7 4? BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS VOLUME II THE JOHN ASKIN PAPERS VOLUME I I : 1796-1820 The £ J O H N ^ S K I N PAPERTS VOLUME I I : 1796-1820 Edited by MILO M. QUAIFE SECRETARY-EDITOR T H E BURTON HISTORICAL COLLECTION PUBLISHED BY THE DETROIT LIBRARY COMMISSION 1931 Copyright 1931 By the DETROIT LIBRARY COMMISSION 1000 Copies Printed CONTENTS Section Page EDITORIAL INTRODUCTION . 1 I. LETTERS AND PAPERS, 1796 5 II. LETTERS AND PAPERS, 1797-1798 83 III. LETTERS AND PAPERS, 1799 171 IV. LETTERS AND PAPERS, 1800-1801 273 V. LETTERS AND PAPERS, 1802-1804 367 VI. LETTERS AND PAPERS, 1805-1806 453 VII. LETTERS AND PAPERS, 1807-1808 537 VIII. LETTERS AND PAPERS, 1809-1811 619 IX. LETTERS AND PAPERS, 1812 703 X. LETTERS AND PAPERS, 1813-1820 747 INDEX 791 ILLUSTRATIONS I The Detroit River in 1812 Frontispiece Facing Page II Fort Maiden in 1812, as Seen from Elliot's Point 224 III Powder Horn of Dr. Harffy 258 IV James McGill 514 V Some Early Detroit Autographs 682 INTRODUCTION With the publication in the summer of 1928 of Volume I of The John Askin Papers, the Detroit Public Library initiated at once its series of Burton Historical Records and its publica- tion of selections from the personal and family papers of John Askin. The present volume, presenting papers for the years 1796-1820 inclusive, completes the latter project. Save for one or two items whose inclusion seemed desirable, the papers printed end with the year of Mr. Askin's death, 1815. The Editor's Introduction to the entire group of papers will be found at the beginning of Volume I, and our present notice need be but brief. The Editor's forecast (p. 18) that his annotations of the documents were not inerrant has already found positive con- firmation through the detection of a considerable number of such errors in the notes to Volume I. That the passage of time and the scrutiny of interested readers will bring to light the existence of other errors in the notes to the present volume is a matter reasonably to be anticipated. All that the Editor would claim for the notes he has supplied is a scrupulous desire to make them as accurate as his resources in time and accessible information permit. It may promote the convenience of readers of The John Askin Papers to explain that throughout the two volumes on the first citation of any printed reference, full bibliographical details have been supplied. In later references to the work in question, commonly only an abbreviated citation is given. Like the leader of an army, the Editor of such a work as The John Askin Papers depends for whatever measure of success he may achieve upon the cooperation of numerous fellow-workers, whose aid it is frequently impossible ade- quately to acknowledge. Our own indebtedness in this respect is evidenced in almost every footnote throughout the volume. The acknowledgment in Volume I of obligation to Clarence M. Burton, to Adam Strohm, Librarian, and to BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS the Commissioners of the Detroit Public Library applies equally to the present volume; so, too, does the acknowledge- ment to Mrs. L. Oughtred Woltz for the translations, made with devoted care, of the French documents in the volume. The Editor's secretaries, Ethel Armstrong and Muriel Ber- nitt, have contributed much intelligent labor to the making of the volume. Separate and particular acknowledgement is owing to my associate in the editorial task, Louise Rau, the sum of whose contribution to the volume I am unable to express in any brief formal statement. In addition to sup- plying the detailed Index, she has had general charge of practically all the processes of preparing the manuscript for the printer and seeing it through the press. A final word of acknowledgement is due to John Bornman and Son, printers of the two volumes, for their uniformly patient and efficient cooperation in the task of producing books worthy of bear- ing the imprint of the Detroit Public Library. M. M. QUAIFE Detroit Public Library SECTION I LETTERS AND PAPERS: 1796 DEED TO CUYAHOGA PURCHASE1 THIS INDENTURE made the Eighteenth day of January and in the year of our Lord one Thousand seven hundred and Ninety Six between John Askin Esquire, William Robertson2 4Esquire, John Askin 5 Junior Israel Ruland,3 John Dodemead, Patrick M°Niff all of Detroit and Alexander Henry6 of Montreal of the one part, and the chiefs and leaders of the Ottawa Chipawa and Messasague Nations of Indians of the other part Witnesseth, that we the said Chiefs and principal leaders of the said Nations of Indians, for our- selves and by and with the Consent and advice of the whole of our said Nations or Tribes, in Consideration of the sum of five Shillings Halifax Currency to us in hand paid by the said John Askin Esquire William Robertson Esquire, John Askin Junior Israel Ruland John Dodemead Patrick McNiff and Alexander Henry, (the receipt whereof is hereby ac- knowledged) and for other good causes and considerations Us the sa[id]7 chiefs and principal leaders of the said Nations or Tribes of Indians hereunto] 8 especially moving: HAVE bar- gained and sold and by these presents [all]7 and each of us7 doth bargain and sell unto the said John Askin, WilQiam] Robertson, Israelc Ruland John Askin Junior John Dode- mead Patric[k M Niff]7 and Alexander Henry their Execut- ors Administrator and assigns, All [that]7 Capital Messuage or certain Tract of Land Situated lying and being on the South [side]7 of Lake Erie, and bounded as follows towit, Commencing at the entrance of the Cayahoga River into Lake Erie and thence runing up the westerly bank of said river to the portage or carrying place between that River and the Tuscarrawas branch of the Muskingum River, i For additional documents concerning the Cuyahoga Purchase, see Burton Historical Records, I and II, passim. Referred to hereafter as B. H. R. A photograph of the conclud- ing portion of the agreement is published, ibid., I, 558. 2. For the career of William Robertson, see ibid., 208. 3 Israel Ruland, for whom see ibid., 545. 4 John Dodemead, for whose career see ibid., 304. 5 Patrick McNiff, for whose career see ibid., 424. 6 Alexander Henry, for whose career see ibid., 93. 7 The manuscript is mutilated at this point. 8 This word is covered by the seal which accompanies the first signature to the document. 5 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS thence down that branch to the crossing place above Fort Lawrence thence westerly on the division Line between the Indian Lands and the Land given and granted by the differ- ent Indian Nations to the States of America in August 1795 such a distance untill it Intersect a line run due South from the Entrance of Sandusky Lake, thence due North on that Line to the Entrance of Sandusky Lake thence easterly along the Southerly Shore of Lake Erie untill the Entrance of Cayahogo River aforesaid or place of commencement be the distance quantity of Miles or acres more or less (always reserving out of said Tract of Land Six Miles Square At and Near the Entrance of Huron River which we formerly Granted to Gabriel Ganeau and three small farms granted to different persons on the Southerly side of Sandusky Lake,) which said Tract of Land and every part thereof together with all Meadows pastures feedings Commons, Woods, ways, Waters, Water Courses fishings, Mines, Minerals Quarrys profits Privileges, Easements Commodities, advan- tages, Emoluments, hereditaments and appurtenances what- soever to the said Capital Messuage or Tract of Land be- longing or with the same used or enjoyed or accepted, re- puted, taken or known as part parcel or member thereof or as belonging to the same or any part thereof, To HAVE AND TO HOLD the said Capital Messuage or Tract of Land, hereditaments and all and Singular other the premises herein before mentioned or Intended to be bargained and Sold and every part and parcel thereof with their and every of their Rights Members and appurtinances unto the said John Askin, William Robertson, Johnc Askin Junior Israel Ruland John Dodemead Patrick M Niff and Alexander Henry, their Executors Administrators and assigns, from the day of the date of these presents, for and during and untill the full end and term of Nine hundred and Ninety Nine Years, from the date hereof to be Completed and ended: They the said John Askin, William Robertson John Askin Junior Israel Ruland, John Dodemead, Patrick M°Niff and Alexander Henry, Yeilding and paying us the aforesaid chiefs and principal leaders of the Indian Nations Ottawas Chipawas and Messasagues aforesaid, the Yearly Rent of five Shillings Halifax currency at the expiration of every Year to be computed from the date hereof if the same shall JOHN ASKIN PAPERS be Lawfully demanded, of them their Heirs and assigns, To the Intent and purpose that by virtue of these presents and of the Statute for Transferring uses into Possession the said John Askin William Robertson, Johnc Askin Junior Israel Ruland John Dodemead Patrick M Niff and Alexander Henry may be in actual possession of the premises and be thereby enabled to receive and accept of a Grant and release of the freehold, reversion and Inheritance of the same prem- ises and of every part and parcel thereof to them their Heirs and assigns to the uses and upon the trusts thereof to be declared by another Indenture Intended to bear date the day after the date hereof or on some other future day: IN WITNESS whereof the said John Askin William Robertson John Askin Junior Israel Ruland John Dodemead Patrick M°Niff and Alexander Henry unto these presents their hands and Seals have Subscribed and set, and We the said chiefs and principal—leaders of the said Nations have also unto these presents set our Seals and the marks of our respective Tribes the day and Year first above [written.]8 In the presence of the Subscribing Notary and witnesses the chiefs and principal leaders of the Ottawas Chipawas and Messasagues Nations of Indians did to this Indenture set their Seals and the marks of their respective Tribes and delivered the same as their act and Deed to the party con- cerned, the same being first Read and fully Explained to them by a proper Interpreter they the said chiefs being then perfectly Sober. A Sketch of the Land specified and described in this Indenture is drawn on the opposite page which the said Chiefs acknowledge to be Just and to which they have also set their Seals and marks of their respective Tribes as a farther confirmation of their perfect knowledge of the Intent and meaning of this Indenture. Alexis Maisonville9 F D x Bellecour11 Nre pc B* Sans Craint10 Interprete D S* Cosme12 temoint 9 For the ancestry and career of Alexis Maisonville, see B. H. R., I, 325. 10 For the ancestry and career of Jean Baptiste Romain dit Sanscrainte, see ibid., 324. 11 For the career of Francis Xavier Trotier dit Bellecour, see ibid., 401. ix For the St. Cosme family line, see ibid., 212. Among the sons of Pierre Laurence, 7 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS John Askin (L. S.) William Robertson (L. S.) John Askin Jun r (L. S.) Israel Ruland (L. S.) Johnc Dodmeade (L. S.) P M Niff (L. S.) John Askin for13 Alexander Henry (L. S.) th y Endorsed: Cayahoga Deed &c &c dated 18 Jan 1796 Rec into my office this 3d day of April 179[?] Recorded in my office in the [illegible] No 1 pages 47, 48 & 49 Peter Audrain recorder 15/8 MEMORIAL OF JOHN ASKIN TO LORD DORCHESTER14 Humbly sheweth, THAT your lordship's memorialist has resided at the posts of Michilimackinac & Detroit since the year 1764; at this period he went to the former post as deputy commissary & served in that capacity at two different periods for eleven years. That in the year 1767 he with several others were reduced, & were to be favoured by government with two thousand acres of land each; but owing to his still remaining at Michilimackinac, he never had an opportunity of bene- fiting by the generous intentions of goverment. THAT in the year 1776 your Lordship's memorialist sus- tained a very considerable loss, exceeding the sum of seven- teen hundred pounds York currency in Montreal & on Lake Erie, as can be indubitably proved, by authority & evidence to whom reference was then made, & are now happily to be brought forward, owing to the existing hostilities between Great Britain & the then Colonies; & at that period a state- ment, with proper vouchers, were, by your Lordship'sc direc- tionsr laid before you through the medium of James M Gill,15 Esq of Montreal. That your Lordship's memorialist has since been honoured with a commission of Captain in the there noted, was Dominic St. Cosme, who was born in Detroit on April 28,1758. It seems probable that he was the witness to the present document. 13 Appended are the totem signatures of thirty-five Indians, together with an outline map designed to identify the boundaries of the purchase. 14 Sir Guy Carleton, Lord Dorchester, for whose career see B. H. R., I, 83. 15 James McGill, for whose career see ibid., 73. 8 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS town Militia of Detroit, & in that capacity took every oppor- tunity of discharging his duty to government & rendering at the same time those he commanded satisfied with the nature of the service then in a great measure new to him. That your Lordship was afterwards pleased in your goodness to honour him with a commission of the peace, in which capac- ity he has studiously endeavoured to the best of his abilities to fulfil the duties of that office, so useful to the community & so difficult & laborious to the concientious & upright magistrate. That your Lordship after honoured him with a seat at the Land board here; when laying aside all considera- tions of a private nature, he has always adhered to the spirit of his instructions, in carrying into effect those regulations, dictated no less by the wisdom, than by that spirit of justice & honour that so happily characterises the measures of your Lordship. That since the division of Canada into two governments he has been made Lieu* Col. commandant of the Essex Militia by Col. McKee,16 the Lieu* Col. of the county. In all these stations, he has endeavoured to dis- charge his duty as an honest man & a subject desirous by his conduct to evince to the government of his country that tho' unconnected with profit or emolument, he wished not to appear unworthy of the confidence that had unsolicited, been reposed in him. For the truth of which he is not afraid to appeal to the testimony of every commanding officer who has been in this country down to the present moment when Col. England17 is about to leave it to which he hopes he might add the general good will of the most respectable part of his fellow subjects. Notwithstanding this, your Lordship's memorialist most respectfully represents, that for what reason he knows not he has not been able to obtain more than twelve hundred acres of land for himself & a very large family from his excellency Lieu* Governor Simcoe18—a quantity not greater than has been readily bestowed on individuals whose situa- tion & time have never placed them where they could devote any part of it to the public service & some of whom are only young men in the capacity of clerks. 16 Alexander McKee, for whose career see ibid., 301. 17 Lt. Col. Richard England, for whose career see ibid., 444. 18 Gov. John Graves Simcoe, for whose career see ibid., 403. 9 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Your Lordship's memorialist having been born and bred under the British government feels it hard to be thus dis- carded; & is fearful (that some person must have done him ill offices with his excellency Lieu* Govr Simcoe: for a faithful & concientious discharge of his duty according to the best of his abilities could not have marked him out to one en- trusted to dispense the rewards of the crown as undeserving of favours which have been so liberally bestowed on others whose merits & pretensions will not be illustrated by exam- ination. Under these circumstances your Lordship's memorialist therefore feels it proper to appeal to that Justice & impartial- ity which so eminently characterises your lordship as the King's supreme representative in British America, for such portion of land for himself & family as your Lordship, in your wisdom & goodness, may think your memorialist worthy of in the province of Lower Canada: & he as in duty bound will every pray. Endorsed: 1796 Coppy of a memorial Intended to have been presented to His Excellency Lord Dorchester but his departure before it got down prevent its being given GRANT TO GABRIEL HUNOT Detroit PARDEVANT Francois Desruisseaux bellecour Notaire au Detroit y residant et temoins Soussign6s, Furent presens les principaux Chefs de la nation Outaways, lesquels et aux noms des plus enciens et autres de la dite nation, en con- sideration de la bonne amitiez qu'ils ont pour le Sieur Gabriel Hunault, Marchand Tretteur parmi eux a cepresent et acceptant, pour lui Ses Hoirs et ayans Causes a l'avenir, ils lui ont donnes, Cedes, quitt6s, et transports et par ces presentes, donnent, quittent, transportent, alli6nent, Ire- vocablement, avec garanties de tous troubles, Dons, ventes, dettes, Evictions, Allienations, et de toutes autres Empeche- mens G6n6ralement quelconques un Certin TERREIN qui n'est point encore mesuree, mais tel qu'il se trouve aprandre depuis la rividre au Calumet aux environs de Sandosqu6t, Jusqu'a la borne et Joignant les terres qu'ils ont donnes dernidrement audit Hunault et Jusqu'a deux Lieux, de pro- 10 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS fondeur. et en outre, un autre terrein aprandre de la ligne des dites premieres terres donnas audit Hunault Jusqu'a la rividre dite au vermilion et de la me"me Profondeur de deux Lieux, les dits terreins, tel qu'ils Se comportent de toutes parts, tant en bois de bout que preries &c. Circonstances et d6pendances, que le dit donnataire dit avois vile, et visit6s, dont il est Contant et Satisfait, les dit Chefs, et autres de la dite Nation vouslans et entendans, qu'il Jouisse des dit terreins et ses ayans Causes aperp6tuit6s, promettans, ne Jamais, ni eux, ni leurs Hoirs, ne le troubles, ni enquetter dans la paisible Possession, et Jouissance d'icelui d£Clarans ne l'avoir donn6s a personnes (Sidevant) et Sans pouvoir ni eux, ni leurs Hoirs, les donner ni aucunes parties d'iceux a d'autre Cette donnaison, Cession, transport et delaissement, ainsi faite, en considerations des bons Services et trettemens, que les dits Chefs, et autres, reconnoissent avoir regue dudit Gabriel Hunault, et en autre pour environ deux Milles Piastres de credits qui leurs a fait ci devant, et quis n'ont point et&s Payes, les qu'ils dit Credits le dit Hunault, leurs abandonnent; et au moy6ns de ce que dessus, et des autres parts, les dit Chefs et aux dit noms, ont de ce moment trans- portes, et transportent audit Hunault Ses dit Hoirs et ayans Causes a l'avenir, tous et tels droits de proprietes, noms, raisons, actions, et tous autres droits, qu'ils ont et pouvoient avoir Sur les dit terreins san dev6tissants ou profits du dit Hunault ses dit Hoirs et ayans Causes al'avenir voulans, et entendans, qu'il en Soit mis en bonne Possession, et Seizine par quis, et ainsi qu'il appartiendrat, en vertu desdites pr6santes. Car ainsi &c Promettans &s Obligeans &c fait et Pass6 au dit Detroit en L'etude du dit Notaire, le dix Neufidme Jour de Janvier L'an milsept Cens quatre vingt seize, et ont les dit Chefs faits leurs marques ordinaires, et Scell6s apres Lecture faite qui leurs a etes interprets en leur Langue qu'ils ont dit avoir bien Compris. [Totem signatures of twenty-two Ottawa Indian chiefs with their Indian names added in script, and seals for seven] Nigoucheway Saquimaint Wabechin Gosqoame Wabechique Ouquesos 11 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Achoakigique Anqueqoad Assogoua Nigquani comme Agoa Oubequegyate Negaonique Asogouw Quouqixe Chimondoque Etgominus Tache Soutade Pimaque Naudoet Niquique Presance de Toussaint Chesne marque B te Sanscraint Interprette F. D* Bellecour N re P c Endorsed: Donnaison par les Sauvages Outaway a Gabriel Hunault du 19 Janvier 1796 Recd in my office the 4 th Oct1™ 1797. P.A. Registered in my office in the Book No 1 pages 158 & 159. Peter Audrain, recorder. Jur6 repardevant c nous. Joseph Voyez r Ecuyer. F. D x Belle- cour N P N° 1 to be deliv* to M Askin Translation Detroit BEFORE Frangois Desruisseaux Bellecour, notary of De- troit, there resident, and witness undersigned, appeared the principal chiefs of the Ottawa nation, who for themselves and in the names of the elders and others of the said nation, in consideration of their good friendship for Gabriel Hunot,19 merchant trader among them now present and accepting for himself, his heirs, and future assigns, have to him given, ceded, released, conveyed, and by these presents do give, release, convey, and alienate irrevocably, with guaranty from all troubles, gifts, sales, debts, evictions, alienations, and all other hindrances generally whatsoever, a certain tract of land not yet surveyed but extending from the Calumet River to the lands adjacent to Sandusky, as far as the boundary of and adjoining lands which they recently granted to the said Gabriel Hunot, and extending two miles in depth; and further, another tract beginning at the boundary 19 For the Hunot family, see B. H. R., I, 199. 12 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS line of the said first grant to the said Hunot and extending to the Vermilion River also two miles in depth, such as they are, these two tracts, throughout their whole extent, both woodland and meadow, with their appurtenances and de- pendencies, which the said grantee claims to have seen and examined and to be satisfied and content therewith, the said chiefs and others of the said nation, willing and intending that he may enjoy the said lands, he and his assigns, forever, and promising that never shall they or their heirs give him any trouble nor shall they ever dispute his peaceable posses- sion and enjoyment of the same, declaring that they have never before made a grant of these lands to anyone, and that they are now powerless to grant them or any part thereof, to any other. This grant, cession, conveyance, and relinquishment, thus made, is in consideration of the good offices and the mer- chandise which the said chiefs and others recognize to have received from the said Gabriel Hunot, and further for about two thousand piasters of credits which he formerly gave them and which have never been paid, and which said credits the said Hunot relinquishes to them; and because of that which is hereinafter set forth, and in other places, the said chiefs, and in the said names, have from this present con- veyed, and do convey to the said Hunot, his said heirs and future assigns, all and such rights of ownership, title, equity, demand, and all other rights which they have and can have upon the said tracts, with no divestment of rights nor of profits of the said Hunot, his said heirs and future assigns, willing and intending that he may be placed in good and sufficient possession and seizin by which and so that it may belong to him in virtue of these said presents. For thus, etc., promising etc., duly executed at the said Detroit in the office of the said notary the nineteenth day of January in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety- six, and they, the said chiefs, have made their customary marks, with their seals, after reading which has been inter- preted to them in their language and which they say they have understood. [Signed by twenty-two Indian chiefs by their respective totems] BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS In the presence of Toussaint Ch&ne by mark20 Bte. Sanscraint, Interpreter F. D x Bellecour, Notary Public Endorsed: Grant by the Ottawa Indians to Gabriel Hunot, January 19, 1796. Received in my office, October 4, 1797 Peter Audrain.21 Registered in my office in the Book No. 1, pages 158 and 159. Peter Audrain, Recorder. Sworn before us, Joseph Voyez22 Esq. F. D*. Bellecour, Notary Public. No. 1 to be delivered to Mr. Askin. JOHN ASKWITH'S TAILOR BILL The Estate of John Askwith23 Deceased To Thomas McCrae Dr24 1793 July 19th To Turning a Black Coat & trim- mings £ 1 16 1794 Jan y 11 Making 2 p r Mittens r 2/6 5 June 28 ditto 2 Vests & 2 p Breeches @ 12/ ea 2 8 1 Yard Shalloon 6/ 13j< yd9 Cotton Linning @ 6/ 16 3 n Linnen @ 4/6 Silk twist thread & tape 10/6 1 4 3 doz blk Buttons @ 2/ 2 ^ doz Small plated @ 4/ 17 io For the background of the Ch&ne family, see ibid., 410. Toussaint was a son of Charles Ch&ne dit Caousa and Mary Joseph Descomps dit Labadie. He was born in Detroit, Oct. 31, 1768, and married, April 23, 1798, Mary Therese Campau, daughter of Jean Baptiste Campau and Geneveva Godet. She was buried, June 23, 1823, and Toussaint married (second), April 21, 1833, Mary Frances Par6, daughter of Jean Baptiste Par6 and Mary Frances Peltier and widow of Antoine Levasseur dit Carmel. Toussaint was buried in Detroit, May 2,1834. Eleven children were born of the union with Mary Therese Campau, in the years 1799-1821. Information adapted from Denissen, op. cit. zi For sketch of the career of Peter Audrain, see B. H. R., I, 213. zz Joseph Voyer, for whose career see ibid., 379. 2.3 John Askwith, for whose career see ibid., 448-49, and Burton Hist. Coll. Leaflet, VII, 49-64. Z4 For data concerning the family of Thomas McCrae, see post, 386. 14 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS 7 Large plated Buttons 8/ 4 8 1 p r Brittells 4 October 1 Pen Knife 3/ 1 framed Looking glass 20/ 1 3 1795 April y2 Bushell Wheat 12/ 6 May W ditto 6 N. Y Currency £ 9 10 2 Errors Excepted River Thames 9 th Decembr 1795 c Tmos M Crae Attested before me at Detroit this 23d Jany 1796 Geo. Sharp28 J. P. W. D. SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF JOHN ASKWITH Detroit 29th Jan y 1796 Dear Sirs Having been appointed by the creditors of the Late M r John Askwith of this place who died last Sum- mer in the Indian Country intestate to settle his affairs & Collect his debts for the purpose of making a dividend as spedily as possible among his Creditors, of which, I am un- luckily one [of] the principal here, I have to request you, as he may have others below, to publish an advertisement in the Quebec & Montreal Gasette upon Receipt of this re- questing all those who may have demands on him to send their Claims hither properly authenticated for the Purpose. As you are better acquainted with those matters than we Can be here I lieve the form & wording to you, only let it contain a Requesition to those who may be indebted to him to pay the Amount to me. From the situation of his Affairs as far as the confused state in which they were left enables me to judge the creditors will get but little unless his Prop- erty below proves valuable, which I suspect will hardly prove to be the Case. I understand he possessed two town lots in William Henry, A Schooner on the beach there and an improved farm at Potauneburre situated near Sorrell, now or lately occupied by one Wilson, If you could give 2.5 For the career of George Sharp, see B. H. R., I, 273. 15 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS me any information that might ascertain this, or point out the steps necessary to release the property I should be very Glad, for of Books or papers that can lead to the ecclairciss- ment of this or any thing else, I find none I am Mess" Todd McGill & C° Endorsed: Wrote to M r Rd Cartwright26 at Kingston to enquire about a lot or two of land situated near Capt Single- ton's on the bay of Quinty belonging to M r Askwith Copy to Todd McGill & C° About property of the late J. Askwith below Detroit Januy 1796 LAND HOLDINGS OF JOHN ASKIN Some of the Property which John Askin Senior has to dispose of Viz* a Large Dwelling House in the Town of Detroit with the Yard & out-Houses hereunto belonging and for which his lowest Price is £2000 N. Y. Cur A Farm joining to the Kings Common 2 Acres in Width & 80 deep on which are several Houses rented out, besides Store House, Stabling, Garden, Orchard, Barn &c a Large spare lot of ground in the Town of Detroit Near his dwelling House a Lot opposite his House on which is a Shop Country House bed room, Store House & Stabling all in one a Tract of Land on Each side of the River aux Huron where the Old Moravian Town was containing SO Acres by 40 on Each side of the river in all 4000 Acres the Improve- ments on which cost M r A. 420 Dollars to the Moravian Ministers Exclusive of what he Afterwards made himself & a Considerable Sum paid for the Native right, this being only About 6 miles up the river where large boats can go would make a fine Place for a Farmer on a large Scale a Tract of Land of 33 Acres in front by 120 deep within 2}4 miles of Town on which are several Houses & a Wind Mill a good road to it & the finest situation in the Country Medow Ground & Pasturage for 2000 Head of Cattle, having the Detroit river & Entrance of the river rouge for Boun- daries on two sides x6 For sketch of the career of Richard Cartwright, see ibid., 188. 16 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS a Great many farms of Land on the river au razin some larger, & some smaller, Improvements on some & on others more a Tract of Land on the Streights leading from Lake Sinclair to Lake Huron on the left Hand side going up Adjoining to Mess" Meldrum27 & Parks28 Containing in front 25 Acres & 150 deep, the Bell river cuts it, said to be very fine Land & for which I have a Warren tee Deed, a Vessell of Burthen may lay herself along the Bank in front or Even go into the Bell River Several other Tracts of Land both on this & the other side of this river. Some Indian Tracts Exclusive of those in which I hold a share, And of which Appears in the Map at the River aux Huron on the South side of Lake Erie Under the Name of Gabrial Huno which costs me a large Sum of Money a Small Vessell can go some Way up that river and I'm toldr no better Land can be meet with. I have Authorized M Isaac Todd29 of Montreal to dispose of it which if he does not do before June next at which time he is to be here it will Also be for Sale Endorsed: r Detroit February 25th 96 Coppy of a Memodm gave M Salstaunstal relative to property I have to dispose of PROPERTY OF CAPTAIN HENRY BIRD 30 IN DETROIT Monmouthshire Goytree March 28th 1796 KNOW ALL MEN by these Presents, that I Henry Bird have made, named and ordained, and by these Presents do make and in my place and stead, put and constitute Charles Blake Esqr late Surgeon to his Majesty's 34th Reg* or any Person he may think proper to appoint in my name my true certain, and lawful Attorney for me, and in my name, and to and for my proper use and behoof, to demand, levy, sue for, recover and receive, by all lawful ways and means whatsoever, of and from all and every Person or Persons, my Tenants in a Dwelling House at Detroit built at my own expence on 17 For the career of George Meldrum, see ibid., 293. 18 William Park, for whose career see ibid., 71. X9 For his career, see ibid., 79. 30 For Bird's career, see ibid., 186. 17 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Ground granted by the Commander in Chief, for Military Services and all other Persons, who may have dwelt, or resided therein by grant or power from M r Alex. Macomb,31 or of his Agents or Attorneys, and of all others, whom it doth, shall or may concern, all such Sum and Sums of Money, as now are, and which shall arise, become and grow due and payable, unto me the said Henry Bird, for Rent and Arrears of Rent, for all and every, or any of my Messuages, or Tenements situate in Detroit as aforesaid, by Lease or otherwise; And also to demand and levy, from Edward Hazell,32 (residing on my premises, and occupying two Houses Built by me and at my expence, eighteen Miles from the Fort at Detroit,) a Sum Annually, not exceeding one York Shilling. And if need be, to enter into or upon the said Messuages or Tenements, or any of them, And to destrain for all or any such Rent or Arrearages of Rent, and to enter and take Possession of them or any of them, in Case of Forfeiture, as occasion shall require; And to use and take all or any other lawful Remedies, Ways, means and Advantages whatsoever, for or upon Default, or Non-payment of all or any such Rent, or Arrears of Rent, and likewise to transact, do, perform, and accomplish all other Affairs whatsoever, relating to all or any my said Messuages or Tenements, as occasion shall require, as fully as I myself might or could do, were I personally present: And upon Receipt or Recovery of all or any such Rent or Arrears of Rent, sufficient Acquit- tances and Discharges for me and in my name to make and give. Giving and by these Presents granting full powers as above and revoking all other powers whatever. Henry Bird (L.S.) 31 Alexander Macomb of New York, for whom see ibid., 108. 31 Edward Hazel served during the Revolution as interpreter in the British Indian Department. In June, 1782, he brought news to Detroit of the defeat suffered by General Greene "near Savannah." Four months later he brought to De Peyster news of an im- pending attack on Detroit by Colonel Irvine at Pittsburgh, which much alarmed De Peyster. See Mich. Pio. Colls., XX, 23 and 66-67. In 1784, Hazel's name occurs among the list of persons then drawing rations in Detroit. Ibid., 237. About this time Captain Henry Bird gave to Agnes Hazel (wife of Edward) and Judith Hicks, sister, "of Detroit," posses- sion of a house and tract of land to which he claimed title at Amherstburg—apparently the same property alluded to in the present document. That Hazel lived here for several years at least is indicated by a letter of Alexander Macomb to Bird (then in England) in 1788. Ibid., XXIV, 15-17. In 1792 Hazel was still serving as Indian interpreter, and in 1794 Colonel England commended him to Governor Simcoe for appointment as lieutenant of local militia, but added that he was "not a favorite" of Colonel McKee. See ibid., 380, and Simcoe Papers, II, 198. 18 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Signed, Sealed and delivered in presence of us. Joseph Griffiths Henry Bird Jun r Gaytree March 28th 1796. Endorsed: n Power of Attorney th from Henry Bird Esqr Captr on Half Pay of the 18 Reg* Foot To Charles Blake Esq Montreal. My Dear Sir, I did myself the pleasure of writing to you by the last English Mail not knowing a Vessel sail'd so soon from Bristol. Pray make my kindest remembrance to M rs Goddard. I have sent by this Vessel some Bristol Beer and a Dolphin Cheese, and take the liberty to request her acceptance of them flattering myself they will prove good. M r Oliver of Bristol did not treat me well—for I did not know till I settled with him last Christmas (as our Custom) that it was not sent last Spring. The Muff &c. came safe to hand for my sincere acknowledgements &c. &c. I refer to my Letter by the Mail. I mentioned in that Letter as you was so kind as to offer to interest yourself in my little matters of Possession at Detroit, that I would trouble you with a Power of Attorney, which I now send, the Power will explain itself. I built a House in Detroit. A Macomb rented it for me to Cox33 the Innkeeper and to M rB Andrews Widow of Cap* Andrews,34 who was lost on the Lake, and I have received two Years Rent through Macomb of £40 York a Year, but since Macombs failure I have heard no more. I do not wish Doctor to create you and indeed would not presume to engage you in any dispute. Any person going to Detroit may be empowered by you to enquire and if any rent can be collected as mentioned in my Letter by 33 Probably Thomas Cox, for whom see B. H. R., I, 171-72. 34 Captain James Andrews was a sailor on the upper lakes who was at Detroit as early as 17/3, when he had command of the naval schooner, General Gage. At this time Major Henry Bassett, commandant at Detroit, commended him to General Haldimand as a good sea officer and "very much esteemed" here. He also reports having given Andrews per- mission to "bring u p " his family to Detroit in the spring. In 1778 Governor Hamilton commended Andrews to General Carleton in terms of high praise; the same year Colonel Mason Bolton at Niagara characterized him to Haldimand in like terms, and he was ap- pointed to command the naval force on Lake Ontario. Letters of Mrs. Elizabeth Andrews, his widow, to General Haldimand indicate that he died in service prior to July, 1783. See Mick. Pio. Colls., passim. A letter from James White of Niagara to Mr. Fraser of Detroit, in 1798, concerning a debt due Mrs. Andrews at Detroit seems to imply that at this date she was living at Niagara. Ms. in B. H. Coll. 19 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS the Mail, I will allow £10 p r C* Commission and Charges of expence. It will have this good effect, it will confirm the Property. The Land of mine occupied by Hazell and given by the Indians & confirm'd by Gen1 Haldimand36 has two Houses upon it I built. I meant to return and reside there but a Chancery Suit, not yet totally finish'd in the most material part, at least the Division of a Legacy, has detained me. I mean still to reside finally in America. This Country is too expensive for a large Family (I have 10 Children) with so moderate an Income as 300 a Year, every thing is highly Tax'd. our diversion with a Gun cost £3. a Year, wearing hair powder £1. d Wheat even in Wales is 15s a Bushel, Butchers Meat 6 a pound, and every necessary of Life in proportion. I am at present an Invalid my hand and joints swell'd with the Rheumatism. As to Politicks, It is imagined the French will never be able to support their Republican form of Governm* against the Malecontents of France, if Peace took place immediately. We suppose the King of Prussia will recommence hostilities which he ceased par Politique oweing [to] the rapidity of French devastation & success. The Campaign on the part of the Allies especially on the part of the Emperor is about to commence with great Vigour. The French Navy is perfectly crippled, they dare not send a Fleet out. they are content with Frigates and Privateers, which do a confounded deal of Mischief. Their irruption into the Country of the Mynheers has however done us a considerable service, Having totally ruined their Trade, so that they will not be able to rival us in Traffic for this Century to come We (as you must have heard) have the Cape of good Hope, Ceylon and many of their Islands in the E. Indies, and if the French are not wonderfully successful this Campaign they must pay the Piper before they will have these places again. Our National Debt however must become enormous and I fear will one day explode, if great Widsom and prudence forsake our Councils, or indeed cease to preside there, excuse this Scrawl my hand shakes sadly with pain. To resume the subject of the Power of Attorney. If M r 35 Sir Frederick Haldimand, for whom see B. H. R.t I, 206. 20 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS W. Macomb resides at Detroit he will explain many Matters, with regard to Hazell, I merely want a usual acknowledgm* of the Property being mine. If any Rent can be obtained (I have receiv'd £80 York) please reserve it, till I have the pleasure to see you, which I hope will not be long. I will inform you when I am about to leave England, that I may execute any Commission for you or Family, and in the inter- im shall esteem myself happy in your Commands. I remain my D r Sir, with much esteem Your most obed* and very humble Serv* Henry Bird86 Usk—Monmouthshire r March 29th 1796. Charles Blake Esq Montreal STATUS OF APPLICATIONS FOR LAND GRANTS Niagara 17 April 1796 Dear Sir, I have received your letters of the 8 & 17 of March. I have not been able to collect any determination on the Natural Meadows at the Mouth of the Thames. The business you mention of removing Setlers to within our Lines would not be attended to in the way of a Letter to me, but his Excellency is open to the knowledge of such a measure by petition to him in Council, the selling of Lots before the patents are issued is considered as improper & it is a very difficult matter to get the Reserves moved. If you allude to Commodore Grants37 Children, a memorial to be put on a footing with him would be ineffectual, as he got Lands for them in the proportion he has done, purely because he was a privy Counsellor, and as such due to his Rank. The Reserves are chiefly under the Care of the Surveyor of the Woods & the Receiver General. The terms of townships are generally promulgated in his Excellencys original proclamation, so that I see little §or no pecuniary advantage to be derived from them. I apprehend that such Canadians as ask to remove within our Limits may be accomodated nearly in the Situation you mention, if they 36 Further copies of documents which follow (the last dated April 21,1797) indicate that Blake transferred Bird's power of attorney to Alexander Duff of Amherstburg. 37 Alexander Grant, whose career is noted in B. H. R., I, 75-76. For additional bio- graphical data concerning him, see Burton Hist. Coll. Leaflet, VI, 65-80. 21 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS are proper subjects & recommended for Location by a Magis- trate, if the Certificates already obtained that way have been got or sold surreptitiously; those concerned will cer- tainly be disappointed. In regard to your project with Messieurs Randall & Whitney,381 can say but little think it better therefore to say nothing. My mother & M" Smith39 beg their Comp' to greet all yours, I saw your Daughter at York a few days ago, she is well, believe me dear Sir very faithfully & truly Yours D W Smith*0 r To John Askin Esq Detroit Addressed: John Askin Esquire Detroit From: Survey Gen. Office U C Endorsed: Niagara April 17h 1796 Cap* D.W. Smith to Jn° Askin Recd y* 19h & Answd y6 2 0 May TRESPASSERS ON CROWN LANDS Detroit April 25th 96 My Dear Sir I beg leave to trouble you with a Line to Say that I beg you will send me some authority from the Person authorised to give it to prevent People from Settling or otherwise making use of the Lands reserved to the Crown on the Rivers Ruscum, Puces Peches, & Belle River, this will be very usefull to both, first to the Government in preventing People from Cutting choise Timbers on these Lands or making Settlements on them which in time it might be difficult to remove, & next to me, in keeping of[f] large herds of Cattle Which no fence can resist & injuring Very much the Poeple Who are Settling on my Lands, for my part I have no other Views than what I mention in requesting to have charge of them. I have Land adjoining to the reserves 6n all the rivers & am erecting Houses on 38 The allusion is to the Cuyahoga purchase of Askin and associates, for which see B. H. R., I, 545-48, et passim; and ante, 5-8. 39 In 1788, Smith married Anne, daughter of John O'Reilly of Ballykilchrist, County Longford, Ireland, who died in 1798. They had eight children. He married (second) in 1803, Mary, daughter of John Tyler of Devizes, England, by whom he had one daughter. W. Stewart Wallace (ed.), Dictionary of Canadian Biography (Toronto, 1926). 40 For sketch of the career of David W. Smith, see B. H. R., I, 407; also sketch in Wallace, op. cit. 22 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS them & from the great encouragement I give cannot fail of making a Speedy Settlement I am &c J Askin Capt D W Smith Niagara Endorsed: April 25th 1796 To D. W. Smith 5th Reg* Niagara GUARDIANSHIP OF CROWN LANDS r 41 Niagara 2d May 1796 Dear Sir; M Robinson the Surveyor of the woods is at Kingston, should he come up, I will represent to him your wishes of being empowered to be a Guardian to the Reserves, perhaps your leasing them at a very low rent could be the most eligible plan, particularly if you could get them rfor 21 years, which you could have on an applica- tion to M Russel.42 People might formerly take possession & these were used to plead Occupancy, but I apprehend it would be a foolish experiment now the Government is organized. I am at present much hurried, as you may suppose, so that I hope you will not expect much from me except business. However at all times be assured of the good wishes of this family & believe me truly yours D W Smith r John Askin Esq Detroit Addressed: John Askin Esqr Detroit From: Sur. Gen. Office U. C. . Endorsed: Niagara May 2d 1796 Cap* D. W. Smith to Jn° Askin Rec y 19 & Answd y6 20h d 6 h 41 Christopher Robinson was a native of Virginia and a graduate of William and Mary College. At the outbreak of the Revolution, he remained loyal to the Crown, and served on the British side during the war. At its close, he took refuge in Nova Scotia, where he obtained a grant of land. He subsequently removed to Lower Canada, and in 1792 to Upper Canada, where he was appointed surveyor of woods and forests by Governor Simcoe. He also served in the provincial legislature from 1796 until his death in York (Toronto), Nov. 2, 1798. See Wallace, op. cit. ip. Peter Russell (Russel) was born in Cork, Ireland, in 1733. He was educated at Cambridge, and in 1778 became a captain in the Sixty-fourth Regiment. He served in America as assistant-secretary to Sir Henry Clinton, taking part in the campaign against Charleston in 1779-80. He returned to England at the close of his military service, and in 1792 returned to Canada, having been appointed by Governor Simcoe Receiver-General of the province of Upper Canada. On Simcoe's withdrawal in 1796, Russell, as President of the Council, succeeded to the governorship, retaining the position until 1799. He died at his home in Toronto, Sept. 30,1808. See sketch in Simcoe Papers, 1,129; Wallace, op. cit. 23 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS CONTRACT FOR SUPPLYING CORN TO NORTH WEST COMPANY Articles of Agreement rmade and concluded upon by and between John Askin Esq of Detroit, Merchant on the One Part, and Messrfl McTavish43 Frobisher44 & Compy for the North West Company & in their behalf on the other Part WlTNESSETH That the said John Askin binds & obliges himself to furnish & deliver to the Order of the Said North West C° on board any Vessel laying before the Fort of Detroit, yearly, for Three successive years to commence with the Year One Thousand Seven Hundred & Ninety Six, Twelve Hundred Bushels of Merchantable hull'd Corn & Twelve Thousand Pounds French Weight of Flour also good & Merchantable, One Third of both which Quaintities to be ready On or before the First day of May each Year, One Third the first day of June & One Third the first Day of July & to be delivered on board free of Expence to the Company, they furnishing him with the Bags Necessary to Contain the Same. In Consideration of the delivery of said Corn & flour at the different Periods above mentioned, the said McTavish, Frobisher & C° for the North West C° bind & oblige them- selves to pay unto the said John Askin, or his Order, the Neat Sum of Twelve Shillings New York Currency for each bushel of Corn & Thirty-Two Shillings New Yk Currency P Cwt french or 108 [lbs] English weight of Flour so delivered payable in Montreal the Tenth day of October in each year of Said delivery as aforesaid. It is also understood by the Contracting Parties to this agreement, that during the Term of said agreement, the Said John Askin will not furnish or Cause to be furnish'd, any Person or Persons who may be in opposition to the aforesaid Company in the North West with any Provisions of the above mention'd Species It is also understood that should Detroit fall under the Government of the United States of America, or should the 43 Simon McTavish, for whom see B. H. R., I, 533. His wife was Marie Marguerite Chaboillez, for whose career see ibid., 91. Further facts about McTavish are in Wallace, op. cit. 44 For the career of Joseph Frobisher, see B. H. R., I, 73 and 111; for additional data, see Wallace, op. cit. 24 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS present Government lay an Embargo on either or both of the above mentioned Species of Provisions, that the Said John Askin Esqr his failure in furnishing the Stipulated Quaintity at the Times above agreed upon merely from such impediment shall not incur the Penalty in this agree- ment. And for the True & faithful Performance of all the fore- going Articles, each Party Bind themselves in the Penal Sum of. BURIAL OF AMOS WESTON Detroit May 9t]1 1796 for the Burel and Care of the Discecd M rs Westren45 to James Undorston c o 10 2 lb of Candles 8 4 Yard of Dowlas winding sheet 16 one lb of Nails 2 4 Boards for the Coffin 12 Cash one pound 1 2 gallons of Rum 3 4 3 pints of wine 12 Chees Six pound[s] 1 4 for Laying per out 1 4 for dig[g]ing the grave 8 for Making the Coffin 16 for attendance] in the house 2 £ 12-0-6 46 James Undorston Ace* against the Estatof Amos Weston Discecd Endorsed: His a/c for the Burial of M r Weston senior by Underston a/c in Jn° Askins Book ye 10th July 1798 to be pd by his selling of the Desceesed property to ye Am* of £9.18.8 PAYMENT FOR HURON RIVER LAND GRANT Nous les Chef et principal hommes de la Nation de Pote- 45 Amos Weston, for whom see B. H. R.t I, 237. 46 James Underston, for whom see ibid., 239. 25 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS watemie pour Nous et la Nation en General Reconnai avoir Recu a different temps de Jean Askin Junior pour lui et Ses Associes les different Article comme si Mentione Scavoir Quatre quart de Romme Contenant Cent Quarante Quatre Gallons, Sept douzaine de Pipes, Cinquant Quatre Verge de Toille fine, Vingt Mouchoir, Trente Verge de Drap bleu, Vingt Verge de Molton, Trente Six Verge de Ruban Vert, une livre de Vermillion, Une livre de fille, Soisante et dix Verge d'Indiesne, dix Couvert, deux Cent pains, Six livre de Tabac en poudre, Vingt livre de lard, Vingt Cinq Barrils de different Grandeur pour Contenier leu[r] Romme, Six livre de poudre, deux Capot de Drap fin, Un Gros Beuf pesant Sept Cent Soisante et dix livres, Trois Douzaine de Boutons, une Tabatier, Deux Verge de Drap fin, Quinze Minot de bled Inde, Quarante livre de Tabac, et Montant de leur Credit etant Cent Quatre Vingt Treize Piastre, en plain payment et Satisfaction de cette Etandue de Terre achete de Nous pour lui meme et Autre Situe sur chaque Cote de la Rivierre au Huron pret de L'antree de la Rivierre du Detroit Contenant Quarante Lieue en longeur et deux lieue de profondeur sur chaque Cote de la dit Rivierre comme il paroitra plus pleinement par un Act de Vente fait a lui et Ses Associers et portant date a la Rivierre au Resin leu douze de Juin Mil Sept Cent Quatre Vingt Quinze et par celle ci Nous prometton a Eux, leur heritiers, administra- teurs, et Assigns que nous ni aucun de Nous, l'avenir ferant aucune Demande Sur le dit Jean Askin Junier ou Associers pour Autre payment pour la dit Etandue de Terre etant pleinement Satisfait avec ce que nous avons deja Recu et ce que Nous Recevons presentement. En Temoinage nous avons fait nos marque Ordinaire, leu Content de cette papier etant pleinement et Vraiment & premierrement Interpret^ par Charle Reaume a la Rivierre Resin leu quinze de Mai Mil Sept Cent Quatre Vingt Seize. J. Porlier Benac temoin Antoine Rivard [Totem signatures of twelve chiefs of the Potawatomi na- tion, with names in script] Echawet Mahingan Okia Chewenisie 26 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Othesneesa Chawinabai Nanannie ou Kuvainim Ochichalk Cabainse Kewaidenaham Bandigaikawa Mahimak Endorsed: River au Razin May 15th 1796 The Indian Acknowlegement of having recd payment for the Lands which they sold at the River aux Hurons. Evidence of a Claim made by Jn° Askin in behalf of the Heirs of Patrick McNiff & John Askwith. In behalf of Alexr Henry, Israel Ruland, John Askin Junior & John Askin Senior. Recorded in the Land Office at Detroit in Liber B folio 319. Test G° Hoffman47 R Translation We, the chiefs and leading men of the Potawatomi nation, for ourselves and the nation in general, do acknowledge having received at divers times from John Askin Jr., on his own behalf and that of his associates, the different articles as here mentioned, that is to say: 4 barrels of rum containing 144 gallons, 7 dozen pipes, 54 yards of fine linen, 20 handkerchiefs, 30 yards blue cloth, 20 yards of woolen cloth (Melton), 36 yards of green ribbon, 1 pound of ver- milion, 1 pound of thread, 70 yards of calico, 10 bed covers, 200 loaves of bread, 6 pounds of snuff, 20 pounds of lard, 25 barrels of different sizes for rum, 6 pounds of powder, 2 broadcloth cloaks, 1 large beef weighing 770 lbs., 3 dozen buttons, 1 snuff box, 2 yards of broadcloth, 5 minots of corn, 40 pounds of tobacco The whole amounting to one hundred and ninety-three 47 George Hoffman was born, Jan. 29, 1783, the son of Christian and Anna Hoffman. He was postmaster at Woodstock, Va., in 1801-1802, and was appointed postmaster at Detroit, July 29, 1805. He was admitted to the bar the following month, and in 1806 was appointed collector of the port of Mackinac. He died on or about March 2, 1810. On Feb. 15, 1806, he married Margaret, daughter of Peter Audrain, for whom see B. H. R., I, 213. They had one son, George Washington Hoffman. Hoffman's widow subsequently married (Dec. 2, 1813) Colonel Samuel Wells of Kentucky, brother to the noted scout, Captain William Wells, and colonel, during the War of 1812, of the Seventeenth U. S. In- fantry. A daughter of Samuel Wells by his prior marriage was Rebekah, wife of Captain Nathan Heald, commandant of Fort Dearborn from 1810 to 1812. For additional data concerning Hoffman's public career at Detroit, see ibid., 173. See Proc. of Land Board of Detroit, 209. 27 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS dollars being full and complete payment for that tract of land bought from us by himself and others, situated on both sides of the Huron River and extending forty miles from the mouth of the Detroit River by two miles in depth on each side of the said river as set forth more fully in the deed of sale made to him and his associates, and dated at the Raisin River the twelfth of June, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-five; and by these presents we promise them, their heirs, administrators, and assigns that neither we nor any of us shall make any future demand upon the said John Askin Jr., or upon his associates, for any further payment for the said tract of land, being perfectly satisfied with what we have already received and what we now receive. In testimony whereof we have made our accustomed marks, the contents of this document having been 48first interpreted, clearly and truthfully, by Charles Reaume, at the Raisin River, the fifteenth of May, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-six. J. Porlier Benac,49 witness Antoine Rivard.50 For his career, see B. H. R., I, 249. Claude Porlier, born in Paris in 1652, migrated to Canada and on Dec. 5, 1682, mar- ried', ed, in Quebec, Mary Bissot, daughter of Francis Bissot and Mary Couillard. He was engaged in trade. He was buried in Quebec, July 31, 1689; Mary Bissot was buried there, July 24, 1719. Their son, Claude Cyprian Porlier, born in Quebec, Oct. 7, 1683, married in Lachine, Aug. 26, 1719, Angelica Cuillerier dit Beaubien, who was born in Lachine, Dec. 2,1698. He was a trader, like his father; he was buried in Montreal, Sept. 3, 1744. The two sons of Claude Cyprian Porlier and his wife both came to Detroit. The elder, Joseph Stephen Porlier dit Benalque, is the individual here noted. He was born in Mon- treal, Feb. 9, 1730, and married there, Feb. 5, 1759, Louisa Michelle Gamelin, daughter of Ignatius Gamelin and Mary Louisa Dufros. She died about the year 1769, and Benalque subsequently married an Indian woman of the Maumee Bay region. He was at St. Joseph in 1753, and in Detroit as early as the spring of 1768. He eventually located at Raisin River, where he became justice of the peace and captain of militia. He had a son, Stephen, by his Indian wife, who was baptized at St. Antoine, Raisin River, April 9, 1803. Informa- tion adapted from Denissen, op. cit.; journal of Henry Hay, in Wis. Hist. Soc, Proc, 1914, p. 214; and Simcoe Papers, II, 26. 50 For the Rivard family line, see B. H. R., I, 49. Antoine Rivard was a cousin of Jean Baptiste Rivard, there noted. He was born in Batiscan, June 26, 1739, his parents being Antoine Rivard and Mary Joseph Trotier. He came to Detroit and on July 8, 1767, married at the Church of the Huron, Sandwich, Felicity Ste. Marie, who was born in La- prairie, May 12, 1744. The couple lived in Detroit for some years, subsequently in Miami- town (modern Fort Wayne), still later at Raisin River. Pierre Henry Hay, who spent the winter of 1789-90 in Miamitown, saw much of the Rivards and in his journal gives a vivid impression of the manner of life they led. See Wis. Hist. Soc, Proc, 1914, p. 214 ff. Antoine Rivard was buried at Raisin River, Oct. 27, 1812; his wife, Felicity, was buried there Feb. 16, 1807. They had a family of ten children, born in the years 1767-87. Den- issen, op. cit. 28 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS DEFECTS IN LAND TITLES Detroit May 20th 1796 Dear Sir I was yesterday favoured with three Letter from you two of which dated the 17th & 23d April & one the 2 May by these I learn that you and all the Family were well which is allways agreeable news to us. Under cover herewith you have the 4 receipts signed & witnessed as you directed. There could no advantage whatsoever derive to me for paying for the use of the reserves, as I had most of the Lots on each side of them on the four small Rivers if they were in my care I could prevent people putting Cattle on them that may distroy the crops on my Lands, this was my principal view, but whatever cannot be obtained without much difficulty I renounce. If Exchanging & selling of Lands before Deeds of them are granted is wrong, we in this District are very blameable, however I'm sure it has been the means of as much more of the waste Lands of the Crown being cultivated, for my part to this day I never have seen a Deed that was given out or understood they could have been obtained before now. I did not allude to the Commodores Children respecting Lands it certainly must have come to your knowledge that a Gentleman of this settlement last fall got a considerable quantity for his, and as he was not in any office higher than I have held, it raised my hopes that my expectations on that score was well founded. I think he merited what he got & so do I what I expect, however I am troubling you with a matter that does not concern you. his Excellencys pleasure in this matter will be done. I was confined to my house for near two weeks lately with a Fever but am now perfectly re- covered. MrB & Miss Askin Joins in best Compliments to your good Family & I remain Dear sir Most Obedient very humble Servant Signed John Askin Capt D W Smith 5th Regt Newark Endorsed: Detroit May 20th 1796 From John Askin to Cap* D W Smith (Copy) 29 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS CESSIONS OF INDIAN LANDS 30 May 1796 Sir The little Otter with other Chiefs & Wariors Twenty in Number are now at my House Waiting for M r Ruland in order to put the finishing hand to all their Conveyance They are all perfectly sober The Chiefs request a little Rum for themselves & Young [men] while waiting for Ruland. You will please send them Two Bottles & Charge it to the Company acco* but not to the Cayahoga r P McNiff J Askin Esq Endorsed: Entd S/D 30 May, 96 Patt McNiff NOTICE OF INVALIDITY OF INDIAN LAND GRANTS WHOM IT MAY CONCERN By the Treaty at Greenville concluded in August last by Major General Waynne on the part of the United States with all the Indian Tribes Resident South & East of the Lakes it is Stipulated that the Indians shall not alienate their Lands either by Sale or Donation without the Consent of the United States. It follows from this Stipulation that all Donation or Sales made Subsequent to the Said Treaty are Contrary to Compact and of Course invalid I utter this Testimonial at the instance of a Potawa- tomie Chief Okia in order to save him & other Chiefs the Importunties (to which he has assured me they are exposed) of ignorant or designing persons for grants of their Lands. Given at Greenville 31 May 1796 Witness my hand & Seal (Signed) James Wilkinson Brigr General in the Army of y6 United States (L.S.) Endorsed: Greenville May the 31 st 1796 Brigadier General Wilkinson declarations relative to Lands purchased of Indians PAYMENT FOR INDIAN LANDS Detroit 2nd June 1796 Sir Please deliver the Little Otter for use of the Chiefs four Bottles of Indian Rum and four Loaves of Bread and 30 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Charge it to acco* of the Company but not to the Cayahoga Purchase. r P McNiff Askin Esq NB They are given to understand that this is to be the last untill we make some thing of the Land. Endorsed: Entd S/D June 2, 1796 Patt McNiff DISPUTE OVER CHURCH PEW Niagara le 7 juin 1796 Ayant kxh Inform^ que des grandes Disputes Se Sont presentes a l'egard de l'occupation d'un Bane du au Gou- vernement dans votre Eglise, ce qui me Surprend bien, et L'Eveque de Quebec ayant Iaiss6 a moi a determiner qui est la Persanne qui doit en avoir la Jouissance, Je prononce done, que le dit Bane & toutes les Honneurs qui lui apper- tiennent est un des Privil6ges a qui le Lieutenant, ou dans son Absence le Deput6 Lieutenant a un Droit Incontestable, il vous plaira done de donner des Ordres que la me'me conduite qui a ete" entierement [anciennement] observe" envers le Commandant Frangais soit observe" a l'egard de la Persanne qui a l'avenir reocupera le Bane en question Je suis Monsieur Votre tres obeissant Serviteur (Signe) J. G. S. L* Gr Ordonne a [Monsieur Dufaux missionaire a l'Assomption et d] Messieurs les Marguillers & a leurs Successeurs de faire observer la teneur de la [susdite] Lettre cydevant de Son Excellence le Lieutenant Gouverneur et pour prevenir les disputes desormais, ordonne que la m&me conduite S'observe dans toutes les Eglises du Haut Canada (Signe) Edmund Burke Vicaire General du Diocese de Quebec, Specialement charg6 du Haut Canada Donn6 a L'Assomption ce 2d Juillet 1796. Endorsed: Traduction de la Sousdite Lettre.51 51 Insertions follow the French copy in the Registre de la Paroisse de l'Assomption (Sandwich), July 31, 1725-December 31, 1824. Cited hereafter as Assumption Church Register. 31 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Translation Niagara, June 7, 1796 Having been informed that great difficulties have arisen respecting the occupation of a pew due to government in your church, at which I am greatly surprised; and the Bishop of Quebec leaving to me to determine who is the person who should have the enjoyment of it, I therefore pronounce that the said pew and honors pertaining thereto are one of the privileges to which the Lieutenant or, in his absence, the Deputy Lieutenant has an undoubted right. You will accordingly be pleased to give directions that the same conduct which was observed formerly towards the French Commandant be now kept toward the person who will in future occupy the pew in question. I am, Sir, your most obedient servant, (Signed) J. G. Spmcoe], Lt. Gov. It is ordered that [Mr. Dufaux,62 the missionary at Assumption Church, also] the trustees and their successors, will observe the tenor of the above letter of His Excellency, the Lieutenant-Governor, and in order to prevent such disputes hereafter it is further ordered that the same conduct will be observed in all the churches of Upper Canada. (Signed) Edmund Burke53 Vicar General of the Diocese of Quebec, speci- ally charged with affairs of Upper Canada 52. Francois Xavier Dufaux was born in Montreal, Jan. 16, 1752. He became a Sulpi- cian, Aug. 16, 1778, and in 1786 was sent to Detroit to serve the parish of Ste. Anne. The following year, Father Pierre Frechette of Assumption Parish, Sandwich, whose charges had recently been characterized by Father Bocquet as "stubborn rebels and great drunk- ards," persuaded Dufaux to exchange stations with him. See B. H. R., I, 378. Father Dufaux remained in Sandwich until his death, Sept. 11, 1796. Under his administration the new church was completed and a school was established. During the last two years his pastorate was marked by frequent quarrels with Father Edmund Burke, in which the sympathy of the parish and the support of the bishop seem to have rested with Dufaux. The church-pew dispute, with which the present document deals, was one incident in this quarrel. There is much concerning Dufaux in a volume (anonymous) entitled Memoir sur les Missions de la Nouvelle Ecosse du Cap Breton et de Vile du Prince Edourd de 1760 a 1820 (Quebec, 1895). See also, Rev. J. C. Plomer's history of Assumption Parish, in Let- ters of the Rev. J. B. Marchand (Detroit, 1927). 53 Edmund Burke was born in County Kildare, Ireland, in 1753. He studied in Paris and became a priest of the Catholic Church, but owing to local dissensions he determined to migrate to Canada. He reached Canada in 1786 and was shortly made professor of philosophy and mathematics at the Seminary of Quebec. He was subsequently appointed a director of the Seminary, and in 1794 came to Detroit with the title of Vicar-General and Superior of the Missions of Upper Canda. He remained in the western country until the 32 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS INVENTORY OF CREDITS D U E JOHN ASKIN Account of Expected54 Remittances for the 30th September next—viz* Adventure to Fort Miamis 500 - - Andrew Todd Esq3"55 400 - - John Drake 66 43 3 8 Robert Hamilton 57 180 3 10 Ditto for M r Clinch68 140 - - summer of 1796, spending some months of this time at Raisin River. Although a priest of the church engaged in proselyting among the Indians, he seems to have been on the payroll of the government and to have served as commissary for the distribution of supplies to the natives. He was believed by the Americans to have influenced the natives to acts of cruelty, and on July 4, 1796, a few days in advance of the American occupation of Detroit, he departed for Niagara. Here he obtained a grant of land from Governor Simcoe and undertook to establish a seminary for the education of priests. His activities in western Canada continued for several years. In 1801 he was appointed Vicar-General of Halifax, and in 1815, Bishop of Halifax. Here he died in 1820. He was the author of several books, and seems to have enjoyed high repute among his contemporaries. He antagonized many, however, and his narrative of his missionary achievements in the western country has been sharply called in question. See Dean Harris, The Catholic Church in the Niagara Peninsula, 1626-1895 (Toronto, 1895), 172-78; and article in The Catholic Encyclopaedia, with references cited. 54 In the manuscript the word "supposed" is written above "expected," apparently inserted parenthetically. 5 5 Andrew Todd was a nephew of Isaac Todd, who shortly after the Revolution came west to Mackinac and entered upon the prosecution of the fur trade. His powerful con- nections in Montreal enabled him to play an important role in the Northwest trade during the following years. Early in the 1790's he located at Cahokia and from there found his way to New Orleans. He had perceived the utility of cultivating the favor of the Spanish authorities, and from them he secured concessions designed to give him a monopoly of the trade of all Spanish Louisiana north of the Ohio and Missouri rivers. See Houck, Spanish Regime in Missouri, II, 180 and Wis. Hist. Colls., XIII, 283. In exploiting this concession, Glamorgan's "Company for the Discovery of Nations of the Upper Missouri" was organ- ized in St. Louis in 1793-94, and with the backing of Todd's energy and capital several expeditions were dispatched to the upper Missouri. See ibid., XXII, 13 ff., especially p. 16, note. The further prosecution of Todd's far-reaching enterprise was cut short by his early death in New Orleans, Oct. 31, 1798. His will bequeathed all his property to Isaac Todd. See, in addition to references already cited, Mich. Pio. Colls., passim; Houck, History of Missouri, passim; and ms. references in Burton Historical Collection, hereafter cited as B. H. Coll. 56 For sketch of the career of John Drake, see B. H. JR., I, 448. 57 For his career, see ibid., 188. 58 Ralph Clench, originally from Pennsylvania, served in the Eighth Regiment and later as a lieutenant in Butler's Rangers. He was in Detroit as early as the summer of 1780 when he served in Captain Bird's Kentucky campaign and was warmly praised by both Bird and Colonel De Peyster. See Mich. Pio. Colls., XIX, passim. He was given a grant of land at Niagara on account of his service as a ranger, and went there to live. He served in the War of 1812, being appointed assistant quartermaster with the rank of captain, and was captured by the Americans in May, 1813. His house at Niagara was the only one which escaped burning when that place was destroyed during the war. Clench was a member of the first Parliament of Upper Canada; he married Elizabeth Johnson, a de- scendant of Sir William Johnson, and one of their sons, in 1831, married Eliza, daughter of Major William Whistler of the U. S. army. Captain Clench died, Jan. 19,1829, aged sixty- six years. See sketch in ibid., XX, 686-87 and references there cited. 33 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Francois Lafontaine59 14 — — William M c Clintock 43 15 - Widow M c Kellip 60 147 7 3 Th 8 Reynolds61 for hire of the Weazell = & 2050 Bricks 69 3 6 Ditto for 3488 Lbs Flour [illegible]. . . 74 19 10 Choatts & Sandford 36 - - William Robertson 73 - - Gabriel Hunot 90 - - Jacques Lasselle62. .. 21 4 2 North west Company 228 5 1 Captain Nelson63 19 1 - Israel Ruland & Allen 227 16 10 Estate of John Askwith.... Supposed.... 40 - - William Dummer Powell64 16 - - Furrs Sent down & here, Suppos'd worth.. 900 - - Freights Supposed 800 - - Flour at River Raisin 150 - - Thomas Reynolds for Beef 47 6 10 Carried over £4261 0 Amount brought over 4261 7 Bill got for firewood.... remitted 105 3 M r Reynolds for Carting with the Oxen. . 29 13 4 In the hands of M r Andrew Todd 4423" .. 294 7 4 59 For his career, see B. H. R., I, 269. 60 Mrs. McKillip (Eleanor Little) later married John Kinzie, see ibid., 305-306; for a longer sketch of her career, see Burton Hist. Coll. Leaflet, VIII, 33 ff. 61 Thomas Reynolds, for whom see B. H. R. I, 308. 6x On the Lacelle line, see ibid., 197. The individual here noted was the eldest child of Jacques Lacelle and Therese Berthelet dit Savoyard. He married in Detroit, March 29, 1801, Mary Blue Jacket, a Shawnee woman, born in 1778, who was a daughter of Blue Jacket, the noted Shawnee chief of this period. They resided in Detroit for a time, re- moving subsequently to the Raisin River settlement, where Lacelle became both wealthy and prominent. About five miles above Monroe on the Raisin, he established a consider- able settlement, in whose vicinity his daughter is said to have owned forty-five farms as late as 1836. Mary Blue Jacket was buried in Detroit, June 17, 1806. Jacques Lacelle was buried in St. Antoine, Raisin River, Dec. 8, 1815. Their daughters were educated at a convent in Montreal. Mary Ann, the eldest, married Thomas Caldwell, son of William Caldwell and Susanne Baby of Amherstburg. An interesting account of this family is given inTalcott E. Wing, History of Monroe County, Michigan (New York, 1890), 118-19. See Denissen, op. cit.; Casgrain, Memorial des Families Casgrain, Baby, et Perrault, 100-101. 63 Johnathan Nelson, for whom, see B. H. R., I, 554-55. 64 For sketch, see ibid., 436. 34 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Ballance of M Robertson's Draft not yet drawn for 184 1 4875 • 1 Deduct over [ra]ted the Peltries 200 " " New York Currency £4675 1 The foregoing is Exclusive of any Payments that may be made of Debts due at Post Vincent the sale of some Tobacco yet in the Hands of M Andrew Todd What I may dispose of here, or at the Rivers mouth the Sales of my Houses &ca in Detroit & Lands on this side of the River If I meet With purchasers & ready money. However observe I have about 1200 N Y Cy in Circula- tion, probably 900 of it may come in for payment; so much, of course must be deducted from the foregoing supposed Remittances. Endorsed: June 11th 1796 rs Coppy of an c a/c of supposed remittances to be made Mess Todd & M Gill by Jn° Askin by Sepr 1796 CAPTAIN MAYNE SENT TO DETROIT Niagara 13 June 1796 Dear Sir/ I beg leave to introduce to Your acquaintance Captain Mayne65 of the Queens Rangers. He goes up to take the Command near Bois Blanc, & I have no doubt but you will find him an acquisition to your Society I am dear Sir Truly Yours D W Smith Addressed: John Askin Eqr Detroit Honored by Cap Mayne DWS Endorsed: Niagara d d June 13h 1796 d e D. hW. Smith Esqr to Jn° Askin rec the 2 July Answ y 10 65 William Mayne, commissioned captain in the Queen's Rangers, Feb. 4, 1795, pre- vious to which appointment he had held the rank of ensign. As indicated here, he was sent to the new post at the mouth of Detroit River (subsequently known as Amherstburg) in the summer of 1796. He was thus the successor of Colonel England as commandant of the British military establishment in the vicinity of Detroit. In a letter of June 24, 1797, he stated his desire for six months' leave of absence to enable him to go to England on private 35 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR ADHEMAR ST. MARTIN McKina Le 23 juin 1796 r M Askin Ecuyer Monsieur J'ay regu L'honneur de La votre du 25 May Dernier par Laquelle vous me Demandez un plein Pouvoir pour retirer Les Billets & Comptes que J'avois Laisse" chez Monsieur Paulr Gamelin. J'en ai donn6 Suivant vos intentions un Etat a M Andrew Todd L'ann6e derniere pour vous L'Envoyer et au Bas je vous donnois Pouvoir de Les retirer; Sans doute que vous ne L'aurez pas recu; pour y Supplier je vous en Envoye un autre Etat que vous trouverez cy joint, dont vous pouvez disposer aux conditions que vous me marquez suivant nos Conventions a L'exception de ceux porte dans Le d* Etat Provenant dela Masse Pothier et Adhemar Dont je Crois M r R. Pollard charg6 de cette affaire et qui doit En avoir La note. me Madme Adhemar et fort Sensible au Bon ressouvenir de Mad Askin et Le votre Elle vous en fait Mille remerciement ainsy que moy et Souhaitant a tous Deux bonne Sant6 J'ay L'honneur d'etre Monsieur Votre tres humble Servi- teur Adhemar St Martin Endorsed: dMich. e June 23 1796 Monsr Adhemard to Jn° th d Askin receiv y 30 Translation Mackinac, June 23, 1796 Mr. Askin, Sir: I was honored with yours of May 25 last in which you ask for full authority to66collect the notes and accounts I left with Mr. Paul Gamelin. Following your wishes in that matter, I gave a statement to Mr. Andrew Todd last year to send you, and added below the authority for you to make col- lection. Doubtless you did not receive it. In its place I enclose herein another statement for your disposition on the business connected with his becoming of age in April of this year. Apparently the request was granted, for he was soon succeeded at Amherstburg by Captain Hector McLean. See Mich. Pio. Colls., passim. 66 See post, 282-84. 36 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS conditions you mention according to our agreement, with the exception of those contained in the said statement 67 which proceed from the partnership of Messrs. Pothier & Adhe"- mar. I think Mr. Pollard88 has charge of that matter and must have a record of it. Mrs. Adhemar is very sensible of the kind remembrances of Mrs. Askin and yourself. She returns you a thousand thanks, in which I join her, and wishing you both good health, I have the honor to remain, Sir, Your very humble servant, Adhe"mar St. Martin69 SALE OF INDIAN LAND GRANT BY GABRIEL HUNOT Detroit PARDEVANT Francois Desruisseaux Bellecour Notaire, au Detroit, y residant, et T6moin Soussignes, Fut present le Sieur Gabriel Hunault Marchand Tretteur, de present en cette ville, lequel reconnoit par ces pre"sentes avoir vendu, c6dd6, quitte, transports, et delaisse, d£s maintenant et a toujours, avec Garantie de Ses propres faits, de Ses Hoirs et ayans Cause ainsi que de toutes, dettes, HipotSques, Evic- tion, et allienations qu'elconques; au Sieur John Askin Ecuyer, a ce present, et acceptant acquereur, pour lui Ses 67 Presumably Jean Baptiste Toussaint Pothier, who was born in Montreal, May 16, 1771. His father, Louis Toussaint Pothier, was a prominent merchant of Montreal and one of the founders of the North West Company. The son entered upon the western trade in early manhood, and for many years was one of the most active British traders in the Northwest. He was active in the affairs of the Mackinac Company, and in 1811, when John Jacob Astor organized the South West Company with a view to strengthening his hold upon the western trade, Pothier was one of the British merchants taken into the new organization. Notwithstanding this alliance, Pothier remained staunchly British, and on the outbreak of the War of 1812 he bore a leading part in the activities which resulted in the capture of Mackinac and the subsequent downfall of American authority in the North- west. Pothier lived in Montreal, where he was long a prominent citizen. He was for many years a member of the Legislative Council of Lower Canada, and for shorter periods belonged to the Executive Council and the Special Council. He died, Oct. 22, 1845. See biographical sketch in Bull. Recherches Hist., XXVI, 223-24; documents in Mich. Pio. Colls., passim, especially XV, 141-44; and William F. Coffin, 1812: The War and Its Moral (Montreal, 1864), 45-46. 68 Richard Pollard, for sketch of whose career see B. H. R., I, 252. On May 8, 1782, Felix Graham wrote from Lachine to Thomas Williams in Detroit, introducing Pollard as "a gentleman of merit." Ms. in B. H. Coll. Presumably this fixes the time of Pollard's advent in the western country. 69 For the career of Toussaint Adhemar dit St. Martin, see B. H. R., I, 177-78. 37 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS hoirs et ayans cause a l'avenir, la moitier de toutes les Terres qu'il a eOt des Sauvage au Sud du Lac Erier aux environ de Sansdosquit. Tel et ainsi que les dites Terres Sont Specifier dans les Contrats, que les dit Sauvages lui ont donnes l'un en datte du dix huit Octobre Mil Sept Cens quatre vingt quinze et L'autre en datte du dix Neuf Janvier de Cette Courante annee passe par le Notaire Soussigne, Tel et ainsi que le dit Terrein Se poursuit, et comporte de toutes parts, que le dit Sieur acquereur dit en 6tre contant. Cette vente, Cession, transport, et delaissement ainsi faite pour et moy6nant la Somme de Mil pounds Cours de Nouvelle York, que le dit Gabriel Hunault Reconnoit avoir regu du dit Sieur Askin avant la possassion des presentes, dont il est Satisfait, en tient quitte et decharge le dit ac- quereur et tout autres et au moySns de ce, le dit Gabriel Hunault a de ce moment, transports et transporte au dit Sieur Askin, Ses hoirs, et ayans Causes a l'avenir, tous et Tels droits de propri6tes, noms, raisons actions et tout autres droits qu'il a et pouvoit avoir Sur Cette dite Moitiez de Terrein Susvendu, s'en d6mettant et deV6tissant, au profit du dit acquereur, pour qu'il en Soy mis en bonne possession et Seizine par quis et ainsi qu'il appartiendrat en virtue des dites pr6sentes. Car ainsi &c promettant &c, obligeant &c. Fait et passe au dit Detroit, en L'etude du dit Notaire le vingt Septieme jour de Juin L'an mil Sept Cens quatre vingt Seize, et ont Signes Except6 le dit Vendeur qui ayant declare ni le savoir de ce enquis a fait Sa marque ordinaire et Scell6s apres Lecture faite suivant L'ordonnance. sa Presence de Gabriel X Hunault (L. S.) marque Alex8 Maisonville F. D x Bellecour Nr* p John Askin (L. S.) c Personally appeared before me Patrick M Niff Esquire, one of the Judges of the court of common pleas for the county of wayne, Desruisseaux Bellcour Esq. Notary who being Sworn on the holy evangelist Sayth that he was 38 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS present and saw the within deed duely executed by Gabriel Hunault _ . , _ K __._ Patrick McNiff 3rd June 1797 Endorsed: Vente par Gabriel Hunault au Sier John Askin d'un Terrein au Sud du Lac Erier aux environs de San- dosquit, du 27e Juin 1796. UnexVrai Coppie est enregistr6 en Fofficed dudit Notaire th F. D B. Rec in my office 5 June 1797. P. A. Registered in my office in the book N° 1. page 99. Peter Audrain recorder Translation Detroit BEFORE Frangois Desruisseaux Bellecour, notary at De- troit and there resident, witness undersigned, appeared Gabriel Hunot, merchant trader, now in this city who acknowledges by these presents to have sold, ceded, released, conveyed, and relinquished from this time and forever, with guaranty from his own acts and those of his heirs and assigns, also from all debts, mortgages, evictions, and alienations whatsoever, to John Askin, Esq., here present and accepting as purchaser, for himself, his heirs and future assigns, the one-half of all the land that he has acquired from the Indians on the south of Lake Erie near Sandusky, according as they are described in the deeds which the said Indians have given to him, one dated the eighteenth of October, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-five, and the other dated the nineteenth of January of this current year, exe- cuted by the notary undersigned, such and as the said lands extend and are on all sides, that the gentleman purchasing says he is satisfied. This sale, cession, conveyance, and relinquishment thus made is for and because of the sum of one thousand pounds, New York currency, which the said Gabriel Hunot ac- knowledges to have received from the said Mr. Askin before the execution of these presents, with which he is satisfied and for the payment of which he holds the said purchaser and all others acquitted and absolved, and because of this, the said Gabriel Hunot has from this time conveyed, and 39 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS does convey, to the said Mr. Askin, his heirs and future assigns, all and such rights of ownership, title, demands, and all other rights that he has or may have upon the said one-half tract above sold, surrendering the same and divest- ing himself thereof, to the profit of the said purchaser, in order that he may be placed in good possession and seizen, by which and so that it may belong to him by virtue of these said presents. For thus etc., promising etc., obliging etc. Duly executed at Detroit, in the office of the said notary on the twenty-seventh day of June, the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-six, signed and sealed except by the said seller, who has replied to interrogation that he does not know how to sign, and has made his accustomed mark, after reading according to law. his In presence of Gabriel X Hunot (L. S.) mark Alexis Maisonville F. D x Bellecour, Notary Public John Askin (L. S.) Endorsed: Sale by Gabriel Hunot to Mr. Askin, of a tract of land lying south of Lake Erie in the neighborhood of Sandusky, June 27, 1796. A true copy and recorded in the office of the said notary F. D x B. SALE OF LAND AT ROUGE RIVER KNOW ALL MEN by these presents that I John Askin of Detroit Merchant for and in Consideration of the Sum of Twelve Hundred Pounds New York Currency to me in hand paid by Isaac Todd & James McGill Merchants of Montreal the receipt whereby I do hereby acknowledge, have bargained, Granted, Sold Alienated and Confirmed, and by these presents do bargain, Grant, Sell Alienate and Confirm unto the Said Isaac Todd and James M70cGill their Heirs & Assigns forever. A Certain Lot of Land situated on the North side of the River of Detroit Containing Twelve Acres in Front and Fifty Acres in depth French Measure on which there is a House, Barn & other Improvements, 70 The land sold comprised Private Claims 67, 267, 270, and 268. It included a portion of the present site of Fort Wayne and the land between the fort and the mouth of the Rouge. 40 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS bounded on the South West by the River Rouge and on the North East by Lands belonging to the said John Askin in the Rear by Lands claimed by M" Baby. As allso all Appur- tenances whatever to the said Tract of Land or Premisses belonging or any ways appertaining, And all the ESTATE, RIGHT, TITLE, INTEREST, CLAIM, and DEMAND whatever of the said John Askin of, in, and to the said Tract of Land and premises and every part thereof. To have and to hold the said Tract of Land and Premisses and every part and parcel thereof with the Appurtenances, unto the said Isaac Todd and James McGill, their Heirs and Assigns and to the only proper use and behoof of the said Isaac Todd & James McGill their Heirs and Assigns forever. And the said John Askin for himself and his Heirs the said Tract of Land and Premisses and every part thereof, against himself & his Heirs and against every other Person or Persons Whatso- ever shall and will Warrant forever defend by these presents. IN WITNESS Whereof the Said John Askin has herewith set his hand and Seal at Detroit this Twenty Eighth day of June in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred & Ninety-Six Signed, Sealed & Delivered in Presence of John Askin (Seal) William Robertson Rob'-Nichol" Endorsed: N° 4 Tract of Land adjoining the entrance of River Rouge, 12 acres in front 4 Acres of McGill Bou[ght] of Jn° Shaw72 & 1 of Beneau Todd 7 3 of Roger Beneau & 4 of Godfroy The part of this Lot on which the Improvements are & bounded by the River Rouge on the 5 Acres in Front is for M r McGill. the remaining 7 Acres bounded by on S is for M r Todd [torn] 71 For sketch of the career of Robert Nichol, see B. H. R., I, 324. •jx John Shaw was a maker of bricks and tiles. He was living in or near Detroit as late as the year 1812. See mss. in B. H. Coll., -passim. 41 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS FURS TO BE FORWARDED TO FORT ERIE Detroit 2d July 1796 Dear Askin I Leave in your Care 64 packs Markd T M N° 1 to 64, which I request you will send to Fort Erie As soon as possible either in the Kings Vessels or any other sending with them an Ace* to M r Warran73 and M r Hamilton, there is allso 17 packs that M r Hands74 has of a like Number with M r Dufresne if you can use it in Getting them down, I wish you would as they are for us. I think by going to the mouth of the River with Coin1 England you might Get him to Leave an order or at Least a request with the Commadr there to give you the first Kings Vessel that returns from F* Erie to take packs this on Account of freight owing you, and on this assurance you might be ready to send the packs down I am Yours Sincrely Isaac Todd r John Askin Esq Endorsed: Isaac Todd to Jno Askin Detroit 1796 Col. England's departure OBEDIENCE TO ORDER IN CHURCH-PEW DISPUTE L'Assomption le 3me Juillet 1796 Messieurs Je Viens de recevoir un ordre de Son Excellence le Lieu* Gouverneur de cette Province, dont J'ai mis une Copie Collatione avec la traduction en Francais Sur le Registre de la Paroisse. J'ai toute raison de croire que vous montrerez cette obeissance aux ordres de Son Excellence qui leur est due, & serai tres fache que l'Opinia- trete de quelques Esprits broullion puisse Vous Induire a leur contrevenir en aucune maniere ayez la Bonte de me faire Scavoir apres les Vespres Si Vous £tes dispose d'obeir aux ordres de Son Excellence dans toute leur etendue afin que Je sache qu'il raport Je dois en faire. 73 John Warren, for whose career see B. H. R., I, 584. 74 William Hands, for whose career see ibid., 308. 42 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Je suis Messieurs avec tout le Respect Votre tres H1* Serviteur (Signe) Ed Burke A Messieurs les Marguilles de la Paroisse de L'Assomption. Endorsed: Copie d'une Lettre de M r Burke aux Marguilles de L'Assomption Translation Assumption, July 3, 1796 Gentlemen: I have just received an order from His Excellency, the Lieutenant-General of this province, a verified copy of which I have entered in the parish register, with the translation in French. I have every reason to believe that you will give the orders of His Excellency the obedience which is their due, and I shall be very sorry if the obstinacy of any interfering person should induce you to oppose them in any way. Have the goodness to inform me after vespers if you are disposed to obey the orders of His Excellency implicitly, that I may know what report I should make concerning them. I am, Gentlemen, with every respect, your very humble servant (signed) Ed[ward] Burke To the Trustees of Assumption Parish Endorsed: Copy of a letter from Mr. Burke to the Trustees of Assumption. ACCOUNT OF PETER CURRY WITH OWNERS OF THE DETROIT The Owners of the Sloop Detroit To Peter Curry76 D r 1792 Novr 8 To my Services in Conducting N° 1 and Building the Sloop Detroit commencing this Date and ending on the 18th May 1793 inclusive being 192 Days at 11/ £105 » 12 75 Peter Curry, shipbuilder and master, was on the Detroit River as early as 1790, and 43 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS N°2 To my Allowance for Issuing 1793 91K Galls Rum while build- Decr 8th the Said Sloop 18 • 5 N°3 To my Pay as Master thof the Detroit commencing 19 May 1793 & ending this Date In- clusive being 6 Months and 21 Days at £12 P r Month 80 • 8 N°3 To primage on £1556 " 15 " 4 at r 38 • 18 « 4 1794 iy c* N°4 To paid Superintendants Fees &c 12 • 2 » 10 Dec 8 To One Years Pay as Master of N°5 the Detroit 160 " N°6 Toprimageon£1951 "11 • this 1795 Year @ iy2 P r Cent 48 • N°7 To Superintendant fees &c 19 " Dec 8th To One Years Pay as Master of N°8 the Detroit 160 " N°9 To primage on 954 • 9 " 10 this Year at iy2 P r Cent 23 " 17 " 3 N° 10 To paid Superintendants Fees &c 11 • 18 th Dec 9 To my pay as Master of the N° 11 Sloop Detroit commencing this date and ending on the 5 th of July 1796 inclusive being 6 Months & 28 Days @ £160 P r Year 92 " 8 • 10| 1796 July N° 12 To primage for this Year 8 " N° 13 To Paid Superintendants Fees 4 « N° 14 To a Chest of Tools in the Build- ing the vessel 8 at the Rouge River, as here shown, in 1792. He subsequently (during the American regime) claimed the land where his operations had been conducted, and it was granted to him, being known as P. C. 340. In 1806 Curry was captain of the schooner Tracy. He made his will, June 3, 1810, and died the same year. See Proc. of Land Board of Detroit, 186. 44 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS N° 15 To 3 7 ^ Months allowance of Tea lbforr the Use of the Cabin at l P Mo 12/ 22 » 10 " y N° 16 To 37 y2 Months allowance of Loaf Sugarlb for use of the Cabin at 4 P r Mo 4/ 30 " » N° 17 To Transportation of Merchan- dize in the Cabin 100 " " New York Currcy £945 " 5 " 8 | E. E. Detroit 5th July 1796 This Ace* was deliv me by Cap* Curry on the 26 of Jany d 1805 Endorsed: Ace* The Owners of the Sloop Detroit with Peter Curry £945 "5 " 8 ^ NY Q? 5th July 1796 ARRIVAL OF CONNECTICUT SETTLERS IN OHIO Queenstown 6th July 1796 Dear Askin I got here yesterday to dinner and finding no Goodscaon the communication except Some76Sail Cloth Cord- age & for you, I have wrote Cap* Fearson to sail immedi- atly & I Trust to you dispatching her for Michilama as I dont wish to have any thing to r do with Publick Vessels, you will no doubt receive from ca M Cartwright an Invoice of these Sail Cloath Cordage & and perhaps sell some to the Americans. M r Hamilton will inform you what he cis to pay on your Ace* & as I before requested to please M Gill Let your remittance exceed the £2000 as much as posible as by the Statement he will see you purposed paying this Sum before selling the Detroit, and now My good friend as you 76 John Fearson was born in England, Nov. 11, 1753. He was a seaman and migrated to Salem, Mass., where he commanded a whaling vessel for a time. He came to Detroit as early as 1793, and in 1796 was among those who signified their intention of remaining British subjects. He was in Detroit as late as June, 1797, but subsequently removed to Sandwich, where he lived for many years; he died in Detroit, June 11, 1835. For some years Captain Fearson was master of the Saguinah, in which Askin had an interest. He married Maria Amable Lajumodiere, who was killed by lightning, Aug. 14, 1820. They had several children. One daughter, Mary Julia, married William Whistler, who served for sixty years in the U. S. army, rising to the rank of colonel. Another daughter, Vic- toria, married William Watson of Detroit; another, Felicity, married George Johnston of Green Bay. See Proc. of Land Board of Detroit, 179-80. 45 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS clearly know your situation regulate your self accordingly & neither enter into schemes to employ people, nor burthen yourself with your relations, it is certain the Connecticut people with surveyors &c had a meeting at Buffalo creek with the five Nations and have agreed with them for the Native right as farr as they had power to give to the Cahago [Cuyahoga] river and are now gone there77 I think you ought to send out Huno. Some of the Indian Chiefs and a Terrible cliver fellow with them who you could intrust to Make or receive proposals for the Native right of what you purchased If your Son John could goe it might be worth while I think this is not to be neglected and send a Schenec- tady boat for speed I hope youll endeavour to get the pack I left with your own [and] those of Hands & Dufresne in first Kings Vessel & dont value your furrs r too high you shallrs not Lose by that in the Sale Rememb me kindly to M & Miss Askin & believe me Dear Askin Yours Sincrely Isaac Todd Excuse heaste as I have several things to do & Sail this even8 John Askin Esqr Hamilton says you must Send a Power of Atty from the proprietors of the Lots you purchased to get the Deeds, the sooner you do this the better & by the French Notary Addressed: John Askin Esqr Merch* Detroit Endorsed: Queenston d e h Julyd 6eh 1796 h M r Isaac Todd to Jn° Askin Rec y 16 Answ y 20 DEPARTURE OF COLONEL ENGLAND FROM DETROIT Detroit July 10h 1796 Dear Sir I was favoured with yours of the 13 th June a few days ago but have not as yet had the pleasure of seeing Captain Mayne owing to his not having come up here. I purpose tomorrow going as far as the mouth of the river with our most worthy Commandant to whom I'm under 77 The allusion is to the party of colonists led by Moses Cleaveland, which held a council with the Iroquois at Buffalo Creek on June 23, 1796, and a month later founded the city of Cleveland. 46 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS many Obligations. I shall then let Captain Mayne know how ready I am to render Service to any Friend of yours, however the opportunity I fear will be few untill I remove where he is & that rscannot well be before I have disposed of my property here M & Miss Askin joins in Compliments to all your good family & I remain Dear Sir Your Most Obed* Hble Serv* (Signed) John Askin Cap* D. W. Smith Endorsed: (Coppy) Detroit July 10h 1796 Jn° Askin to Cap* D. W. Smith at Newark FROM COLONEL RICHARD ENGLAND TO JOHN ASKIN Detroit78 July 18th 1796 My Dear Sir I feel too sensibly Your very kind and friendly Attention to me and every Individual of my Family, not to be convinced that it will give You pleasure to hear that we All arrived here safe Yesterday, after a very pleasant Run of thirty four hours from the Islands. I am now making every exertion to proceed immediately to Newark in Order to Arrange Our Embarkation over the Ontario And propose if possible to set out immediately. No Account of the Arrival of the Fleet has Yet reached this post and conse- quently no news. From the Distribution of Quarters, I think there is much Reason to apprehend that the two Bat- tallions of Royal Americans are destined for the West Indies. But as this 79 information naturally will not be pleas- ing at Grosse Point, don't mention it as coming from me particularly as it is only Conjecture As I shall ever feel interested in Yours, and Your Familys Welfare I shall be happy to hear from You, and shou'd I be so fortunate as to have it in my power to be of the most trifling use or Convenience to You, I request you will Com- mand me wherever I am placed. Mention any Circum- stances relative to the late change at Detroit that You may think proper to communicate, And if any thing shou'd .78 This is an error, as the letter was obviously written at Fort Erie. 79 The allusion is to Commodore Grant, whose daughter, Therese, was married to Thomas Wright, surgeon in the Royal American Regiment. For the domestic tragedy that ensued upon this order, see B. II. R., I, 461. 47 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Occur before I reach Montreal, You shall again hear from me Be sure [to] say something short, civil, and new for me to Maisonville, and my Friends rs at L'Assomption, give my best and Sincere Regards to M and Miss Askin and best Wishes to rsM r Robertson Mrs England waits for my Pen to Assure M and Miss Askin how sensible she is of their Goodness to her Shou'd there be a proper Opportunity convince those Scoundrels that so basely deserted from the 20th Reg* That His Majesty, and the British Government has Friends on his Side of the Detroit River. I will pay Five Pounds N Y C y for every One of them delivered to the Officer Com- manding at Maiden, On his Certificate being sent me I am My Dear Sir with great [torn] very Sincerely and most Faithfully Ever Yours R. G. England John Askin Esqr &c &c Addressed: To John Askin Esqr &c &c Detroit From: R. G. England Endorsed: Detroit July 18h 1796 from Colonel England to Jn° Askin rec y 26 & Answd y6 30h d e h FROM JOHN ASKIN TO COLONEL RICHARD ENGLAND Detroit July 30h 1796 Dear Sir It was with no small degree of Pleasure I re- ceived Your very Obliging Letter of the 18 Ins* Announcing the Safe Arrival of you & your Worthy Family at Fort Erie. Mra Englands not being sick on this Passage added much to Our satisfaction. Your great goodness has much over rated our poor little Attention to your good Family. I can however with great truth say we possess the Inclination, but it has pleased Fortune to put the means out of Our Power. By the way of Michilimackinac we some time Ago learn[ed] of the Arrival of the Frigate for Lord Dorchester & Armed Vessell for L* G Simcoe. was it to be our good Fortune for you to replace the latter, in this Quarter I'm sure it would give almost General Satisfaction for I dayly find that mankinds sentiments of a Person in Authority is Seldom known when they are present 48 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS & you seem to have an Advantage over almost all Others that the few Who showed some discontent whilst you were here are now lavish in your Praise. In short my Oppinion is that many People who Intended residing here will move Over, some of them no doubt more from Interest than At- traction, at same time I cannot say since the Arrival of L* Colonel Hamtramck80 that he has given any Cause of dislike. Orders has been given untill the arrival of General Wayne or Govr Sinclair81 to prohibit the Sale of Spiritis Liquors to Soldiers or Indians without permission. I'm happy at this on Account of some rum Sellers who shewed much Ingratitude for the Indulgences they recd in that way under your command I'm at a loss to Express my Gratefull feelings not only for the many Services you were so kind as to render me but those also you are so good as to Offer. Its more than pos- sible that I will take the liberty one day of troubling r you. I did not forget your Commands respecting M Maisonville & the People of Lassoumption. M r Robertson received with much pleasure your kind remembrance of him and begs his respectfull Compliment to Mr8 England you & your Sweet Young Family. I have not as yet met with any Purchaser who has the Counter-Sign for any part of my Property on this side of the watter, but in order to be ready I have removed the House that was at the Spring to my Farm which will serve me as a lodging Untill I have disposed of what I have here. I will be attentive to what you write respecting the Deserters & Endeavour to have your wishes put into Execution M" & Miss Askin joins with me in most Sincere wishes for the Prosperity of you M rs England & your Dear Children and I remain with Much respect & Esteem 80 John Francis Hamtramck was born in Quebec, Aug. 16, 17S7,vthe son of a German barber and a French mother, who were married there, Nov. 26, 1753. At the opening of the Revolution he joined the American army, serving as captain in a New York regiment. In 1785 he became a captain in the U. S. Infantry Regiment, and major of the First In- fantry in 1789. He served under Wayne in the Northwest, commanding the First Sub- legion from Feb. 18, 1793. He became colonel of the First Infantry, April 1, 1802. On the American occupation of Detroit in 1796, he became the first commandant here. He was returned to this post on the removal of Colonel Strong, and here he died in April, 1803. He was first buried in Ste. Anne's churchyard; in 1866 his remains were removed to Mount Elliott Cemetery. The township and city of Hamtramck are named in his honor. 81 General Arthur St. Clair, Governor of the Northwest Territory. 49 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Dear Sir Your Most Obedient & devoted very Humble Servant JA P. S. Compliments to Cap* Obrion82 L* Colonel England of 24h Reg* at Montreal Endorsed: Detroit July 30h 1796 Jn° Askin to L* Colonel England Coppy PARTNERSHIP IN CARPENTER TRADE THIS INDENTURE made the Eleventh day of August in the Year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and Ninety- Six Between John Hembro83 of Detroit, Carpenter of the one Part and John Armstrong of the other part Witnesseth that the Said John Hembro and John Armstrong having had Experience of Each other's Care and Fidelity, in Confidence thereof for the future advantage of JEach other have agreed upon a Copartnership and Joint Trade in Carrying on the Trade of Carpenter & Ship or boat Building and therefore Each of them Doth Respectively and for their Several and Respective Executors and Administrators Covenant promise and agree To and with the other of them his Executors and administrators by these presents that from and after the Twelfth Day of August Instant, they the Said John Hembro and John Armstrong Shall be and Continue Copartners and Joint Traders in the art Mystery Trade and business- of Carpenters Viz house and Ship building that is To Say in buying Selling Vending Exchanging and uttering of all Sorts of Workmanship and other things Incident and be- longing To the Trade of Carpenters &cc and also in the Man- agement and Doing of all such other business as they shall think fit and mutually agree and Consent To Trade in and 8i Edward James O'Brien, who was commissioned ensign in the Twenty-fourth Regi- ment, Feb. 28, 1788, and captain, Oct. 28, 1795. He was stationed at Detroit during Colonel England's regime. 83 John Hembrow was born in Devonshire, England, about the year 1744. He became a seaman in the navy, but in 1784 he was in New York and apparently had left the navy. On Nov. 19, 1796, he leased for ten years a tract of land on Grosse He, belonging to the estate of William Macomb, and in this document he described himself as a shipbuilder. In 1800 he seems to have been living in Sandwich, where he died, June 6, 1809. He married Margaret Wilson, a native of Amsterdam, New York, and children were born to them in Detroit in 1787 and 1789. Margaret Wilson died in 1793. Descendants of Hembrow were living in Sandwich until recent years. Information adapted from letters in B. H. Coll. and burial inscriptions in Hembrow family plot in St. John's churchyard, Sandwich. 50 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS for the full Term of Seven Years from thenceforth Next Ensuing and fully To be Compleat and Ended. If they Shall both So long live and for the Carrying on of the Said Joint Trade Each of the parties To these Presents doth Covenant promise Grant and agree To and With the other of them, that they will Each of them bring in Severally into the Said Joint Trade and Stock In money and Goods To be used in the said Trade on or before the Twelfth Day of August 1796 the Sum of one hundred and Seventy pounds Lawful money of New York To be used and Employed in the Said Joint Trade upon the Said Joint account and It is hereby and herein also mutually Covenanted and agreed by and between the Said Parties To these Presents that the Said Joint Trade of Carpenters &c Shall be Carried on at Detroit or Elsewhere and for the orderly proceedings and Carrying on of Said Intended Trade upon the Said Joint auty they the Said John Hembro and John Armstrong Shall be Just and faithful To each other in all their buying and Sellings, accounts, Reckonings Disbursements and Dealings Concerning the Said Copartnership and Shall Each of them Endeavor by all Just Care and Deligence To advance and promote the Said Joint Trade and Stock without fraud orc Deceit, and Give there attendance upon the csaid Trade & and Equally Interested In Profit and Loss & . In Witness Whereof the Parties To these Presents have hereunto Inter- chanageably Set their hands and Seals the Day and Year first above Written John Hembrow John Armstrong Sealed and Delivered In the Presence of Reuben Reynolds Peter Loop Jun. Endorsed: John Hembrow & John Armstrong Aug* 11th 1796 agreement FROM COLONEL RICHARD ENGLAND TO JOHN ASKIN Quebec August 29th 1796 My Dear Sir I am much indebted to you for your very kind Letter which reached me here two Days ago. I feel 51 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS much nattered by the very friendly Interest you ever take in whatever belongs to me and Family. Thank God we are all well, but at this moment much distressed in consequence of Information this Morning received that the Frigate Pearl which we have hourly expected here for this last Fortnight is gone away to Halifax with the stores and Crew belonging to the unfortune Active which you must have heared was wrecked on the Island of Anti Costi with Lord Dorchester and all his Family on Board This unpleasant Circumstance throws me and mine into a very distressing and disagreeable Situation as Our Alterna- tive is to sail tomorrow in a single ship (The Progress) or wait the Fall Fleet and encounter all the very bad Weather my little Babes must be exposed to at that late and boister- ous Season, and if we sail in a Single ship, we are on the other Hand exposed to the merciless Sans Cullottes. You may easily Judge that at this moment I am much perplexed but wou'd not think of quitting the Country without again writing to you, or wou'd on no Other Account take up a Pen. You shall please God hear from me from the Other Side of the Great Lake, where perhaps I may have it in my power to say something more favorable of myself than I can at present. Report says that I was appointed Major General in May Last if so I don't apprehend that I shall remain long at home at least it shall not be my fault if I do. I heard with great pleasure from my Friend Leith to whom I beg you will mention with my Compliments that I shall write a few Lines Addressed to the Care of Messrs Forsyth and Richardson Say everything kind and affectionate for me to M rs and Miss Askin and be sure [to] give my best wishes to M r Robertson M rs England propose[s] to write to Miss Askin before we sail. She had the pleasure of hearing from her at the time that your Letter reached me. Write to me every Occurrence relative to Yourself and Family, and Address your Letter to the Care of Mess" Cox & Greenwood Craigs Court Charing Cross London. Call me Colonel till you again hear from me Excuse my Hurry, as I am really not only in that Situa- tion but exceedingly distressed and in real Misery. Adieu My Dear Sir Pray for the Progress and Your Friends in her. 52 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS And believe me ever Your very Sincere Friend and most Obliged Humble and Obed* Serv* R. G England John Askin Esqr &c &c Endorsed: Quebec Aug* 29 1796 Colonel England to Jn° Askin recd ye 3d October Answd ye 1 st Novr FROM ARCHANGE MEREDITH TO MRS. ASKIN Yarmouth Septembre le 5 1796 Ma tres chere Mere Je prend la plume avec le coeur bien gaie pour vous addresser, ayant recue de vos nouvelles la Semaine derniere, une lettre de ma chere Therese a moi, est une de mon tres cher Pere a Monsieur Meredith, ils sont datt6 du 23 D'Avril, est sont exprime dune facon qui ne peut pas manquer de nous donner grande satisfaction, il faut avouer, que je commencois a etre impatiente, n'ayant pas recue de vos lettres pour quatre mois, mais a present, je suis toute rejouis, dans l'id&e que vous possedez bonne sant6, et que les affaires de mon tres cher Pere porte une apparence souriante, que cette favorable apparence, soit confirm^ au comble de vos souhaits, est la priere sincere, d'une Archange, qui a tous les biens de sa Famille a coeur, est s'occupe de leurs succes. Dans ma derniere lettre, je vous ai marqu6 la triste maladie que mon cher Meredith avoit souffert pour plu- sieurs mois, il est a present, je suis heureuse de vous dire, presque retablie, un Medecin tres Habile, en a eu le soin pour quelleque terns, est s'est acquitte a merveille envers lui, je suis persuade, que si vous pouviez le voir, vous ne le reconaitriez pas, car il est aussi maigre que mon cher Pere, cependant il a bonne mine, et possede le meme beaux visage, et je ne doute pas, qu'avec grand soin, qu'il aura meilleure sante que jamais. Pour moi, je merite le Nom de Deesse de Sante, car je n'est jamais eu une heure de maladie, depuis la petite verole, les enfans sont passablement bien, ils ont un petit Rheume presentment, qui n'est cependant d'aucune consequence, car ces jeunes gens sont sujet a ces petit maux, est il faut les attendre. Prepares vous tous a fair e vos obeisance a la Dame dun Aide de Camp, nommee Madame Meredith, A ca, qui ose me con- Si BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS tredire, je les jerai sauter, parbleu me voila de consequence, dite a Mon Oncle Grant de se souvenir de ses paroles, the little Monkey will be something at last, mais badinage a part, il faut vous raconter q'un Generale nomm6 Loftus, qui est Gendre du Marquis Townshend, commande a present dans cette Endroit, il a pris fantasie a mon bonne homme, et l'a appoint^ son Aide de Camp, sans aucune application de la part de mon cher Meredith, par consequent cest une Dis- tinction assez flatteuse; le Marquis Cornwallis qui est grand maitre de l'Artillerie, a fait une visite a Yarmouth, la se- maine derniere, une Reveu en a 6te la cause, a laquelle jai fait mon apparence, et qui ma beaucoup plait, comme tout a 6t6 conduit a la vrai facon Millitaire, le Marquis a beau- coup approve l'appointment de mon cher M: qui fut en- troduit selon l'etiquette du grand Monde. Jai oui dire que Messieurs les Francois se propose de visiter l'Angleterre, ils ont batie des batteaux expres pour tenir leur carcases et les mener ice dans peu de terns, quils se garde de debarquer ici, car nous avons peu de grenouilles, est la seule nourriture quils puisse attendre sont des boulets de canons tout chaude. Ma Tante Mercera abbandonne l'idee de vous payer une visite cette Annee, la raison quils donne est que leurs enfans n'ont pas encore finie leurs education, comme la Famille ne leurs a pas eerie par la derniere occasion, j'ai pense leurs faire plaisir en leurs envoyant la copie de mes lettres, j ' a t - tend une reponse tous les jours pour me remercier de ma complaisance. Je suis flatte d'apprendre que ma Tante Grant a augment^ sa Famille, edst un grand dommage quils ne sont pas tous garcons, s'ca feroit un beau Reg* tous du meme nom, j'ai intention d'ecrire a ma Cousine Wright par cette occasion, je ferai le meme envers Madame Hamilton et Richardson, si je puis trouver une oppertunite par quellque Messieurs qui vont au Canada, mais il n'est pas en mon pouvoir a present, parceque e'est une depense un peu pes- ante. Therese aura la bont6 de leurs faire mes amitiez quand elle leurs eerie, ainsi que mon Oncle Barthe est sa Famille. Comme cela vous allez perdre la Famille des Hay si j'etoit a leurs Place je m'aurai pas regret de laisser un En- 54 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS droit ou j'avoit perdue mes Parens, car plusieurs circon- stances me rappelleroit mon malheur, au lieu que dans une autre Place les souvenirs ne seroit pas si souvent devant mes yeux, je ne scait pas si les filles tienne de la Pauvre Mere, mais vous scavez ma chere Maman que sa sensibilet6 n'etoit pas extreme, cette un bonheur peutetre pour ceux qui pos- sede une Disposition si peu sensible au chagrin, car dans ce Monde Ton a souvent grand besoin de toute sa fortitude pour surmonter les affliction qui nous accable. Dieu mercie je n'est jamais souffert aucun chagrin depuis mon marriage, excepte celui de vous dire adieux a mon depart du Detroit, mais cette doleur s'est perdue dans les attention dun cher affectione Mari qui me flatte de l'esperance de vous voir avant que plusieurs Annees se soit ecoul6, vous seriez charme de vos petit enfans qui sont tous c'est q'un tendre Pere est Mere peux souhaiter. Ma petite Anne lit extreme- ment bien, pour la coture elle paroit faire autant de progres que faisoit sa mere a son age, mais cela viendra par la suite, et je vous promet fidellement que vous serez les premier Juges de son Ouvrage. Je me propose s'il plait a Dieu de conserver David de l'envoyer a l'ecole l'Ete qui vient, il aura quatre Ans, est cette une bonne age, il a eu tant de Maladie est sa constitution est si delicate quil est un peu gat6. Nous sommes assez gaie dans cette Endroit Yarmouth, nous avons quatre Comedies par semaine, est deux Balle qui occupe les six jours, j'ai participe de plusieurs de ses amus- mens car vous n'est pas ignorante de la disposition de mon cher M: qui sent une iiert6 pour tous ceux qui lui appartient, est prend plaisir a me voir en public. Environs trois se- maines passe jai commence l'exercise de me baigner dans l'eau de Mer, nous avons des bain tres commode ici, est beaucoup de monde vienne chaque Ann£e pour la meme occasion; je n'en avoit pas besoin, mais cetoit pour mon plaisir est celui de mon cher M: qui me souhaitoit de l'es- sayer, je nen suis pas pire, mais comme le terns est froid jai l'ai quitte, les enfans en ont pris avantage pour un mois, s'ca leurs a fait grand bien. Je suppose que notre bon Ami Monsieur Robertson restera au Detroit, comme Therese marque quil embellit sa maison, je ne l'avise pas de marier une Americane, s'ca feroit trop enrager les Canadiennes, il n'auroit pas de repos parmi eux, 55 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS faite lui ma chere Mere mes tendre souvenirs, je scait que mon cher Pere le mangera beaucoup s'il ne va pas de votre cote, comme cest un de ces meilleurs Amis. A quoi sert etre Membre de Parlement dans votre Payes, s'il faut Navig6 les Vaisseaux, je metoit bien imagine que Mon Oncle n'auroit rien a faire pour l'avenir que de declamer dans la Maison de Conseil; est ensuite de s'asseoir dans une chaise a bras bien molle, est avoir le terns de soigner la Goute car il faut avoir la Goute pour etre grand homme, dite lui d'excuser sa petite Niece, car elle aime le badinage, est ne l'estime pas moin pour cela, je voudroit etre aupres de lui de terns au terns pour lui voir secouer les cotes, est le joindre a rire. Mon cher Pere est dans sa glorie vers ce terns si je ne me trompe pas, car il aime a etre employe, il doit avoir assez a faire a mouver tous vos meubles a l'autre cot6, je suppose que vous etes si brave ma chere Mere que vous pouvez aller dans un Canot d'ecorce sans le faire caller, est l'aiser le soin de l'Aviron a ma Tante Grante sans quereller. Les modes ne sont pas chang6 depuis ma derniere lettre a Therese; les tailles longues commence a etre un peu en vogue, mais les petit Mantelets Canadien ne sont pas encore par- venue ici, nous n'avons pas de tailleure qui comprene cette espece d'habbilement. Je n'est rien ma tres chere Mere a ajouter, comme les Nouvelles interessantes pour vous sont assez rare ici. faites mes tendres amitiez a mon tres cher Pere, le meme a Therese, embrassez les cheres enfans pour moi, mes tendres souvenirs a tous la Famille, mes compliments a tous mes conaissances, et croyez moi ma tres chere Mere, votre tres affection6 fille. Archange Meredith Mon tres cher M. vous fait ses plus tendres souvenirs a Tous. la gazette vient d'annoncer la perte dun vaisseaux qui venoit de Canada, j'en suis bien fache peutetre quil n'avoit des lettres pour moi. Addressed: M rs Askin at Detroit Upper Canada To the care of Mess" Todd & McGill Mercht8 at Montreal Canada. Postage: 2/1 Inland Post. P d Endorsed: Yarmouth rs 5th Septr 1796. Mr8 Archange Meredith to M Archange Askin. 56 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Translation Yarmouth, Sept. 5, 1796 My dearest Mother: With a joyful heart I take my pen to write you, having had news of you last week, a84 letter to me from dear Therese and one to Mr. Meredith from my dearest Father. They are dated April 23, and are written in a tone that cannot fail to give us great pleasure. I con- fess that I was getting impatient not having received any letters from you for four months. Now I am perfectly happy in the thought that you are well and that my dear Father's business affairs look so cheerful. May this favorable pros- pect be confirmed to the fullest extent of all your wishes is the prayer of one Archange, who has every welfare of her family at heart and their success ever in mind. In my last letter I told you about the painful illness of my dear Meredith for several months past. He is almost re- covered now, I am happy to say. A very good doctor has had him in charge for some time and has done wonders for him. I am sure you would not recognize him if you could see him. He is as thin as my dear Father. He is cheerful, however, and has the same happy countenance, and I feel that with great care he will have better health than ever. As for me I should be called the Goddess of Health, for I have not had an hour's illness since the smallpox. The children are fairly well. They have slight colds now, nothing of any account. Little folk are subject to such ills and one must expect them. Get ready, all of you, to make your bow to the wife of an aid- de-camp, Madam Meredith. Let anyone dare to contradict me and I shall make them jump. For I am a lady of consequence, if you please. Ask Uncle Grant if he remembers saying "the little Monkey will be something at last." But joking aside, I must tell you that a general, named Loftus,85 the son-in-law of Marquis Townshend, at present in command at this sta- tion, has taken a fancy to my good husband, and appointed him his aid-de-camp, and that without any application what- 84 David Meredith, for whom see B. H. R., I, 15. 85 William Loftus, colonel of the Twenty-fourth Dragoon Regiment, who was com- missioned major general, May 3,1796, and lieutenant general in September, 1803. As a junior officer he had seen service in the American war. See British army lists, passim. 57 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS ever from my dear Meredith, so that the honor is quite flattering. Marquis Cornwallis,86 who is a past master in artillery maneuvers, visited Yarmouth last week, and it all came about because of a review, where I put in an appear- ance and enjoyed myself very much indeed, for everything was conducted in true military style. The Marquis strongly favored the appointment of my dear M. who was introduced to him with all the ceremony of polite society. I answer yes, the French gentlemen do intend to visit England. They have built boats expressly to bring their carcasses over and take them back quickly, as they will take care not to land here seeing that we have so few frogs and that red-hot cannon balls are the only nourishment they can expect from us. Aunt Mercer has given up the idea of visiting you this year. The reason they give is that the children have not yet finished their education. As no one at home wrote to them by the last opportunity, I thought I would please them by sending copies of my letters. I am looking for an answer every day thanking me for being so obliging. I am glad to hear that Aunt Grant has added another to her family. What a pity they are not all boys. They would make such a fine regiment, all the same name. I intend to write to my cousin, Mrs. Wright, this time, and to Mrs. Hamilton and Mrs. Richardson when I have a chance to send them by some gentlemen who are leaving for Canada. I cannot write to them now because it costs rather too much. The- rese will kindly give them my love when she writes, and the same to Uncle Barthe and his family. So you are going to lose the Hay family.87 If I were in their place I should not be sorry to leave a town where I had lost my relatives, so many things would remind me of my trouble, and in another locality these remembrances 86 Charles, second Earl and first Marquis Cornwallis, born in 1738, died in 1805. His service in the American Revolution was largely attended by failure, but the government and British public absolved him from responsibility for this. He later achieved solid successes in India and in Ireland, being made governor-general of the one and lord-lieuten- ant of the other. He was created Marquis Cornwallis in 1792 in recognition of his achieve- ments in India. See Diet. Nat. Biog. for an extended account of his career. 87 The allusion is to the family of Lieutenant-Governor Jehu Hay, for whom see B. H. R., I, 67. For further data concerning Governor Hay, see the biographical sketch by M. M. Quaife in Burton Hist. Coll. Leaflet, VIII, 1-16. 58 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS would not be so continually before my eyes. I do not know if the girls take after their poor mother, but you know, dear Mama, she was not particularly sensitive, a good thing, perhaps, to have a disposition so little affected by trouble, for in this world one needs all one's fortitude to meet the afflictions that overwhelm us. Thank God, I have not had a grief since my marriage, except saying goodbye to you when I left Detroit, and even that was dispelled by the attentions of a dear loving husband, who soothed me with the hope of seeing you again before many years had passed. You will be charmed with your grandchildren. They are all a loving father and mother could wish. My little Anne reads remarkably well, and in sewing she seems to do as well as her mother did at her age. But that will come in good time, and I promise you faithfully that you shall be the first judge of her work. I am planning to send David to school next summer, if it pleases God to spare him. He will be four, quite old enough. He has been sick so much and has such a delicate constitution, that he is a little spoiled. We are quite gay here in Yarmouth. We have four plays a week, and two balls, which fill the six days. I have taken part in several of these amusements, for you know the dis- position of my dear M., how proud he is of anyone belonging to him, and it pleases him to see me in public. About three weeks ago I began the exercise of bathing in the ocean. It is very convenient here for bathing, and many people come every year for that privilege. I did not really need it, but it was for my pleasure and that of my dear M. who wanted me to try. Nor am I any the worse, but when the weather became cold I stopped. The children took advantage of it for a month. It did them lots of good. I suppose that our good friend Mr. Robertson will live in Detroit, since Therese tells me that he is fixing up his house. I advise him not to marry an American. That would make the Canadian girls so angry he would have no peace among them. Give him, my dear Mother, my kindest remem- brances. I know that my dear Father will feed him well if he goes over to your side for he is one of his best friends. What good is it to be a member of Parliament in your country if one must go off sailing. I thought surely my Uncle would 59 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS have nothing to do in future but declaim in the Council chamber; then sit in his comfortable armchair and nurse his gout, for to be a man of any consequence one must have the gout. Tell him he must forgive his little niece, she loves a joke, and does not think any the less of him. I should like to be there sometimes, to see him shake his sides and to join him in a laugh. My dear Father is in his glory about now if I am not mis- taken, for he loves to be busy. He ought to have enough to do in moving all your things to the other side. I suppose, my dear Mother, that you are so brave that you can go in a bark canoe without a shudder, and that you leave all care of paddling to Aunt Grant without quarreling over it. Fashions have not changed since my last letter to Therese. Long waists are beginning to be somewhat fashionable, but the little Canadian mantles are not yet in style here. We have no tailors who understand that kind of garment. I have nothing further to add, my dear Mother, as news which would be interesting to you is scant enough here. Give my love to my dear Father and to Therese, and kiss the dear children for me. My kind remembrance to all the family, my compliments to all my friends, and believe me, dearest Mother, Your most affectionate daughter, Archange Meredith My dearest M. sends his kindest remembrances to all. The newspaper has just announced the loss of a vessel coming from Canada. I am worrying because there may have been letters for me. LEGAL OPINION CONCERNING INDIAN LAND GRANTS Eliz th Town Sepr 1796 Sir, In determining what is proper to be done, with respect to the Indian purchase, in which We are interested, three modes of proceeding offer themselves. First, To make an Application on your part as a British Subject to our Executive, thro' your Minister, com- plaining of the Act of Congress, passed at the last Session, as an Infraction of the late Treaty, between the two Countries. 60 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Second, To apply to Congress, at their next Session, for a confirmation of Our Title or, Thirdly, To settle the Land if practicable, and submit Our Title to a Judicial Decission before the Court of the United States, wherever it may be questioned, by future Grantees under their authority. To apply to the Executive of the United States will not, I fear, be attended with any good consequences. The Presi- dent, may with propriety answer, That as it appertains to the Courts of Law to construe the Treaty, no British Subject need apprehend any Injury from an Act of Congress deroga- tory to that Instrument, which is the Supreme Law of the Land and which Our Courts are bound to observe as such. Besides I do not think the British Minister will think it his duty to make the application, Judging the Affair to be altogether of Judicial cognizanace And that the Act, in its present form which relates only to offences committed within Our Territories, is no breach of the Treaty Should this be His opinion, It may effect Our Title, at least in the public estimation. An application to Congress, will I am convinced, prove ineffectual. They will never recognise a Right in the Indian Tribes, to make a good Title, to Lands within the limits assigned by the Treaty of peace, without their concurrence. They will consider the peace & interest of the United States, opposed to such an acknowledgment. The third mode, is attended with some risque to the Settlers, but perhaps, is the only one which ought to be pursued. I think Congress have no right to say, that the Indians shall grant no Lands without their permission. They have acknowledged them as Independent Nations. They make Treaties, and settle Boundary Lines with them, as such; It is therefore, interferring with their Sovereignity to declare, that they shall not grant their own Lands. We must meet this question in some shape or other, & perhaps the sooner the better, and our Courts & they alone, must decide it. Upon the whole, my opinion is, that We either settle part of the Land without delay, or if that be impracticable, that 61 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS We do nothing for the present, for fear of prejudicing our titles I am Sir with respect; Your very obedient Servant (Signed) Brockholst Livingston88 r 89 M J. Schieffelin Endorsed: Brockholst Livingston Opinion on the sub- ject of Indian Titles to Land granted by the Indian Nations at Detroit. PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT BETWEEN JOHN ASKIN AND JOHN ANDERSON Articles of Agreement made Concluded and Fully Agreed upon this 24h day of September One thousand Seven hundred and Ninety Six between John Askin of Detroit Merchant of the One part and John Anderson of Fort Miamis Trader of the other part, both in the County of Wayne in the Territory Nort West of the Ohio. Whereas the Said John Anderson purpose to carry on a Trade with Indians and others at Fort Miamis or ElseWhere in the Indian or Interior Country as he may think fit, As he for that purpose will want Goods and some person at Detroit to Assist him its therefore agreed between the parties above Mentioned that they become partners and Equal Sharers in all Trade carried on by said John Anderson as Aforesaid and that they Equally share in all profits or Suffer Equally all Losses arising from said Trade during its Continuance and as there has not been made any pro- vision for geting Goods Liquors &ce: for to carry on said Trade this Year John Askin on his part promisses to furnish or purchasse for the Concern for this Year at this place what 88 Henry Brockholst Livingston was born in New York City, Nov. 26, 1759. He was a member of the noted Livingston family, whose American founder, Robert Livingston, migrated from Scotland to Massachusetts in 1673 and shortly thereafter located in Albany, where he was prominent for almost half a century. Henry Brockholst Livingston was a great-grandson of Robert, and a son of William Livingston, who was prominent in the Revolution and served as governor of New Jersey. The son became one of the foremost lawyers of his time, and in 1807 was appointed to membership in the U. S. Supreme Court. He died in Washington, March 19, 1823. See Jppleton's Cyclopaedia Am. Biog. 89 Jonathan Schieffelin, for whom see B. H. R., I, 316-17, et passim. His letters to Solomon Sibley during his Philadelphia sojourn are preserved in the B. H. Coll. 62 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS may be Necessary on the Most General Reasonable Terms the Whole not Amounting to more than Two Thousand pounds NY k Including what of said John Askins Goods may be taken by said Anderson at Fort Miamis and in future Years the purchasses of such Goods and Liquor as the Concern may want are to be made at Montreal and the pelttries of next year as well as Every Insueing Year during the period of this Concern to be disposed of by Said Askin for the joint Benefit of him and said Anderson at Montreal And Whereas said Askin has now in the Care of said Ander- son at Fort Miamis some Goods provissions Liquors Houses &ce: its agreed on by the parties that so soon as said Ander- son returns from this to Fort Miamis he will take an Exact account of all property belonging to said Askin there and Transmit it to him specifying what Goods provissions Liquors Houses &ce he would wish to purchasse for the New Concern All which said Askin promisses to furnish or sell to said Concern on verry Reasonable Terms thats to say the Dry Goods a little high on Account of Risk and Trans- port than what they are Generally Sold for at this place, the liquors and provissions no higher than here and Charges of Transport and Building on as reasonable Terms as they can be sold for also a fair discount will be made on all Debts due and Contracted since said Anderson began to act for said Askin at Fort Miamis or Foot Rapids they Firm of this Company to be John Anderson and Comp and to Com- mence the first day of October next and Continue untill the first October One Thousand Seven hundred and Ninety Nine, the said Anderson to make no charges against the Concern for Managing the Business at Fort Miamis or Else- where nor said Askin for anything he may do here or have done at Montreal Except such Charges as may be made against him in Consequence, Neither partner to withdraw any Money for the discharge of their private Debts unless due them without the Consent of the Other partner, the said Andersons Expenses for living to Carry on the Bussiness to be borne by the Concern but no such allowance to be made to said Askin and as to Cloathing each of the parties must purchase their own on their private Accounts In Witness whereof the parties have hereunto set their 63 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Hands and Seals this Twenty fourth day of September One thousand Seven hundred and Ninety Six. Witness Present John Askin (L.S.) r John Askin jun John Anderson (L.S.) Endorsed: Articles of Copartnership made an[d] Ent. be- tween John Askin and John Anderson this 24h day Sepr 1796. FROM ISAAC TODD TO JOHN ASKIN Montreal 20th Septr 1796 My dear Askin I am favor'd with yours of the 20th July the House has several Letters from you of a Latter date which they will Answer, your packs are not all yet got here which prevents finishing the Baling as you will be informed they are going home on your Account, nor his half the packs I bo* from Teabeau yet come to hand. I am verry sorry you have not advised of the Sale of the House nor any part of the property, I hope yet to hear of the Sale this fall I am perticularly anxious for this ras Ictransacted the business & gave a favorable report to M M Gill which would hurt me to be contradicted. I ram told there has been speculators who was in treaty with M Baby for Lands on River Sinclare dont miss an oppertunity to sell where even one third can be paid in Cash, even at Less then it cost. M r McGill is of opinion if the house cannot be sold by next Spring at private Sale to sell it at publick, but I would wish to avoid this. I think the Sagana will make a good Summer of it, and I depend you will retain for usa the preference of Loading her with packs at the Michilam for two Trips certain. I hope to hear this fall what prospect you have of securing some- thing certain from the Native right of the Large Indian Grants. Our friend rRobertson has I suppose made some arrangement with M Ogilvy90 which I am not acquainted with as all his packs is to be shippd this year by that Gentm 90 John Ogilvie of Montreal, North West Company partner, for whom see B. H. R., I, 208. Ogilvie's mother was the second wife of William Robertson. He was engaged in the Northwest trade for many years. In 1800, he was a member of the Montreal firm of Parker, Gerrard, Ogilvie & Co. Davidson, North West Company, 84, 86. He is said, also, to have founded the house of Gillespie, Moffat & Co. He belonged to the St. Gabriel Street Presbyterian Church of Montreal, and in his will, read, Jan. 29, 1820, left that institution £100. See Campbell, St. Gabriel St. Church, 237. 64 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS and all we know of the business is by an open Letter delivered us by M r Ogilvy from M r Robertson desiring us to deliver him some Goods of his we had in hands but not a Line giving a reason for it, which I dont think kind, perticularly as we have allways done his business people naturally must think there is some cause for the change, as a friend I am sorry such an Idea should take place, with respect to Interest I am pleased he has formed another connection. I am sorry to Lose a friend, but not so to Lose a Correspondant, as I told you my intention of retiring from business which I adhere to. I received a sensible gratefull & friendly Letter from Miss Askin. I have began two Letters in Answer but find myself unequal to the task assure her of my esteem & respect and that the part I have acted which she seems so sensible of gives me as much pleasure, that I had it in my power to do so, as it can her, and may You MrB Askin & her enjoy every happiness you can wish & belive me My dear John Yours Sincerely Isaac Todd P.S. your friend Coin1 (now Gen1) England with wife & family is sailed for England Coin1 Blake now commands here there is 3 Companys in town, his, Maj r Doyle-s & Cap* O Bryans. I have these 3 weeks been verry unwell with a Complaint in my Stomach Slow fever & Loss of appetite, which has reduced me more then you ever saw me, I hope I shall soon get better, if not it is of Little consequence to me, I shall goe with the hopes and trust that in my situation I have done my duty Addressed: John Askin Esq r Merch* Detroit favored by M M c Gregore 91 r Endorsed: Montreal Sep* 20h 1796 M r Isaac Todd to Jn° Askin recvd ye 29h & Answd y6 30h Oct r GOODS ORDERED FOR INDIAN TRADE Sepr 20h 1796 m r m Memord for M W Robertson Under cover herewith is an Order for Goods to be Im- 91 Probably Gregor McGregor, for sketch of whose career see B. H. R., I, 292-93. 65 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS ported from England They will Am* to About £1000 SterB I have priced Each Article According to what they before cost me & tho the prices may change the difference it can make will be Inconsiderable. The Charges of Every kind with the Commissions may bring them to £1400 Haf* or a little more this with as much Spirits & Wine as would make the whole when leaving Montreal Amount to £2000 Hafx is all I want for next year & for which I do not feel the least doubt of being able to pay the year following when due. M r Isaac Todd when here, said tho M r McGill & him Meant in future to do little Bussiness in the Upper Country yet if I had a Small Order they were willing to Execute it to serve me. Nothing could give me greater pleasure as I much dislike change & I believe you will agree with me from the Situation their Generosity have put my Affairs in that they will not run the smallest risk, Indeed if I thought they did after their kindness to me I would rather beg than make the Proposition, but Surely with the property & debts I now have on Hand my Current Money being almost all discharged, & I not Owing any person but them £1000 Hafx to which the goods of this year may add £1000 more, I cannot be pinched this Next Year or Any Other to trust £2000 Hafx & for the present I do not Intend to Extend my Trade to a greater Sum. I have made a Partnership with M r Anderson at Fort Miamis for the Trade of that place for three years & tho it is not Extensive it is very Sure & has remitted not less than £1500 N Y C per year in Peltries & money, this Added to what is sold & [at] Maiden & here with my Share of Freights can Never fail of giving from £35008 to £4000 cYork yearly; However should you find Mess Todd & M Gill not desirous to Compleat my Order it would be very rong in me to Urge it. the next person I would wish it was offered to is McTavish Frobisher & C° as I have a Contract with them for Corn & flour it might Answer however I think I heard M r Gregory say they Only Imported for the N. W. C° in that Case make choice of Whom you please, but let the Agreem* be that no payrn*8 are to be made before the year After the goods are Imported and they should alway come over with the fast Vessells. If you should find a shiness in geting any One to Execute 66 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS my Order let me know & drop the Matter After a trial or Offer to One or two after Mess8 T & MCG for I would not wish to give you the Trouble to halk it About. I am Dear sir Yours John Askin Endorsed:r Detroit m Sept 20 1796 Memordm from John r h Askin to M W Robertson (Coppy) RETURNS OF ESSEX COUNTY MILITIA L'Assomption 27e Sepbre 1796 Sir Being directed by Colonel McKee Lieut of the C° of Essex to transmit to him Returns & Lists of the Militia & of all such as are capable of bearing Arms agreably to the Act, You will therefore be pleased to compleate that List of all such and also a Return of your Battalion without delay Colonel McKee requires also information of the increase or diminution of the Battalion at the end of every Quarter I beg therefore to be furnished with correcte Lists at the periods he directs. I am Sir your most Huble Serv* F. Baby Depy L* C. E.92 L* Colonel Askin &c Addressed: Public Service Lieut Colonel Askin County Essex Endorsed: L assomption the 27h Sepr 1796 Mr Francis Baby as Depty L* of the County of Essex to Jn° Askin Answd y6 28h RETURNS OF MILITIA TO BE MADE Detroit Sept 28th 1796 Sir Its Colonel McKees orders to his Deputy that returns from each Battalion be immediat[e]ly made & transmitted to him I therefore request that you will without Loss of time send me a list of the names of all those who are subject to Serve as Militia Men on the South side of the River 91 For sketch of the career of Francois Baby, see B. H. R., I, 377. 67 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Thames & let me know how many of them are come to settle there since you sent me the last returns Allso at the end of every three Months how many comes or goes away. I am Sir Your Most Obed* Humble Servant John Askin 94 L* Col Com* NEBEM»3 Captain Fields River Thames Endorsed: Detroit Sepr 28th 1796 John Askin to Captn Fields (Copy) RETURNS OF ESSEX COUNTY MILITIA Detroit Septr 28 1796 Sir I was favoured with your letter of the 27th yesterday Evening & will comply with its Contents so far as in my power & my duty as Lieu* Colonel Commanding a Battalion requires at same time please observe, that in order to make my returns I must have one from each Captain or Officer Commanding a Company and as one lives at the River Thames it will require some time, however there shall be no delay so far as I can prevent it. I apprehend that there is some missunderstanding relative to your duty as Deputy Lieu* of the County & mine as Lieut Colonel of a Battallion. the first time I have the pleasure of seeing you we will Explain our Ideas with each other So that the Service may not be retarded I am Sir Your Most Obed* very Hble Servant John Askin Lt Col1 Comy of the N E B E M Francis Baby Esqr Deputy Lieut for the County of Essex Endorsed: Detroit Sept 28 96 from John Askin to F Baby Esqr Deputy Lieu* Copy POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR CUYAHOGA GRANT KNOW all men by these Presents that we John Askin 93 Northeastern Battalion, Essex Militia. 94 Probably Captain Daniel (Donald) Field (Fields), for whose career see B. H. if., I, 582. 68 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Senior. John Askin Junior, John Dodemead, Israel Ruland, Patrick McNiff all of Detroit holding jointly with Alexander Henery and Todd & McGill of Montreal Nine Shares out of Fourteen and they Three (as is more fully Expressed in a Shedale Annexed) in a certain Tract of Land called by us the Cayahoga purchase Situated on the South Side of Lake Erie in the County of Wayne and North Western Territory of the United States Reposing great Trust and Special Con- fidence in the Integ[r]ity Wisdom and Abilities of our Friend William Robertson of Detroit Esquire (who is with us a Copartner holding the Remaining two fourteenth Shares of Said Tract of Land) Have made Ordained Constituted and Appointed & by these Presents to [do] Ordain Constitute and Appoint the said William Robertson our true and Lawfull Attorney for us and in our Names and on our behalf and to our use to take under his care and directions our Joint Proportions in the Aforesaid Tract of Land and also in Six other Tracts of Land Numbered on the face of a plann or Sketch of that part of the Country herewith N° 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 7. Our Respective Shares or proportions being nine outc of Twelve which we hold Jointly with Mess" Todd M Gill & Alexander Henery as Aforesaid, and the Whole of our Shares or Proportions in said Six Tracts of Land Either Jointly or Severally to dispose of for Cash Goods or Otherwise in Whole or part as may Appear to him most proper for our Joint Interests or to do any other Lawfull Act, Matter or thing in and about the Premisses the Same as we or Either of us might or could do were we personally present and one or more Lease[s] and Releases for us or any of us in our names or in Either of our Names to Sign Seal & deliver for our Shares of Said Tracts or any of them or any part of them As the case may more Especially Require Referance being always had in said Deeds of Lease and Releases to the Indian Deeds by which we hold said Tracts of Lands Hereby Ratifying and holding firm and Valid all and Whatever our Said Attorney shall or may Lawfully do or cause to be done in and about the Premesses without he being answerable to us or Either of us for any part of his Conduct therein and One or more attorney or attornies under him for the purpose Aforesaid to Appoint and make and at his pleasure to Revoke the Same. In 69 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Witness whereof We have unto thesse Presents Set our Hands and Seals at Detroit aforesaid in the County of Wayne this day of September in the Year of our Lord One thousand Seven hundred and Ninety Six Endorsed: Coppy Power of Attorney from Proprietors in Indian Lands to Wm Robertson Esqr Sepr 1796 Schedale to the Power of Attorney John Askin Sen1 Each one Seventh Share in the Caya- John Dodemead hoga Purchase or Tract N° 6 Patrick McNiif Israel Ruland One Fourteenth Share each in the Jn° Askin Jun r Aforesaid Purchase N° 6 John Askinc Senior Each one Sixth Share in Tracts Patrick M Niff N° 1, 2, 3 4, 5, & 7 Israel Ruland r Each One Twelfth Share of Tracts John Askin jun N° 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 7. MILITIA TO B E PROVIDED WITH ARMS95 (Circular) Niagara 23d O c ^ 1796 Intelligence of a very serious nature having reached me from Lower Canada which may require the Exertion of His Majesty's faithful subjects in this Province, I am to request that you will recommend it to the Officers and Soldiers of Militia Battalions and Independent Companies under your command to provide themselves with proper Arms and a sufficiency of Ammunition forthwith; and you will be pleased to make a Report to me without loss of time of the number of Muskets & quantity of Ammunition which you may want to supply those who are absolutely incapable from Poverty or other Causes to supply themselves F. B. a true Copy Endorsed: Coppy Niagara Oct. 23 1796 The Honorable Petter Russell Administrator of Government to Coll. McKee recv* by J. A. the 14h Novr 10 oClock 95 Apparently this order was dictated by apprehension of an attack upon Canada by way of Spanish Louisiana. In this connection, see also the documents printed post, 115, 139. 70 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS FROM ARCHANGE MEREDITH TO JOHN ASKIN Woolwich 1 st of November 1796 My dear Father, You will observe by the date of this letter that we are returned to our old Quarters, but I am sorry to say M r Meredith's ill health was the cause of our removeal from Yarmouth, the air of the latter Place is extremely cold and damp, which by no means agreed with his constitution, the disorder under which M r Meredith labours is termed a Diabetis, it is a very uncommon com- plaint and is rarely to be met with, it had made so rapid a progress erer we left Yarmouth, that the Phys[i]cian who attended M M advised him by all means to leave the Place, as if he remained there he would th not answer for his life, we accordingly departed the 10 of last month, made three days of the Journey, and arrived in London on the thirteenth spent two days there whilst our House here was putting in order for our reception, and came to Woolwich on the 15th. Our mode of travelling was in a Post Chaise by far the easiest conveyance, and also the most expensive that could have been adopted, but we were obliged to submit to it as my dear M was forbid to use any exercise but the most gentle, it has so far reduced the Finances that I hope m y dear Father will think of us when he has any spare cash, as it would prove very acceptable, when a Person is ill there are a vast many extra expences which cannot be dispensed with, consequently the vino runs away much faster than it comes, however My dear M is so much recovered already that I am delighted at having left Yar- mouth, and flatter myself that by next Spring he will be as well as ever. I trust that you are by this time well settled in your new Habitation,98 pray God grant your everey wish, and make you trully happy, in one respect you have the advantage of us as our troubles in this Kingdom cannot extend to you. Spain has declared War against England, which is a very unpleasant bussiness at this time, as it may prevent a Peace 96 Evidently Askin had planned to move to the Canadian side immediately after the American occupation of Detroit. In fact, several years elapsed before the removal was effected, and although he conducted himself at all times as a loyal subject of the British Crown, he was even appointed, in 1802, a member of the first board of trustees of Detroit. 71 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS taking Place betwixt us and the French, Lord Mamlsbury is at present in Paris endeavouring to effect the same, it is most ardently wished for both by the lower order of People in France and likewise rby us, but we cannot determine how it will be decided. M Pitt proposes raising a large body of men in addition to what we already have for the defence of this Country should the French refuse our terms. It is generally believed that an Invasion will be attempted on some part of the Coast this Winter, god preserve us from such an evil for how many poor wretches must fall before the proper measures could be put in practice to quell the panic which would naturally prevail amongst the common people. The Packet sails tomorrow and I was conscious you would get no news from us by the Winter Express did I not avail myself of this oppertunity, which determined me to write at all events, and I have pleasure in acknowledging the receipt of three very long letters from the Family which I receivedr the 15th97of Last Month, the day after my arrival here, M Lowrie did not pay the Postage of the letters as you mentioned having requested him to do I know not from what reason. My children are in perfect health Ann has lost the advantage of a School as I cannot meet with such a good one here as I could wish to send her to, however, I keep her up in her reading, and her dear papa intends amusing himself by teaching her to write. David does not much perplex his head with learning, he begins to say his Alphabet, they are nice children and my dear M does not a little admire them, I only wish you could see them that you might be a judge. I have no pleasant news to communicate, you will be sorry to hear that Colonel and Mra England with many of the 24th Regt and some Artillery officers were taken by the French soon after leaving Quebec, General Simcoe and Family were more fortunate as they arrived safe in England, 97 Probably Peter Lowrie (Laurie) of London, merchant. When William and David Robertson dissolved partnership in Detroit in 179S, a notice thereof was sent to Peter Lowrie, indicating that the firm had had dealings with him. In 1803 Peter Lowrie was named by William Robertson as one of the trustees of a trust fund established for the benefit of his daughter. See William Robertson papers (mss.) 72 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS he is going out as Lieut Gen1 to St Domingo, rather a more unhealthy place than the River la Tranche, from what I hear he could be no vast loss to you for he did not seem to be a favorite. The change of having no Troops with you must appear great at first, I trust you are well settled in your new habitation by this time, My dear Mother if I mistake not shed a few tears on leaving poor, old Detroit, no wonder it is very natural to regret lavg [leaving] the place of her nativ- ity, no want [of] employment I dare say with you for this some- time ?] to come, pray give my Mother a nice flower garden to amuse her, I cannot forget the pains she used to take with the little one near the House, may she suceed as well with another is my sincere wish, and may all your under- takings my dear Father be crowned with sucess is my fervent hope and daily prayer. I find Mrs Graham did not long remain [a] Widow, her present husband is very young, but it is to be hoped that he posseses steadiness without which a marriage like that must prove very so so. Be so good my dear Father as to give my most affectionate love to my dear Mother, add a kiss to it if you please, tell my sisters and Brothers that I often think of them and wish I was near enough to give them a kiss round, my love to Therese and sincere thanks for her last letters. M r Meredith joins me in the same to her for the one she wrote him, his ill health will not permit him to answer it at present but he will soon, he begs his kindest remembrances to my dear Mother and yourself, likewise to Therese and family if any of you write to M rs Hamilton and Richardson I beg my love to them also to my Cousin Wright my time is very much taken up as nurse to my dear Meredith, therefore I cannot spare much time for any other employ, so I trust it will plead my excuse with you for this horrid scrawl my next shall be more comme il faut, if our good Friend M r Robertson has not left you pray present him with our best respects, the same to M r Leith,98 with compliments to all enquiring accquaintances. Souvenirs to John and his Wife the same to my Uncle Barthe and Aunt other Uncles, best 98 George Leith, for whose career see B. H. R., I, 207. 