Eat a
hearty supper of potatoes this night.
Oct 24th. Cloudy & warm. Remained at Tavern all day.
Eat hearty, but during the afternoon had another turn of dumb
ague. Rested rather poorly, and had some head ache.
Oct. 25th. Clear & warm. Left Vassar this morning a little
after daylight, and crossing the river, hunted all the way to Tus-
cola, which place I reached about One P. M. Saw three deer
but got no shot. Came across several different Camps of In-
dians, and stopping, held a short parley with each of them.
Van arrived at Tuscola before me. He saw no deer.
Oct. 26th Hunted South across the river from Tuscola, but
saw no deer, and but few signs.
Oct. 27th Hunted North from Tuscola to the Sheboygan
River. Saw 3 deer, and but very few signs.
Oct, 28th Hunted in South four miles to the Buck Horn
Tavern, and got there in time for dinner. Saw no deer, and but
little signs. Hunted in the afternoon but saw nothing.
Oct. 29th, Sunday.
Oct. 30th. Hunted in East from the Buck Horn. Saw 3
deer, but failed in getting a shot.
Oct. 31st. Hunted in West. Saw 3 deer lying down, and
shot at the largest one, a fine doe, and wounded her. The
leaves being very thick and dry, I was troubled to keep the
track, and finally gave her up. .
Nov. Ist. Hunted in East, and saw 3 deer, one of them a
large Buck. Shot at him on the run, and badly wounded him.
Following up his track by the blood, I soon saw him standing
in a thick copse of bushes, some 25 rods from me, and firing at
him cut him across the neck, only slightly wounding him.
Leaving him, I went back to the Buckhorn, and getting the
2 Boys Samuel, & Simeon, and their dog, returned to the spot
bb

220
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
where I had left the Bucks track. The dog taking his track
soon started him, and in a few minutes more brought him to
bay, and violently commenced barking at him. After running
up, and watching the dog manouvering around him a while, I
shot him. He was an extraordinary large, and fat Buck, al-
though his horns were small.
Getting a horse and bringing my buck in to the tavern, I
soon skinned him, and devoted his meat to the table. My first
ball had hit him in the hip, and glanced into the paunch. I
also shot at a doe this day, but probably missed her.
Nov. 2d. Hunted in East. Saw 2 deer, but got no shot.
Also saw 2 gray foxes.
Nov. 3d Went out early to runway. While standing on it,
two gray foxes came along. I shot at both of them, but the
brush being thick, I missed them. On my return to Buck Horn
saw 2 deer, but no chance to shoot.
This Buck Horn Tavern is a very pleasant and comfortable
place for a Hunter to stop at. It is located on a road with a
vast body of woods East and South of it, & West of it a strip
of woods some 3 to 4 miles wide. The Buck Horn is a low log
building, having two rooms, a Bar Room, and a kitchen, and a
sleeping department directly under the roof, and over the Bar
room & Kitchen. The Landlord, family consists of his Wife,
daughter, and 2 Sons, the youngest being 14 years of age, and
his House can accommodate very well a party of Six or Eight
persons. The Landlady Mrs. Newton is a very good Cook.
Nov. 4th. Hunted in East and saw four deer during the day.
At 11 A. M when passing over a burnt ridge where the Pine
had been cut off for lumber, I saw a Doe and her fawn walking
along behind a log just on the edge of the burnt woods. Tak-
ing a rest over a stump, the moment the doe came out from be-
hind the log, I fired at her, and tumbled her down in her tracks.
The fawn ran off without my being able to get a shot at him.
Cutting some crotches, I dragged the doe to a good sized sap-
ling, and hung her up.
a

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
221
Hunting South from the place where I killed the Doe, and
when within about a mile and a half of the Buck Horn I came
to a spot that looked like a crossing place for deer. The woods
in the afternoon having become very noisy by the leaves getting
frosty, and no chance for still hunting by travelling, I stopped
at this crossing place and watched for deer till 5 P. M. when I
heard one walking and presently a fine Buck came in sight some
20 rods off. It was already getting duskish, and I found it dif-
ficult to draw a good sight on the Buck, but doing the best I
could, I fired, when the Buck without seeming to be frightened
in the least slowly trotted off.
I commenced loading my discharged barrel when I again
heard a loud rustling in the leaves and looking in the direction
of the sound I saw a large Buck following along the track of
the Buck I had fired at. Bleating, I stopped him, when aiming
very low, I fired, when he partially fell down, recovered himself
and hobbled off. It being too dark to shoot, or even to follow
him, I blazed the spot and returned back to the Buck Horn.
After eating my supper and getting rested, at 72 past 7 at
night, accompanied by Van Voast, Sam and his dog, and taking
with us a Lantern to see by until the Moon rose, I started after
my wounded Buck. Arriving at the spot where I left him and
finding it impossible to follow his track by the light of the Lan-
tern, we unloosed our dog and put him on the track.
In a minute or so he started him, and soon run him out of
hearing. The night was still & cold and any sound be heard a
long distance in the woods. Going on in the direction where we
last heard the dog, and stopping to listen, we thought we heard
him bark, when we started and ran about a mile towards the
sound, when we could plainly hear him growl, together with
now and then a great splashing in the water.
Coming up, we could see the dark form of the Buck standing
in the middle of a Creek, its banks lined with tall Hemlocks.
When the dog swam near the Buck, he would make a rush for
him and drive him out of the Creek. The moment we came to

222
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
the border of the Creek, the Buck rushed out of the water into
the woods, and the dog after him, and we in pursuit had just
waded across the Creek and were raising the banks, when we
heard a crashing noise in the bushes directly in front of us, and
in a moment afterwards the Buck was right among us. Sam ran
for a tree and tumbled down, I ran across the Creek, the Buck
jumping into the water within ten feet of me, I barely escaping.
The dog commenced barking at him, and we lit the lantern to
shoot him by, but could not see him with it.
Finally the Moon arose and carefully crawling along towards
him behind the hemlocks, I could see his dark form standing in
the middle of the Creek right under the limbs of a huge hem-
lock. Levelling my Rifle but without bringing it to my shoul-
der, I pointed it at him and fired, when he immediately fell and
struggled violently in the water, the dog also seizing him.
Wading across the Creek I cut a staddle with a hook on it,
and fastening it on to the Buck drew him ashore; then making
up a fire to warm our wet feet, and make a light, we cut some
crotches and dressed and hung up our Buck, and then started
through the woods for the Buck Horn, arriving there 20 min-
utes after 11 P. M. The night was so frosty, that the part of
our clothes that got wet in the Creek froze hard and stiff.
Nov. 5th. Sunday. Remained at Buck Horn all day.
Nov. 6th. Hunted a few days after this date, Van having
gone home, when a man with a team coming along, I made a
bargain with him to take me to Pontiac. Arriving there all
right, I took the Cars for Detroit, and in 24 hours time was
safely home.
During the time I hunted at the Buck Horn, Van Voast
killed one deer, a doe. Newton, our landlord, killed three, and
his sons killed two. I took home with me to Cleveland a fine
fat fawn that Newton sent to Van Voast.
Post Office address of Buck Horn Landlord
J. M. Baldwin
S. Newton
David Slafter
Worth Post Office
Tuscola County, Michigan.