73 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS and kind love to Aunt Grant & family, and belive me to be my dear Father Your truly affectionate Daughter Archange Meredith We have just had a letter from M r Mercer" they are very well, adieu. Will you tell the servants that I have not forgot them and I hope they do their duty well I fear there is a vast deal of tatologly in this paper but hurry is the Cause of it. Pray excuse it. God bless you all adieu best of fathers. Addressed: John Askin Esqr Merchant at Detroit Upper Canada To the care of Mess. Todd and M Gill Merchants at Montreal Province of Quebec single sheet Endorsed: Woolwich d 1d st 6Nov st r 1796 Mrs Meredith to John Askin recv & Answ y 1 June 1797 SALE OF PROPERTY OF TODD AND MCGILL Montreal 7th Novr 1796 Dear r Sir Having seen your ca Letter to I. T. of the 27th Sept respecting the Lands & purchased from you as allso those of the Indian Grants, and having had some conversa- tion with our friend Wm Robertson We request that you will immediatly advertise the Houses & Lands bought from you in the Town and on the American side of the river a descrip- tion of which you can take from the deeds of Sale and and a more Ample one if Necessary, we intend sending a descrip- tion of the same to be published in the Philadelphia papers desiring application to be Made to you and where a pur- chaser offers who can pay half the Purchass money with security on the property for the remainder with Interest we shall be contented, the House in Town we wish disposed off if Posible, untill Sales can be made we advise your Letting the House farms &ca but Lyable to quit them on three Months Notice or on being sold, as M r Robertson is left Detroit it may be proper & necessary to appoint another attorney to act with you we therefore wish to have your 99 David Mercer, for whom see ibid., 77. 74 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS opinion who is most proper M r Robertson recommends M r Sharp, and we were thinking of M r Row [Roe].100 we recommend your renewing the Advertisment of Sale every Month. When M r Robertson Goes to Philadelphia he will do the needfull respecting the Indian Grants We are Your Obed* hhble Servt8 Isaac Todd John Askin Esqr James McGill P S if proposals are made for any of the Large Tracts of Land &ca with which you dont like to comply without our aprobation, you can transmit them to us. I. T. Addressed: John Askin Esqr Detroit Endorsed: Montreal Novr 7h 1796 Mess8 Isaac Todd & James McGill to Jn° Askin relative to Houses & Land to be sold LEASE OF FARM OF WILLIAM MACOMB It is this day agreed upon by and between Angus Mack- intosh, of Detroit, Esquire, one of the Executors of the last Will and Testament of William Macomb,101 late of the same place, Esquire, deceased, of the one part and John Hembrow of Gross Isle, of the other part as follows. The said Angus Mackintosh102 in his aforesaid Capacity 100 For sketch of Walter Roe's career, see B. H. R., I,180. A letter of John Askin to Robert Nichol, Aug. 12, 1801, records that "Poor Mr. Roe was found suffocated where there was very little watter on his way from Maiden to this on Sunday morning last [August 7]." Roe was the son of a resident of London, a man of some means. Owing to the death of his father, and the subsequent remarriage of his mother, he went to sea, serving as a mid- shipman in the navy from 1779 until the close of the Revolution. He subsequently came to Canada, where he studied law and was admitted to practice in Quebec in April, 1789. The date of his coming to Detroit is unknown, but his inclusion in Major Mathews' list, Oct. 1, 1787, of disbanded troops and loyalists to whom lots on the north side of Lake Erie (later known as New Settlement) were granted implies that he had been here prior to that date. See Ontario Bur. of Archives, Report, 1905, p. 88 ff. In this list he is described as a warrant officer in the marine department. On March 1, 1790, Roe married Ann Laughton at Detroit. A son, John James, was born Nov. 25,1792; William was born, Feb. 1, 1795; Walter Thomas, on Jan. 27, 1798; and Maria Ann, on July 16, 1800. See Marriage Register for the Western District, and St. John's Church Register, passim. William Roe, in later life, was a merchant of Newmarket, Ont. He was a government clerk in York (Toronto) in 1813, and when the American army captured the place he saved much of the public money by burying it on the farm of John Beverley Robinson. Riddell, Legal Profession in Upper Canada, 168-70. 101 For his career, see B. H. R.r I, 108. ioz For the career of Angus Mclntosh, see ibid., 293-94. The Marriage Register for the Western District of Upper Canada (ms.) shows that the date of his marriage (there 75 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS by these presents, leases and to farm lets to the said John Hembro all that Messuage and Premisses, situate on the East side of the said Gross Isle, commonly called and Known by the name of Lot Number bounded in front by Detroit River, and in the rear by the unimproved Lands belonging to the Estate of the said late William Macomb, on the North side by the Lot occupied by Jacob Her, and on the south by Elias Horn, together with the appurte- nances thereunto belonging, and this, for and during the term of two years, to commence and be computed from the day of the date of these presents, and to finish on the Nineteenth day of November, which will be in the year of our Lord, One thousand, seven hundred and Ninety Eight In consideration whereof, the said John Hembrow hereby promises and obliges himself to pay and render to the said Angus Mackintosh in his aforesaid Capacity, at the late Dwelling House of the said late William Macomb, on the said Gross Isle, on the first day of November next, & annually during this lease, Twenty five bushels of good merchantable Indian Corn And it is hereby expressly stipulated between the parties to these presents, that it shall not be lawful for the said John Hembrow, at any time, or times hereafter, to cut Wood on the said Island, except such as may be on the herein before leased Premisses, unless the same be for the erection of Buildings thereon. Nor shall the said John Hembrow, during the term of the present lease, take to pasture or Farm, any Cattle of what description soever, the property of other persons, unless the same be carefully kept within his own in- closures. And that any Buildings or other improvements that may hereafter be made by the said John Hembrow on the herein before leased premisses, shall continue and re- main thereon, and be delivered to the said Angus McIntosh his Executors, Administrators and Assigns, at the expira- tion of the said term. And also that it shall not be lawful for the said John Hembrow to transfer his interest in the present lease, to any person or persons whatsoever, without the permission of the said Angus Mackintosh first had and given as 1788) was June 17, 1783. A son, Duncan, was born, Sept. 24, 1785; and another, Alexander (mentioned herewith), Aug. 23, 1787. ' 76 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS obtained to that effect. And for the true performance of all and singular the covenants and Agreements herein before expressed, and set forth, the said Angus Mackintosh and John Hembrow do bind themselves each to the other in the penal sum of One hundred and Sixty pounds New York Currency. IN WITNESS whereof, they have to these presents, set their hands, and affixed their seals at Detroit aforesaid, this nineteenth day of November in the year of our Lord, One thousand, seven hundred and Ninety Six Signed Angus Mackintosh Exr Signed, sealed & delivered in the presence of Signed, Richd Donovan103 Signed John Askin in behalf of Jn° Hembrow acting by Power of Attorney Endorsed: Detroit Novr 19h 1796 Lease of a Farm on Gross Isle from Angus Mackintosh Esquire to Jn° Embro (Coppy) AMITY BETWEEN BRITISH AND AMERICANS Niagara. 19th Novr 1796 Dear Sir, As a certain description of people are entitled by the Kings Instructions, & others by provincial Authority, to have their deeds free of any Expence; I am in hopes that the Government will fall upon some plan of making it easy to those who reside at a distance; this has been agitated in conversation but nothing settled, there are some difficulties to be got over, but they are all I hope, to be compassed. I am glad to hear so good an account of your New Acquaintances, the conduct of the British Merchants have been universally to be admired; the unanimity they have shewn at Detroit, is very singular. I fear your moving may 103 Various papers and accounts in the B. H. Coll. indicate that Richard Donovan was engaged in trade in Detroit. His name is among those who, in 1795, signified their intention of remaining British subjects, but he seems not to have removed from Detroit for on Dec. 6, 1805, Peter Audrain, clerk, issued a letter of administration to Angus Mclntosh on the estate of Donovan, who had recently died intestate. The manuscripts in Donovan's hand which have been preserved disclose a rarely beautiful penmanship. Information adapted from Mich. Pio. Colls., VIII, 411, and mss. in B. H. Coll., passim. 77 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS be disadvantageous to you, I think this place would suit you Better than the petite C6te. do you never mean to come & see me? I am sorry on your own account that the Indians have been necessitated to eat your apples; & tho you say you have sent me none; I have received a Barrel of Cyder, without advice, the direction of which is apparently in your hand writing. We agree very well with our new neighbors here. The Mohazvk is now aground on a reef of rocks off the Harbour, & the troops of both nations are giving their assistance. We think it best here to go hand in hand together. Our Chief Justice104 is daily expected from Oswego. part of his baggage is arrived here, God only knows where we shall put him. My Mother & wife unite with me in very sincere Wishes for you & all Yours, & believe me to be my dear Sir, faith- fully & affectionately, Your friend & humble Servant D W Smith r Addressed: John Askin Esq Detroit River D W S. Endorsed: Niagara Novr 19h 1796 D W Smith Esqr to Jn° Askin recvd ye 28h Decr & Answd ye 6h Jan y 1797 MILITIA RETURNS DELINQUENT Detroit Nov 30th 96 Sir I think it necessary to let you Know for the Informa- tion of Colonel McKee that I have not as yet received any return from Captain Fields to enable me Make the report required tho' I Sent him orders by his Sister the next day after I recd yours, these delays in the Execution of my orders are very unpleasant to me & I attribute them in a great measure to the Want of Officers being appointed to these Companies when deficient as likewise an adjutant in the room of M r Hay. Captain Smith's note to me, sent you 104 John Elmsley, an English lawyer, who was appointed Chief Justice of Upper Canada in 1796 and arrived in the province in January of the following year. In 1802 he became Ch'«f Justice of Lower Canada, and this office he retained until his death in Montreal, April 29, 1805. See Riddell, Life of William Dummer Powell, 84-85; Wallace, op. cit. 78 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS some time ago leave me no Expectation of receiving any return from him up till a Sufficient number of men is given over to him & which he says Col McKee promised. M r Hand & my Son were officers on this side & I believe would have no objections as Such to serve on the other Side. Young M r Maisonville was likewise offered a Commission on this Side which he declined accepting. I am &ca J Askin Fr Baby Esqr Endorsed: r Detroit Nov. 30 96 John Askin To F r Baby Esq Deputy Lieut, for Essex County MILITIA RETURNS REPORTED Detroit December the 7h 1796 Sir Agreeable to your wishes, communicated to me yesterday by your Brother M r Baptist,105 I under cover herewith, send you a return of the men, belonging to the Battalion under my Command; who are deficient in Arms, or Ammunition; without waiting any longer for Capt. Fields his report. I therefore was necessiated, to suppose [supply] the deficiency; not only in his Company, and the Vacant one on the river Thames, that he has charge of; but likewise that of Capt. Smiths, who as I before wrote you, will not make any return, untill a Sufficient number of men is Alotted to him, such as form a Company. I beg you will Acquaint Colonel McKee, that I cannot be Answerable for any Inaccuracy that may be in the return, I now send; nor for its not being sent sooner. The want of officers, & the want of Obedience in some of them is the cause; neither of which I can prevent; what depends on me, I Execute, to the Utmost of my Abilities. I have the Honor of being Sir, Your Most Obed* very Humble Servant John Askin L* Col Comd* of the N E B M Francis Baby Esquire Deputy Lieu* for the County of Essex at Lassumption 105 Jean Baptiste Baby, for whose career see B. H. R., I, 376. 79 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Endorsed: Detroit 7 th decem, 1796 John Askin to Francis Baby Esq r deputy Lieut for County of Essex Copy 80 SECTION II LETTERS AND PAPERS, 1797-1798 EQUIPMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF FORT MALDEN ADVERTISEMENT As there will be wanted in the Course of the ensuing year for the Service of Government at this Post,ca Teams & Horses & Oxen, Compleat, with, Carts, Trucks, & any Person or Persons desirous of furnishing the Same, to give in [to] my Office their proposals, in writing Sealed Up Stating the Condition on Which they will furnish the Same, they are to be ready when Called for & only to be employed as the Service may requ[ire] By Order of Captain Mayne of Queens Rangers Com- mandant of the Post of Detroit River Signed Tho8 Reynolds Depy Commisy Jan* 10 1797 Proposals to be deld on Saturday 14 Inst Endorsed: Maldon Jan y 10h 1797 M r Reynolds his Ad- vertisement respecting Teams wanted to work for Govern- ment Coppy FROM ARCHANGE MEREDITH TO JOHN ASKIN Woolwich Feby l 8t 1797 My dear Father, Your very affectionate and truly valu- able letter, came to hand about three Weeks ago, and I can only assure mon tres cher Pere, that the language contained in it, was so expressive as to cause me to burst into tears of gratitude to the Almighty for his great goodness to us all, and the joy I felt on finding that your circumstances were much improved, is not to be described, accept my dear Parent of my sincere thanks for the kind present you were so good as to enclose, a convincing proof if that had been required, that I was one of his first thoughts on the event of being clear of the World, it could not have come more apropos, as owing to my dear Meredith's illness, and the exorbitant expence of travelling had reduced the finances rather too low. however we trust that proper economy may soon retrieve the same. Your remark respecting the blessing 83 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS I have enjoyed of being so much with M r M is certainly a very just one, and I am very gratefull to the Author of all good for so great a comfort. My dear Meredith's perfect recovery from so dangerous and severe an illness, has made me one of the happiest of Women, and in the possession of so great a treasure as a kind and affectionate Husband, what more can I wish. I am resolved to be very careful of my health when my dear M leaves me in the Spring, and not affect my constitution by fretting, for it would be extremely unreasonable to suppose that I could be always with him. My Children are of an age to require vast attention, both in learning and manner, and our pride is that they should not be surpassed by any child, consequently my time will be well employed during his absence, in giving them that in- struction, which it is the duty of every good mother to per- form, and to an affectionate one cannot fail of affording vast pleasure. M r M writes you by this oppertunitey, and will inform you of all the Political news. I shall therefore only further add, that your dear little grandchildren are well, as likewise myself who really never enjoyed such good health as at present, accept of my sincerest love, present the same to ma tres chere Mere Sister Therese and toute la cher famille, and believe me to be my dearest Father, most truly your dutifull and affectionate Daughter Archange Meredith Woolwich Feby l 8t 1797 Ma tres chere Mere, II me semble bien longtems depuis que je vous ai eerie, cest parceque ma derniere lettre etoit address^ a Therese, et non pas a vous comme 4 l'ordinaire, cependant je suis resolue a ne pas passer cette occasion de vous dire, que je vous aime fort tendrement. oui bien chere- ment. Sea n'est pas une nouvelle vous dirais, il est vrai, mais quand un sujet nous plait, Ton souhaite a le continuer tres longtems, cest le cas avec moi, mon affection pour une des mielleurs meres du monde est si extreme, que je pourroit en parler sans cesse. Vous seriez flattez d'apprendre que mon cher Meredith est entierment retablie, pres avoir souffert des Maux violents pour l'espace de dix mois, il est tres maigre, n'ayant pas en le tems d'engraisser depuis sa geurison cependant il a bon 84 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS teint, est Fair de Sant6, est je me propose bien quil soit aussi robuste que jamais, avant de vous payer une visite en Canada, une heureuste que je me desespere pas d'atteindre avant que plusieurs annees s'ecoule. Mon cher Meredith fait souvent usage, de la suivante expression, quand Ton me demande si j'aimerai a retourner en Canada. Soyez per- saudez, Monsieur ou Madame, que rien ne me donnerai plus grand plaisir, que de presenter ma chere petit femme a ses dignes Parents, est de dire voyez votre fille. il nen faut que peu pour lui donner une Compagnie, est s'il pouroit arriver quil fute place a une de ceux qui sont deja en Canada, sea seroit un grand bonheur. les cheres enfans sont en parfait sant6; nous fumes priee hier a passer la journee chez une tres agreable Dame de nos conaissances, qui a un beau garcon ag6e de six ans, Anne fute aussi priee. est s'est comport6 comme une petite Reine, Son petit Compagnon en etoit ravie, est faisoit le petit galant dune facon a s'attirer l'admiration de la Com- pagnie, Anne s'est si bien accquittae que je vous laisse a desenir si j'en etois fiere ou non, ell commence a parler Francois, car cest le seulle language q'uon lui addresse, presentment, enfin je m'appercoie que la pratique fait tout en parlant de different langues, par consequent je ne laisse pas echapper cette avantage. David attrappe aussi quell- ques mots entendant parler Sa Soeur. II faut ma chere mamam que je vous raconte une petite histoire, touchant un de nos amis nomm6 mercer. Mon cher M: a 6t6 passer deux jours avec eux Pannee" passai, est comme il etudie toutes occasions de me faire plaisir, il a pensai me faire un compliment, en achetant de jolies presents de la valeur de quarante chelins pour presenter a mes Cousines, eh bien, Mercer nous a retourne cette visite depuis notre retour de Yarmouth, est au lieu d'apporter quellque petite bagatelle en maniere de reconaissances, non il est venne les mains vaides je n'est pas exprime mes iddees sur ce sujet. mais j'ai bien vue que mon cher M: a 6t6 fort surpris, je vous eerie ceci seulment pour vous presenter deux dispositions bien oppose^ etant bien persaude, que sea n'ira pas plus loin, ma chere Tante est en bonne sant6, comme nous avons appris peux de jours passai. En s'ca me voila devenne voleur j'ai pris le papier de mon cher Pere pour ecrire a ma chere 85 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Mere, mais je suis bien place entra les mains de deux juges, qui ne me feront pas pendre pour ce Vol. Comme je me propose d'addresser quellques paroles a une chere Soeur que j'ai, vous m'excuserai de vous en dire d'avantage sur ce papier, est je finis ma chere maman en vous priant, de me faire ecrire par la bonne Therese les differentes ages de mes cheres freres est soeurs comme je ne m'en remet pas. Adieu ma chere Mere, ayez la bonte de donner une chere embrasse a mon tres cher pere, pour moi, est de lui dire au meme terns, que je le remercie encore pour son jolie present, sou- venez vous maman de ne lui pas tourner votre joue, comme vous me faisiez tous les soirs avant de me coucher, sea doit etre une embrasse des levres ques vous presentiez a mon cher pere pour moi, faite mes plus tendres amitiez souvenirs a mes cheres freres et Soeurs, est croyez moi ma tres chere Mere, toujours votre tres affect[i]on6 est bien aim6 fille. Archange Meredith Woolwich Feby l 8t 1797 My dear Sister, I was made happy by receiving a Packet of letters from nmy dear Father about three weeks ago, they came by Capt Salmon, and I am much inclined de vous gronder un peu as I could not perceive your signature in this Packet, altho my dear Father mentioned, that your Lady- ship intended writing me all the news of the Place, no doubt there was a very good reason for the same, as I am well con- vinced that I am too dear, a ma bonne soeur, to be neglected by her, I have no reason to be displeased with you in general, for you are a very good correspondent, and write me very nice long letters, which I beg to thank you for, and still hope to hear from you soon, but I read in the newspaper, that a Ship from Quebec, was seen at Sea, and no [one] in her, so that it is imagined that she has been [torn] by some Diables de Francois, who secured the Passe[ngers] and turned the ship adrift, if so it is most probable that the Captn of le Vaisseaux, threw the bag of letters overboard, ere he was taken, so that in some measure accounts for my not having heard from you. As I am no Politician, I shall leave the cares of the State to the Governors thereof, and proced to inform you of the Fashions, general remarks the hair dressed very full and high quite of[f] the ears, with a bandeau 86 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS of gold or silver lace, or black velvet embroidered with gold, run through the hair, Some ladies wear plumes a la Wurtem- berg, very few caps worn, artificial flowers much le ton, full dressed handkercheifs trimmed with lace and left become- ingly open, gold necklaces and lockets about the neck, petti- coats either of muslin or crape, trimmed with lace, or bra[i]d fringe after the manner of a flounce, the sleeves of the gowns trimmed with lace, the trains of which must consist of either plain velvet or Sattin. long waists are also comeing in fashion, and as yours is a yard long, I think you had better let it remain so but be sure to be quite unie. ha ha ha he he he je nest rien de plus a ajouter ma bonne est digne Soeur. rs only to beg that you will remember me most kindly to M Hamil- ton and Richardson, likewise to Cousin Wright when you indite * As I was always a very assidous workwoman, I have undertaken to make my dear Meredith eight shirts, est comme il est un tres gallant monsieur, he has bought a most beautifull peice of linnen, the Cambrick likewise very superb, he said he was determined that the toile should do credit to my work, there was a compliment after six years marriage qu'en pensez vous if you should be in doubt respecting my industry before marriage, only apply to my dear Mother for information, and ask her how many needles I have lost, and how much thread was wasted, tell her that I am a reformed being now I have a family of my own to superintend, and that I put out no work but my gowns now my dear M frequently says lay aside your work and come and take a walk, I often decline the invatation and proceed avec mon ouvrage. he fears I shall hurt my eyes. I am pleasd to find that my dear Father has a snug house on the old farm, it must put my dear mother in mind de ses jours de jeunesse when my grandfather occupied the spot, it is not the first race I have had in it contre mon bon mari. I should not mind if I was taking a ramble in the orchard now, and it would be just the thing for my little lambkins frisking about and picking the apples from under the trees, they desire their best love to you, and my dear brothers and sisters, and fre- quently mention my dear Parents altho they have never had the happiness to see them. I fancy my Aunt Grant 87 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS will not like giving up* her Estate at Gross point, the situa- tion pleased her much, pray give my love to her my uncle and my Cousins. Uncles Barthes and my Aunt, to John and his Wife, with kisses from me to my dear Brothers and Sisters, M r M joins me in love to yourself and them, tell Adelaide that when I can meet with a private opportunity, I shall write her. I make no doubt but she improves much at s[c]hool, as likewise Elonor. am glad to find my brothers are such clever boys. Adieu my dear Sister and believe me your very affectionate Sister Archange Meredith Compliments to all enquiring friends. I hear M r Robert- son is at Montreal in case of absence it will be better to address our letters for Captn Meredith R A. to the care of Serg* Kane Royal Artillery Woolwich as he keeps the post office Addressed: To John Askin Esqr Merch* at Detroit To the care of Mes18 Todd & McGill Merchts at Montreal Canada Endorsed: rs Woolwich lBt Feby 1797 M rs Meridethd to Johnd Askin M Askin & to her Sister Theresa recv & Answ y6 lBt June 1797 Translation My dearest Mother: As I addressed my last letter to Therese, and not to you as I usually do, it seems a very long time since I wrote to you. Now I am determined not to miss this chance of telling you that I love you most tenderly, yes, very dearly. "That is no news," you will say, and say it truly, but when a thing pleases us very much we want to make it last as long as possible. So it is with me. My love for you, one of the best mothers in the world, is so great that I could talk of it forever. You will be glad to hear that my dear Meredith's health is completely restored, after having suffered violent ills for ten months. He is very thin, but has not had time yet to fatten up. He has a good color and looks well, and I intend to have him as strong as ever before making you a visit in JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Canada, a happiness that I do not despair of attaining before many years slip away. Often my dear Meredith will say, when people ask me if I should like to return to Canada: "Certainly, Sir, or Madam, nothing would give me greater pleasure than to present my dear little wife to her good parents, and say—'Here she is, your daughter!' " It is only necessary that he should be given command of a company, and if it should happen that it was one already in Canada, what joy! The dear children are in perfect health. Yesterday we were invited to spend the day with a very dear lady of our cquaintance, who has a beautiful boy six years old. Anne was also invited and behaved like a little queen. Her little ompanion was charmed with her and showed himself the ittle admirer in a way to attract the pleased attention of all resent. Anne acquitted herself so well that I leave you to uess whether I was proud or not. * She is beginning to peak French, for now we talk to her always in that language. Practice is everything in speaking different languages, there- ore I shall see that she does not miss this advantage. David icks up some words, too, from hearing his sister talk. Dear Mama, I must tell you a little story about one of our riends named Mercer. My dear M. spent two days with hem last year, and as he is ever on the watch for an occasion o give me pleasure, he thought he would show a regard for me by buying some pretty gifts of the value of about forty hillings for my cousins. Well Mercer returned this visit ince our return from Yarmouth, and instead of bringing ome little trifle in grateful acknowledgement, did he not ome empty-handed! I said nothing of what I thought, but could see plainly that my dear M. was much surprised. I write to you about it only to show you how the two natures iffer, knowing well that it will go no farther. My dear Aunt is well, as we heard only a few days ago. Behold how I have become a thief in this letter! I have sed the paper of my dear Father to write to my dear Mother! But I am fortunately at the mercy of two judges ho will not have me hung for the theft, and now as I pro- ose addressing a few words to a dear sister of mine, you will excuse me from saying anything further to you in this 89 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS letter, closing with a request to you, dear Mama, that you will have that good Therese write for me the ages of my dear brothers and sisters, so that I shall not forget them. Good- bye, dear Mother, and please give my dear Father a loving kiss for me and tell him at the same time that I thank him again for his pretty gift; and mind, Mama, do not turn your cheek to him as you used to do every night when I went to bed. This must be a kiss on the lips that you give my dear Father for me. Remember me affectionately to my dear brothers and sisters, and believe me, dearest Mother, Ever your loving and devoted daughter, Archange Meredith GRANTS OF LAND TO PETITIONERS British Niagara 15. February 1797 My dear Sir, I have received your Letter of the 6th January last. It is unnecessary for you to explain your Sentiments to me, I know they always are for the joint good of the Govern- ment & the people. I am in hopes that some steps will be taken to answer the purpose you mention, I have long fore- seen the Difficulty & have conceived measures to obviate it, but whether or not I shall be able to effect it, time only can tell. You do me but credit with respect to a knowledge of the Country & the people, I am attached to both & the latter have a claim upon my gratitude. I hope those who have made purchases have taken all proper precautions, be- cause very strictly speaking the Land is not alienable until after the patent issues, & improvement is a Condition. You do wrong to suppose yourself slighted, or not to be of trust, it certainly must be the chimerical production of some of your moments in Ennui; I feel personally your Situation, but you little know how unable I am to promote the objects you heretofore aimed at. more than 1200 acres cannot be given to any individual, unless for purely military Services. I wish it could be extended, but the Extension only remains in His Majesty's Breast. I know why you got 1200 acres; the Extent of the King's Bounty. I know why MrB Richard- son, your daughter, has got 800, but why the person you allude to has, I do not know. 90 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS You will know, my good Sir, that so far as the dutys of my public Station will admit, you may demand my Inter- ference, in any thing that may possibly tend to your Advant- age, without apologizing to me for it. Should any oppor- tunity offer, wherein I foresee the possibility of good to you, You may depend on Me; I wish you would come to see me & then I should personally have the pleasure of assuring you, how much I am my dear Sir, your faithful humble Servant D W Smith John Askin Esqr Detroit Addressed: John Askin Esqr Detroit DWS Endorsed: Newark 6 th Feby 18h 1797 Dd W 6 d Smith Esqr to Jn° Askin recv* y 14 of March & Answ y 3 of April. FROM ARCHANGE MEREDITH TO MRS. ASKIN Woolwich, 21 Mars 1797 My tres chere et bien aim6 Mere, Une occasion se pre- sente pour informer mes cheres Parens de mes nouvelles, que je commercerai par leurs dire que nous somes en bonne sante—ensuite que je vous apprend ma chere Maman que je suis encore veuve, cette a dire mon cher Meredith ma Iaiss6 trois jours passai pour aller en Irlande. la compagnie a laquelle il appartient est ordonne la, et cest l'oppinion de plusieurs personnes quils seront fix6 la pour plusieurs annees, l'ordre nous a beaucoup surpris, car mon cher Meredith ne devoit pas aller au Camp jusqua mois de mai, comme il ne venoit que de geurir d'une maladie forte dangereuse, et le Medecin avoit represent6 que de voyager si vite apres sa geurison pourroit peutetre lui faire grand mal. Mais mes cheres Parans vous conoissez mon cher mari assez bien pour etre assurez quil n'a volue dire un seul mot pour rester, non; au contraire il a prepar6 tout son butin, et ma priee d'ar- ranger le mien, et celui des enfans, afin de partir le lendemain a six heures du matin, ceci etoit a une heure sur le mardi, comme nous devions aller le mecredi, tres peu de terns en verity, pour preparer tout, mais cest toujours le facon quils agisse envers les officiers—Mon cher Meredith avoit grande envie de me prendre avec lui, et au meme terns ils etoit facile de voir, quil auroit souhait6 que je demadasse a rester dernire. 91 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS apres un grand effort sur mon inclination, j'ai repete ses paroles. Mon cher mart, vous pourez etre persaude que mon heureuste seroit extreme de vous suivre, mais en meme terns, (f nations nous faire, prendre un parti peutetre, que nous regretrons toujours, nous scavons que vous est ordonne d'aller a Cork en Irlande, Eh bien, supposons que nous arrivons sans accident, mais pas sans avoir depense une grande somme d argent, car il est impossible de voyager si loin sans etre quasi ruinee, apres etre de barque, la, supposons que ces Mechants Francois essaye a decendre sur la Cote, comme Us ont deja essaye. vous avez ordre d'aller vous battre, me voila laisse dans un Payes etranger, sans conoitre aucun Personne et quoique vous faite votre devoir, vous est malheureux en le faisant, parceque vous scavez que votre femme et vos enfans ne sont pas dans une situation telle que vous souhaitez. au lieu que si je reste ici, jai une bonne maison, un tres bon jardin, je connois tout le monde, si aucun fracas arrive je suis Men place, Woolwich etant une endroit tres saufe, et en etant tran- quille, je peut faire mon devoir envers nos enfans, en leur instruisant tout en mon pouvoir. je recois des lettres de vous tres souvent, je vous ecrit en retour, par cette facon dagir Von ne peut manquer d'etre aussi heureux quil est possible de Vetre separe. Sitot que jai finie de parler, mon chere Meredith ma remercie pour avoir fait des reflexions si apropos, et ma promis que si apres avoir ete en Irlande quelleque terns, sils trouva quil devoit rester la, et que sea fut un endroit ou il pourroit prendre sa famille, ils viendroit me chercher, mais en terns de guerre sea n'est pas prudent de faire des voyages par mer, cette a dire, pour une femme et ses enfans, et jespere que nous aurons la Paix avant longtems, dans ce cas sa sera tres agreable de joindre mon cher Meredith, car jaimerai beaucoup de faire une visite au Payes ou mon cher Pere est ne6, mon cherM: est tres aise d'aller la, et ma priee de vous dire quil vous aime tres tendrement come etant les Parens de sa chere petite femme, et outre cela ils vous respecte comme des personnes d'esprit et de bont6, il vous prie d'accepter ses plus tendres amitiez, ainsi que ma chere soeur Therese, qui va toujours par le nom dune digne soeur, un nom quelle merite beaucoup. Jai recue une lettre de Madelaine la semaine derniere, me disant que ma pauvre soeur Hamilton etoit morte, une 92 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS nouvelle qui ma bien afflige, car elle meritoit toute Paffection de ses parens, comme etant une bonne fille, bonne femme, est bonne mere, sea doit avoir ete une grande consolation pour elle, d'avoit vue ses deux ain£es avant de mourir. je plaint beaucoup Mr. H. qui doit etre fort embarass6, avec de si jeunes enfans comme les siens. Jai recue deux lettres de mon bien aim6 Epoux depuis son depart, dans une il me mande avoir vue Mr. Dixon en ville, qui lui a dit tout les nouvelles du Detroit. Je suis heureuse d'apprendre que vous possediez de si bonnes santes. japp- rend cette occasion de vous ecrire par la lettre de mon cher M. qui s'informe toujours de tout ce qui vous regarde, afin de me donner plaisir. Vous serai flattai d'apprendre que mes enfans et moi n'ont jamais eue meilleure sant6 qua present. Je suis aussi gaie que je puis l'etre sans mon cher M. avec moi. mes cheres enfans m'amuse beaucoup, je commenc a instruire Anne a ecrire, et a coudre, elle lit tres bien. David lit aussi un peu, je n'est pas oubliez ce que vous m'avez appris, car au lieu de depenser l'argent en faisant faire mon ouvrage, je fait tout ma couture moi meme, et je taille passablement bien. Les Francois ont debarque en Wales quelleque tems passai, leur nombre etoit un mille deux cent, sitot que leurs vaisseaux les ont mit a Terre, ils on prit voile et les ont laissai pour etre assomme au eux meme assommer les gens du Payis. la consequence a et6 que le rapport s'est repandue, tout les laboreurs, Domestiques, Meussieurs et infin tout le monde, s'est assemble, pourvu les un avec des fourchettes pour le fumier, les autres avec des peles, d'autre avec des gros batons, est enfin tout ce qui pouvoit faire du mal, ils ont si bien agir, que les grenouilles se sont delivr6 prisoniers. depuis cette victoire il en est arriv6 une a mer, une exp [seal] n'a jamais eu de pareille. Chevalier Jean Jervis a battue avec sept vaisseaux de geure, les Espagneols qui en avoit vingt sept et plusieur de cent trente canons, nous avons pris quatre de leurs plus beaux vaisseaux, et le reste est bien derange. Cette assez extraordinaire, que le vaisseaux dans lequelle mon cher Meredith fut fait prisonier dans le tems du seige de Gibralter, est presentment un de ceux qui 93 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS est pris par notre gallant Amiral, il est mommi [nomm6] le Saint Isidora—pour d'autres nouvelles je n en scajt pas, mais cest peutetre une des meilleures choses qui est jamais arrive pour cette Endroit, celui d'avoir battue les Dons, car sils avoit joint les Francois comm ils avoit intention, les Alemands auroit 6te aussi du nombre, et leurs marines auroit ete si nonbreuse, que rien ne les auroit empeche de descendre dans ce Payis, est dans ce cas ils se proposoit de massacrer les hommes, femmes, et enfans sans en excepter aucun, car nous avons un plan de ce quils se proposoit d'executer. Ayez la bont6 Maman de demander a mon Pere sil scait la distance, entre l'endroit ou il est nee, et la ville de Cork, car si mon cher mari n'en soi pas bien eloigne ils se feroit un plaisir de visiter cette endroit, jai idee que mon cher M; sera assez a son aise en Irlande, Ton dit que Cork est une belle Ville, est tres bon marche, est comme cette Com- pagnie a ete demand6 par le Government d'Irlande pour enseigner leurs Artilleries, l'on na pas de doute que les Irlandois payeront grand attention aux officiers et soldats. la sante de mon Cher M: est tout a fait retablie, est il ma promis de la bien soigner que dissipe ma crainte sur cette occasion. Un general de nos conaissances est en Irlande, je suis persaude quil sera flattai de rencontrer mon cher M. comme il lui a montre grand attention pendant son sejour a Yarmouth, ils se nomme Loftus, je vous ai eerie avant sur ce sujet. le premier du mois qui vient jecrirai encore a la famille, comme jai fait le mois passai. faite mes plus tendres amitiez a mon tres cher Pere, ma soeur Therese, mes autres soeurs et freres. je leurs ecrirai cette Ete. Souvenirs a ma cher Tante Grante, &c &c &c. Tante Mercer est en bonne sante, souvenirs a Jean oncles Barthes &c &c &c. adieu ma tres cher Mere, et croyez moi toujours la mem votre affectione fille Archange Meredith. Souveniers au Domestiques, Je ne les oublie pas mes chers enfans vous fait leurs amitiez. Addressed: A Madame Askin Au Detroit, en Canada. To the care of Mess" Todd & McGill, Merchts at Montreal, Canada. 94 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Endorsed: Woolwich, 21 March 1797 Mrs. Meredith to Mrs. Askin. Translation Woolwich, March 21, 1797 My dearest and best beloved Mother: I have the opportunity to give my dear parents news of myself and shall begin by telling them that we are in good health; and after that, tell my dear Mother that I am a widow, that is, my dear Meredith left me three days ago to go to Ireland. The company to which he belongs was ordered there, and many think it will be stationed there several years. The order was a great surprise to us, for my dear Meredith was not to go to camp until the month of May, as he is just recovering from a very severe illness, and the doctor had said that traveling directly after his recovery might do him much harm. But my dear parents know my dear Husband well enough to be satisfied he would never say a word about remaining. No, on the contrary, he prepared all his equipment, and begged me to get my things ready and those of the children, so that we could set out the next day at six in the morning. This was at one o'clock Tuesday, and we would have to leave Wednesday, very little time, indeed, to get everything ready. But that is always the way they do with the officers. My dear Meredith was extremely desirous of taking me with him, and at the same time, it was easy to see that he would rather I should ask to remain here. After great restraint on my inclination I said this: "My dear Husband, you may be assured that I should be only too happy to go with you, but at the same time we are not going to do anything that we may regret forever after. True, you are ordered to Cork, Ireland. Well then, suppose that we get there without any accident, it will not be without great expense, for it is not possible to travel so far and not be as good as ruined. After landing there, suppose that these wicked French try a descent on that coast as they did before. You are ordered off to fight. Now, behold me left in a strange country, not knowing a single soul; and 95 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS although you would do your duty, you would be unhappy knowing that your wife and children were not exactly in the situation you would like for them. Instead of all this, if I remain here, I have a good home, a fine garden, I know everybody, and if any fracas happens, I am well fixed, Woolwich being a very safe place. Besides, if I am easy in my mind, I can do my duty towards my children, teaching them as well as I know how. I get your letters frequently and write you in reply, and in this way we can be as happy as it is possible to be when separated." As soon as I had finished, my dear Meredith thanked me for speaking so thoughtfully and wisely, and promised me that if after having been in Ireland some time he found that he must remain there, and that it was a place suitable for his family, he would come for me, but that in time of war, it was not safe to travel by sea, that is, for a woman and her children, and I am hoping we shall have peace before very long. In that event, it will be very pleasant to join my dear Meredith, for I should much like to visit the country where my dear Father was-born. My dear Meredith is quite satisfied to go there, and begged me to say to you that he loved you tenderly because you are the parents of his dear little wife, and because, too, you are sensible and good. He begs you to accept his sincerest friendship, also my sister Therese, whom he always considers an estimable sister, something she richly deserves. I received a letter from Madelaine last week, telling me that my poor sister, Mrs. Hamilton, had died. I was truly grieved. It was only right that we should all love her, for she was a good daughter, a good wife, and a good mother. It must have been a great comfort for her to have seen her two eldest children before she died. I am very sorry for Mr. Hamilton. He must be sadly inconvenienced with such young children as his. I have had two letters from my beloved Husband since he left. In one he writes me of having seen Mr. Dickson in town, who told him all the Detroit news. I am happy to hear you are in good health. I learned of this chance to write to you from that letter of my dear Husband, who always inquires about you for my pleasure. 96 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS You will be glad to hear that the children and myself have never been in better health than now. That I can be so with my dear M. absent is a pleasure to me. My dear children are very amusing. I have started to teach Anne to write and to sew. She reads quite well. David reads a little too. I have not forgotten your teaching, for instead of spending money to have my work done, I do all my sewing myself, and I am fairly good at cutting out. The French landed in Wales some time past, one thousand two hundred of them. As soon as the vessels unloaded they set sail, and left the men to be cut down or themselves to cut down the natives. The report has spread that in consequence of this, all the laborers, servants, gentlemen, everybody, in fact, gathered together, armed with pitch- forks, shovels, and clubs, anything that could be used as a weapon. They did so well that the frogs surrendered as prisoners. Since that victory, there has been one at sea, the like of which we have never had. Sir John Jervis had seven men-of-war in the battle and the Spaniards had twenty-seven, many of them one-hundred-and-thirty-gun ships. We took four of their finest and the rest were badly damaged.1 The strange thing is that the vessel in which my dear Meredith was a prisoner at the time of the siege of Gibraltar, is now one of those taken by our gallant admiral. It is called the Saint Isadore. I know nothing further, but it is perhaps the best thing that ever happened here, our having fought the Dons, for if they had joined the French as they intended, the Germans also were to have been of the number, and their navy would have been so great that nothing would have prevented their descent on this country, and then they had planned to massacre men, women, and children, without an exception, for we have information of what they intended to do. Be so good, Mama, as to ask my Father if he knows how far from Cork is the place where he was born, because if my dear Husband is not too far away he will give himself the pleasure of a visit there. I have an idea that my dear M. will be quite content in Ireland. They say Cork is a i The allusion is to the battle of Feb. 14, 1797, off Cape St Vincent. The English fleet numbered fifteen ships, instead of seven, as here stated. 97 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS beautiful city, with very good markets, and as the Irish government asked for that company to train their artillery, there is no doubt but that the officers and soldiers will be well received. My dear M's health is completely restored, and he has promised me to take every care of himself, so that my fears on that score are dispelled. A general of our acquaintance is in Ireland. I know he will be pleased to meet my dear M. again, to whom he showed much attention during his stay at Yarmouth. His name is Loftus.2 I wrote you before about him. The first of the coming month I shall write again to the family as I did last month. Give my most tender love to my dearest Father, my sister Therese, my other sisters and brothers. I shall write to them this summer. Remember me to my dear Aunt Grant, etc., etc., etc. Aunt Mercer is well. Remember me to John and my uncles Barthe etc., etc., etc. Goodbye, my dearest Mother, and believe me ever the same, Your affectionate daughter, Archange Meredith Remember me to the servants, I do not forget them. My dear children send you their love., FROM FRANCIS VIGO TO JOHN ASKIN Poste Vincennes Le 29 Mars 1797 Monsieur Jai Recu Lhonneur de La votre en Datte du l er Janvier. Je Suis on ne peut plus facher de ne m'etre pas trouv6 chez moi j'etois alors rdans mon voyage de phila- delphie Lors de Larrive de M Juanne et soyez Persuades que j'auroisr Remplis le tous au gr6 de Vos desir, en con- noissant M Trudeau je Lui aurois donne toute Les Recom- mendation qui auroient 6te en mon Pouvoir particuliere- ment m'etans adresser par vous et etans pour Les affaires de M r Todd. Je viens d'arriver il y a que peu de Jours malade et ayant fait Le plus disagreable voyage qui L'on puisse faire de toute Les manieres. Je souffre beaucoup dun mal de t£te occassionne par une fraicheur ce qui me tient depuis longtems et aussitot que je serai Retablir Jespere avoir Le plaisir de 2. Major General William Loftus, for whom see ante, 57. 98 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS vous voire au Detroit ainsi que toutes Les persoimes a qui je Dois pour Les Payer soit en terres soit en billet provenant de La rente de ces m&mes terres. Je nai Pu avoir Le plaisir de vous ecrire Lanne Passe quant jetois a Grineville Je crois que jai fourni environs soixante et dix sept Piastre au Mrrs que vous maviez fait Le Plaisir de mannoncer, mais Lorsque jirai jaurai Le recu avec Moi. Je vous Prie de faire Agreer L assurance de mon respect a votre famille et de Me croire Monsieur Votre tres humble Serviteur Vigo M r Askin Detroit Addressed: A Monsieur John Askin Equiller Au Detroit Endorsed: Post VincennesthMarch the 29thd 1797 e th 6 Monsr Vigoe to Jn° Askin reed ye 5 rof May Answ yy 7th y con- tents ab* y* Estate of the late M Askwith. Feb 16 1799. Translation Post Vincennes, March 29, 1797 Sir: I have received your favor dated January 1. No one could regret more that I was not home at the time of the arrival of Mr. John. I was then on my trip to Philadelphia, but be assured I would have done everything agreeably to your desire. Knowing Mr. Trudeau3 I would have given him every recommendation in my power, particularly as being at your request and in connection with Mr. Todd's business. I returned a few days ago, sick, having made the most disagreeable journey possible in every respect. I am suffer- ing greatly from headache, occasioned by a cold that has troubled me a long time; but as soon as I am well I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you in Detroit, also everyone whom I owe, to pay them, either in lands or by note secured by the income from these lands. 3 Probably Zenon Trudeau of St. Louis, to whom, apparently, Askin's agent sought a letter of introduction. Trudeau was born in New Orleans, Nov. 28, 1748, his father, Jean Trudeau, being a lieutenant in the French army stationed in Louisiana. In 1792 Zenon Trudeau, "lieutenant-colonel and captain of grenadiers of the Stationary Regiment of Louisiana," became commandant at St. Louis, where he continued to serve for several years. See Houck, Spanish Regime in Missouri, passim, and History of Missouri, II, 58. 99 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS I wasTiot able to have the pleasure of writing you last year when I was at Greenville. I think that I furnished about seventy-seven piastres to the gentlemen whom you had done me the favor to introduce to me, but when I come I shall have the receipts with me. I beg you kindly to give your family the assurance of my respect and to believe me, Sir, Your very humble servant Vigo4 GRANTS OF LAND IN SANDWICH Detroit April 3d 1797 Dear Sir I was favoured with your two kind letters bearing date the 15th & 18th of February last on the 14th of March & I am under many Obligations to you for your Friendly information & Advice not to purchase Lands untill Granted under the Great Seal of the Province, this I will attend to in future, but I have like most others bought a good many last year say About 80 Lots several of which I have made Improvements on as you may recollect I men- tioned in former letters and I should hope Government would not deprive me of Lands which in my possession will in all probability be soonner settled than if in those to whom the Certificates were given. Had it pleased His Excellency Governor Simcoe to be as liberal to my Family as he was to many others I would not have been necessitated [to] lay out mony that I could badly Spare in order to Secure to them some fixed property after I was gone, however when a man is gone away it may not be fair to speek against him therefore I will drop the Subject so far as it relates to him, but I rely too much on the Generosity of the Administrator & Council to Suppose that they would deprive me of Lands which I have purchased fairly and from those who are British Subjects and according to the Regulations were entitled to Lands; I depend on your friendship to Settle this matter and if for forms sake the Grant must be given in the Names of those who got the Certificates its all the same I know they will readily Transfer them over to me After- wards I have their Sales of them & Power of Attorney to 4 For sketch of Francis Vigo's career, see B. H. R., I, 227. 100 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS receive the Deeds, they are mostly all situated in the Rivers Ruscum, Belle Riviere, Puce & Peches8 & along the Lake between these Rivers, under Cover herewith you have ar list of their names & by a Map Transmitted you by M Iredell6 you will see their situations. I'm sorry to hear that Deeds have been given or are made out for Sally Ainse7 for those Lots that were in dispute on the River Thames for no other reason than it may discourage a Settlement that is advancing rapidly and injure those who possess them. You know this business it was in your time therefore shall not add [anything]. Please God my health will permit I will pay you and your worthy family a Visit in June next. The Gentlemen Interested in the purchase from M r Maisonville8 return you thanks for what you have done & would be very happy [if] you could succeed in Obtaining the Grant I learn Government wishes or Intends to have a purchase made from the Indians at the Huron Church9 in order to lay out a Town the situation is high and good but the Distance from the Water side owing to a Swamp is rather Great for people in Trade in particular. Whilst I was a Member of the Board I allways opposed Cardins10 lands being given away to any person & wanted 5 These streams all empty into Lake St. Clair on the east or Canadian side. 6 Abraham Iredell's name appears among the list of Detroit residents who, in 1795> signified their intention of remaining British subjects. He was a surveyor by calling and, in 1795, he laid out a portion of the present townsite of Chatham, Ontario. He built the first residence here, in 1798, and here he continued to reside thereafter. Information adapted from mss. in B. H. Coll., and from W. C. McGeorge's "Early Settlement and Sur- veys along the River Thames in Kent County," in Kent Hist. Soc, Papers and Addresses, VI, 5 ff. 7 Sarah (Sally) Ainse, for whose career see B. H. R., I, 194. 8 For the Detroit line of Loranger dit Maisonville, see ibid., 325. Alexis, there men- tioned, was born in Batiscan, Sept. 15, 1728. In 1758 he married Mary Frances Guevre- mont, a native of Sorel, who died in 1770. On June 30, 1773, Alexis Maisonville married (second) in Sandwich, Margaret Joncaire de Chabert, daughter of Daniel de Joncaire de Chabert, for whom see ibid., 326. He had at least three children by his first wife, and eight by Margaret Chabert. He became the owner of Peche Island in Lake St. Clair, and of land on the river front in the immediate vicinity of modern Walkerville. He was buried in Sandwich, Sept. 16, 1814; Margaret Chabert was buried there, Feb. 6, 1811. Data de- rived from Denissen, op. cit., and from statements made to the editor by Harry Maison- ville of Windsor, a descendant of Alexis. 9 Assumption Church, in Sandwich. 10 No record has been found of a landholder by this name in Detroit. The Ste. Anne's Church Register records the marriage, on June 16, 1770, of Veronique Cardin to Charles Sanguinet. Both bride and groom were residents of Mackinac, who had journeyed to Detroit to be married because of the absence of a priest at that place "during more than four years." The parents of Veronique Cardin were Francois Louis Cardin, royal notary 101 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS them to be reserved for some public purpose as a Town— their Situation having Advantages over any other that I know for that purpose but as it has pleased the Government to give them to M r Maisonville I should be glad he had deeds for them, his selling them to us would answer two good purposes namely that of our removing & several others speedily to the other side & furnish him with the means of paying some debts he owes. Last Sunday Therese11 was published (for the first time) to be married to Captain McKee. his Father & our good Friend M r Selby12 are very desirous for the Match. The goodness of his Character added to the respect we have for his Friend and the Colonel renders it pleasing to us. There is nothing new in this Quarter. The Commodores & my Family are well & sin- cerely wish you & yours May enjoy this greatest of earthly blessings I remain &ca John Askin Endorsed: A Copy to D W Smith at Newark April 3 1797 GRANT OF LAND NEAR LAKE ST. CLAIR Personally appeared before me James May Esquire13 one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Wayne Robert Nichol who being Sworn on the Holy Evangelist sayeth that he was present and seen the within Chiefs Seal Sign and affix their Respective marks to the within deed after the same having been fully and clearly Explained to them and that the said Chiefs were perfectly Sober Given under my hand at Detroit this 3" day of April 1797 Rob* Nichol Sworn before me at Detroit 7th day of April 1797 James May J. P. C. W. at Mackinac, and Constance Chevalier, who at the time of her marriage to Cardin had been the widow of Joseph Ainse. See Wis. Hist. Colls., XVIII and XIX, passim. I I Therese, eldest child of John Askin and his wife, Marie Archange Barthe, was born at Mackinac, Feb. 10, 1774. She was buried in Assumption churchyard, Sandwich, June 23,1832. For sketch of her husband, Capt. Thomas McKee, see B. H. R., I, 376. iz Prideaux Selby, for whom see ibid., 429. It seems probable that instead of removing to Queenston in 1799, as there suggested, he remained in Amherstburg until the autumn of 1807. See memorial to Governor Gore, printed in Mich. Pio. Colls., XXV, 267-68. Letters printed post, 480, disclose that Selby served for a time as district judge in Sandwich. 13 For sketch of the career of James May, see B. H. R., I, 307. 102 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS That we the Chiefs and Principal Leaders of the Chippewa Nation of Indians at the River & Huron, for ourselves and by and with the advice of the whole of Our Said nation in Consideration of the good Will and affection which we and the whole of our nation have and bear to JOHN CORNWALL senior,14 JOHN ASKIN Senior, and JOHN ASKIN Junior, all of Detroit and the new Settlement on Lake Erie, and also for divers other good Causes and Considerations, the Said Chiefs and rest of our Nation us hereunto moving HAVE given, granted, aliened, enfeoffed, and Confirmed, and by these Presents, do give, grant, alien enfeoffe and Confirm unto the Said JOHN CORNWALL Senior, JOHN ASKIN Senior, and JOHN ASKIN Junior, their heirs and assigns for ever a certain Tract of Land Situate, Lying, and being on the north side of Detroit River but not on its Borders, in the Province of UPPER CANADA, Commencing at the end of the Lands be- longing To Louis Tremble15 near his Mills at the Grant Marrais, and running from thence in a Strait Line to the old Moravian Tow[n] or So near it as where no Lands are already granted on the River a Huron as near as maybe the same Cours as a Road made from Tremble's Bridge to said place Some years ago; running in Length nearly Twenty four Miles and Extending back on each Side of Said Line or Road the distance of one League or Eighty Acres french measure Let Such Tract of Land Continue [contain] what number of acres it may, as also the reversion and reversions, remainder and remainders, Rents Issues, Profits of All & Singular the said Tract of Land, hereby Given and Granted, and of every part and parcell Thereof, and also every the Estate, Right, Title, Claim, Interest, and demand of us the 14 For the career of John Cornwall, see ibid., 229. 15 On the Detroit Tremblay line, see ibid., 194. Louis Michael Tremblay was a son of Pierre, one of the three brothers who came to Detroit in 1750 and located in the Grosse Pointe region. Pierre married Magdelene Simard of Baie St. Paul, in 1733, and all of their eight children were born before the removal to Detroit. Louis Michael, our present sub- ject, was born at Petite Riviere, Nov. 1, 1738. He was a boy of twelve years, therefore, when he came with his parents to Grosse Pointe, where the remainder of his life was passed. On Jan. 12,1767, he married Cecilia Yax, daughter of Michael Yax and Catherine Herbine, whose parents are supposed to have been Detroit's first German family. They had sixteen children, born in the years 1768-94. Louis Tremblay was buried in Detroit, Dec. 5, 1825. Information adapted from Denissen, op. cit. 103 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Suscribing Chiefs and of our nation of in, and to the Said Tract of Land or any part or parcell Thereof to have and to hold the Said tract of Land hereby granted with its appurtainances unto the Said JOHN CORNWALL Senior, JOHN ASKIN Senior, & JOHN ASKIN Junior, their Heirs and Assigns for ever; and we the Suscribing Chiefs for ourselves and the whole of our Said Nation DO, for ourselves and our Heirs, and for the whole of our Said Nation grant that the Said JOHN CORNWALL Senior, JOHN ASKIN Senior, and JOHN ASKIN Junior and their Heirs shall and may at all times and times hereafter peaceably have, hold, use, Occupy, and enjoy the herein before mentioned tract of Land and every Part and Parcell Therof with every of their Rights against us the Suscribing Chiefs or our Heirs, or against the whole of our Said Nation, or against all and avery other Persons Whatsoever. IN TESTIMONY whereof the Said parties have to these presents Set their hands and affixed their Seals at Detroit aforesaid this Thirtieth day of June in the year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven Hindred and Ninety five. Witnesses Omissass (totem) (L. S.) Rob* Nichol Ochaisie (totem) (L. S.) Alexis Maisonville Withannesse (totem) (L. S.) Wasson's Son Nangui (totem) (L. S.) Weshebanwai (totem) (L. S.) Endorsed: Recorded in the Land Office at Detroit in Liber E. folio 22. &c By me G° Hoffman Register Upper Canada. The Chippawa Ind8 to John Cornwall et al: Deed of Gift. Dated 30h June '95. Registered in Western Dist* Register, fo. 399 & 400 by W. Roe D ^ R ' W D Recd into my office this day 3d of april 1797 Peter Audrain Proved before James May on this 7th April 1797. Registered in my office, book N° 1 pages 38 & 39 N° 9 Peter Audrain recorder 104 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS PROGRESS OF THE FRENCH WAR On Board the Boyne Transport Cove of Cork, 23rd April 1797 My dear Sir, You will have heard ere this from my be- loved Archang's letters that no sooner had I recovered from my illness than it so happ[e]ned the Company to which I belong received orders to proceed to Ireland and be there Stationed. I consequently joined it at Plymouth and thank God after a very short of passage of only Three days arrived here last Night, we expect to disembark at [and] March to Cork tomorrow, the orders for our going to Ireland were so sudden that I had no time to make any arrangement respecting my beloved Family accompanying nor indeed did I conceive it prudent they should at this crisis untill matters are settled and the Country less agitated than at this moment, however I have learnt this morning with great satisfaction that things wear a much more pleasant aspect. It is a novel buisness, a Company of the British Artillery in this Country, but I hope we shall be well received, it having been a pointed requisition from the Irish Govern- ment. The only Consolation I have at leaving my most truly dear Wife and Children is that this command has most probably saved me from the West Indies, as our Company stood first on the Roster for any service that might happen therefore I believe the old Saying is a good and just one, Whatever is is right. I think you are of the same opinion I can readily suppose you will excuse the small and ill wrote letter, but the want of more paper and the confused Noise on board and hurried state we are in will I am conscious plead the cause. A Vessell came in last Night dismasted. She was Chased by a French Frigate. I learn She is bound to Quebec, and therefore intend putting this Scrawl on Board, which I hope may reach you. I wrote by the Post of today informing my own Archange of my Arrival, a circum- stance which will affordy her heart feelt pleasure, if I find it likely that the Comp will be Stationary in Ireland, and that it may be long ere I get one of my own (for I only stand Twelve above me), why it is my intention in such case after matters are settled in this part to contrive that My dear Family join me. this matter depends upon circumstances. 105 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS I thank the Almighty when I reluctantly left her both She and our Ducks enjoyed the fullest health which has since been confirmed to me by several Subsequent affectionate letters from her. my prayers will never cease that such blessing may long attend her, and that the service may soon enable me to again rejoin so worthy a partner. I have left her in regard to circumstances as comfortable as my finances will possibly permit, for I would rather She enjoyed every comfort than myself, my pride will ever be & w[h]ether present or absent, to convince her how great my affection is. in speaking thus to her Esteemed Parent; He will receive it as it is meant & give me credit for a better motive than mere flattery. The Politicks of the Country are strange and complicated. I fear the Emperor will at last be obliged to give up, from the recent Successes which the French have had in Italy England still goes on Gloriously with her wooden Walls viz* Navy. You will ere this have heard of the Capture of Four Spanish Ships of the Line by the Fleet under Sir John Jervis, who with 15 Sail of the Line engaged 27 of D° and captured Four one of 120 guns. Two of 80 and one 74, the St. Isadore, by the bye, the one which I was a Prisoner on Board when captured at Gibraltrar last war. Lord Bridports Fleet at Spithead is ready to sail but I am sorry to add that a Serious Mutiny has shewn itself amongst the Crews, who refuse to go to Sea unless their wages are raised, how it will end I know not, but I hope happily for rtheir own honor, and the Character of British Seamen. M Pitt is making another Loan, but where the Money will come from is un- certain, the Sum to be borrowed is 13 Millions. The National Debt is now become enormous, however I trust old England will still rear her head and confound all the bad intentions of her Enemies, who seem firmly leagued against her. if She be but true to herself She has yet nothing to fear. Should they make another attempt on Your native Country Ireland, I am now here to lend a hand in her defence and be assured I will make the great Boys roar upon the occasion, if the oppertunity serves and which is really expected they have again the intention of putting in practice. I wish I had the good fortune to succeed to a Company in Canada, with what pleasure should I join it. who knows 106 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS but such a thing may occur; we often wish it realized. The Princess Royal is soon to be married to the Duke of Wirtem- berg he is arrived for that purpose. I dare say my dear Archange will give you all the particulars, as She has promised to write you very often and say everything from me to you, as I may not have oppertunity. God bless you. present my best regards to M r s Askin, Sister Theresa and all the Family, also to the Commodore, his Family &c &c &c &c &c &c &c and believe me with great Truth My dear Sir Most affectionately Yours, D Meredith Endorsed: recv Sep 13 Answ y 4 Nov r 1797 d r th d e th FROM COLONEL RICHARD ENGLAND TO JOHN ASKIN London April 24 th 1797 It is probable that an Account of my Misfortune on my passage from Quebec, has reached you, As M r s England wrote to Miss Askin immediately on her Arrival here. A Detail of all Our Sufferings, Escapes, and Losses, would be by far too tedious to torment you with, and therefore will Only say, that I was with my Family ten long Weeks on Board an Enemys Ship, which you will allow was by far too long to be on Board a Friends Ship, considering the Latitude and Season of the Year that we were Captured in. After a variety of Sufferings we were permitted at Length to land at Brest, but without a single Article either of Use or Comfort that we possessed, All which we were early pillaged of, and in about two Months after, I was permitted to come here to endeavour to effect my Exchange for a particular Officer mentioned by the French Government, who Owing to a Com- bination of very distressing Circumstances Our Government will not permit to be exchanged, and I am Obliged to return to France, and to Captivity, for the Remainder of the War. I have however Succeeded in extricating my little Boy16 from the Cruel Conditions I was Obliged to sign for his 16 Apparently the allusion is to Richard England, who was born in Detroit in 1793 and died in London in 1883. He entered the army as an ensign in the Fourteenth Regiment in February, 1808, and retired in 1877, having held for many years the full rank of general, and having been for several decades one of the foremost soldiers of England. He served in many lands and several continents during his long career, most notably, perhaps, in the Crimean War against Russia, of 1854-55. See Diet. Nat. Biog. 107 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Return, And he, His Mother and the rest of my Family are to remain here during my absence. All this Bears hard and cruelly severe on me, particularly As I could at this Moment be very eligibly employed, and situated much to my Satis- faction, but I really think my Situation unparalleled, and the cruellest that ever Occurred On my Arrival here, I was favored with a Letter from You, giving a very laughable Account of the Changes that took place, immediately after Detroit was evacuated by the British Troops, and of the Honors conferred on some of my Acquaint- ances there, which must have set very aukward On them. I certainly have no Ambition to see them in their new Situations, tho I think they must Apear very ridiculous. A Little Time will shew how far they will prove themselves worthy of such Dignities, and without pretending to much penetration, I think they will deceive their new Masters, As they have those they quitted. At all Events, I don't imagine that those new created Gentlemen will add much to the Society of Detroit. Your Letters by the Quebec Fleet will inform You of the ruinous and deplorable Situation of this unfortunate Coun- try, and of the very low State it is brought. A Picture of it is far beyond my reach, and would besides exceed the Limits of a Letter. I will therefore refer You to the Public Papers that no Doubt by some means will find their way to You. M r Hammond the late British Minister at Philadelphia, is gone to Vienna to endeavour to avail himself of any Opening there may be in the negotiations for Peace between the Emperor & France, and to propose Terms for Great Britain. M r Pitt says that he is gone with full powers, and as he is known to be an Able Man, therefore have hopes that the remaining small share of Credit this Once flourishing Country possesses, may be saved, and that we will not be- come a Province of France. Great Preparations are making in France for an Invasion on either this or our Sister King- dom, And all Communication between this Country and France is forbid, for the present, by the French Gov- ernm* in Order to enable them to make their preparations, and their embarkations with more Secrecy. To this prohibi- tion I owe a temporary Reprieve, As I certainly would have been this Fortnight past in France, if any neutral Vessel 108 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS from England was allowed to land there, And I am in con- stant alarm, as I will be obliged to set Out the Moment the Communication Opens As I at all times feel much interested for you, MrB and Miss Askin, and irideed for all Your Family, I shall be Obliged to you to let me know what measures You have taken Since we parted, and what You propose in future doing, and beg You will write to me Occasionally directed to the Care of Messrs Cox & Greenwood, Craigs Court London, and when I return You shall hear from me. M" England is at present in her Bed, and has increased my Riches by the Birth of a Fair One. She begs her very sincere wishes to you M rs & Miss Askin, and says that the Latter shall hear from her, when she is able to write. Judge Powell17 is here, but has not seen General Simcoe who is gone to S* Domingo, but is to return some time in the Year, his Governm* of Upper Canada is kept Open for him 'till his Return, in Order to give him an opportunity of Gratifying the people there by again administering the Governm* And of Conciliating them Let me know how the Town at the Rivers Mouth goes on, if it increases, and if it meets with encouragement. And also if You disposed of Your Houses and Land at the Detroit side. I shall also be Obliged to You to let me know if the Commodore and his numerous Family have quitted Grosse Point, I am concerned to find that Judge Powell expresses himself with some Jealousy to him. Should You see Doctor Harffey18 give him my best Com- pliments, and tell him I now write with the Assistance of his Spectacles. His Acquaintance poor M r Durham was taken on his passage home, and carried into the same Town where Captains Hinn Shears [Spears?] and Pinfold were. They are fortunately exchanged And he remains a Prisoner. I hope the Arrival of our Packet which is anxiously ex- pected will afford me some Accounts from You. Our Last 17 Powell had gone to England to appeal to the ministry for appointment as chief justice of Upper Canada. He did not enjoy the favor of Simcoe, but he was favored by the latter's successor in the governorship, Peter Russell. See Riddell, Life of William Dummer Powell, 88 ff. 18 Dr. William Harffy, whose career is noted in B. H. R:, I, 304. For a comprehensive narrative of his life, see Louise Rau, "Three Physicians of OM Detroit," Burton Hist. Coll. Leapt, VIII, 17 ff. 109 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS from Canada were by the Fall Fleet. Acceptrsof my very Sincere Regards, give my best Wishes to M Askin and Love to Miss Askin, and believe me My Dear Sir most Faithfully and very Sincerely Ever Yours R. G. England" John Askin Esqr. &c &c &c Addressed: To John Askin Esqr Detroit To the Care of Mess" Todd & McGill Montreal Canada Endorsed: London April y6 24r h 1797 dGeneral England to Jn° Askin recv y 15 of Sept & Answ ye 28h Octr 1797 d 6 h FROM THERESE MCKEE TO JOHN ASKIN AND WIFE Petite Cote Avril le 28me 1797 Jai eu une Lettre de mon cher Pere qui m'apprend que vous ne vous ne vous portez pas bien. Jespere Ma chere Maman que s'a n'aura pas eu de suite le mauvais tems nous a causee a toutes deux inquietude—Je desiroit beaucoup savoir coment vous vous portiez J'apprend avec plaisir que mon cher Papa doit venir nous voir avec les deux Alexanders pourquoi ne pourriez-vous pas venir au Moulin s'il faisait beaux nous nous ferions traverser dans peu d'intants. Je suis • et etat dassurer mes tendres parens que Je prouve tout la bonheur qu'il est possible de jouir avec un Mari qui a pour moi toutes les attentions possible. Son affection pour moi paroit augmenter d'heure en heure enfin tot paroit s'empresser a venir au devant de tout mes souhaits je suis sure qu'il vous plairoit infiniment de voir tout nos petits arrangement. Mon cher Beau Pere nous a laisse ce Matin avec promesse de revenir dans peu de rtems apres lequel nous irons a La Riviere a La Tranche. M Selby est a present a table avec Doctor Harffyr il vous assure de ses compliments et meilleurs souhait. M Marchand m'a fait le plaisir r de venir nous voir deux fois il est venu ce matin avec M Burke. M r et Madame Hands sont aussi venu ils doivent etre nos voisins. dites a M r Borrele qu'il m'a oubli. Je souhaiterait bien voir Ma Tante Barthe engagez la a venir. Mon cher McKee a tue ce matin un Renard. Voulez vous me menvoyer 19 In the manuscript the 'ignature, after being written, has been crossed out. 110 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS mon parassole, et si vous pourriez me donner un des Livres d'Epelante je vous seroit bien oblig6 Ce petit James m' ennuie beaucoup et je veut ce faire Lire. Adieu Le Docteur demande son The. Jespere que Alice a pres mon place pour faire dire les prieres aux domestiques. Je suis votre Affectionne Fille Mon chere Mari vous embrasse de tout son coeur. Votre tendre T. McKee Ne M'oubliez point a tout les freres &c les cousins je les aime tout. Addressed: Madame Askin Aii Detroit. Translation Petite Cote, April 28, 1797 I have had a letter from my dear Father in which I learned that you are not very well. I hope, dear Mama, that this has not continued. It has worried us both. I want very much to know how you are. I was glad to hear that my dear Papa intends to come to see us with the two Alex- anders.20 Why could you not come to the mill if the weather is fine. We could get you across in a few moments. I can now assure my loving parents that I am as happy as it is possible to be with a husband who gives me every attention. He seems to love me more each hour and to endeavor to anticipate my every wish. I know it would give you infinite pleasure to see all our little household arrangements. My dear Father-in-law left us this morning promising to come again soon, after which we shall go to the Thames River. Mr. Selby is now at table with Dr. Harffy. He assures you of his compliments and best wishes. Mr. Marchand21 has also given us the pleasure of coming zo Probably the allusion is to Alexander Grant and Alexander Askin, sons respectively of Commodore Grant and John Askin. zi Rev. Jean Baptiste Marchand, Superior of the College of Quebec, was appointed parish priest of Assumption Church, upon the death of Father Dufaux, and arrived at Sandwich on Christmas day, 1796. Here he continued to serve until his death at the age of sixty-five years, on April 14, 1825. "His death aroused in the hearts of his people a regret at losing so good a father. The poor especially will miss him," wrote Father Crevier, his associate, in reporting the event. Information adapted from Plomer, Letters of the Rev. ]. B. Marchand. Ill BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS twice to see us. He was here this morning with Mr. Burke. Mr. and Mrs. Hands have also called. They are to be our neighbors. Tell Mr. Burrell [?] that he has forgotten me. How I would like to see Aunt Barthe! Do get her to come. My dear McKee killed a fox this morning. Will you send me my umbrella, and if you could give me a spelling-book I would be much obliged. Little James22 is very trouble- some and I should like to have him read it. Adieu. The doctor is asking for his tea. I hope Alice is taking my place in saying the prayers to the servants. I remain your very affectionate daughter. My dear husband embraces you with his whole heart. Your loving, T. McKee Do not forget me to all my brothers, etc., and to the cousins. I love them all. MACHINATIONS AGAINST UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT (Copy) Detroit 12 July 1797 Sir We the undersigned Majestrates, and Sherrif of Wayne County in the territory of the United States of America, impressed with every degree of attachment to the Government of the United States and most Sincere wishes for the Safety of this Country and its Inhabitants, have Sincerly to regret its present Situation; and for its Safety, disagreable apprehensions from the dangers that at present MENACE its tranquility from an approaching Ennemy, as well as from internal and increasing factions. Twelve months ago, we Knew of no more than Ten of its Inhabitants that were avowed British Subjects, they re- maining here for one year after the evacuation of this place by the British, during that period, they with Some other Emissaries, found means by indirect insinuations and cir- culating-papers to corrupt the minds of the Inhabitants and alienated their affections from the Government of the States zi. James McKee, natural son of the writer's husband, for whom see B. H. R., I, 376. It seems probable that James was about seven years old at the time of his father's marriage with Therese Askin. He was drowned in the Detroit River, Sept. 3, 1808, and buried in Amherstburg the same day by Rev. Richard Pollard. See Register of Marriages, Christen- ings and Burials, by the Church of England, at Sandwich, in the Western District of the Province of Upper Canada. Cited hereafter as St. John's Church Register. 112 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS to Such a degree, that it was with difficulty that the Sherrif could procure a Jury of real Citizens to attend the last Sessions, or Ballifs to do their duty. Some Scores (It is Said Some hundreds) of the Inhabitants having signed the Said circulating papers23 declaring themselves British Subjects Which gives us reason to fear, that little or no dependance can be put in the Militia of the County If called upon. This being truly the State of the Country, WE feel the greatest anxiety for its Safety. We therefore conceive it our duty to transmit you every part of our apprehensions, and the causes exciting them, hoping that you will See the propriety of vesting Sufficient power in the Commander in Chief now here, or the commanding-Officer, for the time being to take Such Steps as may check the progress of the present pre- vailing faction, and prevent a further corruption of the Inhabitants, we by experience finding it out of the power of the civil authority at present to do it (Signed) James Abbott Senior24 James May Nathan Williams25 26 Charles F Girardin Joseph Voyer Patrick McNiff 27 Herman Eberts John Dodemead 28 Joncaire chabert 29 Antoine Beaubien Robert Abbott Daniel Sawyer30 f 2.x A p p a r e n t l y t h e papers referred t o were identical w i t h t h e d o c u m e n t s published in Mich. Pio. Colls., V I I I , 410-11. 14 For a sketch of t h e career of J a m e s A b b o t t , see B. H. R., I , 304. 2.5 F o r a sketch of t h e career of N a t h a n Williams, see ibid., 195. 2.6 F o r a sketch of t h e career of Charles Francis Girardin, see ibid., 387. 2.7 F o r a sketch of t h e career of H e r m a n E b e r t s , see ibid., 593. z8 Francis C h a b e r t was a son of Daniel de Joncaire de C h a b e r t , who is noted ante, 101. H e was born in 1757, p r o b a b l y in M o n t r e a l . H e c a m e w i t h his p a r e n t s t o D e t r o i t , served as n officer of militia u n d e r G o v e r n o r H a m i l t o n a t Vincennes, and was one of the Detroiters w h o m Clark released u p o n t a k i n g an o a t h of n e u t r a l i t y . O n April 10, 1780, he married M a r y J o s e t t e ChSne, d a u g h t e r of Isidore Chfine and Therese Becquet, a n d eleven children were born t o t h e m in the years 1781-1808. C h a b e r t was a p p o i n t e d lieutenant colonel of militia soon after t h e American sovereignty was established in D e t r o i t . A t r a c t of l a n d which C h a b e r t claimed (having been originally given b y t h e P o t a w a t o m i t o Isidore C h 6 n e 113 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Wayne County ss Personally appeared before me Mathew Ernest31 Esquire, one of the Justices for Keeping the peace in the County aforesaid—Patrick McNiff, Esquire, who being duly sworn upon the holy Evangelist of almighty God, declares, that the foregoing Instrument beginning with "WE", and ending with "It" is truly a copy of the petition transmitted to Colonel Sargent32 thro' the commander in chief in July 1797 by the Several Persons therein named, of which number himself was one. Sworn before me at Detroit, the 13h March 1797 (Signed) Mathew Ernest J. P. W. C. (L. S.) Endorsed: Detroit July 12h 1797 a Memorial or Petition from Several Magestrates &ca of Detroit to Colonel Sargent. Coppy and by the latter transferred to him), lying westward of the mouth of the Rouge, occasioned a notable legal contest which vexed the courts for many years about the opening of the present century. Chabert was buried in Detroit, Nov. 24, 1813. Information adapted from Burton Hist. Coll. Leaflet, VI, 1-16, and Denissen, op. cit. An extensive account of the careers of Chabert's father and grandfather is in Severance, Old Frontier of France. 19 For an account of the Beaubien line, one of the most numerous and notable of the French families of early Detroit, see Burton, City of Detroit, 1701-1922, II, 1353-55. The person here noted was probably Louis Antoine Beaubien, son of Jean Baptiste Beaubien and Marie Lootman dit Barrois. He was born in Detroit, July 6, 1754; on Feb. 2,1784, he married Catherine Lootman dit Barrois, who was born in Vincennes in 1767. She was buried, July 1, 1785. Louis Antoine Beaubien was buried, March 24, 1836. 30 Daniel Sawyer apparently came to Detroit shortly after the American occupation and remained here but a short time. A letter of Tarleton Bates of Pittsburgh to Frederick Bates in Detroit, March 21, 1798, narrates the recent drowning in the Ohio River below Pitts- burgh of Mr. Sawyer, "lately from Detroit." See photostat copy in B. H. Coll. 31 Matthew Ernest served as a private in the Fifth New York Regiment from 1779 to January, 1781. In October, 1786, he became a lieutenant in the U. S. artillery, and from June to November, 1790, served as battalion paymaster. He resigned from the service in 1791. His doings in the next few years are unknown to us, but in 1797 he engaged as partner with General John Wilkins of Pittsburgh and James Henry (for whom see post, 305). in establishing a store and tanyard in Detroit, of which Henry was local manager; and in 1799 he was appointed collector of the port of Detroit. During the following years, he served also as justice of the peace and county treasurer, and in 1803 was appointed by Governor Harrison, quartermaster general of militia of Indiana Territory with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He had a farm between modern Junction and McKinstry avenues, fronting seven arpents on the river and forty arpents in depth. This was confirmed to him in 1807 as Private Claim 30. In 1805 Ernest defaulted in his accounts as collector, the shortage of funds being upwards of 27500. His sureties were George Meldrum and James Henry, who were sued by the United States government to compel payment of the money defaulted. Information adapted from Francis B. Heitman, Historical Register and Dictionary of the United States Army from Its Organization, September 29,1789 to March 2,1903 (Washington, 1903); and mss. in B. H. Coll., passim. 31 Winthrop Sargent, born in Gloucester, Mass., in 1753, served in the Revolution as a captain of artillery; he subsequently became connected with the Ohio Company and was appointed by Congress surveyor of the Northwest Territory. From 1798 to 1801 he was 114 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS THREAT OF REVOLUTION IN DETROIT Detroit July 16, 1797 Gentlemen, The growing amicable alliance, subsisting between the British Nation and that of the United States supersedes the necessity of an apology for this address to His Britannic Majisty's Judiciary of the Western District of Upper Canada. When concert and cooperation become essential to the preservation of a community of Interests, all inferior con- siderations necessarily yield to the motives of self preserva- ion and social duty; these principles apply strictly to the present circumstances of the approximate settlements of the United States & of your Royal Master, bordering upon the Strait, menaced at this moment by common dangers; and they will not only warrant, but enjoin upon the servants of these States respectively, coincidence of plan & arrangement to preserve tranquility & to prevent misfortune. The introduction of foreign force to these sequester'd re- gions, by the Mississippi, is a chimerical Idea, but the ap- prehension of internal commotion is well founded, and, if not seasonably guarded against will burst forth in a moment when least expected, and involve these Settlements in scenes of Bloodshed & desolation. the solid preventative to insurrection is the maintenance of an efficiant regular military force, destroy this strong Arm of Government, & the hands of the Civil Authority will be found too feeble to repress the inclinations & to con- trol the caprices of the great Mass of the Inhabitants, who will be followed in every excess by their numerous friends & relatives among the Savages. A Competent armed force has been ordered to this Post, & I am informed that a reinforcement is daily expected at His Majestys Garrison of Amherstburgh but [it] is in vain Gentlemen that our respective Governments extend their paternal cares, and take precautions for the safety of these settlements while an Asylum is opened to desertion on governor. He served in the northwestern wars of 1791-94, and was wounded while in St. Clair's campaign. He died in New Orleans, June 3, 1820. Sargent was a man of scholarly astes, and numerous members of the Sargent line in succeeding generations have been distinguished for talent and achievement in their respective professions. 115 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS either bank of the narrow Sheet of water, which marks the territorial limits of the two nations & while countenance & protection is held forth to the most infamous of the human race, by vicious & interested Individuals. My sense of the occasion, & the conduct which I shall steadily pursue, are fully testified by the enclosed extract from my general Orders; to which I will take leave to add the sentiment, that the public functionary who refuses his aid, to restrain practices tending directly to enfeeble the reins of Government, & to endanger the public Interests, neglects his duty, & offends against the power which he is bound to serve. The desertions from the Troops of the United States, have of late sensibly increased, & what at first originated probably in the wicked propensities of Individuals, I have good cause to believe has now become a subject of political Speculation: By desertion two ends are proposed, the dismemberment of the military force & the dispersion of a desperate band of Villains among these settlements, ripe for revolution, & ready to ride on any tempest which may be excited. That dangerous designs are pointed to this Quarter, needs no proof, because the fact is as unquestionable, as that the Duke of Orleans, has very recently reconnoitred Fort Erie & the Settlements in that vicinity. In this eventful posture of Affairs, it becomes my duty, to maintain the force subject to my orders, in the best con- dition for offence or defence; to this end the prevention of desertion becomes a primary object, & by your cooperation it is readily attained, but without it, the evil is incurable & the consequences must follow. You are not to be informed Gentlemen, of the fundamental maxim in British Juris- prudence, that a Subject cannot dissolve his allegiance at his will, nor need you be told, that the Government of the United States has, in the 21 st article of the Treaty of Amity Commerce & Navigation so far acquiesced in the principle, as to subject its Citizens taken in Arms against Great Britain to be treated as Pirates. Why then Gentlemen are the Citizens of the United States, deserters from its colours, permitted so soon as they pass the Strait to swear allegiance to His Majesty and to call themselves British Subjects? is 116 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS not this a contravention of the Spirit of the Treaty, & a violation of good Faith replete with tendencies of the most destructive cast. The same Treaty in the 20th article, not only provides against the reception & protection of such fugitives, but for their punishment; and in the 27th article Asylum is positively refused, to the perpetrators of murder & forgery, & pro- vision is made for the apprehension and surrender of such offenders. Now Gentlemen, if forgery be weigh'd against desertion, in all its dangerous consequences to King, State or community, & if Crimes be estimated by their probable influence & effects on Society surely the last must be trans- cendent a forgery may ruin an Individual, but a Desertion may betray a Nation. I look Gentlemen to your liberality as Men, to your loyalty as Subjects, and to the purity of my own intention, for Justification to this intrusion; & in the firm persuasion that your Wisdom may desire an effectual remedy to the evil complained of. I subscribe myself with great good will, & with high Consideration & respect. Your most Obed* & most Hble Servnt Sign'd Ja s Wilkinson Commander in Chief of the Troops of the United States To the Hon'ble the Justices of his Britannic Majesty's West- ern District of Upper Canada Endorsed: Copy, General Wilkinson To The Justices of His Britannic Majestys Western District Upper Canada 1797 FROM THOMAS MCKEE TO JOHN ASKIN Petite Cote July 18th 1797 My dear Sir, As we have understood that the Commodore and M rs Grant have been good enough to say that they would spare us their Phaeton, we therefore beg that you will have the goodness to Know from the latter whether she can with convenience let us have it now or when the Commodore shall return, in either case, we will want your assistance in 117 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS bringing it down from Grosse Point, we however will have occasion for your Calash33 notwithstanding Mrs McKee sends by this opportunity a few Paccans34 which she begs her Dear Mother will accept of, and a Couple of Matts, she also requests that if you have received any letters from Captain or MrB Merideth that you will be Kind enough to send them over. My dear Wife joins me in Love to our dear Parents & to the Children. My dear Sir believe me to be yours most affectionately r T. McKee John Askin Esq Addressed: John Askin Esquire Detroit Endorsed: Petite Cote July 18h '97 Cap* McKee to Jn° Askin Answd REPLY OF BRITISH MAGISTRATES TO APPEAL OF GENERAL WILKINSON Sandwich, 28th July 1797 Sir, Yesterday we had the Honor of having your Ex- cellency's Letter of the 16th Instant laid before us by the Clerk of our Court and have maturely considered the same. In answer to which, we beg leave to assure your Ex- cellency that nothing could afford us greater pleasure (were it in our power) than to give effectual aid to remedy the evil complained of; we are perfectly aware of the necessity of Cooperation of the servants of the respective Govern- 33 The calash (caleche) came into use in France toward the middle of the seventeenth century, as an improvement upon the gig theretofore in use. Its body, curved like the bottom of a boat, was attached by leather thongs to curved uprights extending from the axles in lieu of springs. It was ordinarily a four-wheeled vehicle, having two seats facing each other, accommodating four persons, and a small elevated box-like seat in front, on which the driver rode. In Canada, where calashes were introduced by the year 1700, certain changes in the construction of the vehicle were made. Two wheels were employed instead of four, and thereby the seating capacity was reduced to two persons and the driver. Sometimes a folding top was added to the calash, affording a certain degree of protection and privacy to the occupants. From these tops the French women conceived the idea of the headdress of the same name, which was so designed that it could either cover the head or be folded back on the shoulders at will. Information adapted from Bull. Recherches Hist., II, 10-13, and John Lambert, Travels through Lower Canada . . . (London, 1810), I, 172. 34 The paccan (pecan) was a fur-bearing animal, the largest member of the weasel family. By the English traders it was called the fisher (mustela pennanti). 118 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS ments to suppress the effects which the alarming and angerous situation of internal commotion or insurrection may involve us in, however, we do not find that our au- hority as civil magistrates extend to the apprehending eserters of another State, however great our inclination may be. At the same time we beg leave to assure your xcellency that we have the strongest disposition to culti- ate cordiality and promote the respective and reciprocal nterests of the United States and Great Britain so essen- ially linked together by the Treaty. We further beg leave o inform your Excellency that guided as we have allways een by the existing Laws and Statutes of our Country th st and onceiving the inferences you draw from the 20 21 and 7th articles of the Treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navi- ation insufficient to authorize us to act upon them con- istent with the dignity and honor of our nation, Yet nxious to convince your Excellency of our Wishes to co- perate we shall immediately transmit your Letter to the dministrator of the Province of Upper Canada with every ecommendation in its favor that we can legally or con- cientiously give, and his answer shall be made Known to ou as soon as possible. We have the Honor to be with profound respect Sir, your xcellencys most obed* & very hble Servts. Endorsed: Copy, Justices of His Britannic Majesty To eneral Wilkinson. ESTATE OF GEORGE KNAGGS Territory of the WHEREAS George Knaggs Senior,35 United States Trader, lately died Intestate, and north-west of Whereas John Askin Senr Esquire, mer- the river Ohio. chant of Detroit, has applied to Peter Wayne County ss. Audrain Esquire Judge of the Court (L.S.) of probate in and for our Said County of Wayne to administer upon the Peter Audrain Goods and Chattels, rights & credits J. of P. which were the Said George Knagg's deceased: KNOW YE that I have au- 35 George Knaggs, founder of the family of this name which figures in the early history of etroit and the Maumee region, was a native of Wales. He married Rachel Schley, of utch descent, who was born about the year 1738. According to the memoir of a descend- 119 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS thorised, and appointed, and by these presents do autho- rise and appoint the Said John Askin Sen1 as Administrator to the Estate of the said George Knaggs, deceased and there in, do, & fulfil the duties in every particular as Administrator, according to law, and a true Inventory there of to be made and returned to the Said Court of probate, at Detroit, aforesaid, in the Said County of Wayne, on the first Monday in December next; WITNESS the Said Peter Audrain Esquire, Judge of our Said Court of probate, at Detroit this Twenty third day of August in the year of our Lord one Thousant Seven Hundred and Ninety Seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the Twenty Second. Endorsed: Letter of administration for John Askin Esqr to administer upon the Estate of George Knaggs Senr deceased. Detroit 23d august 1797. BRITISH ALLEGIANCE OF DETROIT RESIDENTS Detroit Aug* 26, 97 My Dear Sir Since writing to you I have been Served with a Summons, the Copy of which I inclose & beg you will make it Known to his honor the administrator So that I may be furnished with advice how to act before the general Court is held here, which I learn is to be Soon, the paper aluded to, I sent you a Copy of. it contained the names of a number of people who made their election to continue British Subjects36 & I carried it to the recorders ant, they were married in Philadelphia shortly prior to the Revolution, and coming west located at Roche de Bout (see Mich. Pio. Colls., XVII, 217-18), but the Detroit censuses of 1779 and 1782 disclose that the family was residing here in this period. The family descendant also reports that George Knaggs went upon a whaling voyage, from which he never returned; aside from the improbability of this statement, it seems to be belied by the present document. Several of the children of George and Rachel Knaggs became locally prominent. George, the eldest, married Elizabeth Ch£ne in Detroit in 1795. Whittmore, born in Fort Miamis in 1763, married Mary Joseph Descomps dit Labadie in Detroit, June 23, 1797. Rebecca, baptized in Sandwich, March 1, 1778, married Captain Joseph May, who was drowned in Lake Erie. James, born in Roche de Bout in 1780, was thrice married. Different members of the family were engaged in the Indian trade. Whittmore and James bore an active and locally prominent part in the War of 1812. See Denissen, op. cit.; Mich. Pio. Colls., passim; Robert B. Ross, History of the Knaggs Family of Ohio and Michigan, Historical, Biographical and Genealogical (Detroit, 1902). 36 For the American view of this transaction, see the document printed ante, 112-14. 120 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS o have it enregistered, for which much trouble & interrup- on is given to me. I have once before been called before he Court about this matter, & Asked if I did so or not o clear do I feel that I had not only a right to do So, but lso even advise Subjects to continue under the British overmt (which I however did not meddle in), had I been o disposed, that I most certainly acknowledged not only y doing So but that I was perfectly right, & that it was in onformity to the treaty. JA Endorsed: Detroit 97 Aug* 26 J Askin to D. W. Smith sqr Niagara ADVICE FROM GOVERNOR RUSSELL CONCERNING CITIZENSHIP DISPUTE West Niagara 5 September 1797 Sir M Smith has just sent to me your letter of the 26h r lt° & the Copy of the Summons for your Appearance efore the General Quarter Sessions of the County of ayne & a Copy of the Letter from the British Inhabitants f Detroit to Peter Adrain Esqr. I am extremely sorry that I do not feel myself competent o give you the advice you desire, as your place of Residence without the Power of my Jurisdiction. Nor do I see any ossibility of even the British Minister's Interference, until ou are able to State to his Excellency the Nature of the ffence you have given to the Government of the United tates and the Sort of Notice which has been taken of it. his I presume to advise you to do without loss of Time mmediately from Detroit as the quickest mode of com- unicating with his Excellency. I am Sir Your Most Obedient Humble Servant Peter Russell ohn Askin Esqr British Merch* at Detroit Endorsed: West Niagara Sepr 5h 1797 Petter Russell Esqr dministering the Goverm* to Jn° Askin recv4 ye 15h Sepr 121 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS TITLES TO LAND ON LAKE ST. CLAIR Detroit 6 Oct 97 D thSir I'm fav4 with your two Kind Letters of the 4th & 6 last month to myself, also another relative to the Claims of M Ferry to me Jointly with others. I have Seen this man two days ago, who declares to me that the Lands the Board gave him, does not come within a whole lot of where mine is, Snyder's Farm lyes between us & that he has sent you (I suppose since you wrote) a clear map by which you will See it's the Case, but I have taken the precaution at same time to write the Attorney General least a deed might be made out that included any part of my Lands in that quarter. Whatever confusion may appear to be respecting the Lands at Petite Riviere above Peach Island, I'm Sure the Commissioners will Settle the matter equitably in an hours time. If M r McNiff or any other Surveyor makes out more Lots on paper than there really is, in consequence of Said plann the Land Board Grants them, I suppose prior Certificates Will have the preference & those thrown out get Lands elsewhere, in this case the two Lots purchd by Comm. Grant & me, above 11 years ago, & ocupied by us Since which were with others, con- firmed by the Land Board cannot in Justice be considered as the two deficients or we thrown to give way to others whoes claims must be about 8 years later. I return you many thanks for allowing M r Barthe to take up his Lands where he desired & have Wrote you on that Subject, there is no claims on those Lands I ever heard of except one made by Maisonville & I lately have learnt that it's not him but one old Schoolmaster that was at his House as his Son tells me. however as I never wanted any thing which another has a right to If he Claims Six acres in front there, I will desire him to make Known the nature of his Claims to you & If you think them good M r Barthe will get So much less in that quarter If not I will be very thankfull to you to let him have the whole as it will answer him better than in any other Quarter. Mrs Askin Joins in Compliments to your good mother & Mrs Smith, her apple tree is this year before my eyes, therefore 122 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS he Shall taste of the f* when ripe excuse bad paper yrs JA D Sr Since writing I have Seen Mr Maisonville, to whom have told what I have wrote you respecting the 6 acres f Land in point Claimed by him & desired him to make nown to you on what grounds he founds his Claims So hus If he does not get them M r Barthe may he says he will. Endorsed: Detroit 6. Oct 97 J Askin to D. Wm Smith sqr Niagara LAND TITLES ON LAKE ST. CLAIR YorkeSGO. 22 Novr 1797 Dear Sir, The removing to this place prevented me from ooner acknowledging the Rec* of yours of the 17h & 20h Ult° I have heard nothing from M r Maisonville. M r Iredell will of Course locate M r Barthe upon the disputable Lots. The persons in the vicinity of Fere's Mill will be involved difficulty, unless a caveat is lodged to stop his deed, in rder to get time to have the Claims adjusted. Every Certificate which has been lodged in my office for atents, have passed through long since. M r Baby lodged a warrant the 16h Aug* for L* Francois e Quindre,37 to make up his lands with what he has ceived 2000 Acres. Also on the same day, a warrant to * Guille Dequindre, to the same Effect, & to Fontenoy equindre The Same. The Whole of the Shores of Lake S*Clair, from the River tranche to Lassomption is open to M r Iredells Inter- rence for the accomodation of all persons indiscriminately. 37 On the Dequindre family \ine,see B.H.R., I,205-206. A son of Louis CesaireDagneau Quindre and Mary Ann Picote de Bellestre, there noted, was Francois Guillaume Dag- au de Quindre, Sieur de la Picanier,who was born in Montreal, July 23,1747, and married Detroit, Feb. 11, 1779, Therese Boyer, widow of Jean Baptiste Casse dit St. Aubin. ancois Guillaume De Quindre was buried in Sandwich, May 23, 1823. A brother of the foregoing, Charles Stanislas Dagneau de Quindre dit Fontenoy, married Sandwich, Nov. 18, 1780, Mary Catherine Ch&ie dit Labutte, who was born in Detroit, b. 23, 1761. He is evidently the Fontenoy Dequindre of the present document; unless ancois Dequindre and Guillaume Dequindre were the same person (i. e. the Francois illaume mentioned above), we are unable to identify them. Information adapted from nissen, op. cit. 123 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS The wretched situation I am in here, must apologize to you, for not hearing more from me at present; My Mother is necessarily obliged to you for the apples, they came here by mistake & I sent them back. M rs Smiths best Comp8 believe me Yours truly D W Smith John Askin Esr Addressed: John Askin Esqr Detroit DWS r Endorsed:r Yorke S. G. Office e Novh the y 22d 1797 D. dW.e Smith Esq to Jn° Askin recv* y 12 Jan 1798 & Answ y 14th FROM ARCHANGE MEREDITH TO MRS. JOHN ASKIN Le Camp a Laughlinstown Novembre 28th 1797 Celle ci ma tres chere Mere, est pour vous rendre conte dun noveaux voyage, que nous allons entre pendre, dans le cours de dix jours, a une autre partie de ce Payis. il faut avouer que nous etions fort a notre aise ici, et comme Par- rangment de cette petite Cabane, ne s'est pas accomplie sand depense, aussi bien que fatigue a mon cher Meredith, mon regret est augmente en consequence, nous l'avions acmode dans un jolie gout, et nous nous flattions de rester ici l'hyver, mais apresent tous nos Chateaux en Espagne sont evanouie. je vous assure ma chere Maman, que je me con- sole de Pidee, de posseder un grand bonheur en la compagnie de mon cher mari, et je prefere cent fois mieux, voyager continuellement, que d'etre separe de lui. la seulle chose qui me chagrine infinement, est la depense quil faut soutenir par raison de ce mouvement. Je suis heureuse de vous dire que cher M: est parfaitement retablie d'une dangereuse maladie dont il a ete afHige\ J'en ai eerie tous les particuliers a mon cher Pere quelleque terns passai, et je vous ai fait a tous les deux mon compliment sur le marriage de Therese. je le repete encore et leurs souhaites toutes especes d'heureuste. je nest pas encore recue de lettre d'elle depuis cette evenement, mais J'espere que je n'aurois pas longtems a dire cela. Parrive de ma cousine Wright en Engleterre environs un 124 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS mois passai ma bien surprise, je n'avois jamais appris quil avoit fait une echange dans une autre Regiment, j'aurois souhaite etre a Woolwich au terns pour lui avoir donn6 une bonne reception, surtout comme ma Tante Mercer venoit laisser Uuxbridge pour une endroit bien eloigne, mais cest a esperer quils se rencontrerons avant longtems; pour moi je n'est pas d'esperance de retourner en Angleterre avant que la guerre soit iinie, aumoins que mon cher Epoux succede a une compagnie, mais vous pouvez dire a mon cher Pere, que j'admire beaucoup son Payis, je voudrois que nous fussions assez chanceux de passer pres de la Paroisse ou il est nee, dans notre Route au Camp de Blavis, cest le nom de l'endroit ou nous allons, cest eloign6 a environs sept milles de la ville de Belfast, les gens qui entoures cette ville possede des Principes affreux, cette a dire quils sont tous dispos6 a joindre les Francois s'ils mettes peid a terre, mais je ne desespere pas de les faire taire au bruit de notre canon, jai grand confiance en ma profession, et comme je 1'ai em- bras6 de bonne accord, je fait un Soldat courageux. Parbleu, sea vaut la peine de me voir fermer les yeux au rapport dun canon, mais cest seulment parceque jai la vue foible, sil ont besoin de moi en cas que quellque chose arrive ils me donnerons un Poste ou l'on na pas besoin d'ouvrir les yeux, et je me distinguerai sans doute. * * Comme je suppose que chere soeur Adelaide commence a se meler de suivre les modes, vous avez la bont6 de lui donner cette partie du papier. Allons Adelaide, pretez attention, les coiffes du present ton sont fort unie9 ils cederons a Madam McGee. la maniere de les former est apres la facon dune calotte dun chapeau, cette a dire plus grand enhaut que la partie qui touche la tete. ils doive etre couvert de sattin noir ou blanc, arrange en plis, et une rosette de ruban sur le cote, et une egrette de fleur devant, si vos cheveux ne sont pas tout a fait noir, ne les poudrez pas, mais frisez les bien haut devant, et laissez les pender derriere, les cheveux doive etre court au cot6 peign6 uniement, et deux morceaux des cheveux de derriere platted et les mettre a chaque cote de la tete, de maniere a les faire joindre devant ou les cheveux sont frise\ touchant les Robes la mode n'est pas change", 125 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS seulment jaime que les jeunes demoisselles ne porte pas de mouchoir, ils peuve s'habiter modestement sans cela, et si votre taille est bien faite vous la montrerez a l'avantage, tant pour les modes. Vous aurez la bonte ma chere Mere de m'adresser a l'ordinaire de cette facon, MTS Meredith at Captn Meredith's R. British Artillery Laughlinstown Camp near Dublin Ireland. Mon epoux comprend mieux les affaires de l'etat que moi. tout que je scait est que les Francois ne veule pas conclure la paix avec nous, sea fait a present que les Braves Anglois nont pas d'autre partie a prendre qua se battre comme des Leons, car l'Empereur de Germanie nous a deserte, et nous somme les seulles qui reste pour defendre nos droits. n'im- porte, tant que nous pourons en tuer tant per Mer comme notre Brave Amiral Duncan a fait I'll d'octobre et que nous pourons instament souscrire la valeure de treize ou quatorze milles pontes, pour le bien des veuves, enfans ou autres parans des Mateolots qui ont perie sur cette Bataille, nous n'avons rien a craindre, je nest pas le talent de raconter une telle Bataille a merveille, les gazzetes vous les dirons mieux, la seule chose que j'ai a ajouter sur le sujet est que nous avons eu beaucoup de rejouissances en consequence, et je suis un peu fiere d'avoir pris le the, et passai une soiree en compagnie du Brave Amiral a Yarmouth, il est un belle homme. Mes plus tendres amitiez a vous, mon cher Pere, mes freres et soeurs, a Madame McKee, et mes souvenirs a son a son epoux. Monsier M me joint en tout cela,s a Jean &c &c oncle Grante Barthes &c &c &c &c Compt a mes connoissances M r R. L. T. mes enfans vous font temoignages de leurs tendres affection et je suis avec plus grand tendresse votre affectione fille Archange Meredith 8 r Mes compt a M Hamilton &c &c je voudrois scavoir comme sea va depuis cette triste affaire, souvenirs a Madeline et les siens. Appended: My dear Madam. I intended writing you by this Packet but my beloved Archange has so fully ex- pressed herself to you that I could have little to say only to assure you that I am with much affection [illegible] faith- fully D. Meredith 126 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Addressed: A Madam Askin Au Detroit Via New York Packet To the care of Mess1"8 Todd & McGill, merchants at Montreal, Canada. Endorsed: Camp ra at Laughlinstown 28 Novr 1797 M rs Meredith to M Askin Translation Camp in Laughlinstown November 28, 1797 This, my dearest Mother, is to give you an account of another journey we intend to take in the course of ten days, o a different part of the country. I must say we have been very comfortable here, and as the arrangement of this little cabin has not been accomplished without expense and great atigue for my dear Husband, my regret is increased in con- sequence. We have fixed it up in good taste and were having he pleasure of thinking that we would be here through the winter, but now all our castles in Spain have vanished. I assure you, dear Mama, I console myself with the thought of having much happiness in the company of my dear Hus- band, and I would a hundred times rather be on the move continually than to be separated from him. The only thing hat gives me infinite vexation, is the expense incurred in moving. I am happy to tell you that dear M. is entirely recovered rom a dangerous illness with which he has been afflicted. I wrote all the particulars of it to my dear Father some time past, and I have also complimented you both on Therese's marriage. I repeat this now and wish them all kinds of happiness. I have not yet had a letter from her since that event, but I hope that I shall not have long to say that. The arrival of Cousin Wright in England about a month ago was a great surprise to me. I had not heard that he had made an exchange into another company. I wish I had been in Woolwich at the time to have given her a good re- ception, especially as Aunt Mercer had just left Uxbridge or a place farther away, but I hope that we may meet before very long. I myself have no hope of returning to England before the war is over, at least unless my dear 127 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Husband succeeds to a company, but you can say to dear Papa that I admire his country very much. I wish we might be so lucky as to pass near the parish where he was born on our way to Camp Blavis, the name of the place where we are going. It is about seven miles from the town of Belfast. The people in that vicinity have frightful prin- ciples, that is, they are all disposed to join the French if they land, but I do not despair of silencing them by the noise of our cannon. I have great confidence in my pro- fession, and as I entered it willingly, I am a courageous soldier. Faith, you should see me close my eyes when a cannon goes off, but that is only because I have weak sight. If they should need me in case anything happened, they might give me a post where I did not have to keep my eyes open, and I should distinguish myself, no doubt. As I suppose that dear sister Adelaide has begun to be interested in the fashion, you will kindly give her this part of the paper. Come now, Adelaide, pay attention. Caps of the present style are all of a piece, "uni," like Madam McGee. You make them like the lining of a hat, that is, larger at the top than the part that touches the head. They should be covered with satin, black or white, arranged in folds, and a rosette of ribbon at the side, with a bunch of flowers in front. If your hair is not really black, do not powder it, but curl it quite high in front, leaving it hanging at the back. It should be short (cropped) at the side, combed smoothly, and the back hair plaited in two braids and brought around each side of the head so that they join in front where the hair is curled. Dresses have not changed in style, only I like to see young ladies without the necker- chief. They can dress modestly without that, and if you have a good figure, show it off to the best advantage. So much for the fashions. You will please, dear Mother, address me generally in this way: Mrs. Meredith, at Capt. Meredith's, R. British Artillery, Laughlinstown Camp, near Dublin, Ireland. My Husband understands state affairs better than I. All I know is that the French do not want to conclude peace with us. That makes it now so that the brave English have 128 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS no other course than to fight like lions, for the Emperor of Germany has deserted us, and we are the only ones left to defend our rights. Never mind! So long as we can kill as many of them at sea as our brave Admiral Duncan 38 did October 11, and can at once subscribe to the value of thir- teen or fourteen thousand pounds for the benefit of the widows, orphans, and other relatives of the sailors who perished in this battle, we have nothing to fear. I am not clever enough to describe such a battle correctly. The news- papers will tell you about it better. The only thing that I have to add on the subject is that we have had great re- joicings in consequence, and I am quite proud to have taken tea and spent an evening in company with the brave Admiral in Yarmouth. He is a fine man. My tenderest love to you, my dear Father, my brothers and sisters, and to Mrs. McKee, and remember me to her husband—Mr. M. joins me in all that—to John etc., etc., Uncle Grant, Barthes, etc., etc., etc. Compliments to my friends, Mr. R. L. T. My children assure you of their tender affection, and I remain with much love Your affectionate daughter, Archange Meredith My compliments to Mr. Hamilton, etc., etc. I should like to know how he is since that sad event. Remember me to Madelaine and her family. GRANT OF LICENSE TO OPERATE FERRY B Y WINTHROP SARGENT ACTING AS GOVERNOUR OF THE TERRITORY OF THE UNITED STATES NORTHWEST OF THE RIVER OHIO (SEAL) Be it known to whom it may concern: That John Askin, Esquire, of Detroit in the county of Wayne 38 Adam Duncan (1731-1804) entered the British navy in 1746 and, save for certain periods of enforced retirement, devoted the remainder of his life to it. He attained the rank of admiral, June 1,1795, at which time he was serving as commander of the North Sea fleet. In 1797, the Dutch government planned an invasion of Ireland. The plan went awry, but the fleet was sent to sea as a political gesture, and on October 11 Duncan defeated it in a furious battle off the Dutch coast. This exploit roused great popular enthusiasm in England and Duncan was rewarded by elevation to the peerage. He continued in com- mand of the North Sea fleet until 1801, and died on Aug. 4, 1804. He was a man of re- markable physique, six feet four inches tall and correspondingly broad, and possessed of unusual muscular strength. See Diet. Nat. Biog. 129 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS having applied for License to keep a Ferry From the Landing to the Shore of the River Detroit I have thouh[t] fit to grant the same for and during the Term of one Year from the date hereof and do by these Presents authorise and empower him the said John Askin, to ask demand and receive from all persons he shall transport across the said Water, and for all horses and Carriages and Cattle of every kind such rates and sums of Money as are now used to be taken. Enjoining upon, and requiring of him that when the Court of Quarter Sessions shall establish the rates of Ferriage he shall exactly conform thereto, and also to pro- vide and keep good and sufficient boats and the proper compliment of able & skilful pers ns at all times in readiness for the transportation of Passengers at reasonable hours in the day time, otherwise this License to be void. Given under my hand and the seal of the Territory this first Day of february A. Domini 1798. Winthrop Sargent Endorsed: ferry Licence for John Askin Esquire Detroit l a t february 1798. FROM MADELAINE RICHARDSON TO JOHN ASKIN fort Erie 18 fevrier 1798 Mon Cher Papa Je suis flatte dapprendre par la lettre que M r Richardson a recue de vous que vous ete en bonne sante\ ainsi que Maman et toute la famille. Je suis bien desapointe de ne recevoir auchunne lettres et bien mortifie de voir que mes soeurs moublie si vitte. Je nai Certainne- ment point manqu6 a leurs ecrire souvent mais comme Je ne recoit point de reponse Ca me ddcourage. Je craint que mes lettres les Importune. Nous avons eu la visitte de M r et Madame Hamilton et les enfants la semaine derniere. il ont pase deux ou trois Jours avec nous ils se porte bien. Nous avons pase les f&tes de Noel avec eux. Je suis flatte daprendre que vous avee une hiver bien Gaie au Detroit. Nous avons ausi une hiver bien agr&able. les enfant se porte bien John marche partout et est toujour gras a lordinaire. il aime Beau coup la Cariole pour lamour du cheval. Jane parle souvent de Maman et de Nelly Jespere 130 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS que cette lettre vous trouvera tous en parfaitte sante. M r Richardson vous marque le peu de Nouvelle quil y a Assure Ma chere Maman de nos amities ainsi que la famille. et la famille de Comodor Grant Je suis avec respects Votre affectionnd fille M Richardson Translation Fort Erie, February 18, 1798 My39 dear Papa: I am pleased to learn by Mr. Richard- son's letter from you that you are in good health, also Mama and all the family. I am much disappointed not to receive any letters and most mortified to see that my sisters have forgotten me so quickly. Certainly I have never missed a chance of writing to them often, but when I receive no answer I am discouraged, and fear that my letters weary them. We had a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton and the children last week. They passed two or three days with us. They are well. We spent Christmas with them. I am glad to hear that you have had such a gay winter in Detroit. It has passed very agreeably here also. The children are well. John40 walks everywhere and is as fat as ever. He s very fond of sleigh riding for he loves a horse. Jane41 speaks often of Mama and of Nelly. I hope that this letter will find you all in perfect health. Mr. Richardson will tell you what little news there is. Assure my dear Mama of our love, also the family, and 39 Dr. Robert Richardson, for whom see B. H. R., I, 14, 441-42. 40 John Richardson, eldest son and second child of Dr. Robert Richardson and Made- aine Askin, was born in Queenston, Oct. 4, 1796. In mature life he achieved fame as n author of works of history and of fiction. Most of his boyhood was spent in Amherst- berg and at the home of his grandfather, John Askin. At the opening of the War of 1812 e joined, as a volunteer, the Forty-first Regiment and served with it throughout the entire eriod of the war on the western front. Following the war, he served for many years in he British army in Europe; at length, returning to Canada, he devoted himself to litera- ure, in which he achieved much reputation but little financial reward. Failing in his fforts to earn a livelihood in Canada, he removed to New York, where on May 12, 1852, e died in great want. The best sketch of his career that has been written is the biography y A. C. Casselman, published as an introduction to a reprint edition of his War of1812. 41 Jane Richardson, eldest child of Dr. Richardson and the writer, was born in Queens- on, May 19, 1794. She married Robert Rist of the Thirty-seventh Regiment on Jan. IS, 816. She died, Oct. 31, 1831, and was buried in the Butler burying ground at Niagara. ee ibid., xlvi. 131 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Commodore Grant's family. I remain, with respect, Your affectionate daughter, M. Richardson FROM MADELAINE ASKIN TO JOHN ASKIN Riviere Raizin marce 4 1798 Mon Cher papa Votre faveur du 18 de fevrie a ett6 Recu avec boucoup de plesir d'aprandre que tout la famile se porte bien, je recu une lettre de mon Cher John il se porte bien il manvoyez mon frere pourr passer le restan de lhiver avec moi, vous recevere par M Duval treze livres de Sindoux. si vous an voule davantage vous poure mecrire jantrouve a achet6 mes bien cher a trois sheling la livre vous prir6 maman davoir la bonte de manvoyez la chaudiere je crois que M r Duval san chargera. je averti plusieur persone que sil voyoit votre Negre de le prandre et de alle vous le men6 et je leur et dit la recompance que vous leur donnerez il mont promi quil le feroit avec plaisir je vous prie danbraser ma cher maman pour moi ainssi que tout la famile Adieu Mon cher papa je suis votre obeisante fille Madelaine Askine Addressed: Monsieur Askin, Merchant Detroit Endorsed: Riviere Au Raizin Le 4d de 6 th Mars 1798 MrB Madelaine Askin to Jn° Askin. Answ y 5 Translation Raisin River, March 4, 1798 My dear Papa: Your favor of February 18 was received with much pleasure, saying that all the family are well. I received a letter from my dear John. He is well. He is sending my brother to pass the rest of the winter with me. You will receive, by Mr. Duval,42 thirteen pounds of lard. 41 The Duvals of Detroit and vicinity were descended from Pierre Edmund Thuot, who married Mary Louisa Duval and resided in the city of Tonnerre, France. Their son, Pierre, born there in 1681, came to Canada and married in Montreal, in 1708, Elizabeth Guilbert dit Laframboise, a native of that place. She died before 1712; and Pierre married (second), July 11, 1712, Mary Fournier, daughter of Antoine Fournier and Mary Roncelay of Boucherville. A son of this marriage, Thomas Ignatius Thuot dit Duval, was born in 132 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS f you want more you can write me. I shall find some to uy, but very dear at three shillings a pound. Ask Mama lease to send me the big kettle. I think Mr. Duval will ake charge of it. I gave notice to several people that if hey see your negro, to arrest him and take him to you, nd I told them what reward you would give. They romised to do it with pleasure. I beg you to embrace ear Mama and all the family for me. Goodby, my dear Papa, I remain, Your obedient daughter, Madelaine Askin BUILDING ACTIVITIES IN AMHERSTBURG Maiden March the 9th 1798 Sir I am Very Sorry I did not See You when I was in own Last as I had no other Business up to Detroit than especting what we wer a talking of but it is Impossible or me to [go] up at Present on account of Some Boatwork n hand & more over we Daily Expect the Town Lots to be un out here and if I am absent at that time I am Certain o be a Loser by it & as to the Corn there is no Such thing here to be pur- hacd for M r Sheppherd [h]as Bought all that was to be old in this place I can Scarce get Enough for my own orses. If you Intend having a house Down here this Summer ow is the only time to1 get the Timber Cut for it for they re all Constantly Cutting & hawling So that all that is ood & Convenient will Soon be gone if [you] have it Cut hilst I am here I will hawl it for you You may Expect me up in about 10 Days or Two weeks t furthest. I am Sr yr Very Obt Serv* Wm Hutchings ontreal, Jan. 3, 1725. He married in Longueuil, Feb. 17, 1749, Mary Piedalu dit La- airie. Their son, Ignatius Joachim Thuot dit Duval, born in Longueuil, Sept. 19, 1751, me to Detroit and on Jan. 15, 1776, married in Sandwich, Lisette Le Beau, daughter of rancis Le Beau and Mary Joseph Bigras dit Fauvel. Presumably he is the individual entioned in this document. They reared a large family. They seem to have removed to e Raisin River settlement, where Ignatius Duval was buried, July 5, 1826, and his wife n April 2, 1827. Information adapted from Denissen, op. cit. 133 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Addressed: John Askin Esqr Detroit Endorsed: Maiden d e March th 9h d1798 6 M th r WmHutchings43 to Jn° Askin recv y 14 Answ y 15 . TRADE CONDITIONS AT FORT MIAMIS Fort Miamis 19th March 1798 Dear Sir Thear is an Ideay Struck Me Since Thease few Days which I am very Sorey did Not before You wrote for the Engages to Mountrell, that is that we did Not think of gating them to Com up in a boate with the Spirits, as You Know thear is always boats a Coming up in the Spring for Diffrent People & with paying the Cundocter a triffel He would heave Cundocted them up. For You Know that in Cuming up in the Veassels they Cost a grate Dale, the bote Is always worth More thin it Costs. If You think it is in any ways likley Word Couled gat Doun before they are Sant off I think it would be a fine thing Fort [for] I wouled want Liquer Early in the Spring. You will please do as You please In that Busness. Trade is but verey poor Hear at preasent on Account of the Merchents at Fort Defiance who is Mr McDougell and M r McDonall44 they Sail to the Indins For Merley Nothing, that is they take three Raccoons for a Buck & give thear Goods in the Same Rate M r McDougell Saes that M r McDanall Shall Not under Sell Him on any Account for if the Latter gives his away for Nothing he will do the Same. The Indians talks all of going thear I tell Them they ar welcom to go whear they please For I will Not give My goods a way for Nothing. So I am verey Much afriad I will Heave but a poor trade this Spring. But I think thease Gentle Men Will Not hold out long, and then I will Come in for Som, for You Know it is Batter to Keep the goods on Hand then8 give them away for Noting. My Beast Respicts to Mis Askin rand all the Femelly, and belive Me to be You He Sv* To M John Askin Detroit John Anderson 43 William Hutchins was a carpenter and probably a boat builder. In 1799 he was employed on the King's work in Amherstburg, at which time Askin desired him to come to Detroit to repair a vessel belonging to him. Information from mss. in B. H. Coll. 44 Probably George McDougall and Ronald McDonell, for whose careers see B. H. R., I, 374, and 367. 134 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Addressed: John Askin Esqr Merch* Detroit Endorsed: Fortd Miamis d Marchst19h 98 M r Jn° Anderson to Jn° Askin recv & Answ y* 31 CAPTURE OF FUR CARGO Montreal 23d March 1798 Dear Askin By the Winter express I wrote you & Meldrum & Park a joint Letter in answer to your proposal respecting the Sagana saying I would give her all the freight I could procure at Fort Erie & Detroit for Michelam* and depended on the preference to Load her with Packs the irst Trip at Michelama thon a Supposition she will be there not sooner then the 15 June and for you to give orders o be under the direction of my Agent there; I think there will be 3 or 4 Batte[a]u Load[s] for her at Fort Erie as soon as they can get there being now at La Chine, and its prob- able you may recieve proposals dfor ay second Trip. I am now favord with yours of the 23 Jan & l 8t febry yto which I have only time (having Just heard of this oppt ) to say I am happy to hear you & family are in good health and that there is a prospect of seeing you here this Summer we have disagreeable news from N York of the Capture of one (and the richest of our Furr Ships in which we had to Amo* of £12000 of which your musk was part as we believe it all Insured if no Loss by underwriters in my opinion the con[c]erned will have no reason to regret as I eared a Loss on the Sales, but what Leaves me in a State of A[n]xiety is our having no certainty of the Arrival of the Euretta the other furr Ship. I will writer you fully the irst Navigation perticulatly respecting M Hands & at same time answer his Letter, M r McGill & I wrote you by he express a joint Letter respecting rs our property in yourrs care and with best respects to M & Miss Askin & M McKee I remain D r Askin Yours Sincerely John Askin Esqr Isaac Todd r Addressed: John Askin Esq Detroit Endorsed: Montreal March 23d 1798 M r Isaac Todd to n° Askin recv y 29 April Answ May the 2d d e th d 135 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS FROM FRANCIS VIGO TO JOHN ASKIN Poste Vincennes Le 6 Avril 1798 Monsieur Par votre Derniere que jai eu Le plaisir de recevoir vous m'engage6s a aller au Detroit, vous devez etre reellement persuades du plaisir que j'aurois a y aller mais Je Suis si foible qu'a peine puis je Sortir de ma maison. recevez je vous Prie L assurance de ma reconnoissance Pour Linteret que vous voulez bien Prendre a mes affaires. En Consequence Jai Ecris a M r abbot Javoir vendre Des terres Jai ete oblig6 d'en reprendre une Partie. je craignois quel- ques Difficult^—cest ce qui ma Engage a Le faire et—par consequ6nt rendre quelque argeant que Javois recu. Main- tenant tous mes regards—Je portent sur Le Detroit. Je ne Dois Pas un seul sol en amerique et Jespere avec un Peu de terns Terminer mes affaire avec honneur. Jai L honneur D'etre Monsieur Votre Serviteur Vigo Si Pourtant ces Messieurs vouloient accepter des terres Je Pourrois Terminer tout de suite, faite agreer a Mdme votre Epousse L assurance de Mon respect, mille amitie a toute La famille. M r Simon Porteur de La Presente ayant quelque aifaire avec La Maison de M r Todd a La Nouvelle Orleans, Jai Prie La Libert6 de vous Ladresser Pour les renseignements quil Pourroit ravoir besoin ayant envi de faire quelque Pavement a M assek Todd. Addressed: Monsieur Askin Equiller au Detroit Par la faveur de M r Simon Gonzales Endorsed: Post Vincentd e April h 6h 1798 Monsr Francois Vigo to Jn° Askin recv y 15 of May Translation Post Vincennes, April 6, 1798 Sir: By your last that I have had the pleasure to receive, you make an engagement for me to go to Detroit. You must surely know with what pleasure I would comply, but I am so weak that I can scarcely leave my room. Accept, 136 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS beg you, the assurance of my gratitude for the interest ou so kindly take in my business. In consequence, I have ritten to Mr. Abbott that I had sold some lands. I have een obliged to take a part of them back. I was afraid here would be trouble. That was why I did it, and there- ore returned the money I had received. Now all my houghts center in Detroit. I do now owe a single sou in merica and I hope with a little time allowed, to close my usiness honorably. I have the honor to be, Sir, your servant, Vigo If nevertheless, the gentlemen will accept lands, I could lose the matter at once. Kindly give Madam, your wife, ssurance of my respect, and many good wishes to all your amily. Mr. Simon, the bearer of this, having some business with he house of Mr. Todd in New Orleans, I have taken the iberty to refer him to you for any information he may need s he wishes to make some payment to Mr. Isaac Todd. INDEBTEDNESS OF SIMON GONZALES New Orleans 25th April 1798 Copy) M r Isaac Todd Sir Having just heard that a Spanish Trader of the name f Simon Gonzales,45 who had been fitted out here by me ome time since for Post Vincent, instead of returning to his place has proceeded to Detroit with a considerable uantity of Peltries, I am under the necessity of applying o you to request your assistance in recovering his debt, in hich the Estate of M r Andrew Todd is one half Concerned, t amounts to 27S6ys Dollars with Interest from the 9th ay of November 1796 till paid. I have forwarded his Note 45 This letter illustrates interestingly the widespread ramifications of the western fur ade. Simon Gonzales was a resident of (or at least a trader in) Vincennes, who obtained s goods from Clark of New Orleans. The latter, to enforce payment of the debt due him pplied to Isaac Todd in Montreal to have Gonzales seized in Detroit. Todd forwarded a opy of Clark's letter to Askin, who procured the arrest of Gonzales in Detroit in May, 798, when he gave as security for the debt three tracts of land owned by him in Vincennes. ee post, 143-44. 137 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS to M r Porter at the Ilinois with directions to go to Post Vincent to endeavor to obtain payment, but fearful lest he should have left that place, I have to entreat you will re- quest some friend in Detroit to make Enquiry about him and take measures to secure him & his property, until an Application to Porter or the person he may appoint as his agent in Post Vincent, his Bond can be sent after him. I have written to Mrr Robert Bunton and M r VanderBurg46 of the Post to give M Porter assistance and flatter myself they will extend their good offices to him. I have likewise written to General Wilkinson with whom I am well ac- quainted intreating him to write to the Commanding Officers & Magistrates at Detroit & Post Vincent to recommend this business to them and request they would see Justice done to me and I flatter myself he will comply with my request and do me every service in his power. Your Recommendation of it to your friends in Detroit may be of great utility, and I hope you will be kind enough to interest yourself in it, and by your means secure this debt. I remain with Esteem Sir Your most obedient & most humble Servant (Signed) Daniel Clark Jun r 47 Endorsed: r New Orleans April the 25h 1798 Daniel Clark Jun to Isaac Todd 46 Henry Vanderburgh was born in Troy, N. Y., in 1760. At the age of sixteen he was appointed a lieutenant in the Fifth New York Regiment of Continental troops, and he subsequently became a captain in the Second Regiment. He served until the close of the war, and soon thereafter came west to Vincennes, where in February, 1790, he married into one of the French families of that place. He early became influential locally, and in February, 1799, was made chairman of the Legislative Council of the Northwest Territory. Upon the organization of Indiana Territory he became one of the three judges of the Supreme Court, and he continued to occupy this position until his death, April 12, 1812. Vanderburgh County, Indiana, is named in his honor. Information adapted from Logan Esarey, History of Indiana from its Exploration to 1850 (Indianapolis, 1915), passim; and sketch in Joseph P. Elliott, History of Evansville and Vanderburgh County (Evansville, 1897), 66. 47 Daniel Clark Jr. was born in Sligo, Ireland, in 1766. In December, 1786, he arrived in New Orleans, where his uncle (also named Daniel Clark) had resided for many years. In July, 1801, Clark was appointed consul of the United States at New Orleans, serving until the transfer of Louisiana in 1804. He subsequently served as territorial delegate to Congress from Louisiana. He was long a firm opponent of the political and other designs of General James Wilkinson. About the year 1802, Clark entered upon a connection with Madam Zulime Desgranges of New Orleans, and a daughter was born to them who sub- sequently became the wife of General E. P. Gaines of the U. S. army. Clark died in New Orleans, Aug. 16, 1813. He left important property interests, and the question whether he 138 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS FRENCH DESIGNS AGAINST CANADA Mount Dorchester 7th May 1798 Dear Sir, on my return from Europe last fall, I found myself your Debtor for a kind remembrance by the winter's xpress, which I purposed to have acknowledged by the eturn of our friend Pollard this winter, but his very pressing ffairs deprived us of the pleasure of seeing him here, and is Arrival from York at Niagara was not announced to me ntill after his departure for Detroit. I trouble you with his detail as the only apology for permitting a letter from my worthy friend to remain so long unacknowledged. I ish my Situation here enabled me to render my Corres- ondence useful or entertaining, but in truth I am a mere Hermit, taking no part in the public business of the Colony, ther than a qua[r]terly attendance to my Duty on the Bench. I had not the Satisfaction of seeing your Connec- ions in England. Mr8 Meredith was, I understood, at Yarmouth when I was in Norfolk, but my time did not ermit me to go from Norwich to pay my respects, and I ad no guide where to enquire after M rs Mercer. I heard hat M rs M. enjoyed Health, Spirits & Beauty, the great esiderata of youth. The public Papers which find their way to your Quarter will inform you of the very critical Affairs of Europe, which eems to be universaly convulsed by the new republic of rance. The Cession of the Provinces on the Missisipi to rance48 appears to me to be a Prelude to some Commotion mong us. I consider Louisiana at present valuable to France only as a Point of Attack on the U. S. and as Quebec s the other Point, I should not be surprised if they were o make an Attempt on the good will of the lower Province, n such Case we shall be between two Guilliotines and I hink probably have the Tomhawk raised over our Heads. as married to Madam Desgranges vexed the state and federal courts for half a century. Many of Clark's consular papers are printed in the Am. Hist. Rev., Vols. XXXII and XXIII. For a statement of his relations with Madam Desgranges, see U. S. Supreme ourt Reports, 6 Wallace, 645 ff. 48 The cession of Louisiana by Spain to France actually occurred on Oct. 1, 1800; hat well-informed men had long anticipated such a development is shown by Judge owell's present letter. 139 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS for our wiseacres have given to Jo. Brant49 so decided a Superiority in the late negociation, that the Missasague's who own the Territory between York and the western popu- lation of the Province have adopted him in the Place of their great Chief Wabkenine who was murderd it is supposed by some rangers. They say that Brant is fittest to be their Chief because he alone knows the value of Land. I think much Matter may arise from this Transaction and not greatly to the Credit of our Politicians. M rs P. and her flock enjoy good Health and She unites cordialy in the assurances of Regard and Respect d to M rs A yourself and family with Dear Sir Your fr & Servant Wm Dummer Powell John Askin Esqr Addressed: rJohn Askin Esqr Detroit, recommended to the Care of M T Dixon Endorsed: Mount Dorchester 6 h Mayd lh l h 1798 Judge Powell to Jn° Askin recv* y 24 Answ 29 of June but no Coppy kept ABSCONDENCE OF ANDREW JOHNSON river Raisin May 21, 1798 Dear Father If M r Pattinson50 had not been in such a Great hurry (en Passant) this way on his return tod Detroit I would have wrote you beforer this Period. I re a letter from M r Marshall wrote by 51 M Maisonville in your Name Acquainting Me of Johnsons having run away & that you was a thgreat Sufferer by it. he passed the Cahayagai river the 29 April; I had five Indians who was to have Seized & bound him & brought him back to Detroit but he unfortu- nately did not come on this side of the Cahayagai river & the Indians were not willing to commit any Offence on the other Side. As I mean to gor to Detroit in a Short time I will give you a full ace* of M Johnson. Please present my 49 For a sketch of the career of Joseph Brant, see B. H. R., I, 541. 50 Richard Pattinson, for whose career see ibid., 594. 51 Probably Andrew Johnson, who according to various letters among the Askin papers had been running a flourmill as Askin's agent at Raisin River. 140 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS respects to Mamma & my Love to my Brothers & Sisters I remain Yr Dutiful Son, r Jn° Askin jun M John Askin Detroit Addressed: M r John Askin Merchant Detroit Endorsed: River au Rasin d e May 21* 1798 Jn° Askin Jun r to Jn° Askin Senior recv y same day no Answer requisite as he is coming here. INDEBTEDNESS OF SIMON GONZALES L' An mil sept cent quatre vingt dix huit, et le vingt troisidme Jour du mois de mai fut present, Simon Gonzales Negociant du Poste Vincennes, dans le territoire des Etats unis, et actuellement au Detroit, lequel reconnoit avoir hypotequ£, et par ces presentes hypotdque pour Surety d'une dette qu'il doit a M r Clark negociant a la Nouvelle Orleans, et dans la quelle dette il est possible que defunt Andr6 Todd, mort a la nouvelle Orleans, Soit interresse", Trois Contrats de Terre, Size et Situ6 dans le voisinage du Poste Vincennes. SCAVOIR Un de cent arpens de terre des donations du Congres, dans le premier carre" dans le Lot nombre cent vingt trois, a prendre dans un bout ou a l'autre, achet6 par le dit Simon Gonzales du Sieur Manuel de Liza pour la Somme de cent piastres, par Acte passe au poste Vincennes le 4 Janvier 1798. Un autre de quatre cent Arpens, ou acres, de terre pro- venant des donations du Congres, nombre Soixante Sept dans le premier quarr6 achete" par le Sieur Simon Gonzal6s du Sieur Manuel de Liza pour la Somme de quatre cent piastres, par acte passe au poste Vincennes le 4 Janvier 1798. Une Terre de Six arpens, de front, Sur la profondeur de quarante Arpens, Situe6 a la riviere aux Embaras, achete par le dit Simon Gonzales du Sieur Francois Cantebury pour la Somme de Six cent livres en argent par act6 passe au poste Vincennes le 24 mars 1798. Les quels trois Contrats restent et demeurent de"pose"s dans les mains de John Askin Ecuyer, negociant au Detroit, 141 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS et agent de M r Isaac Todd de Montreal, lequel M r Isaac Todd est executeur et Adminiatrateur de la Succession de defunt Andre Todd, Son neveu La condition du present hypoteque est telle que Si le dit Simon Gonzales donne des preuves dans l'espace de douze mois de ce Jour, qu'il ne doit rien, a la maison de Todd & Clark ou m6me a la maison de Clark Seule, alors le present hypoteque devient nul, autrement il restera en pliene force et vertu pour la Security de la Somme que le dit Simon Gonzales pourra devoir, Soit a Todd & Clark Soit a Clark Seul. Et pour l'execution des presents le dit Simon Gonzales a elu Son domicile dans l'Office du Prothonotaire du Conte de Wayne au Detroit, et a Scelle et Signe au presence de Temoin le Jour et an que dessus. (Signe) Simon Gonzales (L. S.) Signe, Scelle et delivre en presence de Peter Audrain Protony Wayne County ss. Personnally came before me James May, Esquire, one of the Judges of the court of common pleas for the said county, Simon Gonzales who acknowledges the foregoing to be his act and deed for the purposes therein contained, and that as Such, it may be recorded. In testimony whereof I have hereunto Subscribed my name at Detroit this 26 day of may 1798. (Signed) James May J. C. P. W. C. Wayne County ss. L. S. I certify that the above James May Esquire, Seal of is one of the Judges of the court of common ye county pleas, in, and for the Said county, and that as such, faith ought to be given to his signa- ture. In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed the Seal of the County, at Detroit this 26h day of may 1798. (Signed) Peter Audrain Prothy 142 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Wayne County ss I certify the above to be a true copy of the Original, as recorded in my office in the Book N° 1 Pages 349 & 350. In testimony whereof SEAL I have hereunto Subscribed my name and affixed my seal of Office, at detroit this 19 april, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred & ninety nine. (Signed) Peter Audrain Recorder of Wayne County Translation In the year one thousand seven hundred ninety-eight, he twenty-third day of the month of May, personally came nd appeared Simon Gonzales, merchant of Post Vincennes n the Territory of the United States, and now in Detroit, who acknowledges to have mortgaged, and by these presents oes mortgage, as security for a debt he owes to Mr. Clark, merchant of New Orleans, and in which debt it is possible he late Andrew Todd, deceased in New Orleans, may have n interest, three deeds for land, located and situated in the vicinity of Post Vincennes. NAMELY: One of one hundred arpents of land, donated y Congress, in the first square in lot one hundred twenty- hree, taken from either end, bought by the said Simon Gonzales from Manuel Lisa52 for the sum of one hundred piastres, according to deed executed in Post Vincennes, anuary 4, 1798. Another of four hundred arpents, or acres, of land, com- rising the donations of Congress, number sixty-seven, in he first square, bought by Simon Gonzales from Manuel 5Z Manuel Lisa (De Lisa) was born in New Orleans in 1771, his father having come to ouisiana, it is said, from South America when the Spaniards took possession of the rovince. About the year 1790, Lisa came to upper Louisiana, locating for several years in New Madrid and subsequently in St. Louis. He engaged in the fur trade, first with the sage and later with the tribes of the upper Missouri region. For almost a generation he as known as one of the most enterprising and successful traders of this region. He died n St. Louis in 1820. In 1818 he married a daughter of Stephen Hempstead, who survived im almost half a century. Information adapted from Houck, History of Missouri, II, 53-54. 143 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Lisa for the sum of four hundred piastres according to deed executed in Post Vincennes, January 4, 1798. A tract of six arpents in front by forty in depth located at Embarrass River, bought by the said Simon Gonzales from Francis Cantebury for the sum of six hundred livres cash, according to deed executed in Post Vincennes, May 24, 1798. Which three deeds rest and remain in the hands of John Askin, Esq., merchant of Detroit and agent for Isaac Todd of Montreal, the said Isaac Todd being executor and ad- ministrator of the estate of the late Andrew Todd, his nephew. The condition of this present mortgage is that if the said Simon Gonzales furnish proof within the space of twelve months from the date hereof that he does not owe anything to the house of Todd and Clark, or even to the house of Clark alone, then this present mortgage becomes void, otherwise it remains in full force and effect for the security of whatever sum the said Simon Gonzales may owe, either to Todd and Clark or to Clark alone. And for the execution of these presents the said Simon Gonzales has appointed the office of the prothonotary of the County of Wayne, in Detroit, and has set his hand and seal in presence of witness the day and year above written. (signed) Simon Gonzales (L. S.) Signed, sealed, and delivered in presence of Peter Audrain, Prothonotary REFUSAL TO VALIDATE LAND TITLES Detroit 12 July 1798 Dear Sir Tho I wish to be as little troublesome to my old acquaintances as possible, yet in the present case, my Interest as well as that of Mssrs Isaac Todd & James McGill is so deeply concerned, that I am obliged to call on all my Friends not only to exercise their personal Influence in my behalf but also to call to their aid such as are capable from their situations, of giving any, provided you and them think me right after you have heared what I have to Say. 144 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Some years ago, when the Governor's proclamation de- clared that Lands should be given to certain persons on the Certificate of a Majestrate, finding many of those who possessed these Certificates were disposed to sell them, and being desirous by every means in my power to render my property more valuable for the sole purpose of discharging as far as in my power lay the heavy Balance I owed the best of men, I accordingly purchased several at the rate of from £10 even to £50 for each 200 acres & never entertained any doubt as to their validity, having as every British Subject should a perfect reliance on the word or proclama- tion of the Servants of Government Those who obtainedr the Majestrates Certificate carried them Immediately to M Iredell the Deputy Surveyor and mentioned at same time where they wished to take upr those Lands, and as I pur- chased them I reported to M Iredell likewise my having done so & that as soon as the Country was surveyed where these people made their choice I would wish to locate the Lands I purchased in Said place, not from the goodness of the Lands but their Situation as being nearer some others I had got I also frequently mentioned to the Acting Sur- veyor General my Friend what I had done and was doing and for a certain time did not understand that there Was any objections to such purchaces. I afterwards learnt some doubts arose; but when the Legislature in the last years Sessions passed that most equitable Law respecting the pur- chace of Lands, I then was perfectly satisfied that they were mine, and that If my purchases were proved to be fair & honest, before the Commissioners Deeds would be Issued in my name. I therefore begged the acting surveyor General would order that part of the Country to be laid out in Lotts where those I purchased of had made choice, and where I still wished to take up these Lands. A Letter which [I] received the 7th Instant from the Honorable W. David Smith, (paragraph from which I here inclose), has alarmed me not a little and is the reason of my troubling you. The Gentleman I just now named, the Commodore & M r Hamilton to all of whom I have sent Copies of this my Letter to you which will give them like information, added to this my son who is the Bearer, & 145 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Walter Roe Esq r can give further information If requisite, and as I understood that it was once supposed that several Magistrates had given certificates to People undeserving for the purpose of purchasing them, I deny any such conduct in me. I have therefore transmitted by my Son in order to shew it to you & other Friends a list of the names of the people of whom I got the Lands, what Majestrates signed their Certificates and their present place of abode, by this you will See that few of them are on the American side of the River, and those that are have either served under Governor Hamilton (who promised them Lands) or at Fort Miamis when General Wayne came against it, and are recommended for Lotts by Capt Montigny who was then there. I now, agreable to my Friend M r Smith's Letter Memorial- ize] the president & Honorable Council to direct that the Lands I claim may be surveyed and allotted to me or to those of whom I got them and that when the Commissioners come here If my pretentions are found good that Deeds may be granted me for them. I do not recollect having ever been more interested in any Event than this as my worthy Friends Mess r James & Andrew McGill have agreed in their settlement with me to take 40 of these Lotts In lieu of £4,000 & I was to give them free of charges. Should I not obtain Grants for these Lands I purchaced I will not be able to fulfill my Engagements with them & consequently ruined, and tho you & M r Hamilton are not of the executive Council yet you have influence with those that are and If you find my Claims right & Just I hope & firmly believe from your general Character exclusive of your Friendship that you will have my Memorial Supported so as to obtain what I ask for, and think my Just due. If the majestrates certificates belonging to me were not located it is none of my fault, my applica- tions for a survey of the Quarter where I was given to under- stand I could get the Lands were frequent (as every other place seemed to be taken up as soon as laid out) and untill the receipt of the acting Surveyor Generals Letter, dated the lBt June last I neither had, nor had reason to have any doubt respecting them further than I must wait untill other 146 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS service would admit these Lands being surveyed, and then my Claims would be complied with. I would have went in person to transact this business was I not so subject to Sickness from catching the Slightest cold, but, Should my presence be absolutely necessary in order to obtain what I equire I will even at the risk of my life undertake the ourney or any thing else in order to do Justice to Mess™ Isaac Todd & James McGill. I have laid out above £500 in improvements &c on Lotts I purchased from those who had Land-Board Certificates which is more than those I purchased of would have done n a long time. I am Dear Sir with real regard your most obedient humble Servant [John Askin] The Honorable Richd Cartwright at Yorke ALARM IN AMHERSTBURG My Dear Sir, The Bearer hereof you will be pleased to let have the Celery plants, as many as can be conveniently spared. We are all confusion, Cauldwell arm'd Cap a pie expecting a Visit of civility from your garris[on] rusty swords, unlocked Muskets and unpointed Bayonets, form a tremendious appearance at his Chateau, under the Com- mand of a Colonel Captain & Surgeon who is to attend all consequences that may result from a Besieged Mansion, such as women in Hysteric fits, Cowards half roasted in the oven, and Children frightened at the tales of Ghosts Hop- goblings and long stories of former wars and a variety of matters that must arise, and must be delivered from a Head well heated with imaginary Nothings in that state is now our poor Chateau which the Lord in his great Mercy safely defend us, is D r Sir the present prayer of the Surgeon in distress, but yours in every Situation Wm Harffy Monday night. Addressed: John Askin Esqr Detroit Endorsed: Maiden July 30, 1798 Docr Harffy to Jn° Askin Recd & Answd Ye 1 st Aug*. 