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
223
DIARY OF MY DEER HUNTING EXCURSION ON
THE CASS RIVER, IN TUSCOLA COUNTY, MICH-
IGAN, IN THE YEAR 1855.
EFT Cleveland Thursday evening Sep. 20th 1855, in
company
with my Nephew Nathan P. Payne on the
Steam Boat Ocean for Detroit, and arrived there
Friday morning at 6 A. M. The Lake was smooth,
and occupying a good State Room, we had a pleasant voyage.
The Saginaw Steamer not being in port, we took the Cars for
Pontiac, and arrived there at 12 A. M. Hiring a team for Vas-
sar, we started after dinner and travelled 15 miles, suffering a
little from a drizzling rain.
Sep. 22d being cool, and cloudy, we travelled all day, and at
sun down arrived at Tuscola. Visited Baldwin, and Slafter, and
made arrangements with them for a Canoe.
Sep. 234. Engaged a man this morning to take our Canoe to
Vassar, after which we started and arrived at Vassar at 12 past
9 A. M.
Sep. 24th. Stopped at Pennels till 9 A M this morning, when
having engaged Pennels boy with his Canoe, we started up the
river. Having divided our load between the 2 Canoes, I went
in one, and Nathan and the boy in the other. After hard pad-
dling until 4 P. M. the river being very high, we arrived at one
of Kinne-Woops Camps Eight miles up the river, where we
stopped and Camped, the boy remaining with us all night. We
felt
very
tired this night, and it thundered and rained hard, but
Kinne-woops Lodge perfectly protected us.
Tues. Sep. 25th. The boy leaving us quite early this morn-
ing, I gave Nathan some instructions how to use the Compass,
make blazing,s &c, when taking opposite sides of a Creek that

224
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
emptied into the river near our Camp, we at 9 A. M., in good
health and spirits, started off into this great hemlock forest to
try our luck and skill in deer hunting.
Nathan was 18 years old last Aug. was never before on a
deer hunt, and was not practiced in the use of a Rifle. He car-
ried with him on this Excursion my Single barrelled Swinerton
Rifle carrying 50 to the pound. I carried my double barrelled
cast steel Rifle carrying 45 to the lb.
To resume, I traveled along about a mile, near the banks of
the Creek, when I struck 2 Elk tracks, and on examining them
I was satisfied that the Elk had just passed along, and as the
woods were very dry and noisy, I followed up their tracks very
carefully, and had proceeded about a mile, when I heard about
half a mile to the West of me, 2 Rifle shots fired in tolerable
quick succession.
Going on a short distance farther, I discovered a Doe stand-
ing about 8 rods off and drew up my rifle to shoot, when
another deer came bounding along right in front of me. Stop-
.
ping with its body hid behind a tree, with nothing but its head
and neck exposed, I fired at its neck when it tumbled down,
but soon gathering itself, it ran off, and the woods being very
dry, I was unable to follow it.
Returning back to Camp about One P M, I found that Na-
than had not come in, but shortly afterwards I heard him sing-
ing in the woods, and in a few minutes more he arrived at
Camp. He seemed very joyous, and proceeded to state that
he saw an animal in the woods that he at first supposed was a
sheep, but then reflecting that a sheep wouldn't be way off here
in the woods, he drew up and fired at it, breaking its back,
when it commenced crawling off on its fore feet and making an
awful bawling. Loading up he fired at it again, but being ex-
cited missed it, when he drew his tomahawk and running up to
it finanly succeeded in killing it. He pronounced it a very large
doe, too large for him to hang up, and having left it and made
a blazing to the Creek, he wanted me to go with him and aid

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
225
a
a
him in bringing it into Camp. After dinner started off with Na-
than to go to his deer, and upon arriving at the spot where he
expected to strike his blazing, and not finding it, he got sepa-
rated from me, and getting no answer to my loud halloo, for
him, I turned around and went back to Camp.
About dark he returned, bringing with him about five pounds
of the hind quarter of his deer. He made many apologies for
leaving me, and said that it had learnt him a lesson not to run
away from a person again under similar circumstances.
This was a very warm day, and we were almost melted. Na-
than from excitement & his long tramp, sweat profusely, the
perspiration running off of him like rain. The night was warm,
with a little rain, and we slept very comfortably.
Wed. Sep. 26th. Worked a little around Camp, and then went
with Nathan to the place where he killed his deer, and such a
mangled mass of flesh I never saw before. Part of a fore legs,
and one hind leg, and neck, rump, and back, together with the
heart, lights, & liver, were by some ingenious process of carving,
notwithstanding each piece was separated from the other, all at-
tached to the skin, which was cut in 40 places — and this curi-
osity was swung up on a sappling, making a scare crow that in
two weeks time would have frightned all the animals out of the
forest. We found it already possessing an odour that would turn
the stomach of a Camanche Indian, and removing the skin as
quickly as possible from its attachments, returned to Camp.
Two men running Shingle bolts down the river, stopped with
us in our Camp to night, and besides making us much trouble
in providing them with supper, they caused us to sleep quite un-
comfortably. It rained a little during the night.
Thurs. Sep. 27th Arose early this morning, and after break-
fast started into the woods, hunting on the easterly side of the
Creek a distance of about 5 miles. Saw one deer on the run,
also many recent signs of Elk, and returned back to Camp at
3 P. M.
Nathan cut wood to day, fixed up the Camp, and stretched
CC

226
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
his deer skin Indian fashion. Slept well this night, although the
night was cold.
Friday Sep. 28th. Remained in Camp all day, and spent a
portion of the time in making paddle, cutting wood &c.
Sat. Sep. 29th. Clear & pleasant. Took our Canoe to day
and run down the river some two miles and visited
my
old
Camp, where finding numerous deer signs, we concluded to
come back here and make this spot our “Stamping Ground.”
Saw 2 deer in our rambles, and coming back to the river, we
made a large fire and burnt up all the rubbish around my old
Camp, and made other preparations preparatory to moving
there. At 3 P. M. started up the river for our Camp, and arrived
there at 5 P. M. On our Voyage, we got sprinkled a little with
a shower of rain, and later in the evening it commenced raining,
and rained hard all night. Cooked the last of our Venizon this
evening.
Sunday Sep. 30th. Cloudy, rainy, and moderately cool.
Monday Oct. 1st. Morning clear and pleasant. Packed up
our things, and finding our Canoe very deeply laden, Nathan
took it afoot through the woods, while I paddled the Canoe
down the river 4 miles to my old Camp, and arrived there a
little after 9 A, M, and Nathan a short time afterwards. We
went to work pitching our tent, and a little time after dinner it
commenced raining, and rained all the afternoon and night.
Not having cut any hemlock brush, slept on the bare ground
this night.
Tuesday Oct. 2d. Cloudy. Both Nathan and myself went
into the woods about daylight this morning, and returned back
to Camp at 72 past 9 A. M. Nathan saw one deer, and I saw
Six and shot at one of them and missed it. Shortly after return-
ing to Camp it commenced raining and rained hard all day.
Having cut no hemlock bough, slept on the bare ground.
Wed. Oct. 34. Cloudy. Hunted until 9 A. M. and saw one
large Buck slowly walking along in the thick hemlocks about 20
rods from me. Halting for a moment, I fired at and badly
.

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
227
wounded him, and followed his track by the blood across the
Creek in a south easterly direction some two miles to a large
swamp, when I left him. During my tramp to day saw some
fresh Elk signs. Nathan also saw one deer to day, but got no
shot.
Took the Canoe and went to Vassar to day, and besides re-
ceiving a letter from Cross, & sundry papers from Cleveland,
and getting my hair cut, and Nathan, pantaloon, repaired, we
,
also got some potatoes, and sundry other things. Before we got
back to our Camp it commenced raining and rained all night.
Oct. 4th Thursday. Morning clear and pleasant. Hunted
part of this day and saw one deer, but got no chance to shoot.
Nathan reported seeing two deer, and having shot at one of
them, a large doe, about 5 rods off. It commenced raining
again this afternoon, and rained hard all night. We eat very
hearty to day of potatoes and Ham.
Friday Oct. 5th. It commenced raining this morning, and
rained hard all day and night. No hunting.
Sat. Oct. 6th. Continued to rain all day. Hunted in the rain
a short time, and saw one deer, but got no shot.
Sunday Oct. 7th. Cloudy & cool. Remained in Camp all
day and enjoyed the charms of a Sabbath stillness in the
woods.
Monday Oct. 8th. Warm and cloudy. Nathan remained in
Camp. I hunted a part of this day, and when rising the Ridge
at its Western end in sight of the river, near the old lumber
shanty,, I saw four deer feeding in the swail across the small
Creek, and firing at them my first barrel, I missed, but immedi-
ately drawing sight on a fine doe with my second barrel, I fired
again, when three of the deer ran off, and one remained behind
kicking, jumping & smashing around as though she had sud-
denly been struck with a crazy fit. Running up, I soon quieted,
hung up, and dressed her. In the afternoon took Canoe and
brought my deer to Camp. We had Venizon for supper. It
rained a little to day.
CCI

228
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
Tuesday Oct 9th Hunted a short time this day, but saw
nothing. Nathan hunting on the flats, and when near the banks
of a small Creek near the old lumber Shanty,, saw three deer,
and killed one of them, a fine doe. Making a loud whistling,
and hallooing, I came to him, when we hung up and dressed
his deer. He had shot her directly through the paunch, but she
ran but a few rods when she fell and soon bled to death. Na-
than said that if he had been careful, he might have shot her
companion, as after he shot, it ran off but a few rods, stopped
& looked back.
After hanging up the Doe, we concluded to return to Camp
after our Canoe, and take the foreshoulders of Nathan, deer to
Vassar & distribute to friends. At Vassar we got some Sugar,
Potatoes, & Turnips, and also brought back with us to Camp a
half barrel of our Hard bread. I suffered awfully with tooth
ache this day, and could sleep none during the night.
Oct. 10th Thursday. Remained in Camp all day sick with
tooth ache.
Friday Oct. IIth Hunted a short time and saw 2 deer but
got no shot. Made a nice Basswood trough to salt deer meat
in for jerking.
Sat. Oct. 12th Hunted a part of this day but saw no game.
Nathan had better luck; for he saw several deer, and one of
them a fawn within 5 rods of our Camp eating browse. Suffered
all this week with a violent tooth ache and enjoyed nothing.
Nathan has become tough and strong, eats hearty, chop, wood
like a backwoodsman, and tramps the forest like an old Hunter.
Sunday Oct. 13th. Clear & cool, a most beautiful day. While
Nathan and myself were this forenoon inside of our Camp and
enjoying by our Camp fire this pleasant Sunday, we heard the
noise of a paddle as it struck on the side of a Canoe, and going
out of our Camp to the bank of the river, to our great surprise
we saw my old friend Wm Case in a Canoe passing by our
Camp up the river. He had employed a man named Wood-
cock to pilot him to our Camp, but as our Camp was located
a

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
229
some two rods back from the banks of the river, and we had
taken care not to cut away any trees between us and the river,
and the bank being some 25 feet in hight, it was almost impos-
sible to find us, without a person knew exactly where we were
located.
William brought with him his double barreled Rifle, and wish-
ing to leave at our Camp a memento of his visit, made a mark
on the side of a large Hemlock tree, and standing in our Camp
fired 10 or 12 shots at it, making very good shooting.
After giving us all the news, and taking a survey of the sur-
roundings of our Camp, and making a sketch of same, and eat-
ing with us a good Venizon dinner that we got up in our best
camp style for the occasion, he bade us good bye and returned
back to Vassar. He was on his way to Pigeon River.
Monday Oct 14th. Somewhat cloudy. Hunted till 9
A. M,
and saw 5 deer, and shot at one, and think I wounded it, but
not certain.
Tuesday Oct. 15th. Clear & cool. Hunted directly in South
to the Hemlock ridge, and stopping a few moments behind a
tree, a doe fawn came trotting along. Taking aim at its fore-
shoulders I fired, but as it was moving, I shot too far back and
paunched it. It wheeled and after running half a mile on the
high lands, made down for the Creek bottoms. I shot at it at
12 past 7 A. M. and after following its track with great diffi-
culty till 10 A. M. I gave it up and returned back to Camp.
Finding Nathan in Camp, I told him of my bad luck, when
he volunteered to go with me and make another effort to track
it up. Hastily eating some dinner we started, and finding the
.
track where I left it, Nathan took one side of the Creek, and
myself the other. The banks of the Creek were covered with
high weeds and grass, and the Creek crooked around in every
conceiveable manner, and the deer walking in the Creek some-
times for 14 of a mile without coming out, made the trailing of
it a very difficult matter.
We both of us got almost discouraged when at 3 P. M. we
a