147 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS SALVAGING WRECK OF THE ANNETTE Dear Sir I have now before me your favor of the 12th Ins* and shall attend in order to the Various Contents. One of my last respects Mentioned my having Received the Freight Account from you by the Way of the River LaTrench 8 Months after date. That Matter is therefore Settled. I am very Sencible of your kindness in the bussi- ness of the Weazells freight, and have Accordingly placed the £55. to your Credit on that Account for Com. Besides the 21. 4. O made by her from M r Colt in Voyages to Presque Isle I have Charged M r O Harra53 the Contractor, for the freight of 123 barrels Salt £49. 4. 0. at your Credit. I am still without my Teas from the States. I have how- ever Received from Montreal some Hyson & Breakfast teas for my own use, which I will chearfully share with you, & a portion of each shall be sent up before the last Vessell shall Sail. Bohea Costs in Montreal 3/9 Cash, Which with Commission Charges &c, brings it near 8/ york here, at which price it could be no Object to send you any. I have forwarded to you to Fort Erie the Shott Sope & Candles as p r inclosed Bill of Parcels, Amounting with all Charges her[e] Shiped, to £62. 17. 3 York which I hope you Will find right. I hope in the Course of this Week to forward you some Barrels of Whiskey. The demand for this Article has of late been so Considerable, I can hardly get a sufficient Supply for the Shop. M r Nichol got back from the Grand River only on the day the Saguinau Saild. I could not therefor benefit by her, to send you any Infor- mation respecting the Unfortunate business at Long Point, fl] now inclose M r N s Report & Voutc[hers for] his Ex- penditures, which were as you see defrayed by the Sale of 53 James O'Hara, born in Ireland about the year 1751, was educated in France and was commissioned in the Coldstream Guards before coming to America in 1772. He soon found his way to Pittsburgh, where he became identified with the Indian trade prior to the outbreak of the Revolution. He took an active part in that struggle, rising to the rank of brigadier general. Aside from his military employment he held, at different times, various public offices, and engaged in numerous business enterprises—among others the one here noted of contractor for provisioning the western army posts. Pittsburgh remained his home until his death, Dec. 21, 1819. He has been characterized by one writer as "the first Napoleon of industry in Pittsburgh," with whose early development he was prominently identified for almost half a century. See Americana {American Historical Magazine), IV, 295-99. For O'Hara's Detroit connections, see Louise Rau, "James Henry," Burton Hist. Coll. Leaflet, VII, 65 ff. 148 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS ome of the Articles more exposed to dam[a]ge than the others. I have Received from him 15 dollars being the balance of Sales over his Charges, as you Will Observe by he Statement. In Which however nothing is Charged for his personal trouble and Excertion. What may be proper to Allow in this Case you must Judge. And also inform me how to dispose of a bal. of £4 in my hands as out of he £6 Received, I had advanced M r Nichol 40/ on setting out. I think you will do well to present the Conduct of the Magistrates in that Quarter, to the President. & if you thought proper, the purchasers of Goods so well known to be Stolen deserve prosecution. I only fear the distance Will Cause more trouble, than can Well be given. You Will Observe that all the Articles saved, have been [sent] to Presque Isle, except the few [torn] belonging to the Sloop. This, I hope you have Received in the Saguinau. M r Daly who has Visited 54you isr I beleive very little better than Captain Grummett. M Nichol could find no Re- mains of the Wreck of the Vessell, but What have been sent you. Hoping to have the pleasure of again Writting you in a few days I offer from this best Wishes & most respectfull Compliments & Am D r Sir Your very hum. s* R. Hamilton John Askin Esqr Oct. 28, 1798 Addressed: John Askin Esquire Merchant Detroit Endorsed: Queenston Octr r28h 98d M r rRob* Hamilton to Jn° Askin recv y 26 Nov Answ Dec 29th d e h FROM JOHN ASKIN TO MRS. PAUL GAMELIN Detroit 2d Novem. 98 Madame Paul Gamelin Madame Mon agent M r Maisonvill le Jeune etoit pret de partir pour le Poste demain matin avec des plein pouvoirs de regler finalement toutes mes affaires dans votre quartier. Mons. Ant. Laselle lui avoit promis passage, il dit pre- 54 Timothy Grummett (Grummond) was captain of Askin's vessel, the Annette, which was wrecked, through his misconduct, as charged, near Point Abino in Lake Erie in the summer of 1798. See documents printed post, especially 174-76. Grummett fled to the United States to escape prosecution, after which nothing further has been found concerning him. 149 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS sentement qu'il est si charge qu'il est impossible de le prendre avec autre Baggage que lui m6me et ses Papiers et comme il ne pourra pas aller Sans hardes ni lit je suis oblige d'abandonner l'entreprise pour le present et pour cet hyver aussi. Vous aves tres bien fait de ne pas livrer rien de ce que Mons. Adhemer a mis entre les mains de M votre defunt mari Sans mes ordres. M r Adhemar m'a fait un abandon de tout cela & J'ai Les plains pouvoirs, peut etre que Je vous rendre visite moi m&me le printems prochain en at- tendant J'ai l'honneur d'etre votre tres humble & obeissant Serv* (Signe) John Askin d Endorsed: Detroit 2 Novem 98 John Askin to Madame Paul Gamelin Translation Detroit, November 2, 1798 Madam Paul Gamelin Madam: My agent, Mr. Maisonville Jr., was ready to leave for the post tomorrow morning with full authority to close up my business in your quarter. Antoine Lacelle66 had promised him passage, but now says he is so loaded that it is impossible to take Mr. Maisonville with his additional baggage and papers. As he could not go without clothing and bed I am obliged to abandon the enterprise for the present and even for this winter. You did right not to give up anything Mr. Adhemar en- trusted to the care of your late husband, without my orders. Mr. Adhemar has relinquished it all in my favor and I have his full authority. Perhaps I shall visit you myself next spring. In the meantime, I have the honor to remain Your very humble and obedient servant, . (signed) John Askin 55 For the ancestry and career of Antoine Lacelle, see B. H. R., I, 197, and 366-67. 150 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS FROM ROBERT HAMILTON TO JOHN ASKIN Dear Sir From the Circumstance now dreaded that the aguinau will not Return this Season to Fort Erie I am orry to say that about 100 Barrel bulk of the Goods now t that place and Twice that Quantity at present between ingston & this place must winter on the Communication. s this is the Case I am prevented from sending the Whisky rdered. Should Cowan56 however whose Vessell is still nder the Rapids get up in time to Sail I will make Interest ith him to get a few barrels on board if possible. I send William tomoro to Fort Erie to see what Remains behind & e Will Write you should any of your things be in that redicament. Since my last Respects I have had the Satisfaction of earing from Scotland that my three boys there were in ood health.57 George poor fellow had been confined for ome Weeks by a Worm fever, but was able at the date of he Letter again to go to School. I this day inclose to the Comodore a paper Stating a very lorious Victory Obtained by Adm1 Neilson over Buona- arte in which the latter was taken, tho at the Expence of he Life of the first. I have requested the Comodore to orward it to you. Our Ministry have at last Adopted a plan long thought f, to dispose of some of the French Emigrants in this rovince as Settlers. For this purpose A Count Puijsay58 ith fourteen respectable Characters, have come out in the 56 David Cowan was captain of a vessel in the naval establishment on the upper lakes t least as early as 1793. He subsequently located in Amherstburg, where he was living s late as 1804. From 1800 to 1804 he served as member of the Legislative Assembly of pper Canada. He died at Niagara or vicinity about the beginning of October, 1808. nformation adapted from mss. in B. H. Coll., and Mich. Pio. Colls., passim. The death of owan is recorded in Charles Asian's diary for Oct. 16, 1808. Ms. in Dominion Archives Ottawa. 57 On the departure of these boys for England in 1795, see B. H. R., I, 540-43. 58 Joseph Genevieve, Comte de Puisaye, was born in Mortagne-en-Perche, France, in 755. He entered the army and during the Revolution achieved prominence as one of the ost active leaders of the royalist cause. He commanded the disasterous Quiberon Bay xpedition of 1795, and three years later undertook to establsh in Canada a colony of rench royalist emigres. The story of this enterprise is told by Janet Carnochan in Niagara ist. Soc, pubs., No. 15. It did not succeed, and Puisaye returned to England in 1802 nd died there in 1827. The house he built facing the Niagara River on the road from ueenston to Niagara may still be seen. 151 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Fall fleet, to make Arrangements for the Reception of a very Considerable number expected in the Spring. They are now at Kingston where they purpose remaining for the Winter. rBy a Letter from the house of our much Respected freind M Buckwood I learn that they have Lodged for the Count a Credit in Quebec of £5000 NewY. I hope the others may rsbe as well provided. I have now to Wait on you with M Hamiltons best Wishes Joined to mine that Health & Happiness may be the portion of you & yours for the following & for many ensuing Winters. I am Dear Sir Your very Affect, freind & very hum. Servt R. Hamilton John Askin Esquire Queenston Nov. 7. 1798. Addressed: John Askin Esquire Merchant Detroit. r Endorsed: Queenstond 6 Nov h thed 7th 98r M h r Rob* Hamil- ton to Jn° Askin recv y 26 Answ Dec 29 CONTRACT TO BUILD SAILING VESSEL (L. S.) Be it remembered that on this day, ninth of November, in the year of our Lord one Thousand Seven hundred and Ninety eight, it is agreed between John Askin Esquire, of Detroit, Merchant, and William Daly, of Detroit, Ship Carpenter, in manner and form following, To WIT, the Said William Daly for the Consideration hereafter mentioned doth for himself, his Heirs, Executors, and administrators covenant with the Said John Askin, his Executors, adminis- trators, and Assigns, that he the Said William Daly shall and will, against the fifteenth of may next ensuing the date hereof, in good and workmanlike manner, and according to the best of his Knowledge and Skill, well and Substantialy build and finish a vessel of Twelve Tons burthen: that he Shall furnish all the materials whatever at his proper cost and expence: that the Said vessell shall be builded of white oak; shall have her mast and bowspritts fixed: Shall have a Small Cabin with Two births and Two lights, and that her dimensions Shall be agreable to a memorandum Signed & delivered by the Said John Askin to the Said William Daly. 152 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS IN consideration whereof the Said John Askin doth for mself his Executors, and Administrators couvenant with e Said William Daly, his Executors, administrators and signs well and truly to pay unto the Said William Daly, s executors, admintrators, and assigns the Sum of ONE UNDRED & T E N POUNDS, new york Currency of lawfull oney of the United States. It is understood & agreed between the parties that hould the Vessell prove to be more or less that [than] welve Tons Tonnage the price Shall be Regulated accord- gly; and that the work of the Said Vessell Shall be in- ected by Two Ship Carpenters, and Two Sailors to etermine whether the Said vesell is builded in a workman- ip like manner; the Vessell to be delivered at Detroit. AND for the performance of all and every the articles and reements above mentioned, the Said John Askin and illiam Daly do hereby bind themselves, their Executors, dministrators and assigns, each to the other in the penal um of one hundred and ten pounds, new york Currency, mly by these presents. IN WITNESS whereof the parties to these presents have ereunto interchangeably Set their hands and affixed their eals at Detroit the day and year above written. Sealed & delivered John Askin in the presence of William Daly Peter Audrain Endorsed: Articles of agreement Between John Askin, squire, and William Daly, Ship carpenter. Detroit 9 th ovember 1798. Rec. in my office the 9 th November 1798. Peter Audrain recorder Registered in my office in the book N° 3, page 314. Peter Audrain recorder TRADE CONDITIONS AT THAMES RIVER River Thames 13 th Nov r 1798 Sir Not finding an Opportunity of forwarding your etter to M r Senseman I rode up to the Moravian Town d delivered it to him in person. I asked him if it required 153 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS an Answer he told me no; that he had wrote to you Some time ago, and had fully Satisfied you about the Corn which will be Sent down in the Spring as soon as the Vessel Arrives, there has been no Traders there this Season therefore I apprehend there will be no difficulty in collecting all your Corn. I must inform you that my wife was Cast away near the Belle River and Lost all she had except the Cyder. I cannot procure either a Boat or a Canoe to take your Corn down, and the Season is so far advanced that it is dangerous to take down a Load. I hope therefore you will condescend to wait till the Spring. The Letter you Sent to W. Jackman I have Sent you enclosed, his Brother thinks you will find a better oppor- tunity of Sending it from Detroit, than he could from ther River Thames. You will be pleased to Address it to M Will™ Jackman living on Cooks Run near the Mouth of Little Redstone; Fayette County, State of Pensylvania. There is considerable Trade to be made with the Indians, there being no Trader within 12 Miles of this place I would like to have half a piece of Stroud and a propor- tionable quantity of other Articles Suitable, likewise a Barrel of Spirits. I Shall not trust a farthing and what remains unsold I will return. I have Sold some Cyder but the Indians will not buy it while they can get Whiskey, neither will they buy whiskey when they can get Rum. If you can Supply me with the above articles (which I hope I will be able to pay you for without any difficulty) please to let me know by the Bearer John Kennedy who intends to put up at Carpenters I remain your Humble and Ob* Serv* Hugh Holmes69 Mr Askin Addressed: John Askin Esquire Merchant Detroit Endorsed: River Thames Novr 15h 1798 M r Hugh Holmes to Jn° Askin recvd & Answd y6 17th 59 Hugh Holmes was living at the Thames River settlement in January, 1791, when his name was included in the list of disbanded loyalists claiming lands in the District of Hesse, in report of the Land Committee upon this subject. See Mich. Pio. Colls., XXIV, 178. In 154 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS OVERSIGHT OF CONTRACT FOR SAILING VESSEL River Thames Nov r 22d, 1798 r n° Askin Esq Sir, I recd your kind favor of the 13th Ins* I would omply with it's Contents with the Greatest pleasure had been in my power, But your Master Builder took Care r to go One hundred miles from you, for to perform his ontract. I am told that he is to Build your Vessel at the inerry which is Sixty miles from my place, however I all do all that lies in my power for to inform myself of s proceeding during the Course of the winter. I remain Sir Your Most humble & Most Obed* Ser* John Drake r Addressed: John Askin Esq Merely* Detroit Endorsed: river a Tranche Nov r 22d 1798. Cap* Drake Jn° Askin recvd ye 3 d Dec r . Answd y6 7 th TUITION CHARGES OF MATTHEW DONOVAN 798 M r John Askin To Matthew Donovan Dr6° £ o the Tuition of His Son Charles from the eginning of January to the first of September 8" 0" 0 o the Tuition of James, Alick, & Alick Grant om the first of January to the 15th of Novembr 31" 10" 0 N.Y. Cur" 39" 10" 0 Cr By Cash Received 8" 0" 0 Balance due 31" 10" 0 etroit Novr 23d 1798 99 he was in debt to John Askin, who procured the issuance of a warrant for his arrest and arceration in Sandwich, but being "luckily" absent from home when the officers called, escaped this humiliation. See documents in Askin papers, passim. Either he or another the same name was a schoolmaster in Detroit in 1790 and for several years thereafter. 60 Matthew Donovan was an early schoolmaster of Kingston (from 1788 to 1792), ere he is described in a letter of Rev. John Stuart as "an Irishman, an excellent Latin 155 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Addressed: Colonel John Askin Detroit61 Endorsed: This a/c of M. Donovans for Schooling is all settd & paid, see my Books TUITION CHARGES OF MATTHEW DONOVAN Detroit 26 Nov. 98 Sir I am sorry to find you made out your account for the Schooling of my Children & Commodore Grant's Boy, higher than our agreem*. It cannot serve you but may be hurtful which I do not Wish; for it may lead others to think that when they remove their Children to an other School you will charge them much higher, therefore may take pre- cautions to put it out of your Power which may be injurious to your Interest. Please therefore to make out a new Ac- count and charge me as heretofore, and according to our Agreement and I will pay you, tho' Charles went only, or not even half the time as the other Children. What is right I will always pay, and more I will not by Compulsion to any man I am &ca JA r M Donovan Endorsed: Detroit 26 Novem. 98 John Askin Senr to Mathew Donovan Copy Scholar, and of long experience in his profession." See A. H. Young (ed.), The Parish Register of Kingston, Upper Canada, 1785-1811 (Kingston, 1921), 56 et passim. He came to Detroit as early as 1794, where he continued his profession of schoolmaster, remaining here until some time after the fire of 1805. He then removed to Amherstburg, where he died, July 22, 1809. Considerable interesting information concerning his teaching career is given in Burton's City of Detroit, 1701-1922,I, 708-709. On June 4, 1804, a police com- plaint was lodged against him "for not sweeping the street before his schoolhouse." He owned certain lots in Detroit, and in August, 1807, was a petitioner before the Land Board for P. C. 49 (in Ecorse), a tract of 389.80 acres. Donovan left a widow and several daughters. One of the latter married Captain Jonathan Nelson, for whom see B. H. R., I, 554-55; another married Robert Innis of Sand- wich; a third became the wife of Matthew Elliot. See sketch in Proc. of Land Board of Detroit, 165-66; Farmer, Hist, of Detroit, passim; and St. John's Church Register. 61 On the same sheet with the address and the endorsement are some figures, not here reproduced, which may represent Askin's refiguring of the account. 156 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS PROFFER FOR PURCHASE OF LAND r Dear Si To informe you that Yesterday theire was a entleman whome I have had a long acquaintance with who s an agent to look out a good tract of land for about fifty amelys many of them my former [n]abours and they hav- ng the opinion of my being a little aquainted in Chuesing Good Stands as well as Settling new cuntry depend on our xploreing and Chuesing And agreeing with some gentleman or a sutable Place for that purpose. Should you wish to ive us a reasonable encorragement we will trade with you o liten your taxes and make the rest of your lands of more alue. You may depend on oure fidelity of defending your ites if we can Onely agree on the price when we Come to ee the lands which we Expect to be in detroit as soon as the winter closes up. I Am Sir your Most Humble Serv* h E. Allan62 he River Thames November 29 1798 ohn Askins Esqr Addressed: John Askins Esqr at Detroit Endorsed: River Thames, Novr 29h 1798 M r Ebenezer Allan to Jn° Askin recv y6 10h Decr Answd ye 15th 62. Ebenezer Allan was the first white resident on the site of Rochester, N. Y., and ll real estate titles in the "One Hundred Acre Tract" in the central part of the city derive om him. He was a Tory during the Revolution, and although a man of much energy and orce of character, was a hardened villain, whose life story would supply material for more han one dime novel. As a Tory he joined the Indians in various operations against the olonists, in which he gained the reputation of being more bloodthirsty than were the avages themselves. Mary Jemison knew him, and in her life narrative relates horrible eeds which are attributed to him. About the close of the war Allan engaged in trade, being ocated for a time at Mount Morris, N. Y. In July, 1788, he contracted with Oliver helps, one of the proprietors of the Phelps-Gorham land purchase, to build saw and grist- ills at the Genesee Falls. He carried out this agreement, becoming thereby the first settler n the site of Rochester. A few years later he sold his interests here and located once more t Mount Morris. About this same time he procured from Governor Simcoe of Upper anada a grant of 2200 acres of land in what is now Delaware Township, Middlesex ounty, Ont. Here he located toward the close of the century (year uncertain). He old a portion of his grant prior to March, 1799, for 3000 pounds. A condition of the grant equired him to build a mill, church, etc. While carrying out these enterprises in the early ears of the nineteenth century, he became cramped for funds and resorted to counter- eiting to supply the deficiency. For this offense he was subjected to a long term of mprisonment at Long Point. Apparently he was released prior to 1812, for in July of that ear he was seized by the military on a charge of treasonable behavior. He died in 1816, nd was buried in Delaware Township. The details of Allan's private life are sufficiently lurid. Apparently there was no crime n the calendar he was incapable of committing, and of many of the graver crimes he stands ccused. He had a choice assortment of wives, white, red, and black; his affection for them 157 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS FROM GOTTLOB SENSEMAN TO JOHN ASKIN Fairfield Dec. lBt '98 D r Sir A few Days ago, I was favoured with Your oblig- ing Letters, accompanied with some foreign Letters for me, in Your Case, for which I return you my sincere Thanks, as much as I known, all my Letters send to me, by your Care, have arrived safe; I should be very happy, if I could send now & than a Letter with the Post from Detroit to Philad. but I am at a Loss to whom I should send it, per- haps you may not stay long there, or els I don't doubt you would do me the Favor, to put on[e] in the Post, if there is any Postage to be paid in Detroit, I am willing to pay it. Your Corn here, owing to you by our People, they are collecting already. I have appointed an trusty Indn to col- lect & measure it, & keep a true Account; who has also a proper House to store it. Your Account, you send me, agrees with that, M r Nichol your late Clark, left here at my House. About rd the Tea, which he left with J. Henry,63 which was 23 he has sold but a Little of it, which Account he brought to me, before he went from here to Muskingum, which I have added to every ones Account, as they had not payed him. the Rest of the Tea he sent to you according to your Desire. I think you will recollect that you wrote a Letter to me late last Spring, and desired me, that J. Henry should send the Rest of the Tea down to you, as you were than in Great Want for Tea, accordingly he did, and I myself have helped him packing up the Tea; if you have is indicated, to some extent, by the story that on removing to Canada he abandoned his squaw wife and hired two men to drown his white wife. They placed her in a canoe which they purposely ran over the upper Genesee Falls, but by some chance she escaped, followed her lord to Canada, and in the end lived to see him buried. The careers of several of Allan's descendants were almost as lurid as his own. A convenient summary of his New York career is in William F. Peck, Semi-Centennial History of the City of Rochester (Syracuse, 1884), 76 ff.; for his Canadian career, see History of the County of Middlesex, Canada (Toron - to, 1889), 476-78. 63 James Henry was captured in boyhood by Indians, and brought to Detroit. In Jacob Lindley's journal of the Quaker peace delegation which visited Detroit in 1793, Henry is described as "a smart young man, a prisoner with the Blind Chief, near the mouth of the river Roosh [Rouge], twelve miles from Detroit. He is adopted, which renders his case difficult. They have put jewels in his nose and ears, and figured him like an Indian. He is desirous of returning to this relatives near Georgetown, Eastern Shore of Maryland." It seems apparent that this youth of 1793 is the man mentioned in the present document. Nothing has been learned of his further career. Another James Henry came to Detroit about the time of the American occupation and soon achieved local prominence. See post, 305. 158 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS received the Tea I cannot tell. One M r Wm Daily has been here; he tells me, that he is a going to build a small Vessel for you this Winter, above us at the Pinery, he further told me, that he will be down with the Vessel early in the Spring by the first Flood, and then your Corn can be put in the Vessel, he will carry it to Detroit to you for 18 Pence p r Bushel. If the man is to be dependit on, it would be the safest Way for you, getting your Corn in Time; but if not, I see no other Way, but that you send a small Vessel or large Boat early in the Spring, our People will bring it down nearr the Mouth of the River to the Vessel for one Shilling p Buhl, which they always received from our Town to M r Dolsens Place; with there small Canows they do not like to venture over the Lake with so much Corn, as it is dangerous by Stormy Weather; the Amount what you have to get; comes to about 460 Buhl, at 6/ p r Bushl. I have taken the Pain of making an exact Calculation of every ones Debt, what Quantity of Corn he has to pay at six Shilg p r Buhl, and I shall be circumspect about it, that all shall be payed. I have only to add that I am with much Esteem Dear Sir Your most obed* & very humbe Serv* G Senseman p Excuse Errors I wrote in hast. Addressed: M r John Askin Esqr Detroit P r Favor of M r M. Dolsen at Dover Endorsed: Fairfield Decr 1 1798 The Reverand M r Senseman to Jn° Askin recvd y8 10th Answd same day. FROM JOHN ASKIN TO JOHN ANDERSON Detroit 3d decembr 98 Dear Sir Your favor of the 20 reached me a few days ago & that of the 28 Instant now. I think I have been fortunate enough to get a promise of 4 Barrells high wines for you at 20/ the Gallon as this will admit of one Gallon of water to 2 of liquor & be very strong Rum64 it will reduce 64 It was practically universal in the Indian trade to dilute with water the liquor sold the red men. The proportion of water added varied with the circumstances of the given case; commonly it was much greater than Askin here proposes. 159 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS the price to 13/4. as for whisky, none is to be got at Niagara nor here, the demand has been so great that I have not got any great quantity of liquor, the price will very soon rise. Indeed some now sell spirits at 28/. I will try & get your licence & send it by this oppy Letters for you in C°, with accounts are come from the House of Mess1"8 McGills, I have kept them untill you come in. they have taken yours & my Peltries to their accounts at the rates you will See by the inclosed note from them & say thatr is the price they paid M r Dufresne, and above what M Laselle sold for at public Vendue. I am satisfied for my small parcell You will say If you are or not. however as you do not like risk, perhaps it's as well, you would have Sold them for less here, besides it pays for the old a/c & some small matter over, your Earbobs, Crosses & broaches are come and amount to £50. 16. 8 Hx. as they may be carried on a man's back, perhaps you would do better to send for them, than I [to] give them in charge to a Stranger, the candle wick I will send and the liquor also If I like the weather when the Boat returns I will pay your Order, tho' it runs me so hard for money that I cannot buy any Pork myself tho'd offered here at 10^2d which is as low nearly as yours for 9 where you are. I must look to you for about 3 Bbls of yours. Please do not forget to send the Bale of Blanketts for Johnny, he wants them much, & If you can Spare me 6 pairs 3 P* Send them in. I will do as you desire about your Boat whether it remains here or goes back. It is now December the 5th in the afternoon & the winter Seems to have Set in I have recived your Boat as the man Says he will set off tomorrow morning & gave receipt for all I got. I can get a Bble Jamaica Spirits for one of your high wines givin[g] the difference of Price this Will answer you better for tavern Keeping & the other 3 forr your Indian trade. I have given your Candle wick to M Simp- son, your Licence is also ready. Compliments &ca Signed J Askin P. S. I suppose you will send a Slay or two for your Rum. If So, it can bring in the Blanketts & two Barrels Pork. If you have more Silver works thanr you want I believe you could sell some here at 20 or 25 p Cent, you have here 500 160 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Pairs earbobs cost 8 sols 500 cost 9 sols 500 cost 10 sols. 5,000 Broaches cost 9 [sols] the 100 & 50 Small crosses cost 10 sols. dec1" 11. the Pork Merchant Still here, as I have bought of him for 9d to day I will not want any of yours. Endorsed: Detroit 3d december 1798 John Askin Sen1" to John Anderson & Co Copy ATTITUDE OF JUDGE POWELL CONCERNING LAND TITLES Detroit 4 deem. 98 My good Sir I wrote you a few days ago on a melancholy occasion, the present is in answer to your very obliging letter of the 19 October which reached me only a few days ago from what you Say respecting Judge Powell I fear I have not in mine, to you, of the 4 October last explained myself so fully as I should have done and that you have been led to think Some misunderstanding exist[s] between us. as there is not the Smallest imaginable I Should be Sorry that our material [mutual] friends thought there were. So far from any thing of the Kind If M r Powell was capable of partiality (from which I Know him to be free) was I to require it I have every reasen in the world to think he would exercise it towards me as soon as any man in this Quarter, our families and Selves have always lived on the most friendly footing which I do not beleive is now lessened, we last met & parted as good friends as ever my differing in opinion with him respecting the latitude which the act gave the Comissioners, and Idias that he was Stricter re- specting testimony or proof, than the act required, could never cause any misunderstg. between men of Sense & liberal Sentiments, was I on the Bench to Say as he did whilst I thought otherwise I am sure he or you would despise me for so doing or that I Should be offended that he as President of the Board, and a professional man would change his mode of proceedings on my account or in con- formity to my Ideas would be truly ridiculous. In this particular point we differ I Say the Bill has authorised the comissioners in Some causes to take the word of one man 161 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS and not of another respecting the Claims to Lands when no other or better proof can be obtained. I think Judge Powell either Says it does not or that If it does, he will not put it in practice, his opinion for many reasons must be the best of the two, yet I cannot divist myself of mine, as to his being thought a fit person to decide the different [differences] re- specting lands in this Quarter was [blank] & I dare Say no other would have answered better nor perhaps so well, tho he requires proofs, the collection of which at this late period is attended with expense, however when he returns next we will be better prepared, for my part I Shall have all mine except one or two at most who are dead and their Certificates not transfere'd on their part & mine not think- ing it necessary. If for want of this piece of formality I should loose them it's no great matter they can be re- placed by a purchase from Government of others that will not cost half as much, the whole of mine on an average cost above £20 each & I have had & am likely to have trouble equal to as much more before they are all admitted & Deeds got for them, apropos on the Subject of Deeds, pray could I not get one Deed for Several farms or lots So as to save expense, it would be a great object for me who have no Spare money nor likely I ever will, as madame bad luck took a passage in all my small vessells this fall. I have several lots that Join, these at all events I sup- pose may be included in one Deed. I do not for the present wish that Deeds should be immediately granted for all my Claims passed at the Board, by the Winter express I will write you those I am desirous Should have a preference, however perhaps there are regulations contrary to what I wish. If so, they will no doubt be complied with. I beg If possible that M r Iredell may be directed to lay out the Lands about the Small Rivers where I wrote he had always promised me mine. I want to take up the family Lands there and some other orders of Council. I know not when it may please God to call me off, therefore wish to have as much Settled before as I can. You were so obliging in a Letter dated 12 November 1795 to say that it was likely there might be a Lot got in the 2d Concession near Chatham, this I at that time mentioned to Mr Iredell & he located me 162 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS N° 23 or 24 I do not recollect which, from which time untill lately, I, and I believe he, thought it to be mine but now otherwise, please Settle that matter as you think fit. I perhaps may have been premature in getting it located, these long winded storms must be dischargeable therefore shall conclude with assurances of being my Dear Sir Yours &ca Sd JA The Honble D. W. Smith Esqr Endorsed: m Detroit r 4h december 1798 John Askin to D. W Smith Esq Copy PROFFER TO FURNISH GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES Detroit december 9th[?], 1798 Dear Sir As the slaying is now begun, many People have applied to me to know If I would take firewood Some of whom owe me & others would take goods in payment. If you could without any interferrence with your Arrange- ments, take five hundred Cords of me, or even less, at the rates you pay others, it would be obliging me very much. Prior to your last arrival, I mentioned to M r Warren that I had it in my power to furnish Hay for your department of a better Quality than what you generally got, & on as reasonable terms, he said when you came home he would mention the Matter to you, I do not Know whether he has or not. I have always considered the furnishing of any Government with Such articles as were wanted a very great advantage to those who did it, not so much from the high- ness of the price as the certainty of the payment, whilst our Commanding Officers & he who purchased was on a good footing. I often had preferences at the rates others sold at, but that, owing to their misunderstandings is now over and a mode adopted by which the worst as well as the best of characters may get the Contracts I do not mean by this to infer that I should have a preference under your Govern- ment being a British Subject, but only that when you have purchases to make of any indifferent Persons, If in that case you would be pleased to give directions to apply to me it would be rendering me a great Service & I would always 163 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS consider it as Such, this next Summer I will have Boards, Plank, Shingles & other timber to dispose of, also the best of Bricks, and at all times lime, I am &ca Signed J Askin Mathew Ernest Esqr Endorsed: Detroit 10 December, 98 John Askin to Mathew Ernest Esqr Copy FROM JOHN ASKIN TO REV. GOTTLOB SENSEMAN Detroit 10 decem. 98 Reverend Sir I am this day favoured with your very obliging Letter dated the 1* Instant & return you many thanks for the pains you are taking to have whats' due me by your people collected, and I will pay the person you have em- ployed to receive & Store my Corn whatever you think right respecting the transport here, If the man who is to build my Vessell has her ready in time it will be best both for him and me as I can allow him One Shilling P rr Bushel for so doing which will be clear gain to him, M James Henry did return me the Tea that remained. I had not forgot it I am glad the Letters for you, thro' my care have always got so Safe, any you may have to Send I will take charge of, and tho there is no regular Post yet there is fre- quent opportunities, and I'm Sure the Colonel, or Quarter Master of this place will forward any letter I may give them, with pleasure; besides I Know they have a great liking to your people in general, and many of them are acquainted with M r Hackenwelder The 6/ per Bushel allowed your people on the Spot I believe is a very fair price Corn is by no means Scarce here & I think it will hardly fetch 8/ any time between this & the new Crop. I remain &ca Signed J Askin the Rev4 M r G. Senseman Riv. thames P. S. I Inclose John Henry say Cristiain Henry's Orders on you for lyi Dollars which I have Chard to your Account Endorsed: Detroit 10 decem. 98 John Askin to Revd Gotlob Senseman River Thames Copy 164 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS FROM JOHN ASKIN TO WILLIAM DALY Detroit 11 December 1798 Sir The young man with your letters, Power of Attorney &a, did not get here before yesterday, and as the court was then almost over, nothing whatever could be done in your demands against M r May for this term I will befriend you in this matter If you are right (and Which I am told you are) with all my heart, thats' to say I am in hopes M r May will pay you without a Suit, or leave it to arbitration. If not, M r Sibley65 Who you have employed I am Sure will act fairly by his clients therefore will have Justice done to you Respecting your Commands on Colonel Strong66 for the Services you rendered the united States, he has told the young man you Sent in that there is money in the Quarter masters hands for you, If I find when he receives it, that there is not enough to make the £14-9 you owe, rather than See you distressed I will give money to make up the difference I will likewise send you your watch and the tools you Wrote for If I can find them, in short as you appear an honest man in your dealings I will Serve you all 65 Solomon Sibley was born in Sutton, Mass., Oct. 7, 1769, and came to Detroit in the early summer of 1798. A lawyer by profession, he soon assumed a prominent place in the community. In 1799 he was elected to represent Wayne County in the legislature of North- west Territory. In this capacity he was influential in securing the incorporation of the own of Detroit in 1802, and in 1806 he became the first mayor of the city under the government established by the governor and judges. He served as territorial auditor rom 1814 to 1817; U. S. district attorney from 1815 to 1823; was elected delegate to Congress in 1821; and from 1824 to 1837 was a justice of the territorial Supreme Court. Sibley married Sarah Whipple Sproat, Oct. 31,1802, and to them nine children were born. One son, Henry H. Sibley, achieved fame as a foremost citizen of Minnesota in the pioneer and territorial period. Solomon Sibley died in Detroit, April 4, 1846. His extensive private papers are preserved in the B. H. Coll. Information adapted from sketch in Proc, of the Land Board of Detroit, 157-58, and references in B. H. Coll. 66 David Strong was a native of Connecticut who served throughout the Revolution in the Connecticut state troops, rising from sergeant to the rank of captain. On July 15,1785, he was commissioned captain in the U. S. Infantry Regiment, and four years later became captain in the First U. S. Infantry. He served during the northwestern Indian wars of the nineties and on Feb. 19, 1793, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel in Wayne's Legion. On Nov. 1, 1796, he was transferred to the Second Infantry, and some time prior o the close of 1798 he became commandant at Detroit, where he remained until the summer of 1800. In 1799 he was sued by John Dodemead for 35000 damages for having posted a sentry in the rear of Dodemead's tavern to prevent soldiers' resorting there to purchase ntoxicating liquor. The suit was but one expression of an acute conflict of opinion between he military and a certain element among the citizens over the respective limits of military and civil authority in Detroit. He died, Aug. 19, 1801. Information adapted from Heit- man, Reg. U. S. A., and mss. in B. H. Coll. 165 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS I can, and as to any necessary services you rendered me When the Annette was cast away when you and I meet and are Settling our other matters you may depend on my Allowing you whats' fair & honest for my part. As to the trouble you Say you give me, I do not think it any to help an honest man. I Sent you in a letter the dimmentions of the vessell you have engaged to build for me, but for fear that Letter may be lost, I will now mention them again, viz* 28 feet Keel, 10 feet Beam & 4 ^ feet hold which I suppose is deep enough to Stow two Rows of Barrells over each other, the dead rising as Captain Fearson told you is 4 inches & the Quarter Deck is to be a foot higher than the main Deck If you finish the vessell in the manner I expect you Will, besides our agreement I will make you a present and as I have about 500 Bushels of corn at the Mauravian town, If you have her ready early in the Spring I will give you one Shilling the Bushel for bringing it down which will make about £25 more for you, & you may have Cable, Anchor Sails to bring her down. It's now the 13 th of the month & your man has been with the Quarter master, who, he tells me, Says he will not give a penny for the present. I therefore think it cannot be Settled untill you are here yourself in the Spring, as that is the case & you are pressed, I have given an order on M r Shiply to pay you in Cash £ 9 - 1 0 - 0 which with 4 - 1 9 - 0 I now give your man will make the £14 - 9 - you wanted, I have also bought what of the tools you wanted which I could get and paid M r Strong for your man £ 1 - 1 3 - 6 an account of the whole is inclosed & Amounts to £16 - 13 - 6 I have also Sent your watch. Endorsed: Detroit 11 Decem. 98 John Askin to William Dealy Copy PROSPECTS FOR INDIAN LAND SPECULATION Detroit 15 decem 98 Dear Henry I had the satisfaction of receiving yours dated the 8 th October on the 26 of last M° and by it I am sorry to find my Letters as some of yours must have mis- 166 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS arried, had your Rum got up here, most certainly it would ave met with a good market, no Spirits have been under 4/ and I believe it will get to 32/ being Scarce I myself or customers have been obliged to engage 16 Barrells had ours been here they would have had a preference it's rue I pay but 23/ but that's cash down however I do not hink you will catch that advantage in the Spring for the eople from Albany will be up before you and I am told he Same Quality of Spirits is got 3 or 4/ less in York than n Montreal, and as to dry Goods the place is quite over tocked with them. As your opinion is so unfavourable about Indian Lands, nd perhaps well founded, M r Robertson, Mess Isaac Todd James McGill & yourself Should impower one or more f the proprietors to do the best they can with them here. think I could block some part off at a low rate and the urchaser run all the risks If you give a Power of attorney t Should be without limitation only that nothing shall be Warranted Your determination of not paying a penny ore to the Indians my good friend is very embarassing to he others concerned whose Sentiments are different and hink that it's better Still to give Some Small matter than oose all that's given, will you renounce your right to any ne who will reimburse you all you have paid. I believe If ou consent I will find such a person tho I do not assure it. f I do, and you agree I am sure he will pay his share of uture expenses I prefer you to any other If you would ay your share but otherwise you may hurt us much. M r odd & you may both go towards York but I don't think ither of your necessities so great as to oblige you to run he risk of your lives & I think you are too old to do such oyish tricks We have accounts here of M r Buonaparte having taken very different Rout from what he intended or you hear'd. ngland is a better Climate than Egypt or the holy land, n Spite of him or any other man on earth, most people will njoy their own Sentiments respecting religion. I think efore a man's two hours dead he Knows more about the Matter than all those who remain behind, at Same time urely there can be no risk, in being what all the world 167 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS agrees is good; and this is in the power of all who are disposed to be so. I am happy to hear all yours are well thank God mine enjoy the like Blessing, may there be a long continuance of it to both is the most Sincere wish of your old & Constant friend (Signed) J. A. Endorsed: Detroit 15 december 1798 John Askin to Alexander Henry Copy 168 SECTION III LETTERS AND PAPERS, 1799 FROM JOHN ASKIN TO ABRAHAM IREDELL Detroit 2d January 99 Dear Sir I was favoured with a Letter from you Some ime ago accompanied with a Map for which I am very hankful, as you desire me to Keep it untill you came this way yourself & I expected that would be Soon was the eason of my not writing before, but as I was fav*1 with nother Letter of yours yesterday I take the earliest oppor- unity to answer it. you may depend on it that my Son ot N° 6 in the second Township, second Concession, orthe Side River Thames, & that both the register & and Board Certificate will prove what I say. I was not ure it was not N° 7 once, but as the Land Board Certificates ust be followed (it seems) even If given thro Wrong nformation or mistake, I do not mean to take or accept of ny other in lieu thereof. M r James IVPDonell1 I believe o far as I can recollect got a lot very near it. No person as or Shall See the map you sent me but myself, but untill ou are present I cannot well make a choice, not Knowing ow near what you have or is laid out is to the River Ruscum r Pointe aux Roches where you Know I always intended o take up my Lands. Please present my best Compts to rs Iredell & believe me to be &a (Signed) J A r Iredell Endorsed: Detroit 2d January 1799 John Askin to braham Iredell Copy LAND CLAIMS OF ARENT S. D E PEYSTER Detroit 5 Jan y 99 Sir Your letter of the 29 May did not reach me untill he 26 November last. It will give me pleasure at all times o have it in my power to render service to any relation to y worthy friend Col. Depeyster, at Same time in the i For the career of James McDonell, see B. H. R., I, 374. 171 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS present case I can only advise whats to be done & how I would wish to do with Some of my own in a Similar Situation, the tract of land you elude to is at a Small distance from this. I Know it well, it is not claimed by any person here nor elsewhere to my Knowledge unless congress will not admit of Such purchases, and you are better Situated than I am to take legal advice how to act in order not to have your claim disputed: Could you get it confirmed by the American Government it would not be a hard matter to have it Settled probably, but even that might be better done with you than here, as from your Quarter or I mean the States many are looking out to purchase land but few here, it also happens that adventurers from your Quarter purchase Deeds and run all risks, this in my opinion is the best way to dispose of those sort of Lands I have offered very good tracts for ^4 York the acre and give such titles as I hold from the Indians but have not been able to part with any yet however Indian deeds before 83 as yours is, Some Gentlemen of the law Suppose to be good, as you have at York many eminent characters of that profession, your opportunity of having their Sentiments is very easy and I would be thankfull to you to Know what they are. Please observe when I say I would give my right of tracts of Land for % the acre I mean large tracts, and give no other than the Indian Deeds, but If Congress admitted those Deeds as good I Would not sell such as small tract as yours under 8/ or 10/. I was last Summer favouredy with a letter from your uncle Col. DePeyster dated 18 Jan last. I take the liberty of sending you under cover herewith my answer, as being the Safest way of conveyance in my opinion I am &a Signed J A M r Arent Schuyler DePeyster2 New York Endorsed: Detroit 5 Jany 99 John Askin to Arent Schuyler DePeyster Copy x Arent Schuyler De Peyster, born April 4, 1779, was a nephew of Colonel Arent S. De Peyster, who was commandant at Mackinac and Detroit during the Revolutionary period. His father, being a loyalist, migrated from New York (the ancestral home) to England, where the son was educated at the expense of Colonel De Peyster, who planned to procure a comission for him in his own regiment (the Eighth Foot). Instead, the boy ran away to sea at the age of fifteen, and thus began his life-calling as a sailor. In 1819 he dis- covered the group of islands in the South Pacific which still bear his name. He married 172 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS FROM JOHN ASKIN TO COLONEL D E PEYSTER Detroit 5 Jan y 99 D r Sir I had the pleasure Jointly with my Family to learn by your kind letter of the 18 January last that M" Depeyster & you enjoyed good health, indeed we frequently had that happiness before from the information of several acquaintances in this Quarter, M r Leith I believe the last Your letter reached me last Summer & I immediately wrote a particular friend of mine at Michilimackinac to endeavour & obtain of Doctor Mitchel3 & M r Gautier the vouchers you required, the former readily gave one, but the latter from intoxication & perhaps Some other cause never could be prevailed on. the Doctor's after I got it was on Such a Scrap of paper that I had to Send back for another, and now he has not put any date to it & declares (which Surprises me) that he does not know the time, there is no others of those mentioned in your account could be met with at Michilimackinac, but M r Ainse4 and many others are at Montreal & as your old acquaintance M r Todd (Isaac) lives there & they are all known to him, I am sure he will render you Service If in his power, and as he has the art of persuasion he is a very proper person I would have wrote him & sent the list, but I think its better you do it yourself. All your old acquaintances in this Quarter—William McComb excepted, are all alive and well the Commodore lives at gros Pointe (except when his duty requires him at the Rivers' mouth) Colonel McKee at River tranche, his Son5 (married to my Daughter Therese) at petite cote, McGregor & Park lower down in the Same quarter also Pollard our high Sherriff Elliott6 & Caldwell7 at the Rivers Sarah Macomb, daughter of William Macomb of Detroit and (later) New York, and sister of General Alexander Macomb of the U. S. army. Information adapted from sketch in A. S. De Peyster, Miscellanies by an Officer (New York, 1888), and Henry A. Macomb (comp.), The Macomb Family Record (Camden, N. J., 1917). 3 Dr. David Mitchell, for whom see B. H. R., I, 85. 4 Probably Joseph Louis Ainse, for whose career see ibid., 69. 5 Captain Thomas McKee, for whose career see ibid., 376. 6 Matthew Elliot, for whose career see ibid., 257-58. 7 William Caldwell, for sketch of whose career see ibid., 243. 173 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS mouth, now Amherstburg as likewise Doctor Harffy Reynolds & Sparksman I dont recollect any other that you are acquainted with, I live on my farm near town & Keep a Shop in Col. McKee's old house opposite LaMothes, that was. my Son John carries on the mercantile business in town, M rs Hamilton is dead & M r Hamilton married again, my Daughter Madelaine who was brought up in Canada has been married Some years past to a Doctor of Simcoe's Rangers. Archange, Mrs Meredith is in Ireland with her husband, so that there remains with us, Alice & Nelly, likewise three Boys, the eldest of whom begins to assist me in the Shop, I have taken the liberty of troubling you with this long account of the family knowing that Mra Depeysters & your friendship is so great that you will be pleased to hear of all those who are related to me I'm on a very good footing with the American a Garrison, tho a declared british subject Compliments & &a &a Signed J A 8 Colonel Arent Schuyler DePeyster at Dumfries in Scotland Endorsed: Detroit 5 Jan y 99. John Askin to Col. DePeyster Scotland WRECK OF THE ANNETTE AT LONG POINT Declaration of Augustin Francoeur9 On the tenth august last he, as sailor with one Timothy Grumment then commanding the now Wrecked Sloop Annette, Sailed from Detroit for Presquisle, and came to shore at Maiden about 2}4 days wind bound, then sailed out and went as far as the Islands in \}4 days when they anchored }4 wind bound, from whence they Sailed out and arrived at Presquisle on the Second day in the morning from which Place after loading the Vessel (which took 2 days) they sailed out the 3d day with a fair wind on same day, wind turning a head, they were drove to the grand River where they remained 3 or 4 hours, after which they Sailed out into the lake where after being toss'd about all 8 For the career of Colonel Arent S. De Peyster, see ibid., 72. 9 The manuscript is evidently a rough draft, with many corrections and interlineations. 174 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS day, they were drove to Pointe a Bineau [Abino] the next day, where having a head wind for Detroit they, on their 4th days anchorage, being in want Provisions went to Fort Erie in order to obtain some there, and arived Same day. next day Set off for Detroit a few hours after the Francis & Charlotte and Steering by Said vessells after Standing out a hard gale for two days (which had Drove both Francis & Charlotte back to Erie) they come to anchor under Pointe d Bineau. the next day, finding the wind Still against their course for D. they Steered for Fort Erie in Same day to get some Candles Next day at about 12 Sailed with fair wind in Co with the Nancy (which they lost sight of at night) came as far as long Pointe the Same day at night, where they got aground, pushed off, then Sailed again for D. with a light breeze, they got aground againd on Said Pointe So that it was impossible to get her off a 2 time, the next morning finding that the vessell had taken Some water, they unloaded all they could on shore, remained there all day,—then Francoeur attempting to discover the habitations, which were about 15 miles from the vessell lost the Road and came back 2 days after, Stay 1 day more at the vessell, next day Grummet after declaring that he would not leave the vessell untill the vessell Was broke to pieces Went off with Sd Francoeur din a canoe to the habitations where after getting a Barge S Grummet returned to the Vessell and came back to dthe Houses loaded with part of the vessell's cargo, then S Grum[met] declared he would not let the cargo into any body's hands lodged it into ad House and remained in posesion of it, at which time S Francoeur departed for Detroit, with daily N B It must be remembered, that after being Cast with the vessell Sd Grummet enticed Sd Francoeur to pillage & Steal the Goods &ca as his Share giving him to understand that whenever a vessell was wrecked, the Seamen had a right to take any thing that remained, which he refused Sd Grummut had himself taken some things to himself, had drank some of the Rum wine &a and had offered to Sell Brandy & Cloathes &a Said Francoeur declares that to his Knowledge & accord- ing to a particular Survey he had made to the vessell he 175 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Saw no other harm done to her Except a Small opening about 3 Inches wide on the side of her, but not being able to be present when Daily cut the vessell to pieces, being Sick at the habitations, Daily told him he had cut the vessell to pices Moreover, Grummet was always in- toxicated always on the lake. Endorsed: Augustin Francoeur his Declaration relative to the loss of the Annette in 1798 SALE OF INDIAN LANDS Detroit January the 22d 1799 Sir I Meant to have called on you prior to your departure relative to our Conversation on the subject of Lands pur- chased of Indians. I think you said the best Method to Strengthen such Titles would be to sell a part of them to men of Interest. I Agree with you. Therefore if you know of any such Characters please write or Mention the Matter to them, they may Almost make their own price for some hundred Thousand Acres and I think the offer should come from them in which case the affair could be closed soon. They can have no better Deeds than Us who purchased, and it must be an Undivided Share, for by their Securing their own they will Secure that of the other Proprietors which is the reason that I in behalf of myself & them would sell so low. No fraud has been mad[e] use of towards Indians, & the purchases are prior to the Treaty held by the late General Wayne the Lands are well situated & of a good quality. I am Sir Your Most Obedient Humble Servant John Askin Solomon Sibley Esquire at Cincinnatie Addressed: Solomon Sibley Esquire, Cincinatti DISPUTES OVER TRADER'S OBLIGATION Montreal 24th January 1799 Dear th Sir I was duly favoured with yours of the 12th & 29 October to which I attend. The different articles of yours on the communication would I hope get up by the 176 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Nancyc or Charlotte which I learn had arrived before M r R. M kenzie left Detroit. M r Todd was gone for New York before either of your letters reached me, and is not yet returned, but is expected in ten days or a fortnight; of course I have not had an opportunity of speaking to him on the chief subject of your last, M r McGill however read me what you say to M r T. on the subject of my 10 having assumed11 the 2500 Livres recovered from Valle by Loisel. I do not know how M r Meldrum can swear to my having done so. when you & I had the last & final conversation on that subject I cannot remember that he was present, and from which conversation r you conceive that I did assume the Debt as acting for M T. but was it not still subject to his approba- tion? The memorandum which r you suppose I left about that matter must be what M Meldrum got at Mackinac from M r Swan,12 with whom the matter had much better have been settled seeing he knew the people in the Illinois, it ris also odd that M r Meldrum did not say any thing to M Todd on the subject in 1797 when he was at Mackinac & Detroit, nor did he say any thing of it this year till the very day that I was leaving Mackinac when there was no time to have it cleared up. In r writing you last Septem1" I mentioned the reasons for M T's refusing to pay the whole demand, which letter I wrote by his desire and he saw it before it was closed, if M r Meldrum has any infor- mation regarding that business or proofs to bring forward of which M r T. is ignorant I think he wouldr do well to produce them, and if they are convincing M T. as you observe is surely the last man that would wish to have 10 On the Valte family of Ste. Genevieve, see B. H. R., I, 290. The member here alluded to was probably Jean Baptiste Vall£, who was actively engaged in the fur trade and in other commercial activities. He married Jane Barbeau and lived to an advanced age. See Houck, History of Missouri, I, 349-50. 11 Regis (or Registry) Loisel was a native of Canada, who came to St. Louis in 1793, where he married Helene Chauvin. He engaged actively in the fur trade of the Upper Missouri region, and about the year 1800 built a "4 bastion" fort in central South Dakota which is described with considerable care by Sergeant John Ordway of the Lewis and Clark expedition. See Wis. Hist. Colls., XXII, 135. When Louisiana was transferred from Spain via France to the United States, Loisel seems to have chosen to remain a subject of the first-named country. He died in New Orleans in October, 1804. See Houck, History of Missouri, II, 252. i i James Swan, for whom see B. H. R., I, 375. For his report on the matter here dis- cussed, see post, 216-17. 177 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS what does not belong to him, but the matter appears to be that he never got the money otherwise than by a Credit in an Ace* Current on which there is still a large balance due, and it will fall hard on M r Todd to pay the money, which I told M r Meldrum at Detroit. Swan who is gone back to the Illinois this winter will endeavour to get some information on the subject as I wrote him from your place, and I hope all parties will at last be of one opinion; I heartily wish I had never had any thing to say in the business for disput- ing claims is an unpleasant task. I shall drop the subject by observing that I am now writing from my own head and not as M r Todd's Attorney. You will hear the news from this place through other channels, and I have only to* add my thanks for your obliging expressions and for the good wishes of your family, and begging you will present my best Compliments to them all, I remain Dear Sir Your most obed* & very hule Servant Tho. Blackwood13 I have not forgot the Quebec Pocket Almanack, but it cannot be sent till the spring. If you have any Memm from me about the 25OCP I will thank you to say what it is, as I don't recollect of having left any with you regarding that matter. I left a mem. about the Saguinah's loading only, if I remember right. John Askin Esqr Addressed: John Askin Esqr Detroit Endorsed: Montreal Jany 24h 1799 Mdr Jn° Blackwood to Jn° Askin recv y 7 of March Answ ye 6 June 1799 d e th 13 Thomas Blackwood was a prominent Montreal merchant in this period. He was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, Feb. 10,1773. In 1791 he came to Canada, and after several years' employment in the mercantile business in Quebec, entered the service of the firm of Todd and McGill in Montreal, where he continued to reside until his death, Nov. 22, 1842. About the beginning of 1800, he was admitted to partnership in the firm of James and Andrew McGill, and at a later date he became a partner of Francois DesRivieres, son of Mrs. James McGill. Blackwood was for several decades an active supporter of the St. Gabriel Street Church, whose historian says of him: ". . . few men in Canada wielded a more trenchant pen, or exhibited a more statesmanlike grasp of Church questions, as these were affected by Canada." He was a charter director of the Montreal General Hospital, an executor of the will of James McGill, and a director of the Montreal Savings Bank. A sketch of his career is in Robert Campbell, A History of the Scotch Presbyterian Church, St. Gabriel Street, Montreal (Montreal, 1887), 244-49. 178 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS DEFECTS IN LAWS GOVERNING MILITIA Detroit 24 Jan y 99 r h D Sir I wrote you the 26 since which I have endeavoured to throw M r Nortons account into such a State as may induce him to pay you the Ballance. I have taken the liberty to inclose you herewith the copy of my letter to him as also of his Note & account, So that Should he make any further difficulties you will be acquainted how badly they are founded I wish this tedious business was at an end. pray have you not Some young man of the law in your Quarter who you wish well. If you have I think you should recommend it to him to settle at the River thames or Sand- wich, for, tho he may not get much at first, his profession will make his profits daily increase as the Settlement does, in particular If he understands conveyancing, besides only one lawyer in Court gives a poor Chance to him who has not engaged him first. M r Roe has declared it would be more agreable to him If there was an other than he alone. Pray let me ask you If you have not found Some defect in your Militia laws. I command a Batallion but on no occasion whatever aunless in conformity to an order from the L* Governor & or L* of the County, can I order out one man for review, exercise, or any other purpose? but the Captain who is my inferior officer can call his company out 4 times a year. On the 4 June the whole militia is to be out, but it's not me who can give them Orders to appear on that day. the law directs we should be all there, Officers & men, and a fine is to be paid by the absent, I should have been [glad] to have paid a cCompliment by ordering some out to fire over Colonel M Kee, but I make a rule never to do what the law will not support me in doing for fear of being refused without having the means of punishing, others its true order without authority and are sometimes obeyed.c Some militia were called out by them to fire over col. M Kee's Corps & they did so. Another defect I find in the militia law is, that no person can be compelled to serve as a Sergeant, and I assure you so few among the Canadians are disposed to do it voluntarily tho excepted for they time from Serving as Constable, that I have one Comp without officer or Sergeant, it's true the law has 179 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS provided for the former, and when officers are wanting the L* of the county is to blame When I mention these matters to Some of the council in this Quarter the answer I get is, that it's understood I should be obeyed when I give orders to the militia, my ideas are very different except in cases where the laws directs, for was I [acting] as Judge in any case where a militia man refused what the law had not exacted he should do, I would acquit him If in your opinion the defects I suppose exist & [you] think it right to move at next Sessions for an amendm* it is well. If not I have nothing further to urge. It is however painful to me as a militia officer not to be able to put the [into] execution such orders as I may receive from the president ora any other in his Stead, thro the L* of the county. I am & (Signed) J A y Endorsed: Detroit 24 Jan 99 John Askin to Hamilton Copy FROM ALEXANDER HENRY TO JOHN ASKIN Montreal 25 January 1799 Dear Askin I received your several letters and observe what you say respecting Trade at your post it is nothing new when money is gaind one or two years in a post they must loose five business is much the same here all Trades overdone from your information, I have alter'd my plan and sold off all my importations at cost & charges, so am again free living on stock which goes very fast, and [what] the next will be [I] cannot say. the new North West Company is going on it will be a considerate [considerable] struggle but I know who will gain, the one party is a new rais'd corps without discipline, the other old veterans. I cant find one man of experience that has the least knowledg in the North consern'd. Forsyth does the business here and Sharp at the portage. . I thank you for the [me]moran- dom &a you sent me, I did not mean that my Nephew14 should have settled at Sagana or the Indian Country but 14 This was Alexander Henry who is commonly known as "the younger" by way of distinguishing him from his uncle. He seems to have entered upon the fur trade this same year. He was drowned in the lower Columbia in April, 1814, along with Donald McKenzie. Most of the intervening years were spent by Henry in the far Northwest. His extensive journals, edited by Elliott Coues, were published in New York in 1893. 180 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS at Detroit, he is going to the North West with the old Company. I am inform'd Sheifland was at Philidelphia with the Indians from Detroit but cannot know what has been done, but can guess. Isaac Todd was there at the Time but has not return'd I supose you will have the News—such as never was known. Admiral Nelson with 13 ships of the Line attackd the Toulon fleet, which Took Boanaparta to Egypt, and took Eleven of the french the Beys or Generals in Egypt has kill'd the greatest part of his army, Nelsons fleet also destroyed 300 Transports Admiral Warran, has Taken & Destroyd the Brest fleet going to Ireland with Troops, the french Landed a number of Troops there some time before these, but they were all taken or Kill'd. the Turks has declar'd war against france and it is supos'd Germany, Russia & all the World will do the same. America talks big. they feel Bold all this good news has rais'd our sperrets. furs in England will sell by the best Information I can get for less than last year Beaver very great fall, Deer about the same as last year bears much less raccoons a fall. Muskratts will sell here 20 coppers good, no small ones, to 22d that is if those shipt for England last fall, sells for that in London, but if for less, they will all return to America and overstock the market, then a fall. I expect Todd up soon with all the News, he is like myself growing old always complaining, one of your old friends General Christie15 took his departure for the other World a few days ago. old standards deminishes very fast, there is not more than six rema[in]ing in Montreal which are Dobe, John Neagles Major Hughs, James Morrison, & my self. Todd came some time after the conquest, we have lost that number in about two years, so we may keep a sharp look out. Tell my old friend Com'odore Grant that I receved a letter from Doctr Wright Barbados 24 August. M rs Wright and the Children is well16 they have had an 15 General Gabriel Christie spent practically a lifetime in the army, rising to the rank of general in 1798. For a number of years prior to the Revolutionary War he was lieu- tenant colonel of the Sixtieth (Royal American) Regiment. We have been unable to dis- cover where Askin encountered him, although it seems quite probable it was during the sojourn of the latter at Mackinac from 1764 to 1780. 16 Therese, daughter of Commodore Grant, married Dr. Thomas Wright in January, 1793. For the tragic fate of the Wright family, see B. H. R., I, 461. 181 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS adition of one to their family since they left this, as the time is so very short for us, we should endeavour to meet once more here on Earth so it is your Turn to come down, which [I hope] you may do this summer and bring M™ Askin with you. I have tired your patience with so much stuf, so when you are half through lay this by for another time, and believe me ever, with my wishes & that of my famely for the Happiness of you & your famely Your affectinate friend Alexander Henry Addressed: John Askin Esquire Detroit Endorsed: Montreal Jan y 25 th 1799 Alexr Henry to Jn° Askin recvd y e 7 th March Answd ye 30h April OBLIGATIONS OF FRANCIS VIGO Cincinnati Jan y 26 th 1799 Dear Sir, I shall with pleasure hold myself retained on your behalf in all Cases in which I may be applied to either by your self, or by any other person against you, upon the principles you have stated in your last letter. I do not wish any money to be advanced, but will leave it to be received as the Cases individually occur. Your letter addressed to M r St. Clair17 and myself at post Vincents did not come to our hands. We found M r Vigo perfectly willing, but unable to discharge the Debt- he offered to give lands in payment, which we were not empowered to receive, our only object therefore was to secure the debt, if possible, to effect this we proposed to take a Mortgage on his lands, at first he was unwilling to give it, observing that it would prevent the sale of his lands which was the only source from which he could raise money to discharge the bond; however he waived the objection and executed a Mortgage on seventeen four hundred acre tracts of land, lying in the neighbourhood of the post, the patents for these lands have not yet been taken out, but the Governor is ready to grant them whenever an application shall be made for that purpose. 17 Arthur St. Clair, son of Governor Arthur St. Clair, and a pioneer attorney of Ohio. 182 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS M r Vigo values the land at one Dollar and fifty Cents P r Acre and offers to give the seventeen Tracts if the Company will accept them and give him a discharge. We endeavoured o learn the value of the lands with as much accuracy as ossible, but could not obtain sufficient information to make t prudent or safe for us to recommend or advise one way r the other, it appeared to be the opinion of some persons whom we consulted that the lands were valued at more than hey would sell for in Cash at present, but that they were ising in value. please to present my respects to your Family and believe me Your Friend & Very Hum6 Serv* Jac Burnet18 r n° Askin Esq Addressed: John Askin Esquire Detroit favd by M r Sibley Endorsed: Cincinnati Jan y 26th 1799 Jacob Burnett Esqr to Jn° Askin recvd ye 1 st March Answd April the 3d STATE OF AFFAIRS IN IRELAND Athlone 30th January 1799 My dear Father, I did myself the happiness to address my Mother and Sister McKee by the last month's Packet have no letters of my dear Familys to acknowledge since hat period tho I live in hopes of receiving some ere long. You will be pleased to hear that my dear Husband enjoys 18 Jacob Burnet was the son of Dr. William Burnet of Newark, New Jersey, who was a member of the Continental Congress and subsequently physician and surgeon-general of he Eastern District throughout the Revolution. The son, Jacob, was born, Feb. 22, 1770, nd was graduated from Princeton in 1791. He was admitted to the bar in the spring of 796 and immediately thereafter located in Cincinnati. Here he early achieved an influen- ial station, being chosen in 1799 one of five members of the first Legislative Council of Northwest Territory and continuing a member until the formation of the Ohio state govern- ment. He became a judge of the Supreme Court of Ohio in 1821 and was elected to the U. S. Senate in 1828. In 1839 he was chiefly instrumental in procuring the nomination of William Henry Harrison to the presidency. Aside from political and legal activities, he was active in the development of educational institutions, and in 1847 published Notes on he Early Settlement of the Northwestern Territory (Cincinnati, 1847). He died in Cincinnati, M a y 10, 1853. See E . O. R a n d a l l and Daniel J . R y a n , History of Ohio . . . . (New Y o r k , 1912), passim. A letter substantially identical with the one to Burnet was addressed the same day to Arthur St. Clair of Cincinnati, son of Governor St. Clair. 183 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS a good state of health he is not so fat as when in Canada but he looks remarkably well. My dear children have both had bad colds but are now recovering. This Place does not afford any matter entertaining to write about I described my habitation and situation of the Town &c to my mother in my last letter. We have been in a kind of Bustle lately on the subject of an union between England and Ireland most of the first people in this Kingdom objected to it and the lower class of Irish without knowing the meaning of the business objected to it because their superiors did I am not politician enough to comprehend the nature of the Union with regard to the advantages that might accrue to this Country by its taking place but am happy to find that in consequence of the extreme dislike to it by the Irish the mat- ter is dropped and we are likely to remain quiet. We have had Some cold weather this Winter this day reminds me of dear Canada for it is very severe and we have a drift of Snow. I went to a Ball two evenings ago the Ball Room was in shocking condition in regard to the appearance of the Building but we had some pleasant women of the Party and we danced merrily untill two oclock in the morning at which time we were ushered in the Supper Room where we found a very good repas prepared after Supper I danced one dance and returned home. I must compliment you my dear Father on the good dancing of your fair Country women they posess great life and spirits and are in general very pleasant in their conversations and manners. It is now some time since we heard from my Aunt Mercer they were lately at Liverpool, my Cousin Charlotte is a very pretty Girl and is of a most amiable disposition I should suppose she must have some admirers by this time in Canada she would not wait long for a Spouse but in England men always look to the main chance a round sum of money and indeed it is highly necessary where Taxes are so plenty. I suppose you [are] by this time comfortably settled on the opposite side of the River I trust you have met with good purchasers for what you had to dispose of the Newspapers gave a pleasing account of great success the Canada Fur merchants met with this last year I did not get a letter from any of the Family by the Fleet of merchant 184 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS hips from Quebec so that I am ignorant of your situation his last Autumn. Should my dear Mother be near to my ister she will no doubt find great amus[e]ment in her at- ention to her grandson I trust he continues well as also y Sister and Family to whom I beg to be remembered in he most affectionate manner. For the information of Adelaide I insert a few Fashions— ead dress of Brown velvet the cap in the shape of a Turban immed with narrow gold Twist, and white feathers, the air dressed in small curls all over the head, B[a]ngle andeaus and Feathers are also much worn. Gowns and etticoats of the same are also much in Fashion, but to save quantity which a suit of the same must cause, it is custom- ry to tack a kind of apron in the Gown, leaving [part] of the own loose the legnth of a finger, which [makes] it appear a ompleat dress, handkerchiefs are also in vogue but very ttle of them seen as the gowns come high up to the neck, mall earrings and Necklaces, narrow girdles, narrow Brace- ts are now in Fashion, silk gloves of any colour and very ng to come high up the arm. sleeves of Gowns are worn various shapes, but I have mine quite plain with a small ff to turn up. so much pour les modes, my dear Meredith aving desired me to leave him a small space to address ou in I shall now think of concluding, my little children eg to assure you of their kind love pray kiss my dear dear other for me and assure her of my fervent affection, my est love to my dear Sisters & Brothers Love to Uncle rant & & Compliments to all acquaintances I remain my ear Father you very affectionate daughter A Meredith19 Addressed: John Askin Esqr Merc* at Detroit Upper anada To the care of Mess" Todd & MGill Mer- hants at Montreal Lower Canada Endorsed: Athlone 30th Jan y 1799 L* & M rs Meredith John Askin 19 A letter from David Meredith to John Askin follows the letter of Mrs. Meredith to r father. • 185 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS PROPOSAL FOR SUPPLYING LOGGERS Grose Point Thursday D r Sir For fear of any misunderstanding about the price of the Hay which I had cut & stacked near where your People are cutting Pine, I inform you that if you have occasion to take any of it the Price is Twelve Pounds York. I take this opportunity also to repeat that I will haul out all your Timber at Two Shillings York a pice provided the saw Logs do not exceed ten feet long, otherwise in that proportion, and the largest of the other Timber thirty feet of a foot square except the [illegible] & Traverses which of coursfe] I'll admit in any proportion you find convenient to order, provided also that your people do open the roads to the Timber. I shall require half of the payment in money and half in goods from your Store. Should this not meet with your approbation, and that your People may want any supplies, these can be had at my House, Corn for 8/ a Minot Pork at 1/ Beef at 10d and if possible to get to the mill Flour at 40/ a hd. When I consider that I may have two Horses to support and two Men to victuall and pay for at least three Months I cannot undertake the hauling under the terms proposed Mean time I am D r Sir Your Very Obed Sv* Alex. Harrow 20 Addressed: John Askin Esq r Detroit Endorsed: Gros Point Feb ry 7 th 1799 Cap* Harrow to Jn° Askin recvd same day & Answd y e 10th FROM GOTTLOB SENSEMAN TO JOHN ASKIN Fairfield Feb ry 9 th 99 Dear Sir Your Corn due to you by our Ind s , is chiefly all collected and stored; the Ind n whom I appointed to measure & store it, tells me, that he received nigh 500 Bhl., and to my own Calculation the Total due to you, comes to above that Sum or Quantity, I shall use my best Endeavors, that xo For the career of Alexander Harrow, see B. H. R., I, 305-306. 186 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS ll shall be paid; some Indians, as you know yourselve re little concerned about macking Payment; without the Creditor himself is present, and peremptorily demands it. There are but very few left, of whom I know, that they are ad Paymasters, two of them promised me, to bring their Corn themselves down in the Spring, and I shall remind hem of it at the Time. M r Wm Dealy promised to bring the Corn down in the Spring, in the new Vessel, he is a building for you, but I m a little afraid, it will be laid [late], as I have been told, is Work goes on but slowly; I shall write to him, and urry him on; and I wish very much you would do the ame, that you might receive your Corn at the proper Time, nd as early as possible; I have received, not long ago a Letter from M r Nichol your late Clerk; wherein he mentions o me, that he has entrusted a few Goods to Lodwick, one f our Inds when he was here last; the Payment for which e shall deliver to you; (they were his own Property) I cquainted the Indian of it, and he is willing to do it. it makes 25 Dollars. I would likewise desire you, to send me my Account, as I ad a few Articles from M r Nichol wThen he was here with oods; the Account I had for it, I have lost among my apers; you will be so good, as excuse the Forbearance of he Payment, as I [do] not come to Town so frequently, as formerly did, or els I should have pay'd it before now. I am with due Respect Dear Sir Your most Obed* & humbl. Ser* G Senseman M r J. Askin Esqr Addressed: M r John Askin Esqr Detroit Endorsed: Fairneld Feby 9h 1799 M r Senseman to Jn° skin recv* & Answd ye 14th SUPPLIES FOR LOGGERS Detroit 10 feby 99 Dear Sir In answer to your obliging letter from Gros ointe on Thursday last, I have to Say that the Hay is at 187 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS your Credit With me—12— as to the hawling out of the Timber I have made an agreement for that business much under your offer Respecting the provisions, whatever Quantity under the Value of £20 Basile Lafleur may want, please furnish him and I will pay the Rates you require and for St Bernard21 the bearer I will answer up to £30 for Provisions If he takes So Much. I need not observe that it will be necessary to take the Person's receipt for the Quantity delvd I am &a Signed J A 8t Capt Harrow l Claim Endorsed: Detroit 10 feby 99 John Askin to Captain Harrow Copy INSTRUCTIONS FOR BASIL LAFLEUR Au Detroit Le 10 de Fevrier 1799 r Mons Bazil Lafleur Monsieur Le Porteur de ceci Monsr S* Bernard est Arrange Avec moi pour tirer tous mon Bois que Je aurai a La Pineire Ainssi vous lui ferra[i] commencer per Le Bois qui est pour Le Roi et Le faire metter apart comme cette Bois doit 6tre dans une Cajeux separe d'Autre Bois. Vous n'&tes zi Alexander Bernard married Catherine Girard and lived in the parish of Ambasa, diocese of Limoges, in France. Their son, William, born in the ancestral home in 1717, found his way to Detroit, where on Jan. 10, 17S4, he married Mary Joseph Campau, daughter of Antoine Campau and Angelica Peltier dit Antaya, who was born in Detroit on March 15, 1740. To them were born seventeen children in the ensuing thirty years. William Bernard was engaged in trade. In 1762 he purchased the farm on the Northeast Coast (between modern Field and Baldwin avenues) which had been granted to Charles Ch&ie in 1734, and which since the American regime has been designated as Private Claim 16. Joseph St. Bernard (the prefix "St." seems to have been added to the family name by certain members of the second generation in Detroit), the third child of William Bernard and Mary Joseph Campau, and the individual mentioned in the present document, was born in Detroit, June 21, 1759; on April 26, 1785, he married Geneveva Saucier, daughter of Joseph Saucier and Geneveva Tremblay. The bride's parents resided at Fox Creek in Grosse Pointe, and apparently she and her husband located in this vicinity, for ten of their children were born in Detroit in the years 1786-99; and in 1802 a suit at law resulted in dispossessing Bernard of a house at Grosse Pointe, which he apparently had built on land to which he was now unable to establish legal title. Prior to this, however, the couple seems to have removed to Raisin River settlement, where their eleventh child was born, in January, 1801. Their farm was on Otter Creek, a few miles south of Monroe; Bernard continued to reside here until his death, shortly prior to May 29, 1822. Information adapted from Denissen, op. cit., and mss. in B. H. Coll., passim. 188 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS pas oblige d'Assister a charge des Pieces, mais il faut faire Le Chemain ou cela est neccessaire. Je dois fournir du foin pour Les Cheaveaux de Monsr S* Bernard, et Je lui est dit de rendre Le restant pour mon Compte comme elle m'a cout6 douze Ponts. On quittera contre La Cabane de Micheal Baron Autant de Piyeaux de Ceder qu'il pourra faire En Bardeau et Le reste sera Ammin6 ou vous ferrez Les Cajeux. Je Suis mortifie que Baron n'est pas content Je Souhaiterai contenter tout Le Monde, vous ferrez bien lui Liver6 tant de Lard, tant de farine et tant de pois, et des Pois[s]on comme Les Autre, s'il Employe plus que ce qui est raisonable, ce sera A lui de Le payer. Je Vous prie bien de manager la Viande, Je ne vois pas jour de vous Envoyer de Avantage mais s'il vous manque de La farine au Pois Vous En Aurez de Cap* Harrow par mon Compte, Monsr Barthe vous Aurez dit que Le Bois du Roi doit Etre faites Le premiere. Michel Baron a tres mal faites de Vouloir Vendre de Ceder a. Monsr Boyez Vous ne lui quittera pas prendre une Seul morceau. tout cela est a. moi. Comme Je' paye tant por Piece grand comme petit pour faire Charier du Bois, J Espere que Les traverses seront belles. Translation Detroit, February 10, 1799 Mr. Basil Lafleur, Sir: The bearer of this, St. Bernard, has arranged with me to draw all my wood that I shall have at the Pinery, so you will have him commence with that for the King, and have it put aside as that wood should be on a separate raft from the other. You need not help with the loading but be sure to have the necessary roads made. I have to furnish hay for St. Bernard's horses and I have told him to give me credit for what is not used as22 it costs me twelve pounds. Leave near Michael Baron's cabin what cedar he will Z2. Michael Baron was descended from Andrew Achin, who was born in 1646 and married at Three Rivers, on October 24, 1667, Frances Pietou. Their son, Francis Achin dit Catin, born in Montreal on June 1, 1684, married on Jan. 7, 1704, Mary Seguin dit Laderoute of Longueuil. They had a son Francis, who was born in Longueuil in 1712, and who married there on Feb. 9, 1739, Mary Ann Jeannes. Their second son, Michael Catin dit Baron, was born in Longueuil, April 6, 1749. He came west to Detroit and on Nov. 21, 1774, married in Sandwich Mary Louisa Gouyou, who was born in Detroit, Aug. 8, 1759. They had nine children born in Detroit and Sandwich, the last in 1792; four more 189 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS need to make into shingles and take the rest where you will make the raft. I am sorry Baron is not satisfied. I should like to please everybody. You might give him as much lard, flour, peas, and fish as the others, then if he uses more than is reasonable, he must pay for it. But pray be careful with the meat, for I do not see when I can send you more, but if You need flour or peas, get some from Captain Harrow on my account. Mr. Barthe will have told you that the wood for the King must be made up first. Michael Baron did very wrong to want to sell cedar to Mr. Boyer. You must not let him take a single piece; that is all mine. As I pay so much a piece, big or little, to have the wood carted out, I hope the roads will be good. INDIAN TITLE TO CONNECTICUT RESERVE M Huntingtons23 Compliments to J Askin Esqr and in r reply to his note of this date, has to inform him, that the principal object of his inquiries of M r McNiff was to Obtain information relative to the situation of the Indian title to that part of New Connecticut or lands the property of the Connecticut Company which lies west of the east line described in the treaty made with the Indians by General Wayne. The Connecticut Compy have made aplication to Congress for liberty to treat with the Indians for their title, to the land described, and as M r H has a number of friends inter- ested in the title granted by Connecticut he thought it his were born in Raisin River settlement, the first in 1796. Information adapted from Denissen, op. cit. Z3 Benjamin Huntington was born in Norwich, Conn., March 19, 1777. His family was long prominent in Connecticut, and his father, also named Benjamin, held numerous important public offices. Huntington came to Detroit in early manhood (the present document affords the earliest indication of his presence here that has been found), where he remained about three years. During this time he was engaged in business activ- ities and to some extent in local politics. In October, 1800, he unsuccessfully sought elec- tion to the territorial legislature, and engaged in physical combat at the polls with George McDougall. In the spring of 1802, Huntington established himself in business in New York City, where the remainder of his life was spent, and where he died on Aug. 3, 1850. He was long a leading broker of the city. One of his sons, Jedidiah V. Huntington, was an author and editor, and among other activities, was the translator and editor of Gabriel Franchere's Northwest Coast narrative. Another son, Daniel, was a prominent artist of New York. Data compiled from mss. in B. H. Coll., and E. B. Huntington, A Genealogical Memoir of the Huntington Family . . . (Stamford, Conn., 1863), passim. 190 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS duty to inquire into the situation of the buisiness, that he may have it in his power to point out to his friends the best method to obtain the Indian title, Mrr H would readily attend to the intervew mentioned by M A if the time pre- vious to hisr departure was not so short. The letter accom- panying M Askins note shall be particularly attend to. Monday evening Feby 11th 1799 Addressed: John Askin Esquire Endorsed: d e th Feby 11th 1799 M r Huntington to Jn° Askin recv y 13 SUPPLIES FOR LOGGERS Newburgh 19th Febyr 99 D r Sir S*Bernard and the other man passed here on Friday, they took a few Bushells of Corn and some Pork, but he was obliged to leave the Slays with all the baggage at a House six miles below Fort Sinclair & proceeded with the Horses only in hopes of crossing at the Rapids. I have not heard how he succeeded. Whatever the Party may require shall be furnished agreeable to your Letter I am with best respects D r Sir Your Very obd. Serv* Alex. Harrow John Askin Esqr Addressed: John Askin Esqr Detroit Endorsed: Newburgh e th Feby 19h 1799 Cap* Harrow to Jn° [Askin] recv* y 20 FROM ROBERT NICHOL TO JOHN ASKIN Queenston February 21 st 1799 Dear Sir About six weeks ago I had the pleasure of receiving your obliging favor of the 1 st January, with the different inclosures therein noted. I have seen both the people. Prince positively denies the Debt & says that it must be his brother James who is now at Quebec. McClachlan keeps a school a short distance from this & has given me his Note for £4 16 1 Yk payable on the 20th March, that being the time he receives his quarterly Salary, 191 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS & I have reason to believe he will be punctual, the 10/8 for M r Roe he disputed & as I thought it would be more for your interest to give up that point than to have the account disputed and to lay out of your money. I hope you will not be displeased at my taking upon me to deduct it from the ace* It is with the utmost satisfaction I observe you are pleased with my Conduct at Long Point, it was an unfortunate Business & attended with much expence yet I believe none but what was necessary originated with me. the People in general in that quarter are a mere Banditti, & took advan- tage of the necessity I was in by making me pay exorbitant wages, every thing considered I really wonder that so much was Saved. Dolsen (the vagabond) has absconded to avoid prosecution. I am no stranger to the good Character given of me by M r McMichael. I have reason to believe he wrote that letter in consequence of some Words that took place between us on board of Captain Lee's24 vessell. however as his Character for traduction. is well known, I shall not dwell longer on the subject being convinced you paid no attention to his insinuations. I shall have the pleasure of paying my respects to you in the Spring, when on my way to Mackinack & shall then give you an ample detail of every thing relative to the Business Feeling myself deeply interrested in the happiness of Captain McKee's family from whom I have received many obligations, I have heard with the utmost distress the melancholy account of the Colonels death & knowing from Experience what it is to loose the best of Fathers—I can easily conceive the distress which both Captain McKee's family & yours must suffer on this occasion, & I sympathize & Condole with you on the melancholy event. I shall say nothing to you on Politicks as a large parcel of News Papers go forward to Your Address, in them you will see the detail of many important actions, which cannot fail to give the utmost satisfaction to every Briton. 2.4 William Lee was sailing the upper lakes as early as 1795 and as late as 1812. Among the different vessels he commanded were the Erie Packet, the Good Intent, the Contractor, 192 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Will you have the goodness to say to M r Maisonville that I expected to have received some reply to the many letters I have wrote him from hence. I have some little business in Detroit to transact with M r Robert Grant25 & have given him a draught upon you for 15 dollars. Which you will oblige me by honoring & the amount shall be placed to your Credit with M r Hamilton. Be pleased to offer my respectfull Compliments to M rs & Miss Askin & in wishing that You may all long enjoy together many happy returns of the season I subscribe myself with sentiments of esteem and respect, My Dear Sir Your Most Obedient & very Humble Servant . Rob* Nichol r John Askin Esq Merchant Detroit Addressed: John Askin Esqr Merchant Detroit Endorsed: Queenston Feby 21 st 1799 M r Rob* Nichol to Jn° Askin recv y 7 March Answ June 10th d e h d DIFFICULTIES OF JEAN DUSAULT r River Raisin 25th feby 1799 John Askin Sen Esquire Dear Sir Phenon Dusau26 having called on me & stated the disagreeable predicament he now stands in, from a n d t h e Friend's Good Will. I n 1799 his home was a t P r e s q u ' Isle. Considerable incidental information concerning him c a n be found in manuscripts in t h e B . H . Coll., and in Buffalo H i s t . S o c , Pubs., V I I I , 284 ff. 2.5 R o b e r t G r a n t was a resident of D e t r o i t who, in 1795, signified his intention of remain- ing a British subject. H e subsequently engaged in t r a d e in Sandwich in p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h R o b e r t Innis, for w h o m see B. H. R., I, 464-65, et passim. G r a n t married M a r y Scott, and a d a u g h t e r , Christina, born April 22, 1810, was baptized in Sandwich on F e b . 1, 1818. See St. J o h n ' s C h u r c h Register. 2.6 O t h e r documents in the Askin papers indicate t h a t this was J e a n D u s a u l t . T h e D u s a u l t ( D u s a u t ) line in America w a s founded b y T o u s s a i n t T o u p i n , Sieur D u s a u l t , born in 1616, w h o married M a r g a r e t Boucher, born in 1634. H e was buried in C h a t e a u Richer, A u g . 10, 1676, leaving sons, Francis (born in 1646) and J e a n T o u p i n , Sieur D u s a u l t , b o r n in Quebec, D e c . 15, 1648. B o t h brothers married, reared families, a n d lived and died in Quebec, and descendants of b o t h s u b s e q u e n t l y came west t o D e t r o i t . O u r present con- cern is w i t h the descendants of J e a n . His grandson, Louis J o s e p h T o u p i n , born in Quebec, F e b . 16, 1735, came t o D e t r o i t in 1759 and on J a n . 11, 1762, married a t t h e C h u r c h of t h e H u r o n (Sandwich), Louisa M a r g a r e t D e s b u t t e s dit St. M a r t i n , d a u g h t e r of J e a n B a u d r y dit D e s b u t t e s dit St. M a r t i n and Louisa D o y o n . Louisa D e s b u t t e s was buried in D e t r o i t , J u l y 19, 1766. Louis J o s e p h T o u p i n dit D u s a u l t was buried a t Raisin River, J u l y 7, 1810. J e a n Francis T o u p i n dit D u s a u l t , o u r subject, was t h e eldest son of Louis J o s e p h D u s a u l t and Louisa D e s b u t t e s . H e was b o r n in Sandwich, A u g . 11, 1762, a n d married there o n N o v . 4, 1783, M a r y J a n e R a o u l , d a u g h t e r of J e a n B a p t i s t e R a o u l and M a r y J a n e P r u d - 193 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS having purchased with the Mill only twelve Acres, in lieu of Gailliards27 whole Farm—he appears quite demonte'd; seeing that neither Navarre nor I will allow him to cut even Firewood off our Farms; how is he then to renew the said premises? the Fences Bridges & ditches required for Mill road & the immediate absolute repairs to the Mill & dam thus circumstanced being beyond his feeble Abilities; he has solicited me to Sell him Gailliards Farm & enter into Shares with him; otherwise he sees his inevitable Ruin. I have told him that I will consent to no other arrange- ment than the present offer, which you may accept of or not as you please: that if you will throw in Gailliards Farm to me as a Douceur, I will sign the necessary securities jointly with Dusau agreeable to his Arrangement with you dated 18 Nov last & become a joint purchaser on the Terms your said Agreement expresses: this it strikes me was your determina- tion at Detroit, to allow me when you mention'd the day prior to our signing that I might consider Gailliards Farm as mine, indeed your Letter by Col° Shabert hints as much. I do not think necessary to repeat to you what Dusau always told me from the beginning that he understood he not only had Gailliards Farm but also 120 Acres in depth there- with, this he says he desired Md r Audrain to write down, when he was drafting out your s agreement I beg an immediate answer, as the work I am contemplat- ing with Mess28rs Meldrum & Park in building Two Mills at Stoney Creek may interfere with my present offer. I am very truly D r Sir Your ob* Servant George MacDougall homme. She was buried at Raisin River, July 2, 1804, and Jean Francis married (second) Mary Frances Davignon dit Beauregard. Jean Francis Dusault was the father of eight children by his first wife. He died while on a visit to Detroit and was buried here, Dec. 2, 1811. Information adapted from Denissen, op. cit. 2.7 Jacques Gaillard (Galliard) married Mary Bodier and lived in the parish of Notre Dame in the city of La Rochelle, France. Their son, Louis, born there in 1737, became a baker and migrated to Canada. He married in Montreal, Oct. 10, 1763, Margaret Chana- zart and about the year 1777 they located in Detroit. Louis Gaillard was buried in Sand- wich, Oct. 24, 1804; Margaret Chanazart was buried in Detroit, Jan. 14, 1814. They had twelve children, most of whom were born in Detroit or Sandwich, and several of whom settled at Raisin River. Louis Jean Gaillard, born in Sandwich, Dec. 3, 1778, is the person alluded to in the present document. The farm mentioned was sold by him to John Askin on Feb. 17, 1796. He was buried at Raisin River on March 9, 1822. Information adapted from ibid. z8 Stony Creek empties into Lake Erie in Monroe County, about midway between the Huron and Raisin rivers. 194 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Addressed: John Askin Senr Esquire Merch* Detroit r P Joseph Robert Endorsed: River au Raisin Feby 25h 1799 M r Geo M Dougall to Jn° Askin recvd ye 26h & Answd same day c ADVICE CONCERNING DIFFICULTIES OF JEAN DUSAULT Detroit 26 feby 99 Dear Sir About an hour ago, I was favoured with a Letter from you, dated yesterday, as M r Park was present and Said he was going to the River Raisin to morrow I have Set Down to answer it. Mons Duseau's embarrassment must in a great measure arise from not examining matters properly. Surely in the whole extent of the River au Raisin wood may be found, and Some I'm sure not far from him. however that you and him Should Join about the mill, is an advice I would give to both were you my brothers, at Same time it's only advice, and proceeds from good wishes, for it is no concern of mine. I am sure the Sales to both were fair, and no duplicity made use of nor do I think either dear, and was I not So distant I would not hesitate to Join you both If you chose it; writing on this Subject do[es] not answer any great purpose, but If M r Duseau comes in with you at any time and [you] think my advice worth following I will give it freely. I recollect when here last he asked me If I would take you for the mill, on the Same conditions he purchased it. I told him I would do all I could to accomo- date both parties when I saw you, & heard what you pro- posed but as he is a Miller & you not, I think he would make a very good partner and I was almost tempted to say I would take a Share with him, in particular as he said he would Keep the mill in repair without any charge against the concerned. Signed JA Endorsed: Detroit 25 feby 99 John Askin to Geo. c M Dougall Copy 195 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS PROJECTED ADVENTURE OF EBENEZER ALLAN Detroit 6. mar. 99 D r Sir The Bearer hereof M r Ebenezer Allen has applied to me to Know If there is any merchant who I think would advance a Small Indian Cargo on getting Security for the payment, as, I think, you wrote me last year of hav- ing ordered out goods of that Kind, and perhaps have not disposed of them, I mentioned you to him he Says his plan is to go to the Ouisconsin on, or Near the fox River, and he will acquaint you with the rest of his Scheme of this, or the place of trade I am no Judge you are a much better yourself. I therefore have no advice to give respecting the intended trade, nor must you consider me as answerable in any respect, Should matters not turn out well, my intentions are to Serve both. M r Allen is not my debter, nor to my Knowledge does he owe any merchant here. I have Seen his deeds from Government for between two & three thou- sand acres of Land, a part of these he has sold for £3,000 and I believe little or no payment is made yet, nor has he given Deeds, as I understand for what he Sold, but intends to do so, and take mortgages, which mortgages I Suppose is to be the Security for the paym* of the goods he may get of you or any other. I have heard that there is a grist & a Saw Mill on his Lands & an excellent pinery therefore must be valuable. I have only to add that Mr Allen is as active & enterprizing a man as any in the province & perfectly Sober. I have now stated the business fair on both Sides So far as is come to my Knowledge therefore do as you think fit. Signed J A h Endorsed: Coppy Detroit March 6 1799 John Askin to M r Alexr Henry of Montreal PROPOSAL FOR SUPPLYING BRICKS IN DETROIT Proposals I will furnish Lewis Bond29 & John Dodemied Esquires, or whoever may be authorised to receive the Same, Sixty 2.9 Lewis Bond was a native of New Jersey who in 1777, still a mere youth, became a 196 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS r Seventy Thousands of Excellent Bricks and well burnt, n the course of next Summer, for Eight dollars Per thou- and If received at my Brick Kilns at the River Rouge; or or ten dollars Per thousand delivered on the Public wharf r water Side at Detroit, and for my due performance hereof I will give good Security If my proposals are accepted f Detroit, 15h March 1799 Endorsed: Proposals for Bricks detroit, 15 March 1799 opy FROM GEORGE MCDOUGALL TO JOHN ASKIN River Raisin 23d March 1799 ohn Askin Esquire, Dear Sir, Having received twenty of your Bags from M r Ruland agreeable to your Order, I have got them filled ith 2000H french lvs of good Merchantable Flour, which sidore Robert,30 his Brother & Charles Lafond now take n to your address. You'll please signify the receipt thereof s complete payment of the Farm I purchas'd of you at etroit 25 Jan'y last oldier in the state forces, serving until the close of the war. In 1791 he was commissioned n ensign in the levies raised for St. Clair's campaign and served in that campaign and also nder General Wayne, being commissioned as lieutenant in Wayne's Legion, March 19, 793. According to Heitman le resigned his commission, Jan. 3,1794. He came to Detroit ubsequent to the British eva- uation and in 1798 became the second sheriff, under American ule, of Wayne County. He /esided here until the War of 1812, in which he served as major Michigan militia. In February, 1813, he, along with others, was ordered by General rocter to leave the country, and he was a signer of the formal protest made against the rder. In 1820 his home was in Monroe, where he was still living in November, 1841. ome time prior to 1820 he married a daughter of Hugh Smith of Vincennes, who died hile serving under George Rogers Clark, and whose widow subsequently married Israel uland. In 1820 Bond described himself, in a letter to Solomon Sibley, as of advanced ears and with a large and increasing family; he asked to be appointed U. S. judge to reside t Mackinac, Green Bay, or St. Peters, anticipating in this the actual appointment of mes D. Doty as first judge for the district west of Lake Michigan, four years later. formation adapted from mss. in B. H. Coll. Many of Bond's personal papers are printed Mich. Pio. Colls., XXXVII, 421 ff. 30 The Roberts of Detroit and vicinity were descended from Philip Robert of the diocese Amiens in Picardy, France, who married Jane Depuis of the same place. They had two ons, Louis Robert dit La Pomerais (Lapomeraye, La Ppmeraie), born in 1649, and ichael Robert, born in 1656. Both came to Canada and married there, giving rise to two nes of descendants. Louis married Mary Bourgery in 1670 and lived in Boucherville. hey had several sons, two of whom were Pierre Robert dit Lapierre or Lapomerais, born ept. 21, 1671, and Prudent Robert dit Lafontaine, born June 12, 1686. Pierre married Lachine, Jan. 27, 1698, Angelica Ptolom£e. He was in Detroit in the spring of 1706 and 197 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS I conceive it necessary at the same time to apprize you, that as I have rented out said Farm, & measures are taken by me to Fence in the whole of the Same up to the Mill Creek; As these Buildings now appear to be yours, I now again repeat to you what I have required before of Dusau, that you make the necessary arrangements to complete the Fences &c on each Side of the Road (so soon as the Weather permits) as far as your Mill, agreeable to my renoncement, as otherwise it will be impossible for us to make the use we intend of the Farm, should We be con- stantly exposed to the carelessness & caprice of every Fellow going to & coming from the Mill. I am with much Regard Your most obedient humble Servant George Mac Dougall r P.S. I shall write M Sibly soon, to draft out the necessary Deed from you as attorney for Todd & McGill for sd Farm agreeable to your written Sale & declaration & promise. G MCD" Addressed: John Askin Sen1" Esquire Merch* Detroit C Lafond Endorsed: river au rasin March ye 23d 1799 Mr Geo M Dougall to Jn° Askin recd ye 24h [torn] & Answd same [day] c TROUBLES OF GEORGE MCDOUGALL River Raisin 2d April 1799 John Askin Esquire, Dear sir, A late conversation with Dusau, occasions me to address you again, however reluctant, on the subject removed his family here in May, 1708. He died about 1714. His brother, Prudent, came here in 1710 and a year later married Mary Magdelaine Fafard dit Delorme. Pierre Robert's grandson, Pierre Nicholas Robert, born in Longueuil, Nov. 28, 1729, married in Detroit, July 22, 1761, Magdelaine Casse dit St. Aubin. In 1773 he was operating a grist- mill at the Southwest Coast of Detroit; about the year 1790 he settled at Raisin River. They had a large family, one of whom was Isidore Robert, here noted. He was born in Detroit, June 12, 1773, and on Jan. 24, 1795, married at Raisin River, Agatha R6aume, daughter of Jean Baptiste R£aume and Agatha Lootman dit Barrois. Isidore Robert was buried at Raisin River, Feb. 7, 1816. Agatha R6aume was buried, July 22, 1833. They had thirteen children born in the period 1796-1816. Information adapted from Denissen, op. cit. 31 At this point occurs the schedule of weights of the consignment of flour. 198 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS f the Farm purchased from you at Detroit on the 25 Janu- ary last: Give me leave Sir to call to your remembrance the mode upon which a settlement took place twixt us on this subject, & the adjusting our differences regarding the Mill Seat, &c. Alike? I do not wish to insist upon any other thing than what tands on paper regarding that Transaction, I am startled at he proposals you make of giving the rear or any part of the Farm from Gailliard to any one. If there is Faith in Man, t can belong to none but myself Sir, & I now call upon you o declare upon your Word, if in answer to your Question "In what manner I wished to settle the matter finally with you", if I did not immediately propose £40 York to you for Gailliards Farm being the Sum I understood it cost you at irst; to which you assented on the Spot, upon condition of my signing an entire relinquishment to the Mill Seat afore- aid, remarking at same time, "you would pay the difference f £60 to Todd & McGill yourself for the sake of ending all Trouble." The next Morning you had wrote out the Acknowledgmn* & declaration of having sold me "a Tract of Land purchased by You of Lewis Gailliard of Three Acres in Front by Forty n depth." I had every reason to believe that was the whole quantity you had got yourself originally, from your profes- ions at the very moment at Signing that you had made no eservations therefrom from a remark you then made, that you relied every thing was done & said with Sincerity. I now leave it Sir to your Conscience to assign me the whole Farm as you have it from Gailliard or not as you please, being still of opinion that its only necessary to recal to an Honest Mans recollection Circumstances which may have lipt his Memory; to induce him to do the right thing at ast. I am with deference Sir Your most obedient & most humble Servant George MacDougall P S I wish for Gods Sake you would at least set about doing some thing towards making up the Fences of the road o the Mill even for Ten Acres only this Season as you promis'd on 25 Jany last & your Letter of the 24 Ult° con- 199 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS firms. I think "the reasonable Time" you mention was to be allowed, is now almost past Yrfl As before George MacDougall Endorsed: River Rasind April e h y 2 M r Geo McDougall 6 d to Jn° Askin recv* & Answ y 15 INDEBTEDNESS OF FRANCIS VIGO Poste Vincennes Le 11—avril 1799 M r Askin au Detroit Monsieur J'ai eu L'honneur de recevoir Lettres et n'il point a attribuer a negligence si Je ny ai Pas faite de reponse. mais bien La faute des occasions qui sont ici extr&mement rare Dans ces m&mes il est inclus un Compte de 1343 P8—13—2—Cour D'Yorck pour peltrie vendu a moi appartenant. Autant que je puisse me Rappeller et ce Dont Je puisse presque sur, Jetoir a vous redevoir un somme de 1700P8 ou environs y Compris La Dette de Henaud De la somme de Sixr Cente P te . Independament Du bon Que Jai Donne a M Tood Je Lui ai fourni 450 piastre Pour une Berge toute ar[torn] ret Mr Bleklee etoit Presant au Marche fait avec Le Dit s Jai De plus donn6 a Greeneville suivant votre avis a M r McNeail une somme de 77}4 Piastre dont Jai Regu et Du quelle Je trevous ai Imforme dans mes precedante aussi bien que 15 P Donne a M r votre fils Maintenant M r voila Les avoirs du quel vous pouvez me crediter, La Confiance que Javois en vous La lere fois que jai eu Le plaisir de faire des affairs avec vous est encore au- jourd'huy La m&me elle ne Pourra Jamais Dechoir. suivant ce qu'on mavoit Dit J aurois Pense que La vente de peltrie auroit mont6 plus haut. Mais n'impo[torn] vous voudrezte Done bien 6tre assez Complaisant pour m envoyer Le C de Ballance et assitot que j'aurai de L'arg*. Je vous en ferai Passer le montant Ne vous Donnez aucun trouble au sujete des ventes de Londre et Du terns ou elles ont ete faite Je suis Persuades que Le montant que vous m'annoncee est suivant ma Confiance Le montant de mes peltrie 200 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Jai faite Depuis Deux ans une vente assez considerable e terre mais La rarete du necesseraire est Cause que Jai 6t6 manque" Presque dans tout Les payements que Lon Devoit me faire Je ne Dois Rien exactement a personne Qu'au Detroit, mon ambition a toujours ete de satisfaire aussi ite Quil seroit en mon pouvoir et ma sante quoique Debille ncore me Permettra Jespere de partir sous Peu Pour faire n Voyage dans Le mississipi pour Ramasser de Larg* et me mettre dans Le Cas par la de vous Prouver ma Course Vo- onte\ Pour de Largeant Comptant qui m'etois Du Jai te oblig6 de prendre du Wisky en payement et maintenant e suis oblige de travailler pour Le Converter en arg* au sur- lus Personne ne pourra mieux Que M r Dubois vous Im- ormer de toute ces affaires Jai appris Par voix Indirecte que vous aviez intention de enir ici Ce printems Je Pense Que vous scavez que votre hambre est toujours Pr&te chez moi et Que Dans Le cas ue Je n'i serois Pas Mdme Vigo se fera un sensible plaisir de ous recevoir aussy bien que Je Desire Le faire moi m6me n attant ce plaisir Je Suis avec estime Monsieur Votre tres humble serviteur Vigo Addressed: Monsieur John Askin Equill6r au Detroit ar Cpte Dubois Endorsed: Port Vincent April d11eth 1799th Monsr Vigo o Jn° Askin recu Le 4 Mai Answ y 6 Translation Post Vincennes, April 11, 1799 Mr. Askin, Detroit, Sir, I have had the honor of receiving your letters and t is not at all attributable to negligence that I have not nswered. The fault is entirely due to the extreme rarity f opportunities here these months. There is inclosed an ccount of £1343—13—2, New York Currency, for peltries elivered, belonging to me. As nearly as I can recall and of which I can be almost ure, I must owe you still the sum of £1700, or thereabouts, 201 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS and this includes Hunot's debt of 600 piastres. Independently of the draft that I gave Mr. Todd, I furnished32 him with 450 piastres for a boat [torn] and Mr. Blakeley was present at the bargain made with that gentleman. I also gave Mr. McNeal llYo. piastres at Greenville, according to your advice, and have a receipt, and of which I gave you infor- mation in my former letter, as well as 15 piastres given to your son. These, Sir, are the amounts for which you may give me credit. The confidence I had in you the first time I ever had the pleasure of doing business with you is the same today. It can never diminish. From what I have heard, I should have thought that the price of peltries would have gone higher. But never mind. You will be so good as to send me an account of the balance and as soon as I have the money I will hand you the amount. Give yourself no concern about the London sales nor of the time they occurred. I am quite confident that the sum you mention to me is the amount my peltries have brought. During the past two years I have sold considerable land but the scarcity of the needful is the reason why I have failed to collect in almost all the payments I should have received. I owe nothing to anyone except in Detroit. My ambition has ever been to discharge my debts as soon as it was in my power, and my health, although weak yet, permits me to hope that I shall soon set out on a journey to the Mississippi to collect money, and by that means place myself in a position to give you proof of my willingness to pay. For cash accounts due me I have been obliged to take whiskey in payment, and now I must work more to change it into money. No one could tell you of all this better than Mr. Dubois.33 31 Apparently Josiah Bleakley of Mackinac, for whom see post, 569. 33 Toussaint Dubois belonged to one of the oldest families of Vincennes, and during the Indiana territorial period was one of the city's prominent residents. He was engaged in trade, and references among the Askin papers indicate that he had frequent dealings in Detroit. He enjoyed the confidence of Governor Harrison, who utilized his knowledge of Indian life by giving him charge of his force of scouts and spies in the Tippecanoe campaign. In 1814 he was offered the appointment of Indian agent, which he declined on the ground of his illiteracy. He was drowned while attempting to ford the Little Wabash River near Vincennes, March 11, 1816. Dubois was twice married, first to Jeanette Bonneau, and 202 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS I have learned indirectly that you intend to come here his spring. I think you know that your room is always eady at my house, and that in case I should not be there Madam Vigo will be truly pleased to receive you just the ame as I would wish to do myself. Awaiting this pleasure, remain with respect, Sir, Your very humble servant, Vigo Addressed: John Askin, Esq. Detroit By Captain Dubois. HIRE OF BLACKSMITH'S TOOLS M Thomas Welch34 r Sir The Smith's tools which I hired you on the 6th of ebruary last I will have occasion for, on the 6" of next month, as I have made an agreement, or is going to make one with a man for all the work I may have to do, and he has o tools, him with whom I had a former agreement has ired another House and is going away. I give you this imely Notice So as you may not be distressed at the time or want of tools, my Son has a compleat Set perhaps ou could get them I am &c (Signed) John Askin Detroit 16 april '99 Endorsed: Detroit 16 april '99 John Askin to Thomas Welsh Copy econd to Jane Baird. By the second union he had three sons, Thomas, James, and esse K. Dubois. The last named removed to Illinois, where he became state auditor and warm friend of Abraham Lincoln. His son, Fred T. Dubois, was one of the first U. S. enators from Idaho, and, more recently, a member of the International Joint Commission n Washington. Dubois County, Indiana, was named in honor of Toussaint Dubois. Data erived from mss. in B. H. Coll.; entries in Ind. Hist. Soc, Pubs., passim; Logan Esarey ed.), Messages and Letters of William Henry Harrison (Indianapolis, 1922), -passim; nd George R. Wilson, History of Dubois County from its Primitive Days to 1910 (Jasper, nd., 1910), 397-98, 404-12. 34 Thomas Welch, a blacksmith, was still living in Detroit at the time of the fire of 1805. e had a wife, Elizabeth Welch, and a daughter, Margaret, or Peggy; the latter married enjamin Packard. See Proc. of Land Board of Detroit, 179, 232-33. 203 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS NEWS FROM DETROIT Detroit 22 April '99 My dear Sir As the vessels now begin to prepare for voyaging and I wish to be always ready, I take up the pen to answer your Kind letter dated the 1st January last. I am thankfull to you for your Concern at the loss of my 2 Small vessels, at same time, from their being old, freight decreasing & men's wages rising, I think I have Suffered very little. Lafontaine's business about the house is all Settled, and tho I had to take back the mill after I Sold her Yet what I got for So doing, and the State She is now in without expence, and prospects I have of disposing of her again makes it twice as well for the proprietors as If McDougall had got her. I sold him a farm near the Mill and have had more trouble about it than all the Sales of Land I ever made in this Country, his head at times is in a Shocking Situation, and there was but you Could regulate it. I am glad your opinion of this country is as favourable as that of the lower province as it may induce [you] one day to Settle here, really without flattery, you wanted much. I often hear of matters which pass at the Sessions on the other Side which does not please me, and to go over alone, I might not be able to make any alteration, one man takes the lead and all the others agree to what he does therefore in that case there is but one man on the Bench. I am glad you mean to pay us a visit We will be happy to See you. poor Harffy has been dangerously ill, but [is] getting better, with all his faults I would be Sorry to Loose him I can readily look over the errors of my old acquaint- ances as I hope they do over mine. John & his family are well, I have informed him of your attention for which he is thankful he is gone to Cayahoga to pick up some skins There is a constant war between most of the town Citizens or rather magistracy and the Military. M r Dodemead I learn has Sued Col. Strong for interrupting his trade35 The British are clear of all disputes 35 See ante 165. 204 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS now Please present my best wishes with those of M rs Askin to my good friend M r Leith I'm always happy to hear he is well I have only to add that Mrs Askin & all my family Join n every wish that may tend to your happiness & welfare & believe me with &a Signed J Askin r Geo Sharp Esq Montreal Endorsed: Detroit 22d april '99 John Askin to George Sharp Copy FIREWOOD FOR GARRISON AT DETROIT Detroit 25 April '99 Sir This minute Captain Nelson has been here to let me Know, that If you will furnish 200 Cords of fire wood or the use of this Garrison and deliver it on the new Wharf which he has made, he will pay you the Same price he gets himself which he says is 18/ N Y Currency and he wants Your answer immediately. If you have 400 Cords now eady or can get it Soon I would advise you to accept of his ffer which Seems Very fair, but recollect If you do So, you must turn your thoughts to that business and no other or there must not be any disappointment as the Money is Sure and good. I think you Should prefer this to getting ails or any other matter I expect your answer by the 1" opportunity, or If you can come yourself So much the better. (Signed) John Askin r 36 M William Smith River Ruscom Endorsed: Detroit, 25 April '99 John Askin to William Smith River Roscom Copy 36 Documents among the Askin papers (mss.) show that William Smith was a tenant f Askin living on land at Ruscom River (which empties into Lake St. Clair) in this eriod. Smith was active in supplying firewood for the Detroit market and on Jan. 11, 799, he bought "a Very large Bateau" from Askin agreeing to pay therefor the equivalent f £100 New York Currency in wood delivered at the current market price. In the ummer of 1801, Askin had Smith imprisoned for failure to pay his debts, and rejected the ebtor's pleas for his enlargement. Data derived from Askin papers (mss.) in B. H. Coll. 205 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS WINTERERS ENGAGED IN MONTREAL Montreal 4 th May 1799 Dear Sir, We are not altogether certain whether two of your Winterers who have been in Town for some days by mistake & of course at our expence, may not now go for- ward tho' your Boat is not now sent for want of Rum & Salt, we have orderd & look for from Quebec by the first Vessel, but should we send them forward, it is proper to enclose you their engagements & the advances made to them for your Government—& by your own Boat you will re- ceive the Acco* of the whole compleat. we have met with a Smith & Baker for you that will go when the Battoe can be sent. Mean time We are Dear Sir Your most obed* Serv*3 James & Andw McGill Pierre Dubord to winter at Detroit & its environs. .. 460lv Advanced him 54lv.12/ Equipment deliverd & valued 80 .16 135lv8 sols J&AM Charles Lorrain 450 Advanced him 66 .12 Equipment deld value 66 . 6 132*18 J&AM LaChine 4 May 1799 John Askin Esqr We have not sent your Winterers above noted J & A M Addressed: John Askin Esqr Detroit Endorsed: Montreal May 4h 1799 Messrs Jm8 & Andr M Gill to Jn° Askin recd ye Sh June Answd ye 11th c AGGRESSIONS ON INDIAN LANDS Detroit 7 May '99 M r Connor The Chief Wittanessa of your place is come here with an interest to complain to the comg Officer that you want to drive him away & prevent him from planting 206 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Corn where he formerly did. luckily my Son John met him & brought him to me & prevented the Complaint being made, which If it had might be very hurtful to, not onlyd you, and me but to all who claim a right to Lands purchas of Indians, the Governor of this territory is Soon expected here If he found Complaints he might represent to Congress that we were Cheating the Indians out of their Lands (Which I fear they already think to be the case) tho it is not So with us I therefore, for your Sake, mine & all others Concerned in Indian Lands, advise you Strongly not to have any Mis- understanding at this time with the Chief or his People and for the present to let them plant where they please. I under- stand next year they mean to go away & then we will not have any more trouble with them Sd JA r Endorsed: Detroit 7 June '99 John Askin to M Connor Copy POSTAL SERVICE BETWEEN TORONTO AND DETROIT River Thames 14th May 1799 Dear Sir, I am Sorry to inform you that it is impos- sible for me to make you any remittance this Spring, as I expected, the Winter has been so long, & Severe, that I have been obliged to feed all my grain away to my Cattle, (having no hay) I hope you will be so indulgent as to pro- long the payment 'till after Harvest, when you shall be paid without fail. I have enclosed a Letter for M r Maisonville from the Sur Gen1 which I found Accidentely in a House up the River, the Woman of the House brought me the Letter to Read. She told me She found it out of Doors, when I told her it was from the S G to M r Maisonville, she said she thought that the Letter & a number of others had been brought from York last winter by an Old Dutchman, who lived Some time at their house, & that probably the rest of the Letters have been lost. I remain Sir with the greatest esteem your Most Ob* & Humle Serv* Hugh Holmes John Askin Esqr 207 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Addressed: John Askin Esquire Merchant Detroit Endorsed: River Trenche 4 May d14h 1799 M r Hugh Holmes to Jn° Askin recv and Answ same day. CONDUCT OF LOGGING OPERATIONS Detroit le 15 May '99 Monsieur Bazile Lafleur Je vous envoye par Baron & Francoeur qui s'en retournent a la pineire, 180 livres de Lard, 122 Biscuits pesant 78 livres, 4 minots de pois, et 200 livres de farine, pour vous et les autres Hommes. Soyer bien menag6 du Lard, car il est extremement rare et cher, Jai aussi livre a M r Baron, ses provisions pour Jusqu'au l er Jour de Juillet prochain. Les Boeufs doivent etre occupes constanment a tirer le Bois en preference a tout autre ouvrage; c'est a quoi Je vous prie de porter toute votre attention, et Je vous envoye pour les Boeufs, 4 minots de Bledinde. Quand le Saguinan passera pour Makinac en quelque Jours, J'envoyerai un Cheval et deux autres Boeufs de tire pour former un autre Harnois, ainsi que d'autres Provisions. Aussitot que les Cages soient pretes pour le Bois du Roy qui est equarri, vous equarirai les 36 autres morceaux, des quels Je ferai un cageux, Separement des autres. Mr. Barthe sera avec vous environ le premier de Juin. Si il y a quelqu'autre directions a vous communiquer Je vous en ferai part alors. Je desire que sous aucun pretexte vous ne donniez plus d'une livre de Lard a chaque Homme per Jour. Je suis Monr Votre tres Hble &ca (Signe) John Askin Endorsed: Detroit 15 May '99 John Askin a Bazik Lafleur Copie Translation Detroit, May 15, 1799 Mr. Basil Lafleur, I send you by Baron and Francoeur, who are returning to the Pinery, 180 pounds of pork, 122 biscuits weighing 78 pounds, 4 minots of peas, and 200 208 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS pounds of flour, for yourself and the other men. Be careful with the pork as it is extremely scarce and dear. I have also given Mr. Baron his provisions till July 1, next. The oxen should be kept constantly busy hauling wood in preference to any other work. Please notice that particu- larly; and I am sending you 4 minots of corn for them. When the Saguinah goes up in a few days on her way to Mackinac, I shall send a horse and two other draft oxen for another yoke, also more provisions. As soon as the rafts are ready for the King's wood which is squared, square off the 36 other pieces (of which I shall make a raft), separately from the rest. Mr. Barthe will be with you about the first of June. If there are any other directions to communicate to you, I shall send them by him. Under no pretext ought you to give out more than one pound of pork to each man per day. I remain, Sir, Your most humble etc., (signed) John Askin FROM ROBERT RICHARDSON TO JOHN ASKIN Fort Erie 17th May 1799 Dear Sir I was favored with your letter by the Express and have heard Since of the family being all in good health, which, you may rest assured always gives us the Sincerest pleasure We felt very much for the loss Sustained by Captain & M rs McKee,37 however from common report, they are left very handsomely provided for. They Certainly deserve hat it should be so. We are in dayly expectation of moving being under orders for york. the Season is so very backward, there has no Vessel arrived as yet from Kingston We go to York in he first I understand M r Hamilton has been over there about ten days ago laying his land Matters before the Council and I am told has got most of them cfixed—that is aking off all Quibbling about Transfers & and gettingr hem in his own name. I mention this business of M 37 The allusion is to the death by lockjaw, on Jan. 13, 1799, of Colonel Alexander McKee, the father of Captain Thomas McKee, whose wife was Askin's daughter, Therese. Doctor Richardson, the writer, was the husband of Therese's half-sister, Madelaine Askin. 209 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Hamilton to you with a very interested Motive as I Know you had a good lote [?] of land Matters to arrange, and if you have not got it done We are in hopes you may be induced to pay us a visit. I do not Know any thing that would give Madlaine and Myself greater pleasure if you could do so without hardship or inconvenience to yourself however Sir we would much rather forego even that gratifi- cation than that you should endanger your health in the Smallest degree What I mention about M r Hamilton is only from report I have [not] seen him or heard directly from him Since he was over. He I have no doubt will write you particularly. I need Scarcely say you have only to command me in any thing you may suppose I can be of the least Service at york. It gives me much pleasure to Say Madlaine and the Children have enjoyed perfect health all this winter, for which blessing we are sincerely thankfull. Without he[a]lth there is little Comfort. Madlaine joins me in best wishes for the health and happiness of all friends at Detroit and Neighbourhood and I am Dear Sir Your Most Obed* Serv* R. Richardson Addressed: John Askin Esq r Detroit Endorsed: Fort Erie May 17h 1799 Doc r Richardson to Jn° Askin recvd y e 30h Answd y e 10h June FROM ROBERT NICHOL TO JOHN ASKIN Queenston May 28. 1799 Dear Sir When I wrote you last I fully Expected I should have ere this had the pleasure of paying my respects to you at Detroit, but several late occurrencies favorable to me, have occasioned me to give up my intention of going to Mich. I make no doubt but you will think me very very fickle, but as I do this by the advice of all my friends, I trust it is more to my advantage, what my plans and intentions are you shall know in due time, being convinced that you would be well pleased to here of my fixing myself advantage- ously. 210 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS I now inclose by this opportunity an Account of a Barrel of Pork of my own curing which I can recommend as good, it cost me £10. Yk at this place & 10/ for carriage up,—a dr'ft on M r T Forsy[th?] Maiden for £6.1.4 Yk Cy and send by the Bearer M r Willmot38 in Cash, the inclosed account will shew you for what purpose, should you wish the Pork for yourself it will be at cost & charges or if you don't want it be good enough to sell it for my Account I also beg Mrfl Askin's acceptance of a few seed Potatoes of a particular kind, they go up herewith and the directions for planting are on the annexed page. The Ice is not yet entirely out of the River here, and it was only yesterday the Nancy got in, having laid upwards of a fortnight at Point Ebona [Abino], However although the Spring has been So Long in coming, Vegetation has been remarkably quick, and I can safely say, I never saw more flattering appearances of good Crops than there is in every part of this settlement. M r Hamilton will of course forward your News Papers. I shall therefore (although a politician) say nothing on poli- ticks— I request my Compliments to M rs & Miss Askin & Family particularly to my Favourite Charley39 from whom I should be happy to hear, and I remain Dear Sir 38 Alan (Allen) Wilmot, a nephew of Samuel Street of Niagara, came west from Queens- ton with an introduction from Robert Nichol to Askin, as this letter shows, in the spring of 1799. On June 10, Askin wrote to Nichol characterizing Wilmot as "a very fine young man," and saying he had given him a letter of introduction to an old acquaintance at Mackinac. From this time until 1812, Wilmot seems to have been engaged in trade in the Northwest, particularly on the upper Mississippi. Zebulon Pike encountered him at Prairie du Chien in April, 1806, and describes him as "one of the best informed and gentle- manly men in the place." He was at this time associated with Robert Dickson in the com- pany of which Dickson was the head. In July, 1812, he participated in the British attack on Mackinac and was one of the commissioners who negotiated the terms of surrender with Lieutenant Hanks. After September, 1812 (when he was still at Mackinac, apparently engaged in the fur trade), no further mention has been found of him. Information adapted from mss. in B. H. Coll.; Wis. Hist. Colls., passim; Buffalo Hist. Soc, Pubs., VIII, 302; and data supplied by Theodore C. Blegen in letter of June 22, 1926. 39 Charles Askin, a younger son of John Askin and Marie Archange Barthe, was born in Detroit in 1785. For a number of years in his early manhood, he was absent from this vicinity, being engaged in business pursuits at Niagara and other points in Upper Canada, which were terminated by the War of 1812. He was present at the surrender of Detroit as a captain of Canadian militia, and thereafter served actively throughout the war in the West. Soon after its conclusion, he returned to Strabane, the ancestral home opposite Belle Isle, where he resided until his death, June 1, 1869. He was a man of much local prominence, holding various offices of public trust. He married Monique Jacob, daughter of George Jacob. See obituary notice in Detroit Free Press, June 4, 1869; B. H. R., I, 16; and data in B. H.Coll., passim. 211 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Very truly Your Most Obed* & very Humble Servant Rob* Nichol P. S. have the goodness to take up my Note to Anderson cancel it, and send it down Prince Robertsons ace* is in- closed Appended: direction for planting the potatoes They must be planted in the old of the moon as soon after you receive them as possible, put straw dung over but none at all under them, & the soil should be Sandy, they will not be fit to dig untill October but when dug they will keep good 12 Months. Addressed: John Askin Esqr Merchant Detroit Favd p M r A Willmot Endorsed: Queenston May 28h 1799 M r Rob* Nichols to Jn° Askin recvd y6 6 June Answd June 10h INDEBTEDNESS OF LOUIS DERINEAU Detroit 30 May '99 Captain Gilkison40 Sir I inclose for your perusal, a Letter for Louis Derineau on board your Vessel. If he thinks proper to comply with its contents, it is very well, If not he will have himself alone to blame for all future trouble that will attend his refusal. As I understand he is your pilot I do not wish to deprive you of his Services nor injure the proprietors of the Vessell, he probably thinks I could not have taken him. he is much 40 William Gilkison was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, March 9, 1777, being the eldest of six brothers, all of whom followed the sea. William early took service on a merchantman which was captured by the French, with the result that he underwent a year's captivity in France. Being at length released, he made his way to New York in 1796 and soon there- after to the upper lakes, where for years he served as master of vessels in the employ of the North West Company. He served for a time in the War of 1812, as a captain of Upper Canada militia. He married Isabella Grant of Detroit, sixth daughter of Commodore Alexander Grant, who was born, Dec. 20, 1783, and to them eleven sons were born, seven of whom grew up. In 1815, Captain Gilkison returned with his family to Scotland in order to procure for his children better educational facilities than Canada then afforded. In 1832, he again returned to Canada, whither several of his sons had preceded him, and lo- cated in Brantford. About this time he purchased a large tract of land at the falls of Grand River where stands the town of Elora, which he founded and named. He died, April 25, 1833, and was buried beside the old Mohawk church in Brantford. Isabella Grant died in Glasgow, Scotland, Feb. 10, 1828. Some of their descendants are still living in Brant- ford. See F. Douglas Reville, History of the County of Brant (Brantford, 1920),80-83; Ont. Hist. Soc, Papers and Records, VIII, 147-48; and mss. in B. H. Coll., passim. 212 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS mistaken for I have never tried, but left the Shirrif & his deputies to do their duty, my Brother in law M r Barthe will be the bearer of this. Should you promise Derineau's return to this place in the Vessel by this trip or he and the Crew Sign the proposed Note, In either cases I promise you I will desist from all pursuit against him for the present, or untill the time given is elapsed. Endorsed: Detroit 30 May 1799 John Askin to Captain Gilkison Copy INDEBTEDNESS OF LOUIS DERINEAU Detroit 30 May '99 r M Louis Derineau It is in vain for you to endeavour to escape me whether at Michilimackinack, S*Marys, or the grand portage, I will have you taken, unless you give bail to Stand trial, or agree to the following conditions, that is to say, you, and the rest of the Crew, Sign a Note which I send for that purpose, that you will in the Course of this summer, pay me £40 New York Currency, with the costs & Charges I have been at in prosecuting you to the present time, which are however very trifling as yet, but that will no longer be the case, if I am obliged to bring you from any of the above mentioned places. I could have had you taken in the Winter, and this Spring by Sam who worked with you, but I would not have any of my People deputized for that purpose, though often proposed to me by the Sherriff. but now you have left the Country I am Justifiable in employ- ing any Man I choose, and Surely you cannot Know who I may employ, and be on your guard against every Stranger; therefore there is no Safety for you unless you give Security for Standing trial, or agree to the foregoing Conditions. I am willing to take the Captain of the Vessell's word for your appearance, as I mean to injure neither you or the Service you are in. I only Seek a Small recompence for a great injury you have done me, and that, I am determined to have. I have requested M r Barthe to go on Board and take the proposed Security which If you do not comply with, will be the last offer of the kind you ever will have of me 213 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Endorsed: Detroit 30 May 1799 John Askin to Louis Derineau on Board the S. Thames Copy FROM JOHN ASKIN TO ROBERT NICHOL Detroit 10 June '99 D r Sir Weak Eyes (not yet Strong) prevented my writ- ing you Sooner h in answer to your obliging letters of the 21 february, 19 april & 28 may, and a line of introduction to M r Wilmot who I think a very fine young man & have given him a letter to an old acquaintance of mine at McKinac. It will always afford me much pleasure to learn that you do well & am not Sorry that any friend of mine can get a genteel livelihood without personally trading with Indians, the account you Sent me I believe right & had I got the Barrel Pork, all would be Square. If not already Sent off let me have it by the Saguinau, the family are well and Mr8 & Miss A present their Compt8 & the Boys wish to be remembered to you I owe a man for taking care of my Corn who owes you 26 dollars at the Mauravian Town, I perhaps will get it for you in that way Endorsed: Detroit 10 June '99 John Askin to Robert Nichol Copy EXCHANGE OF FLOUR FOR MAPLE SUGAR Detroit 18h June '99 r D Morrison I purposed troubling you to exchange 4,000 of flour for me, for Indian Sugar, but I now only Send 2,000 in the Detroit, you know the price of flour, Bags, Freight &ca here Sugar is from 8 to 10d for ready payment by the quantity. If you can't exchange for 8d you will have to give 10d, but I think that is quite high enough, nothing new Since I had the pleasure of writing you last, we are thank God all well & assure you of our best Wishes, adieu &a Signed J. Askin h Endorsed: Detroit 18 June '99 John Askin to Charles Morrison41 Copy 41 For the career of Charles Morison, see B. H. R., I, 56. 214 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS EXCHANGE OF FLOUR FOR MAPLE SUGAR Michilimackinac 21* June 1799 Dearh Askin Your favour of the 6h instant came to hand he 17 . I am happy to learn that your eyes are getting etter & that your family are Well. When the flour Arrives, I will do the best I can to ex- hange it for sugar, or dispose of it to the best advantage n your Accot, Sugar by the two or three thousand Weight as lately been Sold here at 12 Sols P lb The demaind for at present seems to encrese. I should have been glad ou had Mentioned the price of baggs & the freight of the our here, Which Would have been a guide for me to dis- ose of it. I [t]hink if Sugor can be had at the above price, he flour might be exchanged for it at cost & charges. I am Sorry to hear of the death of Our Old friend John orteous,42 but it is a debte that you & I must soon dis- harge. We have Nothing New here, please Make my ind compliments to Madam Askin & all your famely. nd am With esteem. Dear Sir, Your Very humIe Servant, Charles Morison . B. I wrote you a few lines p the Thames ohn Askin Esqr Addressed: 43 John Askin Esqr Detroit. P the Nancy Cap* ills Endorsed: Mich. 41 e June h 21 st 1799 M r Charles Morrison o Jn° Askin recv y 30 4Z John Porteous was a native of Perth, Scotland, who came to Detroit in 1762 and ereafter for many years was engaged in the northwest trade. Some of his papers (includ- g a partial journal of Pontiac's siege of Detroit) are in the B. H. Coll.; others are in the brary of the Buffalo Historical Society; while the great bulk of his lifetime accumulation papers seems to have been destroyed about half a century ago. Porteous had a number partners at various times. The one here mentioned has not been identified. About the tbreak of the Revolution he withdrew from the western country and during the British cupation of Philadelphia had a store in that city. He also engaged in privateering gainst the "rebel" commerce). After a number of removals, Porteous, about the year 89, located in Little Falls, New York, where he became an American citizen, and died 1799. Considerable concerning his activities has been published; see Buffalo Hist. Soc, ubs., VI, 47-71 and 84 ff.; Ontario Hist. Soc, Papers and Records, VI, 20-36; Michigan istory Magazine, VIII, 126-33. Information adapted from these sources and from mss. B. H. Coll. 43 William Mills was a native of Blyton in Lincolnshire, England, who for many years as a captain on the upper lakes. He was skipper of the Nancy as early as 1793, and as te as November, 1805. In 1796 he was one of the residents of Detroit who formally 215 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS INDEBTEDNESS OF CLAMORGAN, LOISEL AND CO. 4 4 Michilimackinac 22d June 1799 r John Askin Esq Detroit Sir being informed that its probable Mr Todd is at your place, I therefore take the liberty of troubling you with the enclosed letters for him. if you do not expect him soon at your place, be so good and enclose these letters for him to the care of M r Robert Hamilton of Queenston. I reached here the 16 ins* from S'Louis which place I only left the 20th Ult° and am sorry my mission to that Country on the affairs of M r Todd have been very unsuccessful having Not received a Single Sous for him from the un- fortunate concern of Clamorgan45 Loisel & C° nor will there ever from all appearances, in future be a Single Cent had from them. M r Meldrum and yourself it appears lay a claim against M r Todd, for 2500 livres said to be recover'd by M r A Todd's succession from Clamorgan Loisel & C° in which claim you are most certainly taken the wrong steps. Clamorgan Loisel & C° did receive such a Sum in account with a Monsr Valle, but they never paid that Sum to M r Todd. they falsley gave credit for this Sum in Accounts with M r Todd which they never have nor never did intend to pay. M r Bleakley wrote Clamorgan on this signified their intention to remain British subjects. At some time prior to 1808 he located in Amherstburg, where he had a wharf; in 1812 General Brock's plans for the military estab- lishment of Upper Canada included, as one item, the buying of all cordage from Captain Mills in Amherstburg, in order to promote the growing of hemp in this region. Captain Mills served as a captain in the Second Essex Militia Regiment in the War of 1812, and was wounded in the Battle of Frenchtown (or Raisin River), Jan. 22, 1813. He died in Amherstburg, Dec. 10, 1813, aged fifty-two years. His monument in Christ church- yard describes him as "esteemed and regretted by all who knew him, being a worthy man and a zealous and loyal subject." Information from Mich. Pio. Colls., passim; mss. in B. H. Coll., passim; and tombstone in Christ churchyard in Amherstburg. 44 For further discussion of the subject of this letter, see ante, 177-78. 45 Jacques Clamorgan is supposed to have been a native of the West Indies. He came to St. Louis about the year 1780, where he engaged extensively in the Indian trade. He was the chief promoter of the company of Spanish traders which, in the middle nineties, sought to obtain a monopoly of the trade of the upper Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Its affairs did not prosper, and Glamorgan's management of them was sharply criticized. He enjoyed the favor of the Spanish authorities and was awarded vast grants of land in Missouri and Arkansas, which were not validated by the U. S. government. He was an early judge of the Court of Common Pleas in St. Louis under the American regime. About the year 1808, he went to Mexico and his subsequent career is unknown. See sketch in Houck, Spanish Regime in Missouri, II, 148-49. On the activities of the Commercial Com- pany for the Discovery of the Nations of the Upper Missouri, of which Clamorgan was the leader, see Wis. Hist. Colls., X X I I , 14 ff. 216 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS ffair claiming the very same sum in quite another manner. What answer Clamorgan gave M r Bleakley is more rthan I Know, in fact I imagine he gave him none, if M Todd grees even to pay on this sum in proportion to his receipts rom Clamorgan & C° it will be doing a great deal, tho he amount must be small indeed. I am Sir Your very Obed. Sev* James Swan Addressed: John Askin Esqr Detroit Endorsed:d Mich e th June 22d 1799st M rr Jms Swan to Jn° skin recv y 30 wrote him 21 Oct Montreal FROM DR. HARFFY TO JOHN ASKIN Maiden June 28, 1799 r D Sir I received the China Safe, all parties are atisfied, and part of the Syrup of punch is drank, for which my thanks are due. the letters are all put on board; but hey whar too late until the Thames arrived, the three let- ers which came down with her I received, & have attended o part of one. M r Backwell46 cannot say with Certainty hat he can take the whole, half he thinks he can promise; f more I will let you know. The Common red wine, alias Black Strap if good, Serle47 will take payable in Pork, but s he has not quite a Barrel at present he can Send 100, or 50, at the usual price, the remainder almost immediately fter. Hutchins is down the Lake, Money hunting. Cald- well also says he will get a Bill, if it should be agreable to ou to close with Serle, he wishes you would send it down n my Name, that it may not appear to Park, who in matters 46 William Backwell was commissioned captain lieutenant in the Royal Engineers on ug. 15, 1794. In June, 1798, he arrived at Amherstburg to take charge of the engineer epartment and therewith assumed direction of the further work on the erection of the ort. His management of affairs was highly commended by Captain Hector McLean, who eems not to have approved of his predecessor, Lieutenant Robert Cooper. No indication f the duration of his stay here has been found. See Mich. Pio. Colls., XX, passim, and ritish army lists. 47 William Searl (so spelled in formal documents which he signed by making his mark) as an innkeeper in Amherstburg. The document printed in Mich. Pio. Colls., XXIII, 02, seems to indicate that he was still keeping a house of entertainment there as late as 820. He was of English origin, having married Elizabeth Kelsey in St. George, Hanover quare Parish in Middlesex County, Dec. 31, 1776. A daughter, Ann Searl, born about 789, married Roderick Drake of Amherstburg, July 8, 1816. See St. John's Church Register, passim. 217 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS of trade is a Loup. Theophile Myers 48 letter is on its passage down. I thank you sincerely for the Calash. It was not in my power to get over, in money matters I was disap- pointed by Roe, much against my Nephew & Self, as oc- currencies happen and your moneys come in you will hear from D r Sir Your truly affect6 Wm Harffy P. S. have you hinted any thing to M rs M c Kee, y* sooner— better Is it peace or war with France & America, Notation: A small Vial of Goulard. Addressed: Jn° Askin Esq re Merc* Detroit. An early answer is requested W. H. Endorsed: Maiden June 28h 1799 Doc r HarfTy to Jn° Askin Answd TIMBERS FOR FORT MALD-EN Detroit 28h June 1799 Sir I should be glad to Know If the large Saw Logs for Government's use, of 40 feet, might be squared on the 4 Sides to render them lighter, or If Shorter ones would not do as it is reported to me, that 5 Oxen which I have at the Pinerry cannot move them. I am &a Signed John Askin Thomas Reynolds Esq r Amherstbergh P. S. part of the Wood or Timber for Goverments use will soon be down & the remainder not long after if I may Credit report. Endorsed: Detroit 28h June '99 John Askin to Thomas Reynolds Copy AFFAIRS OF ABRAHAM CUYLER Montreal 28 th June 1799 Dear Sir on overlooking some of my papers lately I found that there is a Ballce due me from M r William Grant 49 48 For Martin Theophilus Myers, see B. H. R., I, 305. 