230
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
tracked it to a small flat densely covered with high weeds, and
finding here several pools of blood, we very carefully hunted
around, when suddenly we came right on to the object of our
search lying dead before us. Being a long distance from Camp,
we skinned off the foreshoulders and putting the saddle on my
back, we returned to Camp.
Nathan saw to day a large Buck and Doe, and snapped
three times at the broadside of the Doe, but the spirit of evil
had got into his gun, and it refused to thunder forth.
Wed. Oct. 16thSaw this day 5 deer, one a large buck, and
the other four, smaller deer, but failed in getting a shot at them.
Nathan in the afternoon saw two deer, but got no shot. This
was a very clear and pleasant day.
Thursday Oct. 17th Nathan and myself hunted a part of the
forenoon. I saw but one deer and failed in getting a shot at
him. Nathan saw 4 deer and also failed in getting a shot.
Went to Vassar in the afternoon and had a delightful time of
it going down the river, it being a beautiful Indian summer day.
Getting at Vassar our papers, some sugar, and other little things,
we started back on our return to Camp, a little before sundown,
and shortly afterwards met Mr Stuck and a boy Canoeing it
down the river. Mr Stuck told us that he had come from the
Indian fields, and that a short distance above our Camp, he
saw a large Bull Elk cross the river.
It was very dark when we arrived at the Willow rapids, and
as we could not see to pole up the rapids, Nathan caught hold
of the willows, that lined the waters edge, and held on till I
could give the Canoe a push. He would then grab for the wil-
lows again, and I would give the Canoe another push. At last
he missed the willows and the Canoe swung around, and it be-
came my turn to hang on and pull by the willows, as my end of
the Canoe was now up stream.
When we had just got over the head of the rapids, I missed
the willows and the Canoe swung around so rapidly that I was
tumbled out of it into the river, but immediately grabbing the

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
231
a
Canoe, and finding the water but waist deep, although very
rapid, I waded along pulling the Canoe to the opposite side of
the river, and then up stream till out of the current, when I got
in and poled it to Camp. Besides getting chilled and completely
drenched in the water, I bruised my knee in falling out of the
Canoe, which lamed me considerably. Wet many of our articles,
but with the exception of our sugar, none were spoiled.
After arriving at Camp, we made up a large fire, and chang-
ing my clothes, I hung up the wet ones to dry. Notwithstand-
ing our mishap, and my cold bath, we slept well this night.
Friday Oct. 19th. A fine Indian Summer day. Nathan went
Hunting but saw no deer. On account of injury to my knee I
remained in Camp all day and busied myself in fixing up things
around Camp, making Jerking poles, &c.
Sat. Oct. 20th. Another fine Indian Summer day, with a lit-
tle sprinkling of rain. We hunted a short time in the forenoon,
but shot nothing. I saw 2 deer. It rained hard all night, and
we slept well, enjoying the soothing sound of the rain as it
patted against the sides of our tent.
Sunday Oct. 21st. A very windy and rainy day. In the
afternoon took a walk to my trap, and finding a Wild Cat
caught in it, returned to Camp after my rifle and went back
and shot it. Bringing it to Camp I skinned it and sprinkled
salt and alum on the skin.
Monday Oct. 22d. I hunted till 10 A. M. and saw two deer,
and shot at one of them which came running past me and
stopped in a thick clump of bushes. Missed it. Nathan went
to Vassar after the papers. He saw no deer.
Tuesday Oct. 23d. Snowy and rainy. Visited our bait and
found it gone, some animal having dragged it off. Remained
in Camp all day reading the papers &c.
Wed. Oct. 24th. We started out early this morning, Nathan
hunting on the flats parallel with the river, and myself South to
the ridge. Arriving at the lumber Shanty, I stood behind some
trees and waited for Nathan to come. While waiting a large

232
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
Buck came slowly feeding along, and aiming a little back of the
shoulders, I fired at him.
By the time I got my Rifle reloaded, Nathan came, when we
went to the spot where the Buck stood and following his track
a short distance, we found that he was bleeding very freely, and
expected soon to come up to him, but after following him till
IO A. M. we lost his trail in a wet windfall.
Retuned to Camp at 12 A. M, and at 2 P. M. we went back
into the woods again and made further search for the Buck, but
failed in finding him.
Thursday Oct. 25th. Hunted a few hours this morning and
saw 4 deer, but got no shot. Went to Vassar to day and got
provisions, also went to Smith, and borrowed his dog “Lead.”
Friday Oct. 26th Windy and haily. Hunted up the river to
the burnt woods, and the flats beyond. Saw no deer, but plenty
of signs. Also saw a few fresh Elk signs. Nathan saw one
large Buck.
Sat. Oct. 27th. Hunted down the river and saw one Buck,
but got no shot. Nathan saw 3 deer, and shot at one, a fawn,
and missed it. In the afternoon we went up the river with our
Canoe, and saw fresh signs of both Elk and deer. There came
up in the night a furious wind which made a terrible shrieking
in the tree tops, and the alarming noise of falling crashing trees,
sounded all around us. I got up in the night and tightened the
ropes of the fly, and fastened the door of our Camp.
Sunday Oct. 28th. Clear & cool. Remained at Camp all day
enjoying a real pleasure of a Sabbath,s day rest in the woods.
Monday Oct. 29th. Clear & pleasant. Hunted on the South
side of the river. Nathan saw one deer, a large Buck, but got
no shot. I saw nothing. Nathan to day went to Vassar & Tus-
cola, and bought a pair of Boots, some Coffee, sugar &c, and
returned to Camp just at dark. The Village of Tuscola is on
the Cass River, and nine miles down the river from our Camp.
Our dog ran away from us to day.
Tuesday Oct. 30th. Started early this morning and hunted up
a