49 For the career of William Grant, see ibid., 132-33. 218 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS n a transaction at Makina 50in June 1783 on ace* of an ccepted Bill by John Visger of the firm of Greverat & Visger for £640 N.Y Cur pay1 June 1783 and a Bill drawn y John Visger in my favor on Mess" Frobisher, for £432. NY Cy by M r Grants letter to me dated 7 Sepr 1783, he ays "I have thoroughly secured the r pay* of the 2 Notes ou left in my hand belonging to M Visger. I have got M r George Meldrums Note for £293.9 equil to £469.4. NY Cy. the remainder I was oblidged to take in things I ave not yet disposed off." on demanding the Balle from M r Grant he says that he was oblidged to take corn from Visger which he sold to a isadvantage and d that part of the Money for the sale hereof is not rec but [he] has promised to send for his ooks from Makina and after which to settle my claim, nd in Order to be prepared for this settlement, I beg you ill have the goodness to call upon Visger whom I am told emains at Detroit, and obtain from him a statement or ertificate upon Oath in what manner he discharged those wo Bills and at what period of time, how much thereofr as paid in Corn or other things and at what price M rant took the corn or other things he mentions and toT end the statement or certificate to me p[er] first opp irected to the care of M r McGill I think I mentioned to you in a former letter that I ntended to take my future residence at Wm Henry com- monly known by the name of Sorel about 15 Leagues below his, where I lived near two years but found the place so ull and so little society that I removed to this place a few onths since and yet continue to pass my days in Idleness n the small pittance I receive from Goverm* but have t yet in view to enter into business when an Opportunity hould present, Assisted by one of my Sons who is very mpatient of an inactive life, and as I have been told that he Trade at Detroit has done well for a year or two past, 50 John Visger, probably originally from Schenectady, came to Detroit prior to the evolution and here engaged in trade in partnership with Gerrit Graverat (for whom see . H. R., I, 309) and Colin Andrews. An interesting account of the financial vicissitudes hich overtook the firm is given in C. M. Burton's City of Detroit, 1701-1922, pp. 57-58. Askin's reply to Cuyler's present letter indicates that Visger was then (September, 799) living in Detroit, ill, and in straitened circumstances. See post, 247-48. Members of e Visger family were long prominent in Detroit. 219 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS I should like to make a begining next year in sending my Son with a Cargo for an early market, if you think it advisable, in that case I wish you would inform me what Articles would be most saleable and if not too much trouble to send me an Ace* of the prices such articles might sell in case they were first at Market next season. I suppose you will have heard before this reaches you of the arrival of Gen1 Hunter51 as L* Governor for upper Canada, as also1 of the 53 arrival of Lieu* Governor Milne52 to succeed Gen Prescot for this Province, by this last change I fear I shall be a little disappointd to obtain some lands that were in good train before, report says that your change is for the better, by the last accounts from England it appears that the austrians are successful against the french, and some are so sanguine as to d flatter themselves with a speedy peace but from a letter I rec from my Brother54 he seems to think such an event yet at a great distant, he is gone to Command the British Troops in Portugal, from whence I expect he will soon proceed with the troops to the Medeteranean where some warm work is expected to reinstate his Nepolian Majesty—we have nothing meterial news. 51 Lieutenant General Peter Hunter succeeded Simcoe as governor of Upper Canada in 1799, and at the same time became commander-in-chief of the army in Canada. He was born in 1746 into a talented Scotch family, two of his brothers, William and John Hunter, being celebrated medical authorities of London. Governor Hunter died in Quebec, Aug. 21, 1805, while on a tour of military inspection. See sketch in Wallace, op. cit., and Henry J. Morgan, Sketches of Celebrated Canadians (Quebec, 1862), 139. 5z Sir Robert Shore Milnes was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1746. He was for a time an officer in the army. In 1795, he became governor of Martinique, and in 1799 came to Quebec as lieutenant-governor of Lower Canada. His administration, which was in no way distinguished, lasted six years, terminating, July 31, 1805. See ibid., 134; and Robert Christie, History of the Late Province of Lower Canada (Montreal, 1866), I, 202 ff. 53 Robert Prescott was born in England in 1725. He devoted his life to the army and served in America during the Revolutionary War. In 1793, he was ordered to the West Indies, where he served brilliantly both in his military capacity and as civil governor. In 1795, he returned to England and the following spring was sent to Quebec to succeed Lord Dorchester. He governed the province until 1799, when he was recalled to England, al- though he continued to retain the title and draw a salary as governor of Lower Canada. He had become a major general in 1781; in 1783, he was made lieutenant general; and in 1798, general in the army. He died at his home in Sussex in December, 1816. Information adapted from British army lists and Diet. Nat. Biog. 54 Cornelius Cuyler, member of a family long prominent in Albany, was born there in 1740. He joined the Fifty-fifth Regiment as an ensign in May, 1759, and served through- out the remainder of the Seven Years' War. Practically his entire life was passed in the army and he rose in due course to the rank of general in September, 1803. He served in America throughout the Revolutionary War, being aide-de-camp to General Howe in 1775. He died in England, March 8, 1819. See British army lists and Appleton, Cyclopaedia of Am. Biog. 220 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS please to present my respectful Compliments to MrB skin & family also to Commodore Grant & family and eleive me to remain with great regard D r Sir Your old friend & Humble Serv* A Cuyler55 let me know if there is not any prospects of recovering ny thing from Niagara ohn Askin Esqr Addressed: John Askin Esqr Merchant Detroit Endorsed: Montreald June 28h 1799 dAbram Cuyler sq to Jn° Askin recv y 21 July Answ ye 10h Sepr r 6 8t RENTAL OF SALT SPRING Queenston June 29, 1799 Dear Sir In looking over some old papers I find a emorandum from you about your Salt Spring. There are ften Salt Boilers from Onondago at this pace some of whom, ould (I am convinced) be glad to rent it, if there is a suf- ciency of water. Should you still wish to rent it out by ending me all the information you can respecting it and the erms I may probably find you a tenant I am with respect Dear Sir very truly yours Rob* Nichol Addressed: John Askin Esqr Merchant Detroit 55 Abraham Cuyler, a younger brother of Cornelius Cuyler who is noted above, was born Albany, April 11, 1742. He became a lieutenant in the Queen's Rangers in the Seven ears' War, and commanded a detachment sent to the relief of Detroit in 1763, which was ut to pieces on May 28 at Point Pele6 on Lake Erie, not far from the mouth of the Detroit iver. From this debacle, Cuyler himself escaped, although wounded, together with about ne-third of his men. The remainder, over sixty in number, were conveyed to Detroit and ith one or two exceptions were there tortured to death. Cuyler in September, 1770, was ppointed mayor of Albany, an office which both his father and his grandfather had held efore him. With the advent of the Revolution, he remained loyal to the Crown, and in ecember, 1776, was forced to take refuge with the British army in New York. Here he mained until the close of the war, when he became inspector of refugee loyalists in ontreal. He enjoyed the favor of Governor Haldimand, and in 1783 the latter instructed olonel De Peyster in Detroit to afford all possible assistance to Cuyler in the collection a debt which was owed him by Gerrit Graverat of Detroit. For an account of what fol- wed in Detroit, see Burton, City of Detroit, 1701-1922, 957-58. The present letter indi- ates that Cuyler's westward journey, in 1783, was extended as far as Mackinac. His ter life was apparently spent in Canada. He died in Yorkfield, Feb. 5, 1810. See Mich. io. Colls., passim, and Cuyler Reynolds (comp.), Albany Chronicles (Albany, 1906), 268 t -passim. Ill BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Endorsed: Queenston June 29h '99 M r Rob* Nichol to Jn° Askin recvd y e 6h July Answd y e 8 th TIMBERS FOR FORT MALDEN Amherstburgh June 30h 1799 Sir I received your Letter of the 26 th Ins* It is not a Matter of Great Moment if the Large Saw Logs do not come down this year, as they cannot arrive time enough, for any Service they Might have been applied to, had they been here by this time. If you can bring down any of the Snorter ones, without going to any additional expence, of hewing or haul- ing, I wish you to do it. if not let them remain untill next winter, when perhaps the Season may be more favourable. I am Sir your most obedient very Humble Servant Thomas Reynolds John Askin Esquire &c &c &c Detroit. MOVEMENTS OF PETER RICHARDS Amherstburg 1 st July 1799 th Sir yours of the 30 came to hand & by the Bearer of this I am sorry to her that Peiter Richards is absent from grose point, he was sent From amherstburg last wedensday to build a Chimney at Commodore Grants as the man tould Me but if you apharhend he has any notion of dirchasion [desertion] please to sackure him till he is Sent for he received from M r Reynolds unknon to me three months pay I have reported Him to the Commandant but saposd he is spndeing the monney in detroit. Sir I houp you will have the goodnes to answar this when Convineant your most obedn* humble Servt, James Fleet Lt56 M. D. John Askins Esq r Merchant of Detroit 56 James Fleet, lieutenant in the marine department, was in the naval service on the upper lakes from about the year 1780. In October, 1805, the Hope, while under his com- mand was wrecked near St. Joseph Island in Lake Huron. Before the board of inquiry which investigated the affair, Lieutenant Cowan testified that for twenty-five years Fleet had commonly had sole charge of the naval service on the lakes in winter, and had per- performed his duty satisfactorily. Fleet himself stated that prior to his service on the lakes he had spent seven years aboard a man of war. See Mich. Pio. Colls., XX, and XXIII, passim. Ill JOHN ASKIN PAPERS P. S. Sir your irons that you left in the Commodors will be s[e]nt the first oppartenuty. Addressed: John Askeins Esqre Detroit Endorsed:4 Amhurstburgh d 6 d July 1st 1799 L* Fleet to Jn° Askin recv & answ y 2 Loss OF LAND CERTIFICATES Dear Sir By our mutual freind the Comodore I re- ceived at York several of your favors which I shall Answer more minutely by this oportunity if not gone before I can arrange my bussiness a little behind from this Absence. The Purport of this is to say that the Comodore cannot find among his papers the Certificates you Mention for the 12 or 14 lotts of Land still coming to you & that without these nothing can be done to Secure them. If possible lett them be found & sent down without delay. Much trouble may Attend the Location as Matters now Stand, but should we get a new Governor, & should as is also thought Captain Smith go home this fall it will be almost impracticable. I think they must Remain with you as the Comodore could hardly lose them on the Road. I left him Two days ago in perfect health & he has written to you on this Subject by M r Thomas Smith who comes home by land. We just now hear that the English fleet is in the River. It has been said that General Hunter may be expected a passenger as our Lieut. Governor. M r Todd Accompanied M r Cartwright & myself to York on the 10th Ult°. he only staid three days there & is long eer now in Montreal. I am very Glad you did not in your present state of health Under- take a Journey down. Probably you Would have Missed him & perhaps the progress you should have made in Settling your Land Matters might not have been such as to Com- pensate for the trouble. The Cheif Justice comes on the Circuit this Year to the Western district & will sitt as Commissioner on Land bussi- ness there. The time for this Commission has been extended for 2 Years. We Continue to enjoy Good health here & Cordialy join 223 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS in best wishes that the same Blessing may Attend you & yours. I am D r Sir your very hum. Sert R. Hamilton d Queenston 2 July 99 John Askin Esqr Addressed: John Askin Esquire Merchant Detroit. Endorsed: Queenston d 6 h July 2dd 1799 h M r Rob* Hamilton to Jn° Askin recv y 13 & Answ 14 TIMBERS FOR FORT MALDEN Detroit July 3d 1799 Sir I'm just favoured with your Obliging Letter dated the Last of June & thankfull to all those Who have the Direction of the Suply's of Timber for Goverments Use for their Indulgence & wish to serve me but as the Wood wall [was] all Ready (10 large logs Excepted) before the Winter broke up & that the delay has only been Occationed Owing to the Failure of those who Undertook to draw it Out, & that I have remedied that defect by sending 5 Oxen & one Horse to the Pinery with three drivers. I have no doubt of a Great Part of the Timber being now on the Way & I'm sure the Rest will follow soon After, for my Idea is that Whoever contracts should perform without Regard to Expence & that they never fail performing what they Understood Unavoidable Accidents Excepted. I dont know of any raft of Pine Timber Arrived here from the Pinery this Year Earlier than About two Weeks ago & many have not yet Got down, Therefore I hope what I have to Furnish will be so Short a Time After the Others as not to Cause any Loss or Disapointment to Government. I have now no less than 10 men at the Pinery for the Purpose of bringing it down with Cables Anchors &ca I wrote more on this Subject than I would Otherwise do, was I not Informed that no small Pains have bee[n] taken to Create a belief that I could not bring down the Timber I had Con- tracted for. Tho it has run the Risk of being burnt (from Intention or Accident I Shant take upon me to say) & other deficulties thrown in the Way, yet If it is not Cast away on 224 FORT MALDEN IN 1812, AS SEEN FROM ELLIOT'S POINT From original drawing by Catherine Reynolds owned by Mrs. Francis Cleary of Windsor JOHN ASKIN PAPERS it's passage down, I say the principal part of it will be With you soon & the remainder not long after & Shortly After the Period that the Generality of Rafts Arrives at I am Sir Your most Obedient Very humble Servant Thomas Reynolds Esqr at Amhersburgh Endorsed: Detroit 3d July 1799 John Askin Senior To Thomas Reynolds (Copy) EXCHANGE OF FLOUR FOR SUGAR Michilimackinac 4h July 1799 Dear Askin Your favour of the 18h Ult° came to hand some days a go. Also the 20 Baggs flour in good Order, The Whole of which I have (agreeable to your order) exchanged With M r A. Laframboies57 for Sugar. He had the flour at cost & Chorges, Which I estimated at 39 livres P Bag & I allowed him 12 Sols the pound for his Sugar, at which rate you have 1300 lbs. Neat, for your 20 Baggs flour. The Sugar is in 32 Barks Marked IA. put on board the Detroit in Good Order. Inclosed you have the Acco* of the Gross & Neat Weight of it & 2 lbs Suger, Over. The same day I exchanged your flour as a bove, Others exchanged flour P the Bag for 60 lbs Suger, Which Were 5 lbs. less than my exchange. So that on the 20 Baggs flour, you have 100 lbs more than Others exchanged at. The charges here are only 4/ York paid Soldure for brin[g]ing the flour on Shore. Yesterday I received your favour P the Russell. I am happy to learn that your Sight is res[t]ored & that all your 57 Alexis Laframboise belonged to the Fafard family, whose first American representa- tive came to Canada from Normandy about the middle of the seventeenth century. His grandson, Francis Fafard, dit Delorme, born in 1660, moved with his family to Detroit in 1707, where he served as interpreter at the fort. Our present subject, the son of Jean Baptiste Fafard dit Laframboise of Canada, was born about the year 1763. He came west to Mackinac in early manhood and is supposed to have been trading at Milwaukee about 1784-85. On March 19, 1792, he married at Mackinac Mary Joseph Adhemar dit St. Martin, daughter of Toussaint Anthony Adhemar dit St. Martin, for whom see B. H. R., 1,177-78. She was born at the Northeast Coast of Detroit, April 13, 1775. Alexis Laframboise was captain of militia at Mackinac. He died suddenly on April 2, 1800, and was buried in the church at Mackinac. He is not known to have left descendants. A brother, Francois, who also traded at Milwaukee and who was killed by the Indians, married a Potawatomi woman, and the descendants of their union figure frequently in the annals of early Chicago and Milwaukee. Information adapted from Denissen, op. cii., and Wis. Hist. Colls., XIX, 158, et passim. 225 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS family Were Well. We have Nothing New here. Please make my best respects to Madam Askin & all your family. And belive [me] to be Sincerely your Very well wisher & humble Sert. Charles Morison John Askin Esqr Addressed: John Askin Esqr Detroit P favour of M r Meldrom Endorsed: Mich. July 4h 1799 M r Charles Morrison to Jn° Askin recvd ye 9h & Answd ye 10h APPREHENSION OF WINTERERS Michilimackinac le 5 Juillet 1799 John Askin, Ecuyr Monsieur Ayant oubli6 de vous ecrire hier pour un homme deserte de il ya environ quinze jours, hyvernant, monte dans les Canots, son nom est Pierre Turcotte et comme il a pris la Route du Detroit et que je crois que vous pourez le trouver voicy les avances quil a, et son engagement a regu a Compte a Montreal 94a et icy 2tt .4 et son equipe- ment qui monte a 64ft. si vous pouvez le prendre vous retirez ce qu'il me doit, si non vous me le Renvoyerez par la premiere Barque. Je vous envoye aussy le compte et Engagements des trois Lafontaine dit Marion qui mont desert6 L'an dernier, un a Niagara et les deux autres au Detroit. Lon ma dit quils hyvernoit au Miamis si vous pouvez les faires Prendre vous le ferez et leurs ferez pay6r le Montant et de domage- ment si il est possible. Je suis Monsieur Avec Consideration Votre serviteur tres hble J Giasson & Cie Addressed: John Askin Esquire Au Detroit Endorsed: Michilimackinac July 5 1799 Mess1" Jacque Gaisson & C° respecting his Engages who run away recd & Answd ye 8h July 226 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Translation Mackinac, July 5, 1799 John Askin, Esq. Sir: I forgot to write to you yesterday respecting a man who deserted about fifteen days ago, a winterer who took up the canoes, Pierre Turcotte by name; and as he went by way of Detroit, and as I think you might find him, here are the advances made to him, and his contract. He received 94 livres in Montreal, and 2 livres 4 sols in this place, and his equipment, amounting to 64 livres. If you can take him, get back what he owes me. If not, return him to me by the first boat. I am sending you also the account and contracts of the three men, Lafontaine dit Marion, who ran away from me ast year, one at Niagara, and the other two at Detroit. I am told that they wintered at the Miamis. If you can have them arrested, do so, and make them pay the amount and damages, if possible. I remain, Sir, with respect, Your most humble servant, J. Giasson & Co.S8 RENTAL OF SALT SPRING Detroit 8h July '99 D r Sir I am favoured with your obliging letters of the 27 & 29 of last month, and thankful to you for the news which when at leisure I beg you will continue, Please take up my news-Papers and transmit them regularly. M r Hamilton will be so kind as to pay the charges, I received the pa[c]k per the Russel, but no order on Mr Forsyth as mentioned in a former Letter nor is here occasion to Send one unless you choose, as what is coming from the Mauravian Indian will put a Ballance in 58 Jacques Giasson was born in 1709 and in 1745 married Marie Angelique Hubert of Montreal. Their son, Jacques, was born in Montreal in 1747. The elder Giasson engaged n the Northwest trade as early as 1747, and ten years later obtained, in conjunction with is brother-in-law, a three-year monopoly of the trade of Green Bay. He died in Canada n 1762. His son, Askin's correspondent, was engaged in trade at Mackinac during the British nd early American periods. He died in 1800. See Wis. Hist. Colls., XVIII, 197. 227 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS your favour. The potatoes are arrived, and tho' late we will give them a trial, Mra A is thankful for them, she is fond of what plants, Roots &ca, that are new. I shall not want any Salt, tho' the price is low, that quantity does not answer well I am much obliged to you for your infor- mation respecting the getting a tenant for the Salt Spring. I believe the Quantity of Salt water is considerable and for my part I wish much to let it out for five, or even Seven years, but as M r Wm Robertson holds a Share in it, I have Sent him your Letter in order to obtain his Sentiments on the Subject. I think the person who wishes to hire Should visit the Spring himself in order to be a Judge, he might purchase If he thought proper, at least a half and there is proper Kettles now here that I believe would be Sold cheap, as the Spring they were intended for, does not answer it's always pleasing to me to hear that your prospects are good, and will be more so when I find they answer your expecta- tions, there is nothing new in this quarter therefore I cannot make any return for your news in that way. the family in general assure you of their good wishes as does Sign'd J A Endorsed: Detroit 10 July '99 John Askin to Robert Nichol Copy Loss OF LAND CERTIFICATES Detroit 10 July 99 My D r Sir Your very obliging Letters dated the 8 & 30 last m° reached me a very few days ago & I'm very happy to learn that your good Mother & you are well & most Sin- cerely wish you a prosperous voyage Home, and safe return, for I hope we are not to loose you from this country. I do not know of any commands I now have home, unless my best Compts to Such of my acquaintances as you may meet with. the Majestrate's Certificates to the number of 14, with the Sales of them to me, I made up in a bundle and gave to the Commodore with the necessary directions on it, and in same bundle I think (but am not Sure) was my Memorial to the President in Council. If he has the latter I cannot See how he lost the former It is a most unlucky circumstance for 228 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS me, as I may never have a better opportunity to have my Claims brought forward, whilst you and so many other friends were on the Spot. I hope your, and their representa- tion (If the papers are lost) will get me an equal quantity of Land, being in all but 2,800 acres. I rely too much on the honor of the President and Council to allow me to be So great a Sufferer where I was not in fault. I can give clear proofs of these Majestrate's Certificates or recommenda- tions having existed, and the names of those to whom they were granted, also by the oaths of my Clerks the Sum I paid for each, and I believe I can find out the greater part of the Majestrates who granted them Specifying to whom, under these fair circumstances I really cannot entertain any doubt, that even Should the Papers be lost (which from what you wrote, I fear is true) but what the Lands will be given me and that there will Issue an order of Council to let me have the quantity aforesaid, in which case I make no doubt you will give M r Iredell directions to locate So much where any lands may be laid out and not already taken up for God's sake, get me thro' this difficulty, ways & means are better Known to you than me. it badly suits my present circumstances to loose 14 lots, as I know you must be Very busy, I will only add Mra A's assurances of unalterable esteem & regard for you & your good mother & that I re- main with Sentiments of pure friendship Signed J A P S I have not wrote the Commodore now, as I learn he is on his way back. If with you, let him Know what I have said so as to Join with you in doing the needful Endorsed:r Detroit 10h July 99 John Askin to D. W. Smith Esq Copy INDEBTEDNESS OF FREDERICK GRAETER Montreal 15th July 1799 Dear Askin I wrote you from Queenstown since which I am favord with yours of the 2d June you Judged right in supposing I would be [have] Left that place before you arrived however I still hope we will yet meet. I am sorry to hear your health has been so indifferent but hope the warm weather will reestablish it. M r Swan is returned to 229 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Michilama without receiving a Shilling from that Rascal Clamorgan & C° and I find I will be equally disappointed by others, there is a Mtt r Frederick Grattor59 that owes me by note of hand 563O say five thousand Six hundred & thirty Livers three Sols by Note of ahand which ought to have been paid Last year at Michilam he wintered at Post Vincenne and remains there having sent some r packs to Detroit to Leithr & C° to be sent to Montreal for M Blakely. I have wrote M Swan to send you his Note immediatly & I wish you to take the speediest method to recover payment without Letting it be known, you must know whether a writ can be procured there or whether One ought to be sent from Detroit the Latter may be the best, if there was time to send it this summer so that the payment could come in it would be well, however at all events it may be well to take the first opportunity to Get it secured, he has the Charac- ter of an honest Man tho he has not beheaved so to me. if there is no person going to Post Vincenne that you can de- pend on to secure this I would recommend your sending some person for the purpose, as I suppose you might get a Person for a Little more then 100 Dolers youll observe there will be near two years Interest before the payment can come to me and in taking Peltrey in payment the person ought to be a Judge of the quality & Value there, all of which you can Instruct him in. I suppose you know some safe honest Man to recommend the Person you send to at the Post, dont neglect this. * this will be delivered you by our friend Robertson who I am sure is still much your friend, in hopes of hearing from you soon and that you will send me as before requested a state[ment] of the Securitys you got from Hands with your 59 Frederick Graeter is said to have been a native of Alsace-Lorraine. He engaged in the fur trade, apparently at Mackinac, and about the close of the century spent over a year in Vincennes endeavoring to collect debts, etc. In a subsequent letter to Askin he an- nounced his intention of returning to Mackinac in the spring of 1800, where he held con- siderable property. Eventually he located in Vincennes, where he served as justice of the peace, and where he died in 1829. A nephew, Christian Graeter, located in Vincennes about the beginning of the century, and descendants of the family are still living in Indian- apolis. Christian Graeter kept a tavern and store. He was an officer of Dragoons at Tippecanoe, served in the War of 1812, and was for many years colonel of militia in Vin- cennes. Two of his daybooks are preserved in the old legislative hall in Vincennes. In- formation adapted from article by Kate Milner Rabb, "Century Ago in Tavern Record," in the Indianapolis Star, Nov. 27, 1927, and data supplied by Fannie C. Graeter of Indian- apolis in letter of April 14, 1928. 230 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS pinion I am in heaste reffering you to the Bearer ever yours Sincerly Isaac Todd r John Askin S as I have settled with Clark I wish you would write his agent at Post Vincenne to pay you the expence you ere at in Gonzales business which you charged me as it is e only mode I can be paid Addressed: John Askin Esq r Detroit favord by W. obertson Esq r Endorsed: Montreal July I5 h 1799 M r Isaac Todd to n° Askin recvd y6 19h Aug* Answd ye 3d Sepr Loss OF LAND CERTIFICATES Detroit 15 July '99 My dear Sir I wrote you very lately Since which I learn ol. Hunter is coming out, or already arrived Li[e]ut. overnor of upper Canada, If I'm not mistaken I heard ou] say he was your particular friend, If so, perhaps your terest in my favour may be wanted, for Commodore rant has lost 14 majestrates recommendations for as any Lots with the Sales of them to me, and every requisite aper. As my friends in council were prepared and would ave got an order for the land to be Surveyed to me, and a eed in my name was my motive for sending them, I put em in a bundle directed what it was, and saw them put to his Pocket, either going on board or up the Side, they ust have dropt out and been lost, for both M r Smith & M r amilton write me he cannot find them Signed J A Endorsed: Detroit 15 July 1799 John Askin to Isaac odd Copy CONDUCT OF BLACKSMITH AND BAKER Detroit 16 July '99 Dear Sirs When I wrote yesterday I forgot to Say that s you have sent me a blacksmith and he proves a very ood one I beg you will send me a quantity of Iron of 231 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS different Sizes, say 8 or 9 Ct. Steel I have, and as he makes deck nails very well I shall not want any I wish I could Say as much for the Baker, but tho' he may be able to work under another, he cannot have the management of that business to himself, therefore I mean to sell his time to some other. Signed J A c 8 Mess" James & Andrew M Gill, mercht Montreal Endorsed: Detroit 16 July '99 John Askin to James & Andrew McGill Copy Loss OF LAND CERTIFICATES Detroit July 19h 1799 My Dear sir I wrote you a short Letter last night as the Vessell was then on her way and as far as Sandwich. In hopes that she may still be Overtaken by this at the rivers mouth I send you under cover herewith the Duplicate of the Memorial I gave you with the Certificates or recom- mendation Sales &ca. If the Governor is not yet Arrived perhaps it may still be time to present it. if he is, perhaps it would be right to maker him Acquainted with what has happened. My Friend M Smith & you knows whats best. Mr Cartwright I know has mentioned these recommenda- tions to the rChief Justice & I dare say he will be favourable as well as M Baby. If I'm refused these Lands it's a greater hardship than any Other has Undergone. Hundreds & perhaps Thousands of Majestrates Certificates have passed since mine were given out, & to Characters not so deserving. If Lands will not be Alloted to me on Application to the Deputy Surveyor for two years, (tho frequent applications made) am I to blame ? and when I take the mode prescribed by applying to the Governor in Council to suffer or order them to be located, and from Accident all my papers are lost, there Again surely I'm not to blame? I do not wish to throw reflections at same time on Any man, or Any department, but however hope I may not suffer from delay, perhaps unavidable, tho not occationed by me. The people who got the recommendations Imediately Applied for Lands. They were told that none was then laid out but when they were, they should have them, tired with frequent 232 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS pplications & delays, they at length sold them to me. made many applications also to have the Lands located, ith as little Success. If it's said that the Lands were only or Actual Settlers, why was a Law made to Admit of Sales, n proof of fair purchases? had the Deputy Surveyor in his District, Allotted to me, or those who had the recom- endations their Lands, the Commissioners would have assed them as they did Others, & I would not have had o much trouble, nor give so much to my Friends; I do not sk for partial favours, but hope to be put on a footing ith Others, not more desirving. I may have said on this ubject more than is Necessary, but I wished to give you y sentiments. To end this long Epistle I should think hat Governor in Council cannot hesitate to give an Order or my geting 2800 Acres, in 14 single lots of Land, on ondition that I prove to the Commissioners when they it, That there was Majestrates recommendations for as any, That they were sold to me & I paid for them, & astly that said recommendations & Sales were by Accident ost. Adieu I wish you health & Happiness Yours most truely ommodore Grant Endorsed: Detroit 19 July '99 John Askin to Comre rant Copy Loss OF LAND CERTIFICATES York July 22d 1799 My dear Sir The misslying of your letter has dis- essed me [bejyound measure. And every time I think of makes me uneasy. But my dear Sir, I fear should your Claims be brought orward for the Transferring of Majestrats Certificates to ou, would have little or no avail in geting them passed; here has been So much Impostion lately discovered regard- ng Majestrats Certificates and even Certificates from the ifferent land Boards, that the Council has made a possitive ule, not [to] adhere to any Certificate whatever that was ot brought forward before the 11th of June last and any 233 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Transfers that are not the U. E. or Military Cliams will not pass, the fees on lands are risen to a shilling N.r York an acre. Tho two years agoe I got an order on Doct Wrights Petition insisting that the deed of L* McCan's land was to be made out in Wright's name, the Petition was misslyed in the Council office and could not be found. And now with outmost difficulty I got the deed in Wrights name, paying the half fee tho Doctr Wright & L> McCan' are U E And if any of the people that makes the Transfers are in the States of America, they are not attended too. I could not carry thro the additional acres to M r John Askin Jun r because he was not at present an actual resident on the British Side On all transferrs from U. E. or Military Cliams, themtperson that gets the deed must pay the half fee that Gover paid before my most affectionate wishes attend M rs Askin and hers. The President has politly in a full Council asked me to accept of the Ltcy of the county of Essex's which I have. Your friend and well wisher David Smith with his mother and four Children Embarked, yesterday on leave of absence for England, and has promised to be out again next June and the old lady declares if she lives she will be out with him he says the only motive he has for takin[g] this Voyage are to recruit his r health. Contrary wind made the Vessel come back M Baby and I dines with them to day at Commissery McrGills60 at the Garrison, two miles distant from town. M Baby and I expects [to] leave every day, but His Honor brings up fresh business dayly I fear amusing us till the ar- rival of our new L* Governor General Hunter—and Com- mander in Chief of all His Majestys forces in the two Cana- da's till Gener* Prescotts return. Compliment tor John & his lady, Colonel Strong and his [lady, and] Doct Brown61 I am really & truely Your Sincere friend & Servant Alex Grant r John Askin Esq 60 John McGill was a native of Scotland, who migrated to Virginia in 1773. During the war that followed, he served in the Queen's Rangers from 1777 to 1783. In the years subsequent to the war, he held various public offices in Upper Canada, aside from that of commissary. He died in York, Dec. 31, 1834. See Wallace, op. cit. 61 Doctor William Brown was born in Massachusetts, Dec. 7, 1773, and located in 234 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Endorsed:d eYorkh July 22d 1799 Commodore r d Grant to Jnc skin recv y 19 Aug* Answ sep 3 1799 DIRECTIONS CONCERNING LOGGING OPERATIONS Detroit le 29 Juillet, 1799 Monsieur Barthe Aussitot que vous aurez fait les ajeux de tout le bois du Roy, vous envoyerai un homme our m'avertir deux ou trois Jours d'avance, alors J'en- oyerai un homme pour les conduire puisque vous ne pou- ez pas les conduire vous meme. vous savez que les homme ue J'ai a la Piniere coutent beaucoup d'argent, aisni Je ne oute pas que vous ayez fait vos efforts pour les enployer au eilleur avantage, c'est a dire au chariage des Pieces, aux hemins &ca quand les cajeux viendront, vous amenerez avec ous tous les hommes, except^ Jaenton & Tom qui resteront our couper du foin. Vous amenerez aussi la paire de gros oeufs et vous laisserez l'autre paire avec le cheval. Le aguinau doit vous avoir laisse un ancre que J'ai envoy6 ernierement. Je pense presentement qu'il ne vous manque en qui puisse arreter l'ouvrage. J'espere que vous avez u haler toutes les grosse pieces, except6 les 10 de quarante ieds de long que vous avez trouv6 trop fortes pour haler II e faut pas les ecarrir Sur les deux autres faces. Si le porteur revient assez vite au detroit pour nous aver- r avant que vos cajeux Soient fait, vous pourrez ecrire par e [cet] occasion, cela vous epargnera les fraix d'envoyer un omme expres pour cela Endorsed: Detroit 29 July '99 John Askin to Louis arthe at the Pinerry Copy, etroit in 1798. He soon became locally prominent, and until his death, June 27, 1838, performed varied activities and was much in the public eye. In May, 1805, he was cted a trustee of Detroit. In 1806 he was appointed surgeon to the garrison, which office held until the War of 1812. In 1806, he was a shareholder and a director in the Bank Detroit. For many years he cared for the Indians around Detroit without charge, and ey expressed their gratitude by attempting to reward him with grants of land, the validity which the government declined to recognize. Dr. Brown was included in the list of izens whom Colonel Procter, in 1813, banished from Detroit. He was an early trustee the University, member for seven years of the territorial legislative council, and president five years of the local medical society. He lived for a time on the corner now occupied the First National Bank, and later on Jefferson Avenue between Bates and Randolph. e never married, and his large estate was claimed by various relatives. See sketch in oc. of Land Board of Detroit, 152-53. 235 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Translation Detroit, July 29, 1799 Mr. Barthe: As soon as you have made up the rafts of all the wood for the King, send a man to give me notice two or three days before; then I shall send a man as pilot, since you cannot conduct them yourself. You are aware that the men I have at the Pinery are a great expense to me, therefore I have no doubt but that you have made every effort to have them work to the best advantage, that is, in hauling the logs, making roads, etc. When the rafts come down, you will bring with you all the men, except Jeanton and Tom, who will stay to cut hay. Bring also the pair of big oxen, and leave the other pair with the horse. The Saguinah must have left you an anchor that I sent recently. I think now you are in want of nothing that can hinder the work. I hope you have been able to haul all the big logs, except the ten forty-foot ones that you have found too much for you. It is not necessary to hew them square on their other two sides. If the bearer returns to Detroit soon enough to give us notice before your rafts are finished, you might write by that opportunity. That would save the expense of sending a man on purpose. RECOVERY OF LAND CERTIFICATES 62 York July 1799 Dear Sir Searching the other day for a paper & directing Charles to bring the papers out of my big trunk, M r Askins were the first bundle that presented itself to my eye. All the certificates expresses the transferrers being of the River Raisen except two, and several of the certificates are given by himself which does not look well tho no bad intention. You know how nice the board are regarding Magistrates Certificates. I have privately shewing M r Askin's memorial to the Presedent who possitivly [says] he cannot or will not Agree to such transfer. I shall bring it before the board they mark on it what they Judge best. If a vessel are to Sail Soon for Detroit Acquaint M r Askin of finding his papers that was missing, And that I 6i From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 236 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS have very little hopes, if any of all, of their being of any use. The Presedent1 Seems determined to detain us here till he hears of Gener Hunter either coming or remaining Remember me to your good lady Sincerely Yours Rob* Hamilton Esq Alexr Grant AFFAIRS OF JOHN ANDERSON & COMPANY Detroit 2d august '99 r D Sir Your favour of the 24 July reached me on the 27th but having business at maiden I did not return from thence before yesterday afternoon which is in Some measure the reason of my not answering you Sooner. I assure you I am perfectly disposed to do what ever I can to accomodate & serve you, and* If in my power will send out or go, in order to Settle the affairs of the partner- ship at the time you mention or as soon after as I can, for as to the real time I cannot assure you, owing to the Com- missioners for settling the Lands on the british side com- mencing their Sessions on the 15" Instant, and as I have great number of claims to bring forward, where I am the proprietor & M r Maisonville the only witness, neither of us can be absent untill the whole matter is over, as you possess the whole Knowledge of what the C° owes, what's due them and what property they have on hand, as well as the good & bad of the debts, the most expeditious mode would be for you to make an offer of what you would give me and take the whole upon yourself as If no partnership had taken place. If I think it handsome & near the value I would prefer it to taking up your time & mine in settling a partnership business, valuing Goods &ca It is truly in your power to know nearly what all is worth, therefore [you are] able to make an offer, but as I am perfectly un- acquainted with most of the matters that relate to the concern, it's not in my power to say what I could take, but you with Safety to yourself may and the Sooner the better for your future business. I have not as yet produced the order on M r Pattinson nor asked M r Calahan,63 nor 63 Hugh Callahan (Calahan, Callaghan) was a contractor who probably came to Detroit 237 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Knags for the am* of their accounts with the concern, but will in a short time, for the present I've only rsto say that we are well & that M™ A & I assure you & M Anderson of our best wishes Signed J A r M John Anderson Miamis Endorsed: Detroit 2d Augt '99 John Askin to John Anderson Copy RECOVERY OF LAND CERTIFICATES Dear Sir I have now before me your seperate favors of 12 & 14th Ult°. The barrels spirits & Pork have before now I hope come to hand; The Box of Glass & Pipes of last Seasons importation, I cannot trace, unless you send me the particular Mark & Number of each. In the Portage Account of that year, you will find particular Mention of every pack- age of your mark that passed this place; If either of these are in that Account, I shall think myself bound to shew what has become of them, if not to be found there, the presump- tion is, that they never came this len[g]th; Our freinds belowr must in this case shew how & when sent to Kingston. M Cartwright how sent from thence. The Comodore after much uneasiness and trouble of mind has at last found your Land board Papers. I dare say Charl[e]s had packed them up carefully in a Clean shirt, or pair of stockings. As the best explanation of the bussiness I inclose his letter. I have sent him M r Roes Memorandum respecting the Certificates lodged with the Att y General, & hope that they will be found in time to come with the Com- missioner to your place. Should the Comodore be unsuc- cessful in the Council with the Men, I still would Maintain the Claim. Perseverance I know will do much, when oposed to what they may affect to Call the public Good; Were the Lands the private property of the present disposers I should have less hopes. Your own presence I am sencible would shortly after the American occupation. In 1798 he drove a herd of cattle to this place from Hamilton. As army contractor he supplied the government with pork and candles, sending them to the several northwestern posts. He had such a contract on hand at the time of his death, which occurred between March 14 and May 13, 1801. See sketch in Proc. of Land Board of Detroit, 196. 238 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS do much; A Man can say more, & he generaly can say it better, in his own Cause, than any other person can. I observe your Observation about the Remittances of this Season, which from my own Experience I am Sorry to say I can readily beleive well founded. I inclose a Scetch of an Account as in my books, if this agrees with yours, you will have the Goodness to Confirm the same. The balance you will pay when convenient to you. I have not added your order in the Comodores favor; I paid a part of this at York, & will [settle] the Balance here. You know the Amount, which I at present do not recollect. You will be agreable surprised as I have been by a Visit from our freind M r Robertson. I refer to him for News. All here are well & Join most Cordialy in best wishes for you & yours, with D r Sir Your very hum. sv* R. Hamilton John Askin Esquire Queenston Aug* 3, 99 Addressed: John Askin Esqr Detroit Endorsed: Queenston Aug* 3d 1799 Rob* Hamilton Es- quire to Jn° Askin Answ y 2 sepr d e d PUBLICATION OF NEWSPAPER IN QUEENSTON Dear Sir We again Attempt a Niagara Newspaper. Anxious to encourage an undertaking which if well Man- aged may be usefull I have taken the liberty to put your Name down as a Subscriber Should you disaprove, it shall be discontinued at the End of the first Quarter. Should any of your Neighbours wish to Join I will be glad to Communi- cate their Names & forward their papers. I am D r Sir Yours Sincerely R. Hamilton John Askin Esqr Aug* 4. 99 Addressed: John Askin Esquire Merchant Detroit. Endorsed: Queenston d 6 th Aug* 4dh 1799 e th M r Rob* Hamilton to Jn° Askin recv y 19 Answ y 29 239 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS RESPONSE TO APPEAL OF MAGISTRATES OF DETROIT War Department 8th August 1799 Gentlemen I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your representation relative to the conduct of the Military Commandant at Detroit I can assure you it is the wish of Government to preserve to the Civil Authority its rights every where throughout the Territory of the United States and in no instance to countenance encroachments upon those rights by the Military That the conduct of the Commandant at Detroit may undergo a regular and due Investigation, I shall refer your remonstrance to Major General Alexander Hamilton, who I have no doubt, will take proper measures to ensure in fu- ture a perfect propriety of Conduct in the Military I have however to observe that a Military Commandant has not only authority, but that it is particularly enjoined upon him to restrain the Soldiary in whatever may lead to Insubordination, endanger a Garrison or prove injurious to themselves, that with these views he may prevent a too Frequent Intercourse, with the Citizens inhabiting at or near his post, which by affording oppertunities of intemper- ance would produce the worst of consequences, and that gen- erally he has a right to give & enforce on his men under his command such orders as are necessary to their well being and the good of the Service. I enclose a Copy of the rules and articles for the better Government of the troops of the United States, to which is Annex'd several Military laws, among these: "An Act for the better Organizing the troops of the United States and for other purposes passed 3rd March last. The 4th Section of this Act you will observe provides an exemption from personal Arrests for any debt or Contract, for all non-comissioned officers, privates and Musicians who are and shall be inlisted & extends the same provision to the Militia or other Corps who may at any time be in the Actual service of the United States. To prevent this law from Operating Injurously to the Citizens it will be incumbent upon them to avoid giving Credit to Soldiecs I am &c 240 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Sign'd James McHenry To Louis Boufet64 James May ! Esquires Joseph Voyer Charles Fra8 GerardinJ Endorsed: th Secty of War. Answer to the Majestrates of Detroit 8 August 1799 REJECTION OF LAND CERTIFICATES York, August 13th 1799 My dear Sir By this time, I do imagine M r Baby has delivered my forth letter since I left AmherstBurg to you,th I have now the pleasure of Acknowledging yours of the 5 July—also of the 18th and 19th Just received. I am distressed beyond measure in not succeeding better, in geting your fourteen Certificates passed the Council. There might have been Some dawn of hope, had I lay'd my hands on them before M r Smith I mean David, went away. And then he and Hamilton told me they thought they would not pass. Indeed M r Hamilton & M r Cartwright had So many Certi- ficates and other matters of land business of their own, that a great part of this business was put of[f] till the last day and [with] some Considerable dificulty they got passed at last. And M r Baby was taken up mostly with his own land business. And with some dificulty he got his passed. So that any land business that is not as Clear as noon day And the many frauds that has been Committed in keeping up Certificates and then brought forward by a second or third hand, And other fraudulent practics regarding land, that the Council are indeed very nice in passing any wrighting or given any lands what ever as there is an order from home to sell all the wast lands in this Province to defray Some of the Expe[n]ce, I shall make a Second attempt I am this forenoon going to speak to the Chief Justice. I shall also Speak to Colonel Shaw65 and Captain McGill 64 Louis Beaufait, for whom see B. H. R., I, 518. 65 Aeneas Shaw was a native of Scotland who served in the Revolution in the Queen's 241 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS The Six Certificates certified by M r Roe being left in the attorny Gener18 offices deeds are made out for them And in the Secretary office. I shall write by this oppertunity to M r Hamilton for money to pay for them. And I shall en- deavor to get a deed for lot N° 128 I can my [by] staying indeed being obliged to remain here so long has drained off my £60 York, which was all I brought with me. You could hardly imagine the dificulty there is in carrying land business thru the different office[s] here let it be ever so Clear. I was ten days before I could Convince the Council & President of Doctr Wrights purchase from L* McCan, from a Certifi- cate Indorced two years ago being Miss layd in the Council office. And from that mistake M r Wright will have £5: 11/ halfax to pay. The Governor are hourly expected. Calms and Westerly winds prevailing here, the last vessels from Kingston war ten days on their Voyage. I belive the Chief Justice & I go together to Sandwich or AmherstBurg, and he tells me he will go to Gross Point. Should I not be able to adjust your matter, perhaps when he sees yourself it may be brought about, but I shall not neglect doing what I can now. Glorious news of the French being beat by land in all quarters And in the greatest expectation of hearing every moment their fleets being also beat Prince Edward are to be Governor General & Commander in Chief of British amer- ica & Gener1 Hunter to Command in the Canadas. I inclose you a letter from Captain Mercer, please to forward it to Gross Point. I beg my love to M rs Askin and family And belive me my dear Sir yours Sinc[erely] Alex Grant r We know nothing how long the Gov Stays here Rangers, and later in the Thirtieth Regiment. On the organization By Governor Simcoe, in 1791, of the new force known as the Queen's Rangers, Shaw was made a captain in the corps. In 1793, he became a member of the Legislative Council of Upper Canada, and from 1795 to 1807 he was a member of the Executive Council. During the same period, he was an officer of militia, rising in June, 1811, to the rank of major general. He died near York, Feb. 15, 1815. He was twice married, the fruit of the first union being seven sons and six daughters. See Simcoe Papers, I, 72, and Wallace, op. cit. 242 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS INTRODUCTION OF R E V . GOTTFRIED OPPELT Goshen on Muskingum 14 Aug* 1799 Dear Sir At the desire of M r Zeisberger66 I beg leave to recommend to your friendly attention, the bearer of this, the Rev d M r Oppelt,87 who is going as missionary of the United Brethren to reside with M r Senseman on Thames river. We shall be much obliged for any kindness you may shew him & M r s Oppelt. M r & M r s Zeisberger and M r Edward unite with me in best respects to Yourself and family. I am, with much esteem Dear Sir Your most obed* hble Serv* Benjn Mortimer 68 Addressed: John Askin Esq re Detroit By favor of the Rev d M r Oppelt Endorsed: Goshen on Muskingum Aug* 14h 1799 The Reverend Benjamin Mortimer to Jn° Askin PROPOSAL FOR ESTABLISHING SCHOOL IN DETROIT 6 9 Detroit 24 th August 1799 r To John Askin, Esq Dear Sir, The great importance of education & in- struction to youth is so generally acknowledged in all 66 For the career of David Zeisberger, see B. H. R., I, 217, et passim. 67 Gottfried Sebastian Oppelt was a Moravian missionary who came, as this letter dis- closes, from the Moravian town of Goshen, in modern Tuscarawas County, Ohio, to the settlement at Fairfield in the summer of 1799. It seems apparent from later letters pre- served in the Askin papers that Oppelt was sent to succeed Senseman in charge of the Fair- field mission. In a letter of Dec. 14, 1799, Oppelt stated that Senseman was very sick with consumption and his "departure" was expected very soon. His death occurred, Jan. 4, 1800. Oppelt continued at Fairfield for several years, as shown by mss. in the B. H. Coll. No sketch of his career has been found, nor have data sufficient to construct one been ac- cumulated. 68 Benjamin Mortimer, one of the Moravian missionaries, accompanied Heckenwelder from Ohio to Fairfield on the Thames in the spring of 1798. Heckenwelder soon returned,by way of Detroit, to Ohio, but Mortimer remained at Fairfield until the autumn, when he and Zeisberger conducted a number of the converts back to Ohio, where in modern Tuscarawas County they founded the village of Goshen. Here Zeisberger died, Nov. 7, 1808, until which event Mortimer remained at Goshen. At a later date he became pastor of a Moravian church in New York City, where he died on Nov. 10, 1834. See Zeisberger's Diary, II, 527-28; History of Tuscarawas County, Ohio (Chicago, 1884), 318; and Heckenwelder's Narrative, -passim. 69 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 243 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS civilized nations that it would be superfluous to write upon such a topic. It is to be lamented that so many obstacles oppose themselves in countries newly settled to the estab- lishment of proper seminaries & the procuring proper teach- ers. Should you think it any facility to the forwarding of such an object, You & those concerned may have of me the home on the domain belonging to me for twenty years, at twelve pounds York a year, with liberty at any period, pre- vious to the expiration of the lease, to purchase the premeses for two hundred pounds, for the above purpose, when of course the rent will cease. I am, Dear Sir, &c &c &c William Robertson Endorsed: Detroit Aug* 24 1799 Wm Robertson Esqr to th Jn° Askin Respecting the Leasing out of his House for the purpose of a School PROPOSAL TO OPEN A SCHOOL August the 24th. 1799 Sir, On consulting my own mind, I do not like to advertise; but I have taken the liberty to send you a mem- orandum of an agreement, requesting you to be so kind as to show it to any of your acquaintance, who, you think, would subscribe to the conditions. I know that any writing, to become binding in law, for a sum exceeding 20 dollars, must be written on stampt paper; but I hope none will be permitted to subscribe who is not of both known principle and ability to comply punctually with the agreement; nor do I wish any to subscribe who have not pupils to send to school; for I cannot be under obligations of a pecuniary nature, except for a time after which restitution is to be made; but where no return is to be made I will receive no money. I forgot to mention in the memorandum, that I would continue for another half year if desired; by [but] that is supplied by an additional article on the back of the paper. I am, Sir, your most obedient, humble servant, Peter Joseph Dillon.70 70 Peter Joseph Dillon probably first came to Detroit with Hugh Callahan in 1798, when he assisted the latter in driving a herd of cattle from Hamilton to this place. Dillon 244 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Addressed: M r John Askin, senior. Endorsed: Detroit Aug* 24h 99 M r Dillon to Jn° Askin. DIFFICULTY OVER LAND TITLES Detroit 29 august 1799 D Sir I wrote you a few lines by our Freind M r r Robertson two days ago, purely to Say, that I then could not, for want of time, answer your Sundry favours, which now will do. To begin with what relates to my Claims of land, & which were rejected, were I to Say half what I can with propriety, n Support of them, this Sheet would be too little. I there- ore will confine myself for the present to a few observations. f the Commodore could not find my papers (when those who meant to bring them forward & had a good deal to Say were present) it was badly Judged to do it afterwards, and even after he was discouraged by the President. I excuse all he did, as I know his intentions were to serve me, but he s a most unfit man for any thing of the Kind, nor did I meanr he Should enterfere otherwise, than deliver the papers o M Smith & you. I know his Situation in Council that he cannot oppose the head. I never was more hurt in my ife, than at these Certificates being rejected, it implies an ntentional fraud in me, & what for? to gain the difference between £10 to £15 (what each Lot cost) and what they may fetch, which may be a little more, and who did this? a man, a confidential man, as I'm told the council Says a good Subject, a majestrate, a L* Col. of Militia formerly a member of the Land Board, & now a Commissioner this is a great contradiction, he who would Stoop So low as to, say bilk Government of so small a trifle Is very unfit for Office, and If God Spares my life in open Council, I must either be Justified, or my Supposed bad, or fraudulent in- ention proved. Of the certificates alluded to, I find I have Signed three one for a man who was Drummer in the 84th Regiment and as married, and both he and his wife are numbered among Detroit's early school teachers. he present document affords indication of the time when he started a school here. His urther story, and his vicissitudes as schoolmaster are recounted in Burton, City of Detroit, 701-1922,1, 710-13. 245 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS two others for men Who live at the river Raisin, & I think were recommended to me by Capt Montigny, as men who voluntarily served at fort miamis, who was going to be attack'd. I am Sorry So little distinction is made between paying what Government had pledged their word for and what Land was given on condition of actual Settlement I can assure you as having it from good authority, that one of the executive Council obtained a Grant for Lands to a man here, after he was a Captain of militia (with a large pole & flag before his door) in the Service of the united States. I dont relate this as finding fault with it. If it was promised him by Government why not. but only to point out, Mountains are Ju[m]ped over, & Straws become Stumbling Blocks. If justice is not done me, truths shall be Known in more places than upper Canada, not that I suppose myself of that consequence, that they will make much difference. I am quite at a loss to believe that Such regulations have taked place in Council, as I'm informed has, and will think it a mistake in those who related them untill I have the pleasure of Seeing the Chief Justice and from him Know the truth, and If he confirms what I have hear'd, I must then conclude, that a majority of the executive council does not possess that wisdom which their situations require. Some of [the] Council I Know & others I'm told, possess honor, honesty, & talents; but If those are the lesser number it is to little purpose I can hardly drop the curs'd subject I'm so displeased I agree to pay for the news papers, but beg to have them forwarded regularly, which has not been the case, the pork is at length come to hand. I have Wrote MesrB McGills about the Glass & Pipes as they did not get your length, and you wrote me that M r Cartwright says they did not get to Kingston. I have look'd at your account but can't Say how far right, owing to the preceeding one from you being mislaid, and for a Copy of which I will be very thankfull, If not too much trouble. Some flour I Know was charged in it, given to Doctor Richardson and there is Some in this, perhaps it was delivered out twice, but one mistake there is, which is the Interest on M r Morris's note from the date thereof 246 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS ntill you received payment, and for which you have not edited me. I'm thankful for the indulgence given respect- g payment, and would send you for the mony I wrote you pay the Comodore but by a Letter fromr him, he said he d not take it up, and I was to pay a M Jackson here I ave the matter unsettled untill I see him but some mony has applied for to pay for deeds, I must reimburse you hen I know what it is. there is some Racoons &a, sent also ot to my credit, they were not included in the former count. It's not £2—but frindship makes me say, that ommissions on Pork you purchase will be disliked by hoever you charge it to but If the same was charged for terest on Cash paid for Pork, it perhaps would not. my family [and my] Self, thank God, enjoy good health rs Grant was safely delivered the 29 this noo[n] today of a irl,71 her &rsChild doing very well M rs A is with her. after omps to M H I remain &ca JA Endorsed: Detroit 29 Augt 99 J Askin to R Hamilton sqr Copy TRADE CONDITIONS IN DETROIT Detroit 10 Sept 99 Dear Sir Your Kind Letter dated at Montreal, the 28 ne reached me on the 21 of July last, and I should not ve def[e]red answering it So long, had it not been for y waiting to obtain from M r Visgar, the information you quired, at first the only expedient was that he must ve time to recollect (not, I fear, having Books to resort to) d unfortunately, he has for some time past, been so well, and Still continues So, that no clear information n be obtained from him. however as I hope and think at he is not in danger, So Soon as he recovers I will use y best endeavours to find out what you require, tho' it ould afford me much pleasure to See any of your Children re, and render them the Small Services in my power, t I must Strongly recommend to you as a friend, by no 71 Jean Cameron Grant, born Aug. 29, 1799. On Feb. 11, 1834, she married William chardson, postmaster of Brantford, a son of Dr. Robert Richardson, for whom see H. R., I, 441-42 et passim. 247 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS means this time to enter into business at this post. I fear before this time twelve months, or perhaps Sooner it will be discovered too clearly, that all those in trade at this post are Sinking money fast, one or two exceptions, and they appear to me even doubtful, there are Several very Worthy characters at Montreal, therefore you must be happier in their Society than were you here, but am Sorry your means are not equal to your mind. & that G o v e r n - ment does not do Something more for you Your Brother by Sticking to the army has got far up, and I am very happy at it. God Knows they earn what they get but as we must all go one way or another, perhaps it is no great matter whether we are Killed or die naturally, it is my opinion. M r Visgar I'm afraid never will be able to pay you one penny, and I'm Sorry to Say, report has not told truth in Saying that I'm bettered in circumstances, however I endeavour to reconcile myself to my Lot. I have a large family to maintain, and my Trade which is Small, will hardly give a profit to Support them and I have Suffered So much by extensive business that I have dropt it, for I firmly believe now at this place, he who trades most looses most the Comr is at York, his family are well Signd J A Endorsed: Detroit 10 September 1799 John Askin to L. Col. Abraham Cuyler Copy AFFAIRS OF WILLIAM ROBERTSON Montreal 14th Septr 1799 Dear Sir, I arrived here two days ago & found all well at home. As an opportunity now offers for the Upper Province I embrace it to inclose you a more correct invoice of the articles left with you. One of the bed ticks is put down by guess as I could not find the invoice. You will observe I invoice the dry goods as sold here at twelve months & the liquor as cash; hence if any payments previous to 15 th July next they will bear interest. I have not put down the transport as some of it may probably be charged to you. In a day or two, when I have had time to look about me, you shall hear from me again. In the mean time I hope 248 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS you will not forget to forward me72 your voucher in due orm against the estate of Mounsey It would be obliging me very much if M r Innis73 would draw out my claim & certify it in the same manner, which I presume he is able o do, or else M r Heward,74 otherwise I shall never get anything. MrB Robertson joins me in kind compliments & good wishes to M rs Askin & the family. I remain, Dear Sir, Your very Hle Serv William Robertson r I shall send you D Harffy's ace* next time ohn Askin, Esqr Addressed: John Askin, Esqr Detroit. r Endorsed: Montreal d 6 Sep h r 14th 1799 d Wth m Rob* Esquire o Jn° Askin recv y 16 Oct Answ 19 SUPPLIES FOR FORT MALDEN Dear Sir I did not intend this afternoon to have roubled you with my Scrawl (Spelt well), but this minute had the pleasure of seeing the Commodore, he is well air & Fatt, think that he cannot be up for a few days, his Eyes altho rather dim, Seems to wish him Self at Gross point. I thought it would give a pleasure to the Family, f I wrote a few incoherent Sentences. I have this morn8 had a talk with Tommy, he has not any objection to give a draft for the wood, admiting the Engineer would receiv it, hat is if it was put into the wood Yard, but there is not any men in the King's employ to do it, and to hire it is mpossible, as for the Bricks, if he could get [a] true return rom Shaw [of] what has been deliver[ed] with the price, a Bill also for them will be given, but he says, he could wish it to 7Z Paul Mounsey was commissioned captain in the Twenty-fourth Regiment, May, 9 789. He was in Detroit in 1793 and 1794, and in the autumn of the latter year was sent o the Maumee to serve against General Wayne. Apparently he was recalled to England he following year, for As kin's formal certificate of claim against his estate indicates that e died prior to March 11, 1797, and that the claim in question had been sent to Scotland n July, 1795. See Askin papers, passim; Mich. Pio. Colls., X X I I I and XXV, passim; and imcoe Papers, passim. 73 For the career of Robert Innis, see B. H. R., I, 464-65. 74 For the career of Hugh Heward, see ibid., 227. 249 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS be done all in one Draft, hoping this will arrive soon and your answer in return will be pleasing to D r Sir Yours Wm Harffy Friday night in a great hurry and at 10 o'clock Sepr 27 1799 recvd ye 28h Addressed: Jn° Askin Esqr, Merc*, Detroit r Endorsed:d eMaiden h Sep 27h 1799r Doctor Harffy to Jn° d e h Askin recv y 28 Answ y 9 Oct AFFAIRS IN IRELAND London, Sepr 29h 1799 My dear Sir, It is long since I did my self the pleasure to address you, but the only excuse I have to offer for my apparent neglect is the very active and uncertain situation which for a length of time has attended mein Ireland where my services have been for three Years perfectly on the alert— which really so deranged our ideas that our Friends as it were became a secendary consideration, this you will excuse in a Military man who has been so buffeted about as your humble servant, however it was always a consola- tion for me to know that my dearest Archange never failed to embrace such occasions as presented themselves of writing as often as possible—but we are sorry to understand for Certain that three of her letters have been carried to a French Port, a Mortifying circumstance not only to us, but to the owners of a Nice Vessell which saild for York from the Cove of Cork, thank God I have weathered the storm thus far and after battleing with the French and Rebels in Ireland in almost all the Actions without any material injury but the loss of some Teeth, we are once more returned to old England enjoying very good health. My good fortune has led me to fall to a Company at Wool- wich, in consequence of an Augmentation of the Regiment, I am not certain how long I may remain there but I trust at least for this Winter & next Spring—as the whole of our force for the Expedition to the Continent have Saild—and already several brave fellows of them have fall'n by the 250 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Dutch It is a grand Expedition but I begin to fear for its esult, as to the Army part of the Story (the Navy you will re this have heard is fall'n into our hands) [it was] the ntention of Ministry to reinstate the Stadholder. restore he antient Sovereignty and afterward penetrate into France in Cooperation with the Russians, Austrians &c &c &c—but I begin to think the allies will find it difficult to xecute there intended plan, as the Dutch have already hewn a determined opposition by land, little expected by he Duke of York and our other Generals. When I left reland, things remained in a state of uncertainty, a kind f torpid state in that Country, the People still restless, nd ready to rise at the least movement of the French in heir favor, who are ever holding out fresh promises of Succour to enflame their Minds into Villanious rebellion, ut My Lord Cornwallis, equally Active as Lord Leutenant nd Commander in Chief, is ever ready to put them down pon their Shewing the appearance of a Stir. I dined with he good old Lord the day previous to My leaving Ireland t his Villa in the Phonix Park, he lookd well and feeling etermined to hold it out with the United—or rather eluded—Miscreants who know not what their delusion would lead them to, altho so many recent examples are efore their Eyes, there is little doubt that the Union with England will take place. I never saw people (upon ool reflection) so much changed in their sentiments on hat subject. I think it will prove the Salvation of both Countries, if carried into effect, at same time be a complete tab to the wishes of the Common Enemy, whose seeming nterest is to disunite all nations. I have little further to dd, as to the Politicks of the day, nor is there any news nteresting, to inform you. when I get1 settled at Woolwich, hall have both leisure and inclination to tell you all that's oing. My dearest Archange intends writing to her dear Mother by this opportunity You will be pleased to hear hat She and our children enjoy exceeding good health, ltho they have encounterd in Ireland much trouble and atigue, we are at present staying at My Friend McLewes house in Grosvenor Place untill I can get covered in at Woolwich. There are good Barracks for a Capn of a Com- 251 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS pany. We intend making use of them, for the Expence of House rent & different attending taxes is now extremely high. I sincerly hope my good and dear Mother in law, with yourself and all of the Family Continue to enjoy health. You will ever have our wishes to that effect in their fullest extent, likewise my Friend the worthy Commodore, M r Grant & Family. We have been unfortunate never to have met D r & M r s Wright. Our Friend Mercer we had the pleasure of seeing a day or two ago. he begins to look old from gout, pray remember me kindly to all about you. if you meet with the Newspaper called the Times dated Saturday the 14th Sept—99 you will find in it a verry hand- some Address to me from the Principal Inhabitants of Athlone and the Vicinity upon my leaving that place with my Brigade: I promise you to be a better correspondent in future, which a little rest will enable me to practice, in the mean time, shall repeat my wishes in union with those heartfelt ones of your beloved and good Daughter, added to the lisping of our two entertaining children, your grand children that all happiness and health may attend the worthey Family &c & &—and believe me Most affectionately Yours, ever & &c. D Meredith My dear Sir I am now at breakfast at Woolwich with my Friend Colonel Shand,75 a relation of my Friend Sharp— he particuliarly desires to be remember'd to him— is just come from Gibraltar and thought he might probably have met M r Sharp in England You[rs] D M Addressed: John Askin Esquire Merchant at Detroit To the care of Mess" Todd and McGill Merchants at Montreal Lower Canada Endorsed: London 29 th Septr 1799 Cap* Meredith Royal Artillery to John Askin recvd May 24h 1800 75 Alexander Shand, who became captain in the Royal Regiment ofArtillery on Feb. 15, 1778, and lieutenant colonel on Aug. 14, 1794. 252 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS STATE OF DEBTS DUE IN VINCENNES Post Vincennes October 9th 1799 Sir On the Morning of the 9th of September last, I Was Honoured with your's dated Detroit the 7th of May 1799 nd not until then. I felt and do yet feel a great dissatis- action that your Letter was kept up so long from me, con- idering the urgent situation of your affairs in this Quarter, rom the age of your Demands & from the falling situation f your Debtors. I should approve very much of your Principles of Lenity, rovided the People of this Quarter, were Possessed of the Right Idea, of discharging their Debts when in a Situation o do so, But it can with justness be Observed, from the anguage of a Number of our Citizens, that they will not ischarge their just Dues until Obliged, for say they sever- lly, "I owe, and I can't Pay, for in attempting to Pay, I hall either Distress myself or my Family." I send you, under Cover herewith, "An Answer" being my Candid & Real Opinion & that of the eldest Inhabitants f the place, to your "Memorandum of Debts Due &ce" There has but one Opportunity oifered, from this Place o Detroit by Water, within my recollection for some time ast, Which was a Majr Hunt,76 & who departed the evening efore I received your Letter. Otherwise I should with leasure have embraced them. As to the Mortgages, you hold for Real Property in this lace, You may either Make a private Sale, or Cause a pub- ic one to be made of the Property; If the first, that may be erfected, by a Transfer, or Assignment, legally acknowl- dged before the Proper Authority, to be admissible to re- ord in this County. If the second, That may be perfected, y causing a suit to be Instituted in the Name of the Mort- agee or his Assignee to Foreclose cethe Equity of Redemp- ion, in the Mortgagor, his heirs & and the Title Made by he Sheriff. You can at present make your Choise. If M r Tousaint Dubois will give you in Prompt Payment, One hundred and fifty Pounds, N. C. for the House, Horse Mill &c & Etienne S*Mary's Lot, I think you would do as 76 Probably Colonel Thomas Hunt, for whom see B. H. R., I, 561. 253 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS well to sell to him, in the first Mode, I have prescribed which I make no kind of Doubt, he will accede to, from his re- peated act of Ownership exercised & persued with the House and Horse Mill, for I am Credibly Informed, he has rented out, the House, for those Eighteen Months Past; forr there is at present a Family residing in the house by M Dubois permission; and has permitted a Mr Boyer to use the Mill until she has become Nearly if not entirely Useless. I shall take the liberty, of considering Myself Generally Retained for you upon similar Engagements, as those of Messrs Sibley, Sinclair & Burnett. I have fully performed your Injunction as to Madame Gamelin. You will see from my inclosed Mem° the situa- tion and Value of the Debts, she offers you, and what other property, she is Possessed of, and It's Value. If you shall conclude to send forward any Bonds &ca for Collection, I will undertake the Collection for Ten per cent, and my Legal Fees, where I succeed in suits If it may or shall be necessary to Commence any. I am Sir Your Most Obedient & Very Hub6 Serv* Gen. W. Johnston77 To John Askin Esqr Detroit Addressed: Private John Askin Esqr Merchant Detroit. Attention of M r James Abbott junr78 Merch* Endorsed: Post Vincent Octr9h1799 General W. John- ston to Jn° Askin recv* in Novr & Answd 20th March 1800 77 General Washington Johnston was born, Nov. 10, 1776, in Culpepper County, Virginia, near where the leader in whose honor he was named lived for many years. He came to Vincennes in 1793 and entered upon the practice of law. He became influential locally, held many offices, and acquired considerable renown as an orator. He is said to have brought Masonry into Indiana and to have put slavery out. He died in Vincennes, Oct. 26, 1833. See biographical sketch in Ind. Mag. Hist., XX, 123-53. 78 James Abbott was a son of James Abbott Sr., whose career is noted in B. H. R., I, 304. He was born in Detroit, June 1, 1776, and died here, March 12, 1858. On attaining his majority, he was taken into partnership with his father, as his elder brother, Robert, had previously been admitted. On the death of the elder Abbott, in 1800, the brothers con- tinued the business for a time. Their inherited wealth and abilities made them men of prominence in the community, where James remained a leading citizen until his death in 1858. From 1806 until 1830 he was postmaster of Detroit. In April, 1807, he was ap- pointed associate judge of the District Court of Huron and Detroit; he served as a member of the Land Board, and in numerous ways was identified with the commercial and civic life of his time. In November, 1804, he married, in Chicago, Sarah Whistler, eldest daughter of Captain John Whistler of Fort Dearborn, becoming thereby Chicago's first civilized 254 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS FROM WILLIAM HARFFY TO JOHN ASKIN from M. Baby's Thursday Morg, 10 Octr 1799 Dear Sir I am happy to find by your letter given to me Yesterday at Sandwich, that all My letters came safe to hand, but am sorry that the Saganah was sail'd8 before their arrival; I met her going down yesterday Morn . I came up to Mr Baby's in the afternoon with an intent of seeing you, but the Wind and rbad weather prevented me that pleasure. I have wrote to M Jn° Askin for the Hinges. I was told by every Carpenter that there was not any to be bought,e which made me request one from you. I understand Com Grant has a Boat coming down, if the weather is fine, and it is not too much loaded very likely they could bring down the Musick.79 I understand it is in a wretched state, so that if Charlo calls for [it], pray desire him to be very careful in bringing all the fragments of it. when I return I will en- deavour to settle with M r Reynolds I am truly yours to command Wm Harffy Addressed: Jn° Askin Esqr Detroit Endorsed: Sandwich Octr 10th 99 Docr Harffy to Jnc Askin Answd Loss OF THE ANNETTE Detroit Octr 13 1799 The A. Q. M. Gen1 having chartered a Vessel to go to Presq Isle for hospital Stores; The Cap* by the mutual agreement of the United States agents and myself, has been directed to touch at Long Point, in order to take on bridegroom of whom we have record. Sarah Whistler outlived her husband many years, dying, Oct. 4, 1874. Their home for a generation occupied the site of the present Ham- mond Building at Fort and Griswold streets. They were the parents of two sons and two daughters, all but one of whom (James Whistler Abbott, born Sept. 29,1805) preceded their father in death. Information adapted from Denissen, op. cit.; Burton Hist. Coll. Leaflet, V, 8-10; Mich. Pio. Colls., passim; Casgrain, Families Casgrain, Baby et Perrault; and Burton, Abbott genealogy. 79 The "Musick" was a harpsichord, probably the first in Detroit. There are several references to it in the letters which follow; a short account of our knowledge of the instru- ment is given by C. M. Burton in his Amusements in Detroit in Colonial Days (Detroit, 1909), 48-49. 255 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS board and bring to this place such of the public and private property, as was saved from the wreck of my Vessel the Annette. I bind myself hereby to take no advantage of the reception of those Stores by a Vessel in public service, and agree that my responsibility (if ever I was responsible) shall remain as formerly, and should I be obliged to make good the damages sustained by the loss of the Annette I promise to reimburse the United States the extraordinary charges of send8 the Vessel by long point. I certify that the above is a Copy of a paper agreed by M r Askin this day F. Bates80 Endorsed: Detroit Octr 13h 1799 Jn° Askins Agreem* to take no Advantage of the United States sending for what was lost from the Annette FROM ISAAC TODD TO JOHN ASKIN Montreal 15h Octbr 1799 My dear Askin I am favord with your two Letters of the 9th ult° & one of the 3d I am sorry that any change has taken place in your doing business with Ja s & Andw McGill I know the former wishes to curtail the business of the House so that he may the more easily retire himself & I belive those you now do [business] with are good men & may answer each of your purposes better, this change I am convinced will make none in friendship between- you & James who I am sure will on all occasions be as ready to 8o Frederick Bates was born in Goochland County, Virginia, June 23, 1777. In the autumn of 1797 he received an appointment in the quartermaster's department of the army and set out on horseback for Detroit. In the summer of 1800 he embarked upon a mercan- tile career in Detroit, which he continued until the fire of June 11, 1805, destroyed most of his property. Meanwhile, he had studied law and had engaged actively in politics. He was the city's second postmaster, serving from Jan. 1, 1803, to June 1, 1806. In 1804 he was first receiver of the Detroit land office, and was a member of the board of trustees of the town in 1804-1805. In the latter year, he was appointed one of the first territorial justices, and he also served as first territorial treasurer. In November, 1806, he resigned his various offices and removed to St. Louis, where President Jefferson appointed him Secretary of Louisiana Territory. In 1808 he published a compilation of Missouri laws, the first book published in Missouri. He subsequently was elected governor of the state and died in office in 1825. A younger brother, Edward Bates, was attorney-general in President Lincoln's cabinet. See biographical sketches in Burton, City of Detroit, 1701-1922, II, 1130; in Houck, History of Missouri, III, 49-50; in T. M. Marshall, Life and Papers of Frederick Bates (St. Louis, 1926), I, 1 ff.; and in Mich. Pio. Colls., VIII, 563-65. 256 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS serve you as ever. I wish Cap* Ernest may be induced to purchase your property & ours adjoining the Common as I have many reasons to wish to realize all I can as my situation occasioned by my late Nephew is verry unpleasant & not Likely soon to be otherwise. I wish you had sent a Bill on Philad a for the money received for the House this s the Time all matters here must be settled for the year, in sending a Statement of Andw Todds affairs I have valued the property in your hands taken from Hands at £350— this Curr cy Let me know if I am right I hope youll en- deavour to get my payment from Gratier M r Swan tells me he Left with M r Morrison a Letter for you enclosing his Note on which you are to endorse two thousands Livers received this day from Forsyth Richardson & C° I observe what you say in your Private Letter M r Robertson & I are both of opinion it would be improper to apply at present you know there is but 5 executive Counsellors recives sallirys the other supernumery ones will expect to get this when a vacancy happens & to be a Counsellor withot pay would, not answer you. Gen1 Hunter will be at York most of the Summer & if in my power I will goe there if any thing then could be pointed out Wherein he could with propriety serve you my Interest will not be wanting and you probably may be able to accompany the Commodr there in hopes of hearing from you soon and as we are all now verry buisey have only to assure you of my being Ever Your Sincere & affete friend Isaac Todd John Askin Esq r Addressed: John Askin Esq r Detroit Endorsed: Montreal Oct r 15h 1799 M r Isaac Todd to Jn° Askin recv* y8 7h Dec r Answd the 17h Jan y 1800 TROUBLES OF WILLIAM HARFFY r My D Sir I really am a shabby Fellow—long 'ere long so "that is the Text." Your letters generally come almost togather. Some of mine to [you] I think from your last, must have taken a long North-West passage. In some former ones I mention'd 257 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS if you could spare a 1000 bricks, paid for on delivery, no answer I have received; since that another application 300, on the same terms, as the Kings Vessel will be up on the change of Wind I will endeavour to get them put on board, if you will please to send orders for the purpose. Some time since I wrote for Hinges, avail'd my self of M r Askin's Jun r having them near a fortnight; it is cold and the door wide open. M r Cornwall says his price is £100, if that is accepted, if not he will not give a Farthing more; I have inquird of Some peoples who well know the Situation, he must have it, and the land will fatten by keeping another year or two. Reynolds I have not been able to see, altho I have call "en passant^ thrice, but as more bricks are wanted suppose I delay until they arrive. The Engineer, appears undecided, he has lately live'd free at Cap* McKee's. Curse the Musick I wish it was sold, I care not for what, as all my wants and wishes to attain are not worth the pains, or trouble to my Friends, you will favor me if it could be any way disposed of. an Ox I have at the river La Corce at one Bondy's, and I believe all the Devils in Hell, stands Sentry against me, as I have try'd every means in my power to get it. you must think me mad, I really am not but such ac- cumulation of disappointments cannot happen but very rare. Believe me my D r Sir I am now only painting to you how I am kick'd about It is immpossible for me to leave this place Accounts frequently I have sent on your Side address'd to some "that once where Friends"—no answer; but from you & M r Innis Your enclosed I gave to Ruff81 immediately on the receipt, he sail'd early this morng I 8i James Rough was a native of Scotland, born about the year 1768, who spent many years of his active career as master of a sailing vessel on the upper lakes. We have not learned when he entered upon this service; the present document contains the earliest men- tion of him we have found. Augustus Porter's narrative (Buffalo Hist. Soc, Pubs., VII, 321) states that Rough became half owner and master of the schooner Mary, built at Erie in 1806. The Mary was in the harbor at Mackinac when the British captured the place on July 17, 1812, and was utilized by them as a cartel ship to convey the captured garrison and American traders under parole to Black Rock. At Detroit, however, the Mary was seized by General Hull, only again to be captured by the British a few days later, and again to be utilized by them to convey a portion of the prisoners taken, this time to Fort Erie. After the war, Captain Rough was part owner, and for a time master of the Michigan, which was said to be the largest American vessel on the lakes. Many years later the Michigan was loaded with a miscellaneous zoological collection and sent over Niagara Falls, as an entertainment exploit. Captain Rough superintended this enterprise, and apparently was still interested in the vessel. He was one of the early residents of Buffalo, where he 258 POWDER HORN OF DR. HARFFY, THE GIFT OF JOSEPH BRANT From the original in the Detroit Historical Museum JOHN ASKIN PAPERS have seen Billiet,82 he wishes me to83 ask if you have received any eDollars from Paschal Rheem (I think nine) or eleven for y house 2 toises & half of Stone, 25 barrels of Lime, 4000 Bricks, Billiet will do the whole work furnishing him Self for £24, you finding him a man & cart to bring the materials from the Water side to the house, in looking over your letter of the 14th I thank you for your very great kindness in re- gard to the Harpsichord, but I am told it is a mere wreck, therefore as I have mentioned befor I wish it sold. In con- fidence my D r Friend, suppose you hint'd to Commodore Grant about the Beef of last Winter, and as I am only a Toy Doll, as a physical man at his house, you can hint it to him, that my coming up twice deserves a little, may Heaven bless us all, and altho souer'd with the World at large; I am happy in so sincere a Friend, who can laugh at my petty misfortunes, and feel for my real ones. I am with respects to M rs A D r Sir, Your greatly obliged Wm Harffy Maiden Thursday night Octr 17th 1799 PS. M r Seabury of this place will take this with him, as he is going to M r McIntosh's to assist at the Launch, he will bring a return Addressed: Jn° Askin Esqr Merct Detroit Octr 18 Endorsed: d Maiden th Octr 17h, 1799 Docr HarfFy to Jnc Askin Answ 20 died on Dec. 4, 1828. An interesting epitaph, supplied by a friend, concluded with these words (from Burns's epitaph on Gavin Hamilton): "With such as he, where'er he be May I be saved or damned." Information compiled from mss. in B. H. Coll., and Buffalo Hist. Soc, Pubs., passim. 8z The American founder of the line of Billet was fitienne Biguet dit Nobert, born in 1660 in the diocese of Avranches, France, who came to Canada and married in Champlain, Oct. 29, 1691, Dorothea Dubois, a native of Quebec. Their son, Jean Baptiste Biguet, was also called Billet, by which name his descendants were known. Francois Billet, our present subject, was a grandson of Jean Baptiste Biguet. He was born in Longueuil on Oct. 14, 1751, and married in Detroit, Sept. 28, 1778, Mary Teresa Robidou, daughter of Joseph Robidou and Mary Ann Leblanc. Francois Billet was a mason and lived on St. Joseph Street. He was buried in Sandwich, Aug. 19, 1812. He had numerous dealings with Askin and figures frequently in the Askin papers. He had six children, all born in Detroit in the period, 1779-94. See Denissen, op. cit. 83 For the line of Reaume, see B. H. R., I, 170. One of the sons of Hyacinthe Reaume, there mentioned, was Joseph Reaume, who was born in Detroit, Nov. 2, 1739, and married in Boucherville, July 7, 1766, Mary Charlotte Levasseur dit Carmel. Joseph brought his bride to Detroit that same year and settled on St. Joseph Street. He was buried here, 259 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS LAND CLAIMS OF WILLIAM ROBERTSON Detroit October 21Bt 1799 Dear Sir I was a few days ago favoured with Your letter dated the 14th last Month & happy to learn that you all Meet in good health pleas present Mrs Askin & my Com- pliments. I receivd the Invoice of the Articles you left here & when I find a Safe Sale respecting payment I let them go at 75 per Cent for I find to unsafe sales are made at this rate by some Merchants. I attended the Commissioners Constantly & have had a long & hard Pull but very little done Owing to Justice All- cock84 who I may say took all on himself & made as strict Enquiries in my Oppinion in several Cases as if they had been Criminal ones so that only about 20 as M r Roe tells me M r Dolsens passed, but Others defered & none wholy Rejected Indeed if they had I would have Appealed in your behalf & would have had no dificulty to prove that the proceedings & Decissions were not agreeable to the act, at same time lett me Observe that I believe M r Justice Allcock a very Im- partial good man, but so particular & sticks so close to the law, a very unfitt man to act up to the Spirit of the Act. We are asured that the Chief Justice will make his Tour next Year & I learn he has been much more liberal in this Decis- sion respecting Claims to Land than any other of the Judges. As I was your Attorney I did not set when any matter relative to you was before the Commissioners which gave me a better Oppertunity to speak but to no Great purpose as M r Judge Allcock did as he pleassed without ask- ing the Sentiments of the othe[r] Commissioners in hardly any case The Papers you desired Charley to Copy & send you Mr Roe shewed me a letter in which you desire him to send you a Copy therefore needless in Charles April 14, 1796. The sixth of his eleven children was Paschal Reaume, our present subject. He was born on St. Joseph Street, April 2, 1774, and married in Sandwich, April 23,1798, Cecilia Pouget, daughter of Joseph Pouget and Frances Belleperche. The groom resided in Amherstburg. Denissen, op. cit. 84 Henry Allcock, an English barrister, was appointed a judge of the Court of King's Bench in Upper Canada in November, 1798. In October, 1802, he became Chief Justice, and three years later he became Chief Justice of Lower Canada. He also served as speaker of the Legislative Council in both provinces. He died in Quebec, Feb. 22, 1808, aged forty-five years. See Wallace, op. cit. 260 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Capt* Harrow has agreed to let you have the house Lot &ca for £260 there is some fence rails in the bargain he has wrote M r Roe to make out the Deeds in form the Park lot he had got, & is part of the premisses he Sells you. I will Indeavour to get M r Innis or M r Heward to make out Your claim against the Estate of the late Cap* Munsey as you direct, mine must have reached you long ago. All our Family & Connections are well I have only to add that I am Dear Sir Your Most Obed* Humble Servant Endorsed: Detroit October r 21 st 1799 John Askin Senior to William Robertson Esq (Copy) FROM WILLIAM HARFFY TO JOHN ASKIN Octr 24h 1799 Maiden Dear th Sir, I have received letters from th youth dated y6 17 this day. Two yesterday of the 19 & 20 one this day of the 22d. I have work'd hard with Thomas and the Engineer, and altho not as yet succeeded, I do not despair. I shall return to ye charge. By some mistake or other Shaw has sent me down 50 tiles, as there is more than I can want, I shall find a Market for them, "so far lucky for once." I Dread again to deal in wine, neverthe less, I think Backwell may take it. I shall try him to morrow. I wish you could send a Gill or so down to taste, that may be asked for. I have not been able to see Billiet. where he keeps himself I do not know. I have left word for him to call on me. as for the Hinges you will greatly obliged me if I could have them soon I hope to be in my house about the 1 st of No- vember pray Sir what may be the price of a very small Cast Iron stove if I can raise the Money for one. then Be- lieve me I can give you as neat a room as any in Maiden, and close by the threshold of the Door stands ready to receive you a sincere and hearty welcome, come soon and accept it, is the wish of D r Sir Yours truly Wm Harffy PS. I shall be obliged to you to get off the Musick, after any manner as my Pipe is now out of tune 261 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Addressed: Jn° Askin Esqr Detroit Octr 25th Endorsed: d Maiden Octr 24h 1799 Doctor Harffy to Jnc Askin Answ INSTRUCTIONS FOR CAPTAIN THORN Detroit October the 26th 1799 85 Captain Thorn Sir You will take on Board 18 Keggs of West India Rum & 286Barrels of Cydar, all which you will deliver M r Traxellar. likewise 3375 Bricks & 100 Tiles & Telling him to sell the foregoing things at the following Prices, & I will pay him for his Trouble. Rum by the Kegg 12 Bushells Wheat or 16>£ Dol. Cydar by the Barrell 8 do do or 10dDollars. Tile—by the Piece 6 Each. Brick by the 100 \y2 dollars. If he trusts it must be only to such people as will surely pay him before the 1 st of April next at latest & when in wheat it must be good & Clean but I am willing to take English Measure & if he thinks he could sell more to write me word by you. You will recieve from him all the Indian Corn he has for me, Measuring it with the half Bushell you have on Board, & if he has any wheat of his own I wish he would send it & Keep as much of what he may get for me in its Stead 85 William Thorn was a native of Providence, R. I., who found his way to Detroit prior to, or during, the Revolutionary War. He appears as a householder in the Detroit census of 1779, being credited with 1 "woman," 1 boy, 2 girls, 2 horses, and 2 cows. Mich. Pio. Colls., X, 316. In the spring of 1782, he "earnestly" besought his discharge from the naval department; it was granted, and Colonel De Peyster was about to send him to Canada, not deeming it proper for a person with his knowledge of the lakes and the country to be permitted to remain in Detroit; however, he continued in the service, and in 1783 is listed as a master, serving on Lake Erie. Ibid., XXIV, 6. Prior to September, 1789, Thorn located in Cottrellville on St. Clair River, being one of the earliest residents of this vicinity. Here he remained until his death in 1842, and his descendants were represented here until a relatively recent date. He was long a lake navigator, and it is said that he piloted Colonel Croghan's expedition to Mackinac in 1814. Captain Thorn had two sons, William and John, and several daughters. John Thorn owned and platted the first village lots on the site of Port Huron. See ibid., passim, and Jenks, Hist. St. Clair Co., I, 148 ff. 86 Peter Traxellar (variously spelled in the mss.) lived on the Thames River; in 1799 Askin had announced to Senseman his intention to open a store in Traxellar's house the following season. See Askin papers, passim. 262 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS You will take any grain M r Wisewell87 may have to ship in preferance to any other but you must not be detained above one day to wait for any Freight, unless it would make a difference of 8 Dollars or more, but if any wishes you to wait a few days for Freight, & with the Freight they give will make it Equal to 8 dollars a day, you may stay in that case a few days Please let M r Traxellar know I had a soar Hand & there- fore could not write him Endorsed: Instructions to M r Wm Thorn (Copy) Detroit October 26. 1799 SUPPLIES FOR FORT MALDEN Dear Sir, I am at M r Mcintosh's so far on my way tor see you but the River, and the over hospitallity of M Jam8 Mcintosh88 will not let me over, [n]or can I get a Canoe, that being the case, and as I must return in the morng, I will on paper mention the purport of my intended Visit, from what I could learn from M r Grant,r you seem much dissatisfied in not geting the Bills from M Reynolds. it must appear to you that / have not acted according to your wishes, as his expression are poor man he is very unhappy in being so treated, as you have heard that the Cedar Timber was paid for, and not deliverd, then why not yours, in the first place the Cedar is not paid for, altho almost the whole hath been deliver'd. to assist the men Fifty pounds was advanced but not a farthing more at this date Octr 28th. Various times I have spoke to M r R on the Business, but could not get a final answer. I have at last push'd him. he has promised to give a draft for the Bricks (as he has a return of the number from Shaw) to go by the Nancy, and altho I must appear to be inattentiver to you my Good Sir, I hope to finish [the] matter with M 87 Oliver Wiswell was in Detroit as early as 1799, in which year he was living in the Rouge River settlement and stood as candidate for election to the General Assembly of the Northwest Territory from Wayne County. In 1803 his land on the Rouge was sold at sheriff's sale to gratify a judgment obtained against him. The document attesting this transaction speaks of him as "late" of Wayne County. See Sibley papers, passim. 88 For James Mcintosh, see B. H. R., I, 308. The present document shows that he carried out the intention, there noted, of removing to the south side of the river following the American occupation of Detroit. 263 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Backwell about the wood by that time. Men of the Garrison it is impossible to get to assist in taking up the wood, shall I hire some if I can bring it about, to whom shall the Bills be address'd. a story pathetically told, tells well, however whether I have neglected your interest, or not, I know the integrity of my heart, and we are all liable to failings, some wilfully, some accidentally, and some from what the human mind cannot forsee or avert. Nothing as I have said above but the want of a Canoe prevented my seeing you. Billiet says he will do all the work, with [will] bring the materials and all to the house, as you have been his great Friend for £24. I remain D r Sir ever at your service your oblige'd Wm Harffy Sandwich Octr 28th 7 o'Clock at night. I really am sorry that the Harpsichord was put in M r Grant's Boat, for he talks about it, "Gods how he talks about it" Cap* Allan89 has paid for the tiles, shall I give the sawyers the mony. he says that he has not received the spirits. Addressed: r Jn° Askin Esqr Detroit Octr 28th M . Donovan will please forward this letter on receipt Jm I [James Mclntosh] r h Endorsed: Oct 28 1799 Doctor Harffy to Jn° Askin Answd SUPPLIES FOR FORT MALDEN Dear Sir, I understand by Capt Grant, that you have lately receved two letters from him, about M r Reynolds, he certainly is the most extraordinary man existent. I will not mention any thing about the wood that the Commo- dore has explain'd. in regard to the Bricks he promised to give a Bill, when I call'd yesterday for it. what will you say, when I ask'd for it, he said he did not know the price, or the quantity delivered, altho he told me before he had got 89 James Allan, for whom see ibid., 307. 264 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS the number of Thousands from even Shaw himself, what strange conduct. I suppose from all this he wishes not to draw. As I am well convincd this letter will be with you soon be pleased to send down the price & the quantity, that he may be for once in his life obliged to draw contrary to his will this is taken up by Cap* Caulwells, who will return I believe immediately. I received your letter Yesterday, and thank you for the News, can I get 3000 more bricks if I send for them, or if you think of sending down your own can they be put into the same Vessel I am yours E r d Wm Harffy Saturday morn Nov 2 1799 Addressed: Jn° Askin Esqr to ye care of M r Askin Jun r Mer* Detroit let it be sent immediately r d Endorsed:1 Saturday e d Nov 2 1799 Doctor Harffy to Jn° d e th Askin recv* y 3 & Answ y 4 DIFFICULTIES OF MATTHEW DONOVAN Detroit November. 15th 1799 r D Sir I have been Informed that you are concerned n Establishing a School in this Town, in Opposition to me which amazling Surprised me for I candidly declare, that I always perswaded myself, that you would be the last man n this Town that would do me the least Injury; I acknowl- edge that my Conduct of the 29th of October was irregular, but partly was owing to the want of wood & to the Inclem- ency of the weather for it was not the concurrence of the will altogether, but rather a fatality impending over me no man s his own keeper, neither is any man altogether perfect; I am not very Subject to this crime, neither do I approve of it, nor is there any person existing more grieved or concerned or it than I am. I hope never to be guilty of such a crime or I have made an absolute promise never to taste any Spirituous liquors as long as I keep School in Detroit and hope with the Concurrence of Heaven to maintain that promise I am bold to Say that I have kept a Good School hese four years past and my Scholars will prove it upon examination and to Sum up the Total loss of my time in 265 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS that irregular way it will not exceed four days. Notwith- standing I am censured, but I censure none, I own my faults, Since few from faults are free. I perfectly Recollect to hear you Say that you had a tender feeling. I believe you have, pray let it not be extinguished towards me who am willing to Serve you to the utmost of my power Matthew Donovan Endorsed: d Detroit Nov 15 1799 M r Donovan to Jn* r h Askin Answ MARRIAGE OF THOMAS DICKSON Queenston Novr, 16, 1799 Dear Sir I have now the pleasure to forward your papers received p[er] last Mail & to acknowledge the re- ceipt of your obliging favour p[er] the Nancy. The Cyder has been received, and will no doubt soon Sell. I am also to thank you for your obliging present of a Barrel of Apples, though as yet they have got no further than Fort Erie. I shall not at present descant upon Politicks (though with me a favorite topick) but content myself with informing you that tomorrow Eveningrs M r Tho90 8 Dickson is to be mar- ried to a Young Widow (M Taylor) a rUnion which prom- ises much happiness to both parties. M Selby arrived here a Week ago, by whom I was happy to hear that your Family were all in good health I beg you will present them with my most respectfull Compliments, & believe me (though in haste) with much respect Dear Sir Very Sincerely Yours Rob* Nichol P. S. Should you have occasion for any Pork in the Spring, I can probably procure you some upon more reasonable terms than any you have had from this lately Addressed: John Askin Esqr Merchant Detroit Endorsed: Queenston 1 th r Novr 16d hl 799y Mh r Rob* Nichols to Jn° Askin recV 7 Dec Answ Jan 24 1800 90 For the careers of Thomas Dickson and Mrs. Taylor, see B. H. R., I, 542. 266 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS ABSCONDENCE OF ALEXANDER LORANGER Fort Miamis 16th Nobr 1799 D r Sr I write this in grate heast to enform you that Alexander Lorange91 who owes us £195 by Note was on his way up this River But the water Being So Low Couled not procead he heas Retourned And Stored his goods at Vetocats. And is Started this Morning for Horses to Carey up his goods, he Sais To the River S* Joseph, which is out of the Country. So I think we Should not Lose any time In heaving Some thing don with him Eather Seas The Goods or take him but I think to Seas the Beas*. But as You Know More about the Law Then Me I will Leave it o You he is fited out by Gearome92 he told Me him Self & his Mon also [tha]t he was on his oane Account & had to he Amount of £400-"-" which wouled do us Some good. It is My Real opinon he will Not Retourn to this Country. So I hope You will Not Lat one Minet pass But gat Some person to Come out to Sease or take him As You think Beast. But who Evear Corns out Enform him Not to Mention aney thing of His Busness at the River Reason or at Detroit, as if Gearome hears of it he will take his Goods, when he pased to go up he did Not Call on Me But pased on the other Side of The River, in heast as the Bear[er] is wating I am Sir with Resp* your ob* & Humb1 Sernv* John Anderson93 r ohn Askin Esq Addressed: John Askin Esqr Merch* Detroit Md by ndian Endorsed: John Anderson's letter To John Askin Relative To Alexander Lorange 1799 91 On the relationships and descent of the lines of Rivard, Loranger, and Maisonville, ee B. H. R., I, 49 and 325. The descendants of Nicholas Rivard, there noted, commonly etained the name of Rivard. The descendants of his brother, Robert, assumed, among thers, the names of Loranger and Maisonville. 91 Jean Baptiste Jerome was born in 1762 and buried at Raisin River, June 7, 1832. He married prior to 1/92, Mary Deliennes dit Belanger, and their daughter, Mary Archange, orn in Detroit, Feb. 17, 1792, married Hubert Lacroix, subsequently a leading citizen f Monroe. Jean Baptiste Jerome settled in Monroe prior to 1802. In 1805 the first ourt of Monroe County convened in his home. See Denissen, op. cit., and Mich. Pio. olls., passim. 93 For the several John Andersons of Detroit and vicinity, see post, 723. 267 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS FROM WILLIAM HARFFY TO JOHN ASKIN Dear Sir, It is long since I have had the pleasure of a letter from you, therefore yours meets with a pleasing reception, a most Violent Fever prevented me the happi- ness of Seeing you last Saturday. Six days confined to my bed & I am only just now able to hobble about; Thank God I am daily geting strength, and pleasing to say am in my House, where I reside the whole day, but cannot trust the new walls for the night. The Timber is almost all in the yard, & the men I understand will totally finish next week, and then Tommy cannot frame a Jesuitical excuse, for the Drafts, as with them the papers, or vouchers, or what you will, will go by the Express. You mention about Fraser. he of all men in the World, can I wish to have any transactions with; but if you knew the Drift of this, and the price; you might not almost hesitate to say Suborning Justice here it rests, here it finishes, and he will not gain his Sordid Ideas. There is the History of Tommy; and if I ever live to see you, I could raise a smile. Your letter for Theophile myer, I have sent off. Since my confinement, I have had some very pleasing acctB put8 into my hands, nothing less than one Draft on me from Mr Harffy for £40. Sterling, another for £20, a very pretty moderate sum however I hope to be able to get y better of it by the Express, circumstanced thus, it will render it impossible for me to give you my letter of Attorney to draw my pay this Quarter, but you will have to receive it the 24h of June & so on. I am sadly in want if you can trust me for a Table Cloth of 3 yards long, if not too dear. I also should like about 4 gallons of Sherry & Six gallons of good red port a pound of the best Hyson Tea, & one pound of very common green tea. as beef is very cheap with you, I think the Commodore cannot have a better opportunity of returning my Beef than now, as we under- stand it is by the Quarter 5jE^d or 6d per pound that being the case, and it should take place, I am led to hope I was onece enough in Mr8 Askins esteem to beg her to let her serv* put it in some of her nice pickle that I may receive it down keeping out the neck, & shins for Soup, with three or four roasting pieces, for how dismal so ever the Weather 268 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS appears yet still we can have a craft down. We cannot get an Onion here, I wish I could get a Bushel. I certainly shall take you by Surprise some of these long nights, when we will talk about and about it. pray Sir what may be the price per pound of an Iron pot. I should like a thinn one, that will not weigh too heavy about 3, or 4, gallons; as I am fit for nothing, and very much troubled with the Cacoe- thies Scribendi (which by the by is of Service to me at present,) that I do not know how to leave of[f]. I have not seen M r Backwell, but you may depend on my speaking to him at the first interview, if you could send down, a very little of each of the Madeira, I8*, 2d, 3d, I would shew it to different person[s]. I know Backwell has none, let the Bottles be Sealed down, the last you sent had a taste of the Cask, I shew that to him, but he mention'd the taste, I should think if the [ves]sel, should not arrive there will not be any danger of its going off. Rum here is by the Single Quart.. 4s Spirits is I a[m told] 18". in short this place is continually drunk. I have just time to bid you adieu yours truly Wm Harffy g Monday morn Addressed: r Jn°r Askin d Esq. to the Care of M r Askin Jun Detroit Dec 2 1799. r Endorsed:d Maidend eDec d 3d 1799 Docr Harffy to Jn° Askin recv & Answ y 3 FROM WILLIAM HARFFY TO JOHN ASKIN Dear Sir This morng I received your letters of the Second & third instant, and thank you for your kind ex- pression of Friendship towards me as your Sawyers are leaving this place I trust this letter to them I have waited on M r Reynolds, and M r Backwell, the remainder of the Scantling will be immediately drawn in the acct then made out, and M r R. says, He will then give you the draft. dThank God I am perfectly recover'd, and Yesterday I open house and I assure you, your red wine made some of my Friends very happy I can now safely say I sleep & eat under my own 269 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS roof I know not of any one I wish to see there, more than you & the Commodore why cannot we meet once more, My best respects to all your Family & believe me D r Sir Yr8 Sincerely r h Wm Harffy Dec 9 1799. Endorsed: Maiden 6 h Decd r 96h 1799 th Docr Harffy to Jn° Askin recv* y 12 & Answ y 13 ILLNESS OF GOTTLOB SENSEMAN Fairfield Dec. 14th, 1799 Sir The kindness, you showed me, when I was in Detroit & the kind offer of your service, I received from you, gives me the Confidence to trouble you with a Com- mission. I have here a letter of some importance, which I should send so soon as possible. You would oblige me very much, if you would send it, by the first Opportunity to the Post. M r Senseman is very sick on the consumtion & we expect his departure very soon.94 He sends his last Compli- ment to you & all his friends in Detroit. I beg the favor of you to acquaint with it Mr. Huntington, as I understand, Mr. Senseman had some Dealings with him, that are not settled. I shall take care to settle it next spring, whene I will have the pleasure to see you also in Det. I am Sir your humble Servant Gottfr. Seb. Oppelt r r Addressed: M John Askin Esq Detroit. r th Endorsed: Fairfield Dec e 14 d 1799d the Reverend M r Oppelt to Jn° Askin reed y 23 Answ same day. 94 He died, Jan. 4, 1800. For sketch of his career, see B. H. R.t I, 221. 270 SECTION IV LETTERS AND PAPERS, 1800-1801 SUPPLIES FOR FORT MALDEN Amherstburgh Januy 8 1800 Sir I now send you the accounts of the Timber, Scantling, and Bricks, recev4 from you, for the Service of Government; you will observe the quantity of Scantling is more than was agreed for, M r Backwell wished to have the Surplus account- ed for as Timber, that would have been against your In- terest, therefore I have drawn the accounts for the real quantites delivered, you will find the Bricks charged at 1/11 per hundred, more than your Charge, that is to pay the Men for fetching them down. Captain IVPLean1 is to pay you, for 2000 Bricks, that has been applied to his own use. the Bills for the payment of the Several Sums are enclosed, please to Sign the receipts at the Bottom of the Accounts, and return them by some certain and Safe con- veyance, as Soon as you can and Oblige Sir Your verry Humble Servant Thomas Reynold D y Comy £ sd Bills—391..7..3 Cury H/x Endorsed: Amherstburgh Jan y 8 h 1800 M r Tho8 Reynolds to Jn° Askin Answd y6 9 th . i Hector McLean was commissioned a lieutenant in the Eighty-fourth Regiment, June 14,1775. From 1779, when the regiment was ordered to America, until as late as the sum- mer of 1801, he was serving in America, most of the time in Upper Canada. He succeeded Captain Mayne as commander of the post at Amherstburg on July 24, 1797, and in June, 1801, he was still at this station. He inherited the feud begun by Captain Mayne with the officials of the Indian Department, and it was due to his representations to Governor General Prescott that Matthew Elliot was dismissed from the service. Shortly prior to Aug. 27, 1799, McLean's wife died in Amherstburg, leaving him the care of "two fine children." At the time of his Amherstburg sojourn, his commission was in the Royal Canadian Volunteers, and in a letter of Sept. 13,1798, he expressed an intention to memorial the Duke of York for rank in the army, having lost his position by being passed over in 1783, at the instance of General Haldimand. McLean's career subsequent to his departure from Amherstburg has not been traced. Data derived from British army lists, and from letters and documents in Mich. Pio. Colls., passim. 273 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS SUPPLIES FOR FORT MALDEN Detroit January 10th 1800 Sir Your Obliging Letter of the 8th reached me Yesterday & I'm thankfull for the manner in which you settled the Overplus Scantling. I have signed the accounts & will return them by the first person I can depend on who may be going to Maiden. You have not furnished say Charged, as many Brick as I furnished nThere is 950 still even after my de- ducting 2000 for Capt McLean, however we can settle this difference any other time. Your Drafts for the payment I have received £391. 7. 3}/% Hfx Currency I am sir your most Obed* Humble Servant Thomas Reynolds Esqr Deputy Commissary at Amherstburgh Endorsed: Detroit January the 10th 1800 John Askin Senior to Thomas Reynolds Commissary at Amherstburgh (Copy) TRADE CONDITIONS IN MONTREAL Montreal 18 January 1800 Dear Askin I wrote to you by the last boat since which I have received a few lines saying you was well, which you know allways gives me great pleasure, but much more could I see you which never will happen in this world. I have been laid up since October with a complication of disorders, so that I have kept the House, and a great part my Bed, but at present am mending and as soon8 as I can get strength suficient will make a Trip to the Ball Townr springs which renews ones age I wish you was there. M Todd is going with me. he is always complaining when his intestines are empty, but after Dinner recovers wonderfully. I observe what you say respecting hireing young men for three or four years, the opposition to N West has raised the price so very high that I dont think they can be got without giving much more than they may be got for at Detroit boys asked me seven & eight hundred livers, and would engage only for one year, the old N West Company is all in the Hands of McTavish. Frobisher and McKinsey2 z The allusion is to Alexander Mackenzie, the explorer, who was one of the leading 274 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS is out. the latter went off in a pet, the cause as far as I can learn was who should be the first—McTavish or M°K—and as there could not be two Cesars in Rome one must remove. by the last accounts from England there is very bad ap- pearance of furrs, selling well, they say most of the furr buyers are bankrupts owing to several Houses in Hamburg failing, which has bankrupt all the foreign Houses in London, and several in New York. Seaton Maitland & C° who had all the China business in hand of McTavish & C° is shut. I suspect it will fall heavey on them, muskratts is the only article which may keep at 24—good—and this is owing to Astore and me being in opposition, if you can sell yours for that I think you ought as you may have buyers there, for should Astore & me agree they will fall—unless they should sell high in London, there is only 10,000 Shipt from Quebec, not one sfrom this. Astore & me bought the whole —from 20° to 24 some small sparcelss at auction from the spirrit of opposition sold at 26 & 27 I bought 700 Bear skins at auction when the account sales encouraged us, very high, that article I am informd will fall one half, and if some new place is not found for Raccoons they will go badly, the yankeys will trade Rum for Raccoons should you have any I would d recommend you to do it. they may not be worth here 6 . another cause has happend contrary to our expecta- tions.] 50,000 men from England landed in Hol[land], the Duke of York commanded, all the Dutch fleet surrendered, the army within a few miles from Amsterdam was drove back to their Landing great numbers kilPd, and to save the remainder was obliged to make some kind of a convention figures of his generation in the Canadian fur trade. He was born on the Island of Lewis, Scotland, in 1763; he came to Canada in 1779, and for five years served as clerk for Gregory, McLeod and Company in Montreal. In response to his desire to become acquainted with the fur trade in the field, he was sent to Detroit by his firm in 1784, and remained here for a year. He was then admitted to partnership in the company and went to the far North- west. Thereafter, his rise to fame and wealth was rapid. In 1789 he descended the Mackenzie River to the Arctic Ocean, and four years later crossed the continent from Fort Athabaska to the Pacific, being in each case the first explorer to reach these oceans from the interior. Between Mackenzie and Simon McTavish existed a bitter antipathy, which was the occasion of much discord in the Canadian fur trade until the death of McTavish in 1804. In 1808 Mackenzie returned to Scotland and there spent the remainder of his life. He died suddenly, March 12, 1820. His geographical discoveries have served to make his name one of the most renowned in Canadian annals. See Wallace, op. cit., and references there cited. 275 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS or Treaty, one of the articles is, we are to deliver them 8,000 prisoners without exchange, they say there are other stipu- lations not known Robinson is well, General Washington Dead my family all join in p[r]aying for the Happiness of yours and remain your affectionate Alexander Henry Rum is selling 5/. Spiritts high proof M r Sharp Died yesterday of an inflamation of the Bowells, which will be a great Loss to Leath • Addressed: John Askin Esquire Detroit. Endorsed:d Montreal h y Jan y 18 d h 1800 h Alexdr Henry to Jn° Askin recv 27 Feb & Answ 17 May. INDENTURE OF RACHAEL HUSTLER D Etroit QQ County of Wayne This Indenture witnesseth that Thomas Hustler Sergeant belonging to the Artillerists & Engineers in the Army of the UNITED STATES at DEtroit Affoarsaid hath put and placed and by these presents doth put and place his Daughter Rachael Hustler as an apprentice to Elias Wallen3 of DEtroit afrsaid merchant The said Racheal to dwell with and serve him for the term of five Years from the date hereof which will End on the tenth day of March 1805 at which time the said Racheal to be dismissed if required, during which time she shall deligently serve as an apprentice afforesaid to her said Master she shall do no Damage to her said Master nor Willfully suffer any to be done she shall not waste her Masters Goods nor len[d] them without leave of her said Master she shall not Absent herself but in all things shall behave herself as a true and faithful apprentice ought to do during the term aforesaid 3 Elias Wallen was in Detroit as early as January, 1799, when he voted in the election then held. Documents preserved among the Askin papers disclose that in 1800 he was acting as sheriff of Wayne County, although we have found no formal record of his appoint- ment to this office. When the town of Detroit was incorporated, in 1802, by act of the Legislative Council of the Northwest Territory, Wallen was appointed to the office of marshal. In February, 1803, Charles Curry, on behalf of Wallen, endeavored to rent John Askin's house, and in April, 1804, Curry voted for Wallen (as freeholder) on the question of restoring the stockade around the town. No information concerning his further career has been found. Data drawn from mss. in B. H. Coll., -passim, and Burton, Journal of the Board of Trustees, passim. 276 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS And the said Elias Wallen doth bind himself his heirs Executors Administrators and assignes on his part and doth hereby promise Covenant and agree that the said Racheal shall be lernt to read write and sew and further doth promise that the said Racheal shall have sifficiant Clothing during her apprenticeship as allso good and wholesom diet with two Suits of good Clothing when discharged. In testimony whereof We have hereunto Interchangeable Set our hand & Seals at DEtroit affoarsaid the Tenth day of March In the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred. Signed Sealed & Deliv*1 E. Wallen In presence of Th° Hustler Patrick McNiff Judge of the Court of Common Pleas Wayne County DUEL BETWEEN JOHN WHITE AND JOHN SMALL York 10th Feby 1800 Dear Sir I was favored with your [letter] Some days ago, and delivered its inclosure to Commissary McGill. he told me he would most probably be able to Answer it by the express, he Said at present he had no orders respecting the purchase of Corn. It gave us much pleasure to learn you are all well. Thank god we continue in the Same State, however we expect to hear from you more fully soon, you will probably have heard of the very disaggreable event that has taken place here, what I allude to is M r Small4 the Clerk of the Exe- cutive Council having shott the late Attorney General in a duel, the cause of which was something that M r White5 4 John Small was born in Gloucestershire, England, in 1746. In 1792 he came out to Canada; the following year he was appointed clerk of the Executive Council of Upper Can- ada, and this position he filled until his death in York, July 18, 1831. His wife, who figured in the fatal quarrel with White, was Eliza Goldsmith, a native of Kent, in England. They had three sons, one of whom served in the navy. Another, Charles, was long a prominent resident of Toronto. The house built by Small in York in 1796 was still standing, enlarged and reconstructed, as late as 1894. Information adapted from J. Ross Robertson, Land- marks of Toronto . . . (Toronto, 1894), 95-98. 5 John White was a native of England who studied law at Gray's Inn and was admitted to the bar by the Inner Temple in 1785. He practiced law for a time in Jamaica, sub- sequently returning to England, where, in 1791, he was appointed Attorney General of Upper Canada. In 1792 he was also elected to the provincial assembly. He belonged, like 277 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS had said to D. W. Smith respecting MrB Small, which in- deed was Saying She was everything bad, and which he repeated tor the Chief Justice's family and to M r Justice Powell. M Smith is much blamed as having endeavoured much to promote Mischief. We received the apples and Cyder you was so kind as to Send us for which you will be pleased to accept our best thanks. Madlain joins me in best wishes for the health and happiness of all the family and ntall our efriends near you and I am Dear Sir your most Obed humb Serv* R. Richardson Addressed: John Askin Esquire, Detroit6 y Endorsed: York d e Feb th 10th 1800 d Doc th r Richardson to Jn° Askin Rec Y 27 & Answ the 16 May FROM WALTER ROE TO JOHN ASKIN Sandwich, 11th March 1800 Dear Sir The Sheriff has sent me twelve bushels of Indian Corn & twenty nine pounds of Tobacco, which7 he says, you desired him to receive of Antoine Cencirnie I have it safely stored & whenever you send over it will be delivered. I must add, at same time, that a few days since, I was calledr on by the High Constable to interpret between him & M Dimouchelle,8 on the Seizure of your Caleche, for some Assessments that appear to be in arrear. Small, to the small official caste of the infant capital, and the duel between the two grew out of a squabble between their wives. White was mortally wounded, and died after thirty- six hours of great agony. He was buried "in a summer house on his own land adjoining the town," Jan. 7, 1800. Small was tried for murder but was acquitted through the neglect of the prosecution to introduce the necessary proof of the killing of White. See Jesse E. Middleton, The Municipality of Toronto: A History (Toronto, 1923), I, 83-84, and II, 670-71. 6 The following contemporary notation precedes the address: "IN4 York 12th Feby 1800." 7 Antoine Saint Cerny (Cernie) was born in the parish of Repentigny in Canada in 1759. On Nov. 26, 1787, he married in Sandwich Mary Therese Valade, who was born there, Jan. 27, 1774, daughter of Joseph Valade and Therese Bineau. Information adapted from Assumption Church Register. 8 The first American ancestor of the Dumouchel (Demouchell, Desmouchelle, etc.) line of Sandwich and vicinity was Bernard Dumouchel dit Laroche, a native of Rouen, who lived in Lower Canada. In 1673 he married Jeanne Juin. Their son, Paul, a shoemaker by occupation, who spent his life in Lower Canada, made a journey to Detroit in the spring of 1708. On Nov. 18, 1709, he married Mary Louisa Tessier, a native of Montreal. Their 278 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Louis Vezina9 has just called on me & wishes to make a inal Settlement with you. He has been trying to exchange his Land for a Lot in Maiden as I understood while I was down there yesterday. The Character that he is concerned with, is such that I have advised him off, & I hope that he will Afect with you, something determinate. I detain your Statutes longer than my promise, finding hem useful If at some time you require them they shall be immediately returned by, Dear Sir Yours W. Roe Addressed: John Askin Esquire. Detroit Endorsed: r Sandwich March d 11th 1800 Walter Roe Esq to Jn° Askin, Rec & answ same day. AFFAIRS OF ASKIN IN VINCENNES Detroit March the 20th 1800 Sir Untill now, I have not had an Oppertunity of answering your obliging letter dated the 9th of October last which with your remarks on my claims at Post Vincent, and in that Quarter, I have received and am very thankfull to your for the Information it contains. The Bearer hereof, M sons, Louis Joseph Dumouchel, born, Oct. 25, 1712, and Paul Dumouchel, born, Jan. 11, 1717, both came to Detroit about the middle of the century. Paul married here on Jan. 26, 1749, Jane Chapoton, daughter of Jean Chapoton and Mary Magdelene Esteve. She died the following July, and Paul seems shortly to have returned to Montreal where he con- tracted a second marriage in 1752, and where he was buried on Sept. 25, 1780. Louis Joseph Dumouchel, the elder brother, married in Montreal on Jan. 12, 1739, Mary Louisa Leclerc, a native of Quebec. Their son, Louis Vital, is the person alluded to in the present document. He was born in Lower Canada, Dec. 12, 1745, and on Nov. 22, 1773,married, in Sandwich, Marie Madelaine Goyau. She was buried, April 24, 1796, and Louis Vital on Feb. 8, 1826. They had twelve children born in the years 1774-96. Louis Vital Dumouchel served as church warden of Assumption Parish from his election on Aug. 24, 1788, until 1822, and officiated as godfather or as witness at scores of baptisms and marriages. A militia return of 1805 lists him as a sergeant in Jean Bapiste Baby's com- pany, belonging to the Northwest Regiment of Essex County militia. Data derived from Cyprien Tanguay, Dictionnaire Genealogique des Families Canadiennes (Montreal, 1886); Assumption Church Register; and mss. in B. H. Coll., passim. 9 The ancestors of Louis Vesina (Vessina, Vesinat, Vezina, Viscenau) resided for several generations in Lower Canada. His father, also named Louis, was born at Pointe aux Trem- bles, March 23, 1735, and on Oct. 3, 1774, he married in Quebec, Mary Joseph Charlotte Allegrain, a native of Three Rivers. They removed to Detroit during, or soon after, the Revolution, and on Oct. 15, 1790, Louis appeared before the Land Board, took the oath of allegiance, and applied for an allotment of land in New Settlement. He was subse- quently given lot 44 in the Two Connected Townships. He was buried in Sandwich, Dec. 13,1797. Documents in the Askin papers disclose that he was indebted to Askin, and that his widow (who was buried in Detroit, Feb. 5, 1799) living in New Settlement, under- took to discharge the debt. A subsequent report of the Land Board, listing disbanded 279 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Smith10 not being able to give me any Assurance of his going any further than Fort Wayne prevents my sending you the necessary papers for the recovery of what's due me or the part that can be got, but as every Spring some person of confidence comes from the Post & returns there I most Asuredly will not neglect forwarding them by the first safe conveyance, for I believe your remarks to be very just, that the longer those matters lie over the more I will suffer. My Post Vincent papers have been in so many Hands, that I fear some are lost or mislaid, I cant find what relates [to] Etiene S* Mary, but as it has been registered, I suppose Monsieur Tousaint Dubois will not hesitate to purchase it as my right is on record & if you still think the Horse Mill&ca not worth more, I hereby authorize you take that sum for them, however as he has been making use of them without author- ity I think he should be compeled to pay more & happy he gets off so easy. Nothing but Cash will answer or his draft on Forsyth11 & Smith here & the Deeds returned untill the soldiers and others in Detroit entitled to the royal bounty, classifies Vesina along with four others as having served at the siege of Quebec as an artificer or "with other pre- tensions." Louis Vesina, our present subject and son of the foregoing, was a native of Lower Canada. He married Catherine McLean, prior to the year 1800, when a son, Jean, was born, and was living in or near Amherstburg as late as February, 1815, when another son, Charles, was baptized. Data compiled from Ontario Bureau of Archives, Third Report, passim; and mss. in B. H. Coll., especially the Ste. Anne's and Assumption registers. 10 William Smith of the firm of Forsyth and Smith. Documents among the Askin papers indicate that he had considerable connection with the Wabash country. For many years he resided in Amherstburg, and he served as captain of a troop of cavalry and as ad- jutant of the Second Regiment of Essex militia in the War of 1812, participating, among other engagements, in the capture of Detroit and the battle of Frenchtown. See Mich. Pio. Colls., XV, 239, and Irving, op. cit., 91-92. Smith was born in 1757 and was buried in Sandwich on March 6, 1833. He married Mary Cowan of Sandwich, Aug. 11, 1801, and they had six sons and two daughters born in the years 1802-15. Data derived from Denis- sen, op. cit.; St. John's Church Register; and Marriage Register of the Western District of Upper Canada. 11 Robert Forsyth, son of William Forsyth of Detroit, for whose career see B. H. R., I, 307. He was one of those residents of Detroit who, on the advent of American rule, per- sonally signified their intention of remaining British subjects, and on July 14, 1801, he obtained a grant of land in Sandwich. He later changed his plans, however, and on May 15, 1812, was formally admitted to U. S. citizenship. Taken prisoner and subsequently paroled by General Brock the same year, he was accused by General Procter of having violated the parole and served under General Harrison. Upon his death in 1816, John Kinzie, his half-brother, was appointed administrator of his estate. At the time of the appointment (March 21) Kinzie was living in Detroit, but in July he removed to Chicago, and in 1819 was dismissed by the court on the ground that he was neglecting his duties as administrator. At the time of his death, Forsyth owned a lot in the vicinity of modern Shelby Street and Jefferson Avenue, and 694 acres of land, comprising Private Claims 620 and 621 in Grosse Pointe. Forsyth was twice married, although there is some question about the regularity of his 280 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Bills are accepted. In any payments you get for me pleas return [retain] your dues & send me the Balance. I agree to the Terms you propose of doing my Business. I should think that whoever Administered or took property otherwise in Charge and Disposed of it that belonged to any person Dead who owed me that they could be made Accountable for my proportion of the Deceased's Estate. Therefore that M r Wm Mackintosh12 & the Widow of Monsieur Francois Bossering13 are in those situations. I'm sorry to have reason to complain of a former Friend of mine & a man whoo I supposed to be possessed of the greatest Probity nor will I untill I hear from [you] suffer myself to think the contrary, this is Monsieur Francois Vigoe we dealt largely together and never had any misunderstanding. in the course of our dealings, he in 1786 delivered me 98 Packs and supposing it more for his advantage to have them sold in London on his ace* than in Montreal to serve him I agreed to his proposals, when they went to Canada prior to their being Shipt a supposed value was put on them as is usual untill the sales were known & I credited his account for that union with Mary Scott. Mrs. Eleanor Kinzie Gordon, a granddaughter of John Kinzie and an ardent family partisan, stated that Mary Scott was the wife of a soldier who "obstinately refused to divorce her," and consequently was never legally the wife of Forsyth. They had three children: Robert Forsyth Jr., born in 1798, who was graduated from West Point in 1817 and spent most of his life in the army; Maria Forsyth, born in 1801, who married Benjamin Kercheval, who held several territorial and state offices; and Alice Marion Sophia, who married Major Thomas Hunt, son of Colonel Thomas Hunt and brother of Henry Jackson Hunt. By Forsyth's second marriage, with Jane Little, he had one daughter, Jane C. Forsyth, who on Oct. 15, 1833, married Charles R. Brush, son of Elijah Brush and Adelaide Askin. Data compiled from Burton, Forsyth-Little-Kinzie genealogy. 12. For sketch of William Mclntosh, see B.H.R., I, 328-29. Considerable additional in- formation concerning his career is given by William W. Woollen, Biographical and Historical Sketches of Early Indiana (Indianapolis, 1883), 378-83. At Vincennes, Mclntosh engaged in a violent controversy with Judge Benjamin Parke and Governor Harrison, and thereby incurred the united opposition of Harrison's friends, who sought to drive him from Indiana. During the War of 1812, Mclntosh served as army contractor. He is said to have been a free-thinker, and he joined a group of kindred spirits to purchase a tract of land on the Illinois side of the Wabash, on which they located the city of Mount Carmel. Mclntosh removed thither, and according to an informant of Woollen who had known him, lived here until his death. He reared a family of illegitimate children by his negro housekeeper, and a son of this union, to whom he gave a good education, became a well-known preacher of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. 13 Francois Bosseron was one of the prominent citizens of Vincennes in the Revolu- tionary period. He was enrolled in the British militia force, but on the advent of the Americans under Clark, gave them his hearty support. He served with Captain Leonard Helm on the latter's expedition up the Wabash in 1779, and furnished ammunition for the invading army. He was later district commandant and territorial judge, dying in Vin- cennes in 1791. A street in Vincennes still bears his name. 281 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Value, as he did not return to this Post after I received the ace* of sales, his ace* with me went on without any notice being taken of what his packs neated, Untill about nearly two years ago he reminded me by letter of this circumstance6 and even, in a note of hand he gave my agent for the Ball then suposed due me he Inserted a condition relative to the sales of said Furrs a coppy of which note I here Inclosed. I then recollected the whole matter which realy for some time had Escaped my memory and drew a fair statement of his accts with me charging him with what his Peltries neated less than theth estimated value, which account with a letter dated the 6 of May last I sent him per Monsieur Tousaint Dubois requesting his conformation of the Ballance in my favour of £735.9.1 N.Y.Cur. which if not then convenient to discharge he would Experience from me such Indulgence as he had before received; to this letter I have not received any answer tho I have no doubt he must have got it. Surely to an Honest man it should make no difference whether he finds himself more or less in dept [debt] than he suposed. What I have to request of you is, that as my Attorney you call on him & request his acknowledgement of the aforesaid Ballce which by the account I transmitted him you will see is fairly and justly due, & let me know his answer, for in case of refusal, I will furnish you with such proofs as will put [it] in your power to recover the sum, & were [where] any thing unfair is meant I'm & allways have been determined to sue should it cost me half the original Sum. There is one deficientcy in settling with the Widow Gamlin14 which is she Offers certain property in Order to get a discharge from M r Sharp, Mr Adhemar & myself the two latter I could answer for as M r Adhemar gave over his property to me, 14 For sketch of the Gamelin family of Detroit, see B. H. R., I, 27-28. Two of the sons of Laurence Eustache Gamelin and Mary Joseph Dudevoir, there mentioned, in mature life became prominent residents of Vincennes: Pierre, born in Detroit on Aug. 31, 1752; and Paul, who was born, Nov. 1, 1757. Paul Gamelin was one of the militia who volun- teered for Governor Hamilton's expedition against Vincennes in the autumn of 1778, which probably marks the occasion of his first visit to that place. Pierre Gamelin was al- ready a resident of Vincennes, where in July, 1778, he married Ursule Vaudry of that place. Another permanent Vincennes resident in this period was Joseph Antoine Gamelin, who was probably a second cousin of Paul and Pierre. He was also their brother-in-law, for he married in Detroit, Nov. 24, 1766, Mary Catherine, daughter of Laurence Eustache Gamelin and Mary Joseph Dudevoir. Genealogical data from Denissen, op. cit. On Joseph Antoine Gamelin, see also note in B. H. R., I, 320-21. 282 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS but M r Sharp is dead, & even before that [the] debt be- cause [became] the property of Widow Wm Macomb 15 and she is at New York. I have got her agent M r Angus Mackintosh to write her to know if she will give an Ac- quittance but I have not heard her answer. I would share with her in proportion to her claims as I formerly did with M r Sharp when I rsreceived any payment from the late Paul Gamlin. if M Gamlin will give me my share I will take it and clear her of all demands that M r Adhemar or I have on her, at the same time I expect she will give whats fair as to a few Cows, Household furniture if not too Considerable and other small Matters, I do not wish to strip her off. Please let her know what I have wrote you on this Subject & also that I request she may cadeliver your for me as my Attorney all the Books papers & which M Adhemar left in her late Husbands hands as will appear by his order & memorandum of them Inclosed, & I give you full Authority to do the best for my Interest with such Notes Bonds Morgages Books Debts &ca compounding when you think it better than Sueing but doing the latter when you think it Necessary. Since writing the forgoing I have seen M r Angus Mackintosh who says he has authority to discharge Widow Gamlin and agrees with me that his Brother Wm on his part and you on mine settle that matter with her. You will please make the transfer of the property for the sole purpose of rpaying to me for myself & what her late Husband owed M Adhemar & to M r Mackintosh for what he owed the late George Sharp in proportion to the sums due each & when the property you and M r Wmr Mackintosh receives is realized to forward the ace* to M Angus Mackintosh & one here, he says he will by this 15 For sketch of the Macomb family of Detroit, see ibid., 108. William Macomb, son of John Gordon and brother of Alexander, married in Detroit, July 18, 1780, Sarah Jane Dring, the ceremony being performed by Major De Peyster, the commandant. Alexander Macomb removed to New York about the year 1785, where the further fortunes of his family were identified with that locality. William Macomb remained in Detroit, where he was a prominent citizen until his death, April 16, 1796. The present letter indicates that his widow soon thereafter followed the other members of the family to New York. She died, May 20, 1849, and was buried in Bellville, N. J. She was the mother of eleven child- ren, all born in Detroit in the years 1781-95. One of them, Anne Macomb, married Col. Aeneas Mackay of the Third U. S. Artillery. Another daughter, Catherine, married her cousin, General Alexander Macomb of the U. S. army. A son, David Betton Macomb, married Mary, the daughter of Governor Thomas Worthington of Ohio. Data from The Macomb Family Record, passim. 283 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS oppertunity write his Brother to the same Effect. Pleaser acertain clearly how much the late Paul Gamlin owed M Adhemar and what part of the debt arrises from what said Gamelin collected or sold of said Adhemars property left in his hands. In the list of Debts &ca I send you, there appears a House & two notes belonging to Adhemar & Potheir. keep those matters apart and dont dispose of the house untill you hear from r me. There 16 is some notes &ca I got in payment from M Celeron for want of time I send them without Examination do the best you can with them. Please let me know if there is a Louis Dubois an engage at the Post he left this about a year ago in my debt is a fair haired round face & thick made man about 24. years of age as I suppose. When I began this letter I was fearfull I should not have time to collect any papers to send you, however as I have I now send you r several that may be of use and among them a Coppy of M Vigoe letter to me dated the 11th of April 1799 by which you will see he agrees to the London account of sales and only requires the am* should be made known to him. As he is a man I esteem If he is not now able to pay, I only require his Obligation bearing Interest and Land or other good security [I] hope you may be able to settle this ace* as it would be painfull to me to take violent Measures with Monsieur Vigoe. Nicholas Dubois should be compelled to pay, his Brother if he is put in Goal will I dare say pay the debt lenity with such people 16 Jean Baptiste C61oron de Blainville was born in Montreal, Sept. 15, 1729, the son of Pierre Joseph C^loron de Blainville and Marie Madelaine Blondeau. C6loron's father was twice commandant at Detroit (in 1743-44 and 1751-54); he is best known to history, per- haps, for his expedition down the Ohio River in 1749 for the purpose of taking formal possession of the valley for France. Cdloron Island, at the mouth of the Detroit River, probably derives its name from him. Jean Baptiste, our present subject, served in the marine department before the conquest of Canada. He remained in Canada, entered the British service, and during the Revolution was a member of the British Indian Depart- ment at Detroit. Governor Hamilton stationed him at Ouiatanon and Clark sent a de- tachment to capture him. C61oron hastily retired in advance of this blow, meeting Hamil- ton's army at the mouth of the Maumee, en route to the capture of Vincennes. Hamilton bitterly accused C61oron of treachery to the British cause, probably with justice. In 1789- 90 C6Ioron was living in Miamitown (modern Fort Wayne), engaged in trade. Evidently he had made his peace with the British authorities, for this place was then wholly subject to British control. See history of C^loron family in Bull. Recherch.es Hist., XV, -passim; Henry Hay's journal, passim; and biography of Pierre Joseph Celeron in Burton Hist. Coll. Leaflet, VII, 33-48. 284 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS answer[s] no end. I have only to add that I am with regard your Most Obedent Humble Servant General Washington Johnston Endorsed: Detroit March 20th 1800 John Askin to General Washington Johnston (Copy) ACCOUNT WITH THOMAS SMITH Detroit March the 29th 1800 Dear Sir I have carefully examined the Debtor side of my ace* Cur* as stated by you in the book you left with me and have admited such dharges in whole or part as I firmly believe any impartial man would do, some others realy my good Friend are so badly founded that I have taken notice ofst them in the credits I have given you; in May say the 1 1790 when you sent me an ace* you mentioned I might settle it to my liking I accordingly did and I dont find you found fault with what I had done, you might give me the same descretionary power in this, for I most asuredly would not wrong you a Copper with a design to do so. According to strict equity after the aforesaid examination I find a Ballc of £ 70.3.4 N.Y. Cur. my favour, however as a few charges are suposed ones (for want of Information) It may not be exactly that Sum, but the diference I think will not be much as by your statement the Ball0 would be in your favour, & I foresee that coming to Explinations might cause Misunderstandings and destroy a Friendship that has long subsisted between us. In order to preserve that I propose a Block as the French call it as the only Friendly manner of settling our Accounts, say how it should be (without any further remarks) for the reason I have Asigned, and you will find that a few Pounds (tho my circumstances can not well afford it,) shall never make any difference between me and a man with whom I wish to continue on the footing of Friendship Its Absolutely proper that our Accounts should be finally settled, as I mean all others before I leave this, but to go over them and remark on each charge, I fear much would create Misunderstanding, which I wish to avoid, (as I before mentioned) and thats my reasons for writing you 285 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS preferable to saying anything to yourself which might bring on reflections. I remain with Usual Friendship Dear Sir Your most Obed* Humble Servant Thomas Smith Esquire 17 Petite Cote Endorsed: Detroit March the 27 th 1800 John Askin to Thomas Smith (Copy) SPECULATION IN FLOUR Detroit March 30th 180018 Dear Sir I hope this will find you safe arrived at Fort Erie. Your Family here are all well. M r Hamilton wrote me that he gets 7 dollars from Government for a bar 1 of Flour of 224 lbs nett W*. If you cannot buy cheaper I'm willing to take a half share with you in the purchace of 100 Barrels at that rate payable the 1 st of Sep tr next & if you write me that you have made the purchace I will send the little Vessell for it at the worst I think we will get 10 Dollars the barrel for it here but I meant to send it to S* Mary's where I think some of the North West C° who are in Opposition to each other would give a good price for it, & If that failed they would go to Michilimackinac where no doubt it would sell well. We begin to have a little cold Weather again I have only to add that I am, Dear Sir, Your Friend & Very Humble Servant Captain Fearson at Fort Erie. ACCOUNT WITH THOMAS SMITH Detroit April the 26 th 1800 Dear Sir Your favour of the 24 th Ins* reached me to day as entering into reasoning on the accounts subsisting be- tween us our Ideas are so different it would not answer any purpose, but when I have the pleasure of seeing you here, if you Please, we will give them a trial ourselves in Order to 17 For the career of Thomas Smith, see B. H. R., I, 287-88. 18 The day of the month is uncertain. 286 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS bring them to a close and if we fail we will then Adop[t] such other modes Friends and Old Acquaintances should. I believe your wish never was to injure me and I'm sure mine never was to injure you. Under these circumstances there is little fear but our Settlement will End in the manner we have lived together Namely Friendly I am Dear Sir as Usual Yours truely Thomas Smith Esqr P. S. Your place of geting fire Wood at the River aux Ecorse I dont think bad. If I was not going to York we might join. You had better Buy my little Vessell she would answer that purpose Endorsed: Detroit r April 26th 1800 John Askin to Thomas Smith Esq (Copy) ESTABLISHMENT OF U. S. CUSTOMS SERVICE (circular) D'Etroit May 2d 1800 Sir I some time since received an appointment of In- spector of the Revenue, for the port of D'Etroit, without the necessary instructions to govern me in the duties of the office. I therefore declined acting until these were furnished me. Yesterday they arrived & I find myself compelled to call on you, for the duties on all the spirits, wines & teas in your possession, imported into this territory since 2d March 1799. I hope that this fair notice will save me the unpleasant task of enforcing a compliance with the Laws, to which my oath of office compels me. , The form of a statement necessary to be made to this office may be had, by applying to Sir, your most obt Serv* Matthew Ernest Inspr of the Revenues Jn° Askin sen. Esq. Addressed: John Askin sen Esq; Merchant near D'Etroit Endorsed: Detroit May 2d 1800 Matthew d Ernest Esqr as Inspector of the revenues to Jn° Askin rec the same day 287 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS ACCOUNT WITH THOMAS SMITH Sandwich 24 April 1800 Dear Sir, I just now received your letter dated in March, and in respect to the account standing between us, I have to make this observation; That the statement of it by me is so plain and the materials so well founded, that it cannot bear but little alteration without deviation from right. If any, it must be to my advantage. Instance the 56 packs which you mention; They were laid in at one shilling per Skin less than the offers of R. Pollard and Tho8 Williams and shipped to London & Sold on our joint Account, being almost all Buckskins and the best that ever was shipped from this Country, on the Sale of which according to the prices of that year I could not have expected much less than £500 of neat proceeds, you allowed me only £40 from which deduct my expence for packing, pressing, packstrings, Cartage & Shipping £18 remains only £22 for my share of Profits: Had I gone to England myself I should have made more than 500£ on those packs, if sold seperate from the bad skins sent home that year, which I requested of you to have done. This is not the only instance where I am a great looser. There is no intricacy in our accounts; most of the articles have been acknowledged on both sides and from the regard for a good old Friend I am much dis- posed to preserve his friendship and do feel for his situation as well as my own, and were I in circumstance more oppu- lent, there should be but very little altercation on the sub- ject, and therefore to make a final end of the matter I am willing to receive in payment whatever article you may feel the least want of, even Land itself, altho' God knows that I am at this very moment much distressed. I am D r Sir, Your Sincere humble Servant r Tho8 Smith John Askin Esq P.S. I have been Surveying at the River aux Ecorses and find it such a handy place for wood that I have an idea of cutting 1000 Cords in order to be prepared when the Con- tract is given for the Garrison, there is also fine Clay for Brick and Pottery. Should you be willing to join in any enterprize of this kind I would be glad T. S. 288 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS 25th April. By the apparent arrangement which you and Mr. Robertson have made together I am also among the rest of my losses to sink a House which cost me 500£ includ- ing the 500£ paid you for the ground to discharge a supposed debt which in reality does not exist. The House was sold M r Robertson for half the cost (250^ in consideration of Cash being paid down, which I was then in much want of indeed: M r R. is therefore indebted to me that sum with Interest & damages incurred for breach of contract; altho' I can have no objection of your stepping into M r R Shoes whenever our old Account is settled, until then I must have great reluctance, for I will not blend an established debt with a supposed one. The account between us is now reduced to that plainness that it will not require half an hour exami- nation, & should I have committed any mistake; It will afford me more pleasure to substract, than to add, in order to preserve that good understanding with a person, whom I have ever esteemed my Friend. T. S. r Addressed: John Askin Esq Detroit Endorsed: Sandwichd April e th 24th 1800 d Tho8 Smith Es- quire to Jn° Askin recv y 26 & answ same day NEWS FROM QUEENSTON Dear Sir I have much Pleasure on the Opening of the Navigation of this Season to say that we all here Continue to enjoy our usual Good health, and we shall rejoice to hear the same good Accounts from your Quarter. The vessellfs] detained at Fort Erie have now got over What to the Men must have been a tedious Winter. They have however as well as their Cargoes been preserved free from harm & they are all now ready for sailing. The Saguinau in her Misfortunes of last year incurred Considerable Expence in lading Unlading & Storing her Cargoe of which I now inclose you the Account as far as it has been furnished me. Hoping tho not knowing Whether the owners may not lay a part on the Goods as Additional freight. A futher charge yet Remains for Storeage of Wines in Private Cellars with which I have not yet been informed— 289 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS but shall request M r Warren to send up to you that you may at once have the whole before you. I have creditied you £24.6.0 York for the Anchor lent the Washington & now returned Which is the only Alteration in our Accounts since my last. We have had only one Vessell from Kingston this Season & she left it before any boats had come from Montreal so that we are without Intelligence from our freinds in that Quarter. We Learn from York that General Hunter is expected there about the 24th of this Month—The Legisla- ture meets on the 2d of June. I think it probable that the session will not be a long one, probably not exceeding three Weeks and tis said the Governor after that returns to lower Canada to Meet the Duke of Kent.19 I mention these Reports that if founded you may Regu- late your Motions thereby. The Newspapers Accumulated for some time now Wait on you. All here Join in Respectfull Compliments and in best Wishes for You & Yours with Dear Sir Yours very sincerely R. Hamilton John Askin Esq Queenston May 3 1800 Addressed: John Askin Esqr Merchant Detroit Endorsed: Queenston May 3d 1800 Rob* Hamilton Esqr to Jn° Askin recd ye 9 th Answd ye 16th AFFAIRS AT MACKINAC Michilimackinac, 6th May, 1800 Dear Askin By the Thames, I have received your favours of the 18th March & of the 2d instant. By Which I am happy to learn that you & family are all Well. And that the buffalo robes contributed in keeping you Warm in the 19 Edward Augustus, Duke of Kent, who was born in 1767 and died in 1820, was the fourth son of George III. He spent most of his active life in the army, and was stationed in Canada on several occasions: the first time from the summer of 1791 to the early winter of 1794, the second from 1796 to 1798, and the third from the summer of 1799 to the autumn of 1800. He was the father of Queen Victoria. 290 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Winter. At the Same time I am sorry you Should make any apology on that head about returns, as I acknowledge my self highly indebted, for your many kind reme[m]brances in that respect. In your Letter of March, you request to know about the settlement & distribution of the esteat of the late John Coates,20 & &. I not being in this Country for some years after that haponed, Irs can give you no information on that head; Only, that M Coates (when here) lived on a large Lot With pretty Good house on it, Which she said Was her Own, the House is now emty but in charge of D. Mittchelle. With respect to Lyons,21 if I am to Judge from appear- ance, he has for some years past lived in the family of the late Alexis Laframboies, and still lives in the Widows family, Without doing anything. It appears to me that he made Over his all to the late A. Laframboies, in Order for his future suport. He has Owed me money for this seven years Past, but he pays nobody. With respect to News, We have none here. The Winter in this part of the World Was very Mild And the Spring early. It is thought there has been a good hunt in the Indian country, Only 2 or 3 little traders are as yet come in. Some days ago I had letters of the 3rd instont from Montreal, but no late News. The price of flour & corn for the season is not known here as yet. It is said sugar Will be plonty; Please make my best respects to Madam Askin & all your family. Wishing you & them all manner of happiness. And belive me to be with esteem Dear Sir, Your Very hume Servont Charles Morison John Askin Esqr Addressed: John Askin Esqr Detroit zo John Coates was living at old Mackinaw prior to Sinclair's removal to Mackinac Island in 1780. Coates followed the garrison to the Island, and in 1781-82 was serving both as commissary and as clerk of the Indian Department. Documents of this period are also signed by him as notary public. The date of his death has not been found. A Mrs. Ann Coates was living in Detroit, keeping a tavern, prior to the fire of 1805, and for her losses on that occasion was awarded a donation lot. Whether she was a relative of John Coates of Mackinac has not been determined. See documents in Mich. Pio. Colls., X and XI, passim; Wis. Hist. Colls., XVIII, 490; and Proc. of Land Board of Detroit, 230-31. 2.1 Apparently Benjamin Lyon, for whom see B. H. R., I, 51. 291 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Endorsed: Mich d e May th 6th 1800 rsM r Charles Morrison to Jn°r Askin rece y th29 About M Cotes. Wrote him— M Morrison y 18 Sept. 1800 TRADE CONDITIONS IN DETROIT Detroit May the 15th 1800 Dear Sir I wrote you the 8th Ins* & Inclosed the Dupli- cates rsof some Accounts Against022Messrs Giasson & C° and Mess Buisson Coursolle & C since which the Vessells are Arrived from Fort Erie but no Letters from Lower Canada. The Saganah will begin to take in on Monday next & in her I will rssend the flour for Mess1"8 Giasson & the Remainder of Mess Buisson Coursoll & C° flour & Corn. No direct Opportunity having Offered before I have now to Answer your favour of the 20th Jany last Under cover with my Account Current & that Of John Anderson & C° both of which I find right at their dates, but a remittance made you by the Winters Express will reduce the Ballance a little & the whole of the latters will be paid of[fj with the Interest, I Suppose in Next Month, it would make me a very happy man was it in my power to say as much for the former, but realy at present I cannot say what my remittance or prospect of them with any degree of certainty will be, The appearances are realy bad & I fear will prove so with many Others as well as Myself, however all in my zi Although positive identification is lacking, it seems probable that the firm members were Michel Coursolle and Louis Buisson. Both were traders in the Great Lakes region in this period, and both were active British partisans in the War of 1812. Captain John Whistler's map of Chicago in 1808 shows a house and an enclosed field on the north side of the river, the property of "Mr. Coursoll." In 1814 Coursolle was trading on Grand River in western Michigan. At the close of the war, when the British garrison was removed from Mackinac to Drummond Island, Coursolle was given a building lot, and a report made in 1816 indicates that he was then occupying it. No record of his further career has been found. See Wis. Hist. Colls., passim; Mich. Pio. Colls., passim; and Quaife, Chicago and the Old Northwest, 167. Louis Buisson was at Mackinac in 1811, at which time, letters among the Sibley papers disclose he had for several years been engaged in the Indian trade, apparently on a some- what extensive scale. He was in Chicago in 1813 and in 1815, and on both occasions was reported by Thomas Forsyth to be actively hostile to the American government. See Wis. Hist. Colls., XI, 341. In 1818 and following he was in the employ of the American Fur Company, attached to the Illinois River outfit. Gurdon S. Hubbard describes him as at this time about sixty years of age, and as having spent forty years in the trade on the Ohio, Mississippi, and Illinois rivers. He had a Potawatomi wife, enormously fat, and two half-blood daughters. He had owned a house and land in Peoria prior to the war, and was numbered among the settlers of Peoria whom General Howard drove into flight in 1813. Autobiography of Gurdon Saltonstall Hubbard (Chicago, 1911), 29. 292 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS my favor [power] shall be done between this & Sep* the Usual time of our getting in Debts here, but as I once said before Thank God there is sufficient to pay Every One but I am well Aware how much better it is for Every Man in Business to get his Remittances regularly than any Other Mode, that Interest to them is not a Compensation for lying Out of their Money, but realy this Country is Over- done & he who has sold least in My Oppinion has done best. I'm hardly Out of any Article & of some I have a considerable Quantity ca but no Cash to be got, & to sell for Whfe]at corn & & give great Credits I will not, those who have done so cannot now get a purchase for their Grain. I mean for certain to set of[f] for York in the beginning of Next Month to take out deeds for my Lands & in hopes of Geting some More. If I when there find I can have time to pay my Old friends in your Quarter a Visit I will, as nothing could give me More pleasure but if I find my Business here would suffer from so long an Absence, I must deprive myself of that satisfaction not being in circumstances to loose anything. Thank God I enjoy tolerable good Health & whilst that remains I will not dispair could I part with Even some of my Fixt property here to any One who could pay me I would soon reduce your Ace* Against me very considerable. Among Other Evils here are 17 large Merchant vessels to transport the loadings rs of 3 or 4 at Most, ruin Detroit is not rsfar cfrom you. M Askin begs to join in best respects to M M Gill & I remain &ca J. A. 8 w c ts Mess" Jam & And M Gill Merch Montreal I have Also wrote at this time to Isaac m Todd Esqre re W Robertson Esq re Rob* Hamilton Esq But for want of time these Letters Doctorr Richardson are not Coppied Alexd Henry Rob* Nichols Endorsed: w c Detroit May 15th 1800 Jn° Askin to Jam8 & And M Gill Coppy 293 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Wrote at same time but kept no Coppy to Other Persons Named Within A SCHOOLMASTER'S CONTRACT Articles of agreement made and entered into at Detroit in the County of Wayne, and Territory of the United States North west of the Ohio this nineteenth day of May in the year of our Lord one-Thousand eight Hundred, between Peter Joseph Dillon of Detroit aforesaid of the one part, and John Askin, George Meldrum & Mathew Ernest of the same Detroit, of the other part Witnesseth. that the said Peter Joseph Dillon for and consideration of the Covenants and agreements herein after mentioned & contained and which on the part and behalf of the said John, George & Mathew; are to be observed, fulfilled and kept, hath engaged and by these presents doth engage himself as a Schoolmaster to the said John, George & Mathew for one whole year next ensuing the date hereof and fully to be compleated and ended during all which said time as afore- said, the said Peter Joseph Dillon is to teach & Instruct the Children of the said John, George and Mathew (and such others as they may please to send not exceeding twenty-two in number) in the science of reading, Writing and speaking the English language, Grammatically, in Arithmatic, Geog- raphy & Trigonometry: and in any other Branch of Litera- ture that may be thought most useful. And should it so happen that the said Peter Joseph Dillon at any time during the time aforesaid, through sickness, Or any other necessary course, suffer a temporary discon- tinuance in his school, the time which he may so loose shall be made up at the expiration of the aforesaid time of one Year. In consideration of which said services the said John, George & Mathew hereby obligate and oblige themselves to pay or cause to be paid unto the said Peter Joseph Dillon, the sum of five Hundred Dollars in manner following (that is to say) fifty Dollars to be paid on the opening of his school and four Dollars per week afterwards: during the time afore- said and the remaider of the said sum of five hundred Dollars shall be applied towards the discharge of a demand which the said John Askin & Mathew Ernest now have 294 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS against the said Peter Joseph Dillon, for advances already made. He shall keep a fair & just account of all moneys he may receive for instructing any other Children that may be sent him (except those of his employers) and a true state- ment render thereof every three months; and the money he may so receive shall be considered as applied towards the payment of the said four Dollars per week; and should it so happen that at the expiration of six months, he shall not have suffered a sufficient discount in his wages to satisfy the aforesaid demand which is now due the said John &" Mathew; by drawing only the aforesaid sum of four dollars per week, this said sum of four dollars, shall be subject to such further discount as will discharge him from debt at the expiration of the time aforesaid. They shall also find & provide the said Peter Joseph Dillon with a commodious school house and fire wood as the season requires it. And further it is consented and agreed upon by and between the parties to these presents that no Children shall be received into the said school but such as are sent or approved of by the said John, George & Mathew: neither shall any be dis- missed or turned out of the said school but with their appro- bation And for the true and faithfull performance of all and singu- lar the Covenants and agreements herein before contained and set forth: the parties to these presents bind themselves each to the other in the penal sum of five hundred dollars. In Witness whereof we have here unto set our hands and seals at Detroit aforesaid the day, Month & Year first above written Signed, Sealed & Peter Joseph Dillon Delivered in presence of Schoolmaster George Meldrum John Askin FROM PETER JOSEPH DILLON TO MATTHEW ERNEST May the 24th, 1800 Sir, As I can no otherwise acknowledge your unabated friendship but by complying with what you recommend, I have signed the articles, and will attend any time when. 295 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS desired to acknowledge the signature. It is not necessary to take a copy. I want none, and this may be left with you. If it is agreeable to you to send me 50 dollars in the course of the day, you will greatly oblige me; and I will take care to call for money only according to the quarterly sums mentioned in my last, nor even for that, except I should really want it; and not to trouble you with more on this subject, I subscribe myself, Sir, with great respect, your most obedient humble servant Peter Joseph Dillon, r Mathew Ernest, Esq Endorsed: MT Dillons agreement May 1800 FROM ALEXANDER HENRY TO JOHN ASKIN 23 Montreal 26th May 1800 Dear Askin Yesterday I returned from the United States, where I have been since the first of February. I have been endeavouring to repair this old frame of mine which begins to decay. I have been at the Balls Town Springs, where I left our friend Todd, repairing his Brases, and drinking salt water instead of Medeira. I expect he will be here next week. I wrote to you by the Winter express, am much surpris'd you could harbour any doubts of my friendship for you & yours becoming rusty, no— that can never be while I live, I have not many old friends alive—and but few of them on that footing of friendship that has continued between us for so many years, my only regret is that chance, fortune, or what ever you may call it, has obliged us to live so distant one from the other, but I am Happy to find you intend coming down, this summer, dont think of returning from York, there is no one in the World that I want to see more than24you. while I was at the Springs I dayly see James Gordon who would be very glad to see you. we only wanted you there to make the party square. Gordon, Todd, you and me, would have been company enough. T-l From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 2.4 James Gordon had been a partner of Askin in Albany, prior to the removal of the latter to Mackinac in 1764. B. H. R., I, 5. 296 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS I brought no news from the States, no sales of furrs come as yet to Hand, but we have reason to hope from the Hudson Bay sales that Beaver, Bear & deer & Otters will sell as well as.last year William Robertson lost his wife some time past and remains inconsolable. adieu my dear Askin. my famely all join in wishing you and yours every Happiness this World can afford, which at the best is not much. Your old friend Alexander Henry Since I wrote this we have news from London with sales of furrs. common Bears very bad, not worth shipping fine Bears very High. Deer 10d to 1/ worse than last year raccoons—will neat about 1/3 Halifax. Muskratts the only ones sent Home was by [tornjlston which he orderd to be sold [torn] 23 d & bought in a mercantile Trade if you have any order them to be sold here at public auction. Otters Better than last year 6/ pr Skin. Todd is arrived. I will expect to see you soon A H Addressed: John Askin Esquire Detroit SALE OF CUYAHOGA PURCHASE SHARES River Thames June 20 th 1800 Dear sir As you declind bying of M r Ruland our share of the Cyahaughga purches at the price it cost, I will now make you the offer to pay you for all your shares the prime Cost for them, as I am informed that they Cost you about one hundred pounds a share, & as I understand that you are an agent for several of the shares I take the Liberty to rite you on the bisness pleas to Let me know as soon as possible from sir your very Humble servant E Allan John Askin Esq r N.B I must inform you that I have not amediately the money but I Con give you god security, or morgage my 297 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Mils & land property, [which] as you know is of ten times the value, dont fail in closing this bisness amediately if ever for if there is much time Lost I am of the belief we shall make nothing of it. alan Addressed: John Askin Esqr Detroit or York Endorsed: River Thames June the 20th 1800 M r Ebe- nezer Allan to Jn° Askin relative to purchases of Indian Land [torn] THOMAS SMITH'S VIEWS ON LEGISLATIVE CONDITIONS Dear Sir I am very happy to hear of your arrival safe to your family. The heat of the weather has been so intense and my having been obliged to walk the greatest part of the road from York threw me into a Fever, and have been unwell from the time I left the River Thames to few days ago. It has been my misfortune always to differ in sentiments with great men in general, altho' God knows it arises from that pure principle "of doing what I thought was right" This four years past I have served the public, & however blamable my conduct may appear to some, I have nothing to reproach my conscience. Our mother Country has given us a Constitution ap- proaching to her own, as near as circumstances & local conveniences could well admit—and it is now left to us to preserve the purity of that constitution to our descendants, and which can only be affected but by the choice of up- right, liberal, & independent characters, who have resolution & integrity to withstand the torrent of the Imperious. The House of Assembly consisted only of 16 Members—four of them were absent, and eight of the remainder unfit to go through the duties of the House—so the weight of the whole House fell upon the Shoulders of Four members in the drawing of Bills, addresses, Examination of Provincial Accounts and the expounding of the laws as well as to with- stand the Usurpation of ambitious characters, who are endeavouring to trample on our rights by the corruption of our delegates—and which is too evident to all enlightend men, that they are sowing the first seeds towards the annihiliation of our free Constitution. 298 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS The man whose lot it is, to be a Repres[en]tative of free people must (from the experience I have just had) lay himself out "to betray the Trust reposed in him or receive the frowns of the Great"—one of these situations is too evidently mine. Walter Roe and Iredell have been canvasing for 6 or 8 days past for Jarvis,25 Selby and Elliott—whom in justice to myself I set my face against, as Representatives, altho' perhaps worthy persons in any other situation. Selby and Jarvis are not eligible according [to the] act of Parliament which says "That no person holding an office under [the] Government created since 1705 shall be eligible to be a member of Parliament" see Blackstone under the title "Electors" I think it incumbent on me also to remark from my experience in Parliament of the Conduct of Law- yers, that they are not eligible from their being influenced by the Chief Justice, & consequently the Executive Govern- ment, and moreover it will be a shame to us not to be able among us to find liberal Characters without borrowing per- sons from other Districts, who are influenced and in short, who have neither qualifications or talents to recommend them. If yourself, Meldrum, Park or any liberal man of my old acquaintance should put up I will heartily give them my vote and all my Interest, But should they not, I shall make all the opposition I can, and let the people at York know, that Mr. Roe or Iredell has no influence here—and I therefore beg of your Interest and your Son's and those of your acquaintances. Essex sends two Members, Beginning at a certain place in Lake Sinclair & extending towards Point au pins, being the extremities of the County. I forgot to mention to you before I left York that I resign[ed] my Commission as Capt. of Militia and all other Employments under Government. I am very truly & sincerely yours etc [?] Tho* Smith Sandwich 24 July 1800 i5 William Jarvis was a native of Connecticut who in the Revolution adhered to the loyalist cause and in 1782 became a cornet in the Queen's Rangers under command of Colonel John G. Simcoe. When the latter became lieutenant-governor of Upper Canada, he brought Jarvis with him as provincial secretary, which position he continued to hold 299 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS N.B. c The day of Election is the 6th of August at Sandwich— M Intosh returning officer, It would be [a] great shame to our old standards to have it said at York that Roe & Iredell —you may say Strangers should have as much influence in our Country as to take the lead and put in who they please as Representatives. It will make us appear trifling. Addressed: John Askin Senior Esqr Endorsed: Sandwich d July 24th 1800 Tho8 Wood [Smith] to Jn° Askin Answ LAND CLAIMS OF JOHN ASKIN Detroit, August 4 th 1800 Dear Sir I wrote you a line from Queenston, when I heard of your arrival in this Country. I hope Ere this you are got to York with your good Mother, & Child & that you are all in good Health. This goes by your old Acquaintance M r Heward, who at his Excellencys request, I have recommended to him as a Clerk or Secretary. I never knew but one fault to him, and that Exists no more, nor had he it to such a degree so far as I have ever seen, to Incapacitate him for Business. What of my Land Matters I could not get thro the Offices, I left with M r Wm Allan,26 & have taken the Liberty to direct him in case of any dificulty to beg your Assistance. Tho I do not foresee any that can arise on what I left with him to be done. The thirteen Claims, that the Commodore mislaid, for thirteen single Lots, I'm like to loose owing to their not being located, tho I have the Deputy Surveyors Certificate of my having Tim[e]ously applied to have them located & the Chief Justice to Whom I shewed these papers declares that he believes the whole Transaction relative to until his death in York on Aug. 13, 1817. Jarvis married, in 1785, a daughter of Rev. Samuel Peters of Connecticut Blue Law fame. They had seven children, several of whom intermarried with the children of Robert Hamilton. See Wallace, op. cit. 2.6 William Allan was born near Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1770. He came to Canada in early manhood and located at Niagara and later at York, where he quickly became an influential figure in governmental affairs. During the administration of Peter Hunter as lieutenant-governor, his frequent absences from York necessitated leaving the affairs of government in the hands of a commission of executive councilors, thus giving rise to the so-called "Family Compact," of which Allan was regarded as one of the pillars. He served as major of militia in the War of 1812, became wealthy, and was long prominent in banking activities. He died in Toronto in 1853. See Wallace, op. cit., and references there cited. 300 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS them is fair, and Honist in me, but that if the Council Admited of them he knew a House where there was 500 claims of a similar nature & who If I recollect right he said were waiting to see the event of mine. Under such circum- stances I thought it best to defer bringing them forward, and in Particular as you were absent. Next year on my way to Canada, if god Spare me I will see you and take your advice what's best to be done. I know I have Interest with the General27 thro some Friends therefore have not given up all hopes. It was a great Loss to me your Absence and I Staid longer than I intended in hopes you could come out before my departure. I have only to add that M rs & Miss Askin joins me in Compliments to your good Mother & best wishes for you all and that I am as Usual Dear Sir Your Obliged very Humble Servant P. S. If all the descriptions are not gone from your Office I beg you will have as many Lots put in each as well can be as it will save Expences, of which I have much need. The Honorable D. W. Smith Esqr at York Endorsed: r Detroit 4th August 1800 The Honorable D. W. Smith Esq (Copy) NEWS OF PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION Queenston Aug* 9 th 1800 My Dear Sir I have not been favoured with any of yours Since I last wrote you. it gave me pleasure (however) to learn that you had a tolerably agreeable passage to Detroit & upon the whole I think that your journey to & from York has not been unpleasant, & I must think that you have been in a peculiar manner the favourite of Fortune in your pas- sages over both Lakes. I hope also that travelling has not in any respect injured your health, but the contrary. I wrote you a hasty Line from Chippawa & mentioned how I had been employed the preceding week What I then 2.7 Peter Hunter, who in addition to being Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada, was commander-in-chief of the British forces in Canada. From 1795 to 1802 he held the rank of major general, and from 1802 until his death that of lieutenant general in the British army. 301 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS hinted has actually happened & M r Street28 though every Exertion was made by his friends th was at the Closing of the poll on Monday Evening the 4 ins* Minus 22. this is the more to be regretted as M r Streets long acquaintance with publick business, & active talents would have been of great Service to the Country & added respectability to the Legis- lature. M r Dickson29 on the 28th Ult° came forward on the Hustings & in one of the best Speeches (perhaps) ever de- livered in Upper Canada avowed himself a candidate for the SufFerages of his fellow Subjects, he had the Support of all the discerning & respectable part of the Freeholders, which however was of little avail as the other party had a decided Superiority in point of numbers. In consequence of which he on the 3d day of the Poll came forward r & de- clinedr being any longer Considered a Candidate M Clench & M Swayze30 have therefor been returned duly Elected, You know the first the otherc you must have heard is ac- cused of Stealing Horses & in the United States. The people of York & the District of London have made rather better choices than us. Judge Allcock & David Smith being chosen for those places. My troubles are now just beginning, the English Goods Continue to arrive & what with them & the vast quantity of Packs now upon the Communication I have Scarcely a Moment to Myself Our large Boat on its way to Chippawa with 19 Souls on board & 200 packs was in a most violent Hurricane Swamp'd yesterday forenoon M r Clark31 happened to be on the way z8 There were many Streets in the Niagara region in the period under review; a brief account of the family relationships and history is given in Niagara Hist. Soc. pubs., No. 22, pp. 57-61. There were two Samuel Streets (uncle and nephew), the former of whom served in the second parliament of Upper Canada (1797-1800), and may have been the person here alluded to; the nephew, Samuel Street of Bridgewater, was also nephew and for some years partner, of Thomas Clark of Queenston. Whether he, rather than his uncle, was the unsuccessful candidate in the election of 1800, we have been unable to determine. 19 Apparently William Dickson, for sketch of whose career, see B. H. R., I, 461. 30 Isaac Swayzie was a New Jersey loyalist who took up his residence in the Niagara district, where he died in 1828, aged seventy-seven years. He was a member of the first assembly of Upper Canada in 1792, and of several subsequent assemblies. See Janet Carnochan, History of Niagara (Toronto, 1914), 247 et passim; Irving, op. cit., 40. 31 Thomas Clark of Queenston. The sketch of his career given in B. H. R., I, 585,in- correctly identifies him with Thomas Alexander Clarke of the British Indian Department. Thomas Clark was born in Dumfries, Scotland, about the year 1770. He came to the Nia- gara region prior to 1790 and was for many years a merchant of Queenston. Numerous 302 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS down & Endeavourd to get off to them but without Effect, & was obliged to ride to Chippawa 10 Miles before he could get any Assistance the people after Sitting 3 ^ Hours up to their Chins in Water were Saved, likewise all the packs to the Exception of 30 or 40—Most r of which I amr Sorry to understand are the property of M Pattinson M Heward, M r Innis, M r Stedman,32 M r Macombe, M r Powers & a number of other passengers were among the Sufferers I now Send you forward a parcel of papers recd by last Mail. They Contain a great deal of very interresting in- formation on which however I shall not now descant. I spoke to M r Clark respecting the Magazines the loan of which he has accorded, I shall Send them up P[er] Judge Powell, who goes the Western Circuit should not a Safe opportunity offer before. I request my best respects to Mrs Askin [torn] family—& though I have had a hard days work to day I do Assure you that I continue with Sentiments of Esteem & Respect My Dear Sir Your Most Obed* & very Humble Servant Rob* Nichol r Addressed: John Askin Esq Merchant Detroit Endorsed: Queenston d e th Aug* 9thd 1800 e th M r Rob* Nichols to Jn° Askin rec y 20 & Answ y 28 ARRIVAL OF MORAVIAN MISSIONARY Goshen, Moravian Indian Town, River Muskingum 12 Aug* 1800 M r John Askin, Dear r Sir, 33The bearer of this is my worthy friend the Revd M Dencke, who arrived here lately from Bethlehem, and letters and accounts pertaining to him are preserved in the B. H. Coll. His partner for a considerable period was his nephew, Samuel Street of Niagara. At another time he seems to have been in partnership with Robert Nichol. His wife was a granddaughter of Sir William Johnson and Molly Brant. He was lieutenant colonel of the Second Lincoln Militia in the War of 1812, and colonel in 1818. For more than twenty years he was a mem- ber of the Legislative Council of Upper Canada. He died in 1837. See Niagara Hist. Soc. pubs., No. 19, pp. 62-63; ibid., No. 22, pp. 57-58; Irving, op. cit.,-passim;and mss.in B.H. Coll., passim. 3Z For the career of John Stedman, see B. H. R., I, 108. 33 Christian Frederick Denkey (Denke, Dencke) had spent several months with Zeis- 303 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS is going to reside as Indian missionary on the River Thames. You, my dear Sir, we have the best cause to regard as a sincere friend and well wisher to the good cause in which he is engaged. As such, on the bare mention of his name •& character to you, you will I am sure be happy to render him any civility in your power. I flatter myself also, that on acquaintance, he will acquire your personal esteem. He is desirous to apply himself with zeal to the study of the Chippeway as well as of the Delaware language, with the benevolent intention of endeavoring to make that benighted heathen nation acquainted with the saving truths of the gospel. The loan of a vocabulary of Chippeway words, or any other assistance or advice to promote the speedy acquisi- tion of their language, will be particularly acceptable to him. M r and Mrs Zeisberger & rsM r Edwards34 unite with me in best respects to Yourself, M Askin & family. I am very truly Dear Sir Your most obed* Serv* Benjn Mortimer Addressed: r John Askin Esqre Detroit By favor of Revd M Dencke Endorsed: Goshon Muskingum r d e Aug*th12th 1800 The Revd M Mortimer to Jn° Askin Rec y 26 PROSPECTS OF HUGH HEWARD IN YORK York 14th Aug* 1800 th Dear Sir I arrived here the 12 Ins* and was most favour- ably received by Major Green35 and His Excellency who has appointed me to his Office with Liberty when other Depart- berger at the Moravian mission at Goshen before his removal to Fairfield on the Thames, as noted in the present document. In 1802, he endeavored to establish a mission at the head of Harsen's Island (letter of Askin, Sept. 20, 1802, printed post, 381-82), and he seems to have continued his missionary activities during the years that followed. The invasion of western Canada by General Harrison, in 1813, compelled the Indians to flee from Fairfield and Denkey and his wife went with them to Burlington Heights, where he conducted a mission for a time, returning with the Indians to Fairfield in 1815. See History of the Moravian Mission by a Member of the Brethren's Church (London, 1838), 295 ff. Letters in the B. H. Coll. show that he spelled his name as here printed. 34 For the career of William Edwards, see B. H. R., I, 221, et -passim. 35 James Green was commissioned lieutenant on Sept. 1, 1779. On May 11, 1795, he was appointed Military Secretary of the Indian Department, and he continued to serve in this capacity as late as the autumn of 1807. Numerous letters to or from him are printed in the Mich. Pio. Colls. During most of his service as military secretary, he seems to have 304 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS merits want Assistance to write for them and be paid for it. my present pay is a Dollar a Day and His Excellency has promised that some time hence it will be made better, that it is his Intention. I have a Small House in the Garrison of two Rooms appointed for me until the beginning of Sep- tember when they Depart from here and when I am to return to Detroit to bring down my Family &C and winter here. I have wrote M r Henry36 & Mrs Heward on the Subject, to give M r Henry more time to provide a proper person to receive my Charge, and I will do everything to render up all been stationed in Quebec. A letter from Hugh Heward to Askin, Aug. 12, 1802 (ms. in B. H. Coll.) presents Green's private character in a highly unfavorable light. See also British army lists, passim; Mich. Pio. Colls., passim; and Simcoe Papers, IV, 42. 36 James Henry was a native of Lancaster, Pa., who came west in the late autumn of 1796 in the capacity of agent for General James O'Hara (for whom see ante, 148), who had the contract with the government to provision the western army posts. Henry's instruc- tions from O'Hara contemplated that he should operate from Fort Washington (Cincinnati) to Detroit, and he first visited the latter place on Jan. 6, 1797. O'Hara withdrew from the army contracting on Oct. 1,1800, and Henry, who, in 1797, had established (in partnership with General John Wilkins of Pittsburgh) a tannery and general store in Detroit, seems to have terminated his employment with O'Hara about this time. As a citizen of Detroit, he quickly won both local esteem and financial success. On Aug. 21, 1798, he was appointed justice of the peace by Governor St. Clair. He was judge of the Court of Quarter Sessions, 1802-1804; was appointed, in 1802, a member of the first board of trustees of Detroit; was county commissioner in 1804; tax assessor in 1807; and on April 15, 1807, was appointed by Governor Hull Associate Judge of the Court of Huron and Detroit. He ran a tannery and a leather-goods store, and in 1807, was president of the Bank of Detroit. He lost heav- ily in the fire which burned Detroit in 1805, and seems never wholly to have recovered from this blow. Henry belonged to a large family. His father, William Henry, was an important figure in Revolutionary Pennsylvania, having held numerous public offices, among which were that of member of the Assembly in 1776; Treasurer of Lancaster County from 1777 until his death, after which his wife, Ann Wood Henry, held the office several years; manu- facturer of guns and superintendent of arms and accouterments for the army; member of Congress, 1784-86. He was an intimate friend of Thomas Paine and Benjamin West; and an inventor of no little merit. One brother of James, Matthew, engaged in trade at Mackinac, and died there on March 29, 1804. Moses Henry of Vincennes was an uncle. Another brother, John Joseph Henry, served as president of the several courts of common pleas in the Pennsylvania counties of Lancaster, York, and Dauphin. In 1810 his son, Stephen Chambers Henry, a graduate in medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, came to Detroit to engage in the tannery business with James, and after the death of the latter conducted the business for several years. In a letter of April 27, 1810, Henry expresses a wish to return east and states that he has therefore contracted no marriage ties. Notwithstanding, he had a daughter, Maria, born, May 10, 1803 (the mother was Charlotte Quimfers), for whom he seems to have evinced the usual paternal regard. She was reared by her uncles in Pennsylvania, and attended the Moravian seminary in Bethlehem for a time. She subsequently returned to Detroit, where on July 23, 1821, she married Charles Rouleau. James Henry was a man of some education and culture. Among his possessions were such books as Gibbon's Rome, and the works of Homer, Milton, and Shakespeare. There is some uncertainty about the date of his death. The nearest contemporary record is a letter of Elijah Brush to John Askin, un- dated by the writer but endorsed by Askin as of Dec. 31, 1812, which indicates that he died on December 29 of that year. See post, 744. Data chiefly adapted from biographical sketch by Louise Rau in Burton Hist. Coll. Leaflet, VII, 65-80. 305 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Accounts to his Satisfaction to the End of the Contract. I hope he will take it in good part, as a Man who has always wished my Happiness and Interest, should you see him you can well explain my Motives as reasonable. I am most thankfully and truly Your Obed* hume Servant Hugh Heward Addressed: John Askin Esquire Detroit Endorsed: d York e Aug* 14th 1800 M r Hugh Heward to th Jn° Askin rec y 10 Sep* PROMOTION OF DR. HARFFY I thank you My D r Sirg for your favor of £he 16th which I received early this Morn and have in My power to return an answer thus early, how much is the Heart at ease, when we have a Friend to communicate our pleasures and that will partake of our pains, by administering to c our bodily relief, and Mind distress'd. I expect Cap* M Kee every day—and believe me My first vacant hour will be dedicated to you on either Side, that that will be for your happiness let be done God only knows what is for our good. I think I now see you smile at the poor Doctor, smile on it will be the Smile of a well tri'd Friendship, that I know. Now to the point. This morng the Charlotte came to the Mouth of the River, from Fort Erie on Wednesday, by her I had an answer to my Memorial from the Prince, through the hands of My Friend Holmes,37 ar very flattering one, and an augmentation of pay 2/6 p day Hallifax. the Prince ex- press'd every Satisfaction, but as My Situation was pro- vincial,r he wishfed] to know from what time & by whom, that M H. has cleard up. I think 26 years Servicer Requires it, & I am very thankful for it. Not any news. M Allison38 37 Holmes was military surgeon in Quebec. For his possible identity with William Holmes, formerly surgeon of the Fifth Regiment, see B. H. R., I, 378. 38 Captain Thomas Allison, brother-in-law of Captain William Caldwell, for sketch of whose career see ibid., 386-87. The death of his wife, Therese Baby, occurred March 27, 1839, instead of Aug. 6, 1847, as there stated. See Bull. Rech. Hist., XX, 306. Her age at death is there given as seventy-three and one-half years. Captain and Mrs. Allison left an only daughter (a son, Thomas, died in boyhood in 1809), Susanne Allison. She married, 306 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS & his Wife & Children are arrived, & now at Caulwells. The house of Bourginione, I have look[ed] at & taken the opinion of a person £65c or 70, is the entire worth of it as it now stands. Cap* M Lean will not give him a Grant for the Lot, altho there is a house on it, as it is not puting in a way of furnishing, the person who may buy it, will have it in His name. I hope I have answer'd yours in some particu- lars. I am ever yours Wm Harffy th Tuesday Morn* Aug* 19 1800 P. S. The Vessel is loaded for Mr McIntosh with English goods, it is coming up very fast as the Store at the Chippa- way are full therefore you May expect the Saganah Soon Addressed: Jn° Askin Esqre Detroit with Care & Soon Endorsed: d Maiden th Aug*d e 19thd 1800 Docr Harffy to Jn° Askin Rec 20 & Answ y 22 DIFFICULTIES IN OBTAINING LAND TITLES Detroit Aug* 22d 1800 Dear sir As perhaps you may think it right to Mention the whole or part of the Contents of this Letter to his Excellency General Hunter I will not mix it with any Other Matters. For the sole purpose of Obtaining Deeds for my lands I went last Year to York the only Voyage I have made r for Nineteen Years past as I wished much to deliver M James Mc Gils & you Patents for the Lands I sold you & get others for my own that Remained, for this purpose I took with me Above 700 Dollars & gave dayly Attendance at all the Offices for One Month & two days which I remained there Sundays Excepted. When I came Away I did not Under- stand nor do I now of any Objections to my Grants being made Out but yet I cannot get them. The Descriptions for many I myself carried from the Acting Surveyor Generals office to that of the Solicitor Generals & took Fiats from him & delivered them to Mr Jarvis the Secretary who told in 1811, Philippe Aubert de Gaspe, author of Les Anciens Canadiens, and other important works, and died Aug. 6, 1847. Their descendants have long been prominent in Canada and elsewhere. . . 307 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS me the only delay would be Untill he got a proper Sized Book from Canada to Coppy (As I Understood him) the Patents into for that he had Parchemnt to make them out On. As I was disireous of bringing a few with me which I wanted much, I offered to go to the Expence of having these coppied on paper from which he could Afterwards take them into his Book, to this he Seemingly Assented at all Events gave me Reason to suppose that some would soon be Ready & the Others d not be detained long After. How- ever by a Letter rec from Doctor [?] Richardson dated the 28thth July & an Other from M r Wm Allan of York dated y6 4 Ins* (with whom I left 500 Dollars to pay for the Patents as when ready) for the Other fees of Office I pd myself, that's to say at the Council & Acting Surveyor Generals Office, yet Neither have been Able to Obtain from M r Jarvis as they wrote me a Single patent, tho I do not know of any Excuses for delay or detention, for once the Fiats are de- livered at his office all seems to be settled. At the Solicitor Generals Office there arose a difficulty which was this, he said before he was Authorised to make Out fiats for the Persons in whose favour the Commissioners had deeded respecting Lands purchased, a Coppy of the Commissioners report should be sent him from the Council Office. This I Applied to M r Small the Clerk of the Council for, he said he must first have the report from the Acting Surveyor Generals office, the Clerks then said thay had no such report to make to him, Unless when they found some Mis- take in the Commissioners Report & as they had not found any that related to me they had Only to give me descrip- tions for the Lands that by the [?] Commissions were Reported to be mine & which they did from day to day as far as Other Business would permit & promised to send the remainder to the Solisitor Generals office. finding That the Disputes at the Offices prevented my geting Fiats for the Lands (only reported on by the Commissions) I mentioned the matter to the Chief Justice39 the day before I came Away who said he would go to these offices & put that matter soon right whether he has done so or not Doctor Richardson in his letter has not Explained to me, but I 39 John Emsley, forjyhom see ante, 78. 308 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS rather suppose they [illegible] to M r Jarvis not making out & delivering the Patents for these Fiats I had actually lodged at his office before I came Away, it is a very great hardship indeed that Disputes of Office or Neglects should cause such Expence & delays to Individuals & I'm sure it is very contrary to his Excellencys Instructions, for when I was at York he Obliged the Clerks at Each office to report to him what they had done in the Week to prevent them as I believed from being Idle as The Day I came away I men- tioned to his Excellency my Anxiety to get the Patents out as I owed Mr M c Gill & you the [several words illegible] when taking my leave of him, (but not before) [illegible] could he would Serve me, had he given me this oppening before, I would have presented him with a [two words illegible]. Whatever Bussiness I had to do with the Council I there meet with no delay, they meet Every Day when anyone had Bussiness to do with them. I Remain my Dear Sir as Usual Your Ever Obliged Friend J.A. Isaac Todd Esquire at Montreal TITLE TO MORAVIAN LAND Detroit, June 29th 1796 Sir Tho I have not had the pleasure of receiving a Letter from you these many Years I have made it my Business to inquire of every Gentleman who had seen or heard of you at home how You & Your good Family were & it made me happy to hear in general that you were all well. In a very few days the Americans will take Posesion of this Fort & from every Information I can get I Understand they are very unfavourable to Indian Grants, however as I do not Mean to give up your pretentions or mine to the 4,000 acres of Land on the River aux Hurons formerly where the mauravians lived, I should be glad to bring forward the best authority in my Power for making the Purchase & as I understood from you that you once wrote the late L* Gov. Hope on that Subject & had a favorable 309 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS answer If you are still possessed of that Answer & will Send it to me it may perhaps be the means of preventing our loosing Sd Lands, which probably will Soon be valuable or If you have any other papers or matter to advance to Strengthen our 40 Claim I Should be glad to have rs them. Gov. Sinclair I understand is to reside here. M Askin's Compts to Mrs Ancrum I am Sir your &ca (Signed) John Askin 41 th Major William Ancrum 34 Reg* Near Dublin Ireland Detroit Aug* 22d 1800 Sir The foregoing is the Duplicate of a Letter I wrote and to which I havenot had any Answer. The Claims to Indian Lands arenot yet decided On, but Commissions for that purpose is Expected next Spring or Summer42 before which time I hope to have your Answer. Conner keeps Possession of the whole but If the United States proved favorable to Our Purpose, I will soon set the Lawyers atr him. before it would be Needless. Your Old Friend M Leith is here, to him I will give this letter in charge & I Dare say he will be Able to have it conveyed to you in Safety. Of your Old Acquaintances here I only know of Colonel McKee, M r Sharp43 & M r Abott Dead. I remain with Real Regard Sir Your Most Obed* very Humble Serv* J.A. Endorsed: Detroit June 29 96 and The 22d August 1800 Jn° Askin To Major Ancrum PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH DISTILLERY Montreal 23d Aug* 1800 Dear Askin My last was p rr your Grand Son Wm Robert- son I at same time wrote M Hamilton acquainting him I 40 Governor Arthur St. Clair. 41 For the career of Major William Ancrum, see B. H. R., I, 222. /p. Richard Connor, for whose career see ibid., 228-29. 43 Alexander McKee, for whose career see ante, 209, and B. H. R., I, 301; George Sharp, for whom see ante, 15. 310 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS had proposed to you to Try a Distillery at Detroit on a moderate Scale in which his opinion would be wanting having had experience in that Business I find M r Hamilton has two Stills arrived at Quebec perhaps he could spare them to you but the first & essential part is to obtain a Man who understands the business and will manage on a share of profit & to be economical in errecting the building &ca To all this I expect your answer. d I hope you will pay attention to my letter to you of the 2 July respecting my concerns at Detroit and dont neglect [illegible] M r Gratiers Note for without that Mess" Forsyth & C° [illegible] pay his Draft. I think it probable if I live I will visit Niagara & York Next Spring. Remember me kindly to all your family & belive me Your Sin[c]ere Friend Isaac Todd re John Askin Esq Addressed: re John Askin Esqre Detroit Favor'd by— Elliot Esq Endorsed: Montreal d e 8t Aug* r 23d 1800 d Isaac Todd Esqre to Jn° Askin Rec y l Oct & Answ same Day NEGOTIATIONS FOR CUYAHOGA GRANT Grand River, Aug. 30. 1800 Sir, It is a considerable time since I first was made acquainted with the land Affairs you are engaged in latterly you more fully informed me yourself in a conver- sation we had together that I have taken it into consider- ation, before I can with any propriety engage in it, I think it necessary that we should be fully acquainted withr the conditions of your agreement for which purpose M Jones,44 now setts off for your quarter and I hope you will 44 Augustus Jones was a native of New York, born, according to one authority, in 1763. His son, Rev. Peter Jones, states that Augustus studied surveying in New York City, and, armed with a recommendation from the son of Governor Colden, journeyed to Upper Canada, where Governor Simcoe gave him employment as deputy surveyor of the prov- ince. Another account states that he came to Upper Canada in 1786 as a United Empire oyalist, and secured a tract of land on the shore of Lake Ontario, immediately west of Stony Creek. He ran the line of Dundas Street from Burlington Bay to the forks of the Thames (modern London), and in 1796 he surveyed Yonge Street from Toronto northward to Lake Simcoe. In May, 1798, Jones married a squaw of Grand River. Scadding repre- sents her as belonging to the Mohawk tribe, but Peter Jones, her son, states that she was 311 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS please to give him every necessary information, when he returns, and I have an explanation of the business I shall let you hear of our determination, but as I have already hinted I think it adviseable that you should go thro' the agreement again and get the Wyndotts, and other Indians to agree that there may be no future discontents or un- easinesses, when this shall all be settled it will then be proper for me to get it confirmed and our people may then sitt down on it with security Sir, I am your very humb & Obed* Serv* Jos. Brant r John Askin, sen. Esq Addressed: John Askins, sen. Esqr Detroit th Endorsed: Grande River Aug* 30 1800 Mr dJoseph or Capt. Brant to Jn° Askin rec y 12 Sept Answ Octr 26th d e th r LETTER OF INTRODUCTION FOR REV. DAVID BACON Detroit Sepr 13th 1800 Friends & Brothers The Bearer hereof Mr Baken45 is one of the Great Spirits representitives on Earth, he Asked me where shall I go to render Service to Indians and point out to them & Their Children the Means of happiness here & hereafter, I Answered to my Frinds the Ottawas at Arbre a Croche & the Mission where I once lived they are the Nation best disposed to hear what the great Spirit has to say to them & who knows how to behave to his repre- sentative. He now goes to see you. Brothers Treat him well & dont make me a liar, he will shew you and your Children how to be happy here & hereafter Adieu Friends & Brothers John Askin the daughter of a chief of the Missisauga. Ten children were born of this union. One of them, Peter, born at Burlington Heights in 1802, became a Wesleyan Methodist minister and for over twenty years served as missionary to the Ojibway, dying in Brantford on June 29, 1856. He was the author or translator of various works, including a history of the Ojib- way tribe, published in London in 1861. Augustus Jones was living as late as 1826. Data adapted from Wallace, op. cit.; Henry Scadding, Toronto of Old: Collections and Recollec- tions Illustrative of the Early Settlement and Social Life of the Capital of Ontario (Toronto, 1878), 415 ff.; and mss. in B. H. Coll. 45 The spelling "Bacon" is interlined at this point in the manuscript. David Bacon, the person alluded to, was born in Woodstock, Mass., in 1771. He studied for the ministry, and in the early autumn of 1800 came west to Detroit on an appointment to do missionary 312 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Endorsed: To the Chiefs & Principal people of the Ottawa Nation at Arbre & Croche & the Mission. SCARCITY OF CURRENCY IN DETROIT Kingston 16th Septr 1800 Dear Sir r On the 12th I received your Favour of the 25th Ult° and M Leith delivered the Sum of fifty Pounds York on Account of the Consignment of Pork. I am sorry to find that Money & Bills are so scarce, and as Matter of Accom- modation to such as may be disposed to purchase, I would be willing to take a Pack or two of good Buffaloe Robes & Mackason Leather in Payment, and a Macinac Feather Bed or two might not come amiss. At all Events I wish you to do as you would were the Articles your own: only let me know what Marks have & what have not been sold that I may settle with the Furnishers. With best Respects to Mrs & Miss Askin, I remain Dear Sir, Your most obw Serv* Richd Cartwright r John Askin Esq Addressed: John Askin Esqr Detroit Endorsed: Kingston d Septrth16th r1800 Rich d Cartwright Esq to Jn° Askin Rec the 9 Oct Answ y 11th r d e DIFFICULTIES AFFECTING LAND TITLES Detroit Septr 18th 1800 My dear thSir I wrote you so fully per our friend M r Lieth the 24 last Month that most of what you require per work among the Indians. Shortly after the writing of the present letter, he embarked for Mackinac, but his vessel being becalmed on Lake St. Clair, he was persuaded by his in- terpreter, Bernardus Harsen (son of the owner of Harsen's Island), to remain among the Indians of this vicinity. Before long he returned to the East, and in the summer of 1801 was back in Detroit with a bride. Here he opened a school for boys (meanwhile preaching in the town), while Mrs. Bacon opened one for girls. On Feb. 19, 1802, a son, Leonard Bacon, was born in Detroit, who subsequently became professor at Yale University and one of the foremost Congregational divines of his generation. David Bacon was not con- spicuously successful as a missionary, although he exerted himself intermittently in this field for several years. He founded the village of Tallmadge, Ohio, a settlement to which only Congregationalists and Presbyterians were admitted. He died in Hartford, Conn., Aug. 7, 1817 Data condensed from Burton, City of Detroit, 1701-1922, I, 714 ff. 313 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS yours of the 6th August (that came to hand two days ago) is answered The Distillery I mean to sett up & think it most Advisable or sure, tho perhaps not more advantegious to erect them on the other Side on or very near the Farm of yours got from M r Hands. A man this Minuet offers to deliver the Stille here in May next for 10/ per Gallon or at Presqu'ile for less so that getting this part of the Bussiness done will be a small Expence & indeed I hardly know of any thing except the Grain (after the Still) that will require Money, norrswillcthat If I have a Store of Goods. I have c wrote the Mess M Gill & C° how you r & M r Jam8 M Gill are to receive the Money due by M Innis, it will be in a Draft with some of theirs. I inclosed you the Coppy of a letter I got from my agent at York If you think proper you may mention the Matters to His Excellency but keep back the informers name. I also inclose you a paragraph from a letter I received which will shew you what the General r can do when he pleases, my Recom- mendation got M Maisonville 3000 Acres of Land that had been refused him in every Quarter in lower & upper Canada &ca for many Years and the Council with whom he had been rejected all his demands and claims on that score and said He never did nor would for him or any man enter into any knowledge of losses, he plagued me so much the day I left York to speak to the General about him when I was taken leave that I promised I would and did tho I had not the most distant idea of his reaping any Benefit from it you see how much I was mistaken & I now find whoever the General thinks fit to give land to the Council dare not deny I wish my Friends & self had so much Interest to get Lands for my just Claims as I have had for others. God Knows for a good faithfull Subject of Governments I am straightly deal with, respect is shewn me & confidence placed in me yet I cant get a foot of my local Demands. I got a letter from our Friend M r Robertson and [am] happy to find he is something better, his Agents here M r Roe & M r Fraser46 are by no means so active in his affairs as I think they should be. Neglect and a worse cause has 46 James Fraser, for whose career see B. H. R., I, 300. 314 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS great share in the matter, for his good I meant to write him to authorize me to employ such Attorneys for him as I think fit. Judge Powell the Commodore & Myself were ready as commissioners to hear & determine on M r Robertsons claims to a good many Lots M r Dolson47 & the Surveyor (necessary proof) attended, but his Lawyer M r Roe from a cause too evident to the World could not bring any one claim forward when it should therefore they must lye over to an other Year and [he] has lost the best chance they must ever have of being passed, you may mention the circum- stances to him. I have only to add that the Family are all well and will ever retain a due sense of your Friendship. Adieu my Dear Sir Your ever Obliged Friend Isaac Todd Esquire Endorsed: Detroit Sept r 13th 1800 John Askin to Isaac Todd Esquire (Copy) FROM JOHN ASKIN TO JAMES MACKLEM Detroit September 18th 1800 Dear Sir I was favoured with your of the 4 t h Ins* a few days ago. I have sent your Letter to M r Artell and required a friend of mine to ask for payment. MrB Askin is not dis- posed to part with the Negro. The feathers are to be got at Michilimacinac (not here) but nothing on my part shall be wanton to procure them but it's probable they may not be obtained before next year. The Cider you shall have, but in order to get it good it must be made as late as possible so as to go by the last Vessell. What do you ask for the House (partly finished and Land) about 7 Miles below Fort Erie I am Dear Sir Your Most Obedient Very Humble Servant M James Macklin 48 at Chippawa r Endorsed: John Askin to James Macklin (Copy) 47 Probably Matthew Dolsen, for whom see ibid., 222-23. 48 James Macklem was a native of Tyrone County, Ireland. He is said to have migrated to Pennsylvania in 1789, and about the year 1790 or 1791 to have come to Chippewa, where he and his sons established several industries of local importance. He was living as late as 315 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS FROM JAMES MACKLEM TO JOHN ASKIN Chippawa l et Octr 1800 Dear Sir I have Received your favour of the 18th Ult. which perfectly Satisfies me concerning the Negro, Feathers & Cyder; and you are certainly very Good to give yourself so much trouble for my Accomodation. The Farm & In- closed Frame (with a Cellar under it) which you mention, I have for some time held at five hundred pounds York; In- stalments being the common mode of Receiving payment for Lands: but four hundred & fifty pounds in hand, will purchas it. Should you have any commands, which may be in my power to execute, I hope you will honour me with them. I am Dear Sir Your Obedient humble Servant James Macklem John Askin Esqr Addressed: John Askin Esquire Detroit Endorsed: Chppawa d e th Octr lBtd 1800 e th M r James Macklan to Jn° Askin Rec y 6 Answ y 20 AFFRAY OVER BRITISH DESERTER Detroit Oct the 15th. 1800 My Dear Sir I have just finished a Letter to You in Your Official capacity in Answer to one of Yours, as I learn our friend M r Heward may leave this About the 20th I would not let him depart without droping you a line. I know it will give your good Mother & You pleasure to Hear that my Family & your Friends in General in this Quarter are well. An Unlucky accident happened here some Nights ago. a Serjiant from the Other side with some Soldiers, Endeavouring to free a desarter from the British, Over the River Reced. Some Wounds & he also gave the Disarter Several Wounds with his Bayonett of Which the Latter is since Dead. This I apprehend will be a Serious Business & those concerned required by the American Goverment to 1821, when he was made a trustee of the church of all denominations to be erected in Lundy's Lane. This became the Presbyterian church. See "Some Graves in Lundy's Lane," Niagara Hist. Soc. pubs., No. 22, p. 45; and Ont. Hist Soc, Papers and Records, VIII, 225, and XXV, 305-306. 316 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS be delivered up for trial. I hope both Goverments may put a stop to forcing Over Desarters from Either Side. Other- wise I fear it may be attended not only with the loss of several lives but also create Misunderstand 8 Which should in my Oppinion be prevented. I have got a Small House on the British side now fitted up for the Reseption of Myself & Family so that should I meet With a Purchaser for where I now live I can give it up at a very short Warning. Your Mothers Tree bears no Apples this Year, but I have Directed to you a Bar 1 nearly of the same sort. M r s Askin & your Acquaintances of My Family beg leave to Assure you & yours of their best Wishes as Does My Dear sir Your Obliged very Humble Serv* The Honorable D. W. Smith Esq r Endorsed: Detroit October 15th 1800 John Askin to The Honorable D. W. Smith (Copy) AFFRAY OVER BRITISH DESERTER Dear Sir I have an Appearance of a good oppertunity of writing to you. I have seen M r Reynolds, the Bricks will be Accounted by Capt M c Lean as you mentioned. My expec- tation of seeing you at Sandwich on Tuesday, I am sorry was not attained, you might expect as usual Selby would be the first mention'd and first he was made, it is true, the reason evident. The unfortunate affair on your Side with the Deserter, Made it necessary as some thought to Sport & Send to the Govenor a presentment, concirning that outrage —and who better to take care that it was securely done & strongly worded than the Chairman & very likely set on foot by him & Elliot: if possible to ruin the Cap*. I will allow it was doing a very unjustifiable Act, and that Some Meanes should be taken to prevent anything of that sort in future, but I thought it was taken up with too great Acrimony, and more attention paid to it, by them than ever I have seen before from the Bench. If I can continue in My present Mind My Visits there will be very Seldom until the Spring, then this System Must be altre'd. to show how well the Minds of Men like the Grand Jury May be play'd on by a smoothe tongue, Not one could write or read, and by the 317 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Bench it was Requested that it might be Strong & well drawn up. as much as to say not for Attention to the Com-r munity at large but to answer private Malevolence. M McKee has been much out of order for this two or three days, is now getting better, as for Mrs McKee she tells Me She is perfectly well, her looks certainly bespeak it. with truth I am Yours Sincerely Wm Harffy P. S. I received your note on the Bench Amherstburg Octr 17, 1800 Addressed: Jn° Askin Esqr Detroit W. H. r Endorsed: Maiden d Oct d e , 17thth 1800 Doctor Harffy to Jn° Askin Rec & Answ y 18 . CONTRACT FOR BEEF IN AMHERSTBURG Detroit October the 17th 1800 My Dear Sir As I have wrote you frequently of late on different subjects this will be only one namely that of a Con- tract with Government for furnishing Beef for the Garrison of Maiden. I do Assure you I know not anything that would be more Advantagious to me nor anything I could Undertake with such certainty The finest of Beef comes in from the States from the 1 st May to the 1 November and in such Quantities that Stall fed Beef in the Spring is got for 5 Dollars the Hundred, Hide Tallow & Offalls in and now the good Beef is at 3 Dollars the Hundred Cows, & Calfs with them for 1 2 ^ Dollars the Price. If you could prevail on the General to make such a Contract, nothing but a Warr with the United States could in any Degree C render the fullfilling of the Contracst doutefull. If st even 6 per lbC could be got from the 1 of June to the 1 of November a 8 from that to the 1 st of June again it would prove an Excellent Bussiness. If more could be got so much [the better] Surely this mode of furnishing the Troops would be much Cheaper than giving them Pork and as I know the General wishes to save Ex- pences to Government I should think he would Accept of the Offer. If it's refered in any manner to the rAgent Pur- chaser you will please get my good Friend M McGill to 318 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS write him for I do not think him favourable to any Contract that does not Originate with himself (Tho I may be mis- taken) If you rSucceed you will do me an Essential Service & I dare say M McGill would join you in giving Security in which you may depend there is not the Smallest Risk imagin- able, for there will not be any decrease in Cattle coming in to be Sold at the low rate they are, for in their Country they require no Hay nor Grain to winter them unless the Stall fed Cattle & their Indian Corn is so low that the Expence [is] very Trifling. Here the Cattle cost more for keeping two Years than the others do altogether. If you make a Con- tract the longer the better and the only Exception should be that if great Britain & America should have any Mis- understanding that would prevent a free entercourse with each other, in that case the contract to End. I fear Some others may think of making proposals for this same Business and even lower but I know of none. " I would undertake for still less if it would not be got otherwise, All here well and Asure [you] of their best Wishes as does My dear Sir Your ever Obliged Friend and Humble Serv* Isaac Todd Esqr Mercht Montreal Endorsed: Detroit 17th October 1800 John Askin to Isaac Todd (Copy) IMPRISONMENT FOR DEBT 49 Detroit October the 17th 1800 Dear Sir As I know your great wish is to render Service and in particular to the Country where you Reside. I hope you will not think it presumption in me to represent to you that many Artificers Seafaring Men and others who earn from 8/ to 20/ per day (of which Number are Le Blanc the Wheel Wright, say, Mill Wright, Letour the Carpenter & others known to you) never have had, nor ever will if they can help it a penny before hand such Characters I cannot suppose to be the People the Legislator had in view when they exacted that humain Law entitled "An Act for the relief of Poor persons imprisoned for debt, to a person of your pene- 49 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 319 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS tration it will soon appear that such a Law without Amend- ment may serve the purpose of getting Rascals dear of Debts which they might easily do by their Labour o±* Service to their Creditors or others. Therefore if something to the following Effect could be Added as an Amendment to the aforsaid Law I think you will Agree with me that it would be Usefull to this part of the Territory at least. Provided in no case such Prisoner shall be Intitled to the benefit of this Act who shall refuse to come out of confinement. If thereunto required by his Creditor and work for reasonable wages in order to pay the person at who's Suit he may have been imprisoned. I hope you have got safe through your Voyage and that I shall have the Pleasure of seeing you again in good Health I am with Esteem Dear Sir Your Most Obed* Very Humble Serv* Solomon Sibly Esqr one of the Representatives for the County of Wayn NEGOTIATIONS FOR CUYAHOGA GRANT Detroit October the 26th 1800 Sir thI was favoured with your Letter per M r Jones dated the 30 Aug* last & as he is now on his way back I take the Oppertunity of answering it. All the information which M r Jones required of me I have given him and Shewed him the deed of Sale from the Indians to me and others of the Tract of Land you wish to purchace from which he has taken some notes. I have authority from two Merchants in lower Canada to dispose of their Shares and as my Son and I hold two others there is only three remain- ing Shares, the proprieters of whom are on the Spott, I think your best method and what will be most likely to be Accepted of by all Concerned is to Offer a certain Sum for the whole & if it's not convenient to pay the whole in Money, Lands at your Place will be Accepted in part. As I have told M r Jones my Oppinion respecting an Other Deed or the Confirmation of the Present it's not Necessary to repeat it here I am Sir Your Most Obedient Very Humble Servant Captain Brant at Grande River 320 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Endorsed: Detroit October 26th 1800 John Askin to Captain Brant (Coppy) MARRIAGE CONTRACT OF SIMON DROUILLARD JR. Detroit SS Comt6 de Wayne PARDEVANT le Notaire public pour le Comte de Wayne, residant, au Detroit, furent, presans, le Srs Simon Droulliard fils, veuf de defunte Archange Laforest, d'une part, et Marquerite Couvillion veuve de Defunt Jean Anicratte d'autre part lesquels parties, du consentements de leur Parens et Amies Si aprds nomm&s, scavoir, de la part dudit Simon Droulliard fils, dusieur Simon Droulliard Son Pere, dame Marguerite S* Jean Droulliard Sate M£re, dusieur Joseph Cote son oncle Joseph, Louis B Droulliard Ses Frdres, B te Rousson Son Beau fr£re, J. Bte Laframboise Cousin, Simon Bertrand aussi Cousin Dame Josepte Droul- liard Rousson Sa Seur, Isabelle Le beau, et Catiche Dufour Belle Seur on faits les conventions et accords, de Manage, qui Suivent, C'est a Scavoir que lesdits, Simon Droulliard fils, et ladite Marguerite Couvillion, ont promis, et promet- tent, reciproquement, Seprandre, L'un, et L'autre par Nom et loix de Mariage, et Icelui, faire sel6brerr et Solemniser en face de notre Mdre Ste Eglise Catholique aussitot que faire Se poura, et Lorsqu'une des partie enrequerera l'autre. Seront les dits futures Epoux, un, et Commun, en tout biens meubles et Conquets Immeubles, Suivant l'anciene Coutume, usite en ce Pays, renonceants pour cet Effet, a toutes coutumes Contraires, aux quelles ils ont par ces presentes Expressement derog6, et renonces Ne seront, neenmoins, les dits futures Epoux tenu des dettes, l'un de l'autre, faites, et Crees avant leurEpousailles, et ci dettes il y a elles Serons Pay£s et Indemnis6s, ameme les biens de celui ou celle quis les aura fait Sans que les biens de l'autre en soyent tenues. Ledit future Epou, a Doue, et Dou, laditte future Epouse, de la Somme de; vingt pounds Cour de Nouvelle York de Douaire prefix pour l'avoir, et prandre aussitot qu'il aura lieux, Surtout, et Chacuns les biens dudit future Epoux, quis en sont desapresen, hipoteques. 321 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Le Survivant des dits futures Epoux prandrat pour preciput, avant, partage la Somme de dix pounds Cour de Nouvelle York, Sur les meubles de la ditte Communaute, suivant la prise de l'invantaire, ou la dite Somme en argent a Son Choi, et pour la bonne Amitiez que les dits futures Epoux se portent, l'un a l'autre ils se font par ces dites presentes, fait dons Mutuel, et reciproque, au survivant d'eux de tous les biens, muebles, et Immeubles, quis appar- tiendront au premier Mourant, pours par le Survivant, en Jouire, Savi durante Sans, etre tenu, de faire Invantaire, ni de randre aucun Comptes aux Enfants, Ni autres H6ritiers; et apres la mort des deux cequi se trouvera, de leurs bien sera partages, entre leurs heritiers, de parts Egals, Suivant, ladite anciene Coutume. Car ainsic sont convenues, les parties, cde bonnes foix Promettans & Obligeans &c Renon- ceant & fait et Passe au Detroit en la Maison dudit Sieur Simon DrouUiard Pdre le vingt deuxi£me Jour de Novembre l'an Mil huit Cents, et ont les parties, faits leurs marques ordinaires, et Scelles, en presence de leurs dits Parens, et amies quis ont aussi signes apres lecture faite, Suivant L'ordonnance; Sa Simon X DrouUiard fils (L.S.) marque Sa Marguerite X Couvillion (L.S.) marque Sa Jean B te X Couvillion Simon Droulliart marque Sa Sa J. B te X DrouUiard Joseph X Cote marque marque Sa Sa J. B te X Lafranboize Joseph X DrouUiard marque marque Sa Sa J. B te X Rousson Louis X DrouUiard marque marque (L.S.) F. D* Bellecour Sa Notaire public 322 Simon X Bertrand marque JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Endorsed: Contrat de Mariage Entre Simon Droulliard ills et Marguerite Couvillion du 22e Novembre 1800 Enr&gistre en mon office r^gistre N° 1, pages 94 et 95, pars moi F. D. Bellecour Translation Detroit Wayne Co. SS BEFORE the notary public of Wayne County, residing in Detroit, appeared in person Simon Drouillard junior,60 relict of the late Archange La Forest, of the first part, and Marguerite Couvillon, relict of the late Jean Anigrothe, of the second part, who, with the advice and consent of relatives and friends hereinafter named—that is, on behalf of the said51 Simon Drouillard junior, were present Simon Drouillard, his father, Marguerite St. Jean Drouillard, his mother, Joseph Cot6, his uncle, Joseph and Louis Baptiste Drouillard, his brothers, Baptiste Rousson, his brother-in-law, J. Baptiste Laframboise, his cousin, Simon Bertrand, also his cousin, Mrs. Josette Drouillard Rousson, his sister, Isabelle Le Beau and Catiche Dufour, sister-in- law—have agreed and contracted for their marriage as follows: The said Simon Drouillard junior and Mar- guerite Couvillion have promised and do mutually promise to take each other in the name and institution of marriage, 50 For the Detroit line of Drouillards see B. H. R., I, 183. Simon Drouillard Jr., the present bridegroom, was a grandson of Jean Drouillard, and a nephew of Pierre, there mentioned. He was born at the South Coast of Detroit (near Sandwich), Feb. 27, 1762, and married there (first), Aug. 19, 1782, Archange La Forest, daughter of Guillaume La Forest and Margaret Tremblay. Archange La Forest was buried in Detroit, Jan. 29, 1797, and on Nov. 24, 1800, Simon Drouillard married (second) Margaret Couvillon, widow of Jean Anigrothe (Anicratte). There were children born of each marriage. See Denissen, op. cit. The marriage record of Drouillard and Margaret Couvillon in Ste. Anne's Church Register describes her as the widow of Jean Mayritte. We are unable to resolve the contradiction with the present document which describes her as the widow of Anigrothe. 51 Simon Amable Drouillard was born in Montreal, March 4, 1734, the son of Jean Drouillard and Elizabeth Rapin, for whom see B. H. R., I, 183. He married in Soulanges, Aug. 29, 1757, Margaret Martin dit St. Jean. They came to Detroit prior to 1762 and re- sided at the South Coast of Detroit. Two children were born before the removal, and ten in Sandwich, the first of these being Simon Drouillard Jr., bridegroom of the present docu- ment. Margaret Martin was buried, Nov. 18, 1803, and on May 14, 1804, Simon Drouillard married (second) Mary Meny, widow of Jean Baptiste Brilliau dit Lesperance andof Michael Houde. He was buried in Detroit on July 26, 1805. Mary Meny was buried there on March 7, 1812. See Denissen, op. cit. 323 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS and to have this celebrated and solemnized before our Mother, the Holy Catholic Church, as soon as convenient and whenever either asks it of the other. They, the future husband and wife, shall hold all property in common, both movable and immovable as acquired, according to the ancient custom of this country, renouncing for that purpose all contrary customs, which, by these presents, they have expressly relinquished and renounced. Nevertheless, the said future husband and wife, either of them, shall not be held responsible for debts made and contracted before their marriage, and any such debts shall be paid and liquidated from the property owned by the one who made and contracted them, the property of the other not being held therefor. The said future husband has endowed and does endow the said future wife with the sum of twenty pounds, New York currency, as dower settlement, to have and to take the same as soon as in every respect reasonable, and this to be secured by any and all property of the said future husband now in his possession. The survivor of the said future husband and wife shall take as his or her portion before any distribution the sum of ten pounds, New York currency, in movable property as priced in the inventory, or the said sum in money, according to choice; and for the good will which the said future husband and wife bear towards each other, they agree by these presents to make mutual and reciprocal gift to the survivor of all property, movable and immovable, which shall belong to the first deceased, for the survivor to enjoy during life without being required to make an in- ventory or to render any account to the children or to other heirs; and after the death of both, whatever property remains shall be divided equally among their heirs, accord- ing to ancient custom. For thus has it been agreed in good faith between the parties, promising, etc., obliging, etc., renouncing, etc. Executed in Detroit, at the house of the said Simon Drouillard senior, the twenty-second day of November, one thousand eight hundred, and the parties have made their accustomed mark, with seals, in the presence of their 324 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS said relatives and friends, who also have signed, after hear- ing the reading hereof according to ordinance. NEGOTIATIONS FOR CUYAHOGA GRANT Grand River 12th January 1801 D r Sir I have fully explained to Captain Brant the Cir- cumstances of the Indian Grants, you have of the Lands, on the South shore of Lake Erie, and as he has wrote you his int[ent]ion to Come up next Spring I shall accompany him and I beg leave to say, that I think it best to keep the meet- ing of the Indians as private as possible, for fear of some people thro some private Views enterfiering, which might make difficulty with the Indians. I have borrowed the map I mentiond to you of Capt Brant, which I wish you to keep safe till his arrival to your place, the mony I owe you, I shall bring with me when I come. With my best thanks for your kindnesses to me I am D r Sir Your very Humble servant A. Jones John Askin Esquire Detroit N. B. Capt Brant wishes the meeting of the Chiefs not to be earlyer than about the first of may or there abouts. A. J. Addressed: John Askin Esquire Detroit Endorsed: Grand d River thJan y 12th 1801 M r A. Jones to Jn° Askin Answ March 20 FROM DAVID W. SMITH TO JOHN ASKIN Yorke 9 March 1801 My dear friend I hope your eyes will be sufficiently re- covered, to read a line from your old acquaintance, & tho I have nothing new to communicate, it will be a satisfaction to you I hope to have it repeated to you, that no new ideas exist in my mind, it bears the same friendship & goodwill towards you it ever did—& I beg you will assure your Son Charles, that I am much obliged by his attention in writing to me. taking me by the hand at Yorke wont do, alone, your land matters cant be settled without taking much beef & pudding with me. the difficult parts much be settled 325 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS over some port wine, & you can have a little bed Chamber to yourself. Some of the 24 & 26 [regiments] were taken in going home, but have been permitted to52 return to England on Parole, giving Hostages. Bunbury has Also been taken, but in a very different way, by a young Girl of 16, to whom he is married. She is the daughter of an Attorny. My Mother unites with me in kind regards to yourself & Mrs Askin. Believe me Much Yours D. W. Smith th York 10 March, 1801 Addressed: John Askin Esquire Amherstsburg on the Detroit recd after Closing Paid 1N4 Paid Endorsed: York d e March th 9 th 1801d D. W. Smith Esquire to Jn°thAskin rec y 17 April Answ same day and Again the 12 May IMPRISONMENT OF ALEXIS LORANGER DEtroit March 13, 1801 Sir I am in Confinement and am not able to call on you. wishe you to be so kind as to Call and See me today and see if I can make any arrangement that will answer you and liberate myself from here as the Cost is increasing and Some body must pay it I am not able to pay the Debt at present but if you will give me time to rase the money I will pay it as Soon as I Can but iff not I must stay where I am and take the benefit of the law that is made and pro- v[id]ed for insolvent Debtors. I am Your most Obedient Humble Serven[t] Elexis Lorange r Addressed: M John Askin Present Endorsed: Prison Detroit d e March th 13th 1801 Alexis Lorange to Jn° Askin Answ y 14 5X Joseph Bunbury was commissioned lieutenant in the Forty-ninth Regiment, Jan. 14,1775, and presumably came to America with his regiment the same year. He was made captain on April 13, 1782, and on Dec. 24,1785, was commissioned captain in the Fifth Regiment. In this capacity he saw service in Detroit, where in August, 1791, he was ap- 326 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS IMPRISONMENT OF ALEXIS LORANGER Detroit March 14th 1801 Sir I have been so unwell as not to have gone to Town for near two Months past, therefore cannot call on you, however by M r Brush, I have let M r Anderson know that we had better come to some arrangement with you. I think you had better say what you have to give. You told my Son & some Others of property you had & would deliver up. I should be glad to know what it was for I have no wish to keep you nor any Man in confinement, longer than is Necessary, yet I beg leave to remark that you are not of that Discription of Debtors that the Law of the Territory will set at Liberty without your creditors consent. I am Sir Your Humble Serv* M r Alexis Lorange Endorsed: Detroit, March 14th 1801 John Askin Senior to M r Alexis Lorange (Copy) T I T L E TO MORAVIAN LANDS London 23d March 1801 Dear Sir, I was favor'd with your letter of the 22d Aug* 1800, about three months ago, after it had travell'd, I believe, all over England, Ireland, and Scotland—and it at last reach'd me by mere accident here in London. The copy of the letter it contains, dated 29 th June 1796 which you did me the favor to write on that date, I never receiv'd; or I certainly should most punctually have answer'd it. The subject on which you have written those letters (the purchase of our lands from the Moravian Missionaries and Indians settled on the Huron River) I am but ill prepar'd pointed by Major John Smith president of a board of survey to report upon the condition of Fort Lernoult and adjoining government property. In 1793 he accompanied the U. S. peace commissioners from Niagara to Detroit; in August, 1794, he was ordered to occupy Turtle Island in Maumee Bay with about one hundred men. The same month he was ordered to proceed to Fort Erie with a detachment of the Fifth Regiment. In 1796 he was appointed Deputy Agent of Indian Affairs for Lower Canada. Data derived from British army lists, passim; documents in Mich. Pio. Colls., and in Simcoe Papers, passim; and Can. Archives, Rep., 1891, p. 138. 327 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS at present to answer, to give all the satisfaction I cou'd wish, as all my papers are in Ireland. But as soon as we had made this Purchase from the Missionaries and Indians, I immediately acquainted Gen1 Hope of it and receiv'd a very favorable answer, assuring me that we shou'd not be interrupted in it; and, I think, I either show'd you this letter, or mention'd the contents to you. And when I went down to Quebec, I mention'd the matter very par- ticularly to General Hope himself; And I remember very well his answer; which was, that tho' Government in general was not favorable to such Grants, but that as we had been at a very considerable expence in this purchase, and on the lands afterwards; (And also paying me some compliments on my conduct during my Command at Detroit, which I dont chuse to mention) that on this Occasion the Grant should be looked upon as valid. And, I think, I wrote to this purpose to you from Quebec before I sail'd for England, but of this I cannot now be certain, after so long a space of time. I shall certainly hope that those Gentlemen, the Com- missioners, when they come to settle those claims, can have no objection to this of ours, so fairly purchas'd; And which at the same time was a great Act of humanity and justice to those Missionaries And Indians; in re-imbursing them for the expences they had been at in their Buildings, And clearing the lands, and a reward for their labour, and which otherwise must have been a total loss to them, on leaving the spot. You have all the papers respecting this purchase with the Missionaries & Indians; Specifying the Sums we paid, And Sign'd by all the Missionaries, and also the Chiefs of Indians, I believe. As also a Correct Survey of the lands taken by M r Frey53 which cost us likewise some money. I have also a Copy of that Survey. From all those circumstances, I can make no doubt of our being perfectly Establish'd in our right—tho [I] regret not having it in my power to have recourse to my Papers and correspondence with General Hope, which I cannot have at present. 53 Lieutenant Phillip R. Fry, for sketch of whose career see B. H. R., I, 226. 328 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Pray, who is this M r Connor who you mention to be in Possession of those lands at present? I never heard of this circumstance before. As I cannot doubt of the justice of the Commissioners of the United States, and theirr clearly deciding in favor of Our claim; I expect this M Connor will be speedily dis- possessed. I request my best Regards to all my remaining friends with you. I am very Sorry to hear of the death of some. With best Respects to your family, I am with much Regard & Esteem Your Sincere friend & Hum. Serv* Wm C. Ancrum P.S. As I cannot at present exactly say where I may be when you may next write to me Direct to, Park-house old Brompton near London, and it will be forwarded to me. Addressed: M r Askin Detroit Endorsed: London March the 23d 1801 [Note on the last page] Recorded in the Land office at Detroit in Liber E. Folio G. &c By me Geo. Hoffman Register IMPRISONMENT OF ALEXIS LORANGER Detroit April the 8th 1801 Dear Sir Your favour of the 2d reached me last night. I will make Enquiry if S* Louis is come, however it will not Answer any purpose Unless you are here when he comes, for to put him in prison is only throwing good money after bad. perhaps we may Even be Obliged to pay something when Lorange is set at Liberty. I have been Unwell for some days past is the reason of my not having settled that matter before now. Indeed I wish you were here at the time for no person can settle business so well as those who gave credit I am Dear Sir your most Obedient Humbe Serv* r M John Askin [Anderson] Merchant Fort Miamis P. S. since writing I have send to Lorange who has given us bad answers & shews so little disposition to do what is 329 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS fair [that] I think we should keep him in as long as we can he depends on the Law setting him free & I think it will not, but you must be at court to Oppose him. Endorsed: John Askin to M r John Anderson At Fort Miamis (Copy) NEGOTIATIONS FOR CUYAHOGA GRANT Grand River 9th April 1801 Dear Sir I wrote you some time ago, but in Case of Mis- carriage, now write you on the same Subject, viz—The business M r Jones went about last fall. I shall leave the thGrand thRiver the 3d of May, and shall be with you on the 10 or 12 at farthest. It will be necessary, to have the Indians Handy, that I might see them & do What is necessary in the affair, so that the Bussiness May be compleated immedeately. M r Augustus Jones joins me in best respects, and I remain Dear Sir your most obedient and very humble Servant Jos. Brant John Arskine Esqr Addressed: John Eskine Esquire, Detroit Endorsed: Grand d e River th April the 9 th 1801 Cap* Brant to Jn° Askin rec y 17 & answered same day. NEWS FROM MONTREAL Montreal 10 Aprile 1801 My dear old friend The day that I forget you will be my last, in the last Hour my wishes shall be for your happiness and that of your family, when the express left this I was absent in the Country which prevented my writing, that was one reason, but my dear Askin my mind is not at ease. I have this seven years been doing but little business, and what I did ended bad. lost by every thing that I toutched, and to mend the matter, a great part of the furs I shiped last fall was by the last ship saild so late that no insurance could be made and she is taken. I am continuing to eat up the little remaining, and unless I die soon there will be 330 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS nothing left. I think I have lived long enough, at a time of life when we should be enjoying the labours of our youth, we are vexed with disapointments and obliged to deprive ourselves of these compforts which we have been accustomed to is a misfortune, however a few years more and we will have no occation for anything and be on a footing with the rest of the World, [four lines cancelled] however providence knows what is best, a dependence on him is a relief against anything, we must all have our Share of misfortunes in this world, it may be necessary to prepare us for another. I will now quit this Melancholy subject and say that me and my family enjoys good health which is one of the greatest blessings we can enjoy in this life. I am sorry to find your eye is so bad that you cannot write, am in hopes it is only a slight disorder and that you will soon recover. Our friend Jo Frobisher a few days ago heard of the Death of his favorite Daughter Mr8 Obrian being burnt to Death by her cloaths taking fire, and my old friend Comodore Grant before you receive this will be informed of Doctr Wrights Death in Jamaca, and his unfortunate Wife who on her returning to her parants, died at New York on her arrival, these are grievous Troubles, but we are all in the hand of the Almighty and he does what seemeth good unto himself, and for our good altho we cant see it. our friend Todd is well much betterr than for some years past. I now will give the politicks. M Pitt and all his friends are out of the ministry and a new sett are in. The Emperor of Russia Denmark Sweden are all at war with great Brittan. Peace between france & the Emperor of Germany. Bonaparta the greatest man in the World. England in Great distress for bread, which has rais'd it up to two dollars here. Jefferson and his Democratic sett Governs America, which will soon bring on a War with Great Britain, the Hudsons Bay sale of Beaver was 20 p r C lower than last year and a bad appear- ance for all furs. Now my dear Askin I have said all I have to say, and given you a true picture of things, which I have never done to any other, and it gives me pain to think that I have [ms. defaced] to communicate more pleasing to your feelings, dont [ms. defaced] something may Turn up when we least espect it. 331 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS I am still in Hopes that you and I will meet somewhere and let what will happen there is nothing in this world will ever deprive me of that friendship & effection which I allways had for you & family. Mra Henry join me in our wishes for every good this world can bestow [I] remain your effectionately Alexander Henry Addressed: To John Askin Esquire, Detroit Endorsed: Montreal April 10th 1801 Alexdr Henry Esqr to Jn° Askin Rec. the 15 & Answd y6 20th May QUEST FOR HATTER'S MATERIALS York 11 th April 1801 Sir This is to introduce to you M r Cozens, a respectable Hatter here in good Custom, who comes to Detroit in Want of Materials, particularly Wool, for carrying on that Busi- ness, and which cannot be procured here, if you can help him with your advice to facilitate his procuring what he wants, you will find him a good young Man, and worthy of a little assistance; but he is a Stranger, and does not under- stand the French Language. I hope to have the pleasure of hearing you are better by Commodore Grant in next Month. I received Charles's very handsome Letter, and am happy he can so write for his Father when it is inconvenient to him. MrB Heward joins me in best Respects to all your Family. I am most truly Your Obedient Hble Servant Hugh Heward John Askin Esquire Addressed: John Askin Esquire Detroit favoured by Mr. Cozens Endorsed: York April 11th 1801 M r Hugh Heward to Jn° Askin Recd May 1 st Answd ye 12th 332 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS NEGOTIATIONS FOR CUYAHOGA GRANT Detroit April the 17th 1801 Dear Sir Your favour of the 9 th ins* reached me today but your former letter I never received. I therefore wrote M r Jones on the 20 th of March last my reasons why the Indians we purchased the Lands of could not be Assembled no doubt he has communicated to you the contents of that Letter as it was meant for that purpose it was undercover to you & sent by a Moravian Minister therefore I think could not have Misscarried. Tho there cannot be a Meeting of the Aforesaid Indians in may next for the purpose you mention, Yet if any Other Business calls you this way I will Always be happy to see you at my House & in the main time Remain Dear Sir, your most Obedient Captain Brant at Grand River Endorsed: DEtroit April 17th 1801 John Askin Senr to Captain Brant (Copy) PROPOSAL FOR OPERATION OF SAGUINAH Detroit April the 20 th 1801 Dear Sir With no Other Intent than to facilitate the Saguinahs Voyage this Summer I think it would better for you to take the whole of the freight & say what you would Allow me let her make Little or much If this agreement takes place I mean to furnish my share for all Repairs & If the Vessell should be lost support my proportion of that also, but I not to pay any part of Cap* Fearsons wages or the crews or have any thing to do with their rations & The Vessell of coars will be Intirely Under your directions & you will send & Employ her as you think fit & the freight I have or can procure you shall get. but I can not keep back M r Geassons goods to wait for her. After you have Examined this matter with M r Park please call in any time & let me have your Answer I am Dear Sir Your most Obed. George Meldrum, Esq r Endorsed: John Askin Senr to George Meldrum Esq r 333 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS INDEBTEDNESS OF JOHN ASKIN Montreal 21 April 1801 Dear Sir We wrote you on the 20th by Mess" Giassen & C° Boats and we are now to attend to your favour of 4 last December being the only letter received from you by the Express in winter, we regret exceedingly & are sorry for your Situation, it could not nor did it enter into our head that in so short time as transactions have passed between us and their small amount that your fixed property must be sold in order to enable you to pay the debt owing to our late firm, we conceived that on settling with Todd McGill & C° you remained with so much property in Goods, Debts & vessells as would put it in your power to be very punctual in future transactions, we have been unfortunately wrong in our opinion and we felt the disappointment more painful than any that had happened for many years which drew from us the remark which seems to have given you pain, we never entertained an Idea that were an accident to hap- pen to you, the fixed property would not be forthcoming but have you reflected on the very unpleasant task that it would be for us to have even the appearance of seventy to the widow of our Friend? we hope and trust that nothing of the kind will ever be necessary, that your health will continue to admitt of your attending to your own affaires & finishing yourself a business which has been productive of vexation to both Parties. We now hand you continuation of your a/c with our late firm the balance on 10 Inst being £2155.18/9 also state of J. Anderson & C° ace* balance against them £35.1.9. & both Currency; of the latter some part will be paid when L* Backwells Bill is discharged; but as yet we cannot say the time and as to your own, you know our expectations and we shall therefore not add at present on that head. We have had Sales of deer Skins from England & unfor- tunately they are very low. we do not think that all the Detroit ones have exceeded 4/6 S* & the charges are not less than 1/2. our Friends the Macgregors are better off by Six pence the skin. As we shall have Goods to go up in Summer & packs to 334 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS come down, we mean everything that is to be landed, to be to your address in hope therefore that if you leave home there will be some person of confidence to act in your absence we have only to add that with great regard We are Dear Sir Your very obed* Servts James & And. McGill & C° John Askin Esqr Addressed: John Askin Esqr Detroit Endorsed: Montreal April the 21 st 1801 James c d & Andw M Gill & C° to John Askin I dont know when rec DEALINGS WITH MORAVIAN INDIANS54 Fairfield May 6th 1801 Sir I received your favour of Apr. 27th by M r Barthe & tried all in my power to settle fairly the Affair respecting what our Indians owe You. You will find how much is set- tled of the debts. I could not get more this year, which you can see by the remarks I wrote to the Account. Samuel was not home, but as much as I know he had nothing at present to pay with. It is a very hard thing to collect old Debts by the Indians, because they look upon old Debts, as if they were paid. Therefore I will recomand to You, to give no Indian much upon Credit. Their intention is to pay, when they take the Goods, but they do not consider, if they ever will be able, to do it. If You wish to continue trading with them, the best would be, that You send early in the Spring a Boat with Goods here & give the Man, who sells the Goods strict Orders, to give nothing out upon trust & to fetch the corn directly down. Because it is very difficult to save up Corn here, during the summer on account of the vermin. We know out of experience, that no Indian understands [how] to trade. In the Beginning they pay good, but at last both the Merchant & the Indian will loose thereby. It is the same now with Ludwig. He died 2 years ago & left many Debts, which are now demanded of his poor widow. The 54 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 335 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Missionaries can not mettle [meddle] with trading. Because in the first place it is hurtfull to their character as Mission- aries. This was the case of one of our former Missionaries, who upon that Account had to leave the Mission. And then, we have no leisure at all to attend to it. I could show you it plainly, if we would have to see You once here on a Visit. Let me assure You, that I sometimes do not know, how to get time, to do all what belongs to my business & besides that I have to learn a very difficult language. Respecting the Goods Mr Barthe left with Jacob last Year, I send You a Statement. M r Barthe takes the next down You will receive by This Opportunity the Corn & some skins, which are paid for it. Only 8 quart of Salt were not paid to Jacob. How much Corn you will get I do not know as yet, but I will mention it, before I close the letter. Jacob told our people that you wished they should add some Corn more for the Goods had of him, because You could not take the Corn for more than 4/ per Bush. Some came to me & asked me if the[y] should pay for the Goods twice. I told them Your meaning, but They said, if they had known it, that You would take the Corn only for 4/ they would never have bought any of the Goods, because they could sell that time their Corn for 6/ here on the River. Wheat is very scarce in the town & only few raise some. So are skins, because our people dont hunt much. I am very sorry that I could not accomplish the business to Your Satisfaction, but I am not able to do more, as I did. I have to add, that Jacob was obliged to throw away 15 Bush of Corn, which were quite spoiled by the Vermin. You will be so kind as to settle with Jacob in such a Manner, that he will have no damage by it, as it gave him much trouble. Jacob had some Coffee & suggar from Charles Askin to trade with. He sends some skins for the payment & the next as you will find in the other Paper. Anne Mary (Molly) askes me to write you, that she had given 2 Bush of Wheat to Mr Barthe as a payment for Goods which she took last Year in Detroit. We took from the Goods an Ax for £1, & an Adze £1 and a Scythe 8/ And as we have no corn to spare & sold our wheat, Mr Denke will settle it, when he goes down to Detroit 336 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS this year. Some little Things I took & paid in Wheat. We send by this Opportunity some Suggar as a little present to Mr8 Askin & I will put to it some seeds of Spanish Beans & of a very good kind of Pumpkins. If our Indians had returned from Muskingum I would had the pleasure, to send Mr8 Askin more Garden seeds but they did not arrive as yet I am much obliged to Mrs Askin for the 2 twigs of Rose- trees, which she had the kindness to send me by Mr. Denke. I inoculated them in wild Rosebushes & they seem to thrive well. Mr8 Oppelt sends her Compliments to Mr & Mru Askin wherein I join her I remain with much Esteem Sir Your most Obed* Humble Servant Gottfr. Seb. Oppelt P. S. Because M r Barthe could not load all the Corn left with Jacob at once, but means to send up a canoe or two from M r Trexelers to load the remainder, therefore I could not now mention the correct Number of Bushels & must postpone it till all is loaded. Addressed: Mr. John Askin Sen. Esqur Detroit Endorsed: Fairfield May d e 6thth 1801 dthee Rev,erand th Mr Oppell to Jn° Askin Recv y 12 Answ y 13 Contents Entd AFFAIRS OF COMMODORE GRANT Amherstburgh May 14th 1801 My dear Sir I have been this two days anxiously looking out for you & M r Robertson, hearing that both of you was coming down, about an hour ago, old Maisonvill come in and delivered me two letters from Gross Point which made me happy having not heard from there since I come down. M r Maisonvill told me that M r Baby had more letters from you to me; I imagine by that that you are not coming down nor Robertson. The Ottawa Sails for certain to morrow And if the wind is fair that in the morning. My dear Sir I shall beg the favor c of you to consult M rs Grant and answer Doctor M Costrie letter as soon as possible. From the length of time it has been wrote, he 337 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS will naturally think it is our neglect, mention the time we received it. I shall write to M r Francis Baby to direct the two Bat- talions to assemble when I mention'd to you before Please send him the regulation and the Copie of the return to be made the 4 th of June.rB M r Duff Just arrived from Sandwich. Endeavour to get M Grant for a few days tor your house, and then send her to stay [a] few days at M Duffs.65 It will do her a deal of good. rs The Ottawa are loaded with flour, make my love to M Askin and Compliments to M r Robertson. Jhon [John] your Son told me he comes Soon by land to York I shall hear from you by him. I had a letter to day from Captain McKee mentioning his putting off going down till the Francis or next Vessel Sail'd Its a doubt with me thif he do's not put it off for good & all. 5 oClock Friday 15 It looks a rainy dirty morning. I have the Commissions for Barthe & John. Youl please to make out Barths Company Sencerely yours A Grant h Endorsed: Amherstburgh May 14 1801 Commodore Grant to Jn° Askin. RESPONSE TO ISABELLA GRANT'S SUITOR Detroit May the 14th 1801 Sir Your r letter dated the 8th Feby last directed to Alexr Grant Esq was received by him not long since and as he goes to morrow with some other of the Council for York is hurried therefore, has requested of me to answer it which I do conformable to their M r & M rs Grants sentiments and what they say the Young Ladys are. Theirs are never to force the inclination of their Children unless when the choice is very improper and as they do not think that the case in the present instance & they find their Daughters 55 Phillis (Felicity) Grant, born, Aug. 29, 1782, married Alexander Duff, Jan. 20, 1801. He was the son of Rev. William Duff of Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and had lived in Detroit for some years prior to the American occupation. He was subsequently barrack master in Amherstburg, where he died in June, 1809, and was buried in Christ Church yard. He and Mrs. Duff had three children, and their descendants are still found in Amherstburg. Information adapted from biography of Alexander Grant in Ont. Hist. Soc, Papers and Records, XXII, 177, and mss. in B. H. Coll. 338 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS attachment still the same I'm authorized by them to say you may come here when you think fit and on their part you will not find any Opposition to the union you so much wish for. I am Sir Your Most Obed* Humble Servant Doctor McCoskrey56 in Camp on the borders of the Ohio 16 mils below Masac Endorsed: c Detroit May 14th 1801 Jn° Askin to Doctor M Coskrey (Coppy) PROPERTY OF WILLIAM ROBERTSON Detroit 26th May, 1801 Dear Sir, You have often heard of the delay & great amount of my outstanding debts in this quarter, & of the obstacles to their recovery. I am persuaded you know me too well to suppose any of my remarks, in the course of our different conversations, could have had any allusion to the balance you owe me. You have unfortunately experienced those delays & those obstacles yourself, & probably, in a greater extent than I. From a knowledge of you, for now near twenty years, I am convinced of your honour & integrity; & that as soon as you recover, even a part of those debts, or realise a part of the value of those lands you hold, you will be in a situation to do ample justice to your affairs; & I have not the least doubt of the rectitude of your own intentions, as will appear by the enclosed paper. I 56 William McCoskry was born in Carlisle, Pa., about the year 1763. From 1778 to 1782 he served as surgeon's mate in the corps of Artillery Artificers, created by order of General Washington in 1777. He was surgeon's mate in the levies of 1791 and was present at St. Clair's defeat on November 4 of that year. He served subsequently in Wayne's campaign and came to Detroit with the American troops in 1796. A prior visit had been made in 1793 when he accompanied the Quaker peace delegation from Niagara to this place (journal of Joseph Moore, in Friend's Miscellany, VI, 298, 311). He evidently re- mained here long enough for the romance with which the present document deals to bud. It did not bear fruit, however, for in January, 1803, Isabella Grant became the wife of William Gilkison of Sandwich and in due course bore him eleven sons. McCoskry resigned his army commission in February, 1802. He subsequently took up private practice in Detroit, living for many years in a house on the corner of Woodbridge and Randolph streets. Here he died, May 16, 1831. On Sept. 21, 1814, he married Felicite Levasseur, who was born in Sandwich, Jan. 29, 1782, the daughter of Pierre Levasseur and Marie Ann Leseur. They had two children, a daughter, Felicite, and a son, Alfred. A nephew of Dr. McCoskry was Bishop Samuel A. McCoskry. Data derived from sketch in Proc. of Land Board of Detroit, 209-10; Heitman, Reg. U. S. A.; Assumption Church Register; obituary note in Detroit Democratic Free Press and Michigan Intelligencer, May 19, 1831; and papers of William McCoskry preserved in B. H. Coll. 339 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS think I may pay the same tribute to those who may succeed you; & with accompanying that tribute, with a confidence they will justify my expectation, & that of those who may suceed me. As long as I am on the spot, or in this country, I can act in my own affairs myself, as I think best; those that might succeed me, might, possibly not know you or your family so well as I have had occasion to do. It is therefore I enclose you this paper (alluded to above) for your own satisfaction; because I have some thoughts of going to Europe for my health, but am by no means finally determined to go further than the city of Quebec to see my little daughter. I will thank you to pay attention to those matters pointed out in my note of 23d instant, as well as to any others that m[a]y occur in my absence relating to my own personal affairs & lands in this country, or under our government of Upper Canada; where I hope soon my claims for lands will be completed, as they are now in a train of adjustment by the commissioners report & the activity of the Legislative (Executive I should have said) Council. If my time permit[s] me to go to York I shall endeavour to stimulate their exertions, on this point; either by speaking to His Excellency, to whom I have for some years had the honour of being personally known; or, by memorial to his Executive Council; at all events, do me the favour to reiterate my claims to the commissioners who may come up this summer. Knowing how well you are acquainted with the affairs of this quarter in general, and of my own, I think it unnecessary to detain you by being more par- ticular. I therefore conclude, with assurances of esteem & regard, & remain, Dear Sir, Your very humble Servant, William Robertson N.B. Some papers from the U. States that have lately come in, & which I have been looking over, have taken away somewhat from the keenness of my appetite for a voyage to my native country. France, Holland, Swisser- land, Italy, Egypt, Spain; Denmark, Sweden, & above all, Russia, combined against us! tis too much! Some of those Chaps may take me & Lucy, and carry us the Lord 340 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS knows wither. I believe I had better stay on this side the water, for the present; & keep out of their way. To John, Askin, Esqr Endorsed: Letter & inclosure to John Askin, Esqr from W. R. RELATIVES OF JOHN ASKIN 57 Detroit May the 26h 1801 Dear sir Your very kind Letter dated the 16 June last at Drimcar reached me so late, that I could not have answered it before the winter Express left this in February & then my Eyes were so sore that I could not. I'm sorry you are disapointed in not finding the Brother you so tenderly seek for I'm the son of a James Askin of [Strabane] in the north of Ireland neither him or any of his Family I Ever heard of has come to this Country & I'm sorry to say I fear they are all dead Except a Sister which I hear is in England I was brought up with my Grandfather John Rae within a mile & an half of Dungannon & on his Death came to rthise Country.58 It gives me great pleasure to hear that M M Clintock was well. I Esteemed him very much, he was a Good Clerk and a worthy young man. I [am] sorry he did not stay with me & take a part of my Business If you see him after you receive this, please Asure him of my best wishes. I remain with much Esteem Dear Sir Your most Obedient very humble Servant r M James Erskin at Drimcar near Dunleer County of Leith Ireland AFFAIRS AT GRANT CASTLE Detroit June the 2d 1801 My Dear sir Several Letters which I wrote you are still here Owing to M r Robertson's having lost his Passage both 57 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 58 Probably James MeClintock, a former clerk of Askin, who subsequently returned to Ireland. 341 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS in the Thames & Nancy By the Charlotte who I Expect Every hour he certainly will go &59 take this & the Other Letters with him. Johny rs Askin was at Gross Point Yesterday & by him M Grant desires I may write you to get the Child60 from New York by all means & [send her] up here, in this I think she is rsvery [sensible], she also wishes that no part of the late M Wrights Cloths may be sold but that M r McComb may be 61 directed to forward them to the rs[this] Place. Johny Grant is just come down all well. M Duff at Gross Point, all here well I wrote Doctor McCroskey long since. In haste Your most truly Commodore Grant at York Endorsed: Detroit June the 2d 1801 John Askin Senior to Commodore Grant at York Coppy NEWS FROM QUEENSTON Queenstown June 15th 1801 My Dear Sir * * * *62 I am on a great many Accounts happy that you have decided to remain at Detroit as upon mature reflection I think it more to your advan- tage, and in coming here you would be quite at a loss from the unfortunate state of Contention and Strife in which our little Society is at present involved, and from which I see no Prospect of being Soon Extricated. As I have been a principal though unwillingly in bringing matters to this Crisis I would from a desire to Explain to You my motives and reasons give you a detail of particulars, but as the matter has been by me laid before a Court of Justice I defer biassing any of my friends and trust to a 59 Jean B. Askin, for whose career see B. H. R., I, 69. 60 Therese Wright, the Commodore's granddaughter, for whom see ibid., 461. 61 John (Jean) Grant was an adopted son of Alexander Grant. He was brought to De- troit about the year 1781 by a Chippewa war party, returning from a raid upon the Ameri- can frontier. He was then a child of about three years of age, and ignorant alike of his name and his birthplace. The Grants purchased the waif, gave him a home and name, and reared him to manhood. In 1803 he married Judith Campau of Detroit. He lived at Grosse Pointe until an advanced age and reared a large family. See Burton Hist. Coll. Leaflet, VI, 78; and sketch in Wis. Hist. Colls., Ill, 299 ff. 6x The portion of the letter here omitted deals with various matters of but slight present-day interest. 342 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Verdict of my Country for a Vindication of my Conduct. I have however requested Captain Gilkison, who is acquaint- ed with the merits of the business, to give you an account of it. I had a Jaunt to Pittsburgh this Spring and there met a Number of Your very old acquaintances, all of whom ask'd very cordially about You, & It gave me real pleasure to give them Satisfactory Answers to their enquiries. By some of our Niagara Papers now forwarded you will see the debates of the wise men at York, they are not very elegantly reported and are only interesting from their immediate relation to Ourselves. M r Clark left this for Kingston & Montreal on the 26h Ultimo, he is building a Kentucky Boat at the former place, in which he intends going to Quebec with 350 Barrels of Our flour, it will (I imagine) be the first Boat of the kind that ever descended the Saint Lawrence and interests all the Mercantile people of this part of the Country very much, it has I imagine left Kingston by this time, and I think we shall have accounts of its destiny in about a fortnight.63 The Quantity of Flour going down this year from the District of Niagara is immense, say upon a moderate calculation Five thousand Barrels, which for the first Year s really very great, we have taken great pains to have ours of a good quality and I think it will command a good price. The prospects of good Crops next Harvest are really flattering but I sincerely hope (though against my own interest) that the Same calamity may never again happen in any Part of the world. #64 * * 63 For the outcome of this experiment see post, 353. The Kentucky boat, or "broad- horn," was the chief vehicle of freight transportation on the western rivers of the United States until displaced by the advent of the steamboat. "They were," says Hulbert, great, pointed, covered hulks carrying forty or fifty tons of freight and manned by almost s many men. They were the great freighters of the larger rivers, descending with the cur- ent and ascending by means of oars, poles, sails, and cordelles—ropes by which the craft was often towed from the shore." See Archer B. Hulbert, Waterways of Westward Expan- ion: The Ohio River and Its Tributaries (Cleveland, 1903), 113 ff. 64 The section omitted is devoted to comments by the writer upon the course of the European war. 343 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS 16th I this moment learn that Doctor Richardson and his Family arrived last night at Fort George on their way to S* Josephs where they are to be Stationed. You will therefore have a Visit from them in a Short time which will I am Sure give you all great pleasure, though that will receive some alloy from the dreary prospect they have before them however66as Lieut Cowell65 the intended Commandant & Doctor Lee the Garrison Surgeon are both married men, the Society will be rather better than it has hitherto been. I hope My Dear Sir that you will let me hear from you by every convenient opportunity, and be assured that I shall ommit none, on my part to testify my Esteem & respect In requesting an Affectionate remembrance to my young Friends, and my very respectful Compliments to Mr8 and the Miss Askins, I fulfill a very pleasing duty, and in assur- ing you of my sincere regard I always am My Dear Sir, Your Obliged Humble Servant Rob* Nichol Addressed: John Askin Esquire Merchant Detroit Endorsed: Queenston June 15h 1801 M r Rob* Nichol to Jn° Askin recvd ye 27th Answd July 8h STATUS OF VINCENNES DEBTORS John Askin Esquire, Detroit. Sir Your Letter of the 6 May last has been received; a double of its inclosure had been already transmitted. The real Estate of the late Paul Gamelin has been sold by the Sheriff, and I became purchaser of the greater part of it, because it did not rise to near the value in my opinion. 65 Robert Cowell was commissioned lieutenant in the Queen's Rangers, June 19, 1793. In 1796 he was stationed at Fort Chippewa. His command of St. Joseph had terminated prior to January, 1804, when Capt. Alexander Clerk had charge of that post. On Sept. 10, 1803, he was commissioned captain in the Fourth Battalion of Reserves. See British army- lists, passim; Mich. Pio. Colls., XXIII, passim; and Simcoe Papers, IV, 344. 66 William Lee, hospital mate, was appointed to St. Joseph Island in the spring of 1801 to succeed Dr. David Brown, whose health had failed. On Nov. 29, 1803, Mrs. Lee died at St. Joseph, leaving three small children, and Dr. Lee asked to be relieved in order to convey his children to Quebec. He was still at St. Joseph in July, 1804, and in November, 1805, he testified before a court of inquiry in Amherstburg. Presumably he is identical with William Lee Sr. who served as surgeon of Canadian militia in the War of 1812, and died in York, July 1, 1833, aged seventy years. See Mich. Pio. Colls., XXIII, passim, and Irving, op. cit., 34. 344 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS The Governor purchased a part, and I am in expectation of disposing of my purchase, which was made for your use, to him at an advance, payable at a period not very distant. A few acres near the Town were well sold, which will put me in Cash for Costs. After I shall have entered satisfaction for so much, at our August Court, I shall transmit the Judgment to you, that you may obtain Execution in your Court of Common Pleas to sell the Tract of Four Arpents by Forty, situate at Monguagon, granted by Belle"tre to Paul Gamelin, of which the W° [widow] has delivered me the Grant agreeably to her proposition. Of the great Sum, proposed by the W° to be ceded to you whereof the Vouchers have been received by me as your Agent, but a Small part I am sorry to inform you will ever be received. I have in the Instance of Laderoute who owed 40001*, taken his Note with Interest payable to you, and to enable him to pay I have aided him in establishing his claims to land, which will soon be acted on by the Governor The amount realised, and there is not more to be expected, on the Mortgage [of] Bergand to Adhemar which was for about 9000tt does not authorise the conclusion you have suggested in your Postscript. The mortgaged Property of Pelletier in the list you enclosed, was, soon after the execu- tion of that act, abandoned by him, and there is nothing remaining but the bare Lot, which will not sell for 25 Dollars. He is out of this Country and has not any other property in it. I have determined for your Interest, not to commence suits except in cases which apparently will Justify it. Before I instituted that against the Admr of Bosseron I proposed to settle on terms which I believed equitable, and which certainly would have been approved by you, but he tho't otherwise. The points on which we differed were,' the value of livres, owing to an ambiguous wording of one of the Obligations, and the In* on all. I insisted that three of them equalled a Dollar, he contended for four. Upon condition he admitted my construction & agreed to relinquish half the In* provided he would empower DuBois to pay you in May last at Detroit or me here in Cash, which I had reason to think and believe he would have acceded to, in consequence of Stipulations with his 345 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Correspondants for Peltry. I made those proposals last year to the Admr who I believe would have closed with me, had not his n Partner in trade and brotherinlaw, who has taken adm on the Estate of the W° Bosseron with a view of absorbing the Estate in satisfaction of her mariage Contract, to the injury of the Creditors, prevailed on him to suffer himself to be sued, which I immediately bro't and expect to have Judgment at August Term, before any other. DeBois then was very incorrect indeed when he informed you he was one of the Jury and that the Judgment was about 800 Dollars. It is yet uncertain what it may be: I shall use every exertion to encrease it; and I have the pleasure to acquaint you that there is property to satisfy it, of which you shall be duly informed. Meeting with Suther- land was a fortunate circumstance, which put it in my power to remit you in Cash. I shall be extremely happy to comply with your wishes in transmitting you Bills or Cash in my future remittances. It will be necessary that you and the others concerned in Gamelins Debt should inform me of your respective shares. I shall keep seperate Accounts for your and Adhemars Matters, which are in my knowledge, but I am unacquainted with the shares in that Debt. It is not with M. Vigo as you have been told, he will not have property to pay his Debts; and what is worse he is not very solicitous to pay them I called on him this morn- ing, having long before communicated your answer as it regarded him, and asked him when you should expect money; he replied that I knew he had none, that his situa- tion did not admit of transacting business so as to collect any, and that he expected a little more indulgence. I intimated that I would accept of some Town Lots he owns, and altho' I was not authorised by you, that I would accept of some land and Obligations I knew he had for your Debt, but he waived the subject and plainly hinted that you must wait a while. Should the Miamis Company distress him, he will not have any property to pay you. I have determined if they direct suit to be bro't against him; which they will probably do 'ere long, to engage him to admit your Debt in Judgment before that due to the Company; and in the mean time I shall endeavour to secure it for you. 346 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS I have obtained Judgment against the Sister of Renaud67 your Debtor, she inherited of her brother. On his n death his sister's Husband who is now dead obtained adm from an unauthorised Court formerly at this Place, and took possession of his Effects. He had two valuable Slaves besides a considerable parcel of Pelleteries which he was conducting to Detroit I presume for you. I believe Vigo acted then for you. The Slaves were vendued and Vigo and Col. Hamtramck purchased them much below their value. The Sister who is ignorant has assured me of this and that she and her Husband were much deceived at the disappointment of not receiving any Thing, from so con- siderable an Estate. Three years before I was entrusted with by you to manage your business in this Country this Woman sold me four hundred acres of land which The United States had granted to her brother as a head of a Family in the Illinois; and I had paid her for it. Now it is possible that our Courts would determine that the lands of Renaud should be liable for his debts altho' the Heir had sold them bona fide before suit bro't. These consider- ations have not deterred me from sueing the Sister, who may not be able to pay your demand, nor repay me the price of her brothers land. I shall issue an Execution in due time; but I shall expect your Instructions in so peculiar a Circumstance, before I proceed on the Execution against the land. With great regard, I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most Obed* and much obliged h1 Serv* Will. McIntosh Postvincents 15. June 1801. Endorsed: c Post Vincent dJune I5thh 1801 dMer Wthm M Intosh to Jn° Askin recv July 9 Answ y 27 . GIFT OF SITE OF STRABANE ACKNOWLEDGED Detroit June the 24th 1801 My Dear sir Your very kind Letter dated theth 15th May last reached me Yesterday. That r of the 12 April I answered fully by our good friend M Robertson In a short 67 Antoine Renaud, for whom see B. H. R., I, 320. 347 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS time I will send you ready for Execution the deed of Gift which your unbounded Friendship dictates you to make.68 I hope your reward will be in a better world In this I know you neither Expect nor wish to have any. however should the wheel of fortune bring me or mine up in a future day we will talk over this matter on an other footing. You have my most Sincere Thanks as well as those of John for your Application in his behalf to his Excellency General Hunter whether the Appointment takes place or not I hope his Conduct in Office should it take place will never give you cause to repent having been his Security.69 In general we are tolerable well, but I'm Often ailing tho hot weather [agrees] with me best. We jointly wish that happiness may be your Lot here & hereafter Adieu my Dear Friend Your most truly Isaac Todd Esquire at Montreall Endorsed: r Detroit June the 24th 1801. John Askin Sen to Isaac Todd Esquire Merchant Montreall Copy INDEBTEDNESS OF WILLIAM SMITH 29th June 1801 Sir after my Respects to you I must inform you that I'am Now in Jail for a Writ of five hundred Dollars Damages in your favour I have [torn] thing to Observe to you that Is you Will please to inform me What these Damages is if you Do not inform me that immediately I Shall observe to you that my Resolution is this that I mean Either to Lis't as a Soldier or take the Benefit of the Act for I am not Able to Support myself here in prison I have Suffered a Long time over the River in the prison and have Ex- pended] all my property your answer to this or your person present at this prison Will oblige your humbl[e] Svt William Smith John Askins Esqre 68 The land given was the tract opposite Belle Isle on which Askin, on removing from Detroit, built his home, Strabane. 69 The allusion is to the position of collector of customs at Amherstburg, which John Askin Jr. held from 1801 to 1807. 348 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Addressed: John Askins Esqr present Endorsed: Detroit d June th the d29th 1801 Wm Smith to John Askin rec the 29 & answ same date. INDEBTEDNESS OF WILLIAM SMITH Sir I have sued you for a debt, good[s] furnished & never paid for, and not Damages, and if you do not make me some payment out of your wages, I will not set you at liberty & perhaps you may find yourself mistaken both as to being a Soldier or geting the benefit of [the] act Yr Humble Serv* June 29th 1801. Endorsed: m Detroit June 29th 1801. John Askin Senior to W Smith. (Copy) INDEBTEDNESS OF WILLIAM SMITH 29 June 1801 d Sir I Rec your answer to my first this morning inform- ing me that it was Dept that I am sude for Sir please to Bring forward your ac[c]t and Settle With me and if Right I Will pay you one half of my Wages on Sight & the other half I must pay to M r Gowy70 I Will Do any thing that is Right With my Creditors I hope you Will understand me and Come and See me or inform me of the ac[c]t in Righting Dont Delay the Business Look on my family and you as a man of feeling of thare Distress you Will Certainly Rather Deliberat[e] me from prison than keep me in Confinement Whare I Can Earn nothing Reflect Call and See me I Remain your Obt Humble Sert William Smith John Askins Esqr Endorsed: Detroit June 29 1801 William Smith to John Askin Senior recd the 29th no answer made 70 Probably Robert Gouie of Sandwich, for whose career see B. H. R., I, 308. 349 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS ACTIVITIES IN YORK York July 4th 1801 My dear M r Askin Your several letters both by Robert- son & maisonvill are received by me, which has made me very happy being the first intellengence received from rs[your] place Since my departure; Only a short letter from M Grant the 20th of may. Robertson & Maisonvill arrived here the day before yesterday, poor Robertson, as he tells me and in- deed his looks and appearance showr it; that he had been near deaths door for four days at M Hamilton at Q—town And that it was a mericle his escape I suspect he & maisonvill has been keeping up the ball freely All the oppertunity I have had yet of speaking to His Excellency Since I received your letters, was only to make him your most profound respects. And that you was happy that the Complaint made to your disadvantage, was made to a gentleman of generousity and Candore. His Answer was he never gave it the least credit, And he was glad you keept your health Clauss,71 McKee and Selby are all here now. Selby stays with us, as I may say. the old lady72 and David are as civil and kind to me as possible. I am much indeed pressed for the Returns of the militia of our County by the General. Why in the name of god did not M r F. Baby send them down by maisonvill; Your militia business I had no oppertunity yet to speake to the Gener1 or Major Green about We are very much hurryed, or Confined to business in our Legis- lative Capacity owing at the begining of the Session every thing were keept the most of the time in a Confusion, from 71 Colonel William Claus, son of Daniel Claus and grandson of Sir William Johnson. William was born in Williamsburg, N. Y., Sept. 7, 1765. His mother was Ann (Nancy) Johnson, and one of his uncles was Sir John Johnson, one of the most noted loyalists of the Revolution, and after 1783, Superintendent-General of Indian Affairs in North America. By reason of his family connections, Claus enjoyed the confidence of the Iroquois, and on June 13, 1796, he was appointed Superintendent of Indian Affairs at Niagara. On the death of Colonel Alexander McKee, in 1799, Claus succeeded him as Deputy Superinten- dent-General and Deputy Inspector-General of Indian Affairs. He died at Niagara, in 1826. See Simcoe Papers, IV, passim; Carnochan, Hist, of Niagara, passim; and Irving, op. cit. 7Z Apparently Mrs. Smith, widow of Major John Smith, for whose career see B. H. R., I, 407, 441. 350 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS the members of the lower house (of which many new ones) were continually bringing forward their receiving their wages out of the treasurary, which would not be admitted of by the Upper house. We imagene once from this disposition of the lower house no business would be gone through at all But the good Sense, prudence, And mangement of our friend David Smith Speaker brought within this few days matters about with good feeding [feeling] of them &c. &c. that every thing will in few days be finished to the Satisfac- tion of the Country & Governor &c. &c. Yesterday there was an election for a member in place of Judge Alcock, who tryed every means and did not leave a Stone unturned to keep his Seat but could not—tho the House and 73 principle c Gent™ wished c much his 75 remaining—Smal Plater, M Aully74 & Angus M Donald were Candidets. the latter, by a ma- jority of about 200, are elected Our friend Hamilton finding Robertson upon his arrival here in such debilitated state applyed immediately to the General for the schooner Toronto to bring them over to niagara You cannot imagine the Change in R. looks since I saw him at your house. I have not heard from Macomb since I wrote him the 23d 73 Apparently George Playter, a native of England who lived many years in Phila- delphia. Here he became a Quaker and married a woman of this sect, but on the out- break of the Revolution he abandoned his Quaker creed and enlisted as a loyalist for mili- tary service. The date of his removal to Upper Canada we have not learned, but presum- ably the removal was a consequence of the service noted. He was living in Toronto as late as 1821. He had a family of several sons and one daughter. Data adapted from Scadding, Toronto of Old, 287-88, et passim. 74 Probably Dr. James Macaulay, army surgeon. He was born in Scotland in 1759, and became surgeon in the Thirty-third Regiment about the year 1785. He came to Upper Canada with the Queen's Rangers and was stationed at Kingston and Niagara. He was subsequently appointed deputy inspector general of hospitals. In 1790 he married Eliza- beth Hayter, by whom he had several sons and daughters. One son became colonel of the Royal Engineers; another a clergyman; another an attorney; and another Chief Justice of Common Pleas of Upper Canada. In 1817 Dr. Macaulay married (second) Rachel Crook- shank. He removed from Niagara to Toronto when the capital was established there, and seems to have resided there until his death, the date of which has not been learned. James Street and Teraulay Street are named in his honor. Data adapted from ibid., 307, et passim and Robertson, Diary of Mrs. John Graves Simcoe, 118-19. 75 Allan MacDonell was a native of Scotland who, in 1773, settled in the Mohawk Val- ley. He was a loyalist in the Revolution, and at its close migrated to Canada, locating in Glengarry County on the St. Lawrence. He died in 1792. Angus MacDonell, his eldest son, became an attorney, and in 1792 was appointed the first clerk of the Legislative As- sembly of Upper Canada. An account of this election to the legislature is given by Scad- ding in his Toronto of Old, 249, and of his death on 293. He was drowned in Lake Ontario, Oct. 7, 1804, when the Speedy was lost. See Scadding, op. cit., and Wallace, op. cit. 351 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS of may from Queenstown I expect to hear from him every day. I wish sincerely the Child could arrive before I left Niagara for the upper Country The Chief gos up for certain and in all probability, he & I will keep Company his mother is come from England and at his house I had a letter yester- day from Major Green regarding the Return of the militia for June last. I shall inclose it to Francis Baby for god sake speak to him to send the Return. This letter go's by Captain Elliot—I had not a line from my family which surprizes me. My love as ussual to Mrs Askin, Alice Charles James &c. &c. Friday I think monday we will be dismissed. The Captain had been here seven or eight days before Therese come over she being prevaild on to stay at Captain Clauss's. She is here now but says she never will [torn] be- hind him Again, her absence from him Changed her [torn] for the worse, he gos on as usual taken every [torn] Ga—us & others of that stamp are his attendance Yours with every kind [torn] for all of you. god almighty may bless you Say Alexr Grant Compts to Johnny & his ladie. John Askin P. S. The Glorious news of Copenheagon and Gener1 Abercrombie76 ho-ra ho-ra for old England A Grant Remember me to our American friends at Detroit A G. Addressed: John Askin Esqr Detroit favored by Cap- tain Elliot Endorsed: York July 4h 1801 Commodore Grant to Jn° Askin recvd ye 10th 76 Sir Ralph Abercromby (1734-1801), the foremost British general of his time, was given the task in October, 1800, of driving the French out of Egypt. On March 21, 1801, he decisively defeated the French army, but was himself fatally wounded, dying on March 28. See Diet. Nat. Biog. 352 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS FROM ROBERT NICHOL TO JOHN ASKIN Queenstown July 25th 1801 Dear Sir * * * * You may perfectly rely on every Exertion in my power to Procure freight for any Vessell in which you may be interested, but at present there is not a Single package of Chance freight on the Communication, nor is there any expected that I know of. all that I can do shall be done and [I] hope that something may turn up. Two days ago I had a letter from M r Clark, he arrived at Montreal with his Ark containing 340 Barrels Flour in 10 Days from Kingston, and has proceeded with it to Quebec where I hope he will sell it to advantage. He is much pleased with the Mode of conveyance, and I presume from the very great Saving, it will be generally adopted. You will See by the Niagara paper that Parlia- ment have taken the Hemp Business into consideration and have determined to give the Culture of that article every Supportr in their power, for this we are much in- debted to M Selby's Exertions at York, for without the Steps which he took the Business would have fallen to the ground; Your Estate on the Lake S*Clair appears to me well calculated for the growth of that article and I think you & M r Barthe should make an Experiment with four or five Acres of it the Expence will not be great & the profit is certain I have st forwarded to Mr8 Askin the News papers: and the 1 Volume of the History of England to Charles, the others shall follow in a few days & I hope he will make a good use of them There is no prospect of getting any price in Cash for Sugar, therefore [I] don't think it advisable for you to Send any down, as the risk of its lying a long time on hand is almost certain We would take a quantity of Cyder from you provided we could make payment in any other manner than Cash for that is not to be had. if it would suit you to Barter it for Salt or Whiskey We would take Twenty or Thirty Barrels at all events Send us two of your own making for Home Consumption and let it, if you please, be put into Sweet Barrels. 353 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS To Your Family I request you will present my Sincere regards, they always have my best wishes and in Assuring you of my respectful Attachment I remain—Dear Sir Your Obliged Friend & very Humble Serv* Rob Nichol Addressed: John Askin Esquire Merchant Detroit Endorsed: Queenston d July h 25th 1801d Mr Rob* Nichols to Jn° Askin recv the 8 Aug* Answ in part same day Answd Aug* the 12th INFORMATION ON CULTURE OF HEMP Detroit August 8th 1801 Dear sirth Im this Instant favoured with Your kind Letter of the 25 last month & as the Saguinah is just going to Sail & that Im Anxious to adopt any mode of Lime [living] by which I can honestly make a profit, Please let me know what is the proper soil for Hemp how & when plowed & prepared; when to be sown & Ever[y] Other Information to the culture thereof & also provide & point out to me how I can get seed. In haste Dear Robert Yours truly M r Robert Nichol at Queenston Endorsed: Aug* 8th 1801. John Askin Sr to Robert Nichol Merchant Coppy INFORMATION ON CULTURE OF HEMP Queenstown Aug* 20th 1801 My Dear Sir I hasten to reply to your favor of the 8h instant respecting the Culture of Hemp as I consider it at present an Object of vast Magnitude to your part of the Country. Yet as my present Engagements will (for at least some time to come) prevent me from Entering So much into detail on the business as I could wish—I forward a Volume—the property of our Agriculture Society (which I know you will take good care of) containing a great deal of very correct information on that very interesting subject, in addition to which I shall as often as opportunities will allow transmit you such further information as I may be able to obtain relative to it. 354 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS There is no prospect of procuring seed from this quarter. I therefore advise you to take immediate Steps for procuring it from Kentucky where I understand it is very abundant. I at the same time take the liberty of Suggesting the utility of instituting a Society for promoting the Culture of Hemp and obtaining a Supply of Seed, which would give the business a Stimulus superior to any to be expected from the Exertions of an Individual Your plain or Prairie Lands at the Mouths of the Thames Ruscum & Peches Rivers appear to me well calculated for rasing Hemp, and I think they might be easily brought to a proper tilth, to Effect which the Grass Should immediately be set fire to & the Quantity wanted for use plowed up very deep this fall that it may be mellowed by the frost, it will require three more ploughings in the Spring (for it must be very mellow), and three Bushels of Seed to the Acre is I understand the common allowance I inclose the Resolutions of the Society of Arts and Commerce of which I hope you may be able to avail Your- self. The Bounty for raising and Exporting will more than Pay the Charges of Cultivating & the produce of an Acre which you may within bounds estimate at half a Ton will be a very handsome allowance for Curing transporting rent of Land & risk. Addressed: John Askin Esquire Merch* Detroit with a Book 8t Endorsed: Queenston d e h Aug* 21 4 e 1801th Mr Rob* Nichol to Jn° Askin recv y 12 & Answ y 16 REMOVAL OF DR. RICHARDSON TO ST. JOSEPH S* Josephs 6h Aug* 1801 Dear Sir We arrived here safe on the 31* after a verry pleasant passage. We have now had time to look round us and I assure [you] I by no means think S* Josephs so bad as we had every reason to believe from all accounts given us. We have got a comfortable lodging belonging to the Girl that lives with M r Frero A[t] the rent of thirty dollars 355 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS p r annum. There appear to be plenty of vegetables and we are told the Indians in the Spring and fall bring plenty of fish Ducks &. If you can manage to Send us an ox one or Two Barrels of flour Two or Three Barrels of Corn and a few fowls I have no doubt we will make out very well I have wrote to Montreal some time ago for some Things, among others for a Barrel of salt however as They may not arrive in time to come from [.?] you will please Send me a Keg of best Salt. If Flournoy returns here he will willingly bring up any thing for me and will call on his way Up, but with respect to the ox it will be better not to depend on his vessel. I will write to Col. Smith to request he will allow the Kings vessel to call opposite to your place for any Thing you may have for me. I hope John is a good boy and attentive to his Grand Papa. Madlaine frets a little some times about him, but I am perfectly easy myself as I am certain he is with his best frinds, next to ourselves. We are all Thank God in perfect health, which blessing we Sincerely hope will be long continued to you and yours. Will you please Send us a pepper or Coffe mill, by the first opurtunity. If You can make it any way convenient I shall be glad if you can Sittle with M r Mac Intosh an account of M r Cowell forr £24. the one half to be charged to me the other to M Hamilton Any time this fall will answer M r Cowell Madlaine joins me in best wishes to you and The whole family and I am Dear Sir Most Sincerely and Affectionaty your R. Richardson P.S. I took Ther liberry [liberty] of drawing on you for £2. in favor of M G. Cottrel77 on the River St. Clair will you also send if you please a tin Cullender if there is any such thing to be found. Addressed: John Askin Esqr Detroit. Endorsed: S*d Joseph 6 th Aug* 6dth 1801 r Docr Richardson to th Jn° Askin recv y 14 Answ Sep 12 77 For the career of George Cottrel!, see B. H. R., I, 195. 356 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS TUITION BILL OF REV. DAVID BACON John Askin Esqr To David Bacon D r 1 For instructing his son Alex " from the first of June to the 25th of Aug* one third of the time in writing at 12/ per month, the other in arithmetic at 14/ per month £1 " 16 " 6 r 78 For instructing Alex Grant the above men- tioned time in writing 1 " 13 " 0 For instructing his son Charles & James, a half a month each, in english grammer & geography, at n 16/ per month 0 16 " 0 For instructing John Richardson in reading from the 17th of July to the 25th Aug* at 10/ per month 0 «12 " 6 For instructing his daughter Elenor in reading, writing & sewing, from the first of June to the 25th of August at 12/ per month 1 " 13 " 0 For finding ink & quills for three of the above, at 6/10 each 1" 0 " 6 £7 11 "6 Rec payment in full for the above August 29th 1801 d David Bacon d th Contents en the 30 Aug* 1801 Endorsed: M r Bacon's bill for schooling August 1801 (paid as per receipt affixed) MISCONDUCT OF INDIAN SLAVE Sandwich 14 Septr 1801 Dearr Sir M r Barths Pawney Man has been brought be- fore M Francois Baby for having Assaulted and Beat J. B. 78 Alexander Grant, only son of the Commodore, was born in Detroit, March 19, 1791. In the summer of 1802 Simon McTavish of Montreal offered to "take care of his education and future prospects in life," if the Commodore would send him down to Montreal for this purpose. See post, 389 for the date of his departure from Detroit. McTavish died in July, 1804, but a legacy of £1000 to the boy made provision for the fulfillment of his promise. On completing his education, Grant entered the army, and at the age of nineteen was com- missioned lieutenant in the Canadian Fencibles, then stationed at Quebec. He later at- 357 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Nadau.79 M r Baby from Indisposition not being able to act has desired me to acquaint you with the Circumstance and Judging that M r Barths property must be much exposed inr the absence of his Man wishes to know whether you & M Barth will be security for his appearance at the next General Quarter Sessions. I remain Dear Sir with respect Your hbl Serv* Willm Hand Addressed: John Askin Senior Esqr Detroit Endorsed: Sandwich d Sepr 14h 1801 Wm Hands Esqr to Jn° Askin Ans Same day. WRECK OF THE HARLEQUIN Detroit September, 21 st 1801 r John Askin Esq Dear Sir, The arrival of the Sloop {Good Intent) on Saturday last from Presque Isle, and no accounts of the schooner Harlequin, having been seen or heard of confirms me in opinion that her and the Crew are totaly lost.80 the stroke is a very severe one for me, the effects of which I shall feel for a long time; perhaps the rest of my days, the loss of my Negro man, will probably be the cause of my loseing the negro woman, who ever since the misfortune happend, has been delirious and is now very 111, in bed; being now deprived of two of the best servants, in this country, my sittuation is very distressing, unless you will condecend to let your Boy George, remain with me until I can have time to look about for a servant, his Mother is very anxious to have him stay tained the rank of major. Upon retiring from the army he settled in Brockville, where he died, unmarried, some time in the sixties. See George F. MacDonald's biography of Commodore Grant in Ont. Hist. Soc, Papers and Records, XXII, 176, and letters in the Askin papers, passim. 79 For the Nadeau family line see B. H. R., I, 318. The individual mentioned in the present document has not been identified. 80 The clearance of the Harlequin (preserved among the Askin papers) shows her to have been a vessel of 28*4 tons burden. She cleared for Presqu' Isle (modern Erie), July 29, 1801; besides a crew of three men, the vessel had three passengers (Dr. Wilkinson, his wife, and a servant man) and a small cargo of government goods consigned to the army quartermaster in Detroit. Of the crew of three men, one was Joseph May, master, and another James May's negro slave here alluded to. 358 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS with her, & says it will be the only comfort she has in this world now she has lost her Husband, to have her son with her. should you be inclined to part with him, I would purchase [him], but cannot undertake to give a great price nor to promise you the Money down, but will endeavour to give you the worth of him some way or other. It would not be amiss to appoint a time & place, in order to settle the small affairs relative to the unfortunate schoon- er; I remain Dear Sir your very humble & obedt Servt. James May r 8t Endorsed: Detroit d Sep 21 1801 M James May to Jnc r Askin Answ SUPPLIES FOR ST. JOSEPH Amherstburg 2d Octr 1801 Dear sir Colonel Smith has just given me directions to acquaint you that the Francis will leave this for S* Jo- sephs on Monday next, will stop rat Sandwich to receive any articles you may have to send M Richardson. There has no stores that we know of arrived here for him from Montreal, but least he may want this Winter, the Colonel requests you would consider the matter, and use your discrestion in forwarding to him such Articles as you think he will stand most in need of, as in all probability there will be no other conveyance this Year. The Colonel men- tions M r R expected goods from Montreal, but they cannot be forwar[d]ed by a kings rvessel as the Francis will be the last this year. Perhaps M R has left some orders at Sand- wich, will you have the goodness to enquire to have them in threadiness. The Ottaway will sail for Fort Erie about the 10 instant. I remain Sir Your Humble Servant r John McGill Adj Q R M John Askin Addressed: M r John Askin Merchant Detroit Endorsed: c r Amherstburgh October the 2d 1801 John Mth Gill Esq to John Askin Senior recd the 4th & ansd the 6 359 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS WRECK OF THE HARLEQUIN Fort Erie 20th October 1801 Dear Sir, Having heard of part of the Wreck of the Harlequin being drove on Shore, about four Miles above Point Ebino, I gave directions to the Man that found it to bring it to me. he has accordingly done so. I therefore find that the foresail and Jib with all the cordage attached to the fore Mast is now here. In order to save expence, in addition to the loss already sustained, Captain Cowan being present, we thought it best to compensate the Mans trouble by giving him the Jib. The Mast also came on shore broke short off above the Deck, and had buoy'd the above articles on shore.r I had intended to have sent those things up to you and M May on Board the Ottawa, but here is now a M r Hay of Presque Isle present, who says he is a part owner, and says that he has no objection to their going, if appraised here and that you agree to take them at the appraisement, or else that they remain here, until directions are received from the owners what is to be done with them This has deterred me from sending them until I receive directions from the concerned. The Cordage is merely fit for nothing but to make rope yarn, or Oakum, the Sail is rubbed pretty much, but with repair might serve again, The boat was found by an Indian, and is now at Buffaloe Creek in possession of Joseph Palmer Junior, he says he gave five Dollars for her. he has repaired her, and has her now in use. None of the people on board has yet been found, the report said that Cap* May81 was taken up and buried by some Indians. I am D r Sir you humble Servant John Warren Senr John Askin Senr Esquire Addressed: John Askin Senr Esquire Detroit r Endorsed: Fort 1Erie Oct th 20rth 1801 dJn° Warren th Esqr r to Jn° Askin Recv* the 20 Nov Answ y° 30 Dec 8i Joseph May was a native of Birmingham, England. He served as a lake captain for some time prior to his death by drowning, here noted. He married Rebecca Knaggs, daughter of George Knaggs and Rachel Schley, who was born at the Maumee and bap- 360 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS PROJECT FOR DISTILLERY River thames Novr 12th, 1801 Sir I am Informed that you Intend for to Set up a distilery on this River, and as I am out of Employ at present I would willingly join any business for an honest living if you would think proper, I would Superintend the business or take a Share I have as Convenient a place for the business as any that I know of. I have as good a distiller living on One of my farms as any in this Country he has followed the business for twenty years. I remain Sir your Most humble & most obed* ser* John Drake Jn° Askin Esqr Endorsed: River d e Thames th Novdr 12thth 1801 Cap* Drake to Jn° Askin Rec y 17 & Answ 18 PROJECT FOR DISTILLERY Detroit November 18th 1801 Sir Yours dated the 12th instant rached me yesterday. I have hired out my Stills untill June next after which time I had formed a plan respecting them which I think will be advantegious. If you will call in the first time you come to town I will let you know it and if you like it, its probable we [can] make a joint matter for from our long acquaintance I think we must agree together I am Sir Your most Obed* Very humble Servant Captain Drake River Thames Endorsed: Detroit 18th November 1801 John Askin Senior to Captain Drake Copy EDUCATION OF ASKIN CHILDREN Detroit Novr 28th 1801 Dear Sir, I am afraid if your sons do not pay further attention to English Grammar, they will lose what they have got. In the course of their winter evenings they might tized in Sandwich on March 1, 1778. See Denissen, op cit.; mss. in B. H. Coll., passim. 