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
233
a
on the North side of the river to the burnt woods; then crossed
the river at Kinne-woop, wigwam, and hunted some two hours
on that side of the river. Nathan saw one deer, but I had the
poor luck of seeing nothing. During our long tramp we saw
some fresh Elk signs.
Wed. Oct. 31st. Hunted in South to the Hemlock ridge,
and following the ridge along West about half a mile I discov-
ered a Buck feeding in the Swail on the Northerly side of the
ridge. The brush being thick, I was troubled in drawing a fine
sight on him, but finanly doing the best I could, blazed away.
The Buck jumped and ran a few rods and stopped, and imme-
diately firing at him my second barrel, he staggered along a few
rods and fell.
Nathan coming along, he aided me in hanging up and dress-
ing him. We found him to be a very large 4 Pronged Buck,
and extraordinarily fat, and had the scars of an old gun shot
wound on one hind leg. His ears were slit and he was other-
wise mutilated. We also found a bullet about so to the lb. em-
bedded in the muscle of his heart about three inches above its
lower end. The bullet was flattened and incased in a thin white
skin. There was no inflammation of the heart, neither could we
find
any
mark or scar on the side that the ball must have struck
him. The Indians were probably the marksmen that had made
these loud calls for him, and besides the wounds that he bore
marks of, he very probably had other narrow escapes.
Nov. ist. Cloudy & cool. We crossed the river and hunted
down the river towards Vassar. On arriving at the flats, I took
the ridge, and Nathan the flats. In about half an hour from
parting from Nathan, I shot at and wounded a buck, and while
endeavouring to follow his track, I heard Nathan shoot, and
shortly afterwards make also a loud hallooing, but being busily
engaged in trying to trail up my buck I did not immediately
go to him, and when finally I gave up my buck and tried to
find Nathan, he was no where to be found.
Returning back up the river I took the Canoe and crossed
dd
a

234
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
S
over to Camp. In the afternoon Nathan returned to Camp,
bringing with him Smith, dog. He had shot and wounded a
fawn, and not being able to trail it up, started off to Tuscola for
Smiths dog, but when he arrived at the spot where he shot the
fawn, the blood had so dried up, and the track was so old, that
the dog would not follow it.
We brought into Camp this afternoon the saddle of the Buck
I killed yesterday. Smith coming to our Camp just at night,
we cooked some of the Buck for supper and found the meat
most eccellent.
Nov. 2d. Clear & cool. Nathan & Smith started off very
early this morning, taking the dog with them, and went up the
river to the Island, and hunted in the burnt woods. In going
through a small Cedar swamp Nathan shot at a Wild Cat setting
on a log, but missed it.
Smith shot a large Buck and broke his back, and the dog
seizing him, the Buck flopped his head around and pinned the
dog with his horns to the ground. Smith being alarmed for his
dog, cried out to Nathan, Shoot him! shoot him! Nathan in-
stantly shot the buck in the head and relieved the dog. Skin-
ning off the foreshoulders of the buck, Smith put the Saddle on
his back, and brought it in to our Camp. The buck was very
fat, and had fine antlers. These latter Nathan took as his
portion.
Nathan & Smith had a hard tramp of it to day, and were
pretty well used up by the time they arrived at Camp. I hunt-
ed a short time to day and saw one Buck. Smith being anxious
to return home to night, we made him some strong tea, which
after drinking, we took him across the river.
Sat. Nov. 34. Clear & cold with a sharp frost. We hunted
a short time this morning on the North side of the river, going
down as far as the large flats, Nathan keeping the flats, and I
striking up to the ridge. Nathan started a fine 4 Pronged Buck
which coming within Rifle range of me I fired at and tumbled
down in his tracks. Running up to him I gave him a second
a

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
235
shot through the head to make sure of him. Nathan com-
ing to me, we hung up and dressed the buck, and then returned
to Camp.
At 11 A. M. we put Smith, Saddle of Venizon in our Canoe,
and Nathan started with it down the river, while I went into the
woods after some foreshoulders of Venizon for Pennell, agreeing
to meet Nathan at the Banking ground. Arriving at the Bank-
ing ground all right with my Venizon, and finding Nathan
there, I got into the Canoe, and the river being high, we ran
down to Vasser very quickly with very moderate paddling. Ar-
riving at the landing, we found Smith there with his team, and
had brought us two bushels of fine potatoes. Gave Firman a
side of Venizon, and to Pennell a quarter of Venizon.
After getting dinner at Pennell,, and purchasing some Sugar,
Pepper, and Turnips, we at 4 P. M. started back for Camp.
Arriving at the first Banking ground, we hauled our Canoe
ashore, and went back into the woods after the Buck I killed
in the morning, and brought it to the Canoe. Starting on again
we arrived at the Willow rapids, when Nathan got out of the
Canoe and wading in the river near the shore, pulled the Canoe
over the rapids, and soon afterwards, just at dark, we reached
our Camp.
Sunday Nov. 4th. Clear & pleasant. At 11 A. M. while set-
ting down to breakfast, Nathan took the Camp Kettle and
stepped outside of the Camp to pour the water off the potatoes
that were boiled in it, and while doing so, he heard a deer snort,
and looking up he saw at the edge of the river immediately op-
posite our Camp a Magnificent great Buck. Hurriedly telling
me I loaded my Rifle quick as possible, but before I got ready
he walked up the bank, and I could get no chance to shoot
him, although I could see him slowly walking along in the
woods and occasionally hear him make a loud snorting noise.
He was the largest Buck I have yet seen this fall, and carried
on his head a perfect "brush heap."
Monday Nov. 5th Cloudy, with some rain and wind. Did
ddi