361 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS obtain a perfect knowledge of it, besides doing something more in Geography. Beamont would be able to assist them in grammar. And they shall be welcome to my schoolroom 4 evenings in a week and to what assistance he can afford them; & I would try to help them occasionally myself, if you will please to send them & let them find their own fire-wood & candles. Perhaps several others would join them & be [do] their part in the fire-wood Yours with great respect David Bacon r Addressed: John Askin Esq Present Endorsed: Detroit Novr 28th The Reverand David Bacon to Jn° Askin Answ* FROM JOHN ANDERSON TO JOHN ASKIN Fort Miamis 6th Decbr 1801 Dear Sir I wrote you Som time ago on different Subjects to which I heave Receved No answer, one of which was Relative to what Cap* Whistler82 owed us & wanted to give flour, but as I did Not hear from you I did Not like to do it —but he Made Such a poor Mouth & Saide Wm Hunt was going to sue him I heave took his floar, but will pay you in Cash if you do Not like the floar. his Familly is very large & he put a good dale of Money in our way when he Comd* hear. I hope you heave got the £22 odd from M r Pattinson in 8i John Whistler, of English descent, was born in Ireland in 1758. At an early age he enlisted in the army, and being sent to America, was one of the soldiers surrendered by General Burgoyne at Saratoga in 1777. Whistler subsequently returned to England, where he soon eloped with a daughter of Sir Edward Bishop. The young couple found their way to America, locating in Hagerstown, Md., where their eldest son, William, was born in 1780. A decade later Whistler joined the army which was being raised for service in the Northwest, served through the campaigns of St. Clair and Wayne, and in subsequent years at Detroit, Fort Wayne, Chicago, and other western posts. He built the first Fort Dear- born in 1803, and for several years commanded there. Both before and after this sojourn he was stationed at Detroit, and this place, more than any other can be regarded as his home. He died at Fort Belle Fontaine near St. Louis, Sept. 3, 1829. He reared a large family, several of whom were born or married in Detroit. Many of his descendants have served in the U. S. army and certain of them have achieved widespread fame. See bio- graphical sketch in Burton Hist. Coll. Leaflet, V, 1-16, and Quaife, Chicago and the Old Northwest, passim. 362 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS goods as I Settled with him for that, with Respts to Mrs" Askin, I am with Esteemes Your obed* & Humb Ser* John Anderson John Askin Esr Addressed: John Askin Esqr Merchant Detroit Endorsed j Fortd Miamis th Decbr 6th 1801 M r Jn° Anderson to Jn° Askin Answ y* 15 363 SECTION V LETTERS AND PAPERS, 1802-1804 SETTLEMENT WITH VINCENNES DEBTORS Moyi 12 Jan" 1802 Dear Sir, In reply to the letter I had the pleasure to receive from you yesterday I acquaint you that Monsieur Vigo's Debts to you have been satisfied by his own Promis- sory Note for Eight Hundred and thirty eight Dollars and 62}/2 cts. payable with In* from 24 August last to you in Detroit in May next; and by the Note of Toussaints DuBois for One thousand Doll™ with In* from same date payable to you in Detroit in May 1803. That on account of Ad- hemar's debts to you I have received in full of his claims on the Estate of Bosseron, Toussaints DuBois Notes for One thousand Ninety three Dollars and 35 cts payable to you in May next at Detroit which several Notes08are in my possession for you. Of your and the Miamis C claim on the Estate of Paul Gamelin I wish I could say as much, but no more than 40 Dollars have as yet come to my Hands, which were applied to Costs as you shall find when I render my Gen1 Accotsrs It is true I haver Governor Harrison's Note for 500 D payable next Sep* for a tract of land of that Estate I bo't in at vendue at 450 and sold to him just as I was coming away for the above sum, and that he owes me 40 Dollars for [an] acre of land he bo't, to be paid at same time. The rest of the Lands the Widow offered to you were bo't in by me for want of bidders, and will not be converted untill I return, when I presume I shall receive Instructions, to dispose of them for your advantage, the Tract in the County of Wayne exepted, to sell which I daily expect a transcript of the Records of Knox, and have with me the original grant to Paul Gamelin, to be de- livered over to whomsoever shall become the purchaser. Nothing has been received from the Papers she delivered over to me. In a few instances I have obtained obligations in your name instead of the late P. G. from poor People who owed. i Moy was the home of Angus Mclntosh in modern Windsor. See B. H. R.t I, 293-94. 367 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Etienne Ste marie had sold you a tract of land, of which I found the Deed among your Papers. A Special Power of Attorney from you will be necessary to enable me to convert this property. M1" Sparkman2 has promised my brother a Bill on Mon- treal which he says you may have, of which rB you c shall be fully informed in a few days. He and M M Intosh join me in our best respects to you and Mrs Askin and your family, in which none can be more Sincere than Dear Sir Your mo obed* Serv* Will McIntosh John Askin Esquire Detroit Addressed: John Askin Esquire Detroit Endorsed: Moy Jan y 12 d th 1802 y Wm Mackintosh Esqre to th Jn° Askin Contents Ent Jan 15 1802 CONDITIONS AT ST. JOSEPH S* Josephs 9th Feby 1802 Dear Sir. I take this opurtunity of telling you we are all in good health and to Say it will give us Most Sincere pleasure to hear The Same from you The Indians that now go down will return and we hope will bring us news of a removal I assure you we are heartily Sick of this place Our Situation at Kingston was So very different, that we feel the drearyness (and idleness on my part) much more Severely, however we cant complain of being badly off either in point of lodgings or with respect to provitions. I believe we have now in the house 20 ham a dosen Part- ridges [illegible] fish, all of them got for a little Rum and Bread. You will Readily believe that Madlaine and .My self are extremely Anxious to hear of little John We trust him in good health and a good Boy. We are perfectly con- vinced That he is in good hands—Mr Cowell sends down these Indians in Consequence of a Fire which burnt down his Kitchen and the Bakehouse and also having Suspended M r T. Duggan3 from his place as Storekeeper, 'till the i For sketch of the career of John Sparkman see ibid., 308. 3 For sketch of the career of Thomas Duggan, see ibid., I, 286. 368 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Generals pleasure is known, he has given himself up almost entirely to the drinking of Grog and I think will Scarcly see The Winter out but The immediate Cause of his Sus- pension was complaints Made by different Indians of has taking their provitions from them after getting it out of The Store. As I have repeatedly heard our Brother John Say he wished much Duggans Appointment I wrote him last fall Saying he ought to lose no time in applying if he still wished it. you can let him know what has taken place and he can then do as he thinks proper. I hope you will find it convenient to Send the things I mentioned in the fall by the first opurtunity. Should it be a Merchant vessel, Col. Smith I have no doubt will arrange The Freight So that it may be Return'd. I believe I [torn] Some plan, here is also a Small memorandum at the bottom. Madlain joins me in best wishes for you and the whole family and I am Dear Sir Most Truly yours R. Richardson4 r Addressed: John Askin Esq Detroit Endorsed: S* Josephs d h Febr 9th 1802d Docr thRichardson to Jn° Askin Recv 10 March Answ the 13 RECOMMENDATION FOR OFFICE OF SHERIFF 5 Detroit February the 23d 1802 My Dear Sir Always troubling you for myself or some others. M r Pollard is gone to Quebec in order to obtain Holy orders if he can. I hope poor man he may succeed for in my oppinion he is twenty times fitter for a clergyman than a Sheriff, this leaves an opening for the latter place. M r Hands of Sandwich who you have known well wishes to get that place & the first characters here mean to Memorial his excellency the Lieutenant Governor in his behalf as soon as he comes to York, but least there might be an application before that time will you be obliging as to mention M r Hands his name and intention to Governor in so doing you will serve a poor but worthy man well calculated to fill that 4 In the manuscript a memorandum of goods desired follows at this point. 5 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 369 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS office these reasons alone if they even came to you thro a stranger I'm sure would influence you in his behalf, & I believe you are convinced that for my nearest relation I would not request of you to get an unworthy or unfit person into office (If I thought them such) so as to cause any reflec- tion to your recommendation. As this is a chance opportunity and the letter may not get down I shall write no other by this opportunity, nothing new, since I wrote you & my good Friend M r James McGill by the express. My Family thank God are in good health. My daughter Alice married to M r Brush—a lawyer who has a good deal7 of practice and well liked.6 Detroit is now a corporation r the limits of which extends from the line between M Beaubien & me to the line between the late Wm Macomb & Chene. this it is thought will raise the value of the property within these boundaries I'm by a law of this territory tho' a British Subject named the first of five trustees to make laws for the corporation & put them in force. I mean to move over to the other side in may next and am in hopes of selling my present place of residence on this side. There is some people who have applied to know what you would [sell] some of the lots you and M r McGill got of me for on the British Side. The value of some will be much greater than others of which from information I'm a tolerable good Judge, however untill you get a list of the whole from me I suppose you [will wish to] leave them as they are. Land in my oppinion cannot fall in Value. I remain My dear Friend Gratefully Yours Isaac Todd Esquire Merch* Montreal SALE OF THE SAGUINAH Detroit Feby 23d 1802 Mess" George Meldrum & William Park Dear sirs Our scatered situations making it now incon- 6 For the careers of Elijah Brush and Adelaide (Alice) Askin, see B. H. R., I, IS, 207. The date of Brush's death as there given is incorrect. In a letter to Solomon Sibley, Dec. 6, 1813, John Anderson reports his serious illness; while Benjamin Chittenden, in a letter to Sibley of Dec. 31, states that Brush died after an illness of about two weeks. Mss. in B. H. Coll. 7 Detroit was incorporated by act of the General Assembly of the Northwest Territory, Jan. 18, 1802. For an excellent account of the conditions resulting in this development, see Burton's Introduction to Journal of the Board of Trustees. 370 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS venient to hold a joint share in the Saguinah & Exposing her to Public Sale at this time in my Oppinion would Answer no good End I therefore have to Propose that if you will set a price on her & give me the offer of buying it or not I will make an Allowing of £50 for such cho[i]ce. that is to say if I prefer the payment to my share in the Vessell £50 will be taken from her Valuation, or if I prefer the Vessell I will give £50 more for her. The payment by those who get her as follows £100 N Y C on the l 8t of Jan y next, the remainder due in two Equal shares on the 1 st of Jan y 1804 & 1805 no Interest to be required Except from the day Each Sum is due & the purchaser to give his notes payable to order for the Sums. The Balast & Vessell Boat go with the Vessell & Every other thing belonging to her I am Dear Sirs Your most obedient Humble servant (Signed) J.A. Endorsed: Detroit Feby 23md 1802 John Askin Senior to Mess" George Meldrum & W Park (Copy) COMMISSION TO HIRE SHOEMAKERS Detroit Feby the 27th 1802 Dear Henry Having wrote you some time ago I have nothing now to add relative to my Family which thank God are all well except that my only daughter except one that was unmarried has taken a husband unto herself a few days ago he promisses fair, has a good character and [is] reckoned a good lawyer which is not a bad profession in this quarter The principal intent of this is to request you will hire for me two Canadians good shoemakers single men of good characters & not to exceed 600n wages for one year, to com- mence from their arrival here they shall be well used and fairly paid at the expiration of their times if you can find such please advance the equipments and not more than a half Johannes to [each] in money & I will send you a draught for both, you will please send them up early in some persons boatt so that the expence of their voyage may not cost much or perhaps which would be better, you could get them in as middle men & I receive something for their services I address myself to you to hire these men as I 371 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS think you are better acquainted than most people with the tradesmen in and near Montreal. Its of great consiquence to me to get these people as I expect to have an interest in a tannery but I would not give higher wages than the 600" each. I have only to add tha[t] me & mine wish you and yours health & happiness Adieu Dear Henry yours r Alex Henry Esquire Merchant Montreal Endorsed: [first line illegible] John Askin Senior to Alex- ander Henry (Copy) AFFAIRS IN DETROIT Detroit April 8th 1802 Dear Sir I was favoured with your two letters bearing date 8th Feby and 19th March past the former covering an account current and the latter summons's declarations Coppies & c \ I have only as yet lookt slightly rover the account however believe [it] to be right. I wish M Nichols could get land from Norton8 to discharge it or at least a part. The summons and declarations or copies rather have been properly served on Mess™ John & James McGregor and I now inclose you the original with the proof of service. I beg you will not appologize for asking me to do any thing in my power for you here. Im much indebted to you on that score. I'm sorry to observe that M r John McGregors9 mode of conduct I fear never will make him Friends, you are most asuredly justifiable in sueing any man that wouldr treat you as it appears he has. I have not employed M Woods10 as he is retained annually for the Mess™ Mc- Gregors indeed there was no occasion yet I'm sure he wishes to serve you. 8 John Norton, for whose career see B. H. R., I, 457. 9 For the career of John McGregor, see ibid., 369-70. 10 James Woods, the son of a Scotch merchant of St. John's, Lower Canada,, was born in 1778. He studied law in Montreal and about the year 1800 came west to Sandwich, where he died on June 18, 1828. In Sandwich he achieved local prominence and prosperity and his activities as attorney caused him to figure frequently in the documents of the period. He was a friend and professional colleague of Solomon Sibley of Detroit, and much of their correspondence is preserved in the B. H. Coll. He was an ensign in the Essex County militia in 1804 and a captain in 1812, but no record of actual service in the war has been 372 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS I'm very happy to learn that the dear Children in every quarter are so well, when collected together it would afford me great happiness to see them. I wish you much joy and hope M™ Hamilton is got well over the job. they are dangerous tho from being common [are] thought little of. Poor Women what do they not suffer in this life. I'm sorry on both your ace* and mine that I took so much pains and trouble to spoil my cider, its probable that too much cookery spoils the broth if I find any of my cider sweet and good in May perhaps I may send you some. Part of my stock are sent over the River and in about two weeks we will move after them, however in justice to the Gentlemen on this side I must say I have received nothing but politeness and civility from them above these two years past & I assure you debts are recovered here without delay which is a great Object for a Merchant. Now [I am] on this subject I wish to mention that Poor Doctor Harffy our District Judge has been so unwell for these two sessions past that he could not attend & I'm very fearfull never will. I assure [you] I think it very injurious to a country to have but but one district judge why not several as they get no salary. On this side there is seven or eight judges of the Court of Common Pleas by which means business goes on without any interuption. If you agree with me in oppinion I wish you would bring in a bill for that purpose, there should not be less than three district Judges in each district however if the old mode should be continued and we loose poor Harffy, I wish you mentioned to the Governor to be carefull of his choice of one in this quarter, would you think that if I was called on for my oppinion I would be at a loss who to recommend, some I find too haughty & Passionate others not so fair characters as I could wish, others ignorant and many would be too much interested in most cases that could come before them, there is less risk in a number than in one. Let me have M r Cartwrights and your oppinion on this subject. found. Gn June 12, 1804, he married Elizabeth, daughter of Commodore Grant, and to them were born four sons and three daughters. One son, Robert Stuart Woods, born, Oct. 21, 1819, was long prominent in western Ontario as attorney, judge, and citizen. Information adapted from documents in Mich. Pio. Colls., passim; George M. Rose (ed.), Cyclopaedia of Canadian Biography (Toronto, 1886), 471-72; Robert S. Woods, Harrison Hall (Chatham, 1896), passim; mss. in B. H. Coll., especially among the Askin and Sibley papers; and St: John's Church Register. 373 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS This place in incorporated M rs Macombs farm and mine are in the Town. The legislature honored me so far as to make me the first of five trustees who they named & to whom they gave great authority. A Marketr is established by us and a small market house rs built. M & M rs Brush returns their compliments to M Hamilton & you he bids fair to be an able Lawyer has considerable practice is sober and industrious therefore I believe Allice has made a good choice. The poor Commodore & his Family have been and still are much afflicted with sickness, he is very weak and low however I hope not in danger M™ Askin and my Family in general assures Mr8 Hamilton you and yours of our most sincere best wish Adieu Dear Sir Yours Most truely Addressed: Robert Hamilton Esquire Merchant Queens- ton Endorsed: Detroit April 8th 1802 John Askin Senior to Robert Hamilton Esquire (Copy) NEWS FROM MONTREAL Montreal 18 April 1802 My Dear Askin I received a few day ago your two letters from Detroit in January mentioning your wish to have a Shoemaker. I have made every inquiry in my power, and find there cannot be found such a man as understands his business under one dollar pr day and found. Shoe- makers are the dearest article here, they charge at present on account of peace one shilling more than they ever did before, this goes by our friend Pollard who has been so fortunate as to procure the Gown, and may make a Toler- able Parson—anything for an Hones[t] livelyhood. Honor or shame from no condition Rise, act well your part there all the Honor lies—as a great poet says, what do you think I have turn'd Commission Merch* Broker & Auctioneer and have a great deal of business. I wish I had done it seven years past it would have been better for us both. I have been Idle to[o] long, but now must work to make up lost time, good Deer Skins sold well in last sale it is suposed 374 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS ll other furs will sell well this year but take care of the ext, it was the first year after the War we speculated ith Todd which I will remember a long time. Muskratts & I think Martens will all go to the States, he price of this article, muskratts is 36 [illegible] if tolerable ood, my sons are all abroad, there is only M r s Henry, y daughter & my self keep House who has our Health at resent, but we have had a sickly winter, however we now at our allowance and peace will bring us Plenty, the two orth west Parties make our [illegible] disagreable. c Kensey is Knighted for his discovery of the N West Sea nd has come out—and setting off for the Grand Portage, these bucks had less money they would not be so anxious s they are. I request that you will inform Joseph Lambert his mother s dead, and that the Garden his father bought for him is ot paid any part, and that it costs his father much Labour o keep up the fences and pay the Tax, and says he is so old nd infirm that he cannot longer work and has no money to ay out both of which I certify to be true, so that if Joseph oes not send money to his father, he must send a renouncia- ion or quit claim so that it may be sold, otherwise itwill go to istruction and not be worth half what it cost and then all is father hath must be sold to pay the dificiency this you ill inform him off and let me know, as the old man has for any years been my partner and is very poor. I remain y dear old friend ever your most affectionate one, with y famelys best wishes for yours. ever yours sencerely Alexr Henry Addressed: John Askin Esq r Detroit Favourd by M r hepherd. Endorsed: Montreal April 18th 1802 Alexdr Henry to n° Askin Recd y6 20th June Answd Aug* 5 th DEATH OF WILLIAM HARFFY 1 1 Amherstburg 18th April 1802 Dear Sir I received your letters of good friday & of 11 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 375 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS yesterday and obeserve the contents of them, if I had seposed the Coffin had been so long amaking I should have come up to have consulted with you or to have taken your derections. all we have to do now in my opinion is to have our late worthy friend Bueried in a decent Christian Like Manner which is comenced by having the colours of the Garrison and Vessels hoisted half mast up. the Paul berars will be the officers of the Garrison and Colonel Caldwell, the chief Mourner will be his Nephew. The Funeral will Proceed from His Howse at half after five this Evening. Not one word respecting his funeral is mentioned in his will, a Copy of which will be Sent you with all con- venient Speed. I shall attend to what you Say respecting the effects being taken care of. all the Papers are Sealed up and also the Room in which they are Monday 19th April 1802 We last evening performed the last office to our worthy deceased friend the Funeral was attended by every one in the Place, the Paul berars were Colonel Smith,12 M r Reynolds, M r Macintosh Cap* Flem- ming13 M r Burns14 & Mr Sinclear15 M r McGill read the 12. Samuel Smith was born in Hempstead, Long Island, Dec. 27, 1756. He was commissioned ensign in the Queen's Rangers in 1776 and captain in 1780. At the close of the war he settled in New Brunswick, removing to Upper Canada after Simcoe, his old commander, became lieutenant-governor. He was appointed captain in the Queen's Rangers on Dec. 20, 1791, and was promoted lieutenant colonel in 1801. The duration of his service at Amherstburg was comparatively brief, since Captain McLean was in com- mand as late as the early summer of 1801, and the Rangers were disbanded in 1802. He became a member of the Executive Council of Upper Canada in October, 1815, and sub- sequently twice served as administrator of the province. In later life he lived in Toronto, where he died, Oct. 20, 1826. On Oct. 22, 1799, he married Jane Isabella Clark of Kingston and two sons and six daughters were born to them. One daughter was born in Amherst- burg, June 23, 1802. Data adapted from Wallace, op. cit.; Simcoe Papers, I, 72; Young, Parish Register of Kingston, 101-102; and St. John's Church Register. 13 Apparently William Fleming, for whom see B. H. R., I, 383. He was long a member of the British naval establishment on the upper lakes; in 1793 he commanded the Felicity, and in 1794 the Dunmore. See Simcoe Papers, passim. In November, 1798, Captain Hector McLean at Amherstburg reported that he had assigned a lot of ground to Fleming, who had a large family, and "no place for them." Mich. Pio. Colls., XXIII, 258. One William Fleming, presumably the same man, was a sailing master in the provincial marine during the War of 1812. Irving, op. cit., 204. 14 Apparently Alexander Burns, who became paymaster of the Queen's Rangers, May 17, 1799. See British army lists for year 1800. Letters from him to Solomon Sibley in October and November, 1801, disclose that he was then serving at Amherstburg. Mss. in B. H. Coll. On June 22, 1802, he stood godfather for a baptism. Entry in St. John's Church Register. 15 John Sutherland Sinclair was commissioned lieutenant in the Royal Artillery, Sept. 25, 1796, captain, March 12, 1803, and battalion major, June 4, 1814. He retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel, Nov. 14, 1826. He was serving in Canada as early as 1797 and was still here during the War of 1812. See British army lists, and Irving, op cit. Entries 376 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Service & M r McQueen16 comanded the party that fired Doctr Gamble17 also attended in his Place. He is Buried Next to M rs McLean & with your approbation I think a Red Ceder Picketing would be the best which shall Be done when I hear from you which I wish May be soon. I hould think the best way would be to let the Howse for he Present if It can be don and to have somthing done to he Garden at all events, his Nephew is here at Present nd I shall recomend him to come to consult with you what he is to do if he could be serviceable in colecting any pro- perty that may be out you will I sepose employ Him. there s little Prospect of him getting any thing unless affairs are much better than I expect At the time the Chieff Justice was here last year the Howse was Mortgaged to M r Gray or at least 170 pounds Hallifax and as the will was made efore that I am afraid that the house will be obliged to be old, in overhauling his Papers perhaps somthing may appear that May give us information. I shall wait your nstructions respecting every thing that is to be done in he matter. M r Allan18 I should think will be a Proper erson to take the Inve[n]tory of the effects as he was well acquainted with our late friend and as he is Nottary Public M r Allen Informs me that the doctr mentioned to him in his ifetime that he wished his Nephew to have all his wearing Apperal. the Man who Waited on him in his last Illness annot be sufficiently Rewarded for his attention. Please write me your sentiments on the above and any thing that may Accrue [occur] to you as I am very lame in the Bussness. My Best respects to M rs Askine and all the rest of your n the St. John's Church Register disclose that he married Mary Ann Allan Gamble on une 22, 1802, and that sons were born to the couple, Dec. 5, 1803, and Feb. 6, 1805. 16 Alexander McQueen became an ensign in the Queen's Rangers, Dec. 7, 1796. See ritish army list for year 1800. The St. John's Church Register records the birth, Nov. 5,1801, of Mary Flora, daughter of Alexander and Grace McQueen, and of a son, William, orn, March 3, 1803. In the Register the name is variously spelled McQueen, McGuin, nd Maguire. ij John Gamble became surgeon in the Queen's Rangers, July 6, 1796. On June 22, 802, a daughter of John and Isabella Elizabeth Gamble, Jane Smith Gamble, was baptized t St. John's Church. On the same day occurred the marriage of Lieut. John S. Sinclair nd Mary Ann Allan Gamble, apparently an older daughter of John and Isabella Gamble. n April 20,1804, Surgeon James Geddes married Sarah Hannah Bois Gamble, presumably nother daughter of John and Isabella. See St. John's Church Register. 18 Apparently James Allan, whose career is noted in B. H. R., I, 307. 377 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS good famely and believe me to be with great respect Dear Sir your most obliged Hble Serv* David Cowan J. Asken Esqr Detroit P. S. M r Charles brings you a coppy of the will Perhaps Not very exact but you will see By it the Intention and be able to Judge Better of matters by it. D. Cowan h Endorsed: Amhurstburgh April 18 & 19 Cap* Cowen to Jn° Askin respecting the funeral of the late Docr HarfFy Addressed: John Askin Esqr Detroit. FAMILY NEWS FOR COMMODORE GRANT Cote des Outawas June the 8th 1802 My Dear sir Under cover with this you have a Letter from me relative to the Militia as perhavs you may think it right to show it to the Governor is the reason I did not mix any Other matter with with it. M r Baby having said he would sett of[f] for York several days ago & not yet gone is the reason that you will receive several Letters from me at the same time. I know of little now in this Quarter, on the other side there is great changes among the Officers &ca which you are acquainted with. Johny Grant tells us that Everything is inr thec best Order at Gross Point the Family are all well & M M Cormick19 gives great satisfaction Alex comes on very well. I have sent word to let him come over on Saturday next and take one good days play with our Alex & Johny Askin who comes every Saturday in the after- noon & return on monday morning I [was] surprised to hear that our Friend Arthur keeps up such good Order & at20the same time is so fond [of] the Children. I hear Maria is quite afeard of him I thought nothing good [could] keep her in Order & that poor Jean21 is at school also. Some of your Ladies & our nelly have been constantly during the court with Allice it ended yesterday & Robertson I hear has gained one or two of the Gros Point Causes. One of 19 Arthur McCormick, for whom see B. H. R.} I, 376-77. IO Maria Julia Grant, born, April 4,1796, and subsequently the wife of William Robison. zi Jean Cameron Grant, for whom see ante, 247. 378 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS them against S* Bernard22 who has troubled that place so much Ambroise by Agreement is to get the place that S* Bernard built on if he lost the one give him in exchange. I think he is in a bad way however I suppose he will appeal, all with me are well & when warm I [am] so also but we have had very little of that yet. As John has a great deel of trouble and very little profit as Collector, for his whole time almost is spent in watching the smuglers, I was thinking that his being a Vendue Master would help him much and not interfere with his other matters to get the place I cant think will require much Interest as M r Park was admited. If that is the case will you have the Goodness with your other Friends to get him that office. I suppose the District is not [blank] to one I have only to add that we all most sincerely wish you health & Happiness and that I am most sincerely My Dear Sir Yours Commodore Grant SALE OF THE SAGUINAH23 Strabane July 6th 1802 George Meldrum & William Parke, Esquires Dear Sirs Having Explained to you both seperately the reason why I'm to have an allowance of £50, N. Y. Cur. made me for leaving it at your choice to take the Sloop Saguinah or oblige me to take her at the Valuation I may mention & you having agreed to the same it only remains now to mention the Price & term of Payment. The price is £700 N. Y. Currency for the Vessell riging furniture & apparel with every thing belonging to her likewise the Ballast Boat and stage; The Payments to be in three Notes to Order payable in the Months of May 1803, 1804, & 1805 without Interest each Note for the Amount of the Third of the same to be paid, this business IM happy to say will now be finished as you according to our Verbal agreement will take or give. I am Dear sirs your most Obedient Humble Servant ix Joseph St. Bernard, for sketch of whose career see ante, 188. X3 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 379 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS INDEBTEDNESS OF CAPTAIN JOHN WHISTLER Near Sandwich August the 11 th 1802 Sir It appears by a list of Debts delivered me by M r John Anderson and that you were Indebted to him & C° in the sum of £20 19 N. Y Currency in September 1799, since which you paid £6" 8" 0 as I'm necessitated to make pay- ments in a few days I beg you will pay unto M r Brush or my son Charles the remainder, the receiptr of either will be a sufficient discharge for that debt at M Andersons par- ticular request I have forebore making this demand last year or that before but realy now my necessities for Cash will not admit of longer indulgence from Sir Yr most Obedient very humble Servant Cap* Whistler at Detroit Endorsed: r near Sandwich August the 11 th 1802 John Askin Sen to Captain Whistler Coppy SALE OF THE SAGUINAH Sandwich 17th August 1802 John Askin Esquire Dear Sir It is Only Now that we have been able to Answer yours of the 6th Ult° Regarding your price for the Sloop Saguinan: We therefore Agree to Accept of the Pro- posals Made therein: That is to say you shall have her, with every thing bellonging to her, at Your Valuation viz £700 N.Y. Cy & that you grant Us Notes as expressed in your Letter, for the Proportional Part we hold in Her. We are equally happy as you are in bringing this Business to a Conclusion. We are Dear Sir Your very obed* Servts William Park George Meldrum Addressed: John Askin Senior Esquire Straebane Endorsed: Sandwich Aug* 17th 1802 Sale of the Saguinah from Mess™ Meldrum & Park Recd ye 19th all settd 380 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS MORAVIAN MISSION ON HARSEN'S ISLAND24 Dear Sir, Permit me to write a few [lines] to You, upon a subject, which is highly important to me & the whole of the Society to which I belong. I conjecture, before this You have heard already that I am situated here at present at the River St. Clair & am determined to live with the Indians & to instruct them & aquaint them with their God & Creator, so as our Society has already done, among other Indian nations, as is well known to You. For this sole reason I have been sent out by our Society to these poor Gentiles. Now of needs I must have a fixed place of settlement & in order to acquire this, the Indians, especially the two great chiefs Nangi & Whitanessa, (I suppose both known to you) have delivered the head of Harsens Island over to me & I have their Wampums, for a seated place for me, & those of them who would in time join; this piece of Land, is indeed well situated & fitted for such a purpose, where Indians could live more by themselves. On delivery I scrupled, & told them, should it happen, that their ancesstors or any of them had given out this small tract already, now in this case They mutually & firmly promised, that they would then, replace or give to him who rightly owned it already, the same quantity of acres, above or before the Sanagokanink, or perhaps somewhere else. Since this time now, I have received better information of M r Grusbeck25 who tells me that they have given it away, & that the deed thereof, is lodged in your hands—further that Sanagokanink is in the same deed. As it is not consistent either with the general adopted character of our Society at large, or with either individual, & therefor likewise against me, to dispute, quarrel or wrangle with any person, I have taken the liberty to ask you about Your sentiments & opinions about the affair, & as You have it in hand, as the acting person, Your information will be of great consequence, & clear the whole matter at once. You will therefore greatly oblige me, to send me a few lines Z4 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 2.5 William Groesbeck, for sketch of whose career see B. H. R., I, 306. 381 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS with the next opportunity (perhaps an Indian, that comes home) as I am very anxious to receive the due information. If the matter is duly treated, with the mutual consent of either party, then amity & goodwill, will be the future con- ductor, but on the contrary, should it be slightly overrun, it could create in time hence, enmity, dispute, quarrel, highly disagreeable to me or the Society, who send me. In case it should be possible that an exchange of land, should take place, I have surveyed the head of Harsens Island, upon request of the Indians & found it 110 Acres the greatest part of the land is poor, & but little timber or wood on it. With sentiments of rregard & esteem to Mrs Askin Yourself & family, I remain D Sir Your sincere friend & humble Serv* Christ11 Fred. Denkey Harsens Island Addressed: John Askin Senr Esqr Sandwich. r Endorsed: Harsins Island Sep 20th 1802d The r Reverend M Denkey to Jn° Askin Rec 27 Answ Oct 15th r d th GREETINGS FROM COLONEL D E PEYSTER Mavis Grove, near Dumfriesr 8 Octr 1802 My dear Askin The bearer of this M Clarke, son to an old acquaintance, and Brother to my worthy Friend Samuel Clarke of Dumfries, having this instant informed me that he sets of[f] for Gre[e]nnock tomorrow on his way to Niagara, affords me anraoppertunity, though an rshurried one, of assuring you and M Askin and family of M r DePeyster and my unshaken regard and best wishes. M C. will in- form you all about us, and tell you what a sober fellow I am growing, owing to the good guidance of one of the best of women. We beg you will remember us kindly to our Friend Grant and his good Lady, and to M r Hamilton, with such other of our old acquaintances as you think will be glad to hear that we still retain a sense of the many obligations we were under to them during our peregri- nations. 382 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS God bless you, and believe me to be with unalterable friendship. Your obliged Humb Ser A* De Peyster Addressed: Jn° Askin Esq Detroit for M r Clark r d Endorsed: Forwarded from Queenston Feby ll h 1803 by Your most obed* Serv* T. Clark AFFRAY OF JOHN R. WILLIAMS Queens town Oct 15 1802 My Dear Sir I was duly favord with your letter of the 8th instant p r Mons r Campeau respecting the unfortunate & very unhappy M r John Williams.26 It affords me pleasure that in this instance I had anticipated your intentions & from motives of Humanity independent of my respect for his connexions had Shewn him every attention & rendered him every service in my power. The moment I heard of the unfortunate accident which was the Morning after- wards, I went immediately to Fort Erie & accompanied him to Niagara Goal & believe I was instrumental in procuring him indulgencies & accommodations which he would not otherwise have obtained. Notwithstanding there are very favorable prospects of 2.6 John R. Williams was the son of Thomas Williams and Mary Cecilia Campau, for whose career see B. H. R., I, 169. The son was born in Detroit, May 4, 1782, and was baptized by Colonel De Peyster. Thomas Williams died, Nov. 30, 1785, and on May 1, 1790, his widow married Jacques Lauzon (Lauson) of Detroit. Three children were born of her marriage to Williams, and eight of her union with Lauzon. In 1802 John R. Williams entered the employ of his uncle, Joseph Campau of Detroit, and on July 20, became his partner in the firm of Campau and Williams. Shortly thereafter he went to Montreal to purchase a stock of goods for the firm, and on the return journey, at Fort Erie, on the evening of October 1, engaged in a drinking bout with Jacques Lacelle, another young merchant of Detroit. A dispute ensued, which ended in the shooting of Lacelle by Williams. For this he languished in prison in Upper Canada somewhat more than a year, utilizing the time in mastering the English language, which had been a foreign tongue to him during his earlier years. Lacelle recovered from his wound and subsequently sued Williams for 33000 damages, but the trial resulted in a verdict for Williams. The further career of Williams belongs to the public history of Detroit and Michigan. He served as a trustee of the town in 1804-1805, and as justice of the peace in 1807. In 1817, he was adjutant general of the territorial militia, ultimately rising to the highest rank in the organization. In 1832, as major general, he led the militia to Chicago, which was believed to be in momentary danger of an Indian attack. He drew up the first city charter of Detroit, and became the first mayor in 1824, being subsequently reflected mayor 383 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS M r Lasselles27 recovery, I had advised him to be prepared for the worst, & in consequence of my advice M r Powell was retained. I am in hopes that from his Exertions & the favorable Situation of Lasselle he will be admitted to Bail, which can be easily procured. The unfortunate Story has been variously told but my Opinion does not comport with the general one formed in this Neighbourhood & I have had a Herculean task in combatting the torrent of prejudice which broke out against poor Williams, rather undeservedly. I admit that he was much to blame in using pistols, but I cannot see any pro- priety in trying & convicting a Man before he has been regularly arraigned. When the matter comes properly be- fore the Country it is my belief some who now bluster & say a great deal on the subject will be put to shame for the part they acted upon the occasion—but enough of this. I understand that the Commercial Treaty between Great Britain & France has been signed & that its provisions give great Satisfaction to the Commercial part of the Com- munity but from the very unsettled state of affairs on the Continent new difficulties are expected to occur. The Heats & divisions in the United States have got to an alarming height & will it is thought plunge that ill fated Country into all the Horrors of Revolutionary Anarchy, virulence & Calumny are constantly employed in prostrating the most respectable Characters & no person however inno- cent & obscure is safe from the "lascerations of Slander" & the malignant & rancorous attacks of party spirit. five times. "It would seem," says C. M. Burton, "that whenever the City got into great financial straits, the people called upon General Williams to help them out." In 1831 he bore a leading part in the founding of the Democratic Free Press, which is regarded as the ancestor of the present Detroit Free Press. Mr. Williams long lived at the corner of Woodward and Grand River avenues, and a bronze tablet on the business block which today occupies the site, commemorates this fact. Possibly a more permanent memorial has been erected in the naming of John R. Street. Mr. Williams himself added the letter "R" to his name in mature life to distinguish himself from another John Williams of Detroit. In 1805 he married Mary Mott of Albany, who died on Jan. 18, 1830. Ten children were born of the union. Mr. Williams died, Oct. 20, 1854. His personal papers comprise one of the important groups of manuscripts in the B. H. Coll. For published sketches of his career, see Fred Carlisle, Chronography of . . . . Wayne County (Detroit, 1890), 161-62: Bench and Bar (Detroit), IV, 3-7; and Mich. Pio. Colls., XXIX, 491-96. 2.7 For the career of Jacques Lacelle of Detroit and Raisin River, see ante, 34. 384 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS I beg my affectionate regards to M" Askin & Family, & am with Sincere Esteem, Dear Sir, Your Friend & Servant Rob* Nichol r Addressed: John Askin Esq Strabane near Sandwich Endorsed: Queenston Octr r 15h 1802 M rr Rob* Nichol to Jn° Askin recv Ab* 14* Nov Answ Dec 10th d d DIFFICULTIES OF JOHN AND WILLIAM ROBERTSON Strabane near Sandwich January 14th 1803 Dear Robert As a long Yankee often passes my House when I least expect it & vows he is starting for Niagara I think it adviseable to have an answer to your favor of the 30th Decr last ready in Case such an opportunity should answer. Your Constant Friendly attention to my family has my most warm thanks God be praised they and I are all well as also M r & M rs Brush and a fine Boy28 I shall mention your kind remembrance of her. I have mentioned to M r Williams his Uncles the necessity there will be of having Security ready at York early in next Month in case the Judges should be disposed to r admit the poor unfortunate Young man d to Bail of which M Hamilton gave some hopes.29 I have rec a letter from William and am truly sorry for him & Johns Situation I did not know or think they would be in any wise Embarrassed. I think he does wright in going z8 Edmund Askin Brush, eldest child of Elijah Brush and Adelaide Askin, was born, Nov. 21, 1802. He was educated at Hamilton College, and subsequently studied law. He early assumed the management of his father's estate (the Brush Farm), to which he largely devoted his active life. He conceived the policy of holding it intact, granting leases to tenants, but refusing to sell the real estate. The growth of the city conferred wealth upon him, and at the time of his death, July 10, 1877, he was reputed to be worth several million dollars. He had been for several decades one of the city's leading citizens, and although never active in politics had held several offices of public trust, including that of water commissioner, 1852-68; police commissioner, 1863-64; commissioner of grades, 1854-61; and city-plan commissioner, 1857-69. In the latter capacity he is said to have been in large measure responsible for the vagaries in street locations which still afflict much of the older section of the city. Mr. Brush was a man of great will power and marked individual- ity of character and temperament. He married Elizabeth Cass Hunt, daughter of General John E. Hunt and a niece of Governor Cass, who long survived her husband. They had five children; only one, Alfred E. Brush, outlived his father. Data derived from biograph- ical sketches in Farmer, Hist, of Detroit, II, 1210; Detroit Free Press, July 11, 1877; and newspaper clippings (unidentified) in scrapbooks in B. H. Coll. Z9 The allusion is to the affray of John R. Williams with Jacques Lacelle, for which see ante, 383-84. 385 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS immediately Home to see his Uncle, were my Circumstances different from what they are I would never suffer them to be in any difficulty. Please tell John for it will be too late to write William that in any matter when he knows I can serve him to freely Ask for [aid], tho I have had but few oppor- tunities of seeing his Brother and him they have as great a Claim on me as any other of my Grand Children and per- haps a greater as their Father and Mother is no more. The former a most worthy man whose honest Character I esteemed much and the latter a most Dutifull fond Child, very Dear to me I hope poor young fellows they never will be so hard drove as not to be able to do better than take refuge with me yet should it so turn out, my Doors will be always oppen for their reception. William Mentions flour with you being only at 16/ N.Y. Cury the Cw* if you can lay it in at that p[rice] besides Casks &ca and will send up 100 Barren's in the Spring I think I can procure a Sale for it at perhaps 32/ half the profits, to be mine or the Boys for our Trouble if its in John's way & he can furnish 50 of them I dare say you will have no objections. I have not wrote him by this opportunity. Its not unlikely but I may send down the Saguinah early. If I do I wish the flour to come in her. If not you shall know in good time and then you can send it by the Montreall now at Fort Erie. There is nothing new at [present] in this Quarter worthy of Notice except Miss Bella Grant30being married to Captain Gilkinson not Doctor McCrosky I dont know how to spell his name, & Young Thomas McCrae to Miss Litle31 30 For Doctor William McCoskry's suit for Isabella Grant, see ante, 337-39. 31 For data concerning Thomas McCrae Sr., see B. H. R., I, 304. He had three sons, William, Thomas, and Alexander. The second of these is apparently the bridegroom of the present document. He married Elizabeth Little on Jan. 4, 1803, the ceremony being per- formed by James Henry in his capacity as judge of the Court of Common Pleas. The bride may have been a daughter of John Little (for whom see ibid., 305, 309), although her identity is not certainly known. In the marriage entry, Thomas McCrae is designated a "merchant," and various accounts preserved in the B. H. Coll. disclose him as engaged in trade. In 1803 he served as sheriff of Wayne County, and about the same time he per- formed also the duties of assessor, fire-inspector, marshall, and police officer. In 1809 he petitioned the court in Detroit for a divorce from his wife, who had separated from him in 1807. He was then living in Raleigh Township, Upper Canada, and there were three children of the marriage, Ann, Eliza, and George, born respectively in 1804,1806, and 1808. A letter of James Woods to Solomon Sibley, May 22, 1818 (ms. in B. H. Coll.), discloses that McCrae had become intemperate and dissolute, and that his father's estate had been willed chiefly to the elder and younger brothers of Thomas Jr. See Ont. Bureau of Archives, Third Report, passim; Burton, Journal of the Board of Trustees, passim; and Burton, Forsyth-Kinzie-Little genealogy and mss. in Sibley papers, in B. H. Coll., passim. 386 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS May health & happiness attend you is the Sincere wish of all mine as well as Dear Robert that of your constant Friend M r Robert Nichol Merchant Queenston Addressed: r Strabane r near Sandwich Jan y 14th 1803. John Askin Sen to M Robert Nicholl Queenston (Coppy). MISFORTUNES OF WILLIAM ROBERTSON32 Queenston Feby 23d, 1803 My Dear Grandfather I should be sorry to let this op- portunity pass rwithout informing you of some thing material received by M Clark respecting my Uncle William and to thank you in the kindest manner for the affection shown both William and me in your letter to M r Nichol. I am sorry there should have been any cause to affect your Mind so sensibly and would fain hope that every thing may yet be for the best. Our Cargo small as it is will support us decently and should no unlucky circumstance occur think we may keep out of debt. My brother left this on the third of Jan y M r Clark who arrived the day before bro* us very distressing accounts of our Uncle William who had arrived in London in the month of August. He is fast vergeing towards his grave by his former ill habit and am afraid will hardly live to see my brother. On his passage home he made a new will, leaving his Daughter only £5000, a trifling legacy to a friend or two and the remainder of his fortune to an Irish Catholic Priest who had been sometime aquainted with him in Quebec and went in the same Vessel with him to England. This willa was wrote by the Priest and dictated by himself, the Capt and Mate witnessed it. it was from them his Sister received this information who happened accidentally to be on a visit to London from Scotland at the time they arrived. She used every means in her power to recover her brother from his sad state but in vain, after remaining a Month with him she was oblidged to return home her daughter and husband on her arrival set off for the same purpose they 3i From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 387 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS bro* him as far as Liverpool on their way down to Scotland the villain of a priest followed and persuaded my uncle they were taking him to Edinburg to put him in Bridewel (as a Lunatick) They made their escape and when M r Clark left Scotland were liveing in London in a large Hotel, the Priest and him in continual debauch, his poor daughter isr allso there and only a servant woman to attend her. M Clark was desired by our relations in Edinburgh to mention all [illegible] to us and insist on my brother going to England immediately. From himth I have just heard of his arriving in New York on the 19 he was to sail in two days his letter is dated the 27th My paper is grown short and must close my letter. Will you give me the pleasure of hearing from you soon and whether you think it necessary to secure my Uncles property in this Country by getting the deeds for his Land, the power of att y gives the power to sell them. Your affection will I hope excuse this long letter. I beg my kindest love to all the Family and believe me to be Your affec* Grandson John Robertson r Addressed: John Askin Esq Sandwich Endorsed: Queenston d e th Feby 23dd No th 3 M r Jn° Robertson to Jn° Askin recv y 8 & Answ 9 March. CARES OF MRS. GRANT33 Amherstburg May 17th 1803 I was glad to see your dear boys, & Nelly here And to understand from them and your favour by Charles, that uppon the whole my dear M rs Askin and you were in tolereble good health Which will add more ton both your ease is a letter from Captn Pelkenton n 34 to Capt Cowan gaven a healthy account of Capt Meredith & family in England 33 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 34 Robert Pilkington was born in 1765 and in 1787 became second lieutenant in the Royal Artillery. In 1789 he was transferred to the Royal Engineers and was stationed at Quebec. He was on Governor Simcoe's staff, serving in Upper Canada from 1793 to 1796 and in this capacity seems to have performed much useful service. He constructed Fort 388 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS I imagine the Children has been fully gratifyed with their Jaunt down from the very prety Launch, our good And really hamsome, Vessel to all present appearance has made. It is intirely out of poor dear M rs Grant ever to leave Gross Point while such a numerous family as she has with part of the slaves very ungratefull and turbulant, And her- self never relieved from the helme, had a long speale of it. And if she, dear Soul lives her lot never to quit it Even Johnny who is much interested rs and alert, cannot do any thing without consulting M Grant except kissing his Wife, & M r Duff and Phillis has been for this week past perplexed and Troubled very much with a Cursed negroe wench they bought some time Agoe from Captn Elliott. She and a negro man are both in Goal here for thieft and information of a great number of vagarents hovering about here to bring off as many negros as they can And as I am told forming a Town on the other side of Sandusky. at present there is forty Black men there. There was no body from Detroit yesterday at the Launch M rs Grant is also fitting out Poor dear Alick for his voyage to Montreal I shall be up Soon to bring him down I shall be ready to sail with the new vessel Again the begining of next month Harrow told me when I saw him last he would go down with me all the way to York I have been looking or thinking regarding the Militia Again[st] the First of June. I think Captain Clarke as he and his company are so near Sandwich better Join your Battalion which I shall mention in my order in [a] few days. Major Elliot Commands the Battalion here. Your Son John is to Call on me to day to see a return of your Battalion Captain Cowan tells me he spoke some time since to M r Reynolds for the Loan of a Cabbie for a friend of his. M r Reynolds gave for answer that the commd8 offrs order must Miamis on the Maumee. In 1796 he was recommended by Simcoe to the Duke of Portland as an officer especially qualified to survey the boundary line between Canada and the United States. Pilkington remained in Canada until 1803. In 1825 he became Major General of Fortifications in England. In 1799 he was given a grant of land in Canada, later known as the Township of Pilkington. He later undertook to colonize this grant and his efforts in this connection are said to have kept him poor the remainder of his life. He died in London, July 6, 1834. Information derived from documents in Simcoe Papers, passim; Mich. Pio. Colls., passim; Robertson, Diary of Mrs. John Graves Simcoe, passim; and sketch in Toronto Canadian Countryman, Dec. 9, 1922. 389 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS be procured, & then two recepts taken one to be sent to M r Craigoir[?] the other to remain in office. Tho I shall take an oppertunity [to] get to talk to him. no less went up the other day as I am told in the American Packet then nine sett of Stills, and Sixteen more at Presquill so I think we Farmers Will get vent for our grain. So long since you & I has had no correspondance, this scrole will tire you out Remember me in the most affectionate manner to my dear M r s Askin And belive [me] my dear Sir to be you, & yours, kind wisher & Friend Alex Grant John Askin Esq r I heard the other day that the gentlemen of Detroit honoured themselves or Governer Harrison with given a ball and that two of our daughters was there. And that M r May was so polite as to go for them to the Point, and had them lodged at his own house which is very kindly of him. tho I never was there. Your Son in law36 took umbrage at Gross Point at M r s Grant, & cursed and sowrn at the Point some says at M r s Grant. She says [she] never showed more atten- tion to any man than she did to him when there. Donovan was with him when there. I asked Donovan what could offend M r B. the only thing iritate him because there was not some fine Cherrybounce M r s G. had formerly produced, last year the cherreys failed. Endorsed: Amherstburgh May 17th 1803 Commodore Grant to Jn° Askin. Answerd ye 18 th INDEBTEDNESS OF CAPT. JOHN WHISTLER 3 6 I was extremely sorry to learn from Charles that you were sued on my account be asured its the last step I ever wish to take against you or any Gentleman If I can by any other means obtain [or] even secure whats due me. I'm convinced there must have [been] some mistake in this matter & if I have the pleasure of seeing you I will convince you it is so I even mentioned to M r Brush that as you might be pinched 35 The allusion is to Elijah Brush for whom see ante, 370. 36 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 390 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS or want of Money I would take any Valuable thing else [as] ayment, how M r Anderson who gave me in an Account of hat he received, did not mention your having paid him, urprises me much, for I know he likes you and will be sorry or what happened and yet he is in some degree the cause for ot letting me know that you paid. An other matter also urprisesr me why you did not show M r Anderson's receipt hen M Brush asked payment. I shall only add that I feel or all Gentlemen with large familys therefore never rwished o distress them If it could be avoided & I'm sure M Brush as the same disposition I am Sir Your most Obed* very humble Servant ap* Whistler at Detrot Endorsed: 1 Near Sandwich July 9 th 1803 John Askin en " to Captain Whistler at Detroit. (Coppy) DEATH OF HUGH H E WARD37 Near Sandwich July 22d 1803 Sir Your favour of the 20th June last did not reach me ntill last evening the Widow Heward arrived here some me ago &r delivered to me the last Will and Testament of he late M Hugh Heward saying it was his directions to eliver it into my hands she also offered to deliver me over Trunk with his papers but as I seen the great impropriety f acting as Executor when I could not be of use I therefore eclined the papers and as to the will I wish to deliver it ither to the widow who gave it to me or any other who may e duly authorized The Honorable D. W. Smith should he ome out, of course is the properest person being also an xecutor and being on the spott may be able to render ervice as the deceased, his property is in that Quarter, in his I believe he has but little, except a few debts, any assis- ance I can give in recovering them or in any other manner, f I can help the Widow Son or Nephew of an Old Friend I ill most cheerfully do, when authorized by whoever may e legally appointed. I have but little knowledge of the ate M r Hewards property you who reside at York should now best what will remain for his Widow Son and Nephew 37 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 391 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS When his Debts are discharged. I dont know that he owes anything in this Quarter, the Will is worded nearly as you mention, the Widow to have the use of the Estate real and personal during her Life which afterwards is to be divided equaly between the Son & Nephew of the deceased, how- ever this mode of bequeathing seems to me to admit of difi- cu[l]ties as much of the personal estate must consist of Perishable Articles which it would be perhaps out of the power of the Widow to preserve during her life, what the real construction should be is much better known to those who have studied the Law I am Sir Your most Obed* Humble Servant r 38 M William Bond at York Endorsed: 1 r Near Sandwich July 22d 1803 John Askin Sen to M William Bond at York (Copy) Widow Heward &c Hon D. W. Smith Mentioned NEWS OF WILLIAM ROBERTSON39 Queenstown July 27th 1803 Dear Grandfather You could scarce think to have had a letter from me so soon from this place, my speedy return will no doubt surprise you as much as it did my other friends; I have not as yet been gone 7 Months; yet was I above five weeks in England. I reached London on the 21* of March, just three days after my Uncle was married to M r Ogilvy's Mother. I hope this will prove a fortunate circumstance for him, from the good character given of her and her in- fluence over him, I am in hopes she will be able to reclaim him from that dreadfull habit he had. I did not find Matters so bad as they were said to have been, that there was such a person as a parson who went over with him who had his passage and other Expences paid, and who was also fond of the bottle I beleive was true, but nothing More; I found 38 William Bond was a sergeant in the Queen's Rangers. As early as 1794 he had a farm on Yonge Street about eighteen miles north of Toronto, surrounding a lake which is still called Bond's Lake. Here he developed Toronto's first nursery. An amusing account of his efforts to sell the property is given by Scadding in Toronto of Old, 462 ff. See also Robertson, Diary of Mrs. John Graves Simcoe, 307; and Simcoe Papers, III, 24. 39 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 392 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS him much better than I expected, he was very happy to See me indeed, so much so that he would scarce allow me to return after a Months residence with him. had it not been that his affairs as well as my own required My presence I beleive I should not; It was seldom I could get him to speak of his affairs here; he does not Seem to care much about them, he used to speak frequently of you and the family. He seldom writes his nearest relations, he will not give him- self the least trouble about any one thing I have by no means any reason to repent my journey he has given John & myself a Credit on the House of Parker Gerard, Ogilvy & C° for £2000 Hfx We have not as yet quite determined what o do, whether to remain here or go to Lower Canada. As John writes you on bussiness, I shall not at present Say anything to you on that Score. It gives me much pleasure o hear that you and all the family have had such good health this Season; I landed in Ireland from America, and beleive travelled thro your Native Town, Strabane, I hink 16 or 18 Miles beyond Londonderry. I enquired if here were any persons of your Name there and understood here were I was then in the Mail Coach on my Way to Dublin. I was Much pleased with the Country round the atter place. I hope to have the pleasure of hearing from ou Soon, with my kindest love to M" Askin & all your kind family, beleive Me to be with the greatest affection for you and them. Your Grandson William Robertson ohn Askin Esqr Addressed: John Askin Esqr Strabane near Sandwich Endorsed: Queenstond July 27h 1803 d 6 Wth m Robertson Jn r o Jn° Askin Recv 10 Aug* Answ y 11 FROM ALEXANDER HENRY TO JOHN ASKIN Montreal 18 Aug. 1803 Dear old freind This moment your letter came to Hand nd I will not loose one moment in writing to you. I own have been too long in not writing but am determined to 393 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS make it up. no one [is] more happy in hearing from you and family than I am, I despair of ever seeing you in this World, what may be done in the next can't say, time will discover. I am growing old, and infirm have been laid up this five weeks with being overheated at a fire in this Place, some evil dispos'd persons has sett fire, to this place eight times within this Month and bur[n]t upwards of thirty dwelling Houses, two Churches, theca prison & Colege, besides a number of stores out houses & . it is clear that it has been done on purpose, five hundred pound reward is offer'd to discover, it must be french agents, your boots I will get made, am sorry you did not send one of your legs. Knowls is Dead but his young man may have your measure as for the Saw a BardeauxiQ I dont know what it is however will find it out. I find you have turnd farmer, so much the better you are out of the chances of Misfortune. I have turn'd Auctioneer to get a living which is not a pleasant business, however any port in a Storm, you and me missed our port when we left off the N West business while we was young, but it is too late to repine, in a very few years it will be the same, as if we enjoyed every thing we wish'd. your old friend Todd & McGill still continues well, that is Todd is well after dinner, but always sick in the mornings, he is geting old every way. I wrote to you last year respecting James Frazer and I also wrote to him which he has not answer'd. In Casety & Williams Accounts there is a large sum due by Tague the spanard, and I am informd he has given Lands for the amount to Frazer & his agents, and that he has recoverd many other debts which he has not accounted for. this therefore is to request you will examine him & the Books and he must Transmit to me all security, for Lands or otherwise which he may have for or on account of said Casety & Williams and that he forwards me an account of the whole and delivers you a coppy, otherwise I will be under the necessity of sending an Agent on purpose or I will empower any person you recommend & take the Books & affairs out of his Hands, this you may tell him from me. last fall he wrote me he intended to make a dividend, since which [I] have not heard from him. 40 For the explanation of this line see -post, 396. 394 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS he never render[e]d us an account of what he has received, only made dividends & remitted them, which was not his business, only to Transmit to me what he received from the Estate, was what he ought to have done. I will write to him by this opportunity, be so good as to take a moment to think of this business and let me know, as you are out of the furr way I need say nothing to you. much money has been made by Bears, but they must take care, my family is all well except myself and join in every good wish for you and yours. & remain ever your affectionate old friend Alexander Henry N.B. pray what did you do with the note of M c Gregor to R Henry, if you cant get any thing send the note to me. Addressed: John Askin Esq r Detroit Endorsed: Montreal Aug* 18h 1803 M r Alex1 Henry to Jn° Askin recvd ye 30h Sepr Answd ye 4 h Oct r FROM JOHN ASKIN TO ALEXANDER H E N R Y 4 1 Near Sandwich Oct r 4 th 1803 My Dear Henry Now I have started you I will keep you a going your kind Letter dated the 18th of August reached me the last of September. Your a nice boy not to say anything about your family pray do [you] not think that M r s Askin and I have some regard for them however from your silence on that head we have reason to suppose they are all well and we most sincerely wish it. I will tell you news that you will like. I'm better in health and more contented in mind thank God than I have been for Thirty years past and yet during that time I have not had great eason to compplain yet dont think I'm rich far from it. f anyone say's so he tells a Whopper but I begin to see lear that no one will suffer by me tho payment may be elayed on this side I have'Lands well secured that brings me 20/ per Acre, tho not all Cash down but well secured nd on the other side I have a quantity of Land also part 41 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 395 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS of which tho not the greater is secured also my Family seems also in a fair way of being provided for and under these circumstances if I was not content I would deserve not to have cause to be so. You begin to loose your french. formerly Soi a Bardeau was a particular kind of Plow Shear and not a Saw for Shingles as you would make it to pay for the Boots and it which I suppose you have sent P r M r Donovan, I have inclosed you Mons r Giassons Draft, he does not say However on whom for 199ft, but as he is in Montreall it's no matter. I'm very sorry for the distresses of the poor people who have suffered by fire it seems to me punishments are not adequate to the Crimes always. If the wretches who set fire were to be burnt from time to time so as to raise blisters be cured and burnt again [it] would be a greater Example than [to] be sent out of the World by the run. I have nothing further to do with Bear Skins my Trade is in those of Sheep and Lambs. I note what you say respecting M r Fraser and will make it my business to enquire into the matter and let you know, however at all events he can no longer transact your nor any mans Business as usual, he is following our worthy friend M r Robertson fast its strange how people go. You and I had the best right to bruise the Grogg being old Champaigners perhaps you would do well to give me a power to Name an Attorney and I will look out for the properest person for I cannot do it myself, after our joint best wishes for all you and yours believe me to be to the last My Dear Friend Your unalterable Friend r Alexander Henry Esq at Montreal Endorsed: Near Sandwich Oc tr the 4 th 1803 John Askin Senr to Alexr Henry Esq r Merchant Montreal (Copy) CONDITION OF DEBTORS IN VINCENNES 4 2 Vincennes 24 December 1803 Dear Sir: Your very much esteemed Favors of the 24 th From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 396 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS eptember and 18th November last were received by the ompany's Courier. The circumstances you state of the conduct of DuBois n the transaction with M r McGregor exhibit his character n its real point of view. Vigo is at present in the Illinois ountry, and is expected in a few days. Upon his return e shall be pressed for the payment of his Bond to you, ow in my possession, and payable at the time you mention. o opportunity has yet presented of disposing of the Lott hich DuBois wanted to purchase. The Garrison has been rected on the adjoining [one], which afforded a more ligible site. The Contractor for the troops has some houghts of purchasing it, on Account of a Spring which conveniently placed for a Distillery. Were I to form an pinion of its value by comparing it with that of the tract ext it, I should estimate its value about five hundred ollars. I shall dispose of it If I can obtain about that um. The small tract you had from Etienne Ste Marie has ot yet been confirmed, for want of testimony to prove ctual cultivation. If it is confirmed, it would bring one undred and perhaps fiftyr Dollars. I am very happy that ou are authorised by M Henry to receive the Books and apers rof the Estates of Tho8 Williams & Jn° Cassedy43 om M Fraser. Whilst he was in health, none could have een more attentive to business I believe; but I found such n alteration in him, when I was last at Detroit, that I eclined talking to him on the subject of those debts put nto my management by him. At my return I pressed igo for a settlement of his obligation to the Estate of illiams, and would have admitted about Eleven Packs f Beaver which he says he pd on account, and accept of nds to please me, at one Dollar an acre for the balance, n the principle of his inability tors pay in Cash. But he sisted on my allowing two doll for the land, without hoice, which I would not agree to; and I finished by stituting an Action, returnable at March Term. Bail as been given; and I have been informed he has said that fter his arrival from the Illinois, that he intended to go to the Atlantic States to dispose of his lands for Cash 43 For the career of John Casety, see B. H. R., I, 185. 397 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS to pay his Debts. Of Pierre Gamelins Obligations I have made the most. I established his right to some Land and then to obtain it from him I agreed, to give up one of the Notes for the part he owned after allowing myself part for my trouble and Expence in securing it. a Tract adjoin- ing that which you will obtain by your Judgment ag* Paul Gamelin will form the greatest part of what will be coming to the Estate of Tho 8 Williams by this transaction. I therefore wish you would attend to have it and the other ascertained. Gamelin's Conveyance to me has been recorded at Detroit where that tract is situate, and the Deed for the other in this County. When I can dispose of it so as to realise, you shall be informed, or M r Fraser. Unfortunately, Gamelin is almost always intoxicated at the Expence of any person so that there is no hopes of ever getting any more Property from him; for at present he has none, nor can he ever acquire any. Should any favorable circumstance occur respecting your own business or that of those Gentlemen's Estates, you shall be regularly in- formed by the Mail. In the mean time I take the liberty of presenting my most respectful comp ts to M r s Askin and all your Family; and of wishing you all many happy returns of the Season, in which none can be more sincere than Dear Sir Your much obliged and most obedient Serv* William M c Intosh John Askin Esquire. APPOINTMENT AT ST. JOSEPH Montreal 24 Decemb r 1803 My dear Sir I was duly favord with yours of the 5h Octb r respecting your Son Johns wish to get the appoint- ment M r Chaboillez44 has at S* Josephs. I beli[e]ve you must be wrong[ly] informed respecting that Gent m quitting his situation. I have enquired at his friends here, allso at 44 Charles Chaboillez was appointed clerk and storekeeper at St. Joseph Island in the summer of 1802, succeeding Thomas Duggan, for whom see B. H. R., I, 286. He remained here until the summer of 1807, when he was succeeded by John Askin Jr., who reported that he intended to go to Lower Canada within a month. See post, 553-54. Various allu- sions to Chaboillez at St. Joseph are found in Vol. XXIII of Mich. Pio. Colls. 398 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS the Indian department, neither of which know any thing of such intention so situated it would be improper to make any application. M r Chaboillez friends tell me the[y] suppose he1 will not stay there above a Year Longer & when I see Gen Hunter I will mention on a vacancy my wish he would appoint John but to intitle him to it he must be attentive and carefull to Transmit Accounts in his present employment as Gen1 Hunter is verry exact and wishesc all underr him to be so. I am sorry to hear that Cap* M Kee & M Ironside45 have got there pay for irregularity in their Accounts & Vouchers. M r McGill will answer your Letters respecting Land & property. I have been for some time Confined with a Complaint in my heart. I am getting fast old. Wishing you M rs Askin & family many happy returns of the Season I am as usual Ever Your Sinc[e]re friend Isaac Todd John Askin Esqr Addressed: John Askin Senr Esqr Detroit Endorsed: Montreal 6 h Decyr 24h 1803 Isaac d 6 Todd h Esq y r to Jn° Askin recv* y 28 Jan 1804 Answ y 29 Jan AGREEMENT FOR OPERATING THE SAGUINAH Articles of agreement, made and concluded at this day of in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and three; between George Meldrum & John Askin Merchants on the one part, & Captain Fearson of Detroit of the other part Witnesseth Article l 8t That the aforesaid George Meldrum & John Askin equal owners of the Sloop Saguinah do hereby bargain and sell to the said John Fearson, one third share in the Sloop Saguinah; with a third of her tackle rigging, apparel, Boates, stages, & every other thing to her belonging; for the sum of one hundred & sixteen pounds thirteen shillings and four pence New York Currency, to be paid to each seperately; forming in all for said third of said Vesel &ca the sum of three hundred and thirty three pounds six shillings & eight pence New York Currency as aforesaid 45 George Ironside, for sketch of whose career see B. H. R., I, 332. 399 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS 2nd And it is mutually agreed between the said George Meldrum John Askin, & John Fearson, that the said Saguinah shall be put in repair; in order to sail in the spring, at the equal and joint charges of all three, in which is to be included the main Sail now making by said John Fearson. 3d That the said George Meldrum, John Askin & John Fearson, in their joint capacity as owners of the Saguinah, do agree with the said John Fearson, to pay him the sum of eighty five pounds Halifax Currency; for his service, trouble and pains in Navigating said Vessel, during the whole of the next season as well as directing her repairs, hireing workmen and Sailors purchasing materials and provissions and in every respect doing all in his power for the interest of the owners of said Vessel; without any other charge whatever; except for making the Main Sail which he has now on hand: and further said owners of the Sloop Saguinah, do hereby agree with said Captain or Master that he shall have all the advantages of the Cabin Pasingers, & their reasonable baggage for his own use; however nothing that pays freight is to be taken into the Cabin, unless the hold is first full except it may be Suger or Provissions for Captain Fearson own or family's use, for which no freight in the Cabin will be charged. He is likewise to have the same rations as formerly with this exception; the Suger to be twenty five lbs. brown, and as many of white and as many candles and as many as the Vessel may want. & the said John Fearson on his part agrees with the aforesaid owners to accept of the aforesaid pay and recompence, & perform (so far as he can) the duties above mentioned from the present time untill the Vessel may be laid up in the fall. 4 th That said Captain Fearson will purchase whatever may be wanted for the Vessel use and hire Sailors and workmen on the best terms in his power, giving the prefer- ance to the owners only, when they will sell as cheap as others and also consulting them [when] any purchase of consequence is to be paid or men hired, unless absent from where they live 5th That in case any other person should in future wish to purchase any share in said Saguinah, the said Meldrum, 400 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Askin & Fearson do consent that the terms on which a majority of them agree, shall be binding on the whole; as well as to the Port or Bay, where the Vessel should sail the irst, or succeeding Voyages 6 th That as soon as may be convenient, Captain Fearson will send to John Askin, accounts of all the purchases he may make Freight Notes, &ca which said Askin promisses o enter into a Book properly; and always to be ready for he inspection of all the owners without makeing any harge for so doing. 7 th That all monies received for freights or any purchase f a share, in said Vessel shall be first employed to discharge what the Vessel may owe to the Master, Sailors; or others ot partners in her before the dividend shall be made 8 th George Meldrum promisses to assist Captain Fearson o far as he can, in obtaining workmen and sailors cheap, o use his Interest to get freight for the Saguinah and to ry and borrow stores or let Captain Fearson know where e thinks they can be obtained cheapest, & in all respects hich relate to said Vessel to give what assistance he can, o as not to neglect his other affairs, & for which he is not to make any charge. 9 th And it is mutually agreed on by and the parties foresaid that in case they shall think fit in future to make ny purchase of Flour, Pork, liquor of any kind Salt, or ther Articles for their joint accounts That it must be done ith the approbation of the whole and a Memmorandum igned by them of the articles they agree so to purchase Lastly in Testimony of the parties consent and approba- ion to this triplicate agreement according to the true nterest and meaning thereof they have hereunto set their ands and affixed their Seals the day and year first above ritten Witness Present PRICE OF FLOUR Fort Erie February 1 st 1804 re ohn Askin Esq Dear Sir I on the 18th ult° wrote you a hasty letter 401 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS in reply to your favor of the 3rd but as that could not be very Satisfactory, and as the time given by our immacculate Post Master, to answer letters, after the Arrival of a Mail is seldom Sufficient for them to get up here, I avail myself of a little leisure and a Knowledge of what will happen to reply to it more at large. Flour with us, owing to the great demand and a Knowl- edge of your wants, is now high, and will I fear rise, little has yet Come to Market & the farmers in my Neighbourhood are Keeping it up, with the view of getting a higher price, it cannot be Shipt by the Merchant at less than Five Dollars P Barrel of 196 libs, at which price I will deliver the Quantity you order for yourself, the Pork shall also be procured, tho I fear the price of that article, will also be much increased, the Market being bare owing to the large Supply purchased by Government I have endeavoured to Bargain with several of my Neigh- bours for flour, but they all Keep aloof so that I cannot well Say what quantity I shall be able to procure at even five Dollars. I am in hopes however that I Shall be able to make out 100 Barrels. I shall also put up about 100 Bags of Corn. I will thank you to say what proportion the Winchester Bushel bears to the Minot, as we have no Measure of that Kind here46 Ashes I have in Abundance. I wrote you the other day Per M r Burns, to which refer. No European Intelligence of Importance since that time, tho we are in dayly Expectation of something very interesting from England. I request the usual Compliments to the Family and am My Dear Sir with the sincerest good wishes Yours very faithfully Rob Nichol re Addressed: John Askin Esq Strabane Near Sandwich 46 A manuscript memorandum of 1765 upon the condition of the colony states the minot to be the equivalent of five pecks. In 1799 a list of grievances of citizens of Detroit drawn up for presentation to the General Assembly contains a statement concerning the inequitable system of weights and measures in use; merchants purchased grain from the inhabitants by the French bushel of 40 Winchester quarts, while they sold salt and grain by the Winchester bushel of 32 quarts. Askin in replying to Nichol's query (see post, 403) stated there was "no real standard" established in Detroit between the Winchester bushel and the French minot. 402 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Endorsed: Fortd 6 Erieh Febr d 1 st 1804 stM r Rob* Nichol to Jn° Askin recv y 25 Answ March 1 GOODS FOR DETROIT TRADE Near Sandwich Feby 2d 1804 Dear Robert Your favours of the 28th December & 18 June last reached me long since and [I] observe what you say respecting the Hulled Corn but am sorry you are doubtfull about furnishing the Flour and Pork I think I before ob- served to you that these last articles were more saleable than the Corn, yet when there was demand for it, the profit was often greater. Flour with us is now at 40/ but that not oweing to the Mills not going than the want of wheat which s only 9/ Winchester measure your observation of paying nterest where Cash is laid out, or the produce furnished will fetch Cash is just and reasonable and to which I can have no objections for you know to force a Sale on any thing n this part of the Country is impossible and the flour that fetches not 20/ in one Month has brought double the next herefore it is better for you and me to pay any interest than be obliged to make payment on a certain day where the produce is sold payment with interest will be immediately made, there is a great prospect of much gain on Whisky which can be laid in at 5/6 and unless cast away never can cause a loss, but [I] observe if Pork and Flour could be got from the American side and such vouchers sent as would prove that here it would be a great saving when sent to Michilimacinac. the Duty on the former is 2/ per Gallon and on all provissions above 12/ Per Cent. The Saguinah s now under repair and if the Captain & Carpenter does not deceive me much she will sail from this as early as any Vessell. The whole Family join MrB Askin in wishing and in every wish that may tend to your Happiness and wellfair and I remain as usual D r Robert Yours most truly M r Robert Nicholl Merchant, Queenston y d Endorsed: Near Sandwich Feb 2 1804. John Askin S[r] to M r Robert Nicholl Merc* Queenston Copy 403 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS EARL OF SELKIRK'S ENTERPRISE Niagara Feby 15 1804 I am this Moment favored with yours of the 2nd & 4h & shall answer them in succession Flour Corn & Pbrk shall be provided & perhaps a little Whisky, properly provided, id est from the States, Certified &c &c I am Sorry to find that my letter by Burns did not reach you by himself both on his Lordships Acct & yours, his business will in time be profitable, & is most certainly respectable Lord S.47 will however be at Detroit himself in the course of next year & will be able to discriminate between Honesty, Intelligence, Plain Dealing & respect- ability on cthec one Side, & Vulgarity low Cunning, Over- reaching & & on the other A Number of letters to Answer by both Mails Obliges me to Conclude briefly by saying that Neither time or distance shall Obliterate the Sincere & Affectionate regard, felt for yourself & Family, by Dear Sir Your friend & Humble Serv* Rob Nichol re Addressed: John Askin Esq Strabane Near Sandwich Endorsed: Fort d Erieth Febr ld l h 1804 stM r Rob* Nichol to Jn° Askin recv y* 25 Answ March 1 AFFAIRS OF THOMAS WILLIAMS AND COMPANY48 Near Sandwich March 2d 1804 Dear Henry I was favoured some time ago with a Letter from you conveying a blank power of Attorney which agreeable to your Ideas and my oppinion I filled up with M r Brushes name for it appears to me people make pay- ments much sooner to Lawyers (even when they do not sue[)] than to others. M r Fraser has been very unwell but now is better which is the reason that he has not before now delivered the statement Books Notes &ca to M r Brush (who I have seen to day) and says he will get them in a 47 Thomas Douglas, Fifth Earl of Selkirk (1771-1820), whose colonizing efforts in Canada included the settlement of Baldoon, near modern Wallaceburg, Ont. 48 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 404 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS few days I have shewed him your letter of the 20th January as well as that which you wrote at the time you sent the power of Attorney to the contents of both he says he will pay due attention. M r McIntosh writes me he will have a Judgment against Monsr Vigoe for what he owed Thomas Williams & C° on M r Casity in this month at Post Vincent. M r Vigoe offered him lands at 16/ per acre but M r Mack- intosh thought them worth only 8/ therefore commenced a Suit. I have carefully looked over my old papers but can not find the Note which you mention which surprises me much for I never loose a paper and therefore think that if I ever had it I must have mentioned it however the loss to the owner cannot be anything for M r McGregor I dare say will not deny the debt but realy I believe he has Nothing to pay on the contrary I believe he and Family are mostly maintained by his Son & Cousin or Nephew, for I dont know which John McGregor is. Was I strong I would lodge some money with you to buy articles at auction but that is not the case and I fear will not [be], for old people seldom get stronger, however if a brass kettle not Copper it being dearer falls in your way to contain 70 Gallons please purchase it if under the common price & I will send you the Cash for it I want it for my Distillery. Please send me a pair of Fishermans Boots not the very heaviest sort, but good soals, also a Plow Shear such as last year, these two will cost about £3 "15" Hafx and I believe you have about that ballance in your hands. If M r Geasson comes up next summer I will shew him as clear as the Nose on his face that he owed me the 24 Dollars I demanded and now much more as I have a last years freight ace* against him. I did not know it was fashionable now for a man not to sign his name to what he wrote but I know your letter as well without as with. However after best wishes for you and yours according to the old fashion I subscribes myself Dear Henry Your unchangeable Friend Alexander Henry Esqr at Montreal Endorsed: Near Sandwich March 2d 1804. John Askin Senior to Alexander Henry Esqr Montreal. Copy 405 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS PROPERTY OF ISACC TODD AND JAMES MCGILL Near Sandwich March 2d 1804 Dearth Sir Your favour of the 28th Jan y last, reached me the 28 r of last month the Deeds for the whole 40 Lots sold M Todd and you are now ready you have 3 Each which are bounded by the Belle River & 1 each within a few Lots of these which with the 32, before, forms the whole. I'm sorry for the delay which however has not been my fault. I have several other Deeds to receive of Govern- ment and will think myself happy if they are ready in twelve Months to come to be taken out of the office indeed it has at this session been reported to the Governor and Execu- tive Council not to Issue a Commission for settling further claims as there are more reports in th[e] offices at York than Deeds can be made for in less than twelve months. I note what you say respecting M r Brushes purchase, also not to make repairs nor let any place out, that r rent can not be got for. I will act as you direct, as to M Brush I imagine he will pay yearly or perhaps all next summer I dont see any great difference it can make to him therefore will advise him to [do] it for he is not pinched in money matters for a sum of that kind. I begin to think from his limiting a time for payment that he has made a purchase for some other who can not make better payments. I'm sure that im not less hurt than you and M r Todd are at the perchases made of me on the other side turning out so badly I can only say that my best endeavours have been used to prevent it. im happy that those on this side will make some amends. The best prospect I see for the Wind Mill is to sell it to M r May and give him full time to pay otherwise he can not purchase, he is noted for immidiately puting every thing he buys in the best Order therefore the worst that can happen would be taking it back againr when it would be worth double what it is today, both M Park & Meldrum are of my oppinion I wish to have yours soon M r May has not told me (but M r Brush has) that he wis[h]ed to purchase it. I remain &ca JA c r James M Gill Esq Merch* Montreal 406 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Endorsed: s c Near r Sandwich March 2d 1804 Jn° Askin to Jm M Gill Esq at Montreal (Coppy) NEWS FROM COLONEL D E PEYSTER Dumfries 11th March 1804 My dear Askin Your friendly letter from near Sand- wich opposite Hog Island, without a date is truly flattering as it convinces both Mrs D and myself that you are that steady friend I always supposed you would prove, for it is time alone which is the true touchstone of friendship. You have introduced however a number of new acquaintances all of whom I sincerely wish may prosper. Our old ones I see are made of good tough matterials. the Comodores good Lady I fear will however make him tender through too much indulgence, mind to remember us kindly to that Loving couple. Mon Ami Maisonville you say enjoys his Health. Chant il encore les Vespres? If so, tell him it is time he should learn some other tune which must not however be a gloomy one. it would misbecome one of a turn of mind so like my own. You'll say this is no small compliment to myself. The bearer of this M r Dickson the Elder, will give you a full account of our Arming in this Quarter for the reception of Bonaparti and his Numerous Attendants. There is so much to be said upon the Subject of that little Corse that I must refer you to printed, and to Verbal accounts. Whilst he may expect a Warm reception in case he has the folly to land in Britain. My old Indian friends, the Chiefs I mean I hear are mostly dead Particularly Quiouigoushquin and Moneso Bennets fr[i]end Matchiquis. If Wawayachterin the Pottawatomie s living and you see him tell him that I have not forgot him nor any of my Huron friends. Your friend M rs DePeyster you may tell M rs Askin is as happy as the day is long and Sleeps all Night as sound as a top. I have my health thank God, and must still have some small share of activity or I could not justify in these busteling times having accepted of a Deputy Lieutenancy of he County with the Command of a Regiment of Volunteers as fine a set of fellows as you ever beheld. If I begin the other side of this paper I shall write it full, and thereby 407 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS fatigue you not a little. I will therefore conclude here with thanks for your past favors to me, whichrs I often reflect upon with gratitude. Remember us to M Askin and all friends in the kindest terms and believe me truly My dear Sir Your friend & Serv* A* DePeyster r Addressed: Jn° Askin Esq Sandwich opposite Hog Isl- and North America favr Mr Dickson Endorsed: Dumfries1 e March l l h 1804d Colonel DePey- ster to Jn° Askin recv* y 15 June Answ ye 30h Aug* 1805 COTTON SEEDS FOR MRS. ASKIN Poste Vincennes le 24 Mars, 1804 Madame Je Profitte de L'occassion de la voiture de Mr. Dubois Pour vous faire parvenir les graines de Cotton que vous m'avez demande je vous en envoye un petit sac qui sont des graines melee jaune et blanche de la meilleure qualite qu'il e et6 a mon pouvoir de vous envoyer Si au cas je puis m'en procurer du jeaune point mellee de bonne sorte je vous les envairais par quelqu' autre aucassion et Si je puis vous e"tre de quelque utilite pour tout autre chause je vous prie de ne point m'epargne je me ferai un plaisir de pouvoir vous satisfaire bien de mes respect et amities a Mr. Votre Epouse et a toute vdtre famille et suis v6tre tres humble et Ob6issant Serviteur Fran Bazadone Addressed: A Madame Madame Askin Resident aux Detroit Endorsed: Post Vincennes le 24e Mars 1804 e Monsr Bazadone to Madame Askin Reponse faite le 24 May 1804 Translation Post Vincennes, March 24, 1804 Madam: By Mr. Dubois' conveyance I am sending you a small sack of the cotton seeds you requested. They are mixed, yellow and white, and of the best quality that I 408 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS could get for you. In case I can procure some good yellow, unmixed, I shall send it by another opportunity, and if I can serve you in any way whatever, I beg you not to spare me. It will be a pleasure to me to be able to give you any assurance of my respect and friendship for your husband and for all your family, and to remain Your most humble and obedient servant, Francois Bazadone CARE OF PROPERTY OF TODD AND MCGILL April 3d 1804 Dear Charles I was very sorry to learn that M r Brush had taken down the Fence between his Orchard & the four little Houses & let Doctor Scott49 plow all between the Houses in Order to plantr potatoes. I have Every wish in the World to Oblige Doc Scott and any place on Land be- longing to me when M r Brush chooses he may let him plant a spott but as those Houses & the Lots belonging to them are not mine I can not have them Occupied or planted by any person but those who hire them, nor must they be Inclosed with any Other Lots but left perfectly Oppen & separate for to hire to any One who wants them, for you 49 William McDowell Scott was a British subject who, according to his own statement "entered" the United States early in 1796 and several years later became a citizen. The date of his coming to Detroit has not been learned. On Sept. 9, 1801, he was married here to Mary Ann Meldrum, daughter of George Meldrum and Mary Catherine Angelique Chapoton, who was born in Sandwich, Sept. 2, 1786. In 1803 Scott became a trustee of Detroit, and during the ensuing decade he served at different times as justice of the peace, justice of the Court of Quarter Sessions, judge of the Court of Common Pleas, and U. S. marshall. In 1805 he is listed as an attorney, and the same year he was captain of riflemen in the Legionary Corps, of which Elijah Brush was lieutenant colonel. In fact, Scott's activities were so various that only a portion of them can be listed here. Despite his official activities, he was frequently cited for violations of the fire regulations of Detroit. Scott was a member of the Michigan militia surrendered by General Hull in August, 1812. For some reason he incurred the suspicion of Colonel Procter, by whom in February, 1813, he was ordered to leave the territory. He set out for New York, but en route thither was seized by the British military authorities and subjected to a long confinement in Quebec under suspicion, apparently, that he was still a British subject who was harboring treason- able designs. In the spring of 1814 he was released, and going to Washington, he petitioned for an advance of pay for his service as marshall of Michigan from 1806 to 1811, to enable him to return to his home. On April 2, 1814, he was appointed garrison-surgeon's mate in Detroit. He was dismissed, December 12, following, and died a few months later. No record of the date of his death has been found, save a bill against his estate dated June 18, 1815. His widow married (second) Melvin Dorr; she was buried from Ste. Anne's Church, Aug. 1, 1825. See Farmer, Hist, of Detroit, passim; Proc. of Land Board of Detroit, passim; Burton, Journal of the Board of Trustees of Detroit, passim; Mich. Pio. Colls., passim, especially XV, 406; and mss. among the Solomon Sibley papers. 409 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS know it would be the greatest reflection on my Character to make use of Messrs T & McGills places for my private pur- pose & I dare say would soon be known to them. Whoever would hire the Houses would want the Lots belonging to them, for no man would wish to go thru an Other persons potatoe Lot to get in Or Out of hisr House. These are mat- ters rI'm sure did not Occur to M Brush when he Allowed Doc Scott to plow & I suppose he also thought the Houses were in so bad Order that no One would hire them. Let that be the case or not, as they do not belong to me I must keep them free in case Tenants should Offer, please Ex- plain this matter to M r Brush so that nothing further may be done to these Houses or Lots. I Owe Cadiau four Dollars Answer so much for him at the Vendue, I wanted to see you last night to know what you had bought & how things sold, come Over this Evening. Our best wishes to M r Brush Allice & Dear Edmund Your Tender Father John Askin COLLECTION OF DEBTS IN VINCENNES Near Sandwich April 30th 1804 Dear Henry, God be praised my Family & self have weathered an other Winter, & enjoy good health a like blessing we sincerely wish may be the portion of you and yours M r Fraser has not as yet made up the Accounts & delivered them with the Books to M r Brush but promises shortly to do it which I believe he will be able to do his Health being some rthing better & as he has Vandued all off and lives nowr at M Mays he has leasure time to settle all his affairs. M William Mackintosh writes me as I believe I before wrote you that he had sued Mr Vigoe but oweing to a want of Judges there was no Court at Post Vincent last March. In his last letter he mentions Monsr Vigoe means to defend by saying he made several payments which he will prove, how little proof will be recd in that Country provided it keeps a British Subject out of his right in money matters, I'm con- vinced of, Yet I dont mean to throw reflections on the 410 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS whole, but what can a few upright men do among so many of a different cast, in short I have so little prospect of suc- cess in that or any other trial by Jury at Post Vincent where one of the parties is a Citizen & the other a British Subject hat I never would try the issue if I could help it and I have now a suit of my own depending where a Gentlemen of the Post owed me a sum of money for which three Notes were given payable in as many Years two of which were regularly paid but as the third was not I after two years directed it to be sued for and there is now a defence set up that I have already in the two Notes that are already paid received more than was ever due me and that it could be proven rom this you may conclude that let the instrument] be what it will, the Lawyers of that Country undertake to set t aside and so feared am I of their success that im now trying by fair and gentle means to get to pay me rather than trust o determination of the Court and Jury, for these r very Good reasons in my oppinion I have desired M Brush to write Monsr Vigoe to know how much he will give in Order o have the suit withdrawn and a full acquitance given on ccount of the late Williams & Casity I think you wrote me you would take £1000, N. Y Currency at the expiration f two years on that Sum being well secured I have only to add that I remain Dear Henry Your constant Friend M r Alexander Henry at Montreal Addressed: Near r Sandwich r April 30th, 1804. John Askin Senior to M Alex Henry, Merch*, Montreal (Copy) INDEBTEDNESS OF FRANCIS VIGO50 Proche de Sandwich le 12 Mai 1804 r Mons Vigoe Monsr Je suisr extrament mortifie d'apprendre par une ettre que Mons William Mackintosh M'Ecrie que votre concelle L'Avocat General a dit que vous mavez paye plus que vous me deviez jamais et que je vous ai triche. Que je ne vous ai jamais triche ni aucune autre homme sur 50 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 411 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS terre est la Verite, et je crois ce L'oppinion de tout honnette homme qui me connoit, Mons r L'Avocat General a pris bien de liberte sans me connoitre mais je suis flatt6 d'ap- prende que vous dite qu'il na pas eu votre authorite pour parler de la facon. Je n'ai jamais manque une occasion de vous servir soit avec la companie ou dans nos affairs propre. La dernier fois quand vous etiez chez moi et que votre Billett etoit due plus qu'un ans alors je ne voulois pas vous arrete ni vous faire la paine, malgr6 le grand besoin que j'avois alors d'argent, Je ne voulois pas suivre le conceille de vous faire prendre et assurer mon argent, je demande seulment que vous agise avec moi comme jai fais avec vous, Si vous supposiez qu il y Eu d'Error dans nos compte pourquoi pas m'a L'avoir dit quand vous etiez ici et je vous aurai fait voir clairment le contraire ayant les ventes chez moi de tous les peltrie que j'ai envoy6 a Londre et d'autre preuf que tout ce que je vous aie porte au compte etoit juste. Croyez Moi n'Opposez jamais rien contre le paiment de billett que vous avez faite, ce paroitra mal dans une Cour de justice et au meme temps vous ne r6eussirez pas ils faut que les obligations (qu'il ne soit pas obtenue per surprise ou force) soit pay6 tot ou tard. J'ai le moyent encore de vous servir d'une affaire de beaucoup plus de consequence que tout ce que vous me devez. La dette que vous dever a Mess rs William et Cassety est entre les mains de mon gendre Mons r Brush et Moi avec authorit6 de faire payer tout la somme si vous avez autant ou de vous acquitter pour Moins. Mons r Fraser n'a plu rien a. faire avec vous pour cette affair la. Vous dit avoir fais une paiment considerable a Mess rs William et Cassety per la vois de la companie de Miamis. comme j'ai les Livres de compte de cette companie, Je serrai capable et dispose de prouver tout ce que vous avez pay6. Ce n'est pas commune qu un person Avec qui est en proces, donne une avis a son adver- saire, Mais comme Dieu Merci Je nai pas aucune rancune. Je vous donnerai la miens. Faites une offre Honorable et juste a la companie de Miamis, Aussi biens que pour ce que vous devez a. Mons r William et Cassety et je employerai mon Interest pour mettre fins a tout vos proces sans la quelle vous n'aurez jamais la Paix et tranquillet6 tant que 412 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS vous Viverez sur terre, Nayant rien autre chose a vous marquer Je suis Monsr Votre tres humble Serviteur Endorsed: Proche de Sandwich le 12 de Mai 1804 John Askin to Monsr Vigoe. Copie Translation Near Sandwich, May 12, 1804 Mr. Vigo Sir: I was extremely annoyed to learn by a letter from Mr. William Mclntosh that your counsel, the Attorney- General, says that you have paid me more than you ever owed me and that I have tricked you. I have never tricked you nor any other man on earth, and every honest person who knows me will say the same, I am sure. The Attorney-General took a great liberty with my character since he has no acquaintance with me, but I am glad that he does not have your sanction in the matter. I have never let a chance slip of serving you, either with the Miamis Company or in our own private affairs. The last time you were here, when your note had been overdue more than a year then, I would not have you arrested, nor cause you any inconvenience, in spite of my great need of funds. I would not take the advice to have you prosecuted to secure payment. All I ask is that you should do the same by me. If you thought there were errors in our accounts, why did you not say so when you were here and I could have shown you the contrary, absolutely, having in my house all bills of sales of peltries sent to London, as well as other proofs that everything I had charged you with was correct. Believe me, one should never make trouble about paying one's note. It looks bad in court and at the same time never has any effect. Debts must be paid sooner or later, or payment will be enforced in some way. There is an affair on right now of much more consequence than all you owe me in which I could help you. Your debt to Messrs. Williams & Casety is in the hands of my son-in-law, Mr. Brush, and myself, for collection, with authority to 413 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS enforce payment of the whole sum, if you have it, or to let you off with less. Mr. Fraser has nothing more to do with it. You state that you have paid Messrs. Williams & Casety a considerable sum through the Miamis Company.51 As I have the account books of that company, I shall be able and disposed to give you credit for all that you have paid. It is rather unusual to advise one's adversary in legal matters, but as God is merciful I have no spite against you and would show you mercy. Make an honorable and just offer to the Miamis Company, also as much as you can for what you owe Messrs. Williams & Casety, and I shall use my influence in putting an end to all your lawsuits, otherwise you will never have any peace or comfort while you live on this earth. Having nothing further to com- municate, I remain, Sir, Your most humble servant, Endorsed; Near Sandwich, May 12, 1804. John Askin to Mr. Vigo. Copy. TRADE CONDITIONS AT MACKINAC Michilimackinac, 30h May 1804 Dear Askin. Your esteemed favour of the l l h Ins* I had the pleasur of receiving some days ago. After an inter- ruption of more than Six months, I am very happy to learn that you & family are well. I am at a loss for words to ex- press my gratitude to you & family, for your kind wishes for my happiness & wellfaer. &c. We have nothing r new at this place. After th a Short Sickness, we lost M Matthew Henry52 on the 29 March, much regretted. The winter here was mild & the Spring early. The few traders who are Arrived 51 On the subject of the affairs of the Detroit firm of Williams and Casety, here alluded to, see B. H. R., I, 185; also document printed post, 431-34. 52. Matthew Henry was a brother of James Henry for whom see ante, 305. William, cousin of James and Matthew, had been serving as Mackinac agent of Major O'Hara, army contractor. When O'Hara withdrew from the contracting business in 1800, he was suc- ceeded by Wilson and Ormsby. William Henry continued in their employ at Mackinac until the autumn of 1801, when he returned to his home in Lancaster, Pa. His place as agent at Mackinac was taken by his cousin, Matthew, who arrived from Detroit on Sept. 2, 1801. He continued at Mackinac in the employ of Wilson and Ormsby until his death, here noted, March 29, 1804. Writing to James Hopkins on Feb. 16, 1810, James Henry gave the date of Matthew's death as May 28, 1804. Henry papers in B. H. Coll., passim. 414 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS rom the Grand river, &c, Gives a very poor Ace* of the rade in that part of the Count[r]y. In the Wilkinson came a few Adventurers, with Flour, Corn, Whiskey, Pork, &c. &c. I am told that Flour is Sold at 5 Dollars, but as yet there is very little demand for those Articles. I am told that Sugar will be plenty. As to my hea[l]th, I have not been able to Stir from my Own House all the winter, from the Rheumatesm & a weak- ness in my limbs. I am doing all I can to wind up & Settle my Small Affairs, in Order to leave this Country. My best respects waits on Madam Askin & all your fam- ly. And am Sincerely. Dear Sir, Your Very Humble Sev* Charles Morrison ohn Askin Esqur Addressed: John Askin Esquire Near Sandwich. Endorsed: Mich. d Mayh 30h 1804 d e Mdr Charles Morrison to n° Askin recv June 7 Answ y 22 INDEBTEDNESS OF FRANCIS VIGO Poste Viencennes, le 9 Juin 1804 r M Askin Je Regu Vos Deux Laitres dattee du 12 May 1804. Vous Me paraisse bien Mortifie de ce que mon avoca a dit de Vous, mais Jespaire que Vous ne prendere pas en Consideration Ce que un avoca peut avoir dit ou ce quil dira See Messieurs Enploie tous ce qu'il est en Leurs pouvoire pour L'intairais de Leurs Clyens. Vous me de- mende pourquoi Lorsque Jetais CheVous je ne vous ay pas Dit qu'il y avais de Lerreur dans nos Comptes. Je vous protaiste que ne L'e jamais panss6, et ay toujours Cru&u vos comptes juste, mais Vous Connaiss6 ma faiblese et mon Caractaire Vous ni more poin que je ne See nit Lire nit Ecrire et que Je ne puis me Rendre Compte moy m&me, la confience que J6 toujours u&u den toute les personnes avec qui Je fais des affaire, et particullierment En Vous a fait que Je ne Jamais Employe personne pour la Verincation de Mes Comptes, toute personne Son Sujet a See tronpe trais posibles que Cela Vous Soit arrive comme a une autre, Cit 415 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Cela Est Soye persuade que Je vous Ren trop de Justisce pour pensse que vous L'ayee fait de gaite de Coeur. Pour me Justine d'un dementi qui ma ete donne par M r m W McKintoch en presence detoute la Cour au Sujet d'une Laitre que Javais Rec.u de la C° des Mits en 90 par M r Abbot par la quel Vous Manonssiee M r parque et vous, que la C° avais divisse les daite de Voibache quil etoiet du&u ala dit C° que ma daite Etoiet tonbee a M r abbot que Je navais affaire qua lui, Je fut oblige de declar6 ala Court Sou Sair- ment la Verit§, M r McKintoch ma dit que Je navais Jamais Regu de pareil Laitre, ensorte En Chairchant Cette Laittre Javais Rassemble tous les papie Consernent nos affaire dans une Luiase San pansse en faire aucune usage; M r Dubois avais promit de Vous pay6 labalance au pren- tems M r McKintoch en paraissai satisfait. M r Dubois devais avan Son Depart pour la chute faire Son Billiet a M r McKintoch en votre faveur, Mais Infortunem6nt il la totalment oublye et est parti sans Lefaire, Le lendemain M r McKintoch ma envoye son avoca me demande le pay- ment quil lui falais ymediatment Cinq Cents piastres pour Vos affaire yci, Je lui fit Reponse que Je navaisr pas dargent, que Je le pryais d'atendre le Retour de M Dubois quil payeroiet que Javais prit des aranjement avec lui pour Cela, que Sit M r Dubois navais pas passe Che lui que Cela Etoiet un oubli aussitos Son Retour Laffaire Sarenjerais, pour toute Satisfaction le landemin Je Rec,u une prise de Corps alors Je fut oblig6 d'enploy6 un avoca et Lui Remaitre tous les papi6 Consernent nos affaire, Je Seu aprais qu'il y avais trouve une herreure Considerable, Considaire Monsieur que L'objet de M r McKintoch nest pas que Vous Recevie de largent au detroit mais Bien de faire Vandre les biens des peauvres debiteurs Les Ruine pour Son Intairais particulier, pour preuve de Cela il a fait Vandre une tairre dans la prairie denbas par Jugement Sit Jene mit Etoiet pas trouve elle naurais pas pay6 les frais de Court &c. Je L'e poussee moy m6me Jusque a Cinquante piastres, et il la ue"u pour Cinquante Cinq, Ce qui fait plus de Cent pour Cent au- desous de Sa Valleur, demaniere que le debiteur Est Ruine et toujours En daite et le Creanssier ne Regoit Rien, quand a Laffaire de M r Cassety M r McKintoch man a parl6 il y a 416 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Environ deux ans que Sit Je Voulais il allais au detroit il arranjerais Cette affaire pour moy que Je navais qualui faire mes proposition qu'il les presenterais a S6e Messieurs, Je lui fit Voire une Laitre de M r Cassety par laquel il Con- faissai davoir Regu une Certene quantite de pelterie quil Envairais le Castore en Canada alorse Je lui offere pour payment de la Balance de 2000 acre de terres, ou M r McKin- toche ma dit que Cela Etoiet fort Genereux et que Cetoiet M&rne trop, Ebien Je par ma HI dit je ne nul doubt Daranje cette affaire, Efectivement a Son Retour il ma dit qu'il avais fait ma proposition et que See Messieurs Lacceptais quelque terns aprais nous allame de C° Voire Les Cinq Lot de 400 acres Sur Sept quil me Raistoiet, Je ne Regu de ce moment aucune Satisfaction pour Cette affaire Sinon une prise de Corps, don Le proces comence'ra a la Court de 7bre prochain aussibien que le Votre, Je n6 Jamais Rufusse de paye aucun Compte et Billiet qui mon Ete presente ou Je les ay paye imediatment ou J6 prit avec les personnes des aranjement pour cela et Je met au defit le plus Intrepide de tous les hommes de me Convaincre du Contraire de Cette Verity. Je ne Jamais depuis 29 ans que Je fait des affaires ueu de prossee avec personne Ce Son Les deux premiers, et il a falut pour cela que cela Soit entre les mains de M r McKin- toche qui a Jur6 Ma Ruine totalle r b8te en presence de ces deux Compagnion de Voyage, don M J Laplante En Etoiet un, Vous Voye M r quil mais Inposible de prendre des aranjement avec une homme qui chairche a maneantire, quand aux ofre Genereuse de Cervisee que Vous Mofr6 il Me Son tres agr6- able, Je vous en prie faitte tous Ce quil cera en Votre pou- voire etan etant tres persuade que Vous pouve beaucoupt quil ne depan que de Vous pour me donn6 la tranquilite, de mon Cot6 Je fere tous les sacrifisce posible pour Maitre fin a des affaires aussit Enbroulliee, Je Suit Lenemit Jure des proces Je pense que un Mauvais arrenjement Veauderais mieux que tous les melieurs proces. Je Vous aure une 6ternelle Reconnaissance pour tous ce que Vous fera pour moy. Javais Intention daller dans le Missouri Cette autone Jetoiet Certan d'un Bon Succais par les Connaissance que J'i ais et la fassilite davoir un permit. Mais Coment pouraye Mazarde a demande des Marchandise Sachan que Je deux 417 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS procais Sur les Bras toutes personnes ne Son pas oblige de Sgavoire que Je fait tous Ce qu'il Etoiet En mon pouvoir pour les Evite, pourten Je ne Cerais pas en paine d'avoire de merchandise maisr ma delicatese menpaiche de les ac- cept6. Vous Voy6 M Combien il Est danjereux d'avoir des ajans Vendicatif Car Sit Ce navais pas Ete pour me faire du Mai Sans vous fair de bien il aurais Celon ma pryere atendu quelque Jours le Retour de M r Dubois Vous aurie Et6 paye Moy tranquil Je naurais Jamais pansse a Regarde Sit il y avais de Laireure Entre Vous Et Moy. La preuve est que le Landemain du Retour de M r Dubois il a Ete Che M r McKintoch aven m&me que de Venire Che moy Lui afrire de Renplire La promaise qu'il Luir avais faite En Sexcusent de Lavoire oublie En parten, M McKintoche Lui a dit qu'il netes plus terns. Rien de plus a Vous Entretenire. Je L'honneur daitre avec Consideration Monsieur Votre tres henbles et tres obeissent Serviteur Vigo qurs Addressed: A Monsieur Jhon Askin S au Detroit Endorsed: Post Vincent June 9h 1804 Mons r r Vigoe a Jn° Askin recu Le 23 Aout wrote him 5. Nov 1804 Translation Vincennes, June 9, 1804 Mr. Askin: I received your two letters dated May 12, 1804. You seem much vexed at what my lawyer has said about you, but surely you do not take seriously anything that a lawyer may have said or that he is likely to say. These men use every means in their power for the interest of their clients. You ask why I did not mention the error in our accounts when I was with you. I swear I never thought of it and that I have always trusted you that they were all right. You know me, my frailties and my disposition. You will not deny that I can neither read nor write and that I cannot make up my accounts myself. Because of the confidence that I have always had in the people with whom I did busi- ness, and especially in you, I have never employed any one 418 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS to verify my accounts, but all men are liable to make mistakes and it is not impossible that this should happen to you as to any other man. If it is the case, be assured that in justice to you I could never think you did it purposely. In open court Mr. William Mclntosh accused me of lying when I testified under oath that he had told me that I never received the letter that you and Mr. Park said I had, written by Mr. Abbott for53 the Miamis Company, in 1790, stating that the company had divided up its Wabash debts and that what I owed was to be paid to him and that I had nothing to do with any other person. Therefore, to justify myself I made a search for that letter and put all the papers relating to our affairs into one package but with no thought of using them. Mr. Dubois had promised to pay you the balance in the spring and Mr. Mclntosh seemed satisfied with that, but before his departure for the falls, Mr. Dubois was to give Mr. Mclntosh his note in your favor. Unfortunately, Mr. Dubois forgot this entirely and left without doing it. The next day Mr. Mclntosh sent his lawyer to me demanding payment, saying that he needed 500 piastres immediately for your business at this place. I replied that I did not have the money, that I would pay him upon the return of Mr. Dubois with whom I had arranged for payment, and that if Mr. Dubois had not gone by his place it was because he had forgotten, but that as soon as he returned, everything would be arranged satisfactorily. The next day I was served with a writ of habeas corpus, and was then obliged to employ a lawyer and to place in his hands all the papers relative to our business. After- wards I learned that he had found a mistake of some magni- tude. But consider, Sir, the object of Mr. Mclntosh. It was not that you should receive money in Detroit, but for the sole purpose of having the property of poor debtors auctioned off and themselves ruined for his own interest. Here is a proof of this. He had a tract of land in the lower meadow put up for the judgment obtained. If I had not happened to be there, it would not have brought the ex- 53 On the division of debts due the Miamis Company, here alluded to, see B. H. R., I, 325 ff. 419 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS penses of the suit. I bid for it myself up to 50 piastres and he got it for 55, more than one hundred per cent less than its value. In that way the debtor is ruined and the creditor gets nothing. With respect to my business with Mr. Cassety, Mr. Mclntosh told me about two years ago that he was going to Detroit and if I wished he would settle it for me, that I had only to make him an offer and he would present it to the gentlemen there. I showed him a letter from Mr. Cassety in which he acknowledged the receipt of a certain quantity of peltry, adding that he was going to send the beaver to Canada. I then offered 2000 acres of land to pay the balance, which Mr. Mclntosh said was very generous and even too much. "Oh, well," he said to me, "I'm going up and have no doubt but that I shall settle it all right." On his return he told me that he had presented my offer to the gentlemen and they had accepted it. Some time after, we went together to look over the five lots of 400 acres by 7 that remained to me. From that day I have had nothing in settlement of that business except a writ of habeas corpus for which the suit begins next September, the same time as yours. I have never refused to pay any account or note pre- sented to me. Either I have paid it immediately or I have arranged for the payment, and I defy the most daring man on earth to convict me of the contrary. In the 29 years that I have been in trade I have never had a suit with any man. These are the first two, and it was necessary for them that the business should be in the hands of Mr. Mclntosh, who has sworn my total ruin in presence of two traveling companions, one of them being Mr. Jean Baptiste Laplante. You see, Sir, how impossible it has been for me to come to any terms with a man who seeks only to destroy me. Your generous offer of aid is most acceptable, and I beg you to do all in your power, being fully persuaded that you can do much and that my only dependence is in you for any peace of mind. On my part, I shall make any sacrifice to put an end to such a tangled state of affairs. I am the sworn enemy of litigation. Better far is a bad bargain than the most favorable lawsuit. I shall be . eternally grateful to you for anything you may do to help me. 420 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS It was my intention to go into the Missouri Country this fall where I was sure of good trade from my knowledge of the country and the freedom in the matter of a license. But how can I venture to ask for goods with two lawsuits on my hands? Every one may not know that I did all in my power to avoid trouble. However, there would be no diffi- culty in getting goods. The fact is, I am scrupulous about accepting them. You see, Sir, how ruinous it is to have spiteful agents. If this one had not wanted to do me harm without doing you any good, he would have waited for the return of Mr. Du- bois, as I begged him to do. You would have been paid, myself at ease, and I should never have thought to look if there were any errors in our accounts. In proof of this, the day after Mr. Dubois returned, even before coming to see me, he went to Mr. Mclntosh and offered to fulfill the prom- ise he had made, apologizing for his forgetfulness when he left. Mr. Mclntosh told him it was too late. With nothing more of interest to you, I have the honor to remain respectfully, Sir, Your most humble and most obedient servant, Vigo AFFAIRS OF ISAAC TODD Montreal 20th July 1804 My dear friend On my return from N. York I found your favors of the 29h Jan y & 27h febry [since] which Malincholly events has prevented my Answering. I found my friend M r McTavish in a bad State of health which occasioned My being thmuch with him & his famely he departed this Life the 6 Ins* his Loss will be felt by his famely, his friends & his Country he has Left a Large fortune part of which is disposedre of much to his honor he has Left £1000 to the Commod Son.54 as I am One of his Executors & the perticular friend of his disconsolate Wife, occasions my attention & many painfull scenes, and to add to this, I buried on the 15th a favorite House keeper after a painfull 54 Alexander Grant, for whom see ante, 21. 421 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Complaint, which Terminated in a Consumption She was only 31 Years Old Lived with me near 10 Years & was Mother to a Little Girl that Calls me and truly her father I acknoledge her as Such I before the Mothers death took her to Quebec to place her under the Care of [a] respectable Woman who teaches School she costs me £100 P r Annum her Mother has Left two other Daughters by her Husband, James Kyle who has Lived with me 12 Years, poor Woman she was unhappy fearing these Children might be Neglected as their father is a Young Man and may Marry again I promised I would take care of them. I have done so Leaving in the hands of Trustees £1000 for each the Interest to Educate them, the principal to be paid on their being of Age, or Marrying with the Consent of the Trustees, if One dies to [the] other to Inherite her Share, I know of no use Money is but to do good, and to enable me to assist others I with pleasure deprive my Self of comforts I could enjoy, those Events my Good friend have depressed my Spirits Much & even injures my health, and as Montreal will now be Much Changed to me I may probably take a Trip to England this fall or winter at Quebec, we must endeavour to do our duty while we Live. I have seen some of the mPassengers by the Fleet who says that Miserable Man W Robertson Lives such a shamefull Life as to be often found Lying in the Streets as no Coffee house nor Lodging will keep him Long & of course no decent man keep him Company. I know you will with me wonder that a Man such as he was can be so lost. I find you have got the debt owing by Roland [Ruland?] to My Nephew Secured, as I am often absent M r McGill will Give you instructions respecting our Joint Lands I have only to wish you would Send me from the Orriginal Schedule a Note of the Lots Sold or exchanged & what remains to be paid of the purchas. is there no demands for the property at River Raisin?c I am extremely grieved to hear of the Conduct of Cap* M Kee on Account of his Good Wife her fate has not been such as she deserved, we must be resigned to meet with Trouble which God inable us to bear my mind is not yet recovered from the Late events so as to say much on business Remembr me kindly 422 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS M rs Askin & all Your famely God Bless you all & eleve me Your Sinc[e]re friend Isaac Todd hn Askin Esqr Addressed: rJohn Askin Esqr Strabane Detroit favor R. amilton Esq Endorsed: Montreal d e July st 20th d 1804e h Isaac Todd Esqr Jn° Askin recv y 21 & Answ y 29 Aug* TUITION OF ALEXANDER ASKIN Detroit August 8th 1804 Dear Sir I have enclosed the Ace* of Masr Alick's55 chooling from The first time of his commencement to the h of August and have given Credit for all the Money that received, the Price of one thousand of Bricks which I have d Received by Your order from John Shaw I don't know erefore You'll be pleasd to deduct it. And as I am under e Necessity of paying a large Sum of Money I would con- der it a great favour if you would be Pleased to Send me e Balance. I am certain that I have not the least doubt your good inclination of serving me in my distress and on y part I conceive & think that I have discharged my dutyr ithfully for I am not ashamed of the progress that Mas lick has made while under my care & Tuition and be sured Sir, that I will not be in the least slack or Remiss in vancing him in every degree to the utmost in my power asr Alick has a pretty collection of Books, but unhappily st his Grammar which is the Key & Instrument to all the uthors. Perhaps you could procure him one Soon. I hope u will be so kind [as] to Inform me if I have any prospect receiving that Small debt that the late Doctor HarfFy wed me 5 Alexander David, the youngest son of John Askin, was born, Feb. 22, 1791. He died early manhood, apparently toward the close of 1815. For several years following the ily's removal to Strabane, Alexander attended school in Detroit. He subsequently d law with his brother-in-law, Elijah Brush. If family estimates may be trusted, he s a youth of much natural ability, who never really applied himself. He was present at surrender of Detroit, in 1812, as a lieutenant of the Flank Company, Second Essex litia Regiment; the following year he is listed as a lieutenant of the Troop of Provincial yal Artillery Drivers. See Askin papers passim; and Irving, op. cit., 40, 91. 423 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Dear Sir, with best respects & sincere Compliments to you & Worthy family I remain your very humble & obedient Servant Matthew Donovan h r Endorsed: Detroit Aug* 8 1804 M Mathew Donnovan to Jn° Askin recvd ye 9h DEATH OF SIMON MCTAVISH Queenston August 10th 1804 Dear Sir After a very pleasant Jaunt to the Lower Province, I got home three days ago. I had the pleasure to find my family in perfect health, nor have I as yet perceived that the Bussiness had been [illegible] by my Absence. At Montreal I found most of our old freinds well & hearty. Unfortunately during our stay there, the Society suffered a very serious Loss in M r McTavish. Full of health & spirits last year, he had projected to build a most Magnificentr house in the Vicinity of Montreal. With a Man of M McTavishs enterprise the Execution of the Plan followed the project very close. He had it founded in the Fall, & early this spring on superintending the Work, he got a severe cold which being at first neglected, soon became serious, & when too late was found past the power of medecine to re- move. His death caused a Sensation not only in Montreal, but through the Whole Province, which I will not Attempt to describe. He has left a very large Fortune very [illegible] by Will to his family, relations, & freinds. Some of the particulars are said to be as follows,—to his Widow 1200 a Year, his Second Son £20000, to each of two daughters 10,000, to a nefew not a partner £5000, to each of the others £1000, as allready well provided for. to the Sisters & Grayr Nuns £1000 each in Charity, to a Son of his old Freind M Frobisher £5000, to finish the Education of our freind the Comodores Son £1000, and many others equally well Selected, to the Amount tis supposed of half his fortune The Residue supposed £50-or 60 thousand pounds to his eldest Son. I have been thus particular as you Well knew the Man, & will as much as any body be sensible ofr the Loss the Country has sustaind. Our Worthy freind M Todd is 424 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS one of the Executors to this Will, and was much Occupied by his Attention to him on his death bed. We found him however freindly and kind as ever. He begins to find old Age creeping on, but still must be going about. He pro- jects spending this Winter in Quebec, & half promises us a Visit in the spring. M r McGill we found in perfect health. To me he appeared as Young as he was Twenty Years ago. In a very comodious Country house, about a Mile from Town, with a most excellent Garden, he seems to possess and to enjoy as much Comfort, as generally falls to the Lott of humanity. His Brother Andrew has lately taken to himself a Young Wife, and seems of course perfectly happy. We found your old freinds A. Henry & Wm Lindsay in part- nership in a Commission & Vendue bussiness, seemingly doing Well, & kind in their Enquires after You & Yours. We spent a Week in Quebec with many old and kind freinds, and completed our tour in Six Weeks very much to our Satisfaction. I found your last kind letter on my desk on my return. It gave me much satisfaction to learn that all [illegible] with You. I brought up a large English packet which I got at Quebec from Sir G. Pounal it Accompanies this, & I hope gives you good Accounts of your freinds at home, which I shall be very glad to learn. Of our freind W. R. the last accounts are Miserable beyond description. Lost to every sence of Shame, his Conduct would disgrace the lowest Member of the lowest class of Society. M rs Hamilton requests to Join me in best respects to M rs Askin & in best Wishes for you & all yours. I ever am Dear Sir Yours very sincerly R. Hamilton John Askin Esqr Addressed: John Askin Esquire Merchant near Sandwich Endorsed: Queenston Aug* 10h 1804 Rob* Hamilton Esqr to Jn° Askin recvd ye 28h & Answd ye 4h septr 425 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS TUITION OF ALEXANDER ASKIN Colonel John Askin To Matthew Donovan D r To the Tuition of his Son Masr Alexander Askin from the 5 of May 1802 to the 5th of August th 1804 Being 2 Years & 3 Months at 16 Shillings £ s d P rr Month N. Y. Currency 21" 12" 0 C by 10 Dollars Recd by Masr Alexander in Septem* 1802 4" 0" 0 by a Bank Bill Recd of M r Brush in July 1804. . 4" 0" 0 ~~8 0~0 d By 1 Thousand of Bricks Rec by Your order of John Shaw 13" 12" 0 I dont know the price, you'll be pleas'd to deduct it 3 Entd Aug* 24th 1804 £10" 12" - d Rec of John Askin the Balance of the within amount being ten pounds twelv[e] Shillings. Detroit Aug* 14, 1804. Matthew Donovan paid out of [illegible] see M r Brushes statem* Endorsed: Aug* 14h 1806 [1804] Mr Mathew Donovans receipt in full £10" 12 AFFAIRS OF WILLIAM ROBERTSON Strabane Aug* 17th 1804 m Dear Wth Your letter dated the 14th of last month reached me the 9 ins* and I assure you it allways gives us pleasure to hear from you or John however I do not mean from that to exact such a correspondence as would take you or him from your necessary bussiness but when at leisure a few lines will always be pleasing and particularly so when any change takes place that may effect either of you. Respecting the conduct of your Uncle Wm Robertson for some time past no real idea can be formed of what he means or I rather think what he does has no meaning he 426 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS has sums Due him where he does not call for them or make any enquiry about them and he protests bills drawn on him or money due agreeable to an account current and letter both in his own hand writing. I consider him an honest worthy friendly good man, who has got a Strong fever or omething which opperates as such and untill that fit gets ver if ever it does not [no] great consistency in action an be expected, however my advice to you as his Nephew nd agent is to continue doing all you can for his interest, which advice is I dare say needless to you who have so reat an inclination to serve him, and as to what he may write for the present little stress rscan be laid on it. I Should hink the letter he wrote Mess Parker Gerardx & Ogilvie & C° will authorize them to charge him £2000 Hf advance[d o] you and I'm persuaded in his real senses he never ntended to withdraw that credit, therefore what he may ow write you on that or any other subject should only uide your actions so far as you think them the same entiments he would have expressed some years ago. I think your Uncles agents should stop the sale of his ouses for the ballance due the Commodore he now finds here are more drafts protested than he thought at first o that there must be above £300 Sterg now due. the matter is easy done but how you or Charles or both rather re to undertake it without his concurrence and that I dare ay he will not give you for the only reason as he may call t that he will not be drove to any thing, tho perfectly right nd for his interest and credit, for my part was I his agent would undertake the payment of the debt and tho he might blame me in his present state I'm sure he would hank me in future should he ever recover from his present ituation. I dont believe Visgar will gain much if any hing from your Uncle by the suit he has instituted for harles has found out the account of sales of his Peltries nd after deducting the expences in Lower Canada very ittle if any thing will remain, and if there did I'm sure your ncle David must have given [it] to him and taken no otice of it in the accounts otherwise M r Visgar would not ave been so long silent and made payments since. Your Grand-mother had been unwell but is perfectly 427 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS recovered. I never have had my health better than this year but [have been] a little indisposed for some days past all the rest of the Family in perfect health as was Cap* & M rs Meredith with their Children in April last. After the familys assurances of strong attachment to you and John I remain Dear Wm Your affectionate Grand-father M William Robertson Jun r r Merchant Queenstown Endorsed: Strabane r Aug* 17th 1804 John Askin to William Robertson Jun (Copy) FROM ROBERT DICKSON TO JOHN ASKIN Michilimackinac Aug* 24 1804 Dear Sir As I am just setting out for the Mississippi and as I leave a young man to pass the Winter at this place, finding that you have a quantity 66of whisky for sale here, please direct to Patrick Adhemar informing him of the lowest price and enclose an Order on Jaques Geasson with whom it is stored for what quantity he may want for which I will be accountable & remitt you the Amount next spring. My best respects to M rs Askin & family, wishing the full enjoyment of health, I am Dear Sir, Your very Obed* & very hble Servan* r R. Dickson57 John Askin Esq Addressed: John Askin Esqr Detroit h Endorsed: Mich. d e d Aug* 24 r 1804 M r Rob*r Dickson to Jn° Askin 6 recv y 2 Nov wrote an Answ to Patrick Adhemar y 29 56 Patrick Adhemar witnessed several marriages at Mackinac in the period 1792-99. Presumably he was a son or other connection of Toussaint Anthony Adhemar dit St. Martin (for whom see B. H. R., I, 177-78), but of this we have found no record. See Wis. Hist. Colls., XIX, passim. 57 Robert Dickson was one of a family of six sons and four daughters, children of a merchant of Dumfries, Scotland. The father suffered business reverses and possibly this was a factor in the migration of three of the sons, Robert, William, and Thomas, to Canada, where their cousin, Robert Hamilton, was established in business. William and Thomas located in the Niagara region and their careers are sketched in B. H. R., I, 461 and 542. It is known that William Dickson came to Canada in 1784, and since Robert was the older brother, it seems probable that he came at the same time. From 1786 to 1788 he was at 428 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS FROM ROBERT NICHOL TO JOHN ASKIN Fort Erie August 26 1804 My Dear Sir I have written you two or three times ince my return, but have not been favored with any of ours, the purport of the present is to inclose an Account f Sundry Articles, furnished by me on joint Adventure ccount, & of 4 Barrels of Pork, furnished & forwarded P our own order the first Amounting to £250-6-0 & the atter to £28-16- New York Currency, both of which will hope prove Correct. As the time is now fast approaching when my remittances must be made I trust I shall be excused or urging the propriety of Selling at any price which will Cover Cost & Charges, for I must remit. I however hope hat, the greatest part if not the whole has been already isposed of & to Advantage. I have been So much disap- ointed in the Mackina and Detroit Markets, that I shall ot be very forward to try them Again, thinking it better o sell at a Saving price at home, than to run great risks or the prospect of an uncertain Advantage. The first of the English Goods arrived the other day at Queenstown but have not yet got this length, we may now Speedily Expect to be Constantly employed in the Forward- ng line which will Keep us busy enough 'till the Close of he Navigation. The Saguinah left this Some days ago with a load of Salt or Presqu'isle, by which she will not indeed gain Much, ho' it will help to pay her Current Expences. there will e another load ready for her when She returns, which Considering the Number of Vessels in Port, belonging to he owners of the Goods Coming up, & the little prospect f her getting any Chance freight, is the best manner in Mackinac, serving as clerk and storekeeper in the Indian Department. The remainder of is life was passed in the Indian trade, chiefly of the Upper Mississippi region. There he cquired wide influence, particularly over the Sioux, one of whose women he married. his influence was largely decisive in allying the Indians of the region west of Lake Michi- an with the British in the War of 1812. After that war the trade of the Minnesota region ecame progressively less prosperous for the British traders, and Dickson was on the point f withdrawing from it and establishing his family in the vicinity of his brothers at Niagara, hen he died at Drummond Island in 1823. One of his sons, William Dickson, became a rader in the Red River region. Here he incited a half-breed rebellion in 1836, and two ears later committed suicide. See Wis. Hist. Colls., passim; article on Robert Dickson in Minnesota History, VI, 330-42; Niagara Hist. Soc, pubs., No. 30, pp. 19-21; and Quaife, Wisconsin, Its History and Its People, 333 ff. 429 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS which she can be employed. Should it be in my Power to give her any other Assistance in the freight it shall be most Cheerfully exerted. There is Some talk of the probability of Peace Speedily taking place in Europe, tho' I fear matters are not ripe enough for that Yet. I request My regards to the Family, & am with the Sincerest Wishes for their joint & individual Welfare, My Dear Sir Your friend & Serv* Rob* Nichol Addressed: John Askin Esqr Strabane Near Sandwich Endorsed: Fortd Erie Aug* d e 26hh 1804 M r Rob* Nichol to Jn° Askin recv & Answ y 30 Aug* FROM ROBERT NICHOL TO JOHN ASKIN r Fort Erie Septemr 6 1804 John Askin Esq My Dear Sir Your favors of the 22nd & 26h Ult° came duly to hand and are now before me, the first advising of your having Sent Six Dollars for the Purchase of a Lottery Ticket in the Neighbouring States, which sum I have received & shall dispose of as directed. I am Sorry to See by yours of the 26h the unfavorable situation of the small adventure, forwarded by me this Spring, particularly as I calculated on the Am* of it to add to my fall remittances. Flour & Pork with us are almost the only payments we get for our Goods, at this place, & from them we must make our remittances. I however Still hope that Something will Come from that Quarter. If not I shall be greatly deficient. I am anxious if possible to avoid paying Interest in Montreal for it like a Cancer eats up all the profit. I sent up no Flour in the Saguinah, 40 Barrels Per the Lark being all I forwarded this as directed I have Charged to your Account, at 50/. I have also Charged you with 6 Barrels more Pork at £7-4 deld at Sandwich, agreeably to the inclosed Account, by which it appears you are indebted to me to the Sum of £17 8 New York Currency, which I think you will find right, there will then remain at 430 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Mackina 14 Barrels of Pork which went forward in the Saguinah the freight on which to Mackina must be deducted from the Sales. M r Reynolds's Bill has been received, and is at your Credit, the Tea I Expect in about a fortnight, so soon as it arrives it shall be forwarded. The Saguinah is now under Sailing orders having I suppose about 100 Barrels Bulk of Merchandise on board, there is no prospect of her getting more at present, I how- ever hope that we may be able to do something better when she returns, at all events depend on my best Services. I shall endeavour to do Something with Norton when more at leisure. I am happy to hear that Capt n Meredith and Family were well, & shall always participate in the felicity of You & Yours. I beg my regards to the Family and am with the sincerest friendship My Dear Sir Your Obed* Serv* Rob* Nichol r Addressed: John Askin Esq Strabane Near Sandwich Endorsed: Sepr 6h 1804 M r Rob* Nichol to Jn° Askin recvd y6 17h Answd ye 19h AFFAIRS OF THOMAS WILLIAMS AND COMPANY Montreal 18 September 1804 Elijah Brush Esq r Sir I received your favour of the 2d & 13 Ultm 0 respecting the business with Fraser & Williams58 previous to the death of John Casity I received a power of Attorney from Mess rs Murray & Sansom London, and M r David White 59 the two principal Creditors of Tho 8 Williams & C° on my departure for Detroit M r Cruickshank for himself & M r Kay 60 approved of my settling their business also, on my 5 8 John R. Williams, for whom see ante, 3 83-84. 59 For the career of David White, see B. H. R., I, 195. Go William and John Kay, brothers, were Montreal merchants engaged in the western fur trade in the last quarter of the eighteenth century. William was a member of the grand jury which indicted Lieutenant-Governor Henry Hamilton of Detroit in 1778. Another brother, Alexander, was a lieutenant in the Indian Department at Mackinac 431 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS arrival at Detroit I found the Estate in the Greatest con- fusion, no person interesting themselves for the Estate or Creditors, and it was with the consent of the Creditors at Detroit that M rs Williams61 and M" Casety62 assign'd & made over the Estate to me in due form according to the custom of the country at that time there being no other mode of proceeding, a copy of this act I send you. on my leaving Detroit [I] did with the advice of the Creditors & my friends there appoint M r Fraser my Attorney to act for me as long as I thought proper, and to revoke that power when I pleased, his procuring himself to be appointed Curator to the Estate afterwards63 without the knoledge of the Creditors and particularly me must be considered and viewed by your Judges as done with intent to defraud and keep the Estate in his own Hands, and the appointment must be considered illegal, as the Estate was previously disposed of for the benefit of the Creditors, and put into my Hands, respecting Williams wishing to get the Estate into his Hands to dispute the demands of the Creditors, so many years admitted, is absurd, this plainly discovers his intent to defraud the Creditors, which your Judges must plainly see. M rs Casetys assignment you will find I think registerd in the register at the same time as Mr9 Williams, if M r Williams would propose a certain sum and give security for the payment perhaps it would be as well, how- ever his attempt to defraud us, ought to prevent him having any advantages, you mention that it would be best a number of the Creditors here would sign the power during and after the Revolution, where he died about the year 1786. See Mich. Pio. Colls., passim. 61 Mary Cecilia Campau, widow of Thomas, and mother of John R. Williams. She was the daughter of Jacques Campau and Catherine Menard, and was born at the North- east Coast of Detroit, Sept. 11, 1764. She was married to Thomas Williams (for whom see B. H. R., I, 169) by Colonel Arent S. De Peyster on May 7, 1781. Williams died, Nov. 30, 1785, and on May 1, 1790, Mary Cecilia Campau married (second) in Sandwich, Jacques Lauzon, who was born at the Northeast Coast of Detroit, Dec. 13, 1760. They had eight children, born in the years 1791-1803. Mary Cecilia Campau was buried in Detroit on June 24, 1805. See Denissen, op. cit. 6i For the career of Mrs. Casety, nee Therese Baby, see B. H. R., I, 185. 63 There was no regular court in Detroit prior to the coming of Judge William Dummer Powell in 1789. For a careful account of the law and practice in Detroit with respect to the administration of estates in this period, see Riddell, Michigan under British Rule, passim, especially chap. x. 432 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS of attorney, you will observe I am the agent for the only creditors to any amount, the rest trifling both at Detroit & Elswhere, M r Cruickshank being the only one for a small sum, and he says the estate was already assigned to me by M" Williams, therefore I was the proper person to convey the power, respecting the amount of the balances due to the Creditors, M r Fraser has the statment and in course will give it to you. should Mrs Casetys assignment not be found it cant be of any consequence as Thos Williams & C° was John Casety, and at Williams death he continued the business without any settlement being made with the Creditors and he was greatly indebted to the estate of T Williams, the amount of the whole M r Fraser if he pleases can give you information thereon I remain in hopes of hearing from you. Your Most hume Serv* Alexander Henry as Murray Sansom & C° & David White are the only Creditors of any consequence, supose Williams would give me a sum I would acquit the Estate from these demands, and he would easily settle with the others, five hundred pounds York cash, exclusive of what you have in Hand will not be what it is worth, as Vigo ows 1700. besides IS years Interest. A. H. Endorsed: Letter To Elijah Brush Esqr Detroit Appended: Copy To all to whom these presents shall come I Cecille Cam- paux of Detroit send Greeting, whereas my deceasd Husband Thomas Williams of Detroit Merchant was at the time of his decease in company & joint partner with John Casety since deceased, when at the time of their Death and continue so to be at present indebted unto Alexander Henry Merchant of Montreal as Agent attorney for Murray Sansom & C° of London and other Creditors, now know ye that I Cecille Compaux widow of the deceased Thomas Williams for and towards the payment and satis- faction of the said Debts and divers other good Causes and considerations me thereunto moving, have Granted assignd 433 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS bargaind & made over and by these presents do realy and absolutely grant and assign and make over all my r[i]ght Interest & Claim unto said Alexander Henry for the afore- said purposes all and in all manner of goods chatels debts, moneys, and all other things whether real or personal property of what kind or nature or quality soever in the state they are in at the time of my Husbands decease to have and to hold the same unto the said Alexander Henry his [h]eirs executors, administrators and assigns untill such Debts are paid and discharged in witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand & Seal this el[e]venth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & eighty eight sign'd Cecille veuve Tho8 Willians Joseph Campau Wm Monforton64 Notary Public registerd in the register of Detroit page 318 by me Signd Wm Monforton NP. FROM JOHN ASKIN TO ROBERT NICHOL September the 19th 1804 Dear Robert, Your favour of the 6th reached me on the 17th I have enquired and find that M r Reuff65 will be the first person who goes for Michilimacinac by him I will give directions to have the Pork sold if it should only bring first cost freight & Duty so as you may have some payment and perhaps something may turn up so as to enable me to discharge the Ball6 I owe you though I do not as yet know of anything for certain. The Interest of that sum shall not fall on you at Montreal or elsewhere. As the Saguinah returns, I will put a few Barrells of Cider on Board sell them for what they will fetch & Credit me as the cider is made early it will not do to keep long though there is not a spoonful of watter in it. I missed Captain Cowan therefore you will take a Barrell of what I send for your own use. 64 For sketch of the career of William Monforton, see B. H. R., I, 107. 65 Captain James Rough, for whom see ante, 258. 