236
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
not hunt to day. The Lock of Nathan, rifle not working well,
I took it off and boiled it, and then oiled it. He hunted some
four hours but saw no game.
Tuesday Nov. 6th. Hunted on North side of river, but saw
no game. Nathan went to Vassar to day.
Wed. Nov. 7th. Morning rainy. Our trap we had set in the
edge of a Swamp on the South side of the river about one and
a half miles from Camp, and at 9 A. M. this morning Nathan &
Myself took our rifles and went to visit it.
We proceeded through the woods and got within six rods of
the trap when I discovered a movement in the thick brush. In-
stantly stopping, I stood perfectly still for fifteen minutes or
longer, trying to see the object, but with the exception of seeing
its ears move once, or twice, I could see nothing.
Slowly walking up a little nearer, suddenly a buck jumped
up and bounded away making almost a constant snorting. A
A
Doe also jumped up out of her bed and ran off in a different
direction. I told Nathan to go between them and he might get
a shot at one of them.
After Nathan left me I commenced setting my trap, when I
heard the buck snorting again, and in a few minutes having
come within fifteen rods of me, I picked up my rifle and blazed
away at him.
1 Nathan coming up said that he saw him several times and
came near getting a shot at him. We went together to the spot
where he stood when I fired at him and after searching awhile
found both hair and blood.
Nathan went ahead following the track while I walked be-
hind him looking out for the deer. He bled very freely and we
followed him to the burnt woods, when coming to a large knoll,
the buck instead of going over it, followed around its base, and
leaving Nathan to follow up his track, I started to go around
the knoll on the other side, when I met the old fellow coming
directly towards me, with his ears lopped, his tail and head
down, and the blood streaming down his sides.

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
237
hung him
I pittied the old Hemlock Ranger, but as he was within two
rods of me, and slowly walking directly towards me, I had no
time for reflection, and consequently immediately fired at him,
when the ball struck him in the shoulders, and almost immedi-
ately thereafter the poor fellow sank down in his tracks. We
up and dressed him, when Nathan continued on hunt-
ing, while I returned to Camp.
Thursday Nov. 8th. Hunted on the south side of the river,
and met Nathan at the old Lumber Shanties. We then sepa-
rated, and during the forenoon I saw 3 deer, 2 of them does,
and one a buck. I fired twice at a small doe and missed her,
and being in plain sight of her I stood perfectly still, when she
walked partly around me, gazing at me, and frequently stamp-
ing her feet. I also shot at the Buck I saw, and wounded him,
but after following him about half a mile, finally lost his track
in a wet swail. Nathan saw Six deer to day but got no shot.
Carried in to Camp the saddle of the Buck I killed yesterday.
Friday Nov. 9th. Hunted in South, and during the days
tramp saw 2 does and 3 Bucks. Fired at a very large Buck
that was in pursuit of a doe, and shot him through the fore-
shoulders. I followed him across the Creek a mile or so, by
his blood, to a large swamp where I lost his trail. There has
been so much rain this fall that the woods are full of water, and
it is next to impossible to follow the track of a deer. I also got
two shots at a doe to day some distance off, and missed her.
In the afternoon, when on my way back to Camp, and about
two miles off, a large five pronged Buck suddenly started up be-
fore me. With his white flag flying, he very magestically bound-
ed off a few rods, when he halted and proudly tossed his head
around to look for the cause of his alarm. The instant he
stopped, I fired at his neck and shot him dead in his tracks.
After hanging him up and dressing him, I cut off his horns and
brought them with me to Camp. Nathan saw 3 deer to day,
and got two shots, but missed.
Sat. Nov. 10th. During my days hunt to day I saw 5 deer,

238
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
a
2 of which were does, and 3 Bucks. I pulled trigger on one
fine buck, and my gun snapped, afterwards I shot at a buck,
and also at a doe, but finding no blood, expect I missed them.
Nathan saw 2 deer, but got no shot.
Sunday Nov. Irth. Very rainy all day. A man, named Joseph
Otto, came in a Canoe to our Camp. As he was hunting and
had no success, we told him that we would give him the fore-
shoulders of 2 Bucks that we had hung up in the woods. We
went with him and showed him the Venizon, then returned to
Camp.
Otto in trying to get back to our Camp with one of the fore-
shoulders on his back, got turned around and came out on the
river one and a half miles below our Camp. Nathan went with
him after the other foreshoulder, and he then got back all right.
Monday Nov. 12th. It rained hard last night, and continued
to rain hard all of this day, and we were forced to remain in
Camp. The river has risen very high, has a fearful current, and
we are afraid to cross it. Our trap which we put in the edge of
the river to remove the skunk smell from it, is now some three
rods from shore, and four or five feet deep under water.
Tuesday Nov. 13th. Clear & cool. River still rising, and
great quantities of trees and logs come floating down. Hunted
a short time and found the woods very wet. Shot a large Buck
and followed him some twenty rods to a large wet Cat Swamp,
where I lost him. He bled quite freely, and ran blindly against
trees and stadlings, and I have no doubt that he fell dead after
running a short distance in the swamp. The brush being thick
in the swamp, and the water over my boots I could not follow
him. Nathan also saw one deer to day, but got no shot.
Wed. Nov. 14th. Cool & cloudy. Hunted in South some
four miles from Camp, and at 12 A. M. when passing over a
ridge, I saw directly ahead of me Eight deer in one drove, 2 of
the deer were bucks, and six of them does. They were at the
foot of the ridge and some fifty rods off, and as the ridge was
very open with no underbrush, there was no chance for me to

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
239
approach them any nearer. After watching them some time,
one of the bucks took after a doe, and she fleeing away from
him ran some twenty rods, when the buck left her and returned
to the drove. The doe being some fifteen rods nearer me than
the drove, I took a coarse high aim at her and fired, when she
immediately fell, my ball having broke her back.
The other deer were not frightened and continued on feeding
and gamboling as before. Finally the buck that had chased the
doe towards me, again left the drove and slowly and cautiously
approached her, occasionally stopping and stamping his feet.
As the doe I had shot was alive and trying to move along on
her fore feet drawing her hind legs, the buck kept away from
her about a rod and walked in a circle around her. When he
got at about the nearest point to me, my Rifle belched out its
thunder notes, when the buck quick as lightning dashed away
among the other deer and all ran off together.
Feeling certain that I had finished the buck, I went up to the
wounded doe and shot her through the head, and hung up, and
dressed her. Then taking the tracks of the drove, I followed
them about half a mile, when finding no blood, I turned about
and following the tracks back, looked carefully to see if I could
find any place where the buck had left the drove. Making out
nothing, I took my course back to Camp, and saw one deer
when coming in, but got no shot at it. Nathan saw one deer
to day. It commenced raining again this evening and rained
hard all night.
Thursday Nov. 15th. Very rainy till 9 A. M. River very
high, and our little Creek is now some fifteen rods in width.
Our Camp is situated at the confluence of the Creek with the
river, on an elevated piece of land, the banks of both the Creek
and river fronting our camp, being from 15 to 20 feet in height.
We are now surrounded on two sides with a perfect sea of
water, but have no fears of being flooded.
Hunted in South about 3 miles, and when returning towards
Camp, saw 3 deer feeding in the swail at the foot of the ridge,