434 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Allr well here and assure you of their best wishes, as Does D Robert Your Friend P.S. If you can sell the Cider as you before mentioned at 6 Dollars I will perhaps be able to send you £100 worth Endorsed: r r Sandwich Sepr 19th 1804. John Askin Sen to M Robert Nichol Merchant (Copy) MISCONDUCT OF GABRIEL HUNOT Sandw[i]ch 5 Octx 1804 r 66 M G Hounot Sir your letter of the 23 March last is before me I have a great deal to say to you but as you intend coming Nex spring I shall mak a shorter letter than I intended Sertainly I had great reason to send M r Smith or some other person to look after my afairs in your hand when I found that you did not hesitate to put my property into the hands of your Creditors and involved me into Law sutes with them for the sake of argement what would you or what would My marchent say if I put my packs into the hand of a Man that I was deeply Indebted to or even if I did ow[e] him any thing the transaction had a bad apperance My friends at Montreal has wrot me on this Subject and they disapruve of your conduct and that you doo not Merit any Incuragment I hope for the futer such mistakes will not hapen I think that sending in Eight Men with 54 packs was rather extravagant admitting that the adventure could afourd it. I wish you to sell off all the goods on hand the insuing spring if it was even to a Small disadvantage for ready payment your Nephew requests me to inform you that he delivered all the packs in good order Which was sertainly the case they wer[e] in perfect good condition [illegible] said that you had 20 More packs which he [illegible] had those packs you did exceedingly wron in not sending them in As you Must know that 20 packs more would have mad a great change of the face of the amount My good[s] & many others are yet on the comunication 66 An inventory of goods accompanying this document discloses that this was Gabriel Hunot Sr. 435 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS consequently the asortment is by no means compleet The scarcity of Cash in this countree is such that we are dis- tressd for want of it Even Bills of Exchange will not comand it Therefore I would recomend it to you to arang with your Men for Merchandize and also to procure as much as would be wanted for silver works in great heast I am Sir your Most respectfull friend & humble Serv* Robert Gouie M r Gabriel Hounot New Madrid P.S. Cap* Peyroax will call on you for a few articles put up among the thing belonging to the adventure which you will be pleased to Deliver the Gentleman agreeable to his Invoice R G have the goodness [illegible] pounds wight of Indigo Next Spring Addressed: M r Gabriel Hounot New Madrid FROM ROBERT NICHOL TO JOHN ASKIN Fort Erie October 19th 1804 My Dear Sir I wrote you a hasty letter the other day by Captain Gilkison, th& have Since (say this morning) recd your letter of the 6 As the Saguinah is nearly full & will be ready to Sail this evening I think it best to be prepared for her departure. I remark what you Say respecting the Amount due me. the disappointment to me tho' great, will not prove So much So as I at one time expected, having fortunately been able to realise property which I did not during the Summer & first of the fall Calculate upon, the Matter Sooner than you should be obliged to make a Sacrifice must lie over. Your order for Milk of roses shall be attended to but I must Candidly Say, that I highly disapprove of all Cos- metics, they (the most innocent) are very dangerous, ruin the Constitution & not unfrequently occasion the death of those who use them. I shall apply to my Friend Doctor Walsh for a preparation which will I am sure be more safe & equally Efficacious. I have forwarded by Captn Fearson a Barrel of Timothy 436 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS seed contg 3^i Bushels, out of this M r Selby must have two Bushels. I shall forward on an Additional Quantity for yourself with a little for Captn M c Kee, & the Clover Seed, which will be taken up by Captn Mills's or some other vessel. We have accounts from England to the 11th of August at which time nothing of moment had Occurred, it is however generally believed that Our present Ministry will not suffer the Energies & resources of the Nation to be consumed & dissippated in Idle Pomp & Parade. Expedi- tions are talkd of in the best informed Circles, & I think it not unlikely that we shall attempt in France, what Buonaparte has long boasted he would do in England. Notwithstanding the Servility & Abject State of the press in that Country it requires but little Sagacity to discover the general discontent & horror with which the daring Usurpation of the French Throne by a Sanguinary Tyrant is viewed by the great Mass of the People, & although Some might Consider my Ideas Extravagant, I will insist that if the Bourbon princes were to land in the West of France accompanied even by Such an Army as we Could Spare, M r Buonaparte's power would soon totter to the foundation the great Mass of the people are from principle attached to the House of Bourbon & only require the presence of the princes of that House with an Army to Support them, to rally round them & assist in driving out the Wretches who have So long disgraced France by their Enormities. We seem to look with great Confidence to an Offensive and Defensive Alliance with Russia & Sweden. Such a Measure by placing at our disposal a large & well disciplin'd Army would very Soon restore the Ancient Government of France, & Consequently Adjust the Balance of Power on the Continent. My time since the Arrival of the English Goods has been Constantly Employed without intermission & this is almost the only leisure day I have had these Two Months past, the season is now however fast approaching when I shall have rather more leisure than I wish for. Solitude is to me a most insupportable State, & was it not for the few Books 437 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS I possess, & now and then a visit from Some friends, I should die of Ennui. It gives me great pleasure to Announce to you that Contrary to (I presume) all our most Sanguine Expecta- tions the Saguinah sails with (or nearly) a full load, every Exertion has been used both by M1" Clark & myself to assist her & I am happy to think we have so well succeeded. On reviewing her transactions for the Season I think you may Calculate on a profit of £500, or 400 Pounds, no bad thing in these unfortunate times. I rejoice to hear of the good health of your family My best wishes for a long Continuance of this invaluable gift are unceasing. I request My best regards to every indi- vidual of it & am with every Affectionate wish My Dear Sir Your Sincere Friend & Most Faithful Serv* Rob* Nichol PS. I have seen a rule of the Detroitr Court authorising M r Warren to take the Evidence of M Douglas in a Cause in which Captn Lee of the Contractor is defendant by giving me three days Notice. I have prevailed onr M r Warren to postpone the business untill I hear from M Brush who is his Attorney. If I should not write Mr B I will thank you to mention my wish to have his instructions. R N Addressed: John Askin Esqr Strabane Near Sandwich Endorsed: Fort d Erie e Octr 19hd 1804 th e h M r r Rob* Nichol to Jn° Askin recv y 30 Answ y 25 Nov DIFFICULTIES OF RICHARD POLLARD Dear Sir I have been so Extremely ill, that I have been Oblidged to Keep the house, this Month; I thank God I am somewhat better, & shall endeavour to do duty to Morrow. I Knew what would be our situation, for want of Church Wardens! no Kind of preparation or Assistance for the Holy Communion! no Attention About the hire of a Stove, Or Wood for the Winter; would a stranger who has seen this Country believe this? If I was well, I would look after these things myself. I am without a servant, & 438 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS cannot hire a man for any price, wishing you health, remain Y r Se Octo20 1804 R Pollard r r Jn° Askin Esq Sen Strabane Addressed: Jn° Askin Esqr Senr Strabane r Endorsed: Oct 20h h 1804 the Rev* Richard Pollard to Jn° Askin recv y 28 & Imediately Answd d e DEBTS OF FRANCIS VIGO Novr 5h 1804 Dear sir Hearing that the Judge & M r Jones67 are to set off to morrow & not having learnt that r any thing has yet been concluded between the latter & M William Mackin- tosh Either relative to The Miamis C° matters or my private Ace* with Monsr Vigoe I'm apprehensive there may be some personal misunderstanding] between these Gentlemen if suchr should be the case, I beg you will this day E[n]quire of M Jones & let me know for it would be a great hardship on all the parties concerned whilst they Appear so disposed to settle on fair terms that it should not be done & if such is r the case I'm sure they will have no Objections to meet M Jones & prove to him they mean nothing but what is fair & reasonable. I'm not just Author- ised by them to say yet I'm pretty certain they have now no Objections to taking what M r Vigoe proposed to give them (I think two years Ago) & give him a full Acquitance & that the property so recv'1 being Lands Houses &ca should 67 John Rice Jones was born in Merionethshire, Wales, Feb. 10,1759. He was educated at Oxford, practiced law in London, and in 1784 migrated to Philadelphia. A year later he was in Kentucky serving with George Rogers Clark's expedition of that year against the Indians of the Wabash region. On withdrawing from Indiana, Clark left a garrison in Vincennes, and Jones remained in the capacity of commissary. He later became a friend and political ally of Governor Harrison, and held numerous offices of public trust. About the year 1809, he removed to Missouri, establishing his home in Ste. Genevieve. He was a member of the Missouri Constitutional Convention of 1819, and one of the first judges of the Missouri Supreme Court, holding this office until his death in 1824. His legal practice was extensive and his scholarship profound. He has been characterized as the most learned member of the Missouri Constitutional Convention, and "the greatest lawyer west of Ohio if not west of the Allegheny Mountains," in the decades 1790-1810. One of his sons, George Wallace Jones, was one of the first U. S. senators from Iowa; another son, John Rice Jones, was postmaster-general of the Texan Republic. Information adapted from Jacob P. Dunn, Indiana and Indianians (Chicago, 1919), I,-passim;Houck, History of Missouri, III, 256-57; and Floyd C. Shoemaker, Missouri's Struggle for Statehood, 1804-1821 (Jef- ferson City, 1916), 138-39, et passim. 439 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS be divided between M r Jones & M r McIntosh as Attornies to the two Parties in proportion to the Share the Executors of the late M r James Abbott holds to that of the late Miamis C° This C° have no Objections to M r Mackintosh settling d their dividend r in the Houses Lands &ca to be recv of Mons Vigoe Agreable to his Offer & I should suppose the Executors can have none to their Attorney M r Jones reeving their share. As to my private Affairs with Monsr Vigoe if M r Mackintosh and M r Jones cannot settle them Agreable to my Wishes from any misunder- standings between them, you or me can do it I'm willing to Admit all Errors & Omissions that may have taken place to the prejudice to [of] M r Vigoe on M r Jones Admit- ting the like where in the last settlem* I may be a looser from Omissions & I have Every reason to suppose this proposition is so consistent with honor & honesty that he can have no Objection. I hope & will Expect your Answer to Morrow Morning on the Subject of this Letter & dont loose this Letter as I have no Coppy of it. I'm in great haste truly Yours John Askin Addressed: E. Brush Esquire at Detroit Endorsed: Novr 5h r1804 Jn° Askin to E. r Brush this Letter was Shown to M Jones Attorney for M Vigoe DEBTS OF FRANCIS VIGO Detroit 6 Novr 1804 Dear Sir Agreeable to your desire I waited on M r Jones this morning and gave him the perusal of your letter, he then told me thaty your ideas of a Settlement between the miamis Comp and Vigo perfectly corresponded with what he and M r Wm Mackintosh had agreed on before they left the post and that nothing was wanting to effect that Settlement but the return of James Abbott but that he could wait no longer than to day for him but in case he did not come in this ev[e]ning he would leave with me those terms addressed to M r Abbott and yhis advice for him to Settle the Business with the Comp conformable thereto but that he himself was not Authoresed [to] make any 440 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Settlement of any kind. Relative to your individual Business with M r Vigo he also observed that both before and after the [suit] had been commencd he proposed to M r Mackintosh to Arbitrate the Business and told him he would Submit it to men of his own election but that he refusd he says he is yet willing and desirious of Settleing it this way but Seems inclined to hav[e] the arbitration at Vincennes where he Says you may elect the men Of this how[e]ver I will Speak to him again I think its but right the Arbitration Should be had here as the Business was transacted here, his whole defence I believe consists in the loss you have put on Vigo of what his peltries full Short of the estimated Sum of £1343 I think as you Showed me or thereabouts. Altho he and Mackintosh are by no means friends yet they will I believe do Business together. In a distracted hurry I am Sir yours & E Brush Addressed: John Askin Esqr Strabane r Endorsed: Nov r 6h 1804 dE. Brush Esqr to Jn° Askin relative to Mons Vigoe recv same day WRECK OF THE SPEEDY Dear Sir Tis now some time since I had the Pleasure of Addressing you. I should be sorry however to Allow the last Vessel of the Season, to Sail with[out] carrying to you the offer of my best wishes, and best respects. The late very heavy Misfortune that has befallen our Society, has filled us with much Greif, & has sent Mourning into every district of the Province. The Speedy as you probably have heard, left York to go to Newcastle, formerly the Presque Isle of the Bay Kenti 68 [Quinte], with not less than 17 or 18 persons on Board. Amongst these were the following,c Mr Justice Cochrane, M r Sol. Gen. Gray, Messrs Angus M Donnel Jacob Herkemer M" Hamiltons Brother [George] Cowan the Interpreter at Matchetas, with seven other Passengers.69 She was seen off the Harbour of Presque 68 The Speedy left York on October 7 and was wrecked on or soon after the night of Oct. 8, 1804. For a contemporary newspaper account of the disaster, see Scadding, Toronto of Old, 528-29. 69 Thomas Cochrane was justice of the Court of King's Bench in Toronto. Macdonell 441 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Isle on Monday the 8th Oct, in the Evening, & has not since been heard of. A very violent Storm prevailed on that Night & the following day, & there can be no doubt but that she foundered in it. Some small portion[s] of the Wreck have be[en] found on the South shore of this Lake, but nothing of much Consequence, nor any of the Dead Bodies. Such Men as we have on this Occasion lost, will not soon be replaced; and it makes a sad Blank in the Society,70parti- cularly at York. The Absence of the Cheif Justice also, who is gone this Season on a Visit to England, will render this more sincerly felt, And will most probably prevent much Bussiness of any kind, being done there this winter. In other respects we have but little new here. A very wett Season has hindred much, the Sowing of wheat; And we fear the Crop of next Season, will be short in Proportion. Colds have prevailed very generally, but to other Intempers we are in general Strangers. In the Article of public News, Your papers will shew you that the war in Europe has the Appearance of Bursting out with fresh Vigour. The Northern Powers seem determined to try again their Fortune against this Corsican Usurper, & surely the other Continental Powers will not supinely sub- mitt to his exorbitant Exactions, when they see a Prospect of being so well supported. All I fear for is, that these Combinations formed of such Various Materials, like the Idol mentioned in the Bible, with Arms of Brass, & feet of Clayj cannot support themselves long enough to be of use effectually. Still however the threatned Invasion is held out to employ & to agitate the Minds of our Country men; And this Buonoparte is such an extraordinary fellow, there is no saying What he may, or what he may not do. How fortunate are we in [illegible] detached Corner of the Globe, enjoying Peace in the greatest Plenty, and only listening to the Sound of the Storm, at such a distance. MrB Hamilton requests me of [to] make an offer of her best was sheriff of York. Together with other officials they were proceeding to Newcastle for the purpose of trying Ogetonicut, a Chippewa Indian, for the murder of a trader, John Sharp, it having been determined that the spot where the offense was committed lay within the District of Newcastle. The culprit and practically all of the court officers were con- signed to the same watery grave. 70 Henry Allcock, for whom see ante, 260. 442 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS respects to Mrs Askin, & best wishes for r you & all yours, Await you from me and all mine. I am D sir Yours most Sincerly R. Hamilton Queenston Nov. 8, 1804 John Askin Esqr Addressed: John Askin Esquire near Sandwich Endorsed: Queenston d e Novr 8h 1804 h d 6 Rob* h Hamilton Esqr to Jn° Askin recv y 27 & Answ y 28 CONDITION OF WINDMILL r r Petit Cote, 8 Novr 1804 John Askin sen Esq Dear Sir rI duly reced yours of the 2d Ins* inclosing your order, on M Weaver for all the Utencils bellonging to the Wind Mill I went immediately with it myself in order not to Rely upon the Report of a Messenger. You may beleive, I was never so Surprized when I was deliver'd only the Stove, one of the Plates, broke, a Beam & a few weights, all of the quantity under 7ds a wanting. I made the Necessary enquiries about all the other matters, but was told, that was all, he took into Care, and all he found in the Mill when You desired him to take charge of it. Respecting the sails, he said that the Miller had cut them up & made Cloathes for His Children. Now there are yet wanting all the Hammers to pick the Stones, an Iron Crow Bar, for Raising the stones, the small Weights & many other Articles which assuredly is Comprehended in the Sale, a List of which I inclose. It is M r Lapage who I suppose Should acco* for them as he was the Last Possessor. I there- fore hope you will make the Necessary enquiry, as he is about Melloches Mill oposite to your Place. This Bad weather has prevented me from going to Sand- wich and I am Anxious to Learn the fate of Vigo's Business. Are there nothing on foot, respecting the Peoples titles to Lands in & about Detroit, the Time is Very Nigh when the Door will be Shut. I am Dear Sir Yours truly William Park 443 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS P. S. I will want also your deed of sale for the for Acres of Land, Yet I would rather that you could Put it of to the Person whom you sold the adjoining Lot. Endorsed: d Petite Cote Novr 8h 1804 from M r Park Answ PROPERTY OF NORTH WEST COMPANY Montreal 8th Decemr 1804 William Park] Johnr Askin > Esquires Alex HarrowJ Gentlemen A Coalition being effected between the N. W. Companies,71 it becomes necessary that a valuation should be made of the Nancy, Caledonia and Charlotte, with their respective Rigging and Materials whether in use or spare. The Transfers will be made the 1 st of April. The Parties interested have here jointly agreed, to nominate you to make the Valuations, and we hope that you will be good enough to undertake the Charge. Previous to your fixing said Valuations, it is meant that a Survey should be held upon each of the Vessels by three Carpenters, viz* Messrs Connolly Bates and Nelson, and a Report made by them to you thereon. In confiding this business to you, we are satisfied that the object of the Interested will be attained, without favor affection or prejudice to either. There is a Store House, House, and Wharff belonging to the Owners of the Nancy of which we wish for a separate Valuation from the Vessel and her Materials, according to what you may think the fair present worth of said Houses and Wharff. Excuse the Trouble we hereby give you, and believe us with much esteem Gentlemen Your very Humble Servants Frosyth Richardson & C° r M Duff & Cap* Mills will represent the Interested in the 71 Dissension among the partners of the North West Company had culminated, in 1795, in the withdrawal of certain of them and the promotion of a rival organization. Thence- forward until the death of Simon McTavish in July, 1804, competition was strenuous between the two groups of erstwhile associates. His death cleared the way for a reunion of the rivals, which was formally accomplished in Montreal on Nov. 5, 1804. See David- son, North West Company, passim, especially 83 ff. 444 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Nancy, and M r Ja s McIntosh those in the other Vessels. Addressed: William Park Esqr Sandwich Endorsed: d d Letter F. Richardson & C° Decer 8, 1804. ry answ 2 Feb 1805 post Paid Respecting the N W C° CHARTER OF THE SAGUINAH r Niagara Decr I5h 1804 John Askin Esq Dear Sir I yesterday at this place received your letters of the 25th & 28h Ult°. I shall in the Course of the day See William Dickson on the business mentioned in your letter, it is not at all unusual for Cyder to come down in bad order, the working of the Vessels increases the fermentation of the Cyder, & very often not only lessens the Quantity but injures the Quality. Not being at home I cannot now Say how much I have Credited you with it will however Appear in Account Current It will I am afraid be a bad Spec, not a Barrel being yet Sold. With respect to the Saguinah I have to Make you an Offer which if you Accept let me hear from you by the very first Opportunity I will give for the Charter of the Saguinah from Fort Erie to Mackina & back, with the allowance of Twenty One lay days, in all, Five Hundred Pounds New York Currency, payable at F. Erie on the first of October, the vessel to be at Fort Erie on the Twentieth of May, & to proceed with all dispach So soon as loaded, for Mackina, & not to be detained on any Account, by the Owners or Captn at Detroit, should she be detained by me beyond the 21 days, demurrage at the rate of Twenty Dollars P. day to be allowed I have been Offered the Charter of a vessel on terms Equal to these, but, wishing on all occasions where I Can with propriety do it to give you a preference I have declind accepting the Offer untill I hear from you. I shall add what I have to Say in answer from William Dickson in a Postscript, & am in the Mean time with best Compliments & wishes to the Family Dear Sir Your Friend & Faithful Serv* Rob* Nichol 445 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS M r Dickson has promised to write Per the Post Addressed: John Askin Esqr Strabane near Sandwich r Endorsed: Niagara Dec 15h 1804 dM re Rob* Nichol to Jn° Askin recv y 3 Jan 1805 Answ y 4h & 10th d e d y HARDSHIPS OF BALDOON SETTLERS Dear Sir I have by this post your seperate favors of the 25 th & 28th Ult°, and it gave us sincere satisfaction to learn that you & yours were well. We thank God for the same Blessing conferred on us as with the exception of some slight Colds we have all enjoyed uninterupted good health. The reports we hear of the Melancholy condition of Lord Selkirks Settlers is distressing to humanity.72 The indis- creet Choice of a Situation so unpleasant so unhealthy seems completely of a peice with the other parts of the Speculation entered into with rashness & conducted without Considera- tion. It is said here that 20,000 £ have allready been ex- pended. As much more may be thrown away with equal Success, for when is one Shilling to be expected back? Say that remuneration or Profit were only secondary Considera- tions with his Lordship, how much has Benevolence been Counteracted by the unfortunate Choice of the Situation. We have not heard a Word of his Lordship since he left us. Some hundred more Sheep & 10 or 12 Brood mares winter in this Vicinity, on their way upward. In a Conversation with our freind Dickson who has lately been at York, I learn that he has procured a considerable portion of your deeds, which are now in the hands of his Brother Thomas D. for the payment of the fees, amounting to about forty pounds Pro Cury. I am very glad to under- stand that you have lodged money for the payment of this, as Dickson thinks his honor interested for the performance of his promise of punctual payment, And so scarce is Cash here, at this time, that was we all joining together, your freinds could hardly raise that sum among them. Dickson has I beleive done every thing in his power in your behalf. 7Z The allusion is to Selkirk's Baldoon settlement at Wallaceburg on the St. Clair River, established in the summer of 1804. Forty-two of the original settlers (numbering about 110 in all) died during the first year. For an account of the settlement, see Kent Hist. Soc, Papers and Addresses, I, 13-21. 446 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS You yourself know the trouble & the vexation of Attending the public offices at York; this by some new regulations is very greatly encreased, And I would sooner undertake almost any other bussiness, than go thro the process, on my own Account, and how much worse for another, in whose Cir- cumstances you are perhaps but ill informd, & of course must be often at a loss. I have understood that a New Commission is intended this Session in Matters of Land, but how to operate I have not learnt. As far as my poor endeavours can go, it shall be extensive enough to meet the Cases you Mention, & I shall not fail to take your letter to York for the perusal of our freind Cartwright. You will do as you think best about the lott of land you Mention. Fortunately the balance between us has not been very much wanted for some time past. Of Public News we have very little this Season You will hear by M r Williams who passed this a few days ago the Reports of New York. I did not see him in passing. We enjoy in common with you Peace & plenty. Our Wh[eat] Crops are I beleive nearly equal to those of last year; but the Demand from below has raised flour to 20/- and wheat to 6/ p r bush. Pork is good, tho in less quantity than last year. I have now in my Cellar upwards of two hundred Hogs. We also made an forty Barrels of Cyder; & what I beleive you have not yet thought of, 250 Gallons peach Brandy from my own Orchard. M rs Hamilton joins me in best respects for Mrs Askin, & in best wishes for you & all your good family. I am Dear Sir Yours very Sincerly R. Hamilton Queenston Decr 16, 1804. John Askin Esqr Addressed: John Askin Esquire Merchant near Sandwich Endorsed: Queenston Decr 16h 1804 M r Rob* Hamilton to Jn° Askin recvd ye 4b Jan y 1805 Answd ye 10th 447 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS SALE OF LAND AT SPRING WELLS I do hereby Certify that in the Year One thousand seven hundred & ninety three as far as I can recollect I sold John Askin Sen1" a Certain Lot of Land at or near the spring Well below the Town of Detroit being two Acres in front by One hundred & twenty Deep, bounded in front by the Detroit river, in rear by unlocated Lands & on both sides by Land then belonging to the said John Askin Senr Which Tract of Land I purchased of Issidor Chesne,73 Father in Law to Colonel Chabert & with the full Consent & approbation of the Latter. And as the said Jn° Askin Senr has lost or mis- laid the Deed of Sale for the said Lot or Tract, I now give this Certificate as evidence of the reallity & fairness of the transaction & will furnish further Proof if required. In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal at Sandwich this thirty first day of December Anno Domini 1804. Jn° Askin J r (L. S.) Witness Charles Askin Endorsed: Recorded in the Land Office at Detroit in Liber E folio 109. teste G° Hoffman N° 14 Voucher for Claim N° 19 by John Askin POTAWATOMI GRANT AT RAISIN RIVER I do hereby certify that the Indian Chiefs of the Pote- watemie Nation gave & executed a certain Deed bearing date at the River au Resin on the second of June One thousand Seven hundred & Eighty eight for a certain Tract of Land containing Six Acres of Land in front on each side of the 73 For the Ch6ne family of Detroit, see B. H. R., I, 410. Isidore Chfine, one of the young- er sons of Charles Ch&ne and Catherine Sauvage, was born in Detroit on Jan. 6, 1737, and was buried there on July 1, 1793. He was an interpreter in the Indian Department. On Nov. 28, 1758, he married Therese Becquet of Detroit, daughter of Pierre Becquet and Mary Geneveva Vanier. They had two children, one of whom died in childhood. The other, Mary Joseph Chfine, born Feb. 7, 1762, married on April 10, 1780, Francis de Joncaire de Chabert, whose career is noted ante, 113. ChSne was a member of Gov- ernor Hamilton's Vincennes expedition of 1778. At the time of Clark's appearance before Vincennes, he chanced to be outside the fort. He concealed himself in the adjoining forest during the battle, and on its termination, made his way to Detroit with the news of Hamilton's surrender. See Denissen, op. cit., and ///. Hist. Colls., I, 424-26, and VIII, 281 and 308. 448 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS River Resin by One hundred in Depth bounded by Guemon Robert,74 Reume75 & others which will fully appear by the said Deed & I do further certify that Six Acres of said Land in front on the south side of the said River Resin, then were intended for Charles & James Askin & for them they were given tho the Deed was executed in my name & the other six Acres in front by one hundred in Depth on the North side of the said River Resin I gave them in exchange to John Askin Senr in or about the Year One thousand Seven hundred & Ninety One, for a Lot on the said River Resin formerly the property of Widow Martin. Should further Proof be required in order to make this transaction Clearer I will at any time hereafter give it. In Witness whereof I have to these Present Set my Hand & Seal at Sandwich this thirty first day of December Anno Domini 1804. Jn° Askin J r (L. S.) Witness John Daine Endorsed: Recorded Liber B. folio 311 G° Hoffman R. J . A & C & J° A AN° 12 13 Evidence for Claim N° 21 by John Askin 74 For the Robert line of Detroit and Raisin River, see ante, 197-98. Probably the per- son alluded to here was Isidore Robert. 75 Probably Jean Baptiste Reaume, for whom see B. H. R., I, 170. 449 SECTION VI LETTERS AND PAPERS : 1805-1806 THE CUYAHOGA DREAM Near Sandwich, Jan y 4th 1805 Dear Henry, Being fearfull that I would not have time to c write you by this opportunity I requested of M r James M Gill to mention a matter to you relative to your Claim to an Indian Tract jointly with me & others but as I see my Letter will be ready for the Post, I will now explain he matter to you. The Inhabitants of New London having suffered much by fire in the late troubles, the United States has given the preemption right to 500,000 Acres of Land near Caya- haga1 and a M r Dean one of the Commissioners is arrived at Detroit sometime ago in Order to Assemble the Indians and purchase the native right but he finds it has been sold o you I and several others he therefore told M r Brush that f we will Assemble the Nations to whom these Lands did belong and get them to give a Deed of Sale for the Tract he will give 10,000 Dollars as doing this would be attended with much expense and the offer being only two Cents an Acre the Lawyers think we would be much to blame in accepting of it. of Course they will prevail on the Indians to sell them over again and this we must oppose with all our Interest for if they cannot accomplish this they must come up to our price we therefore mean to endeavour to get Captain McKee's Interest who has more influence with he Indians than any man in this Country and for this purpose in Order to recompence him I think we should admit him as an equal Partner in this Tract without his 18 pay- ng anything therefore it will be necessary for Mess Isaac Todd & James M c Gill with yourself for they have half my original Share) to send me a very full power to Act. my plan would be this and what I think fair that we should eceive from the people of New London 10,000 Dollars a i This grant, made May 11, 1792, by the Connecticut Legislature, is the origin of the ract known in Ohio history as "The Firelands." It included modern Huron and Erie ounties. 453 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS year for Nine Years, one of which and the first to be em- ployed or the greater part of it to purchase for Indians Presents and be given them at the ratifying or Confirming their Sale to us and the Transfer] from us to to the said New London C° in geting them to give a fresh Deed in their name, there would then remain 10,000 Dollars for each of the partners and a like sum for Captain M c Kee. This is a good Dream if it becomes a true one. All here well may health and happiness attend you and yours is my Dear Old Friend always the Sincere wishes of Addressed: Alexander Henry Esquire at Montreal Endorsed: Near Sandwich Jan y 4h 1805 Jn° Askin to Alexr Henry Esqr at Montreal. POLITICAL ACTIVITIES IN WASHINGTON E Brush Esqr D r Sir. I have at last completed my probation at this place, and shall leave it in the morning. A law has this day passed both houses of Congress upon the subject of our land in all respects similar to the bill, I have sometime past forwarded to the County of Wayne. If it meets the sig- nature of the Presd, of which I have no doubt, it becomes a law, such as it is, it must be received I could get no better. Judge Chases trial,2 which closed yesterday by his acquittal, has operated much against us. It became impossible that it could be debated for want of time and to press an amend- ment, would have lost the bill. As it now stands equitable claims arising under possession and improvement will be brought fairly before congress for their consideration. I expect that where they are proved bona fide & free of speculation they will be confirmed to a reasonable extent But where predicated upon speculation they will meet a formidable opposition in the House of Representatives. I am of opinion that the remarks of the Commissioners will have great weight in the final decision. x The impeachment of Judge Samuel Chase of Maryland, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and an associate justice of the U. S. Supreme Court, was the initial step in a general Republican assault upon the Supreme Court judges. The failure to convict 454 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS I have learnt to day that the respective 3officers of the4 Territory of Michigan have been appointed. Genl. Hull, Govr Stanley Griswold5 of New Hampshire, Secretary. Chase, here alluded to, caused the abandonment of the remainder of the program. See Edward Channing, History of the United States (New York, 1917), IV, 286-89. 3 On Oct. 13, 1804, a mass meeting in Detroit adopted a resolution to petition Congress for the erection of a new territory, and James May and Robert Abbott were chosen to prepare the petition. It was presented to Congress on December 4 following, and on Jan. 11, 1805, President Jefferson approved the act creating the Territory of Michigan. It was to take effect on June 30, 1805, and on March 1 the President appointed the territorial officers here mentioned. Huntington, however, declined the office, and the vacancy thus created was filled by the appointment of John Griffin of Indiana. See Burton, City of Detroit, 1701-1922, I, 137. 4 William Hull was born in Derby, Conn., June 24, 1753. He was graduated from Yale College in 1772aad^having studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1775. He was shortly elected captain of a militia company of his native town and he served throughout the Revolution with much credit, winning the confidence of such leaders as Wayne, Steuben, and Washington, and taking a prominent part in such enterprises as the capture of Stony Point. Upon the reduction of the army at the close of the war, he was selected by Wash- ington as lieutenant colonel of the one regiment retained in service and stationed at West Point. In 1781 he had married Sarah Fuller of Newton, Mass., and in 1786 he retired from the army and began the practice of law in that place. He subsequently served as judge of the Court of Common Pleas, as state senator for many years, and as major general of the Massachusetts militia. Upon the organization of Michigan Territory in 1805, Hull was appointed governor by President Jefferson and his service continued until the surrender of Detroit by-Jxim_toGeneral Brock in August, 1812. For this surrender he was overwhelm- ingly condemned by^public opinion and was court-martialed and sentenced to death by the government. The vexed issue of the merits of Hull's conduct at Detroit we have no space to discuss. It seems clear, however, that to considerable extent he was made a scapegoat to bear the sins of folly and inefficiency of others. He spent his later years on his wife's ancestral farm in Newton. Not until 1824 was he permitted access to documents in the War Department necessary to a vindication of his conduct of the campaign of 1812. He then published (in 1825) his Memoirs of the Campaign of 1812, which together with the softening influences of the passage of time, worked a considerable revision of public opinion in his favor. A critical and impartial account of the campaign of 1812 at Detroit still awaits writing. He died at his home in Newton, Nov. 29, 1825. He had eight children, born in the years 1783-99. His only son, Abraham Hull, perished in the forefront of the desperately~wagetr-eonflict at Lundy's Lane in July, 1814. His nephew and adopted son, Isaac Hull, is one ofSA.merica's most renowned naval heroes. One of Governor Hull's daughters, Ann, married Capt. H. H. Hickman of the U. S. army. Another daughter, Rebecca, married Dr. Samuel Clarke and became the mother of Rev. James Freeman Clarke. Another daughter, Julia, married Joseph Wheeler of Augusta, Ga., and became the mother of General Joseph Wheeler. Information adapted from Charles H. Weygant (comp.), The Hull Family in America [Pittsfield, Mass., 1913], passim, and other published sources. 5 Stanley Griswold was born in Torrington, Conn., Nov. 14, 1763. He served in the Revolution and in consequence of injuries received, exchanged his prospective patrimony for a college-educajjen. He was graduated from Yale in 1786, and having studied theology, began his ministeriaPcareer in 1789. In time he developed both religious and political views which were condemned by the contemporary public opinion of Connecticut. In 1802 he withdrew from the pulpit, and the following year became editor of a Democratic newspaper in Walpole, New Hampshire. His service as Secretary of Michigan Territory, here noted, lasted until 1808, when, having incurred the hostility of Governor Hull, he was compelled to resign his office. On leaving Detroit, he located in Ohio, where Samuel Huntington, a graduate of Yale in 1785, was governor. In March, 1809, U. S. Senator Edward Tiffin of Ohio resigned his office, and Huntington appointed Griswold to the vacancy thus created. This same spring the government of Illinois Territory was organ- _ 455 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Mess" Huntington6 Bates and Woodward7 Judges. ized, and one of the three judges appointed by the President was Obediah Jones. For some reason he did not assume the office, and in March, 1810, President Madison appointed Griswold to the position. He held this office until his death in Shawneetown, Aug. 21,1815. On Aug. 5,1789, Griswold married Elizabeth Flagg of East Hartford, Conn., who outlived him several years, dying on Aug. 15, 1822. They were the parents of several children. Information adapted from Franklin B. Dexter, Biographical Sketches of the Graduates of Yale College , . . (New York, 1907), IV, 476-81, and references there cited; Farmer, Hist, of Detroit, passim; and Alvord, The Illinois Country, 430. 6 Samuel Huntington was born in Coventry, Conn., Oct. 4, 1765. He was graduated from Yale College in 1785, studied law, and in 1793 was admitted to the bar. In the spring of 1801 he removed to Ohio, locating shortly in Cleveland and subsequently (1805) in Painesville. He was a member of the Ohio Constitutional Convention of 1802, and of the first Ohio State Legislature the following year. By this body he was appointed in April, 1803, one of the three judges of the Supreme Court of the state. In 1804, he was made chief justice, retaining the office until 1808, when he was elected governor. During the War of 1812 he served as paymaster in the army with the rank of Colonel. He died in Painesville on June 8, 1817, "leaving behind him a reputation for accomplished scholarship, pronounced executive ability, and acknowledged integrity." By President Jefferson he was tendered the office of receiver of public moneys in Steubenville, and that of judge of Michigan Territory, both of which he declined. See Dexter, op. cit., IV, 419-20; Randall and Ryan, History of Ohio, passim; and William T. Utter, "Judicial Review in Early Ohio," Miss. Vol. Hist. Rev., XIV, 3 ff. 7 Augustus Elias Brevoort Woodward was baptized in New York City, Nov. 6, 1774, his father being a shopkeeper of that place. He attended Columbia College for a time, leav- ing without graduating, and in 1792 was employed in the U. S. Treasury Department in Philadelphia. Three years later he was in Rockbridge County, Va., where Jig^aon made the acquaintance of Thomas Jefferson and for him developed an intense-and life-long friend- ship. About the year 1797 he located in Washington, where he speculated actively in real estate, practiced law, served in the first council of the city and in the local militia, and published articles on the nature of the sun and of the government of the District of Co- lumbia. On March 1, 1805, Woodward was appointed one of the judges of Michigan Territory, then newly constituted. It is significant of his masterful personality that, arriving in De- troit on June 29 and finding the city in ashes, he immediately assumed command of the situation without awaiting the arrival of Governor Hull who reached Detroit two days later. Familiar with the plan of Washington City and possessed of an expansive intellect and fertile imagination, Judge Woodward conceived and imposed upon_ the stricken frontier settlement a new and scientific city plan designed to accorpmoaate the needs of a metropolis of whatever size. This was perhaps his most significant service to Detroit. Although others succeeded later in largely wrecking his plan, to it we owe the existing frag- ments of Grand Circus and Capitol parks and of Cadillac Square, and the street plan of much of the downtown business section. As one of the Board of Judges, Woodward arrogated to himself the title of chief justice (a distinction which had no legal existence), and throughout his long career here was at all times the dominating factor on the board, and in many respects in the community as well. Quite naturally, he frequently aroused violent opposition and made many enemies; but after the lapse of a century he looms head and shoulders above all his contemporaries, save Lewis Cass, in the later period of Woodward's career here. Judge-We©4wafd was one of the most original and interesting individuals in all Michigan history; the word,"genius," fitly characterizes him. The best account of his career is by William L. Jenks in the Mich. Hist. Mag., IX, 515-46. The original scheme of territorial government having become outgrown and inadequate, in 1823 Congress enacted a law materially modifying it, and in this connection the terms of the sitting judges (hitherto conditioned on good behavior) were made to terminate on Feb. 1, 1824. Woodward's enemies sought to have him displaced, and by a false accusation of intemperance, at the last moment prevailed upon President Monroe not to reappoint him. Woodward thereupon severed his Detroit connections and returned to Washington, 456 ^ JOHN ASKIN PAPERS I have just received the melancholy news of the death of Col Sproat.8 He died on the 3d Ultimo very suddenly, supposed of the apoplexy. How far this distressing accident may retard my return to Detroit, or what effect it may have on my future residence is uncertain. I hope to see you in the course of May next at farthest when it will be in my power to relate more particularly the occurrences that have come under my observation. I have been somewhat surprised that I have not received a single letter from Detroit since I left it. Party runs high and the Democrats on several questions have split amongst themselves which did not fail to draw forth gross abuse and mutual recrimina- tion. The federalist keep aloft in silence. The crisis is arived & the moderate republicans call a halt. Present my best respects to your lady & friends I am Sir, your friend Sol Sibley P.S. Please hand the inclosed to Some one of the Gen* to whom addressed and oblige yours &c S S City of Washington March 2d 1805 Addressed: Elijah Brush Esqr Detroit (Michigan Territory) Endorsed: City of Washington March 2d 1805 Solomon Sibley Esqr to E. Brush. where in August of the same year the President appointed him to a federal judgeship in Florida Territory. He died in Tallahassee, June 12, 1827. Woodward Avenue, Detroit's most important street, fittingly commemorates his name; and in many ways aside from this, the print of his genius is indelibly stamped upon the city and the state. 8 Ebenezer Sproat, father-in-law of Solomon Sibley, was born in Middleboro, Mass., in 1752. He served throughout the Revolution with considerable distinction, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel in 1777, and to that of colonel in 1783. After the war, he became a resident of Providence, R. I., where he married Catherine Whipple, whose father, Abra- ham, was a prominent actor in the infant American navy during the Revolution. Sproat became a member of the famous Ohio Company, organized by Manasseh Cutler, and he led the second division of the colonists who founded Marietta in 1788. He served as surveyor of the company from 1787-91, and as sheriff of Washington County from 1788- 1802. In the latter capacity he bore a prominent part in the ceremonial which attended the inauguration of the first American court in the Old Northwest. Sproat was an original member of the Society of the Cincinnati. Sproat Street in Detroit was named for him. Data chiefly derived from Thomas Weston, History of the Town of Middleboro, Massachu- setts (Boston and New York, 1906), 322-25; Randall and Ryan, Hist, of Ohio, passim; and mss. in B. H. Coll. 457 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS SALE OF CUYAHOGA GRANT Montreal 4 March 1805 My dear Askin I receivedr your favour mentioning ther proposal for the lands. M M c Gill is at Quebec. r c M Todd has wrote to you on the subject when M M Gill returns which will be the 15th 1st. we will forward you a regular power of attorney, in the mean time this shall serve you as authority from me to act and so in any respect in the sale and distribution of shares for the benefit of the concerned the same as you do for yourself provided there is no expense to us. I should think your demands should not be too high for fear of your missing this opportunity which may be the last—and if broughtr to cbear would serve as a president for the remainder. M M Kee could with little expense call the chiefs who signed their right to these Lands, as there would be no occation to call the nation, in my opionion, as it would only be as their acknowledgment of having sold their Lands as by their deeds. I would not recommend to risk breaking of a Treaty for a sale for wishing to get much you may get nothing. I hope M r Br. will have done somthing in Williams affairs and that he will let me know as soon as he can. There is a woman who was seperated from a James Fraser at Detroit came to me with papers on her seppirationr and says there is a sum due her for money in hands of M James Henry who it appears is the agent and is to pay her the money to her—also that she posseses a House at Detroit, this woman is a stranger to me, but seems in the greatest distress & starving, it would be an act of Humanity in any one to inquire if there is any money in Mr. Henrys hands, and get him to send it to her. your feeling for women will I am sure induce you 9to ask M r Henry whether it is so or no and let me know. best wishes for all the family & remain your old friend A. Henry 9 In a letter of May 8, 1805, to Henry, responding to this inquiry, Askin wrote: "The poor unfortunate Woman who address'd herself to you is realy M r Fraser['s] Wife or was before he obtained a Divorce, she is frequently Mad or nearly so and was sent from this for attemptingr to burn Mr Mackintosh's house in day light. I tho doubt that she has money in M Henry's hands but if she has I'm sure he will not keep it from her I will make inquiry. All with me well, may God grant you & yours the like happiness." 458 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS a sale of Detroit bears sold last fall much higher than the year before A H Addressed: John Askin Esquire Detroit Endorsed: Montreal d 6 March h 4h 1805d Alexdhr Henry Esqr to Jn° Askin Rec y 28 April Answ May 8 SALE OF BRUSH FARM March 22d, 1805 Dear Sir I send over Dain to bring me some tar from Cap* Fearson and three of your empty barrels if you can send so many as I cannot get one from my cooper to put whisky in. He takes a little supon meal10 over for Alice we did not think of geting it ground before now is the reason there's so little. Please let Alex go with Dain in order to pursuade Barthelth the Shoemaker to let him have a pair of shoes now & if he has more [none] to make him a pair 1soon. I send a dollar for some common Suger I wish Alex " to get if of this year & good from Campeau. I find M r Barthe has 400 oak pickets of mine they are at your service, but when you send the boat it will take them one day to bring them down the River as the Water is low untill they get into the lake. I think your men will not get back before the third day, therefore choose good weather. I cannot agree to your making so many repairs on the farm at your expence. It realy costs more than if you paid rent. I wish it was possible for you to purchase the place for I fear unless something fortunate turns up in spite of all I can do I will have to sell it at last to pay Mess1"8 James & Andrew M c Gill £2000 nearly Hfx Curcy I owe them I have been able as yet to pay the interest nearly £200 N Y Cur yearly and they desire no better but I wish to get rid of the debt & I know of no other way, (unless I was more fortunate in land matters) than selling the farm and giving some lots of land on this side, If they will take them, were my circumstances different from what they are, I io Suppon (supon, sepon, etc.) is a word supposedly of Algonquin origin, signifying Indian meal or mush. See Hodge, Handbook of Am. Inds. 459 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS would make xthe purchace very easy to you but unless I get £1000 Hf for the place where you are and for which I expected £2000 NY Cury I cannot make out, unless I strip myself entirely of my lands here & that would be such an Injury to those who come after me that I wish to avoid it all I can It would hurt my feelings much that a place which belonged to Mr8 Askin's father and has allways been in the Family would fall into other hands. I wish your affairs would permit you to buy it. I dare say the MessrsxM c Gill on geting the interest which would be but £60 Hf yearly would give [you] what time Ir might choose to pay the principal. Cap* Fearson & M Meldrum are just arrived which stops Dains Voyage. I am Dear sir Yours truly JA E. Brush Esqr at Detroit Endorsed: March 22d 1805 Jn° Askin to E Brush Esqr Coppy SALE OF BRUSH FARM March 22, 1805 Dear Sir, I have this moment returned from the river rouge and find Dean in waiting for me I have given him 3 Bonds and also all your papers relative to Vigo. Relative to the repairs you speak of it is absolutely necessary some should be made otherwise this place except the house would be of no use to any person. About purchasing I have always had Some Serious ideas of removeing into the Ohio Country which is the reason I have never attempted a purchase before this time, and am Still under the impression that before long I shall leave this place, however if I could take Such a proportion of the debt from off yours Shoulders to Todd & McGill in this place is reason- ably [torn] by paying them the annual interest for the Same for 3 or four years untill I could Turn my property at the Miamis (in case I determin not to go there) I would readily do it, and they Shall have the best security for their prin- cipal. I would myself go greater length to purchase this 460 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS place on account of Alice than I otherwise would if left to my own individual consideration She has the same desire of being perpetuated in it that Mrs Askin has on account of the family tradition it has already passed through, and I am extremely desirous that Something should be definitely settled in the business, if wec could agree on a price to be given payable to Todd & M Gill in some future time say 4 or 5 years with the annual interest if that would suit them I do not know that I should be averse to closing the busi- ness, but if not you have only to say the word and I shall be prepared to [torn] the place at any time but I would wish to know it soon. If you can let me have a boat I [torn] send for them pickets the latter ind of the next week whether I use them or not. I was thinking of putting ceder pickets around the garden in front of the house, and also of making four new gates for the big gate as well as all the rest are intirely broken down but I will wait to be athe[r]ised by you. If I should conclude to purchase here and also to sell my property in the Ohio Country I should not want credit a single day, but as yet I am opposed to selling that property. I have Spoken to Cap* Ernest relative to the Suit ag* Hembro he Says if Elliott had mentioned the circumstances of the Case to him he would never have directed the Suit to have been commenced, but that he will now direct Woods to discontinue it Seeing that you are likely to be involved. I am Dear sir very Sincerely Yours E Brush John Askin Addressed: John Askin Esquire Strabane Endorsed: d Detroit e h March 22d 1805 M r Brush to Jn° Askin Answ y 24 . FROM JOHN ASKIN TO ALEXANDER HENRY Strabane Near Sandwich April the 4 th 1805 Dear Henry, The long and short of the present Story is this, me and mine Thank God are well and you and yours will be glad to hear it. 461 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS The last time I spoke to M r Brush on your business he said he would use his best endeavours to prevent M r Williams from geting out letters of Administration and if he succeeded he would send you what Money he had belonging to the Estate. You are one or two letters in my debt. I wrote you to hire a Man for M r Brush and described him I also request you will get one for me used to the common farmers' work, if he could Bake a little so much the better but not hired for that purpose only, a brass sieve you must also send me good for sifting flour for Pan Cakes for the Boys I wrote you for a pair of Suwarrow Boots My Friend M r Dean one of the new London Commissioners is trying to get the Indians to sell our Lands to him & I'm trying to get them not to do so un- less he pays us. Who will succeed I know not. Health & Happiness attend you all are our sincere wishes Yours Dear Henry always Endorsed: r Strabane April 4h 1805 Jn° Askin to Alexr Henry Esq at Montreal (Coppy) SALE OF CUYAHOGA GRANT Montreal 19th April 1805 My dear old friend I send you a power of attorney which I thing [think] such a one as you would r c wish to have for giving a share of the Lands to M M Gee [McKee] what M r Todd & McGill, and my self thinks and what we agree upon that no expense whatever is to be made for any arangements with Indians or otherwise, without your having money in hand from the sale thereof, and then as little as possible, also that in the sale of this part of our land we think it would be best not to be to[o] particular in the price as it will be an inducement to them to do the same in making purchases. I hope you will induce Williams to settle his business it is the best for him as he will recover from Vigo double the amount of what he gives us. as there are no other creditors of any consequence, he will also recover of John Casety['s] property, the sooner you can settle this the better. M r Short is making your Swarrow 462 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Boots which shall be sent by the first opportunity nothing more but what you will have from the States with every wish for your good & the happiness of your family from me and mine [I] remain affectionately Your old friend Alexander Henry NB. I recommend not to refuse the offer of the Americans get as much as you can but dont neglect to sell as times will change the Indians and others so that we are not sure of any thing in this world. A H Addressed: cJohn Askin Esquire Detroit Favd By Mr. William M Coy Endorsed: r Montreal d e 8t April 19th 1805 d Alexth1" Henry Esq to Jn° Askin rec y l June Answ July 15 LAND TITLES AT ST. CLAIR RIVER Near Sandwich April 15th 1805 Sir I was favoured with yours of the 4 th Instant a few days ago and it gives me much pleasure to find that the Son of an old Friend is as little disposed I find, to hurt my Interest as his late Father was for the present its needless to explain by what title I hold the land your said to be on, as I hope it may not be inconvenient for you to call over here the first time you come to Detroit, you will then be satisfied that my claim is equal to any sellers that even live near Detroit who have not had a Deed from the french Government. I hold it of the third person from the original grantors & have paid a considerable sum for the Lot next above Belle River four others ajoining it I purchased of Cap* Cornwell11 the old Kings ship builder who obtained it of the Indians prior to the year 1780 and a confirmation of the Cheifs afterwards, the four Lots next above where you are of 5 acres in c front Each I have sold to Mess" Isaac Todd & James M Gill some years ago and I will thank you not to let any one settle on them without informing me two other Lots next above these I mentioned also belonged to Cap* Cornwell who I believe sold them to a Smith, a i i Richard Cornwall, for sketch of whose career see B. H. R., I, 178. 463 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Tavernkeeper who many years ago lived near where your mother does & afterwards settled at River Trenche. If the12 Law will asist me I mean to punish M r Jean Babtist Creaty for ever having meddled with Lands belonging to me to which I'm sure he never had the smallest right nor did I ever hear untill very lately by Cap* Harrow that any person had been on these Lands since I took Brian from there who lived in a house the Indians made me & for which I paid them. I am Sir with good wishes &ca J.A. M r Rob* McNiff13 at River Sinclair th Endorsed: r Near Sandwich April 15 1805 John Askin to M Rob* M°Niff at River Sinclair care of E. Brush Esqr Coppy LAND TITLES IN WASHINGTON AND YORK Near Sandwich May the 6th 1805 My Dear Sir, Your kind letter bearing date the l 8t of March reached me on the 28 Instant and it gave me i i Probably Jean Baptiste Creti, whose surname was more commonly spelled Crequi. The Detroit Crequis were descended from Jean Aide dit Crequi, who was born in the parish of St. Sorler, in the diocese of La Rochelle, in 1661. He migrated to Canada and on Nov. 3, 1689, married at Pointe-aux-Trembles, Que., Catherine Delisle, daughter of Louis Delisle and Louisa Des Granges. For three generations the family resided in Lower Canada, its first Detroit representative being a grandson of the original immigrant, who was also named Jean Baptiste Aide dit Crequi. He was born in Pointe-aux-Trembles on Feb. 18, 1729, and on Jan. 11, 1762, he married in Detroit, Magdelene Gastinon dit Du- ch£ne, who resided at Grosse Pointe. Crequi secured a farm from the government which later became a part of P. C. 261 in modern Grosse Pointe Farms. He was buried in De- troit, Sept. 26, 1795; his wife was buried here, Dec. 30, 1824. They reared a family of eleven children, all of whom were born on the Grosse Pointe farm in the period 1764-83. One daughter, Cecilia, married George Cottrell, for whom see, ibid., 195. The eldest son, born, Nov. 17, 1767, was the Jean Baptiste Crequi (Creaty) of the present document. He married, Feb. 4, 1793, Cecilia Meny, who was born in Grosse Pointe, May 2, 1776, the daughter of Antoine Meny and Catherine Brillant dit Beaulieu. She was buried, May 5, 1804; the date of his death has not been learned. They had six children, born in the years 1793-1802. See Denissen, op. cit. 13 Robert McNiff was a son of Patrick McNiff, for whom see B. H. R., I, 424. Robert was born in 1784 and died a bachelor on April 16, 1844. Apparently he was a man of somewhat strenuous habits. In February, 1802, James May lodged a complaint with James Henry, justice of the peace, affirming that he was in fear for his life or some personal injury at the hands of McNiff. Robert was for some years a clerk in the employ of Joseph Campau. C. C. Trowbridge in later years related that he was in the habit of going on periodical sprees, when he would sell his clothes for rum and dash naked through the streets. See Mich. Pio. Colls., passim; Proc. of the Land Board of Detroit, 177. 464 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS much pain to learn you had suffered so much, however Thank God you have got clear of your danger, and I hope will soon of the uneasiness you must have endured. The sale of the Mortgaged property to screen the Debt due to your late Nephew shall not be put of[f] if payment is not made in June as promised. You or M r McGill most certainly have had from me a List of the Lots on this side made over by me to Each of you. I sent it on the 21 st May 1803 however as you also want a Copy from the Register it shall likewise be done. The inclosed papers or rather under cover with this, One of which for M r McGill and the other for you I believe will give you all the information you require respecting your property at and about Detroit. No doubt I expect and mean to remit ryou and M r McGill as soon as received whats due by M Brush Park and Harvey.14 M r Sibly who we sent to congress has not yet returned nor do we justly know what he has done. The Expenses of his Voyage a Thousand Dollars was a voluntary business some was not able to give anything and others contributed largely otherwise no person could have been sent, in Order to make up the sum, I was obliged to give the sum [of] 100 Dollars for ryouc M r McGill Robertson and myself a third of which M M Gill and you are charged with. Your observation respecting the shares of Mr McGill and you hold in all the Indian Tract as well as that I purchased of Huneau is just. This latter is situated near Sandusky but not as I hear where the New London people have got the right of Preemption. A Major Dean who said he was a Commissioner in conversation said he would give 10,000 Dollars if he would [could] have the Tract confirmed to them by all the Indians but he never came forward with such an offer to me & as I supposed he only wanted to amuse me untill he could settle thec matter with the Indians I took care through Captain M Kee to request of the 14 John Harvey, for whose career see B. H. R., I, 233, and Burton Hist. Coll. Leaflet, IV, 1-16. The latter reference gives an account of the long legal contest which was waged over the title to the Reeder farm. 465 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Indians Chiefs not to meet him untill the proprietors to whom they sold were satisfied. I now learn he Major Dean has neither money nor Letters of Credit and its even doubted that he is one of the Commissioners, had he come forward and even given One Thousand Dollars to each of the proprietors and required no more than making over our right in the Indian Deed and promising not to oppose his purchase of 500,000 Acres I would have accepted of it and less was not worth while but to undertake the confirmation of the Deed to us by all the Indians is another matter as being attended with much expense which sum exclusive of what I asked for our right must first be laid down by the commissioners in Order to enable us to call the Indians together. Or if they would give 6d p r acre in payment 10,000 Dollars yearly and lay the first payment by giving this sum to the Indians no doubt every one of them could be got by us to sign any manner of Deeds of conveyance that the Commissioners would choose to have made out. You are the best Judge how far a Voyage to England might or might not benefit your health however as a friend I recommend it strongly to you to endeavour to promote your health in preference to every other consideration. All business to be done at York requires patience and time and though mine is not yet completed nor do I know of any other ones that is, I'm going through as well as I can and hope soon to be done. It must be an older and much keener person who is modest who can get the Officers at York to advance the business. Im sorry to observe that but too true, that I have not had strict justice done me respecting my just Claims to lands in Upper Canada and that in order to avoid condoning fraudelent Claims, the just and unjust not located at a certain period, by order of Council were all registered the mode is short and Effective though not perfectly agreeable to the English Constitution which would rather suffer many criminals to Escape than make one innocent person suffer. I mean my Son Charles shall soon go to Michilimacinac not with anything to dispose off but to see if he can agree with some Merchant of Montreall to furnish £500 Halifax 466 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS worth and take payment in Whisky, Corn flour & Freight these are payments can be made [by him] and his Brother for a certainty and I'm determined whilst I live so far as in my power lies to keep them clear of all Debt and that rather than run the risk of making payments in Cash or Furs which they cannot get but in small quantities, I will employ their time even at Farming. Poor Robertson I'm sorry for you. Good God, [to] what a deplorable state does the immoderate use of liquor reduce a Man. From Sobriety and care of myself I realy thanks to God, enjoy health better and better, See, Hear, Eat, Drink & Sleep well. I most sincerly wish my dear friend and Im sure its also the wish of Mrs Askin & all the Family who have had the pleasure of knowing you, that you had the like Happiness. I'm hard drove and kept low in Order to pay the Interest I owe yearly on the Ballance due my Friends the Mess1"8 McGills of nearly £2000 Halifax and this I will not be able to continue to do unless I can at times sell a Lot of land for Cash I'm ashamed after the loss you and M r James McGill has suffered by me to propose lands to them and yet if they took my House on the other side for £1000 Hallifax & 10 Lots of 200 Acres each here for £1000 more I cant think in the end they would be loosers, for the lot[s] I would give like many of yours are so situated that they must soon sell for money. M r Pattinson gave me [for] one by no means good Land 400 Dollars and he sold it for 500 or if they prefered 10 more Lots in lieu of the House, I could get them from my Children in exchange for other property, oh how happy would I be to get clear of this almost last debt but I fear to make the offer though I think I once wrote M r McGill something to this effect. I have only to add may health and happiness attend you and yours are the invariable wishes of my Family as well as those of my Dear Sir, Yr ever obliged Friend Isaac Todd Esqr at Montreall 467 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS MERCHANDISING PROJECT OF CHARLES ASKIN Proche de Sandwich 24 de Mai 1805 Monsieur Geasson & Barthollott Mess rs Le Porteur de ceci Mon Fils Charles Askin va fair un tour a Michilimacinac pour voir le paie et au meme temps tacher sarranger avec quelque Commercent de Montreal que fournerent des merchandize et que prandront randue a Michilimacinac dans le Moi de Mai ou Juin Lanne D'ensuite leur payment en farine, Whisky, ou Bled Lassive et des port dans le Saguinah quand sa ce trouvera. Car ici on ne peut pas prommeter Largent ni Peltrie tout les deux etant trop rar. Mais comme vous avez un commerce tres Considerable, Je lui ici dit de vous donner la preferance et je crrois que sa cera plus Aisse pour vous D'acheter voter farine, Bled et Whisky pour des Marchandize que de payer D'argent la Quantite dont il ora besoin pour cette Anne ne passera pas La Valeur de £500 Halifax et je suppose que 40 par Cent sur le prix de Londer sera un prix just a vous donner a Montreal et les merchandize a ses fraix et risque, pour ce que vous recevrez en payment vous sera chargai le prix Courant ici avec le droix et port et pas davantage D'abord que vous couvrerez les risque. Si ses proposition vous accomode il vous livrera un Memoire et vous aurez la Bonte de la fair remplir et L'ordanner de eter envoye de Montreal le plutot que vous pourez Car cette un avantage d'avoir les Marchandize de bon heur. Si au cas que cette proposition ne vous convient pas, Je vous serai Obligai de le fair connoiter a quelque un que vous croyez voudra le fair car tout mes ancien connoisance sont partis de Michili- macinac. Je vous a ecrit le 29 du Moi passe au Sujet de nos Vieuz Comp cette Letter et encore ici et il vous sera livrez par mon Fils que sarrangera avec vous pour la Ballance J'ai L'honneur D'Eter Messieurs voter tres humble, Serviteur Mess1"8 Geasson et Bartholott, negot. Michilimacinac 468 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Translation Near Sandwich, May 24, 1805 Messrs. Giasson & Berthelet15 Gentlemen: The bearer of this, my son, Charles Askin, is leaving for a journey to Mackinac to see the country and at the same time to arrange with some Montreal merchant to furnish merchandise and to take in payment flour, whiskey, or lye hominy to be delivered at Mackinac the following year in May or June by the Saguinah on its regular trips. For one cannot promise either money or peltry from this place. Both are too scarce. Now, as you have a fairly large trade, I am telling him to give you the preference, and I believe that it will be easier for you to buy your flour, wheat, and whiskey in exchange for mer- chandise than to pay out the cash. The quantity he will need for this year will not exceed £500 Halifax in value, and I should think that 40 per cent advance on the cost in London would be a fair price to give you in Montreal for the goods, including expenses and risk. For what you will receive in payment you will be charged the prices current here, with duties and freight and no more, since they go at your risk. If his proposition is agreeable to you, he will hand you a memorandum which you will have the goodness to have filled and ordered from Montreal as soon as possible. It is an advantage to have the merchandise up early. If, however, it is inconvenient for you to make this arrange- ment, I would be obliged if you would introduce him to some one who you think would be willing to do it, since all my old acquaintances have left Mackinac. I wrote you on the 29th ulto. on the subject of our old account. This letter is still here and will be delivered by my son who will arrange with you for the balance. I have the honor to remain, Sirs, Your very humble servant, Messrs. Giasson & Berthelet, Merchants, Michilamackinac 15 Jean Baptiste Berthelet (Berthelot, Berthellet, Bertholott) was engaged in the fur trade of the Mackinac and upper Mississippi regions from the beginning of the century until the close of the War of 1812. In 1813, he signed an appeal to Captain Roberts as 469 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS THE CUYAHOGA DREAM Near Sandwich June 22nd 1805 Dear Friend The Principal intent of this is to send the enclosed Paragraph by which you will see that Cap* M c Kee unless he gets General Hunters Certificate cannot draw back pay as a Cap* which M r Pattenson [says]c amounts to nearly £300 Ster. & without which Cap* M Kee must very soon be totally ruined. I am sure if an[y] man in the two Provinces can obtain such certificate, it is you & I have reason to think that Governor, Hunters Humanity and recollection of the service rendered Government by Col. McKee (notwithstanding any displeasure he may have against Cap* McKee) when urged by you may have the desired Effect. If it is possible to be done with Propriety. I have and still shall defer writing M r McGill and you on the subject of our Indian Claim untill I know the event, with unremitting Exertion and some expenses I managed so as to keep the principal Chief from going to the Treaty at Cayahoga so that the Land Purchasers have been obliged to come in and hold now the [conference at] Swan Creek. I with others have got some of the Principal Chiefs to make M r Brush their agent & he yesterday is gone of[f] with them in their behalf to Bargain for their Lands, they have promised most faithfully that they will not of themselves make any Bargain or agreement but refer all to him & sign any Sale he may make & no other. If they keep their promise them & us will get a considerable sum for I have agreed to share as one nation and there are four more so that a fi[f]th of the whole Expences paid will rbe ours. If nothing [is] got I will sustain the loss, as M McGill M r Henry and you forbid any Expences on your account the prospect was so fair that by entering into some expence I a resident of Prairie du Chien, but if not a resident of Mackinac in this period his trade relations there were frequent. After the war, he withdrew, along with other British traders and partisans to Drummond Island, where in 1816, he was granted a lot. In September, 1817, he had a suit for debt collection before the Michigan Supreme Court, in connection with which he is described as the surviving partner of the firm of Giasson and Berthelet. Letters of Robert Stuart in 1824 in the American Fur Company letterbook, owned by P. W. A. Fitzsimmons of Detroit, disclose that Berthelet was still engaged in trade at Drummond Island. No further record of his activities has been found. See Wis. Hist. Colls., passim, especially XIX, 304; Mich. Pio. Colls., passim; and mss. in B. H. Coll. 470 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS might get something Hand[so]me for myself and others that I could not think that I was doing my Duty [to] those •who confided in me to let such an opportunity slip in particular as two of the concerned are burnt out & have not of their own a loaf of bread. I thank God I want nothing but property to do as I could wish My Health and spirits are as good as ever. Yesterday 33 years married all which time I thank my God I have lived in Peace with my family and on my childrens account never had an unhappy day. 16When I go (according to the present prospect) After my Debt paid I fear little will remain for the family I could have wished it otherwise, but at same time it does not grieve me. I think their Characters will make them friends which last when money is gone. That has been my case and the same providence which has carried me through I rely on will watch over them so long as their actions will bear the Test & I hope that ever will be the case and that envy itself will not be able to say that my family live at their ease at the expence of others. When I began this Letter I meant only to say a few words. I find I have been preaching. Old people are fond of talking when it is to [a] steady friend. May all the happinsses of this life & that to come attend you and yours are the sincere wishes & Prayers of Mrs Askin as well as Your unchangeable Friend John Askin Isaac Todd Esqr at Montreal Endorsed: r Sandwich June 22d 1805 Jn° Askin to Isaac Todd Esq OUTCOME OF THE CUAYHOGA DREAM Detroit 8th July 1805 Dear sir I arrived here last evening exhausted with fatigue from the dis[a]greeable voige to Sandwich, the per- ticulars of which I have not time now to relate but the first Leisure moment I shall go over and see you. I have not however succeeded in so well as I had reason some 16 The words, "Mr. McGill and Robe[rt]son," are interlined at this point in the manu- script. 471 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS days before I left this to expect owing entirely to the invincible opposition I met with from Jouett17 who behaved more like a Savage than a christain. I have however brought 600 Dollars which is all that could be had. I Send Joe over on purpose to beg Some Cellery plants from M" Askin as many as She can well Spare which I will Set out this evening. Adeu God Bless you E Brush John Askin Esq Addressed: John Askin Esqr Straban Endorsed: Detroit July 8h 1805 E. Brush Esquire to John Askin LAND TITLES AT DETROIT Near Sandwich July the 22d 1805 Dear Friends, I have now to address you on a Subject which appears to me of a more serious nature respecting your Interest and mine than any I have heretofore wrote you on. I formerly transmitted you an Act of Congress relative to Lands Claimed by persons at or near Detroit and what 17 Charles Jouett, Indian agent at Detroit from 1802 to 1805. He was born in Louisa County, Va., in 1772, the youngest of a family of nine children. Before coming to Detroit he had studied law and had practiced some years in Charlottesville, where he enjoyed the acquaintance and friendship of Presidents Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe. In 1803, in response to instructions from the President, Jouett made a careful report upon the settle- ment of Detroit and vicinity, with particular reference to occupants of lands and their titles. See Am. State Papers, Ind. Aff., I, 757-60. Two years later he negotiated, on behalf of the government, two treaties at Fort Industry with the Chippewa, Potawatomi, and other bands. The original copy of one of these is in the B. H. Coll. In 1805 Jouett was transferred to Chicago, where Fort Dearborn had been established two years before. He was the first Indian agent there, serving until 1811, when he resigned and located in Mercer County, Ky., thereby escaping, for himself and family, the massacre which overwhelmed Chicago in 1812. At the close of the war, Jouett was reappointed to the Chicago agency, which he held about two years, when he returned to Mercer County, Ky. Soon after this he was appointed by the President to a judgeship in Arkansas Territory, but ill health caused him to resign the position after a few months. In 1820, he located in Trigg County, Ky.; he died, May 28, 1834. On Jan. 21,1803, Peter Audrain issued a marriage license to Jouett and Elizabeth Dode- mead of Detroit; the permit recited that "they may consider themselves licenced, as I will furnish a regular licence as soon as I receive it from the Governor of the Territory." Elizabeth Dodemead having died a few years later, about the beginning of 1809 Jouett married Susan Randolph Allen of Clark County, Ky. Children were born of both unions. Data derived from Henry H. Hurlbut, Chicago Antiquities . . . . (Chicago, 1881), 102 ff.; Quaife, Chicago and the Old Northwest, passim; and mss. in B. H. Coll. 472 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS sort of Titles were or would be considered as good. Of all in this Quarter whether French or English the two Com- missioners have pronounced only two Valid so that even my Grant from the French Government in the year 1746, The Copy of which is under cover they consider as other- wise its true their Decission is not final untill Congress gives their approbation & though I hope for the best and would think no Gover[n]ment would ruin an old Settlement long improved yet I'm warned by a Friend and a good Judge how the Government of the United States Act, to prepare all the proof & support I can to my Claim and that even then perhaps I may fail, from the records of Lower Canada and those of Detroit which were ordered there by the Late General Haldemand something might be collected to strengthen our Claim to those you can have easy access & not only so but are perfect Judges what Documents are most requisite for me to produce in support of my Claims I send you herewith the Act of Congress made after the representation of 18the Gentleman we sent from this to Congress last fall Its true this Act seems to give us a better chance of succeeding but yet I'm warned to take care, for my own part I'm long since determined what what steps to take if your better Judgment does not point out any other, thThe best title I know for all Lands possessed prior to the 8 September 1760 when the capitulation was signedth by the Marquis De Vaudreill & General Amherst is the 37 Article of that Capitulation which seems to require no other Title than possession and since that period fair honest purchases from Canadians with undisturbed possession on the part of the British Government during the whole time of their Government at Detroit the step as I before mentioned I meant to take was that If all mild means failed to have recourse to a trial in the Highest Court of the United States and if Cast [lost] there contrary to Treaty, I should suppose on a proper Memorial to our Government it would be looked into for as all the people residing or possessed of property in the limits of Detroit did not quit the English Government but the English Government quit them they were undoubtedly intitled to 18 The allusion is to the Washington mission of Solomon Sibley, for which see anU, 4S4-S 7. 473 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS protection whilst they behaved well under that Government, & when given over to another their property should be secured in as ample a manner at least as that of the French people were by Capitulation between The Marquis De Vaudreill & the late Lord Amherst if necessity should require it. the Inhabitants on the other side formerly British Subjects will on Memorial expect such relief to support their Claims when just as is reasonable to expect, however not extending to any serious misunderstanding, only such explinations of the Treaty with the Indians as has already taken place where the Late General Waynes Treaty with the Indians in some Articles contradicted that subsisting between the King of Great Britain & the United States. I have not as yet had the Honor of calling on the Governor of Detroit19 but intend it soon he bears a good Character and if he has much influence with the President and Con- gress may render much service. He is now laying out the Town of Detroit in a very diferent manner from formerly & much more in favor of the place, but as its a doubt with many that he can do so untill there is an Act of Congress to authorize him, some dont like to relinquish their old Claims on a promise of geting new ones and some of his Judges having said they could make such changes without the concurrence of the proprietors has been displeasing to some. For my own part I have little doubt but Congress will give the disposal of the Commons and such part of the Burnt Town not private property to the Governor to dispose of as he thinks fit or rather for the purpose of laying it out Agreeable to a plan now drawing but that he has now such Authority I doubt much. Its true the Territory may adopt a Law of some of the States which Authorizes taking private property for Public roads paying for the same and the like may hold good respecting Towns &ca J-A Isaac Todd & James M c Gill Esqr Montreal 19 Governor William Hull. The Michigan territorial act provided that the new govern- ment should become operative on June 30, 1805, and Governor Hull arrived in Detroit on July 1. 474 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS FROM JOHN ASKIN TO ELIJAH BRUSH Aug* 12h 1805 r r Dear sir Please send Alex to M Audrain for a fair Coppy of an Obligation from Gabrial Hunot to me I think in 1796 for £1455 or nearly that Sum. I r think it was registered that yearm or cperhaps the Next M Audrain will soon find Out. W M Intosh has the Original & I want a true Coppy as I mean to take some step with the Debtor. I wish I could possibly see the Laws on which you now Act at Detroit I am Dear sir Yours John Askin PS. You know how much we are distressed for want of a good Table please have One made for me as soon as you can let it be an Oval figure like yours with two leaves to let down, but it must be much stouter in Every respect & measure 4 ^ feet in the longest part, the feet should be of Stuff 2 Inches Square & the Plank of the leaves not less than a full Inch thick. The Wood Cherry-tree like yours but perfectly plain. Addressed: E. Brush Esquire at Detroit TITLE TO REEDER FARM Detroit Aug* 12th 1805 r M Askin Sir You will recolect some time ago I wrote you on myr dissatisfaction of the deed you gave me to Springwell, M Brush then inform'd me that you where ready to give every just explanation and to do away all obstickles that might tend to cause future troubles, I do Sir again request you to a complyance of this thing, the time is advancing when the Office of records will be shut & it will be necessary to enter my claim immideatly, I wish you could make it convenient to come over for that purpose as I think your presencer requisit and necessary, my Original Deed I gave into M Brush's hands to be conveyed to you, therefore I can not make any progress in this business without your assistance. 475 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS You will see the necessity of my demand and plan to Act according. I remain Sir your's Respectfully John Harvey r 1 Addressed: John Askins Esq Sen " near Sandwich With speed Endorsed: Detroit Aug* 12h 1805 M r Jn° Harvey to Jn° Askin Recd same day and Answd ye 14h TITLE TO REEDER FARM Near Sandwich August the 14th 1805 M r John Harvey: Sir, I was favoured with your Letter of the 12th some days ago same day and as you never have met with any molestation in the enjoyment of the Lands I sold you and I firmly believe never will it's now unnecessary to say anything further on the Subject except that it was & is your Duty to comply with the Law and have my Deed of Sale to you Registered in due time & It's now mine to bring forward (& what I shall not omit doing) as Respectable proof as any at Detroit of the long time the Lands I sold you as well as those I sold others have been Cultivated and improved and the different proprietors from the first untill Sold you. With such documents I feel no doubt of the Government of the United States' relinquishing all claim to your Tract among other[s] in Similar Situation, I do not recollect your having wrote me formerly on this Subject. As I generally answer all Letters yet it may be the Case, that M r Brush spoke to me on [it] and requested me in your behalf that the pay- ment of your last Note might lie over for some time which I have done, I remain Sir Your most Obedient very humble Servant Addressed: Mr. John Harvey at Detroit Endorsed: Near Sandwich August the 14th 1805 John Askin Senior to M r John Harvey (Copy) 476 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS COLLECTION OF DEBTS IN INDIANA Vincennes 24 Aug* 1805 John Askin Esqr D r Sir: On Saturday last I had the pleasure of address- ing you by the Mail, which I renew this morning by the opportunity of M r Conner who travels across the Country. In my last I acquainted you, for the information of the Miamis C° that my colleague John R. Jones who is a mem- ber of our Council now in Session had introduced and passed in the Council, a Bill which if it became a Law would deeply wound the Interests of the C°, That it was intended to save Vigo, By declaring that creditors must receive lands in pay- ment at two Thirds of the value which a Jury shou'd find; and that Personal Property should not be liable. I added that I would interest my Friends in the other House where the Gentleman I employed for the C° is a member, to defeat the object of the Bill, or effect such an amendment as would exclude the Case of the C°. All that could be effected was a Section or two subjecting Personal as well as real Estate to be sold if they would bring two-thirds of the valuation; and if not to remain four mos in the Hands of the Sherif who would advertise them. But we could not succeed in passing that then the goods should be sold for what they would bring. They are therefore to remain until they shall be accepted by the auditor or sold for two-thirds We then were able to carry a Section declaring that nothing in the law should extend to Contracts before made or to have an expost facto, or retrospective effect. This leaves cases to the de- cision of the Judges, but in the opinion of somer will not avail the C° I am preparing a Petition to the Gov to request of him to withhold his signature from the law, altho' I am con- vinced he will not grant the Prayer of the Petn. I hope M r Abbott will be persuaded of the necessity of repealing the Power given to M r Jones and me jointly; and vesting it in me alone or in as many as he pleases provided that none of those who are now known to be unjustly Friends of Vigos or Enemies to him and the rest of the C°. I have the satisfaction to observe that almost all the People in Town are against the passage of the law: But I am clearfly] of opinion it will be approved of by the Govr. In which case 477 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS I would advise not to sue Vigo until the next year when the Sense of the Country upon the law will have been taken, and the Legislature be intreated and petitioned to repeal the Law, which will be found to be so prejudicial to the Pros- perity of the Country: and the reputation of the Territory. But I shall act as you shall direct and authorise, and shall wait with anxiety your Orders, which I think you ought to transmit by Post if no private oppy should offer immediately. A few preliminary steps only have been taken by M r Jones and me. I could never prevail on him to act with intention of succeeding. He always alledging a hope of receiving fuller and more discretionary Powers; and denying having ever been retained by M r Abbott to sue Vigo. I expectr tor hear from you in course and remain very respectfully D S Your most Obed* humble Serv* Will McIntosh FROM JOHN ASKIN TO COLONEL D E PEYSTER Near Sandwich August 30, 1805 Dear good Sir, Your much esteemed favour of the 11 th March 1804, reached me in June of that year and though I was on the Watch for a good opportunity to Answer it & keep up a Correspondence I so much esteem, I let M r Mackintosh my next English Neighbour go to Scotland last year and at the time never recollected what I so much wished to do. The Compliment you pay me is due you and your good Lady, for I'm sure few Situated as you & her are would spend their thoughts on such Obscene [ob- scure] Acquaintances, thisrs attention is an Additional proof to the many you and M Depyster have given of me & my Family of the Unw[e]arried Friendship you ever had for us. We often thought that perhaps we should have the Happiness of seeing you Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada, Were it the Views of Government & they knew you as well as I do no person could be fitter, the task is not so difficult as what I have seen you perform with ease, with- out assistance & have spare time to Amuse yourself with your Friends, this is more than Our great men of the present times can do with houses full of Secretaries Clark's &Cca. 478 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Poor Detroit was lately reduced to Ashes on the 11 June no lives c lost & of those You know the Widow Mrs William M Comb Meldrum & Park Widow Abbott, Dode- mead, Forsyth's Sons & M r Mackintosh were the only persons who had Houses not disposed off. The Commodore & Family are still at Gross Point & in tolerable Health. I shewed him your Letter, which pleased him much & read to Maisonville what you said of him. he poor Fellow is something reduced in Circumstances, though [he] still has his Farm yet [he] is much cast down, he who never has had Education cant support Misfortunes. For my own part though I do not see 20 or thirty people at my Table as formerly, my Spirrits have not decreased in the smallest degree or why should they. To those who call I can give a Glass of Wine, my Health thank God is very good, all my Children thank [God] continue to behave as I could wish And I think M rs Askin and I have lived so long at peace with each other that I do not dread any rupture will take place in future. I dislike no Man on Earth, though perhaps some deserve it & I know no House where the Door would be shut against me. On[c]e a Year I put on myth best Cloths & as Colonel Commands the Militia on the 4 June20 and make them Fire in Honor to the best of Kings. If we dont all Fire at once thats no matter a Drink generally closes the Scene. M rs Askin joins with me in Every wish that can tend to the Happiness of M rs Depyster here & hereafter & suffer me to assure you, my Dear Good Sir, that I am with great haste, Your ever Obliged Friend. The Old Indian Chiefs you mentioned in your letter are all no more. P. S. Your old Lieu* Robert McDougal21 has a large Family lives well and works hard on a Farm. Aran Schuyler Depyster Esquire Commanding a Reg of Volunteers at Dumfries. 7.0 The birthday of George III. i i John Robert McDougall was a son of Lieut. George McDougall and Mary Frances Navarre, and a brother of George McDougall, for whom see B. H. R., I, 374. John Robert, the elder brother, was born in Detroit on June 30, 1764. He was commissioned ensign in the Eighth Regiment of Foot, May 6, 1777, and lieutenant on Dec. 12, 1781. In a deed to Alexander and William Macomb of his half interest in Belle Isle, Aug. IS, 1788, McDougall describes himself as "half pay lieutenant" in the Eighth Regiment. See Col- onial Records of Detroit (mss.), Vol. D, 288. On Jan. 26, 1786, he married, in Detroit, Mary Archange Campau, daughter of Simon Campau and Veronica Bordeau. Mary 479 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS FROM JOHN ASKIN TO ELIJAH BRUSH Sepr 23d 1805 Dear sir I'm sorry your Attendance at Court prevented your meeting Mr Wicks22 at my House at Dinner some time Ago. He was very Severe on Judge Selby in Court in a case where M r Selby was Plaintiff & he Attorney for the Defendand. You some time Ago said you would want a pair of my Oxen to help to Plow, you Afterwards wrote me you had Purchased Cap* Ernests & Only wanted a Yoke. Now Charles or Alexr say, you want the Plow & some Oxen. If the weather proves good I will finish Plowing this week After which you may have as many Oxen & the Plow as you choose. When the Court is Over, I wish you and Alike with the Children [would] come Over & passed the whole day. I have Often much to say to you but cannot recollect it when you are in a hurry or [I have] any Other Company which takes of[f] my Attention. In the Order I sent you for things, I believe you wrote me that you had a stock of Hysen Tea & from that would let me have the Quantity I put in my Order. If so send it by first good Oppertunity. As your now Bussy I shant say more Except that I am Dear Sir truly Yours John Askin Addressed: E. Brush Esquire at Detroit Archange was buried in Sandwich, Dec. 4, 1821, and on Aug. 15, 1836, McDougall married (second) Geneveva Meny, daughter of Antoine Meny and Catherine Brillant dit Beaulieu and widow of Lambert Thibault. In 1787 McDougall procured the farm lying on either side of modern McDougall Avenue, later confirmed to him as P. C. 9 and 454, and still known as the McDougall Farm. McDougall was buried in Sandwich, July 24, 1846; Geneveva Meny was buried in Detroit, Oct. 5, 1866. Thirteen children were born to Mc- Dougall by his first marriage, and his descendants are still represented in Detroit and vicinity. Data compiled from Burton, George McDougall and Descendants (ms.); British army lists; Denissen, op. cit.; and scattering ms. references in B. H. Coll. 2.z Probably William Weekes, a native of Ireland, who migrated to the United States and in 1798 to Upper Canada. He is said to have studied law in the office of Aaron Burr. In Canada he engaged in politics and became a vigorous critic of the faction in control of the government. On Oct. 6, 1806, in the course of an address before the court at Niagara, 480 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS COMMERCIAL DIFFICULTIES IN DETROIT Near Sandwich Octr 1st 1805 Dear Sir, Your favor of the 19 August reached me yesterday and Im sorry to observe that nothing has as yet been done by the Government of the United States to relieve the distresses of the sufferers of Detroit, they are endeavour- ing to erect some buildings at a great disadvantage, they are to pay pretty dear for the Lots & I understand are pro- hibited from cutting Pine as us[u]al and what timber and boards [are] purchased On this side pays a Duty, a Raft or two have been seized and confiscated, however I dont at- tribute any of these grievances to be the present Governor who I believe to be a very good Man and perhaps when Congress meet some favorable change for the Inhabitants of Detroit may take place, at present all on the other side seems to be hurry, distress and some confusion so that no payments can be got nor are the new Laws yet promulgated so as to find out by what means Compulsive measures can be used. I think M r Brush told me the first Courts are to be held in May next. I'm sorry to say that [is] very contrary to my inclination's I do not at present know of any means by which I will be able this year to discharge the Interest on what I owe you. To a man not in business its very strange how many disappointments I have this year met with some of them I shall mention. The Saguinah was chartered for £500, to take a load from Fort Erie to Michili- macinac & return this she performed, after which she re- mained at Fort Erie for a very long time without being able to then get or a prospect of geting if she was to stay untill fall a single Packett of freight she therefore returned we discharged the men & she now remains here what she e[a]rned I fear will not pay expences & some trifling charges of repairs last Spring, many Vessells have this Summer returned Empty & I fear much Except those connected directly or indirectly with the Houses who have a share in he made a bitter attack upon the administration. William Dickson, the opposing counsel, responded with a violent attack upon Weekes. A day or two later the latter challenged Dickson to a duel, which was fought near a bastion of Fort Niagara, on the American side of the river early on October 10. Weekes was mortally wounded, and died the same day. See Niagara Hist. Soc, pubs., No. 30, pp. 23-24; Journal of the American Institute of Crim- inal Law and Criminology, VI, 167-68; and Scadding, Toronto of Old, 254-55 et passim. 481 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS the North West Company will [not] be able to Sail in future without sinking Money. If I with the other proprietors though[t] she would fetch half her Value we would set her up, but the great want of Money gives us no hopes, yet its a pitty that so good a Vessell which with about £300 worth of repairs in the Spring would be perfectly sound should be laid up I wish M r Robert Dickson would pur- chase her his Trade is so extensive he would want a Vessell for himself & as he deals with you and I owe You the mode of payment would be very easy. I sent my Son to Michili- macinac with some Whisky & High Wines he returned without being able to sell a single Gallon though he Offered them for the price of this place & sink Duty & Freight, he left them in care of a M r Gee with directions not to part with rsthem except for re[a]dy payment. Sometime after Mess Dumas Parentt & C° had agreed to take them but when they produced my Order at Michilimacinac for the delivery tor M r Gees Clark (as he was gone a Wintering) he said M Gees had changed them for Suger payable next year which I do not believe having no such directions. This caused a disappointment of nearly £200. M r William Mackintosh my agent at Post Vincents received of a Man named Hunot on account of a very large Sum due me 500 Deer Skins in ten Packs he marked them in my name and very thoughtlesslyr sent them by the same Man who was equiped & owed M Gouie. finding Detroit burnt where he was to have r left them he carried them with his other Peltries to M Gouie who persuaded him to lodge them in his Store, and then kept them. I have commenced a Suit which will not end untill the Judges goes the Circuit next year. From the Post where I have legal Demands I have not got one pen[n]y I believe that to be the most rasscally place in any Country and dare not risk a Suit there let the demands be ever so fair. They are now making Laws to support roguery. I'm sure every honest man will think them such. I am fearfull that I have tired you with my misfortunes, your patience with my misfortunes but its to show you that when I promised £200 yearly to keep down the Interest, I had reason to suppose I would be able to command it. 482 TOHN ASKIN PAPERS I heard c 23 with sorrow the Death of the late M r Andrew M Gill and wrote his Brother on that melancholy occasion I remain with Esteem D r Sir Your most Obedient very humble Servant Mess" James & Andrew M c Gill & C° Merchants Montreal P. S. Much paines have been taken for these three years past by persons from Interested Views to make the Saguinah pass for a rotten Vessell its false and shamefull she never sailed yet without being in a situation to meet any weather and always had the necessary repairs so that a single package has not been damaged in her and now when re- paired will be as safe & good as any Vessell of her size on the Lakes & will be reduced 5 Tons so as not to have to pay Tonnage in the Ports of the United States; there is not any Vessell has lasted so long & people from her age are easy persuaded to believe she is rotton but the contrary has been demonstrated each time that she has been strip'd for repairs and her timber examined & there is but one Vessell on this Lake that can go to windward of her. I wish some Mercantile House that has much freight for Michilimacinac would take my share in her they like on their own terms and then the present Owners would have her thoroughly repaired, for not having any sure freight we dare hardly commence repairs if you could take a fourth or more share in her you would not have Money to lay out but give me Credit and You shall have the preferance in furnishing Stores to be deducted from your freight. Its certain that though not kept half her time she last Year and the year before made so much that at Settlement last may she owed each of us three Owners only £98-11-6, New York Currency each. Endorsed: r Near Sandwich Octr 1 st 1805.c October John Askin Sen To Mess" James & Andrew M Gill, Merchants Montreal. (Copy) 13 For the career of Andrew McGill, see B. H. JR., I, 402. 483 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS HIGH TAXES IN DETROIT Near Sandwich Octr 7th 1805 Dear Sir, Having wrote both you and the house very fully a few days ago I have only now to say that two days ago I had a Visit from an old acquaintance of mine a Farmer on the other side, who says its the intentions of several to sell their Farms and come over here and as they know I have a good many Lots between River a Trench and those situated on the borders of the Lake or Rivers, for they suppose those I once had still belonging to me. I have no doubt If they put their intentions in execution they will be very desirous to purchase of me. I therefore wish to know if you are disposed to sell any of your own or any of M r Todds Lots payable immediately or at least half down for as those people have good Farms on the other side if they dispose of them they will be possessed of money for less than 20/ NY Currency per acre. I would not advise you to sell and though Govern- ment, I dare say would give such people Land its now so far back that the Canadians would prefer purchasing on the borders of Rivers or Lakes near other inhabitants to geting Lands for nothing back they like society so much They complain of the Taxes upon the American side, A Dollar for each Dog, twenty shillings for each Carriole and twenty for each Horse with several others, besides being subject to Militia Duty so frequently as to prevent their necessary labour I have only to add that I am Dear Sir with much esteem Your most obedient Humble Servant c James M Gill Esquire Merchant at Montreal Addressed: John Askin Esquire Strabane24 Endorsed: r Near Sandwich c October the 7th 1805. John Askin Sen to James M Gill Esquire, Montreal, Copy. 2.4 The address evidently represents a bit of absent-mindedness on the part of the copy- ist, who was one of Askin's sons. 484 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS INDEBTEDNESS OF ROBERT DICKSON Montreal 14 October 1805 My dear Sir I address you on a Subject which involves almost my all. Mess Robert Dickson & C° of Mackinaw owe my House a very large Sum of money indeed and they owe also 20 others who may not be disposed to act candidly & fairly but endeavour to get all they can. I wish therefore to know whether an attachment on Goods or other property can be obtained from the Courts on the American Side, on an open Account proven before one of our Judges or if any other formality is necessary. I may have occasion for your Son in Laws Services* possibly I may request your own personally, all which you will keep to yourself, except inquiring by what process debts can be come at in the Government of Detroit & how far it extends. My mind has been greatly agitated & must con- tinue so for a length of time, if you can alleviate it I know you will do it. I again recommend the greatest secrecy in this business and request you to believe me My Dear Sir Your sincere Friend & Obed* Serv* James McGill P. S. Is there a Bankrupt Law in the Detroit Government, and if so, what is necessary to be done to get out a Statute of Bankruptcy? J. M c G Do not omit writing by every opportunity under cover to a Friend at Queenston or Kingston or York. John Askin Esq r Addressed: John Askin Esq r Detroit Endorsed: Monteal Oct r 14h 1805 James McGill Esq r to Jn° Askin Rec d About the 26 h and Answd about 28 h Nov r COMMODORE GRANT ASSUMES GOVERNORSHIP I wrote you My dear Sir two letters one of which I fear youl Never get, From M r Thomas Dickson trusting a poor silly drunken body I brought here as a servant with all my western letters for you Mr 8 Grant Duff &c &c. The wretch 485 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS got drunk on his way to Fort Erie no word of him nor letters. When I got first in office,251 felt uneasy, but now thank god I begin to see clearer, with the assistance of two very honourable men perfectly know'n the intention and secrets of our worthy late Lieu* Governor, regarding the business of this province, The attorney General26 & Captn McGill,27 I mentioned in one of my former letters that Effort were made by a gentleman formerly] in office, to get hold of the helm after he himself was the principle in Establishing me at first. This I have heard was by an advice of a new Comer, and a Country Gentleman of yours high in the law Depart- ment here, You know will how ready some of your natives are to create Disturbances and fond of it, but that gentleman formerly in office and my Colleagues were very stanch in what they understood to be the intention of His Majestys instruction regarding the Death of a Lieu Governor. I beg to lay my injunction on you to have the Goodness, that if the Agents of M r Wm Robertson do's not Come forward and pay the Interest on his account—That [you] would be pleased to instruct M r Brush to sell his Wm Robertson['s] house on the Common and lots in Town so as to defray my ace* and the Expence of the attachment. Also I request of you to require Doctor Brown's account And get settlement made between him & Mr8 Grant I have wrote M rs G. on the subject, do not myrs dear Sir thumpen [?] out my real and sincere Regard to M Askin M r & M rs Brush, Charles, James,r & Nelly, not forgeting Alick. tell him I had a letter by M Baby from Aleck Grant, but do not find he o1 thrives 28 fast c in his learning he promises pushing on. C Shaw M Gill Jarvis &c &c have been Enquiring after you Miss Crookshanks is not married yet remember me to Ernest, the Governor & family Henry & all those of our well wisher's —youl be plagued reading this scrol. I have wrote Mercer, 15 Lieutenant-Governor Hunter died in Quebec on Aug. 21, 1805. During his term of office he had been frequently absent from York on duties pertaining to his position as commander-in-chief of the army in Canada, and during these intervals the government of Upper Canada devolved upon a committee of executive councilors. Upon the death of Hunter, Grant, as president of the Executive Council, became acting governor, serving in this capacity until the appointment of Governor Gore in 1806. x6 Thomas Scott (1746-1824), attorney-general of Upper Canada, 1801-1806, and chief justice, 1806-16. For his career, see Ont. Hist. Soc, Papers and Records, XX, 126 ff. 2.7 John McGill, for whom see ante, 234. 18 Aeneas Shaw, for whom see ante, 241-42. 486 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Merideth, Burnett,29 & David Smith from who I had a letter (by his Successor) all despondency, one sentence, says, I was everything when with you but here no body, or hardly known he tells me he is married again I was glad by your letter to find that John's lady was better & that the Doctor was st[ir]ring about, it is very sickly about here, but I am thank God in perfect health and spirits I must & I cannot help it-—obliged to see Company1 and entertain 30 what I am to have yet I cannot tell L* Co Proctor & the gentlemen of the 41 st Regt are pleasant men. I am Dear Sir Sincerely your friend A. Grant October 24th 1805 John Askin Senior Esqr Addressed: John Askin Sen1" Esquire at Strabane Endorsed: d York Octrr 24h 1805 President Grant to Jn° Askin Recv y 2 Nov Answd ye 26th e d FROM ALEXANDER GRANT TO JOHN ASKIN York 1 st Novr 1805 This is the fourth Epistle from me to you my dear friend since I have been administering this Government the first of which is intirely lost, with [the] poor silly body that was carr[y]ing it from M r Dickson to Fort Erie from drunkfen]- 19 Probably Lieut. John Burnet of the Eighth Regiment, for whom see B. H. R., I, 284. 30 Henry Procter, who subsequently figured prominently in the War of 1812 in the Northwest. Information concerning his parentage and date of birth is lacking. He became an ensign in the Forty-third Regiment, April 5, 1781, and major in the same regiment, May 13, 1795. On Oct. 9, 1800, he became lieutenant colonel of the Forty-first Regiment; colonel, July 25, 1810; and on June 4, 1813, was commissioned major general. He served in Canada for many years prior to the War of 1812. After Hull's surrender of Detroit in August, 1812, Procter was left in local command, his rule continuing until his retreat before the army of General Harrison in the autumn of 1813. For his conduct of this retreat, and the loss of the battle of the Thames, he was subsequently court-martialed and suspended from rank and pay for six months. Thereafter, he remained on the Unattached List of the army until his death in Bath, England, Oct. 31, 1822. On May 19, 1792, he married Elizabeth Cockburn, daughter of Archdeacon Cockburn, in St. Mary's Kilkenny. They had three daughters (Sarah Anne, baptised in Leominster, Nov. 18, 1/94; Frances Sarah, born in Canada, July 15, 1803; Augusta Margaret Firth, born in Canada, Nov. 19, 1808); there was also a son, Henry, who was born about the year 1795. Information supplied by Public Record Office, London, Jan. 30, 1929. The Gentle- man's Magazine for November, 1822, in reporting Procter's death, gave his age as fifty-nine years; the Royal Military Calendar (London, 1920), states that he was sixteen when he entered the army in 1781. 487 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS ness & losing the letters for all you good floks [folks] above. I'm tempt now to write from the good oppertunity of a Captain Muir31 of this Garrison ordered to Join the Garrison of S* Joseph, L* Colonel Proctor, Comd* at this Garrison & the rest of the Gentlemen of the 41 8t Reg* are pleasant men. them, & I, are on very good footing as I endeavour to be with everybody. As I told you before I live at M r Allans, the Military has positive orders not to interfer with the Government house to be left intirely for the L* Governor or the person administering the Government, so it rest[s] quite Empty. The August packet is come in, by which I have received many dispatches. The Earl of Camden who was minister of State for the Colonial & war Department is now Succeeded by your Countryman Lord Castlereagh There is some reports which god grant may be true that Lord Gardener has had a battle with the Brest fleet,32 has taken 6 and sunk three. The hundereth Regim* is come 800 strong & the 6 Reg* gos home Remember me to my dear friend M rs Askin the young Gentlemen & Nelly M r & Mr8 Bush who I hope will be able to make out of some part of Robertson's property what will pay the interest of his account & what will indemnify himself for his trouble When the Post begins to go, I expect to hear from you by every one to know how both familys are. Sincerely Yours John Askin Senr Esqr Alex Grant 31 Adam C. Muir was commissioned adjutant of the Forty-first Regiment on Sept. 30, 1793, and may have come to Canada in 1800, when the first battalion of the regiment was sent to America. In 1805 he was stationed at Amherstburg, and in December precipitated an affray at Detroit by his attempt to apprehend here a deserter from the Amherstburg garrison. For this he was sentenced by Judge Woodward to be fined and imprisoned but the latter part of the sentence was not inflicted. Shortly prior to this affair Muir had been appointed to the command of Fort St. Joseph, but he seems not to have reached his station until the spring of 1806. In September, 1811, he assumed the command of Fort Amherst- burg, where he remained until the opening of war the following summer. He participated in most of the battles in the Detroit area; commanded the British force at Brownstown; and following Hull's surrender was in command of Detroit for a brief period. In Septem- ber, 1812, he led a combined British-Indian expedition against Fort Wayne, but the advance of General Winchester to the Maumee compelled him to beat a hasty retreat to Amherstburg. His service on the western front was terminated by the defeat of General Procter at the battle of the Thames in October, 1813, when Muir (now a major by brevet) was captured and conveyed to an American prison. No record has been found of his sub- sequent career. Data derived from British army lists and documents in Mich. Pio. Colls., passim; and Casselman, op. cit., passim. 3Z Napoleon had long been devoting his energies to his grand project for invading Eng- 488 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Addressed: John Askin Senr Esqr Strabane Endorsed: York Novr l 8t 1805 Commodore Grant as administrator to Jn° Askin recvd ye 24 th : Answd y" 26th DEBTS OF FRANCIS VIGO Sandwich November l 9t 1805 William Mackintosh Esquire Sir, M r Askin has shewn us the different Letters you wrote him respecting the situation of the Debt due by Monsieur Francois Vigoe to us, which letters point out to us the little probability there is of ever bringing that matter to a close whilst M r Jones and you were our joint Attorneys and as you may well suppose that we now are & for many and for many years past have been much disgusted at the delays and obstacles thrown in the way to prevent our geting our rights and deminish the value we are fairly intitled to and as we find the longer we wait the less we shall have, we therefore a few days ago came to a resolution to make you our sole Attorney in this Business which we have done and atr same time revoked our former Power of Attor[ney] to M Jones and you. There being now no Check to your proceedings unless such as the Law directs we intertain hopes that you will without loss of time wind up the matter, the Business you have to do for us being very clear and is as follows, you will get into your possession without loss of time all the propertyr which was mortgaged to us without any regard to whom M Vigoe unlawfully Sold it and for the remainder of the Debt with Interest to the last penny you will sue and take Land in payment as the Law directs since no better can be done. And please observe our Power of Attorney to you does not authorize you to compound or make any other arrangement whatever with Monsieur Vigoe except that of receiving our full pay- ment with Interest. If M r Vigoe will impartially examine his own conduct towards us he will find that he is not intitled to the least indulgence from us nor shall he meet land. The most considerable French fleet was in the harbor of Brest. The battle here reported never occurred, but the complete downfall of Napoleon's project was registered in Lord Nelson's victory of Trafalgar, Oct. 21, 1805. 489 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS with any by our consent. Please observe we forgot to make an exception in saying all the mortgaged property should be taken by you. The sale from M r James Abbott to Governor Harrison is good and we have received each of us our proportion of the monies arrising therefrom. Mr. Brush in drawing out the Power of Attorney from us to you seems to have forgotten to authorize you to make other Attorneys under you if you should think it necessary, therefore if you find it so please let me know and we will send you Authority for that purpose. We need hardly tell you to be much on your guard in your proceedings against Monsieur Vigoe for as he will now find that he has no mercy to expect, and none he deserves he no doubt will employ the Ablest At- torneys he can get to defeat any measure you may take against him, therefore it perhaps would be prudent in you to be before hand with him in that respect before he knows what the concerned intend Not recollecting anything further necessary to say at present as we expect to hear from you frequently We remain Sir, your most Obedient very humble Servant John Askin Angus Mackintosh for himself as wellm Signed I as for the Estate of the [late] W | Macomb &ac William Park & for those he represents James Abbott C[?] & Ca N. B. By the Earliest conveyance you will please advise What length of time it will take to forclose the Mortgage your communications so as would be best Duplicates for fear of Miscarriage Signed f James Abbott \john Askin P. S. This N. B. was suggested by M rr Park its needless to send it to have it signed by him and M Angus Mackintosh Endorsed: Sandwich November the 1 st 1805 The Mem-r bers of the Miamis Company to William Mackintosh Esq (Copy) 490 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS FROM ARCHANGE MEREDITH TO JOHN ASKIN Portsmouth 5th November 1805 My beloved Father, The arrival of the Quebec Fleet was most wellcome intelligence to me as I had flattered myself I should have recd packets of letters from my dear friends in Canada but I am sorry to say I have not had one how- ever I trust to be more fortunate another time and impute such disappointment [to] the letters having miscarried as I doubt not many were written to come by that opportunity. From the rumour of expected augmentation to our Corps I had imagined that we should have been removed to Wool- wich long e're this as My dear Meredith wants but two vacancies to give him the next step in the Reg* however we have heard nothing more on the subject lately and were it not for the sake of promotion I should prefer remaining here as we find this a very pleasant quarter and a very lively one from the sucession of people to and fro from various parts of the World the weather is delightful for the time of year My dear M. myself and our youngest darling walk out every day to respire the sea Breeze exercise has been reccommended to me as I have been very unwell lately the medical men consulted on the occasion call it nervous. I take Bark every day and find myself much better and my strength greatly recruited and could the most endearing attentions of a truly affectionate husband restore me to health I should soon be quite well. The favorable reports I frequently receive of my dear children's progress at school cannot fail of inspiring me with much comfort they posess very proper ideas and I trust will do well. My dear Meredith is in tolerable health but quite thin to what you knew him you may always know his approach by hearing him sing he is merry and wise My little Elizabeth is now learning to read and is really very entertaining by the shrewd remarks she often makes she is our daily companion in our rambles and whilst I am writing this is pretending to work I sometimes give her a pretty little pair of scissars to cut out with they belong to a tortoise shell case which my dearest Mother gave me she is fond of shewing them to people and says these scissars belong to My dear Grandmama. We this morning recd a 491 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS charming letter from one of my Cousin Mercers I am happy to say that a little coolness which subsisted between the families is now entirely healed up and we have frequent correspondence with them Captn Mercer complains that he has not heard from Canada for a very long time tho' he writes once a year regularly, they are all very well and still live at Uxbridge he has left the Militia as he was so much troubled with the gout that he could not with any pleasure perform his duty. The unfortunate Wm Robertson is still in being and lives in the vicinity of Billinsgate in a miserable Ale house. It is now a very long time since I have [had] any passengers from Canada when we lived at Woo[lwich] We sometimes were gratified with the sight of some one who had seen you I understand there are many Merchants from Quebec come to England this Autumn you will have the goodness my dear Father to excuse my not writing a very long letter by this oppertunity but I was anxious that you should hear from us and I trust soon to send you a very full Epistle in the mean time I beg you will assure my beloved and ever dear Mother of my very sincere affection accept the same for yourself and have the goodness to assure my dear Brothers sisters Uncles Aunts and Cousins of my very affectionate regards My dear Meredith joins in the same with your Ever dutiful and affectionate Daughter Archange Meredith33 Addressed: To John Askin Esqre at Detroit Upper Canada To The Care of Mess" Todd and McGill Merchts at Montreal Canada Endorsed: Portsmouth Novr 5th 1805 Mra Meredith & Major Meredith to Jn° Askin Recvd ye 10 March 1806 Portsmouth 5 th Novr 1805 M rs & Major Meredith to John Askin PROSECUTION OF LAND CLAIMS IN YORK York 20th November 1805 My dear Sir I have before me now four letters of yours received by M r Woods whos appearance made me very 33 Appended is a letter from David Meredith to John Askin. 492 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS happy indeed, from my anxious wish to hear from Your quarter, & of my family & friends. Regarding your un- easiness that I was fearfull or rather in doubt, of taken upon myself the Administration of this Goverment, from the generous Manner (though agreeable to the Kings in- struction) that the majority of the Executive Council indeed at first the whole of them, addressed me to administer the Government of this Country, I could not avoid falling into their wishes, my friends in & out of Council wished for me by all means to take upon me the management of the Government. What alarmed me much & put me to an unpluse was mostly all the officers of Government being absent, and had no person to advise with or help me but that good man Captain McGill Colonel Shaw stays always at his farm only when soummonds to Council. Thank my god, now I am perfectly easy in my mind, which I was not at first, from real anxiety to do well, farr & near I learn yet all seems to be satisfied, with matters gone on queitly. Tho my late good worthy predesessor was Sensible & Clever, he latterly dealt very harse [harsh] with most of the people that had any business with him. thats answering mostly your's of the 1st octr. Your favour of the 27th Octr. There is [a] rule of the Executive Council & L* Governor, that since such a period [space] that no U. E or military or magistrates &c &c Claimants that pititioned for lands & granted by the Council but not located can have an acre now without paying the full fees, and that in hand before any Steps is1 taken. Several officers upon half pay had during Gener Simcoes administration procured minutes of council for their lands, Neglected all the rest of the business till lately, but cannot get an acre without paying the full fees, as any Settler from the states of america. Mr. Woods will inform you more fully who takes great pains to inform himself through all the offices. Captain McKee, I think1 I mentioned to you before that I had mentioned to Gener Hunter concerning his having a Troop of horse or Cavalry, his answer was he did not care how many troops they would have, but no expence to 493 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Government. I see nothing to prevent Captn McKee geting the Commission. Your favor of the 29th Oct regarding Captain McKee's or any of his Childrens Claim on the indien Huron reserve. I have been sounding my Colleagues in Council they say nothing can be done in the matter till the Chief Justic[e] arrives, and then they think it must be purchased from or dilivered by the Indians I shall make all the Enquiries I can concerning it. And I fear the same objection will be [made] to the late Colonel McKees lands and his Children as to other Claimants, by not coming forward sooner and locating their right. I am told Caldwell by his negligence will lose nearly 2000 acres of his Captaincy land I am also told that Several Gentlemen got recommodation [recommendations] for grants of certain tracts from home and after they past the Executive council our late good General kept them up, and [they did] not proceed further. My being here in the station I am in by mere chance, I cannot nor ind[eed] is [it] in my power to change or alter rules ad [opted] by the Executive Council & approved by the late L* Governor. The Chief Justice being absent who was at the head of the Council, and knew well the Governor Se[n]timents upon most matters, I miss much. And could bring things more forward with more propiety & Legallity than can be done otherwise no word of his being on his way, or whether he go[e]s to the lower Province, or remain[s] in this I should be glad to see Charles it will be of Service to him to look & see how business go[e]s on here. Remember my sincere affection to Mr8 Askin and all the rest of your good family and beli[e]ve me dear Sir Your Sincere Friend Alex Grant John Askin Esqr Sen1" r Addressed: 8John Askin Senr Esquire Strabane Sandwich Favored by Ja Woods Esq Endorsed: York Novr 20thd 1805 Commodore Grant President to John Askin rec 10th Decr Answd the 2d Jan* 1806 494 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS PROPOSAL TO RENT THE SAGUINAH Detroit 24th november 1805 Sir Being informed by Cap* Connelly34 that your small Vessell has done little or nothing last summer & is now laid up at Fort Erie & that the man who had the charge of her could do nothing with her, if so & that you wish to use her the ensuing season if it would meet your approbation I would willingly take her in charge in the spring, or other- wise if you would wish I should take her in a certain share I would have no objection, otherwise perhaps you would wish to dispose of her, if either of the above will please you. I will wait on you at your house by a line from you.r I would wish to have an answer from you soon as M C. Clements36 has been speaking to me to take charge of his Vessell now here but would prefer yours as I think I could make something of her that would be handsome. I am Sir with respect your verry humble Servant Thoa Nowlan John Askin Sen1" Esqe Addressed: John Askin Senior Esqe Strabane near Sand- wich Endorsed: Detroit r Novr 24th 1805 th Tho8yNowlan to Jn°d Askin recv* from M Brush the 10 Feb 1806 Answ next day 34 John Connelly was living in Detroit as early as Jan. 3, 1800, when a daughter, Cath- erine, was born to his wife, Dorothea Lalor. According to the compiler of the "Daniel Dobbins Papers," the Abbots of Detroit, in 1801, built an eighty-ton schooner which they named the General Wilkinson and of which Connelly was made master. It is certain that he was master of the General Wilkinson as early as 1803 and as late as 1810 (see Buffalo Hist. Soc, F^ubs., IX, 463, for the earlier date; a ms. in the B. H. Coll. supplies the later one). In the summer of 1814, he served as pilot of the schooner Experiment which conveyed provisions for Col. George Croghan on his expedition against Mackinac Island. In 1816 he was living at Rouge River, and on the occasion of the burningof a neighbor's barn, Connelly assisted in preventing the spread of the fire and shortly thereafter supplied an interesting affidavit which incidentally discloses that he had a son named Will, concerning whom no other mention has been found. Dorothea Lalor was buried in Detroit, March 24, 1819, aged thirty-eight years; John Connelly was buried here, July 31, 1822, aged fifty years. Data derived from entries in Ste. Anne's Church Register, and from mss. in B. H. Coll. 35 Christian Clemens, founder and "father" of Mount Clemens, was of Pennsylvania Dutch stock, his ancestors having migrated from Holland to Philadelphia about the be- ginning of the eighteenth century. Garret Clemens, father of Christian, was a Mennonite, and during the Revolution was repeatedly fined for refusal to bear arms. He died, Jan. 5, 1799, and was interred in the Dunkard burial grounds in Germantown. Christian was born in Horsham, Montgomery County, Pa., Jan. 30, 1768. About the year 179S he came to Detroit where he engaged in leather making. About the year 1803 he located on the 495 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS PROSECUTION OF LAND CLAIMS IN DETROIT Near Sandwich November 26th 1805 Dear Sir I write you a few lines I think on Monday was a week just before I went to Detroit36 to give evidence in support of the Claims I give in to Lands for you M r Todd some others and myself I returned on Saturday night and got through with most of them to my Satisfaction the busi- ness was tedious and very troublesome partly oweing to the distance of time and irregular attendance of the Witnesses but by the good patience and good humour of the Com- missioners I got mostly through and I must do them the justice to say they took down my proofs in the most favor- able lights and I now think it not improbable that congress may confirm all of them except one which being the only Indian Title I claim under the quantity being very large and little improvements made on it perhaps has not their good wishes. I'm sure their oppinion are much altered in regard to my claim's and so will Congress when they see them, from the large quantity of my Claims and representions made that number[s]of the principal British subjects had obtained large tracts of Land for very inconsiderable value and sold it out in small Parcells at a high price to the poor inhabitants, having heard this, I in the presence of the Commissioners put the whole Country to defiance to prove their was a single man in it who ever had bought a foot of Land of me which I had purchased of Indians and that my Claims for large quantities was composed of small tracts of land purchased at high rates from poor people. I mean to have Amdavids of some respectable people here to the foregoing effects and present site of Mount Clemens, on land acquired from Richard Connor, for whom see B. H. R., I, 228-29. Here he died, Aug. 25, 1844. He platted the village in 1818, was instrumental in having it made the county seat of Macomb County, and provided sites for the court house, jail, cemetery, and one or more churches. He was the first probate judge of the county, and until his death, the foremost citizen of the town. He was one of the early trustees of the University of Michigan, and a colonel of the Michigan militia. Clemens married Elizabeth Tallmadge Allen (1777-1824), widow of Deodat Allen, and four daughters were born to them. All married, and all of Clemens' sons-in-law made their homes in Mount Clemens, where for two generations the family influence was an important factor in the life of the community. A considerable group of Christian Clemens' private papers belongs to the B. H. Coll. Data chiefly derived from Rebecca L. Crittenden, Clemens genealogy (ms.) 36 The numerous errors in the document are due to the fact that the manuscript is a copy of the original, in the hand of one of Askin's sons. 496 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS sent by the Commissioners to Congress will not be so favor- able in their Decissions to those who purchased of Indians and sold out in smallr parcells. The principal Claim on be- half of you and M Todd not yet passed is for the old Moravian Town,37 oweing to the people who lived on it for me being on this side & Affeared to go over to the other, but the Commissioners will give a protection for them from the minuet they Land. I therefore expect I will be able to pre- vail on them to go over. The Summoning of Witnesses and recording every paper relative to my Claims as no precaution should be omitted will be expensive but I'm determinedr nothing shall be wanting on my part to secure them. M Baby came before the Commissioners in Order to give proofs of Possession Cultivation &c butst could not be heard, as he entered no Claim prior to the 1 of this month agreeable to Law. Therefore Congress will only see his Fathers Pur- chases from Indians they being recorded by which it will appear as if no improvement had been made though in one spott he laid out more than £3,000 in the purchase I would say in erecting two Griss Mills. The claims I gave in to the commissioners in behalf of M r Todd and you are conformable to the Sales I made you I would send you a Copy of them but think it would create unnecessary Postage. Respecting money matters as I r before mentioned in my last Letter the prospect is bad. M Park tells me he desired Mess1"8 Forsyth & Richardson to pay your the £60 for the Mill when taxes are got and money paid into the Detroit Treasury I'm promised about £200, which when Received shall be sent you & you made acquainted how to Credit it M r Brush is employed about claims when this is over I will require payment for the Orchard with interest he deducting for the Deeds he may have drawn &ca untill this payment is made I shall not give him a Deed for it.r I will likewise give him Deeds in behalf of You and M Todd for the two different places belonging to you near the Commons taking security for payment of the same in the manner by you directed. I was much surprised to see the number of new Houses and them tolerable good ones already built at Detroit more seems now to be done in that way, notwith- 37 The allusion is to the Moravian settlement near Mount Clemens, the site of which Askin and Major Ancrum had jointly purchased in 1786. See B. H. R., I, 227 ff. 497 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS standing they [the] great [loss] they sustained there [than] was done in several years past I fear Money that should go to other purposes in [is] now employed in Building. Thank God my family and self enjoy good Health I sincerely hope the like blessing attend you and yours. If I can gather a little Money I mean to send my Son Charles soon to York to take up the few remaining Deeds I have not yet got as no doubt the Commodore will order them to be made out on my paying I will give him Deeds in my own name and take Security on M r Todd &, you by mortgage for payment. I have only to add That I am Dear Sir your much obliged very humble Servant P. S. Since writing I have received an Order on the Treasury and two others for money which when I can collect shall be remitted James McGill Esquire at Montreal. FROM ALEXANDER GRANT TO JOHN ASKIN York decemr 19th 1805 My dear Sir Your long letter given me such faithfull and Just accounts of all that is dear to me in this world leaves me no Expression Sufficient to thank you I assure you that I am so Cherished with yours and other friends accounts of the reEnstablishing of Mrs Grant's health that I feel myself growing quite hearty and well danced fifteen couple down the other night. I am happy you cleared up to the Commissioners Sitting on that head yours & mine pretention to the farm at Gross Point. And I hope the united states will not take the property from the poor divils on that side of the River. M r Wood's leaving this place lately will shorten my letters as he will give all occurrences regarding this place and whatrs is doing about lands &c. Remember me kindly to M Askin I am glad that you surmise bringing or geting M rs G. now and then to your house, as you and her talks now and then la la la, which makes the old lady shake her sides. I have found all my life time the more I have to do the more 498 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS good time I have Youl say that is a paradox when you think serious you'l Join me, an idle person has no time, laziness brings on langor, idleness Supposed sickness blues &c &c There is neither Post or Express yet arrived from lower Canada. I am realy sorry for the death of that good Young man poor Donovan poor old distressed Couple, the ffather & mother My Compliments to your nieghbours, McIntosh and family. It will not do any hurt to Charles to come here should his health admit of it and look about him. I pass many a pleasant hour with Powel & family talking about our familys. I think his pivishness seems much for the better. I wrote to Richardson some time ago, had he wrote McGill regarding his lodging money he would have got it instead of Co1 Shaw, Who the latec Gener1 took a dislike to also to a nother good man Doc* M Caully Would not see the Doctr at Quebec, forget not [to] remember me to Brush & lady Charles James, Nelly, And my fellow Alexander. Your friend & humble Ser* Alex Grant John Askin Sen Esqr Strabane. Addressed: John Askin Senr Esquire Strabane, near Sandwich th 1 Endorsed: York 19 Dec " 1805 Commodore Grant to John Askin Sen Rec Feb l 1806 Answd the 4 th r d y 8t Stamped: YORK 23 Dec 1805 AMERICAN GOVERNMENT HAMPERS BRITISH TRADERS January 2nd 1806 Dear Sir I answered r all your letters fully about a month ago since which M Pattinson tells me he this fall seen a man named Bison38 at S* Josephs39of Lake Michigan r who told him that General Wilkinson had detained M Dickson with all his men near six weeks at the entrance of the Missourie and before he would let him go in he was obliged to hire other engajes 38 Probably Louis Buisson, for whom see ante, 292. 39 General James Wilkinson was appointed governor of Louisiana Territory in 1805. The trade of the upper Mississippi region was at this time chiefly in the hands of a group 499 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS I have not recd a dollar in payment since I wrote you last. The Detroit treasury nor no other who [are] owing having any money It's with great dificulty I scratch out these few lines owing to a sore finger that prevents my holding my pen as Usual I remain Your ever obliged Humble Serv* James McGill Esquire at Montreal Endorsed: r Jan y 2d 1806 John Askin to James McGili Esq (Copy) FROM ALEXANDER HENRY TO JOHN ASKIN Montreal 18 January 1806 My dear old friend It is with much Pleasure I received a few lines from you yesterday dated 30th November, but at same time am sorry you lost your Boots I sent them by I think a M r Dubois the 10 of September, whose father lives in this Place and he has been for some time past a trader from this to Detroit. I received from M r Brush the bill for the amount of cash in his Hands, you say you have 32 dollars in Hand for money recoverd from the Indians for our Claim I hope you will be able to recover what you mentioned, let me know what the expectations are in re- covering this, our friend Todd went Home and remains there very bad. I am afraid we will never see him more, we are all rejoicing for the victory gaind by Lord Nelson, but the News from the continent of Europe is very bad. am much afraid Bonepart will over run the old World, and then step over the water to pay us a Visit but I dont think it will be in our Time we have reports of the Indians Threat- ening the americans at Detroit, but I hope peace will con- tinue with you. I wrote to you when I sent the Boots, whether the man has kept the boots or no [I] cannot say. you will enquire for him. his name is Francois Dubois a of British traders, one of the foremost of the number being Robert Dickson. American efforts at westward expansion were being vigorously prosecuted, and one of Wilkinson's early measures was to dispatch Lieutenant Zebulon Pike, in the summer of 1805, to assert the authority of the American government over that region. To the opposition interposed by the government to the activities of British traders within the boundaries of the United States was largely due the growth and success of the American Fur Company. 500 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS young man of about 25 years of age a Trader, dont be long before you write to me, and hope Mr. Brush will get som- thing from Vigo. he has a quantity of Lands which in time may be valuable and if good deeds can be procured they may easily be disposed of in the States, the post is just going off therefor conclude this but will soon write you again with my family best wishes for your happiness & that of your family [I] remain sincerely your affectionate friend Alexander Henry Addressed: John Askin Esquire Detroit Endorsed: Montreal dJaney 18th 1806 M r Alexander Henry to Jn° Askin Recv y 10th March Answd April 4 th OBLIGATIONS OF GABRIEL HUNOT Near Sandwich Jan y 25, 1806 Dear Sir, I yesterday promised to give you further in- formation respecting the groundsr on which the suit which you are to commence against M Robert Gouie is founded they are as follows viz* Gabriel Hunot an Indian Trader many years ago fell in my Debt in a ballance of above £1400 N. Y. Currency for which he gave me his obligation wrote in the French manner to which there is a seal, since which I have from time to time given him a letter of Licence, without which perhaps he wouldn't have been trusted, but for these t[h]ree or four years last past he has had no letter of Licence from me. understanding thatr he has latterly been successfull I di- rected my Agent M William Mackintosh at Post S* Vincent that as said Hunot passed that place, on his way to Detroit to insist on his paying him for me about £200 N. Y. Cur- rency in part of his obligation otherwise to sue him. Hunot tells me that he readily complied with the demand knowing it perfectly just, and accordingly delivered said William McIntosh ten packs of deer skins supposed to contain five hundred, which both thought would nearly make the sum demanded. These ten packs were then marked J A and numbered from 1 to 10 and M r Mackintosh not appre- hending any risk by sending them to him and took his receipt a copy of which is here annexed, said Hunot was 501 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS directed to leave them at the house of Richard Donoven Merchant at Detroit, but on his arrival finding the town burnt, he proceeded to his Merchant on this side M r Robert Gouie with the whole of the Packs where delivering them in to M r Gouies store he said to Mrr Gouie Voila dix paquets appertenant a Monsieur Askin. M Gouie replied its all the same, put them in here with the others, I will settle the matter with Mr r Askin. M r Hunot not supposing any in- tentions in M Gouie rto detain them put them into his Store, which packs M Gouie has refused to deliver me. my proof is M r Hunot himself who I have and will keep here untill trial, there was another man in the Canoe with him whose testimony I will endeavour to obtain, but I am not sure I shall be able to have him at Court being a Voyager on the other side and often in the Indian Country Mr. Hunot tells me that Mr Gouie has urged him frequently to run away. From M r Baby or M r McGregor you will receive twenty dollars which please give M r Weeks in preferance to any other Attorney if he comes the Circuit, to assist you in the foregoing case. Although I now write Captain Cowan, take care that he does not neglect retaining Mr Weeks also as your assistant in the suit commenced against him and me, by M r Gouie, and likewise that he takes the Attorney generals oppinion respecting the sales of the late Doctor Harffy's lands, and do you get the deeds of them from M r Dickson also see satisfaction entered on the judgment for what has been received by M r Harsens Attorney in his suit against Cap- tain Cowan and me as executors to the late Doctor HarfFy, remark the whole sum sued for was £381.5.8 Hfx. Currency which must have been the penalty and not the real Debt please discover what is still due on this judgment so that I may know when satisfied, not recollecting anything more to be mentioned at present I remain Dear Sir Your most obedient very humble servant (Copy) Received Vincenns r 10th May 1805 in good Order and condition of M William Mackintosh ten packs deer skins marked and numbered J A from N° 1 to 10 which I promise 502 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS to deliver to M r John Askin or order in like good order at Detroit, he paying or accounting with me for customary and reasonable carriage for the same Witness my hand the day and year above written Witness Signed, Gabriel Hunot Signed Richard Donovan P. S. As neither M r Baby or M r McGregor are going to York, I will endeavour to send you the twenty dollars by some other opportunity William Elliott Esquire40 York DEBTS OF FRANCIS VIGO Vincennes 9 th Feby 1806 Sir A sincere desire to serve a very honest & respectable man must be my appolegy for addressing a gentleman to whose person I am an entire stranger. I have understood that0 you have an interest in a bond & Mortgage given by Col Vigo of this place to the late M r James Abbot of Detroit for ar considerablec Sum & which is now put in the Hands of M William M Intosh for Collection. This claim M r Dubois has r lately made an offer of purchasing and has proposed to M McIntosh as a consideration to convey to the claimants thirty tracts of Donation lands near this place amounting to twelve thousand acres, a valuable House & lot, two other lots appending thereto and about 90 or 100 acres of improved land near to the town. This property altho' it would not perhaps bring two-thirds of the sum if exposed to public sale for cash is in my opinion at the lowest valuation worth at least 16 or 17,000 Dollars And I sin- cerely believe that after it shall be conveyed & the eight tracts which are offered for the debt due to Williams & C° 40 William Elliott of Sandwich was one of five men admitted to the bar of Upper Canada in 1803 under the authority of an act of that year, who were subsequently characterized as "heaven-born" lawyers. On Sept. 19, 1806, he was married to Sophie Bouchette by Rev. Richard Pollard of St. John's Church, and a son, Robert, was born to them on Jan. 4, 1811. Elliott was long a leading citizen of Sandwich. He was a captain of the First Essex County militia in the War of 1812, serving at Detroit, Frenchtown, and Miami; he subsequently served in the Indian Department, and after the war was a member of the pension board for the Western District of Upper Canada. In the Patriots' War of 1837 (now colonel of militia), he denounced the summary execution of prisoners perpetrated by Colonel Prince, and for this conduct was dismissed from the militia. Data derived from St. John's Church Register; Middleton, Municipality of Toronto, 667; Mick. Pio. Colls., passim, especially XII, 618-21; and Irving, op. cit. 503 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS that there will be left to the Colonel scarcely enough to procure the necessaries of life for his declining age. M r McIntosh in his answer to M r Dubois which I understand is to be forwarded by this conveyance declares that he is pro- hibitted by his instructions from making any compromise but seems to think that the offer is such as might be accepted by his principals provided some conditions were made to it which have been made agreeably to his suggestion. The )id population of this_£axL£f_theJT^jnJto_ry induces me to ieV^TfenrTiolie~~oTlEhe Gentlemen who are interested in tEellebt would be ultimately IoosersTSjTa Settlement Made jin this way. At any rate I am persuaded that more Could not be offered without exposing the old Gentleman to abso- lute penury. I have heard that some part of Col° Vigo's Conduct towards yourself & some other of the claimants had excited great indignation against him & was the cause of the severity Manifested in the late instructions to M r McIntosh. Of the precise nature of the offence I am ignor- ant. I confidently believe however that there has been some mistake in the representation of his Conduct. The peculiar circumstances of his situation ought certainly to be taken into Consideration, you must be sensible Sir that an ignorant and unlettered man must in an affair of this nature give himself entirely to the guidance of others. How far his agents may have conducted themselves properly or otherwise I can not determine, but I am certain that nothing unfair unjust or indecent was ever contemplated by him towards his creditors. I am with great Respect & Consideration Sir Your Hum6 Serv* Willm Henry Harrison r John Askin Esq Addressed: John Askin Sen1" Esquire Sandwitch Upper Canada Endorsed: Vincent Febr 9 h 1806 Wm Henry Harrison to Jn° Askin recvd ye 16h March answd ye 27h 504 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS DEBTS OF ROBERT DICKSON AND COMPANY Private Montreal 10 February 1806 My dear Sir I was favoured on the 19 ult° with your friendly Letters of 28 & 29 November and am much obliged by the attention you have shown to the unfortunate busi- ness of my House with Mess8 Robert Dickson & C° as well as the kind concern you take in what relates to me per- sonally. ' In the inquiries I made as to legal remedies in the Detroit / Government, or Michigan Territory, I had in view what others might do & If necessary what we might be able to do, and I [illegible] that attachment in that Territory cannot precede Judgement, tho it may in the Indiana & Mississippi Territories. My wish is not to contest but to have a fair honest share with other Creditors, and this I am afraid is not intended; in such Case my loss will be very heavy, yet there will apparently remain something to go on with in business and I hope enough to enable us to fulfill any engagements we may enter into, we have no share as Partners, nor any other consideration from Mess Dickson & C° but the profit on Goods or Commissions such as you know are usually charged on Peltry or money transactions; on that score therefore you & all the Friends of the House may be perfectly easy. I do not think it necessary to write Messrs Macgregor on this Subject, but in conversation you can assure him that you know perfectly well that such is the case. One of the House will go to Mackinac this Spring, in hopes of obtaining our due by fair & temperate means, but if these should fail, Justice to ourselves will require recourse being had to legal measures, when it was your misfortune to be largely debtors to Todd & McGill, both of us were young & active & the loss we sustained made no deep or lasting impression; at my present time of life, the Case is different and I feel it, perhaps more than I should do, but it will not do to despair but hope for a more favourable issue than I can at this moment foresee or expect. I have heard from our good Friend Todd up to 6 November when he was still very poorly, I hope his next will inform me that he was better and I now daily look for it — 505 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS I am Dear Sir, with undisguised regard Your's most sincerely John Askin Esqr James McGill Addressed: Private John Askin Esqr near Sandwich d Endorsed: Recv c 10th rApril 1806 Montreal d Feb e y 10h h 1806 James M Gill Esq to Jn° Askin rev y 10 & Answd 23d April GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS IN YORK York February 24th 1806 My dear Askin I opened the Session on the 4 th Inst and as yet the house of Commons do's nothing but vomiting grievance and Complaints Against the Administration of General Hunter and plaguing me, and his favoureds. They will do nothing for the the good of the Country tho there is very little wanted so that in few41days, I will be under the necessity of proroguing of them. The only act wanted is the renewing of the still duty & Liencens. They keep that back till their Complaints are redressed so that nothing will be done. The October & November mials are arrived at Quebec & Expected hourly here, a letter from Quebec says that General Burton Son of General Christie has got allr General Hunters appointments in this Country,42 that M Alcock go's Chief Justice to lower Canada & our attorney General43 Chief Justice here, our late r puisne Judge44 with that other Country man of yours M Weeks, are the fomen- tors of all the disorder amongest the Commons. My real affection to your good wife & Children No news of any kind [We are] waiting with great anxiety for some favour- able accounts from the Contenent of Europe Alexr Grant 41 For an account of the popular opposition to the administration here alluded to, see D. B. Read, The Lieutenant Governors of Upper Canada and Ontario, 1792-1799 (Toronto, 1900), 55 ff. 4z This report proved incorrect; Francis Gore succeeded Hunter as lieutenant-governor of Upper Canada. 43 Thomas Scott, for whom see ante, 486. 