240
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
a
North East about a quarter of a mile from the old lumber shan-
ties. Shot at one of them a fine doe, when sank down dead in
her tracks. Hung up, and dressed her, and got in to Camp at
5 P. M.
Friday Nov. 16th, Hunted down and back from the river,
and took a long turn, coming to several wet swails that I had
to go a long ways around. Saw one deer and some consider-
able signs. Got no shot at the deer.
Sat. Nov. 17th. Cloudy and towards night some snow.
Hunted a long distance up the Creek, and West of the Creek,
and during my tramp saw Six deer. Shot at a doe, but she
whirling at the moment I pulled trigger, I missed her. Eat our
last Hard bread to day. We have been on short allowance of
bread for several days past on account of not being able to
cross the river to go to Vassar.
Sunday Nov. 18th. Took my Rifle and started off to bring
to Camp the Saddle of the doe I killed last Wednesday. Pass-
ing by the doe I killed in the swail last thursday, I found that
the Ravens had commenced eating her. Setting my rifle against
a tree, I cut some boughs and fixed them over the doe to pro-
tect her from any farther injury by the Ravens.
Then starting on, I traveled some three miles farther, when I
come to the doe hanging up all right just as I had left. Cutting
the staddle and letting her down, I skinned off the foreshoul-
ders, and then putting the Saddle on my back shaped my course
back to Camp
When I had arrived in about 34 of a mile from Camp, and
had got into a wet swamp, with the Saddle of Venizon on my
back, I raised up my head to see the nearest way out of the
swamp, when I saw in a fallen tree top about ten rods off, a
deer gazing directly at me.
Having my rifle resting on the deer legs crossways to help
ballance the saddle, I bent my back, and slowly turning a little
sideways, crouched down so as to bring my rifle on a level with
the deer, when taking as good aim as I could in my awkward

I
RESIDENCE OF NATHAN PERRY, ESQ.
Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, 1875.


Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
241
a
position, fired away. Seeing no deer run away, nor hearing any
noise in the bushes, I threw off the saddle from my back, and
having reloaded my Rifle, approached very cautiously a few
rods towards the spot where the deer stood that I shot at, when
I discovered the outlines of a deer standing in the brush about
15 rods off. Drawing up my rifle I fired at it, but no stir, and
the smoke blowing away, there the form of the deer still stood.
Resting my rifle against a tree, I blazed
away
with
my
second
barrel, and the moment my rifle cracked this time, there was
also a great cracking in the bushes where the deer stood.
Going to the spot where the deer stood, I found both hair
and blood, and following the track a short distance I found the
ground well sprinkled with blood, but fearing that if I followed
up the track any farther, that I would loose the saddle of Veni-
zon that I had left on the ground, I turned off the track and
after considerable hunting found my
saddle.
Then blazing several trees to mark the spot, I went to the
tree top where the first deer stood that I shot at, and to my
great surprise found a fine doe lying there dead, I having shot
her directly through the heart. Without stopping to dress or
hang her up, I shouldered my saddle of Venizon and proceeded
,
directly to Camp.
After taking a little bite, Nathan strapped around him his
tomahawk and going with me to the deer I had killed, we hung
it
up and dressed it, and then taking the track of the wounded
doe we followed her through several little swamps and swails,
and finally started her up in a little swamp getting within three
rods of her. We followed her about a mile farther, when she
went into another swamp where we lost the track, and gave her
up. These swails and swamps are covered with six inches to a
foot of water, and it is very difficult to follow a deer in them.
Monday Nov. 19th. Cold, freezing, and very noisy under
foot. Not feeling satisfied about the loss of the doe I wounded
yesterday, I took my Pack strap and again started off in search
of her. Arriving at the spot where Nathan and myself lost her
ee

242
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
Did no
track, I took a little circle around, and not 20 rods from where
we lost her track, I found her dead. She was a very fat barren
doe, but was already spoiled, and stripping her skin off, I left
her carcass for the Ravens, and returned to Camp.
Tuesday Nov. 20th. Cool, and woods very noisy.
hunting to day. Nathan went afoot down to Vassar after bread,
Sugar &c, and to engage a person to help us out of the woods,
and also to make enquiries in regard to hiring a team to take us
from Vassar to the Plank Road. He returned just at night with
a loaf of bread, papers &c, and reported that the roads were so
bad, that there were no teams on the roads, and no prospect of
there being any until it freezes up. It snowed some this after-
noon, but turned into rain during the night.
Wed Nov. 21st. Cold, and woods very noisy. Went to the
Ridge to bring in to Camp a portion of the doe I had hung up
there, and when on the way saw Eight deer, but got no shot.
In the afternoon tried runway. 3 deer came out, but not
within
gun shot. Nathan saw 4 deer to day, and shot at them
4 times. During the forenoon when he was hunting down the
river, he saw across the river a doe and fawn feeding on the
flats. He fired at them three times without disturbing them,
when they finally fed along out of sight.
Just before Sundown we crossed the river and went to two
different places to watch for deer, Nathan taking the farthest
place down the river. It being cold & frosty, after remaing a
short time, I started back towards the Canoe, when I heard
Nathan shoot. Walking along a few rods in the direction of
where Nathan was standing, I saw under some large hemlock
trees, a doe and fawn feeding. It had now become so dark,
that when I raised up my rifle to shoot, I could not see my
block sight, and therefore fired at the deer by looking along the
barrel.
After firing my first barrel, the doe stamped her feet, and
commenced slowly to walk around, but the fawn continued to
busy itself feeding. Firing my second barrel at the doe and

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
243
missing her, she approached towards me stamping her feet. All
at once the fawn with its flag hoisted came running up to the
doe, when they bounded off together, and just at that moment
Nathan came along, which accounted for the sudden disappear-
ing of the deer. He had likewise seen two deer and shot at
them with the same success as myself. We took the Canoe and
crossed over the river back to Camp.
Thursday Nov. 22d. Very high wind during the night, but
dying down, it came on cold. Went to run-way in the morn-
ing, and saw one deer, but it went by out of gun shot. Nathan
saw 2 deer this morning but too far off to shoot at.
Prepared things to day for a start home. After getting our
things all packed up, took our Rifles and walked down to Vas-
sar, arriving there a little after dark.
Friday Nov. 23d. Finding no team coming, or going from
Vassar, and it impossible to get any person to go after our
things, we returned back to our Camp. Having our Cooking
Utensils all packed up, we for our supper roasted some Venizon
on a Stick, and some potatoes in the ashes. Very cold during
the night, and snowed some.
Sat. Nov. 24th. Went out to Run-way before daylight this
morning. The rain and snow having froze, the woods were ter-
rible noisy. Just as day was breaking, I heard a cronching
sound approaching the runway where I was standing, and pre-
sently a large Buck came in sight. Becoming suspicious when
in about thirty rods of the runway, he stopped and after reflect-
ing awhile, turned around and walked off in an Easterly di-
rection.
Shortly afterwards a 3 Pronged Buck came along, but notic-
ing 2 fine sleek does, as I thought, also coming along about ten
rods behind the buck, I allowed the buck to pass by, and when
the does came in range, fired at one of them. They immedi-
ately wheeled and run back in the direction where they came
from.
In a moment more, I heard Nathan shoot, and shortly after
eer

244
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
.
he came up to me and said that I had hit one of the deer, as
he could see the blood in his track on the snow. Nathan said
that he fired at a small Buck.
After reloading my Rifle, Nathan followed the track of the
wounded deer, and I followed behind him, and we proceeded
about half a mile when we saw the deer ahead of us slowly reel-
ing along Drawing up my rifle I shot him down, when on go-
ing up to it we to our surprise found it to be a Spike horn buck
instead of a doe. It was a miserable little runt, and as my ball
had struck him in the paunch and passed through one hind
quarter, we skinned him and took the good hind quarter and
left the ballance of the Carcass for the Ravens, and Wild
Cats.
Newton the Landlord of the Buck Horn in company with
another man came to our camp this afternoon. They had
heavy packs, each of them carrying a Buffalo Robe, had laid
out in the woods three nights, had nothing to eat, and were
pretty well used up. Newton complaining of a terrible head
ache, I steeped some tea in a tin cup and gave him to drink,
which greatly relieved him. Having a few potatoes roasted in
the ashes, I offered them to eat.
Newton had been hunting Pine lands and was now on his
way back to the Buck Horn. He promised us, that by day
after to morrow, there should be a team at Vassar to take our
things to his house. Started for Vassar this afternoon, and ar-
rived there after dark.
Sunday Nov. 25th. Hiring a man in Vassar this morning, we
went back to our Camp and spent almost the entire day in mak-
ing a raft. It being cold, and raining at intervals all day, wet-
ting our things, and also giving us wet feet, we had a most
miserable time of it in performing our labors.
Finally completing our raft, we placed on it One Roll Tent,
Fly &c, One Roll Blankets, one bundle Deer Skins, 2 Whole
Deer, One Saddle Venizon, & Half a barrel of Jerked Venizon,
and our hired man then getting aboard, we shoved the Raft off
а.

Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
245
into the current of the river. It lacked now but half an hour to
sun down, & having no time to spare, Nathan took his rifle and
I set him across the river to go a foot through the woods to
Vassar. Hastily loading the Canoe with One Bag Sundries,
one bundle Deer Horns, our Carpet Bags, and our Cooking
Utensils, I bade adieu to our Camp just at dark, and proceed-
ed down the river. The night was cold, and rainy, and very
dark.
After going about a mile and a half, I heard at a distance
ahead of me a loud hallooing in the woods. On arriving oppo-
site to the sound and near enough to speak, I called out, Who
is there? and to my great surprise received the reply, "its me
Uncle." It was so dark that I could see no object what-
ever, and was guided by Nathan, voice to the spot where he
stood.
In trying to avoid a wet place, he got turned around, and in-
stead of going towards Vassar as he expected, he had gone over
a mile in an opposite direction. The flats being overflowed, so
that he could not follow down the river, and the woods being so
dark that he could not see a foot ahead of him, he was com-
pletely hemmed in, and having no matches and the night cold
and rainy, he was in a most deplorable condition.
My Canoe being very small & completely filled with ar-
ticles, and the night being very dark, and the river deep and
rapid, it was very dangerous to both of us, to take Nathan into
the Canoe. But there was no alternative, and getting in at the
bow end, he was cramped up in a very small space.
We went along very carefully, feeling certain that the least
rock of our Canoe would prove the end of us. Becoming almost
froze in our crampt condition, we went ashore and spent a quar-
ter of an hour in slapping our hands and stamping our feet to
get warm.
The moon rising, although clouded, made the darkness less
intense, and we went along the remainder of our distance com-
paratively quite comfortably. We once more went ashore and

246
Hunting Expeditions of 0. H. Perry.
stamped our feet, after which we did not stop until we arrived
at Vassar.
On our way, about half a mile from Vassar, we passed our
hired man in the middle of the river stuck on a snag. He told
us that he had been there about an hour and was almost froze.
As we were situated, we could then render him no assistance,
but promised him that when we arrived at Vassar we would un-
load our Canoe and return to his aid.
Arriving at Vassar, we unloaded our Canoe and were about
starting to the aid of our Raftsman, when we saw him coming
floating down, he having succeeded in clearing the Raft from
the Snag.
The Tavern being some Sixty rods from the landing, and it
raining quite hard, I got several persons at the Tavern to aid us
in unloading our raft and carrying things up to the Tavern.
Monday Nov. 26th. A man, by the name of Van Gleeson,
having come for us yesterday from the Buck Horn, after break-
fast we loaded our things into his wagon, & then taking our
rifles and getting into our Canoe we paddled down to Tuscola.
The wind blew hard, was very cold and piercing, and our voy-
age was any thing but a pleasant one.
Arriving at Tuscola, we drew the Canoe up on the bank,
took the Paddles to Baldwin, House, and then started on foot
for the Buck Horn, arriving there at One P. M, Van Gleeson
having got there before us. We found Newton and his family
well, and all of them seemed glad to see us.
Tuesday Nov. 27th. Left the Buck Horn this morning with
Van Gleeson for Fentonville, and went four miles beyond Flint.
The day was cold & windy, and the roads horrible.
Wednesday Nov. 28th. Arriving at Fentonville during the
forenoon, we took the Cars for Detroit and arriving there, took
Steam Boat for Cleveland and arrived safely home with all our
traps and plunder.
S


The Marion Press, Jamaica, Queensborough, New-York.





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