44 Robert Thorpe, puisne judge of the Court of King's Bench of Upper Canada, 1805- 1807. He was a principal leader of the opposition to the administration and through Governor Gore's influence his judgeship was taken away from him in 1807. For sketch of 506 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Addressed: John Askin Esqr Senr Strabane near Sand- wich Endorsed: York Febry 24h 1806d Commodore Grant to Jn° Askin Recv y 17 & Answ the 18th March. d e th PROPOSAL FOR SALE OF THE SAGUINAH Strabane February 26th 1806 Dear Robert I wrote you a few lines by the Post towards the beginning of this Month my finger was too sore to write more but is now better. I have not as yet looked at your account deeming it unnecessary untill Captain Fearson and M r Meldrum comes over to settle about the Saguinah the former knowing much better than me what he took up on account of the Saguinah. We are as yet undetermined whether we will repair her or not, at all events if we do I prefer the long days to the short for that purpose altho we may loose a trip or more by it indeed not being sure of freight we know not what we would losse or gain. Captain Fearson assures me with a good repair the Vessell would be a good one for many years but this repair would cost about £500. N.Y. Currency and perhaps not so much. Now any person who would have her repaired and fitted out should have my consent (and I dare say that of the other owners) to a half share in her and that when she is in good order must be worth nearly £1000 for she would not then be dear of £2000. I think you purpose continuing a Trade to this Quarter you would do well to take the offer, it will save you much freight money and in the repairs you would not have much money to lay out as a great part of the materials as well as provissions would be always fur- nished by you besides by droping the Decks a very little she could go into the American Ports without charges and when not better employed could carry salt to Presquil you had better consider this matter seriously and if you find the undertaking too great for yourself alone I dare say there are some in your Quarter who will readily join you. you know jealousy has made many say that the Saguinah his career, see Riddell, Life of William Dummer Powell, 218-19; D. B. Read, Lives of the Judges of Upper Canada and Ontario from 1791 to the Present Time (Toronto, 1888), 77 ff. 507 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS was rotten its realy false, there are parts of her as sound as ever. I can depend on what Captain Fearson says. If you wish to hold, with any other that has freight a greater share in the Vessell I dare say you may and that M r Mel- drum for a trifle [will] go out. Haghtaway tells me a man offered 100 or 90 Barrells Salt for the Surprise I wish you would take that if no more can be got, or if you will give me equal to it in Pork and take her yourself, I would prefer it, or give me credit for her if she will answer you of the 8 Barrells of Pork remaining at Michilimacinac 5 have been sold payable next year, therefore 3 remained last fall. I wish you to send me by very first opportunity which I dare say will be early 3 Barrells of Pork provided you can wait some time for your payment for realy since Detroit has been burnt money is scarcer than I ever have known it. You never say anything about Norton. I would even rather take the £77 odd he offered you than let the matter lie over longer. You need not send me any Tea in the Spring, as I have some with other Stores at Niagara that will soon be up. Nothing new in this quarter. My Family Thank God well, and assure you of their best wishes as does Dear Robert your real Friend M r Robert Nichol Merchant Fort Erie P. S. Let me know the N° of my Lottery Ticketts as well as that of M r s M c Kee so that if either draws a prize we may know to whom it belongs. I wish you could change Voltair for Pork, Even 3 Barrells.45 Endorsed: Strabane Feb y 26 th 1806 John Askin Senior to M r Robert Nichol Merchant Fort Erie (Copy) Mr. Robert Nichol Merchant Fort Erie LAND VALUES IN DETROIT Strabane March the 6 th 1806 My Dear Friend The principal intent of this Letter is to inform you not to sell the Lot I got from M r Smith & 45 The concluding sentence is in As kin's hand; the remainder of the letter, in that of one of his sons. 508 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS conveyed to you without refering to me for its value, several persons want to purchase, & some I know from its situation will buy it even if more was asked for it than its value. M r Pattinson has made several Offers, among others £100 in Cash & an other £100 next year or five hundred Acres of Land in the lower part of this Province. I said I would take upon me to let him have it for £300 and not a penny less. I dare say he will try to get it for less by applying to you and its for this reason I give you this warning M r Smith I think said if he would have taken Lumber which rsells well he could have got £500 for it. I dont think M Pattinson wants it for himself but I think I know for whom, several who have endeavoured to bargain with me about Lands belonging to M r McGill & yourself have told me they could get them much cheaper from Yourselves. I know the land to be worth what I ask for them if you can do without what could now be got for them they must soon bring double for the best of the settlement between this & the River Thames, and as there is now a good land & Water communication from them to either the River Thames or here and all other Lands so situated being taken up they are more desirable for situation than others nor is the soil inferior. I must wait for more favourable weather to go to Detroit, after which M r McGill & you shall have a clear Amount [account] of what of your claims are confirmed & what not brought forward or re- jected. I expect soon to hear ofr Your safe arrival from the United States, please tell M M°Gill that after th I havey been at Detroit I will answer his favour of the 4 Jan which came to hand the 20th of last Month My Family all well and assure you of their best wishes Adieu My Dear Friend Yours always Isaac Todd Esquire Montreal P. S. I beg you will endeavour to procure me a Frenchman pretty old and without a Family to do the Work about the House, he should be carefull honest & sober, which I would prefer to hard Work, care of Cattle and small Jobs about the House, & Thrashing when he has nothing else to do, is all will be required of him You or my Good Friend 509 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS M r Henry I think must know of some one of that description he shall be well used & paid, however as he will not be put to hard Work I suppose he cannot ask very high Wages. If he was married and had no Children I would have both him & his Wife. I will speak to M r Pattinson to give [him] a passage in his Boats when they come, & the earlier the better. Endorsed: Strabane May the 6 th 1806 John Askin Senr to Isaac Todd Esquire (Copy) GOSSIP FROM YORK 4 6 My dear Sir I cannot let this oppertunity of M r Baby go without informing you and my dear Sister in law of my keeping my health. And that we have most glorious news of the Russians and French in one of the most fatal battles 47 that history can relate cut one & other down without given or taken Quarters; And after four or five days of that buse- ness Boneparte with all his intrepidy obliged to gave way at last—to my namesake at the head of the Brave russians— Alexander is styled the Hero of heros. Baby will relate the whole, during the parliament I have not been able to stir out of the house, two or three of your Countrymen kept me in hot water, by their naturel propensity to disturbence; I do not remember if I informed you of poor David Burnes 48 having killed himself—with that; that you nor I never will die of. M r Hamilton tells me he had a short letter from Wm Robertson only saying there was a deal of Moneys due to him in both Canadas of which he wanted some of. Cap- tain Tho 8 Robison49 our old acquaintance came here with M r Cartwright on purpose to see me he has in all Proba- 46 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 47 Austerlitz, Napoleon's classic victory, was won, Dec. 2, 1805. The report of a Russian victory which came to Canada may reflect merely a prior expectation of disaster to Napo- leon. 48 David Burns was. commissioned surgeon in the Queen's Rangers upon Governor Simcoe's recommendation, Sept. 1, 1791, and the British army lists show that he was serv- ing in this capacity as late as 1795. In addition, in July, 1792, he was made clerk of the Crown and Common Pleas of Upper Canada, with a salary of £100. He died in Toronto prior to Feb. 15, 1806, leaving among other property, a considerable library. Information adapted from Simcoe Papers, 'passim; British army lists; Ont. Hist. Soc, Papers and Re- cords, XXI, 169; and Scadding, Toronto of Old, 365-66. 49 Thomas Robison was buried in Kingston, March 29, 1806. In Buffalo Hist. Soc. Pubs., VI, 75, he is mentioned as a successor in trade at Niagara of Edward Pollard, for whose career see B. H. R., I, 107. A letter of Alexander Grant to John Askin, April 28, 510 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS bility fixt himself all the rest of his days at Kingston. I am told he is worth one hunder thousand dollars—and con- nected with one or two of his sons in law. The ocean is the field for industry. John Grant of Lachine came up here to see me, who says he sees my Alexander often and has him out at his house—which your dear Alexander will be glad to hear his namsake is well. Remember me kindly to them all. No account officially of my appointments to this province yet. With gods blessing to you and yours th Alexr Grant 16 march 1806. Addressed: John Askin Senr Esqr Strabane favored by the Honorable James Baby Endorsed: York March 16h 1806 Commodore Grant to Jn° Askin recvd ye 31 st Answd ye 6h April. FRENCH AND ENGLISH LAND SURVEYS March 23d 1806 Dear Charles You will lay of[f] for M r Livernois50 in Frdnt 4 french Acres Equal to 11 Chains 94 links as near as I can make it being Only 6/66 part of a link too much, for I find M r [Mc]Gills Chain Measures 60 feet 3 Inches French 1806 (ms. in B. H. Coll.) gives this account of Robison's death: "Poor dear fellow Captn Thomas Robison that was here [in York] during the session and looked better than ever I saw him died suddenly within few stepts of his own door fell down in a fit and never spoke, he has left one hundred thousand dollars to his family." One of the sons of Richard Cartwright was named Thomas Robison. 50 Joseph Livernois Sr. and Joseph Livernois Jr., his son, were awarded by the Land Board respectively Private Claims 574 and 171 lying in the vicinity of modern Fort Wayne. Joseph Jr's. tract fronted the rear of P. C. 39, belonging to John Harvey; and Joseph Sr's. adjoined his son's tract on the west. The Detroit line of Livernois is descended from Paul Benoit dit Livernois, who was born in France in 1626. On Sept. 16, 1658, he married in Montreal, Elizabeth Gobinet, a native of Gonest, France. One of their sons, Etienne Benoit dit Livernois, married Jane Campau of Montreal and lived and died in Longueuil. A grandson of this couple, also named Etienne, was the first of the line to come to Detroit. He married here, Jan. 24, 1760, Mary Ann Angelica Peltier, daughter of Jean Francis Peltier and Mary Louisa Robert and widow of Anthony Campau. Benoit was a mason by trade. In 1762, he resided on a farm at the Coast of the Potawatomi on the Southwest Coast of Detroit. Mary Ann Angelica Peltier died in August, 1762, leaving an infant daughter who shortly followed her in death and a son, Joseph, who was born within the stockade on Sept. 10, 1760. He married, Sept. 2, 1780, Mary Therese Meloche, who was born at the Northeast Coast of Detroit, Jan. 7, 1761, daughter of Francis Meloche and Mary Frances Lauzon. Joseph Livernois was buried in Detroit on Sept. 2, 1834; Therese Meloche was buried, Feb. 27, 1810. They had eleven children, the eldest of whom, also named Joseph, was born on Sept. 17, 1781. He was killed by the Indians near the Potawa- tomi village on Clinton River on June 7, 1814. Genealogical data adapted from Denissen, op. cit. 511 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS and that the proportion between French and English Meas- ure is that 241 feet, Yards, or Arpents French Measure as you like, would make 264 English. The side of a French Arpent is 180 feet French Measure, by the Line Benac51 run in the rear of Cap* Ernests Acre or what Ewing run in the rear of Harveys, this line continued will form the Front of the Land I sold Livernois & LeDuc also LeFranc to whom I sold sometime ago. the direction of their lines runing back must be the same course as that of Cap* Ernests. Even should it not be at right Angles with their Fronts, the back line, or rather side line, you need not lay Out to any distance. Once the Course is laid Out, they mayr do the rest, or have it done as they clear their Land. M Livernois will show you the side line now Existing between his Land & what I sold him. from this you will lay of[f] towards the river rouge in width 4 Arpents for him, next 2 for Dubois, next 3 Vacant & last 3 for LeFranc who is On it, or near the place, this will Extend to the real boundary of Lands claimed by M r Baby, if there are any line drawn by them, diferent from where the last reaches, it must be rong, for the Lands in Front & rear have the same width. I dont know any think more necessary to mention. Your tender Father John Askin Appended:™ The front of Livernois lands is to be 11 Chains 95 links being 4 Arpents & the front of Laducks 5 Chains 97}4 links or 98—being 2 Arpents then next to Laduck a vacant lot 8 chains 96 links being 3 arpents & then for Le Franck 8 chains 96 links more—being 3 Arpents A french arpent is 3 English chains less 9 Inches french—4 acres—is Addressed: M r Charles Askin at Detroit 51 Apparently Joseph S. Porlier dit Benalque (Benac), for whom see ante, 28. 5X The body of the document is in John Askin's handwriting, the portion appended is in another hand. 53 The statement is inaccurate; the French arpent was slightly less than 192 feet, 3 inches, English measure. For a discussion of the subject of French and English land measures, see letter of Judge Woodward, Jan. 4,1806, in Am. St. Papers, Pub. Lands, I, 264. 512 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS FROM JOHN ASKIN TO ALEXANDER HENRY Strabane April 4 t h 1806 Blessed Henry I received a Letter from you on the 10th of March I need not tell you, but I will, that me and mine are always pleased to hear that you and yours are well I wrote you I had received the Boots. No word about Indian Claims as yet for Lands from Congress they seem to have matters of more consequence to them to deliberate on. M r William M c Intosh has obtained a Judgment in favour of the late Thomas Williams & C° of Mons r Vigoe for a concider- able sum & payment has been offered in Land, but Brush will not take it, Though our Late Miamis C° have for what was due them by Vigoe. Indeed there is a Law of the Post Vincent Terretory which compells people to take Land in payment but Brush says he will find out one to make them pay the Debt comeing to you in Money I believe there is now an appeal to the Federal Court, that was not the case formarlly. Buonaparte had got to the top of his Wheel and when once that's the Case he like all mankind must come down whether by the run or not as is sometimes the case we will soon know There is no indian War nor likelihood of it in this quarter except what may be in the Heads of those who do not know the indians This is an unpleasant but Healthy Spring we thank God are well and wish you the like happiness. Adieu My Dear Henry may God Bless you and yours are our sincere wishes. Alexander Henry Esquire at Montreal Endorsed: Strabane April 4 h 1806 John Askin Senior to Alexander Henry Esquire, Merchant (Copy) RELATIONS OF JAMES M C G I L L AND JOHN ASKIN (Private) Near Sandwich April 23 d 1806 My Dear sir Your most fri[e]ndly private Letter of the 10th February reached me on the 11 th Inst; Surely I must be the most ungratefull of men if I did not feel for your Person & Interest all the concern due by a person to his greatest Benefactor, was it not for your, & Our most worthy Fri[e]nd M r Todds lenity & generosity formerly and yours laterly, 513 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS I must long since have seen Myself & Family in real want, nor have you been sparing in Action only not to hurt my Character & feelings but also in words, and I have often declared Publicly and will whilst I live, that in all my Transactions with M r Todd & you formerly, nor your House laterly, did I Ever receive a harsh nor Unfriend[l]y line from you, even when I owed you such large Sums, as you knew never could be discharged; Indeed had you wrote me in the Stile, Other Houses have to their Debtors, I have every reason in the world to believe, from what I know of my too tender feelings, that I would many years Ago have been out of the reach of Corrisponding with any one this side of the Grave. This is verry weak I know, but man did not make himself. I have courage & Philosophy in many cases, but the loss of old Fri[e]nds or their Fri[e]ndship Overcomes me. Well must M r Todd & you have known my Natural disposition, to have treated me with the tender- ness you have done; I hope & believe you will have your reward in a better world. I fear in a long Letter I wrote you some time Ago, that I bore to hard on your Friendship in Urging you to take 20 Lots and discharge me from the Debt due your present House. I now think I was doing rong considering the Apparent heavy loss you may sustain. In Excuse I have only to say, that I did not know of any means of giving you more, or I would not have done it. Whatever you wish I will do, give mortgages or Otherwise as you like. Where [were] I sure you would live After me, I would feel no Uneasiness respecting your final settlement with my Family, but my Dear sir of whom can I Expect were you gone, or both of us, that feelings for my Family which I know you Possess. c Since the receipt of your Letter I have not seen the Mess18 M Gregors, but will not fail bringing on a conversation when I do, to make them Acquainted with what you wish them to know, and what gives me much pleasure rsto hear Viz* That you are no Partner in the House of Mess Rob* Dickson & C°. Were the Intentions of these other Creditors as liberal as yours, I should still hope that the loss to each would not be very heavy, but when there are many, this can hardly be expected; therefore you will do well tor prepare for the worst, & take precautions accordingly. M Brush purposes 514 JAMES MCGILL Reproduced from a miniature owned by George F. Macdonald of Windsor JOHN ASKIN PAPERS being at Mich, in June, and as a Fri[e]nd (knowing what you have done for me & mine) I'm sure will give every Assistance in his power, to whoever may go from your House there I'm sorry to learn that M r Todd is not in good Health. I fear for his situation, yet I hope for the best, such Fri[e]nds are rearly to be met with, & an old one is worth Ten new. Indeed I make few of the latter. May Health of Body & Peace of mind be your Portion, are the Sincere wishes of My Dear sir Your Ever Obliged Fri[e]nd c r James M Gill Esq Merch* Montreal Endorsed: Private c Near Sandwich r April 23d 1806 John Askin To James M Gill Esq at Montreal Coppy TROUBLES OF MONTREAL MERCHANTS Montreal 25 April 1806 My dear Askin It is a long time since I received any of your letters, you have not informed me whether you received your Boots. I find you have received the first dividend for the Lands. I hope they will not neglect to fulfill their agreements, as you have regular Communication with the States, you know all the European News, which is very bad for us. that rogue Bonepart is not only playing the Devil, but in reality is the Devil Come to Torment the in- habitants of the Earth, and when his reign will end no one knows. I am afraid not until he gets into England, and wer are going to have war with America. I have wrote to M Brush, have not received a line from him since he remitted me the amount in his Hands. I hope he has got somthing from Fagos estate. I observe in his letter he mentions only the debts due to the Estate of Thomas William & C° he must observe that equaly the debts due to the estate of John Casity must be lookd into as he is most indebted to Williams estate than any other, the goods seised at S* Marys by the American Commessary belonging to the Northwest C° is orderd to be given up, and the seizing officer dismisd [from] the service. Todd is much 515 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS better and cannot live in England, he is coming out in the first ships. Beaver sold high in England Deer bad, Bears suposd would do well. Money very scarse here. Trade bad. the most of the Merchants will in two years be Bankerupt. unless it should rain a Shower of half Joes, it must be a general one otherwise [it] will not do. nothing can save them else. James McGill is going to Michilimack0 to settle with Dixon who owes him near £40,000 currency and he is much afTraid of loosing the greatest part, my dear old friend I am happy in all my old acquaintance, to find you live with less Trouble than any of them, may you long continue to do so. for my part I am growing old and suspect life will not hold [me] long, however you shall be amongst the last I think of. may you and your good family enjoy every good thing this world can give is the prayers of me and my famely. from your affectionate fr[i]end Alexander Henry Addressed: John Askin Esquire Sandwich Detroit fav- our'd by M r McDonald Endorsed: Montreal d e April h the 25h 1806 d e M r thAlexr Henry to Jn° Askin recv y 13 June Answ y 18 FROM ALEXANDER GRANT TO JOHN ASKIN York May 9 th 1806 My dear Friend I have your letter which promisses that you will not write a blue letter in a hurry again, god knows they multiply fast enough in my breast, all there is we must wide [wade] through as long as we Can. Regarding the land business particularly all old Claims That through neglect or other Causes that has not been pushed forward at the time are hardly to be brought on now. From the following reason many rules has been made in Council during the Chief Justice & General Hunters time proclaimation have been issued to Come forward again such a period, otherwise they should have no attention paid to their affairs. And one of them is that no womman or Lady are to have lands Except the daughters or wives of U. E The Council at present Consists only of M r Russell, 516 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS who [is] full of business as receiver General M r McGill & M r attorney General both who has no fee or reward being temporary members, also full of their own business. And hardly can be prevaild on to get through the rottin [routine] and plain business in Council instead of looking and Search- ing] into matters neglected or not brought properly forward for many years I was made happy the other day with the arival of M r T. rsDickson from Queenston with your letter & others from M Grant & family learning all of you being well. There is letters here dated The 26th of February last, then no ap- pointment of L* Governor [and] Chief Justice to this Country. The attorney General had a letter from David Smith dated the 3d Febry he was very well in high spirits with beneficial Sumptuous appointments rfrom the Duck of northumberland. [He] desires that M Sibley may be acquainted that his daughter is at his house and coming over to this Country with a Captn Paterson. Tell your nelly that Captn Johnston is coming to niagara or so reported in the Quarter master Gener1 line being not married yet her will fly to Strabane. Remember me kindly to Brush & D Brown, no news of any kind The States papers are full of Congress business when Governor Hull returns let me know Regarding the premises on that Side of the River, and what are to be expected. M rs Grant I find has leased the Gross Point farm to Johnny I think the term long, poor dear womman I am sure she has don for the best. I am glad she has reserved the house & Ketchen & Garden which I have wrote her to be put in the best repair The house wants new shingleing and the upper storey wants Clap- boarding the Ketchen wants a new Chimny. if it happens luckly that the Gentleman that comes L* Governor, has the Command of the Troops And that my health admits of [it], I shall make a trip to Montreal to see my dearrs boy before I return to the westward my affection to M Askin the young gentlemen, Mr8 McKee M rs Brush & Nelly It is so dull here that I intend by & by to take a trip to niagara & Queenston for few days I remain your sincere well wisher Alex Grant 517 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Addressed: John Askin Senr Esqr Strabane near Sand- wich Endorsed: d York May 9dh 1806 President Grant to Jn° Askin Recv 25 & Answ ye 28th. th DEBTS OF FRANCIS VIGO Grouseland (Near Vincennes) 21 st May 1806 Sir I beg you to accept of my thanks for the flattering attention that you were pleased to shew to the requests contained in a former letter upon the subject of the debt due from Col° Vigo to certain Gentlemen of your vicinity, the affair has I believe been completely Settled & I have indirectly understood that the agent of the claimants was agreeably disappointed as to the value & quality of the land which has been taken a considerable part of which he has lately seen. Will you pardon me for recommending to you to keep for a short time at least such part of the land as may be allotted to you or if you do sell that you direct your agent to allow a credit of 18 Months or two years by which means it will sell for at least 50 per cent more than if sold for cash, the title may be withheld until payment is Made. As soon as I received your letter I lost no time in communi- cating to Col° Vigo that part of it which relates to his debt to yourself individually, his reply was to this effect. "It was never my intention to wrong M r Askin. our accounts were settled during my illness & my notes given for a ballance which appeared to be due to him. One of theser had been payed. And an arrangement made with M Dubois to discharge the other upon his return to Detroit when M r McIntosh the agent of M r A. applied to me for the Money, he was informed that M r Dubois had under taken to pay itr to c yourself, but nothing but the Money would satisfy M M Intosh. the money was not to be had & a writ was served upon me, the first (or perhaps the second) in my life, irritated at the adoption of a measure which could only be intended to put me to cost & trouble (for Mr. Askin would have certainly received the amount of my note in a few Months) I naturally began to investigate 518 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS the origin of my debt & for this purpose I put my papers in the hands of an Attorney by whom I was informed & am still informed that An error was made in the Settlement & that I Justly and legally owed M r Askin nothing" I am no lawyer but I cannot conceive that any Court of Justice will allow Col° Vigo to adduce any proof to set aside a note of hand upon the ground of a mistake being made in the settlement this objection I urged upon him, but he said that he had been differently informed by his lawyers. How- ever I believe that the affair May still be settled to your satisfaction without a judicial decision, at present he is I believe absolutely unable to raise more money than that which he has engaged rto pay on account of the late arrange- ment (& even this M Dubois advances) but after the two heavy debts of Abbot & Cassady are settled he will still have some property that will command money in the course of 8 or 12 months & I hope & believe that he will imme- diately settle your affair to your satisfaction. If you know the ground of his objection to the Settlement formerly r made between you (for I do not) if you can convince M Dubois of its futility M r Vigo will I am sure abandon it immediately, & I beg you to command Me fully on this & on every other occasion where you may suppose I can be of the smallest service to you I am with much Respect, Sir your Hum6 Servant Will™ Henry Harrison r John Askin Esq Endorsed: Grousland near Vincennes d th May 21 st 1806d Governor Harrison to Jn° Askin recv 16 June & Answ ye Jgth FROM JOHN ASKIN TO ALEXANDER GRANT Strabane May 28th 1806 My Dearth Sir. Your very friendly letters of the 28th April and 9 May reached me three days ago and gave us all much satisfaction to learn yours were well. The next day I had the pleasure of seeing M Grant here. Mrfl Askin had been over and as the afternoon was uncommonly Calm she ventured over, she next day went to Sandwich and is 519 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS now going the rounds to see her children after which [she] promises to come here. I think she looks nearly as usual but not in [good] spirits, what you are making for the Family must be pleasing to her but yet, I'm sure though she did not say so, she would give up all the profit rather than you should be another season absent, however she approves much of your going to see poor Alexander before you return We find in the papers a L* Governor appointed for Upper Canada at which I'm not sorry for now you must have got a little to help the Family, I think you would rather be with them than siting in state. Your not one of those men who prefers honors to Family comforts. I'm sorry indeed for the sudden Death of poor Thomas Robertson and it must have effected you. nothing will save us when the time comes, most certainly nothing can be expected by John unless such vacancy also lately took place or was in your gift, or you could give with propriety a recommenda- tion for I'm sorry I throubled you about my former claims that were not countenanced, for as I never brought them forward during the reign of [word omitted] when I thought, it cannot be well said that they were I hope the regulalation about Women not geting Lands has nothing to do with Nelly her 600 Acres which has been located for many years ago at least 400 of them M r Allen can prove having had a [torn] of Money in his Hands some years ago to take up Deeds as fast as signed and consequently would have taken up Nellys as well as Allices had it been then ready lately he has not had Money ready yet when Deeds are I have always sent to relieve them David Smiths prosperity will always give me pleasure. I ever found him frien[d]ly. I have the pleasure of acquainting you that I yesterday seen the Coppy of a Bill sent M r Brush relative to the Claims [torn] the other side.* your anxiety respecting Gross Point may now be at an end. I have got Alexander to promise to Coppy it off. If he does I will send it to you with this and you must immediately after transmit it to M r James McGill at Montreal All your connections in this quarter are well and I shall remember you to those you desire when I see them. I'm 520 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS sorry to say that Captain Ernest54 seems to be missing no account where he is or whats become of him. The repairs of your House at Gross Point I believe MrB Grant will put off untill you return Not recollecting anything further necessary to mention at present I shall conclude with our best wishes for all your Health & happiness and assurance that I am always My Dear Sir yours most Sincerely P. S. We had a Letter from Mr8 Meredith r dated the 31 st December all well as well as also M Mercers Family. Should a new Commission c [be]r Issued I oncer before recommended Captain M Kee M Barsto and M George Jacobs56 as fit people for Magistrates now M r Iredells Dead River Thames has very few. The Honorable Alex1" Grant Esquire. Administering the Government at York Endorsed: Strabane r May 28, 1806. John Askin Senr to The Honorable Al Grant York UNIFORMS FOR ESSEX MILITIA Amherstburg 7th June 1806 Dear Sir I have the pleasure to acknowledge, the receipt of your very kind letter, on the subject of my expected Promotion in the Infantry of your Regiment of Militia which I look forward to with infinite satisfaction; and in consequence lost no time in getting your letter (To His Honor the President) on Board of the Caledonia, which is by this well on to Fort Erie. I am excessively happy to inform you, that my Uniform on the 4 th gave very general satisfaction so much, that, immediately after the Battalion were dismissed, I got several Recruits, of people of that Class which I am sure will meet your approbation, in fact being of the first. I can with great propriety, say that the Dress is very handsome, and indeed Elegant, without being dear or ex- travagant; To tell the truth, the officers of Colonel Elliotts 54 Matthew Ernest, for whom see ante, 114. 55 For the career of George Jacob, see B. H. R., I, 307. 521 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Battalion, as well as himself, were so much eclipsed, that they appeared perfectly ashamed of themselves. Johnny & I intend going up to pay our respects to you, as soon as he can get his Uniform made, which is his Coat only, having the rest of the Dress already; several others are making their Preparations, with a degree of emulation, among the rest of my Recruits, is the Count Bobby Reyn- olds,56 who conceives himself a great Equestrianrs We are all well here, & beg to be remembered to you M Askin, & the rest of the Family, in terms of the Profoundest respect & affection, Dear Sir most respectfully & truly Your obedient Humble Servant T. McKee John Askin Esquire Addressed: John Askin Esquire Strabane M r Woods is requested to forward this as soon as possible Endorsed: June 7h 1806 Cap* McKee to Jn° Askin FROM ISAAC TODD TO JOHN ASKIN Montreal 15th June 1806 My dear Askin I got here on thursday after my arrival in England I was 4 Months confined to my Room and from Pain & Sickness much reduced After I began to recover it 5 6 Robert Reynolds was a son of Thomas Reynolds of Detroit and (later) Amherstburg for whom see B. H. R., I, 308. Robert was born in Detroit in 1781, and was still living at his home near Amherstburg as late as 1864. On Nov. 6, 1803, he married Therese Bouchette DesRivieres, who was a daughter of Jean Baptiste Bouchette, a captain in the British naval establishment on Lake Ontario. Prior to her union with Reynolds she had married Thomas Hypolite DesRivieres, youngest son of Mrs. James McGill by her first marriage (with Joseph Amable Trotier dit DesRivieres), who was a captain in the Sixtieth Regiment. In 1801, or shortly prior thereto, he was killed in a duel with a fellow-officer, leaving, be- sides his widow, a son, James McGill DesRivieres. It is this child who is mentioned in James McGill's will as the stepson of Robert Reynolds. See post, 777. The St. John's Church Register records the birth of four sons and one daughter to Robert Reynolds and his wife in the years 1805-17. The daughter, born, April 4, 1809, was named Jean Charlotte McGill Reynolds, and the names of Charlotte and James McGill (evidently signed by someone else) appear as sponsors. Reynolds, like his father, was commissary in the British military establishment. The fine home he built facing the river road, a short distance below Amherstburg, is still stand- ing. An interesting old-age narrative of his military experiences is given in Coffin, op. cit., 195 ff. See also Casselman, op. cit., 133; entries in St. John's Church Register; and Bull. Recherches Hist., XXIX, 86-88. 522 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS was rapid & thank God for 5 Months past I have enjoyed as good health as I can expect but the Pain & swelling in my knee & thigh continues in a small degree & occasions walking painfull. from Quebec I forwarded Letters for you from Majr & M rs Meredith she is the same affectionate Good little Woman she ever was & she is happy in a fond Good Husband, she has a Daughter almost as big as herself but you will from them hear the particulars. Cap* Mercerrs I saw several Times he is troubled with the Gout M Mercer & Daughters are well. I have wrote the President telling him how to act to recover payment for the Time he mayg actr as such which will I believe be at the rate of £1000 Ster p Annum. William Robertson is not only a Sot & blackguard but infamous as a Liar & Rogue. Among other of his bad conduct his poor Bror is Starving. He will not pay him what he owes, indeed my friend I begin to think we were all deceived in him & that he never was an honest Man. I have not had time to learn much about my property in your care but M r McGill tells me he has wrecevd nothing since my departure I was in expectation And Todds money would have been paid & what of our Joint property had been sold, for mwhen I have time to tell you the situation I am in with W Todd you will see I have occasion for all I can get even to live comfortably I hope soon to hear from you. Remembr me kindly to Mr8 Askin & M" McKee. could not the President do something for you or your Sons? if he can he ought and if he does not he will not be thanked by hisr successor. Adieue God Bless you I am in heast My D friend Yours Sincerely Isaac Todd r John Askin Esq Addressed: John Askin Senr Esqr Near Sandwich Endorsed: Montreal d e June th 15th d 1806 th Isaac Todd Esqr to Jn° Askin Recv y 17 & Answ 18 July. 523 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS GOODS OF CHARLES ASKIN AT MACKINAC Makinack Le 26 Juin 1806 Monsieur Vous recevre cette presente par le Capt Mills en reponse d'une de vos lettre que Jai regu dernierement abord de la thames dans laquelle vous me demande soi de largent ou de bonne trette pour Les cinqs derniers Cave de Lard que Mons r Charles Askine votre fils ma lesse icit Lete derniere Comme Mons r Solomon mon Comie a suivit les Directions de M r votre fils de sorte que ne pouvant poin trouver d'argent pour Le lard il a pref6re de le vendre a printent pour du sucre comme il etoit mentionn6 dans la Lettre de M r votre fils, Jai trouv6 parmis mes papiers La lettre de M r votre fils ainsi que la Direction Soyez per- suadde que Si Je nusse pas oublies ces papier L'automne derniere quand Je fut au Detroit que Je ne vous aurois certennemens pas passe mon billet payable en argent mais ne me rapelent pas beaucoup des directions que M r votre fils mavois donne et nement point a proceder, voila la raison pour laquelle Je vous ai pass6 mon billet et quil seras tres bien payez M r Pothier me la presente voila deux Jours, de sorte que vous n'avez rien a craindre a de sujet, a legard des cinq derniers Caves de lard M r Solomont Les a vendue pour du sucre suivent le prix mentionne par la lettre de M r votre fils et Je vais Lui envoyer par le Capt n Mills de sorte que cette exemple icit me serviras pour bien D'autre Cas. Je m'apersoit plus L'on veut oblige unne personne et plus L'on a de Defigulte Jose dire ceci Car Je ne l'es pas fette par motife D'interest vue que Jai prevenus M r votre fils en prenent ces efitets et quayent de la place dans mon engare quil pouvois Les mettres et que Je ne lui demendois point un seul sols de Commission. Je suis Mons r Votre tres obeissen serviteur Joseph Guy r Addressed: Mons John Askin Pere Proche de Sandwish Detroit Faveur M r Domq Lacroi Endorsed: Mich. June 26 th 1806 Mons r Joseph Guy to Jn° Askin Rec d ye 3 d July 524 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Translation Mackinac, June 26, 1806 Sir: This will be handed to you by Captain Mills in reply to one of yours received lately by the Thames in which you demand either the money or good merchandise for the remaining five casks of pork that your son, Charles Askin, left here with me last summer. Mr. Solomon,57 my clerk, only carried out your son's instructions that, if not able to sell the pork for money, he was to sell it in the spring for sugar as directed in your son's letter. Now I have found that letter among my papers, together with his instructions. Be assured that if I had not forgotten these papers when in Detroit last fall, I never would have given you my note payable in cash, but not remembering about them, and having no desire to be sued, are the reasons why I gave you my note. And it will be paid all right, never fear. Mr. Pothier presented it to me two days ago. With respect to the remaining five casks of pork, Mr. Solomon has sold them for sugar at the price your son directed in his letter, and I shall send it by Captain Mills. This experience will stand me in good stead another time. I have learned that the more one wishes to oblige another, the more trouble he has. I can say this because I had no motive of personal interest, seeing that I told your son when I took his things and gave them room in my storehouse that he might put them there and that I would never ask him for a single penny's commission. I remain, Sir, Your most obedient servant, Joseph Guy58 57 William Solomon was long an interpreter in the British Indian Department. His father, Ezekiel Solomon, was a German Jew from Berlin who found his way to Canada and upon the conquest of that country was one of the earliest English traders to engage in the northwest trade. He was at Mackinac as early as 1761, was captured at the massacre of 1763, and subsequently ransomed and sent down to Montreal. He continued in the western fur trade for many years, although we have few definite details of his career. His son, William, our present subject, is said to have spent fifty-six years in the govern- ment service. He was at Mackinac during the War of 1812 and at various times was stationed at St. Joseph, Drummond Island, and Penetanguishene. He married a daughter of George Johnston of Sault Ste. Marie. Her mother was a Chippewa woman; one of her sisters married Henry R. Schoolcraft, and another became the wife of Rev. Mr. McMurray. Solomon's later years were passed at Penetanguishene. He reared a family of ten children. The narrative of one of them, Lewis Solomon, is in the Ont. Hist. Soc, Papers and Records, III, 126-37. See also Mich. Pio. Coll., passim. 525 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS REAL ESTATE CONDITIONS IN DETROIT July 5 th 1806 My Dear Sir The day before yesterday the Nancy passed from Michilimacinac & I yesterday went to Sandwich when with the greatest satisfaction on your and your Houses account I learn that M r Dickson had done very well & much more so than any other Trader in that Quarter I think you have had a lucky escape, & let his success be what it may this last Winter I dread his Trade being much too extensive to wind up well if continued. My Son Charles is gone to York to endeavour to take up still more of my Deeds there which has been detained more on Account of the want of Money to pay for the Deeds than any other Cause for money is more scarce now on both sides of the River than I have ever known it. I hear the Fleet is arrived & I hope in it Our Worthy Friend M r Todd in better Health than when he left this. The Four Houses belonging separately to M r Todd & you are in a Street according to the New Plann of the Town, those who purchased have not nor are not able to pay a penny one excepted. I believe they are willing to give them up & the governor also [is] willing to give larger Lotts in good situations & put up the Buildings again in lieu thereof, so as to remove them out of the Street. M r Brush is gone some time ago into the States in Order to sell some Lands he has there on his return if he succeeds, or he thinks now if he does not he will make payment for the Orchard. I was mistaken respecting what I wrote you of a Law having passed so favorable to Claimants of Land on the other side it had only passed the Lower House and would (as the governor says) [have passed] the Senate had the Commissioners at Detroit made their report before Con- gress broke up. The Governor who I believe a very Worthy 5 8 The Guys were long prominent merchants of Montreal and active in the western fur trade. Pierre Guy (1738-1812) was colonel of the Second Battalion, Montreal militia, and a member of the grand jury which indicted Governor Henry Hamilton and Philip Dejean of Detroit in 1778. He had a son, Joseph, born, March 25, 1775, who may have been the individual here noted. Data supplied by Pierre-Georges Roy, archivist of Quebec, in letter of Sept. 5, 1928. See also, Tanguay, op. cit. 526 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Man One of the present Commissioners told was [said] without being asked, that he did not see how any Claim of a British Subject could be rejected that would have been admitted had we continued to keep the Country. The Commissioners I believe wish to Coppy what ours have done & the Governor has examined our Law Respecting Claimants to Land & I believe wishes much that Congress may pass a similar one. From the great scarcity of Money. I fear Harvy will not pay his Note this Fall, but the Money is sure & the Note bears Interest, Though he suffered by the Fire he has built a good new House and carries his Business (which is that of a Baker to good advantage. Our fall wheat here is good and owing to the dry season will be ready to cut in a Week but I fear the Indian Corn & Oats and most grain sown this Spring Though much pinched for Money we enjoy good Health Peace & Appearance of Plenty of Bread. M r s Askin joins me in best Compliments to M r s McGill & I remain My Dear Sir, y r ever obliged very humble Servant P. S. I formerly mentioned that I was carrying on a suit to recover the Money due M r Todd on a mortgage James McGill Esquire. Endorsed: (Coppy) July 5 t h 1806 Jn° Askin to James M Gill Esq r at Montreal. c NEWS FROM YORK York the 18th of July 1806 Dear James Yesterday the Earl of Moira arrived here from Niagara and in her, my Cousins Archange Phillis & Nancy 59 Miss Wright & Wm Duff60 on a visit to my Uncle. I was very much disappointed in not receiving a line from my Father or any of the Family by them. I think now that his letters to my Uncle and myself are lost on the road 59 Daughters of Alexander Grant; Archange was the wife of Thomas Dickson, and Phillis the wife of Alexander Duff; Nancy (or Ann) later married Simon Maillet of Detroit. 60 William Duff was a son of Rev. William Duff of Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and a brother of Alexander, for whom see ante, 338. On Jan. 25, 1810, he married in Sandwich, Susanne McGregor, daughter of Gregor McGregor and Regina Susanne Robert, for whom 527 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS as none have yet come to hand, my Uncle has not yet got the one inclosing the returns of the Militia, which must have left home before I did. By the Earl of Moira my Uncle has English letters, from Cap* Mercer & two Miss Mercers and also from Major Meredith who has now the pay of a Major, before he had only the rank. I suppose my Father has or will soon have letters from Archange, who no doubt mentions it. There is a report which I am afeard is too true, that a vessel coming with a detachment of the 100th Regiment to Canada was lost, & that a Major and four or five more officers were on board. By a late army list of my Uncles to the 1 st April last it appears as if Cap* McKees resignation was accepted of, as his name is not in it. It appears also by it that the two young Baby's who it was said were superceded have got in the army again. It's reported that the 99th are coming out to Canada, and if they do, that the 41 st will be relieved by the 49th. Major Bleamire61 it's said is out of the Regi- ment, and also Cap* Johnston who is now appointed Secre- tary to the Indian Department in the place of M r Chew62 who died insane at Montreal, he lost his senses after being out as a second to an Officer of the 6th Reg* who was killed in a duel. Poor Judge Powell had the melancholy news of his Son Jerry's63 death, who was one of the unfortunate number who were lately masacred at S* Domingo by the blacks. see B. H. R., I, 292-93. James and Robert, twins, were born to the couple on Oct. 21, 1817, and a son, Alexander, on Sept. 21, 1819. William Duff was for some years barrack master at Amherstburg. During the War of 1812, he was adjutant of the First Essex County- militia, which served in most of the battles on the western front. He died, July 12, 1861, and was buried in Christ Church yard in Amherstburg. Data derived from St. John's Church Register; Irving, of), cit.; and headstone inscription in Christ Church yard, Amherst- burg. 6i William Bird Bleamire was commissioned lieutenant in the Forty-ninth Regiment, April 22, 1796, and major on Aug. 6, 1803. See British Army lists. A report of an Indian council at Amherstburg, June 8, 1805, represents him as commandant of the garrison. Mich. Pio. Colls., XXIII, 39. 6i John Chew became secretary of the Indian Department upon the death of his father, Joseph Chew, in 1799, and continued in office until his own death, here noted, in 1806. See Mich. Pio. Colls., XX, 693-94 for sketch of Chew family. 63 Jeremiah, fourth son of Judge William Dummer Powell, was born in Boston in 1784. In early manhood he engaged in trade in Haiti, and incurring the hostility of Emperor 528 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS I shall send up a copy of such a petition as Themus should send down to get his patent for his land, he will be able to get the three concessions as easy as one I think, and without the fees on the deed being any thing higher. I have already spoke to the Attorney General who is now Chief [Jusjtice to my Uncle the President: and to Judge Powell respecting the situation of Themus and his neighbours with regard to their farms and I am certain they will do what they can to get them their patents, you may assure him I will do any thing in my power for him. I wish poor Dedine could get money enough to pay for his deed also; (if Themus gets his.) I suppose his Father could lend him that much. I have spoke to my Uncle who will endeavour to get a two hundred acre lot of land a piece for Pisinack and Charlo if the latter is of age and they can pay the new regulation fees which will be ab* 40 doll8 for. each Lot. If Bellett and Badon could pay the fees I would speak to my Uncle & try to get them lands also. As I have seen part of the light Infantry of the 41 st Reg* & some of the Grenadiers I will be able to tell you how their coats are made and their uniform. Let me know when you write me if my Mill has yet made any flour, and if the Orphan colt is alive As I wrote my father by M r McDonnell a few days ago and will soon write him again, I shall not by this oppor- tunity. Please to give my kind love to him & my dear Mother to Nelly Alice & Alex, and Believe me to be Your affectionate Brother Charles A[skin] N. B. Present my Compliments if you please to Mrs & the Mi88 Dedines. & Remember me to Dedine, to Robins, and the rest of my young friends, also to Themus & Family M r James Askin Strabane Near Sandwich Dessalines, was induced by force of circumstances to join Miranda's filibustering expedi- tion to Venezuela in the spring of 1806. The undertaking failed miserably, and those cap- tured were either executed or condemned to long terms of imprisonment. Jeremiah Powell was sentenced to a ten-year term, but eventually, through the efforts and influence of his father, was released. For a full account of the entire affair, see Riddell, Life of William Dummer Powell, 96 ff. 529 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Addressed: r M r James Askin. To the care of Jn° Askin Esq Strabane Endorsed: York July 18 1806 Charles Askin to James Askin recvd 5 Aug* Answd SALE OF BRUSH FARM To all to whom these presents shall come Greeting. Be it known that I John Askin of Sandwich in the Province of Upper Canada for and in consideration of the sum of six thousand dollars lawful money of the United States to me in hand before the ensealing hereof well and truly paid by Elijah Brush Esquire of Detroit in the Michigan Territory of the United States the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowl- edge and my self therewith am fully satisfied contented and paid and thereof and of every part and parcel thereof do exonerate acquit and forever discharge him the said Elijah Brush his heirs Executors and Administrators by these presents, Have given, granted, bargained, sold, alien'd, conveyd and confirmed; and by these presents do freely fully and absolutely, give grant bargain and sell alien convey and confirm unto him the said Elijah Brush his heirs and assigns forever, All that capital Messuage and tenement or farm and farming Lands Situate lying and being on the Detroit or Streights of Lake Erie, lying mostly in what is now called the New Town of Detroit Containing two arpents or French acres in front upon the said Streights or River Detroit by Eighty in depth (Except as is herein after excepted) being the same tract of land that is to say forty in depth by two in bredth on the Said River or Streights of Lake Erie that was ceded and granted by Charles Marquis- De-Beauharnois knight of the Royal and Military order of St Louis &c &c and Gilles Hocquart knight and member of the kings privy counsil &c &c on the first day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and forty Seven to Eustache Gamelin64 his heirs and assigns &c and afterwards towit on the fifteenth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty Nine other forty arpents or french acres in depth by two in 64 For the document conveying this grant, see B. H. R., I, 25 ff. 530 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS bredth directly in rear of the forty first aforesaid that was ceded and Granted by Piquotee Belestre Military and Civil Commandant for the king at Detroit unto Jacques Pelet 65 his heirs and Assigns &c making in all Eighty arpents or French acres in depth by two in bredth and bounded on all Sides as is perticularly Set forth and explained in the original grants or concessions. To have and to hold the said granted and bargained premises with all the appurtenances, privalages and Com- modities to the same belonging or in any way appurtaining to him the Said Elijah Brush his heirs and assigns forever; To his and their own proper use benefit and behoof forever. And I the said John Askin for my self my heirs Executors and Administrators, do covenant promis and grant to and with the Said Elijah Brush his heirs and assigns that before the ensealing and delivery hereof I am the true sole and lawful owner of the above bargained premises, and am lawfully seised and possessed of the same in my own proper right as a good perfect and absolute estate of Inheritance in fee simple and have in myself good right, full power and lawful Authority to grant bargain, Sell convey and confirm said bargained premises in manner as aforesaid. And that the said Elijah Brush his heirs and assigns shall and may from time to time and at all times forever hereafter by force and Vertue of these presents lawfully peaceably and quietly have hold use occupy possess and enjoy the said demised and bargained premises with the appurtenances free and Clear and freely and Clearly acquitted exonerated and discharged of, from all, and all manner of former or other gifts grants, bargains, Sales, Leases, mortgages, wills, enttails, Jointures, douries, Judgments, Executions, or incumbrances of what name or nature soever that might in any measure or digree, obstruct or make void this present deed. This grant is however made subject to the following exceptions towit the Lot of one arpent or French acre in front upon the said River Detroit extending back to the distance of two hundred and Sixty feet from the water edge and which is now owned and possessed by Henry 65 For this grant to Jacques Pilet, see ibid., 30. 531 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Berthelett, 66 as also the lots adjoining on what was formerly called the Common, and which now lie on the North Side of the Governors hous on the main Street in the new Town of Detroit being all of them one arpent or French acre in depth to the extremity of Baptiste Lapieres67 Claim and which have heretofore been sold off and conveyed by the said John Askin are exceptions to the foregoing conveyance, and are not conveyed or intended to be conveyed by the Said John Askin unto the Said Elijah Brush. Furthermore I the said John Askin for myself my heirs Executors and Administrators do covenant and engage the above demised premises (with the exceptions as aforesaid) unto him the Said Elijah Brush his heirs and assigns against the lawful claims or demand of any person or persons whotsoever, forever hereafter to warrant Secure and 66 Francis Berthelet married Frances Ravier and lived in Geneva, Switzerland. Their son, Antoine, born in 1676, came to Canada and lived and died in Montreal. On July 26, 1701, he married Jane Chartier, who was born in Quebec, July IS, 1675, daughter of Ren6 Chartier and Margaret Delorme. Antoine Berthelet was buried in Montreal, April 16, 1755; Jane Chartier was buried there, Feb. 5, 1730. Francis Berthelet dit Savoyard, eldest child of Antoine Berthelet and Jane Chartier, was born in Montreal, Feb. 7, 1703. In 1738 he married Jane Boullard, also of Montreal. Several of their children came to Detroit to live, including Pierre, the second son, a physi- cian, who was born in Montreal, April 16, 1746, and married in Detroit, July 24,1775, Mary Frances Meloche, daughter of Francis Meloche and Mary Frances Lauzon. Mary Frances Meloche was buried here, July 4, 1776, leaving one son, Henry Berthelet dit Savoyard, born, April 29, 1776, the subject of our present note. On Nov. 9, 1802, he married in Sandwich, Mary Joseph Bouchette, who was born in Detroit, March 19, 1782, daughter of Jean Baptiste Bouchette and Mary Angelica Duhamel. They were the parents of twelve children, born in the period 1803-25. Henry Berthelet seems to have spent his entire life in Detroit, and there are numerous references to him among the manuscripts in the B. H. Coll., yet no clear account of his career has been formulated. Apparently he was a farmer, who also engaged in trade, and, possibly, in building activities. In 1819 he was granted permission to build a wharf at the foot of Randolph Street. He was elected a trustee of the town in 1804, and in 1807 was a trustee of Ste. Anne's Church. A claim to land in Spring Wells was rejected by the Land Board in 1807, but together with an addi- tional tract, was confirmed to Berthelet in 1823 as (new) Private Claim 32. Berthelet was buried in Detroit, Nov. 16, 1846; Mary Joseph Bouchette was buried on Feb. 6, 1855. Pierre seems to have returned to Montreal after the death of his wife. On Feb. 2, 1779, he married (second) in Boucherville, Margaret Viger. A son of this marriage, Antoine Olivier Berthelet, was wealthy and noted as a philanthropist. See Bull. Recherches Hist., XXII, 183. Information adapted from Denissen, op. cit.; mss. in B. H. Coll., passim; Farmer, op. cit., passim; Proc. of Land Board of Detroit, 223. 6j Jean Baptiste Aloire (Alloir, Aloir, etc.) dit Lapierre was in Detroit as early as Feb- ruary, 1794, when he stood godfather for a baptism in Ste. Anne's Church. On April 10, 1798, a daughter, Marie Magdelene, was born to him and Magdelene Tremblay, his wife. The names of other children, born to the couple, are found in Ste. Anne's Church Register. Jean Baptiste Aloire died, Dec. 30, 1810, aged about forty years. On Oct. 24, 1811, his widow married (second) Hyacinthe Desjardins. Private Claim 120 in Grosse Pointe was confirmed to Aloire in 1808. The present document shows that he also owned a lot in the town, and entries in James Henry's ledger seem to imply that he followed the trade of shoe- maker. 532 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS defend by these presents. In witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed my seal at Sandwich aforesaid this thirty first day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred six. John Askin Signed Sealed & Delivered In presence of Louis Barthy 68 Alexander Askin the name adjoining between the second and third line, and also the words Governors house on the between the 4 and 5 lines of this page being first interlined before signing. Endorsed: Deed of Conveyance John Askin to Elijah Brush In fee. PROPERTY OF ISAAC TODD AND JAMES M C G I L L Montreal 20 th Decemb r 1806 My dear Friend I receivd your favour of the 14th Octb & I have seen one of the 11 th same month to M r McGill r & me. I was in hopes the whole of the property sold by you to McGill & me on the American side (the Indian Grants excepted) had been confirmed by the Commissioners. I find there is still a part not so. I hope it will be settled next year it is surely wrong to leave property in this doubtfull way. I have no doubt you do for the best in making the exchange. I see you have taken 5 Lots in the square where the French Church is going to be erected in Lieu of two Lots of M r McGills & one of mine on the Common, the other of Mine I see sold to Jas. Beagam for £110—which I suppose is good, as you know M r McGill & I have divided our property it may be well to divide the 5 Lots taken by my getting two & he three as near the proportions of what we gave as posible 68 Louis Theophile Barthe, noted in B. H. R., I, 77. He was the eighth child of Charles Andrew Barthe and Mary Therese Campau, for whom see ibid., 34. He was born in De- troit, March 31, 1760. On Nov. 15, 1802, he married Mary Magdelene Trotier dit Belle- cour, daughter of Francois Xavier Trotier dit Bellecour and Mary Magdelene de Lusignan, and widow of Francois Xavier Moreau dit Duplessy, for whom see ibid., 401. The bride was born at the mouth of Pine River (modern St. Clair, Mich.), March 18, 1774, and Barthe was employed in the pinery there for a considerable period of time. She was buried in Detroit, Sept. 11, 1803; he was buried in Sandwich, May 16, 1825. Denissen, op. cit. 533 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS and have the Lots described & Numbered so that they may be known if the whole could ber sold it would be better I see you have got security for M B[r]ush to me and I hope next year69Rulands [debt] will be settled I think it probable the Bank &ca may make land more valuable as Money gets plenty, pray what have you done with Park about the Mill ? his conduct is shamefull. As S* Josiph is now going to be the place of Depot & residence of the British Traders it will be more comfortable & better for Johnny if he gets the appoint- ments of M r Chaboillez and I think he ought to apply im- mediatly yto Govr Gore70 & he may state r that c he canr assure his Excell of the recommendation of M M Gill M Richard- son, M r McGillivray & me the others I am sure of. M r Hamilton has informed me of his intentions respecting Charles which I am glad of but he thinks 6 he delays too long at Detroit I now write the Commod with best wishes for you Mrs Askin & family, health & Happiness believe me My D friend Yours Sinc[e]rely Isaac Todd P S if any of my property could be realised & paid Next Year it will be verry usefull to me perticularly what r is owing me being by your Ace* £905 York I am told M Chaboillez has resigned & as M r McGill corresponds with Gov r r Gore he now requests his appointing Johnny to succed M Chaboillez Addressed: John Askin Senr Esqr Sandwich Detroit Endorsed: Montreal d Decyr 20h 1806 Isaac d 6 Todd h Esqr to Jn° Askin recv y 26 Jan 1807 Answ y 27 69 The Bank of Detroit, authorized by act of the governor and judges on Sept. 19, 1806, was the first banking institution in Michigan and the only one until after the War of 1812. Its charter was annulled by Congress in 1807, and after a stormy career the institution went out of existence in 1808. See Burton, City of Detroit, 1701-1922, I, 622-27. 70 Francis Gore, lieutenant-governor of Upper Canada, June, 1806 to 1817, was bornin Blackheath, Kent, England, in 1769. He served as an officer in the army from 1787 to 1802, retiring with the rank of major. He was absent from Canada from 1811 to 1815, and his rule, when present, was stormy. After retiring to England, he served as deputy teller of the Exchequer from 1818 until 1832. He died in Brighton, Nov. 3, 1852. See Read, Lt. Govs. U. Can., 67 ff. 534 SECTION VII LETTERS AND PAPERS, 1807-1808 SOCIAL LIFE IN DETROIT 1 January the 7th 1807 Dear Brother, We arrived safe from Moravian Town the Sunday after we left you, & have been Dancing almost [constantly] since. Having been at a famous Dance last Evening at Cap* Burbanks2 where M r Mackintoshs Family, Nelly, and a party from the other side were, I am not in as good Order to write as at any other time. There is nothing new here worth mentioning several of the French Ladies on the other side are invited to the Detroit Assemblies however not one went to the last which has been the only one since you are gone. Nelly Grant's being unwell has prevented our Sister Nelly from going M r Eastman3 & Denham,4 are not yet gone perhaps waiting for M r Hanks's5 Wedding, he was Married to Miss i From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. z Jesse Burbank was a lake sailor, being mate of the Charlotte in 1797. From 1789 to December, 1800, he and Mary Sutton cohabited as man and wife and five children were born to them. Contention arising, they submitted the matter to James May, Jacob Visger, and Charles Curry as arbitrators, and on separating Jesse kept two of the children and Mary the remaining three. On June 6, 1803, Burbank was married at Fort Erie to Sarah Hickley by John Warren, for whom see B. H. R., I, 584. At the time of his death, which occurred prior to Aug. 3, 1814, Burbank was living in Buffalo, but his will was probated in Wayne County, where he owned a farm on the Rouge River. His widow survived him, and was still living at the time of taking the census of 1827. Data chiefly adapted from ms. notes by C. M. Burton in B. H. Coll. 3 Presumably Jonathan Eastman, who married Eleanor McNiff, daughter of Patrick and Catherine McNiff, on Oct. 16, 1808. For the career of Patrick McNiff, see B. H. R.t I, 424. Eastman became an ensign in the First Infantry, July 14, 1803. He later served as lieutenant in the First Artillery, and was honorably discharged, June 1, 1814. On Dec. II, 1818, Thomas Rowland, acting as agent for Eastman, filed a protest with the Governor and Judges of the Territory which indicates that Eastman was then living, and that both in January and in August, 1812, he had been present in Detroit. See Proc. of Land Board of Detroit, passim. 4 Probably Captain Josiah Dunham, who was stationed at Detroit as early as 1802. He became captain in the Sixteenth Infantry, Jan. 8, 1799, and was honorably discharged on June IS, 1800. On Feb. 16, 1801, he became captain in the Second Artillerists and Engineers; he resigned, April 30, 1808. 5 Porter Hanks, who became a second lieutenant in the artillery, Jan. 17, 1805, and first lieutenant, Dec. 31, 1806. In November of this same year, he was proceeding to Chi- cago with a detachment of troops on the schooner Tracy, when in Lake Huron the captain turned back to Detroit. Richard Pattinson of Sandwich had contracted to carry the troops to Chicago, and Captain Dyson, the commandant here, formally protested his failure to 537 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Peggy McNiff yesterday. I am glad of it particularly on Mra McNiffs account as she has a large Family to maintain. Many of your Friends beg to be remembered to you, Dedine's Family among the number. I have nothing more to add. I remain Dear Charles Your Affectionate Brother James Askin r P. S. M Barthe begs you will try and procure an Elk Skin for him. Addressed: M r Charles Askin at Niagara Endorsed: d th Jan y d7th 1807th James Askin to Ch8 Askin rec the 17 & answ the 18 SOCIAL LIFE IN DETROIT6 Near Sandwich Jan y 31 1807 Dear Brother MrPattinson's leaving this for New York furnishes us with an opportunity of writing you. it afforded us a great deal of pleasure to hear that you were well, when Langlois left Niagara he is highly pleased with the recep- tion he met with from you. Big Knife7 is in good Order considering such a Voyage as he has made. Robins was much pleased with r your Letter I delivered it to him the same Evening at M McIntoshes where O'Keeffe and several more of your Friends were Dancing, after having Danced fulfill his contract, which seems to have been occasioned by the unseaworthiness of the Tracy. For both Lieutenant Hanks and Margaret McNiff (daughter of Patrick and Cath- erine McNiff) the ending of the Tracy's voyage at Detroit instead of Chicago proved fate- ful, their marriage following, as here recorded, two months after Hanks's arrival here. In 1811, he was stationed at Mackinac, when the sudden death of Captain Howard, the com- mandant, brought about his assumption of that position. See post, 672-73. In July, 1812, he surrendered his post to the British-Indian force which Captain Charles Roberts led from St. Joseph Island against the place. Hanks was paroled and allowed to proceed to Detroit, where on August 16, shortly before the surrender, he was undergoing court- martial for his action at Mackinac when a cannon ball fired from across the river pene- trated the room and killed him instantly. His widow died, Dec. 14, 1869, at the age of eighty-three. For many years she had resided on the north side of Jefferson Avenue between Bates and Randolph streets. Data derived from sketch in Proc. of Land Board of Detroit, 177 and mss. in B. H. Coll., passim. 6 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 7 Big Knife was Charles Asian's horse. 538 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS two nights at Amherstburg. Duncan is offended with you for writing Robins preferably to him, altho I try'd to excuse you by saying Robins wrote you first. I will pay the small Debts you mention in your last, and take as much care of your Horses as I can. Robins was at a Dance at the Cote des Poux, last Week where your old Flame rendered herself rediculous by being too fond of Oliver, they were to be Married last Thursday but [it] is put off for a Day or two longer. Captain Dyson8 was Married to Miss Dodemead last Week. Poor Nancy McKee9 and Charles Brush10 were much burnt, the former by her Cloaths taking fire & latter falling in a kettle of Scalding Water, however there is no danger for their Lives. M r Louis Barthe begs you will try & procure for him two Elk Skins, as a cure for his Leg. Dedines Family begs to be remembered to you. having nothing more to add I must conclude by assuring you that I am Dear Charles your Affexionate Brother James Askin 8 Samuel T. Dyson was commissioned lieutenant in the First Artillerists and Engineers, Dec. 19, 1796. The date of h'is coming to Detroit has not been learned, but he was com- mandant here from August, 1805, to April, 1807, and was again stationed here as captain of artillery when Hull arrived with his army from Ohio in July, 1812. Farmer, Hist, of Detroit, passim. On Jan. 25, 1807, he married Ann Dodemead, daughter of John and Jane Murray Dodemead, for whom see B. H. R., I, 304. Ann Dodemead was born, Jan. 5, 1789, and died in 1850. During the War of 1812, Captain Dyson was in command of one of the forts in the vicinity of Washington, which he abandoned by reason of some mistake in instructions, thereby facilitating the capture of the city by the British. For this he was court-martialed and dismissed from the army, Nov. 17, 1814. He returned to Detroit to live and subsequently died here, leaving, besides his widow, two children, Samuel T. and Jane Dyson. Ann Dodemead married (second) Charles Jackson, and a daughter, Ann, was born to this couple. See sketch in Proc. of Land Board, 188, and mss. in B. H. Coll. 9 Marie Anne McKee (familiarly known as Nancy), natural daughter of Captain Thomas McKee, for whom see B. H. R., I, 376. Nancy was baptized in Sandwich, on March 4, 1800, and the record states that she was then three and one-half years old. A year later (July 28, 1801) Thomas made his will, but for some reason refrained from men- tioning Nancy in the document. In the spring of 1815, Mrs. McKee was with the family of George Hamilton in modern Hamilton, Ont., for a time, and in a letter home gave as a reason for delaying her return to Detroit the prospects of Nancy's marriage to a "fine young man," which obligated Mrs. McKee "more than ever to pay her a proper attention which commands respect from others." Apparently the marriage did not take place, since in October, 1815, Mrs. McKee expressed worry over Nancy's financial future. Data com- piled from letters in the John Askin papers and other mss. in the B. H. Coll. 10 Charles Brush was a son of Elijah Brush and Adelaide Askin, for whom see B. H. R., I, 207. He was born, Dec. 6, 1804, and died, Feb. 7, 1807, presumably from the effects of the accident here noted. On April 25, 1807, another Brush child was born, to whom the name Charles Reuben was given. He was later a prominent citizen of Detroit. Data derived from ms. notes by C. M. Burton on Brush genealogy in B. H. Coll. 539 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS P. S. Alexr being on the other side does not know off this opportunity otherwise would write. Mr. Charles Askin at Queenston Addressed: M r Charles Askin at Queenston favoured by Rich Pattinson Esqr d Endorsed: Cezar is dead his disorder the Bots. REMOVAL OF MR. AND MRS. MEREDITH TO HALIFAX Woolwich Feby 1 1807 My dear Sir We were made vastly happy by your kind letter [which] arrived with the Fall ships and sincerely re- joice at the excellent account it affords of your Health and that of all The Family. We have upon the whole been toss'd a good deal about since you saw us, and I had expec- tations that our future days would be somewhat more sta- tionary but a soldiers life is never certain, therefore we Must be content with it's lot. since My Promotion to Liu* Colonel in the Regiment I have had hints Not to look upon myself11 as a fixture, and it has so turned out that My Lord Moira has ordred me to proceed to Halifax and take Command of the Royal Artillery in Nova Scotia—a situation certainly desireable being a Healthy Climate and some allowances that may assist our circumstances, the Command in Canada had been long applied for by a Senior officer whose Mother resides at Quebec a L* Colonel Cox. therefore altho I inter- ested myself to obtain it, the priority of right and a promise long made precluded the possibility of my succeeding (for the present) in my wishes, however we are coming much nearer to you than in England and I hope with Gods blessing we shall do well, it is a nice and very Ostensible Command and a cheap Country, matters not to be let pass, for really every thing in England is so enormously dear that with a Family it is almost impossible to live in the requisite line we ii Francis Rawdon Hastings, first Marquis of Hastings and second Earl of Moira, was born, Dec. 9, 1754. He entered the army as ensign in August, 1771, and two years later was sent to America, where he served for several years. On June 15, 1778, he became lieu- tenant colonel and adjutant general of the army in America. In 1781, he defeated General Greene at Hobkirk's Hill, and sailed for home that summer. His further career was long and distinguished. In 1803, he became a general, and in 1812, Governor-General of Bengal and Commander-in-Chief in India. He died at sea, Nov. 26, 1826, in the vicinity of Naples. See Diet. Nat. Biog. 540 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS must appear. My Son David I hope to see in the Royal Military Academy, before our departure or nearly so. Lord Moira has been very civil to me about him, and when he has attained his Commission he will be sent out [as] an officer under my Command, our Two daughters accompany us to Halifax. I should think (by way of the States) we might hear often from you and perhaps be able to take a trip and see you. we just learn that the Russians & Prussians have given Bonepatre a very sound drubbing but we wait the officiality of the News. I think it will prove true, and then depend upon it things will take another turn with him. Respecting the Politicks of this Country, [there is] nothing, very interesting, the minister speaks of our Finances being in a very flourishing state, but as to Peace there is not the smallest idea of [it]. Beuonos Ayres retaken by the Spaniard and Sir Home Popham in disgrace for having undertaken the Expedition against it without orders. I have nothing to add, worth observing and My dear Archange has demanded the residue of the Paper. I therefore cheerfully obey her orders, and with best regards to the worthy Commodore M rs Grant and all the Family united I remain always, My dear Sir, Truly & faithfully yours David Meredith L*Colonel R Ay[?] r J Askin Esq &c My dear Father, You may conceive the happiness I ex- perienced on the receipt of your and my dear M rs McKee's letters mentioning the good health of all my beloved Family I have also had a confirmation of the same thro one of my Cousin Mercers who had recd a letter from you they are I am pleased to say in good health and tolerable spirits but my poor Aunt feels her loss very keenly12 and we much lament that our want of room and pecuniary circumstances prevent us the pleasure of haveing them with us as [torn] Sea stock we shall be compelled to provide an [torn] a variety of other matters indispensable on a voyage with a suitable assortment of wearing apparel to take out with us will i i The allusion is to Mrs. Mercer (n£e Phyllis Barthe) whose husband, Captain Daniel Mercer, had recently died. 541 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS necessarily sink a certain portion of Cash it therefore be- hoves one to consider the most economical plan to pursue and to avoid any unnecessary expence whilst we remain in England. I am much gratified at the prospect of going to Halifax as it will bring me so much nearer my esteemed Parents and please God we may probably contrive some means of seeing Each other during the time of our stay there. My principal regret at quitting this Country will be at leav- ing our dear David who is however extremely well disposed and has made us solemn assurances of steadiness of conduct and attention to his studies during our absence I therefore trust he will by that means obtain his comission in the space of two or three years and join us at Halifax I am happy to say we have some sincere friends who have promised to befriend him I therefore trust he will do well. I have13had much conversation n lately with Col1 Howard Douglass who was Capt in the Artillery and some time in Canada he quitted the corps about five years ago and ob- tained a situation in a military Academy at a place called Wickham in Buckinghamshire he has espoused a very accomplished Woman and appears himself a worthy man he mentioned you all frequently with kindness rs and thinksn my Daughter Anne very like my sister M Brush Capt Adye14 used to say the same Little Elizabeth delights in the idea of our intended Expedition Children are fond of novelty. She is always sick in a Carriage and I fear she will be so in a ship, you will I trust excuse this uninteresting 13 Sir Howard Douglas was born in Gosport, England, in 1776. He attended the Royal Military Academy, and in 1795 was sent on an expedition to Quebec. The transport was wrecked, the survivors escaping to the Labrador coast, and Douglas remained four years in Canada. We have no knowledge of his presence in Detroit, save the evidence contained in the present letter. He commanded the Royal Military Academy from 1804 to 1808 and again from 1812 to 1822. From 1823 to 1829, he was Lieutenant-Governor of New Bruns- wick, being recalled to assist his government in preparing the British case for the arbitra- tion by the King of the Netherlands of the disputed Maine-New Brunswick boundary. He spent most of the remainder of his life in England, where he died, Nov. 9, 1861. See Wallace, op. cit. 14 Ralph Willet Adye became a second lieutenant in the Royal Artillery Regiment, Jan. 1, 1781, first lieutenant on Nov. 26, 1790, and captain lieutenant on March 6, 1795. He was in Canada as early as 1792, when he was engaged in engineer work at Detroit. There- after he served in the anti-American operations on the Detroit-Maumee frontier, assisting Lieutenant Pilkington in fortifying Fort Miamis and Turtle Island in Maumee Bay. In October, 1794, he was ordered to supervise the building of a blockhouse at Chatham. He later attained the rank of major. He died in 1831. See Simcoe Papers, passim; British army lists, passim; and Mich. Pio. Colls., XXIII, passim. 542 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS 'letter and remain assured my dearest Father of the unalter- able affection (towards yourself My beloved Mother and all the dear Family) of your ever loving Daughter A Meredith r Addressed: To John Askin Esq Merch* at Detroit Upper Canada To the care of Messrs Todd & McGill Merch* at Montreal Lower Canada Via New York Endorsed: Wool[w]ich Feby 1 1807 L* Col Meredith to Jn° Askin recv y 14 June Answd ye 5 October. d r h COMMERCIAL DIFFICULTIES IN MONTREAL15 Montreal 24 March 1807 My dear Askin I received your letter a few days ago. I am sorry to hear of M* Brushes Misfortune in loosing his Boy. I have wrote two letters to him since I had any from him. Lawyers you know dont like to write without being paid for their trouble. I am much afeard r your courts are very slow in desiding Causes, but hope M Brush will not neglect the Needfull, for the sooner this business is settl'd the better. I have not wrote to him for some time, you give but little incouragement respecting our Land buseness. this country is all going to destruction. Lester & Managh are bankrupts, Ten thousand pound of their Bills coming back, which will fall heavily on Individuals, many of my friends involved, that scoundrel Bonepart has seized all all the British property in Europe, amongst which is fifty thousand pound, due to this Country for furs purchased last Winter in London and not paid for, nor ever will, by letter, I received of the 10 January from London they say all the deer, Bears, Raccoons, Martins, which went home last fall, cannot be sold at any price, therefore they have put them in the Kings stores & Bonded them, to save paying the dutys untill Bonepart makes peace or dies. I like many more fools speculated in Bears, but fortunately not many, accounts say Congress has refusd to ratify a Treaty which has been made between the Americans & England. Todd is gone to the States to seek amusement and get rid of the 15 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 543 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS vapours, you are happy in being a farmer. I wish I was one. was I not so old I would be one yet. I see a storm gathering which will excceed 84, and nothing can save us except a general shour of half Joes, the Yankees takes all our money out of the Country, the Indian Traders, all except the Nort[h]west, unless a speedy change [comes] must all go to the right about all trad[e] here seeme to be at a stand, no money, and you cannot say who you can Trust, up to day & down tomorrow. John Lees,16 one of the King Council, director of the Indian store for which he received of Goverment near £500 pr Annum, died a few days past considerably in my debt for sundries this winter which he cbought, and it is said he will never pay anything. James M Gill is just arrived from Quebec where he has been at the assembly & Councel doing nothing. Frobisher is well, but Lesters business falls hard on him. M rs Henry has been unwell most of the Winter, my daughter in Health and me, old & Tough. I cant complain for want of health, eat & Sleep well, think of you somtimes. wish you would come down and see us. a voyage would do you good, I am sure it would me. I dont know but I may go to see you yet before I die. If I could make business enough to pay expences. you say you cannot speake to Mr Brush on business surely if you asked him whether he had recoverd any thing he would say yes or no. you will be tired before you get half throughrs this letter, all my family desires to be rememberd to M Askin & every branch of yours, and so does your old freind Alexander Henry r Addressed: John Askin Esq Sandwich Detroit Endorsed: Montreal 1 e March h 24h 1807 d e h Alexr Henry Esqr to Jn° Askin recv* y 24 April Answ y 7 May. 16 John Lees Jr. was the son of John Lees who was a merchant of Quebec as early as 1764 and a prominent citizen of the place for ten years thereafter. His Journal of J. L. of Quebec, Merchant, edited by M. Agnes Burton, was published in Detroit in 1911. His son, our present subject, served as a captain of British militia during the Revolution. He later engaged in trade, in 1791 became a member of the Legislative Assembly, and in 1796 of the Executive Council. In April, 1795, he was appointed storekeeper of the Indian Department, holding this office until his death, when he left his accounts in much confusion. See Journal of J. L., 7 and 31. 544 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS FROM JOHN ASKIN TO ISAAC TODD AND JAMES MCGILL Near Sandwich March 25th 1807 My Dear Friends, Thanks to God & you I enjoy both Health of Body & Peace of mind which has not been the Case for many Years I have not had any dissorders yet the mind has great influence on the Body. I have wrote one or both of you almost every Post. I got a Letter yesterday from M r Brush saying that he would now get Deeds from the American Government for the Lots gave in Exchange for those you held in the Town of Detroit. The misunderstandings between the Governor, Chief Justice, &ca who are Commissioners for Granting Lands has retarded that Business at Detroit very much but I'm now in hopes things will change for the better. I believe Congress has heretofore not decided on Claims in & about DEtroit untill they heard whither or no their mis- understandings with the British Government would be settled to their likeing and as that has now taken place I should hope that their Government would Act with liber- ality in their decissions on Claims belonging to British Subjects. I'ts to be lamented much that our Government at Home has not been made acquainted with the situation of British Subjects who resided at Detroit. I dare say it would have been an easy matter to have inserted in the new Treaty that all British Subjects Claiming Lands at DEtroit prior to the Evacuation of that Post would be confirmed in their Claims, it would not have been an Object worth the American Minister at London contending for. Lieu* Governor Gore has been pleased to say that as soon as Monsr Chabouillez gives in his resignation Johny shall have his Appointment of Interpreter and Store Keeper at the Island of S* Josephs, to Your Recommendation I have little doubt this is oweing principally. Though the Commodore & M r Hamilton both were so kind as to recommend him, His Excellency has also been pleased to Appoint me Trustee of a Public School to be Errected in the District & likewise sent a Commission for me to Administer Oaths throughout the Whole of the Province of Upper Canada. As I have not yet seen the 545 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Commission I cant well say of what Nature it is, but I understand its giving me an Authority to do some act that could only be done by the Judges of the Court of Kings Bench. To you my Dear Friends, I must be indebted for this preference given by the Governor, for of me he could not know much. I by this opportunity send his Secretary a list of the Names of those who made their Election to continue British Subjects at Detroit prior to the first of June 1797. Agreeable to our Treaty with the United States, my [reason for] doing so is that in his Proclamation he seems very desirous to know those who adhered to the British Government. There is one situation in this Quarter by which I might make something & I believe the Duties of which I could fullfill, but on account of my Health I would not dare risk and that is District Judge, the present One is going away I hear, & if the place is not promised, Im sure I would obtain it, indeed I'm sure I could many Years ago. I mention this, least you who I know [are] always, on the Watch to serve me might without saying anything to me apply for it on hearing of its being vacant. I was for two Reasons induced to put my Son Alexr at r M Brush's to learn the Profession of a Lawyer rather than to anyone in the Province the first was that I believe M r Brush's profesional knowledge at least equal to any Lawyer we have, but there seems to be an Act that whoever does not serve his time in this Province is excluded from pleading in it. This However I should hope would not extend to my Son who is an Officer in the British Militia and does his Duty as such & does all others as if residing on this Side & who has constantly refused several Offers made him by the Governor on the other side if he would become a Citizen. I'm very desirous to know Lieu* Gover- nor Gores Sentiments on this subject & for that purpose requested M r Hamilton to mention the matter, if either of You should meet His Excellency I wish You would broach the Subject to him. Whatever May be my Intentions when I begin my Letter, I never can write you a Short one. I must always trouble you with my wants and wishes, Which probably may con- 546 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS tinue to be the Case, untill there is an End of, Your Gratefull Friend Isaac Todd & James McGill, Esquires Merchants at Montreal DEATH OF WILLIAM ROBERTSON Queenston March 28th 1807 Dear Father I take the earliest opportunity of acquaint- ing you with M r William Robertson's death, who it appears by John's letter to William ended his days in London some time in December, he had been persuaded not to drink, & for some time did not; but he was very much harassed by his credittors. There is some dispute about the wills he left, but which was to be decided a few days after John wrote, it's thought by him that William & himself would be the agents of the Executors, to settle the bussiness in America. I would wish to get the papers which are in the small box I left with you, as well as the books belonging to the deceased which are in it, but the patents had better remain with you untill I go up, which this circumstance will make it necessary for me to do, some time in the summer. I beg you will send the papers down the first safe opportunity, as I will be able to prepare them for the Agent before I go up, although I do not intend to deliver them un[t]ill I see you, or have your Advice. William's discharge to you, for the debt due his Uncle, has been in M r Hamilton's hands, since some time before I came down. I do not know why he has not sent it up to you. John mentions in his letter having seen the Meredith & Mercer family's Cap* Mercer had then been dead about a month and the family talked of coming out to Canada. M r Hamilton has been unwell most all winter rs& is obliged to alter his diet, and not live so high, he and M H. intend visiting the Ballstown springs next summer. I have nothing more to add but to beg, you will give my kind love to my Dear Mother, my Brothers & Sisters And Believe me to be Dear Father Your dutifull & affectionate Son Charles Askin . 547 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS John Askin Senior Esquire Strabane Sandwich Addressed: John Askin Senior Esquire. Sandwich Endorsed: Queenstond March e h 28h 1807d eM r h Charles Askin to Jn° Askin recv y 8 April Answ y 10 SENIORITY IN MILITIA SERVICE Strabane April 27h 1807 Dear Sir I was favoured with a Letter from you the day before yesterday covering the Coppy of one you wrote Com- modore Grant on the 16 Ins* Relative to his giving you a Company in the Militia. You request of me jointly with him to say if there is Impropriety in the Letter you wrote him. I say, and I dare say he would the same, That there is not, as what you Ask for you do not wish he would Grant, if there was Impropriety in him in doing so. from the late L* Governor Hunters Orders to him he is positively directed not to put a Junior Officer Over a Senior but that promotion should go On regularly. This Order he had left at my House but took back yesterday & will shew it to you if you wish, by this you will see, that he has it not in his power to give the highest Rank to the fitest persons to serve as Officers in the Militia and once when he Intended (by my Advance) to make Cap* Harrow L* Col. over Major Parent17 (a Most Iliterate good Man that could not speak a word of English) it so offended, even the officers that did not belong to the same Battallion, that they wrote a joint Letter as a Com- plaint to the Commodore which Letter he laid before his Excellency and I supose produced the Order I Aluded to. As to matters of Right & Agreeable to Law so far as I Under- stand it If you were a Lieu* in the Regular Service and taken into the Militia, there you would ranck as oldest Lieu* & if a Company fell Vacant the next day you should get it in the same manner as Cap* McKee became Major, he by right came in Oldest Cap* There was no L* Col. Bap* Baby was Major & therefore made L* Col. & Cap* McKee as Oldest Cap* Major. For my own part I do not think in Order to carry On the Service well that in all cases 17 For the several Parent lines in Detroit, see B. H. R., I, 418. The individual here noted has not been identified. 548 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS the Senior Officer should be promoted; Otherwise had major Parent not resigned (from his Own knowledge of his Inabilities.) My L* Col would be a good Man that can Neither read write nor speak English or had any wish to be a Militia Officer, yet this man must have Commanded when I was not present. I do not hesitate to say that I am per- suaded the Commodore would prefer you to several of his Captains, but was he to do so & the Law not suport him he would subject himself to further complaint, and I'm sorry to Observe that many of the Militia officers are One day for not puting any one Over an Others head (as I sometimes found) and at Others wish to Exclude Inability Drunkness &ca however the late Governors directions on this Head I supose will be the rule by which the L* of the County will go Unless the present L* Governor may think proper to Order Otherwise I am Dear Sir truly yours JA Docr Richardson at Amherstburgh Endorsed: Strabane April 27h 1807 Jn° Askin to Docr Richardson at Amherstburgh (Coppy) PAYMENT OF CHURCH SUBSCRIPTION June 1st 1807 Dear Sir: I could not have thought that a Gentleman could have pressed an other as you have done me for 40/ which I did not contract. My Son said he would pay. if he does not I will perhaps be able to collect so much some place. I acted very different with you last year when you wrote me for forbearance of what you owed M r Robertson I am Y. Humble Servant P.S. Moran the mason owes me £14 odd & put me off saying he could not get payment from you. Endorsed: June l 8t 1807 Jn° Askin to the Reverand Richrd Pollard at Sandwich Coppy 549 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS PAYMENT OF CHURCH SUBSCRIPTION Sandwich June 1 1807 Sir I am sorry to have given you so much trouble about ther 40/ please to pass it to my Credit, in my Acct. withr M Robertson my Rent was passed ron by Morin to M Woods, which I paid, & I do not owe M Morin one farthing. I am Sr your most obed serv* R Pollard J Askin Esq Addressed: John Askin Esquire Strabane Endorsed: June 1* 1807 Rev R. Pollard to Jn° Askin. REMOVAL OF JOHN ASKIN JR. TO ST. JOSEPH River S* Clair 19h June 1807 My Dear Father We arrived here at 5 oClock & passed over the Bar without unloading or any difficulty the Wilkinson was behind us across the lake Captain Mills on approaching the Bar shortened sail & let the W. pass in ab* 5 minutes after she passed us she struck which gave Cap* M an opportunity of finding a passage immediately, the W is now behind us as well as the Tracy. Inclosed you have Letters for J.S. which I request you'll forward after you have enclosed the draft that M r H. McKay is to deliver you. I think it [illegible] adviseable to send one of them to Queenston to the Care of Thos Clark he will forward [torn] delay Madelaine is in tolerable good spirits Con- sidering her parting with the friends who have always afforded her relief when in sorrow & distress. I will write you again from Harrows remember me to my D r M[other], sister & Brothers I remain D r Father yr dutiful Son Jn° Askin J r Addressed: John Askin Esqr Strabane Endorsed: River S* Clair d e Juneh ye 19 Jn° Askin Jun r to Jn° Askin Senior. Answ y 27 550 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS APPOINTMENT TO CLERKSHIP AT ST. JOSEPH S* Joseph's 22d June 1807 My Dear Father, This goes by Le Gros Fusil an Ottawa Chief & his Band who are on their way to Amherstburg, This man is well acquainted with you he says, his Son wintered with Cap* McKee last winter & knows James & Alexander having mentioned their names several times since his return to this. No doubt but they will request a Drink (if so) please let them have a Gallon of Whisky & I'll make it good to you again, & a few Loaves of bread should they be in want, I mean two or three Loaves. As the Governor is with you I beg that you'll have the Good- ness to employ those who are his favorites to endeavour to obtain the Clerkship for me, as an Interpreter is on his way to this, which will reduce my pay to 4/8 H per day & not sufficient to support me much less to pay my debts. As your the best Judge of what is to be done I shall wait, impatiently for an answer on that subject by the first Vessel. I wrote you on the 17th which will go by the Nancy Now on her return from S* Marys. If Sam is as desirous now of coming to see me, as he was last Winter, he can take a passage with these Indians when they return. Madelaine joins me in best wishes for Your & my Dear Mothers Health & prosperity, our Love to My Brothers & Sisters I remain My Dear Father Your dutiful Son r Jn° Askin J r John Askin Esq Strabane Addressed: John Askin Esquire Strabane Upper Canada By the Great Gun an Ottawa Chief Endorsed: S* Josephd 22hd June 1807 1 John 6 th Askin Jun r to John Askin Recv the 7 July answ* y 11 LAND TITLES AND MILITIA ACTIVITIES Strabane June 27 1807 Dear Sir, About the thtime I wrote you last, I had a Letter from you dated the 24 of May with much News which I thank you for. I hear Captain Gilkinson is like to get a SSI BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS handsome situation. I'm glad of it he takes good care of his Family. I saw Woods on his way down from Gross Point the day before yesterday, he had been up to bring down Mrs Woods who was there on a Visit: he says they are all tolerable well andrs by him I find that Captain Dyson has not yet paid M Grant. I therefore now write M r Brush on the subject. Nothing further has yet been done about Robert- son's Debt to you. the last Plann was to seize money in M r May's hands as I wrote you also the Lots when the Deeds comes out. they have not yet Issued. M r William Robertson of Queenston declines going [doing] anything further relative to his Late Uncle, as I suppose the Lawyers have told him it would not be lawfull now the Death of his Uncle is Public & I believe that to be the Case. There seems to be nothing but difficulties to prevent a man from geting his dues, and I think more on the other side than this, however with a Vast Quantity of Patience all may yet come right. The money due rYoum cannot be lost because the Debt is clear, and the late M W Robertson left a good deal of Property yet it may be some time before you get it. all I fear is rong on the other side. I would not be surprised if the Governor who I have always liked should loose his place and the Secretary get it. I have sent the return for the 4 th June to the Deputy Lieu* of the County only yesterday. John going away and our Adjutant being Young in Office threw us something back, the Militia behaved remarkably wellr and fired like regular Troops (when they Fire well) M Park compli- mented us by bringing a small Piece with some men he mustered on a Hill and fired 21 Rounds. I think he has for many Years past sorely lamented the Letter he wrote you and got others to Sign. If You thought proper to restore him and and make him a Captain of Artillery still belonging to my Corps I would spare him some men. as the late Governor you told me always assented to having one of the companies Mounted I can now do it without any Additional expence and as they will be mostly Canadians should the Service require sending a party to some distance by means of their going on Hor[s]e Back it could be soon effected. 552 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS for this purpose I have chosen young LaButte'es Company under the Command of Major M c Kee I do not from this mean that either them or the Artillery should be separate Corps but all still belong to my Regiment or rather Legion I suppose it would then be called. I have chosen a sett of fine young Men for Captain Pattinson's light Infantry and he is [to] let them have their Clothes for first Cost and expences. Maisonville and Woods means to do the same we therefore hope soon to make a pretty appearance should the Lieu* Governor Honor us with a Visit. I cannot get Scarlett but M r s Grant having gave her Cloak to Mother [illegible], I will get that which is better than such Scarlett as is now imported. When you find his Excellency at leasure you can mention these Planns respecting the Militia to him By a Letter from M r Hamilton I expected to have seen Alexr Grant before this, what Joy his mother will experience on his arrival. Doct r Richardson has been very unwell and [is] still weak. The rest of our Family [are] in tolerable health which Blessing may you long enjoy is the sincere wish of My Dear Sir Your sincere Friend The Honorable Alexr Grant Esq r at York Endorsed: Strabane June 27, 1807 John Askin Sen to The Honorable Alexr Grant Esq r at York (Copy) CONDITIONS AT ST. JOSEPH S* Joseph's 4 th July 1807 My Dear Father I will not undertake to give you a detail of our Voyage to this as my Dear Madelaine has done it fully I believe to my Dear Mother, nor will I distress you nor my relations in detailing the horrid Ideas I have of the Island. I may reconcile myself to it in time, but the Mo- ment that I have accumulated a Sufficiency to Pay my debts & purchase a good Situation near you I shall depart unless some unforseen accident should happen in the interim. Old Chaboiller Seems to be very happy of my relieving him. he says that he will go to lower Canada in One Month. I have not as yet taken charge of the Store but a Survey is 553 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS to be held on the 6th for that Purpose I'm told the Poor Old man will be in arrears & will not be able to account for the defficiency however as that part does not concern me it will only involve him in difficulties & he can easily get over them as no Security has been taken of him for the due perform- ance of that Office. Doctr Geddis has been very attentive to us & Mrs G has enquired repeatedly of Nellys welfare. The Makina Gen- tlemen18 have not made their appearance as yet Their Agents have Obtained a large spot of Ground for a town, a number of their men are at work in Clearing & rafting timber to build in time it may become a decent place but the Garrison never will I'm afraid I mean the fort as Its on a spot surrounded by Rocks only. The gentlemen of the Garrison appear to be decent & well inclined to be sociable. No Kind of fruit is got on this Island or the adjacent shore but Wrasberries, therefore please tell Brush that I expect he will send me Apples & Cyder in abundanc[e] & I will send him in return white fish. I have not obtained any sugar yet, my Stores being left behind. If I had brought wth me the Coin of this Country call'd Whisky I might have exchanged enough to supply myself & friends with a Suffici-r ent Store, tho the Price of it at wholesale is 8/& 9/r P Gallon & byd Smaller quantities 12/& 14/ Spirits 4°/ P D° —Sugar rec in payment at lyi H x Cy. Should the price increase & that I find something handsome may be made in the Spring, I will advise you timely that James may take a Trip to this with a few Barrels. A few good Bills on Montreal can be got at times but all Adventurers must take advantage of the times of the Season. I'm fully persuaded that if any person had arrived at [the right] time with a small assortment of Groceries he would have made exceedingly well as no Store is at present errected. I should have recommended a tryal if the South West C°19 were not abuilding. they seem to be all about Makina & 18 For the manner in which the South West Company evolved from the older Michilimackinac Company, see B. H. R., I, 278. See, also, Wayne E. Stevens, "Fur- Trading Companiesin the Northwest, 1760-1816" M. V. H. A., Proc, 1916-17, p. 287 ff. 19 The South West Company is commonly said to have been organized by John Jacob Astor in 1811. The present document seems to indicate that an organization employing this name was operating in the Northwest as early as 1807. 554 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS pay little or no attention to this place, its probable they may be here after they have Celebrated the independancy of the U S. Young Badishon was to have given me a Yew & Lamb for a note of hand I had of his but he went away before I left Amherstburg for River Thames. I inclosed his note to Johnney (Query, if he has paid him if he has not I beg that James may use his influence if he thinks the N. W C° Vessel will take them. Madelaine embraces you & my Dear Mother with all her heart & joins me in prayers for your preservation & all the family I remain My Dear Father Yr Dutiful Son Jn° Askin J r P. S. Madelaine informs me that you labour'd under a difficulty to discharge a small debt that if it was not liqui- dated & as Captn Mills offered to purchase the Lot he got of you, You'll be pleased to give me immediate notice & I will have the Money ready at your Command. Madelaine begs of my D r M° to send her some prickley Ash seed as none can be procured near this. Addressed: John Askin Esquire Strabane P r Captr Mills Endorsed: S* Josephesd e July st 4h 1807 d Jn° Askin h Junor to Jn° Askin Senior Rec y 21 and answ the 18 Aug* DIFFICULTIES OF WILLIAM MONFORTON Sandwich 24 Julliet 1807 Monsieur vous etes le Seul qui Sensible a mon infortune, ayant volu me visiter Dans la prison, m'a temoigne y prendre part, je Sai que cette marque de votre Generosite part d'un bon Coeur, aussi ma Reconnaissance est 'elle veritable Les hommes dites vous ne Sont pas aujourdhuy Ce qu'ils 6taint hier, Et ne seront pas demain Ce qu'ils Sont aujourd- huy, que par consequant il faut Essuiyer Souvant pour Rencontrer le jour favorable et je dis qu'on avu en Europe des ours et des lions aussi tractables que les animaux Domestiques mais on n'a Jamais vu apprivoiser des tigres. 555 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Comme tels je regarde Ceux qui Sacrifiant tout, meme leur propre interest a la vengence; violent les Loix Sacrees de L'humanit6 et du Christianisme vous ajoutes que C'est facheux pour un Chretien de vivre Comme je fais, Si miserablement, et si longtems. je suis Chretien, et je sai que Jesus Christ, mourant pour moi Sur la croix a pardonne et prie pour ses Bourreaux; pourquoi ne pardonnerais je pas aux miens et ne prierais je pas pour Eux. puisse Le Dieu des vengences les pardonner, et Leur Rendre autant de Biens et de joie, qu'ils ont fait du tort, et Cause du Chagrin a ma famille— Une Epouse qu'ils ont rendue veuve du vivant de son Epoux et qui trop souvant arrosant de ses larmes le chemin de ches Elle a la Prison, disons mieux du Lieu ou elle fait sa Residence (car un Des deux qui pretendaint Droit Sur la terre et maison S'en 6st Empare le premier;) n'apporte a Son triste Epoux que des pleurs, que le long Espace de deux ans n'a pu tarir, et qui Sont pour lui autant des reproaches d'avoir Signe la ruine de sa famille avec la perte de sa Liberte. Cette Epouse dis je n'est a leurs yeux qu un Nouveau et agreable Sacrifice a leur vengence. C'e^t ainsi Monsieur que voulant Eviter un Ecueuil je Suis tombe dans un autre-la peur de la prison m'y a Conduit, et la mort m'en sortira Eternal Createur Dieu puissant et supreme! temoin de ma Langeur, de ma douleur Extreme! Arbitre de mes jours sois touche de mon sort, Brise vite mes Chaines, ou donne moi la Mort! Que me sert en Effet, Cet air, Cette lumiere, Qui Eclaire De mes maux la funeste Carriere! Pardonne. . . O Dieu puissant! . . . ma douleur de trahit! J'adhore tes decrets, et mon Coeur y souscrit. Augmente si tu veus L'horreur de ma misere, A tes ordres, Envain je voudrais me soustraire Quel horrible tourment Sbranlerait la foi D'un Coeur qui de t'aimer fait son unique Loi. Mais ou memporte LEcces de mon chargrin! pour quoi abuser de votre complaisance en vous fatiguant par un Long Ecrit, encore ose je vous adresser un papier pour demander votre avis, vous priant, si vous juges utille d en 556 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS faire usage, de rayer Ce que vous trouveres hors de propos Continuant mes voeux pour votre Sant6 et la prosperite de votre famille j'ai L'honneur dEtre avec Respect Monsieur votre tres humble et obst Serviteur Gllm Monforton qr Colonel Askin E Sandwich Addressed: Colonel John Askin Esqr Sandwich Endorsed: Sandwich 24th July 1807 Monsr Monforton to John Askin. Translation Sandwich, July 24, 1807 Sir: You alone feel for me in my distress and your visit to me in prison proves your solicitude for my fate.20 Such kindness can proceed only from a generous heart and of this I have had sincere evidence. Men, you say, are not the same today as yesterday, nor will tomorrow find them as they are today. One must, therefore, meet each day as best one can. In Europe bears and lions have been tamed and made tractable as domes- tic animals, but never has a tiger been so tamed. As tigers I regard these people who sacrifice everything, even personal interest, to their revenge, violating the sacred laws of humanity and of Christian charity. You think it deplorable for a Christian to live thus wretchedly for so long a time. I am a Christian and I know that Jesus Christ, when dying for me upon the cross, pardoned and prayed for his executioners; why, then, should I not pardon and pray for mine? May the God of Vengeance pardon them and render them good and happiness in proportion to the injury and pain they have inflicted upon me and mine. zo Askin had undertaken to befriend the writer, whose misfortunes were occasioned by a dispute over real estate. In a letter of June 29, 1807, preserved among the Askin papers, Monforton explains that Jacques Bezer Jr. had sold to Monforton's son a tract of land Monforton had formerly purchased of Bezer's father, and had mortgaged to Gregor McGregor. Monforton claimed that he had been intimidated into signing the mortgage by the threats of McGregor, and that the latter by unjust measures had secured possession of Monforton's home and property "up to the very bed of my wife." Whatever legal justi- fication there may have been for McGregor's course, the present correspondence discloses some of the ill effects which flowed from laws permitting imprisonment for debt. 557 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS A wife whom they have deprived of a living husband, and who often waters with her tears the road to the prison from her home—let us say rather from the place of her abode, since one of those two who claim a right to the land and house has possession of the first—brings to her sad husband only tears which the long interval of two years cannot dry and which are just so many reproaches to him for having signed the ruin of his family with the loss of his liberty. Her distress is to them a constant and pleasing tribute to their malignant purpose. Thus have I fallen upon one rock while seeking to avoid another. The fear of prison has brought me to it and only death can give me release. Eternal God, most powerful and supreme, Be witness of my pain, my misery extreme! Arbiter of my days, in pity for my fate, Break quickly now my chains or give me death. What serves, me thus the air, the light of sun, Shining but to reveal the wrongs that I have borne? Pardon, O, God Supreme! Misfortune maddens me! I worship Thy decrees and bow submissively. Augment then, if Thou wilt, the anguish of my days, Nor would I ask nor wish for one day less. What torment of despair to shatter thus a faith That knew but Love for Thee with every breath. But whither is my excess of grief leading me! Thus to impose upon your kindness and weary you by many words! Yet I venture to send you an address and to ask your advice about it, begging you, if you judge it worth using, to cancel anything you may find improper. With renewed prayers for your welfare and for the happi- ness of your family, I have the honor to remain With respect, dear sir, Your very humble and obedient servant, William Monforton Colonel Askin, Esq., Sandwich. 558 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS DIFFICULTIES OF WILLIAM MONFORTON A L honorable francois Gore Ecuyer Gouveneur de la Province du haut Canada plaise a votre honeur Cedidit in sillam volens Evitare Caribdim Gauillaume Monforton Ecuyer Major du Bataillon du Sud E. M. languit depuis deux ans dans la prison de Sandwich Le Conseil Legislatif n ayant prevu ni passe aucune act pour remedier ceux incovenients que le defaut d une cour d Equity pourroit occasione surtout dans ce district, qui com- pose la majeure partie d un pays le peu au fait des Loix peut se trouver Expos6 a L'injustice et Linnoncence opprimee Le Suppliant s etant trouv6 presse en 1805 par deux Creanci6rs pour dettes contractees depuis vingt et six ans, et les aurait satisfait tous les deux si par le Delai que Lun lui donnait pour Contanter Lautre, cet autre eut ete d humeur d attendre quoique les deux eussent laiss trible le Capital en laissant accumuller interest Sur interest mais le dernier sacriiiant Son interest lui disant quil le Loyerait pour le reste de sa vie, il le mit en prison, ou en depit L'un de L'autre ils se repaissent Fun et lautre du Barbare plaisir de le faire mourir en Langeur Sans aucun Egard ni Com- passion pour Sa famille Un viellard de 70 ans dont 28 passes au Service du Roi a—il pu— meriter un tel traittement! II faut done qu'il attende Son Elargissement de Son innocence qui ne peut se manifester, que remontant au prem- ier terns, un examen de ses anciennes affaires les fasse paraitre dans leur veritable lumiere mais la cour d'Equite ne peut S'Etablir dans cette province il faut done qu il se determine a Subir L'horrible sentence que Ce Creancie a prononce en le metant en prison a moins que Son honneur le Gouverneur de cette Province en Conseil; de sa Grace, Credit, et autorite ne trouve quelque Expediant pour faire changer ou du moin temper6 une Loi qui donne Droit de mors a un Creancier Souvant injuste. plaise a votre honneur prendre en piti6 une veuve du vivant de son Epoux et Les Enfants orphelins du vivant de leur pere et qui avec Ce pere trop infortune joignant leur 559 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS faibles accents a la voix Generall du peuple nombreux qui ne peut que se flater du plus heureux avenir sous votre Gouvernement; ne Cesseront &c N. B. Le porteur est extrement inquit et en quelque facon deconcerte Surtout dans Lidee ou le doute qu il a, Si Lavocat Allet m'ayant si mal servi la premiere fois fera mieux a Cette derniere action je vous prie de le rassurer et le flattir dune bonne reussite M r Allan est venu me sonder et paraissant prendre a coeur l'interet pour mon fils ma dit que ne faisant pas son Com- parution a Loffice du Depute Clerk il pardrait et qu'il etoit surpris que Lauyer Allet ne leut pas faite pour lui. dites lui la raison pourqoi Lawyer Allet a prefere denvoyer a York Ne Serait-il pas prudant de prendre un autre avocat pour le joindre a Lavocat Allet. Translation To the Honorable Francis Gore, Esq., Governor of the Province of Upper Canada May it please Your Honor: William Monforton, Esq., major in a battalion of South Essex Militia, having fallen upon Scylla in his effort to avoid Charybdis, has languished in prison in Sandwich for the past two years. The Legislative Council, not having provided for nor passed any act to meet the exigencies occasioned by the lack of a Court of Equity, especially in this district where the people, having very little knowledge of the law for the most part, are exposed to injustice and oppression even when in- nocent, your petitioner, in 1805, found himself pressed by two creditors for debts contracted twenty-six years ago. He would have satisfied both if, by one giving way to the other, that other had been willing to wait, and although both might have trebled their principal by accumulated interest, this last, to his own detriment, declared he would sue for the rest of his life, and had your petitioner put in prison, where, spitefully opposing each other, these two nourish their barbarous pleasure by causing him to die a languishing death with no regard nor pity for his family. 560 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS An old man of seventy years, twenty-eight of them passed in the service of the King, does he deserve such treatment? He must, however, await the release due to his innocence and this could only be effected by an examination of these affairs from their inception, setting them forth in their true light, but since no Court of Equity is possible in this province he must submit to the revolting sentence of that creditor who had him imprisoned unless His Honor, the Governor of this Province, in Council, by his kindness, consideration, and authority, finds some reason to change, or at least to modify, a law which gives a creditor power unto death, often unjustly. May Your Honor mercifully pity the widow of a living husband and children orphaned of a father in his lifetime, who, with that too unfortunate father, unite their feeble prayers to those of the public generally, hopefull of a happier future under your government, and who will ever pray, etc. N. B. The bearer is extremely troubled and in some mea- sure discouraged, especially by the idea of the doubt he has, lest Lawyer Allet,21 having given such poor service the first time, may do no better in this last suit. I beg you to re- assure him and to give him hopes of success. Mr. Allan came to find out about things from me. He seemed to have my son's interest at heart and told me his non-appearance at the office of the deputy clerk would be fatal to his suit. Mr. Allan was surprised Lawyer Allet had not done it for him. You tell him the reason why Lawyer Allet preferred to send to York. Would it not be well to engage another lawyer to work with Lawyer Allet? RECOVERY OF FUGITIVE SLAVE r Detroit Aug* 2d 1807 John Askin Esq D r sir, My Daughter informs me that yesterday she found my Negro Nobbin at Pikes Creek and bro* him with her as far as your House and there left him, (he being appre- 2.1 Probably William Elliott of Sandwich, who is noted ante, 503. 561 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS hensive that I would whip him on his arrival) I have sent M r Maclosky22 for him, and have to request that you will have the goodness to use your influence in persuading him to return to his^duty and to behave himself better in future in that case I will pledge myself not to lay the wait of my finger on him. I have one particular piece of advice to give you but must request you will not make it known we have a bad set of people about us and as I have been informed means of [have] X2. James McCloskey (McClosky) is listed among the residents of Detroit in 1806, in which year he appears to have been acting as deputy marshall of Michigan Territory. He was a surveyor, and in November, 1808, at the instance of Governor Hull and Judge With- erell, he drafted a new plan for the city, which the officials noted vainly sought to have adopted. Farmer, Hist, of Detroit, 29. On Sept. 14, 1810, an act was passed providing for the election in each district of the territory of a council of five members in which varied and extensive powers over poor relief, taxation, road maintenance, etc., were vested. Mc- Closkey was one of the five councilors elected for the Detroit district in October, 1810, and he was still serving in this capacity in 1812. Ibid., 95. Whether the James McCloskey thus far noted was identical with the later prominent Detroiter of the same name whose record follows herewith, we are inclined to doubt. James McCloskey of Maryland was commissioned captain and assistant deputy quarter- master general in the U. S. army on June 24, 1813, and honorably discharged on June IS, 1815. Heitman, Reg. U. S. A. Most of his service was evidently performed in the Detroit area, for numerous manuscripts in the B. H. Coll. disclose his presence and activities here during much of the years 1814 and 1815. He remained in Detroit, and as late as Feb. 19, 1816, signed as A. D. Q. M. G. a letter to Solomon Sibley directing suit to be instituted for the recovery of property belonging to the U. S. government. This same year (on July 30) James May chose McCloskey as an arbitrator in a suit to which he was a party, although in a letter of Sept. 10, 1810, May had described McCloskey as a dishonest debtor who was totally indifferent to meeting his obligations. From 1815 on, McCloskey held numerous offices of local public trust. In 1817, he was made superintendent of buildings (there was only one) of the University of Michigan; in August, 1818, he was appointed quartermaster general of the territory; in 1819 and 1820, he was elected to the board of trustees of Detroit (created by act of Oct. 24, 1815), serving as chairman of the board the first year. In 1821, he was defeated by Solomon Sibley in the election for delegate to Congress; and in 1823, he was one of half a dozen candidates in the election which was won by Father Gabriel Rich- ard. In 1818, the Bank of Michigan was organized by a group of prominent citizens of Detroit, and McCloskey was made cashier. This office he held until 1825, when he was found to have defaulted in the sum of over $10,000, and was summarily dismissed. An interesting account of his banking career, by Friend Palmer, is in Mich. Pio. Colls., XXX, 411 ff. Even before his appointment to the bank, the Comptroller General of the Treasury had caused McCloskey to be sued for a shortage of several thousand dollars in his accounts as deputy quartermaster general, but for some reason now unknown the prosecution was dropped. On Sept. 11,1815, McCloskey was married by James May to Susanne Godfroy, daughter of Gabriel Godfroy and Mary Therese Bondy, for whom see B. H. R., I, 347. Six children were born to them in the years 1816-25; one daughter married Senator Isaac P. Chris- taincy, and another married John Alexander Askin, a grandson of John Askin. A letter of James May to his daughter, Ann Audrain, Jan. 11, 1829, states that McCloskey "died at Zanesville, State of Ohio, on his way home with the Winnebago Indians from Washington." Copy in ms. report of interview between C. M. Burton and Samuel W. May (son of James May), Nov. 25, 1926. Data derived from references cited; mss. in B. H. Coll., passim; and Farmer, Hist, of Detroit, passim. Brief sketches of McCloskey's life are in Burton, City of Detroit, 1701-1922, II, 1386, and in Proc. of Land Board, 161. 562 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS been used to persuade your Boy, George to leave you. my information derives from his Mother, whom he consulted on that subject, the old Woman appeared very Angry with him, and reprimanded [him] very severely, for propos- ing such an Idea to her, and ordered him imediately to go home and never again to entertain such a thought, if he did she would inform you of his intention. I merely give you this information, in order that you may keep a good look out after him and prevent him if possible from crossing over on this side the River. I will thank you at your Leasure to drop me a line in answer to what I wrote you last spring relative to the prop- osition I made concerning my Affair with the late Wm Robertson, and at Same time to inclose James McGills Letter to me which I sent for your perusal. M r Brush, has repeatedly told me he expected you over. I should be very happy of the opportunity of seeing you here as I wish much to have about one hours conversation with you. M r s May joins me in our best respects to M r s Askin and family and believe me to be D r Sir Your friend & well wisher James May Addressed: John Askin, Esquire near Sandwich P r favor M M c Closky. r Endorsed: Detroit Aug* 2d 1807 James M a y E s q r t o J n ° Askin JOHN ASKIN REBUKED To J Askin, Esquire, Col1, Command* of the Essex Militia, Sir, As a Minister of the Gospel, and as Curate of this Parish, I cannot help observing to you, my extreame surprise to find, an order for the meeting of the Militia, at the hour appointed for divine service! To whom should we look up to for support but to the supreme ruler of the Universe after offering up our prayers at the public service of the Church then it would be proper to call in human aid, and concert such meassures as Wisdom & prudence dictate. Could not this have been done at any other hour than the One allotted to the Service of God.? 563 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS the Solomn engagements I entered into at my Ordina- tion, the rdsolomne passage addressed to the ministers of the Gospel 3 Chap of the Prophet Ezekiel is so awfully strike- ing! (17 Verse to the 21st) as to need no Comment. I hope therefore, attention will be paid, to this letter, & that in any future call of the Militia, the time may be so fixed as not to interfere with Divine Service. I am Sir Yrs &c Endorsed: Aug*d 10h 1807 d The Reverend Richard Pollard to Jn° Askin Rec & Answ same day REV. RICHARD POLLARD REBUKED August 10th 1807 Reverend Sir I have just received Your Letter by James I suppose wrote to day. All mankind by Your own Doctrine is Subject to error so is John Askin on several occasions on the present it falls to the Lot of the Reverend Richard Pollard of which I will endeavour to convince him when we meet and if I should fail I will at least convince any Man of clear understanding, for the present I have only time to say I respect all religion where the Serving of God is the intention and as all old acquaintances I have a Friendship for M r Pollard though he feels warmer in his Expressions than some others of the Gown would on such an occasion I am Dear Sir Yours truly th Endorsed: August 10 1807 John Askin Senior to Reverend Richard Pollard at Sandwich (Coppy) LIVING CONDITIONS AT ST. JOSEPH S* Joseph's 10th Aug* 1807 Dear Father, I wrote you per Cap* Cowan & sent per him two Patents one belonging to you, the other thro a Mistake for I intended sending the present patent of Lands sold Pattinson & by no means my Patent of the Toun Lot in Sandwich. Youll please deliver the patent to Pattinson for his 600 Acres of Land & keep my Lot patent untill Madelaine goes down which will be next year to visit you all Captn Burbank promisses to bring up my Hogs which were left at Amherstburg they Consist of Seven in Number 564 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS provided M r McIntoshe's leave can be Obtained for the same Burbank ought to have his leave before he goes to Fort Erie so that he might ship them en passant, returng from F. Erie its probable he or Fearson would bring up the Yew & lamb which Johnney left behind. As I can not write Richardson owing to Burbanks short stay, if you see him tell him & William Duff that I expect they will send me all my things. I have no working Horse, Chairs to sit, Bedsteads, Cart Wheels, Flour, Hogs, slays or Carriole tho my store House is furnished with all those things I really wish that my Blk mare may be sent in preferance to the Pacing Horse she will be of service to me in Hawling Wood & answer extreamely well as a breeding Mare. Madelaine informs me that she Can not write by this Vessel to her Mother as Burbank is in waiting, but will be fully prepared for the next & at the same time send Pine & spruce plants, likewise sand Cherry plants. I have not heard from James since my departure I hope he is well employed which will make up any neglect or difficiency in Corresponding Madelaine & the Children join me in fervent prayers for Your & my dear Mother's hea[l]th (Our Love to my Brothers Sisters & Relations & Respects to all Acquaintancees) in Haste I remain My Dear Father Your dutiful Son Jn°Askin J r John Askin Esqr Strabane h Addressed: John Askin Esqr Strabane P r Captn Burbank w a Parcel Endorsed: S* Josephd Aug* e h 10h 1807 d Jn°h Askin Jun r to Jn° Askin Senior recv y 17 and Answ 18 Aug* ORDER FOR MILITIA MUSTER Sandwich 12th August 1807 You will be pleased to order your Battalion out on Sunday next at 12 oclock before the Church of L'Assumption to be reviewed & Exercised, as you could not do it last Sunday being too bad a day for that purpose 565 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS I have the honor to be Sir Your Humble Serv* F. Baby Depy L* Cy of Essex Col Askin Addressed: H. M. S. Col. Askin Comdt Sandwich Endorsed: Sandwich d Aug* 12 1807 Francis Baby Esqr to Jn° Askin Rec from William Doughty [illegible] 8 oClock [illegible] night PREPARATIONS FOR WAR IN DETROIT23 Strabane August 18h 1807 Dear Charles, The Camden just going past furnishes me with an opportunity of writing You, the only one I have had for a long time past, for that reason I will begin by assuring you that all the Family are well, which Im sure will be pleasing to You. From the appearance of War between Great Britain & the Americans,24 Allice is deter- mined to go to Vermont, where she will stay untill the difference is made up which now subsists. At Detroit they are making great preparations. The Town of Detroit is Picketed in from the Water Side untill it joins Fort Lernoult A Company of Negroes mounting Guard, The Cavalry Patroling every night, Batries Erecting along the Settle- ment, and the Militia called out frequently. We are very Busy about Militia Duty, although in very bad Order If there are not some Alterations made in the Militia Laws, I entertain little hopes of seeing them better Diciplined even in the course of Twenty Years. Many of the most respectable Gentlemen here, are very anxious that part of the Militia should be Embodied. Duncan, Robins & Dedines Familly beg to be remembered to You. Doctor Richardson begs to assure you of his Sincere wishes for your prosperity. I have to finish & I remain Dear Charles Your Affectinate Brother James Askin 13 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. Z4 The attack of the Leopard upon the U. S. ship Chesapeake, June 22, 1807, had in- tensified the ill-feeling of the Americans toward Great Britain. 566 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS M r Charles Askin at Queenston. Addressed: M r Charles Askin at Queenston. Endorsed: s Amherstburgh 18th Aug* 1807 M r James Askin to Ch Askin. FEAR OF WAR WITH UNITED STATES Queenston Aug* the 24th 1807 Dear Father, I duly received your kind favours of the 17th and 27th Ult° which I beg you will excuse me forr notm answering sooner. The paper you required of M W Dickson I am told was sent to you some time since; He is now in Lower Canada but before he left this he wrote to you, he told me. M r Todd got down to Montreal in fourr days from this, since his arrival there, he has wrote to M Dickson. he ap- pears to be very apprehensive of a War, as they seem all to be there. I have been favoured with a letter from him also, dated at Kingston in which he offers to do any thing he can to serve me. M r Ogelvie has appointed Wm & M r Tho9 Clark his attorneys for the late M Robertson's bussiness. Wm was so r pressed by him when he was down to give him some state- ment of the debts, lands &ca that we made one out after his return here, from memory partly as Wm mentioned to him. I thank you kindly for the company you have given me I believe it a pretty good one. I would like to have my Commission as Cap* if you can conveniently send it; as it may be of use to me here, in case of the Militia being called out: which there is not the least appearance of yet. the people about this seem to be much easier about the War than at Detroit or in Lower Canada, either; although some small depredations have been committed between this and Niagara by some vagabonds not known, from the other side, who came over and killed a bull & some sheep at night, be- longing to some farmers. Vessels from Oswego still come here, there is one now lyeing at the Wharf; they kept away a short time as the CaptB of them had been told they would be seized. 567 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS I shall send this by a Military express which goes by land to Amherstburgh and will leave this to day, and with it I will also send a letter to you from Halifax which appears to be from Colonel Meredith. M rs Powell has lately heard from Judge Powell; his letters are from Madrid where he had gone to endeavour to get his son liberated, which he was then in great hopes of succeed- ing in. We expect M r Hamilton home in ten days, his last letter was dated at Schenectady on his way home. M r Clark's returned; he took a large quantity of flour down most of which he sold; and that at seven & a half dollars, barrel. Please to give my kind love to my Dear Mother, my Brothers & Sisters, that you may all enjoy health, Dear Father are the constant prayers of Your dutifull & Affectionate Son Charles Askin r John Askin Senior Esq Strabane Sandwich Addressed: John Askin Senior Esquire Strabane Sand- wich. Endorsed: Queens ton Aug* 24dh 1807 Charles Askin to Jn° Askin recv y* 5 Sep Answ Sepr 16h d h r INFLUENCE OF SHAWNEE PROPHET S* Joseph's l 8t Septr 1807 My Dear Father, I avail myself of the opportunity of M r Boucherville25 who leaves this tomorrow for Makina in order to embark on board of the Adams for Detroit. We are continually on the look out for the Gen1 Hunter in hopes of hearing from you & all our friends in your Quarter. This place is destitute of News since the Montreal Canoes have done plying. All the Ottawas from L'arbe au Croche adhere strickly to the Shawney Prophets advice they do not wear Hats Drink or Conjure, they intend all to Visit him this Autumn, which will occasion a great scarsity of corn at this post & Makina. The Merchants will suifer by it as they have not provided themselves with that Article Whisky & 15 Probably Pierre Amable de Boucherville, for whom see post, 762. 568 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Rum is a Drug, the Indians do not purchase One Galln per month. I saw upwards of 60 of them at one time together spirits, rum & whisky was offered for nothing to them if they would drink but they refused it with disdain. The Chief's reply to the officer Commanding when he offered them some of his Milk was that when they were young & had no teeth to Eat they could not get any of their Fathers milk & used to beg constantly for to suck but now that they were grown up & had good teeth they did not see why their Father should be so generous with offers of giving them some, especially as they could eat all the provissions he might give them. A number of Old men who knew you at Makina address me by [as] the Commissarys son. One of the Chimneys of the House you built at Old Makina26 fell down only last Summer. Several large trees have grown upwards of a fathom in Cercumferance about the Garden I'm led to believe that they are Pickets which you planted for enclosure, which have taken root as they are populars they could not have grown to that Size Since you left it. The following persons arrived this day from Makina on their way to Montreal vz Tous* Pothier, Campbell,27 Giasson, Davd Mitchel Jr28 Pothier & that Poor simple man J Bleakly29 all Members or Partners in the South West C° I intend to send down as much Cedar Bark as will Cover my Farm House & Barn as soon as I can [have] them em- barked I'm told they make verry good Covering far superior to any other bark. I have not seen half a Dozn of white fish since my arrival, this is [the] most barren place I believe in the whole Western Country, Doct. Richardson praised 2.6 On the outskirts of present-day Mackinaw City, where the fort and garrison were located during the period of Askin's residence there. xj John Campbell of Prairie du Chien, for whom see posty 608. 2.8 One of the sons of Dr. David Mitchell, for whom see B. H. R., I, 85. i9 Josiah Bleakley was located at Mackinac as early as 1783, when he was serving as government Indian storekeeper and clerk. A letter of June 22, 1799 (ms. in B. H. Coll.), shows that he was then involved as a creditor in the tagled affairs of Clamorgan, Loisel and Co. of St. Louis. In 1805 he signed a petition of Montreal merchants protesting against restrictions upon British subjects trading within the territory of the United States; and in 1808 he was a member of the fur-trade brigade belonging to the Mackinac Company which was seized by the American government at Fort Niagara. In 1814 he signed an invoice in Montreal. Further record of his career has not been found. Data derived from documents in Mick. Pio. Colls., passim, and sketch in Wis. Hist. Colls., XIX, 275-76. 569 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS this place on Account of Ducks Rabbits Hares & pheasants but they must have all been eat by him, for I have not cast my eyes on any yet. Madelaine and the Children are well. She presents her love to you & my Dear Mother. Please assure M r & M rs Barthe of our best wishes for their welfare & family & hope they have not been visited by the fever this year. Accept my sincere wishes for your & my Dear Mothers Health My love to my Brothers & Sisters I remain Dear Father Yr Dutiful Son Jn° Askin J r r r Jn° Askin J [Senior] Esq Sandwich Addressed: John Askin Esquire Strabane Near Sandwich Hond by M r Boucherville Endorsed: S* Josephes d 6 Sep* th 1 st 1807d Jn° e Askin h r Junr to Jn° Askin Senior Rec y 17 and Answ y 25 Oct PREPARATIONS FOR WAR IN DETROIT Strabane Sep* 4h 1807 My Dear Friend. Your mighty kind Letter dated at Queenston 25th July last came to hand on the 21 of last Month and I do assure you it was a great Mortification to me not being able to attend to your Friendlyr Appointment and taking so good and Worthy a Man as M Frobisher by the Hand, but as Voyages agrees with You and not with me, why my Dear Sir, not come this length next Summer if the Country should get into a settled state which I hope and believe will be the Case at present preparations are still making for War, though nothing offencive committed as yet against us however our run Away Negroes have had Arms given them & Mount Guard I was for a certain time also kept busy endeavouring to get the Militia into some Order, but our Laws gives so little power [to call] them out on cer- tain occasions that not much has been done and they now do no more Duty. Our Neighbours on the Contrary have their Militia constantly out, I think not less in General than once a Week and sometimes oftener. they are realy well disciplined and you must think it grieves me much who is Colonel not to have it in my Power to do as much as I 570 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS believe our Men as good and probably as numerous I have not been on the other side for these five or Six Weeks past or hardly any of the Merchants all intercourse between us is at a stand therefore untill the present disturbance is at blows Over. I cannot get anythingr done at Detropt] Towards its commencement I r wrote M Brush two or three times relative to Your and M McGill matters but I got no Answer, Oweing as I believe to his being Taxed with a Correspondence relative to the Public, if he wrote me, and as there is great Party Work on the other Side, I believe some of them Stick at nothing in Order to injure the opposite party and there are Daily representations going forward from one to the other to the President of the United States, So far as I can learn. I hope a favourable change may soon take place. The present Law relative to Claims to the Confirmation of Lands on the other Side, thus, if you or even a Citizen of the United States claimed one hundred Tracts only [one] would be confirmed and that provided it does not exceed 650 Acres but if its only 10 its all the same you may make your Choice however the Law does not say that you will or willnot loose the other Lands you may or rather have claimed, the Law seems intended to settle some old French Inhabitants who have only a Farm each. The lands out of the Boundaries of those purchased by the Americans from the Indians are not in a worse situation than those within. Commodore Grant's place at Gross Point is of the former, but whats meant is that The American Government cannot give Deeds for Lands they never purchased of the Indians, they have lately endeavoured to make these purchases and more, but the Indians say they have cheated them out of their Lands and 30payment also, and that they will not sell them any more. 30 The manuscript is a rough copy in the hand of Askin's son, of a letter by Askin to Isaac Todd. The latter portion of it, dealing with various unrelated subjects, is not printed here. 571 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS CONDITIONS AT ST. JOSEPH 81 S* Joseph's 8h Sept 1807 My Dear Father Your favours of the 18th & 21 st of Aug* came to hand, after looking over my Desk I found the Patent of my Town Lot. therefore am sorry to have given you any trouble about it. I'm rather reconsiled to my situation I have a Number of Cabbage plants that are verry promising & two large Turnip Patches in the Woods which will be verry serviceable or agreeable with some of the Kings Own this Winter, my Sellery will do very well & Potatoes I will have an abundant Crop being a Purchase from a Soldier who left this on my arrival. The appearance of Rupture with America will blow over I hope shortly, the Americans generally make great noise & stick at triffles. they are constantly in Alarm either by an In- dian War or at the least shadow of Bands of Indians they imag- ine their heads in danger of being scalped No wonder poor Devils they have reason to fear the Indians in particular from the latters Cruelty to them. We entertain hopes that all differances will be amicably settled at home before the Winter is over. Its Certain that the Indians in this quarter are verry quiet & are preparing] to visit the Shawnee prophet & by no means inclined to Hostilities. I do assure you that Johnney has not directly or indirectly sold a shillings worth except two Kegs of H[igh] Wines which be- longed to Duff, in short its well known that lsI had no goods whatever except my stores of Flour & 4 Barr of Pork two of the latter entirely Tainted and good for Nothing the Whole of my flour is in the Kings Store except a Barr 1 1 gave to get my House plastered. As to Johnney he brought up his Trunck with his wearg apparel only therefore those who have endeavoured to spread that reportr must have done it thro malice. So far from Trading M R* Dickson was to have taken him as a Clerk to keep the S. W. C° shop if the C° had not been already providedr with one. Col. Claus came in the same Vessel with him & M Selby & knows verry well that he had not a shillings worth. I spoke to Col. Claus to interceede in getting him appointed Com- missary, his answer was that he would have been verry 31 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 572 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS happy to have Served me on that head but that the appoint- ment came from the Commander in Chief of the forces in lower Canada & not thro the Governor & stated it would be proper for me to apply thro friends below for it. It was never my Intentions that he should commence Trade pennyless & especially when under my Roof. As the Regiment is to be relieved if application was made by persons well acquainted With the Commander in Chief of the forces I'm persuaded he would be appointed, but it certainly [is] being troublesome to worthy persons who have done already a great deal for me. I will leave you to judge of the propriety of applying. I return you thanks for dyour kind attention respecting the Nails & sugar I rec my own in good time Doctr Richardson has been verry atten- tive & obliging & thro him Wm Duff & Cap* Hall I have got almost all my little property up. The Mare is the only thing I want to hawl my wood this winter, the Horse Johnny bro* is too young to render any service. Cap* Burbank promised to bring the Mare or Horse provided My Friends could obtain M r McIntoshes leave before the Vessel would be ready to return to this. B. stated that there was some risk in bringing live stock on Deck at the Autumn season, but I'm willing to run the Risk for should he bring [the horse to] me it will save me £18 or 20 H x Cy It would have afforded Madelaine & myself pleasure had you accepted her Offer We dont want money It [is] our wish to pay our debts & be serviceable to those who are so Dear to Us. Should it happen at any time that you want money for any Purpose apply to Cap* Mills & he will give you what you may require. I entertain hopes of being able to do something as soon as I have paid off the People below. Madelaine & myself Returns thanks to my Dear Mother for the plants which came to hand in good order. She sends per the Hunter a Pine Tree & spruce Tree in kegs they seem to have taken root. Its fortunate that M r Badishon32 has not sent the Geese for I should have been Necssitated to have paid him in Money having been able only to purchase a Sufficiency of sugar for ourselves to Wit a Cwt Since the cold winds have set in we fare 31 Anthony Labadie dit Badichon, for whose career see B. H. R., I, 46. 573 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS much better we get Ducks & pheasants twice a Week on an average I cannot complain & will do exceeding well in the eating way. I should be highly pleased to get some of Brushes Cyder especially the Barr1 of Old Cyder he gave me previous to my departure. I find he never sent it to Pattensons as he promissed. M r Tallman is18 to send me Onions & a few Apples but having no Barr my Friend McKay promissed to send two or three empty flour Casks over to them I should be happy If he was reminded of it as I'm afraid I will not be able to write him by this Oppor- tunity. Madalaine & Johnny Joins me in fervant prayers for your Hea[l]th &r prosperity Love to my Sisters & Brothers I remain D Father Y r Dutiful Son Jn° Askin J r Madelaine was writing to Madelaine Richardson & says that she intends writing to my Dear Mother by this Vessel. I entertain hopes of being able to send you down good white fish having engaged all I may want from the Sault fisher- men. They will not be caught or taken by them before the 1 st of Oct. should the Hunter return to this before that time Its probable the Caledonea will be able to take what I may be able to procure whilst she remains at S* Marys. Endorsed: S* Josephs d Sepr th8h 1807 Jn° Askin Jun d e h r r to Jn° Askin Senior recv the 14 and Answ y 5 Oct FRENCH AND INDIANS' DISLIKE OF AMERICANS Montreal l 8t Octbr 1807 My dear Sir I had the pleasure of writing You from Queenstown, and since My Return here I Lately reci'd your favor of the 13 th Augs*. we are Still in doubt about the event of peace or Warr with our Neighbours I sincerely hope for peace among other evils I dread the consequences of the Indians distroying the Defensles Inhabitants on the Fron- tiers, but the Americans has themselves to blaim that neither Indians nor the Inhabitants of Detroit St Lewis &ca like them as they unjustly want to deprive them of lands that the Latter have been in possesion for Many Years and sanctioned by French English & Spaniards, and 574 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS the Lands they want to take from us has paid great Rent to French & English & even taxes to themselves. I see a Letter to M r McGill (who is now at Quebec) saying you might be able to sell part of the Lots on your side but no Money, in which case he thinks with me its better wto keep them. I hope soon to hear you have secured And Todds Debt & if you can send me any thing it will be very Accept- able God Bless You & believe me D r Askin Yours Sincerely Isaac Todd John Askin Esqr Addressed: John Askin Esqr near Sandwich Detroit Endorsed: Montreal d e d Octrr 1 st 1807 d 6 Isaacy Todd Esqr to Jn° Askin Rec y 23 Nov Answ y 4 Jan 1808 FROM MADELAINE ASKIN TO MRS. JOHN ASKIN St. Joseph octobre 13 1807 Ma tres Cher mere Jai seulement le temp de vous dire que nous nous partons tous bien et en meme temp je vous prie dencepter un petti macaque de sucre que je vous envoy Je suis mortifie" que sa n'est pas a mon pouvoir de vous envoyer un plus gros. mes jesper que jaurai le plesir de me revenger a praintemp prochain je vous envoy aussi une chale c'est le seul grand que jai put acheter icite. Je suis mortifie que je nait pas de voisseau pour vous envoyer plus datocas peutetre dicite a ce que les autres barque arrive jen trouvere un et pour lors jaurait le plesir de vous envoyez davantage. Je vous envoy trois ou quatre pome dans un petti macaque se sont de votre semenee au vieux fort de Mackinac et ont ett6 transplante au nouveau fort chez Docteur Mitchel et il mont ette presente par sa fille Md Crawford qui est resident icite apresent elle paroit faire une tres aimable Dame elle est pres daccouch6 Je me pro- pose danavoir bien soins afin de repeyez les Intentions que sont pere a heu pour Johny le temp quil a 6tte prisonne6 il est seulement revenu que de cette Nuit il se porte bien et vous present ses amide" ainssi qua son grand pere les enfant se joigne amoi pour vous assurer de leur tendres amitie. 575 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Adieu ma cher mere presente mes tendres amiti6 a mon cher pere et Nelly James et Allexandre present^ sil vous plait mes respec aux M r Barthe et Madame jesper quil jouise du'une du'une sent6. Adieu encore une fois votres tendres et affectionn6 fille Madelaine Askin P. S. Jenvoye un petti macaque de sucre a ma cher Nelly Je suis mortifie que je n'est pas le ten de lui ecrire car la barque part dans l'enstant M. Askin Addressed: M rs Askin Strabane P r Capt. Burbank Translation St. Joseph, October 13, 1807 My dearest Mother: I have only time to tell you that we are all well and at the same time beg your acceptance of a little mocock of sugar that I am sending you. I am sorry I could not send a bigger one, but hope to have the pleasure of making up for it this next spring. I am also sending you a shawl, the only large one I could buy here. I am sorry I have no vessel in which to send you some more cranberries. Perhaps between now and the time when the other boats come I shall find one and by then I shall have the pleasure of sending you more. I send you three or four apples in a small mocock. They are from trees of which you planted the seeds at old Fort Mackinac, transplanted at the new fort on Dr. Mitchell's place and were given to me by his daughter, Mrs. Crawford,33 who lives here now. She seems to be a lovable woman. She will soon be con- fined. I intend to take every means possible to repay what her father did for Johnny the time he was imprisoned. He only happened to come tonight. He is well and sends his love to you and to his grandfather. The children join me 33 Lewis Crawford was a prominent trader in the Northwest in the decade prior to the War of 1812. He seems to have remained at St. Joseph until the summer of 1812, when he led the contingent of Canadian volunteers in the expedition against Mackinac which re- sulted in the surrender of that place to the British. Thereafter, until the end of the war, Mackinac seems to have been Crawford's center of operations. He held the rank of major in the volunteer company, and in this capacity assisted in the defeat of the American attack on Mackinac, Aug. 4, 1814. A letter of John Askin Jr. from Drummond Island, Feb. 8, 1816, speaks of Crawford as having "left the country." In 1806, he married Jessie, daughter of Dr. David Mitchell, for whom see B. H. R., I, 85. Information adapted from Mich. Pio. Colls., passim; and Irving, op. cit. 576 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS in assuring you of their loving remembrance. Adieu, my dear Mother. Give my love to my dear Father and to Nelly, James, and Alexander. Please give my regards to Mr. and Mrs. Barthe. I hope that they enjoy good health. Again adieu. Your fond and affectionate daughter, Madelaine Askin P. S. I am sending a little mocock of sugar to my dear Nelly, and am sorry that I have no time to write to her. The boat is just leaving. M. Askin WARLIKE MEASURES AT MACKINAC S* Joseph's 13th Oct 1807 My Dear Father, The Caledonia is just hove in sight & affords me conly time to acquaint you that Johnny th is a prisoner at M Kina the [he] left this on the 4 Ins* with M r Chiniquy the Collector to visit L'arbe au Croche & on his return stopt'd at Makina & there was arrested by the Commandant Lieu* Cross34 [h]is reasons for Arresting then was that he suspected they went to that place to Tan per with the Indians in Order to have them in readi- ness in Case War declared by Great Britain. I Certainly do nc K believe he means to detain them long it appears that 1 offman & an Interpreter went to get information & they aie expected back therefore as they are [not] Culpable of any unlawful Act, must be released Johnny does not seem uneasy therefore I expect him back shortly. If [t]he Commandant had de quoy I Certainly would have advised M r Brush to prosecute him for false imprisonment, but the Information I recd is that he spends his pay before it becomes due I consequently must put up with it & Johnny look out better another time The men I sent up to the Sault S* Marys had not reached it before the Caledonia left it. therefore you'll be deprived of white fish till the Hunter or Nancy arrives. Madelaine sends a shawl to my 34 Joseph Cross of Massachusetts was commissioned lieutenant in the First Artillerists and Engineers, Feb. 16, 1801. He became captain, Nov. 7, 1808, and was cashiered, May 20, 1813. The length of his service at Mackinac has not been learned. See Heitman, Reg. U. S. A. S77 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Dear Mother & a Mocock of Cramberries. I send you a Couple of Quires of writing paper. I addressed several small Mococks of sugar to your care to be sent to Madelaines Relations. If the Hunter has not left your place let me know if the Salmon I sent were good I'm rather apprehensive they will not keep from what I experienced with some I kept. The Indians bring in vast Quantities but all speared. Great appearances of a plenti- ful Crop of Potatoes on this Island, but no Onions beats, parsnip sellery or Carrots, these Vegtables we can not do without verry well, great abundance of Duck at present & verry fine Weather apparently (the Indian Summer [so] call'd at Detroit) Madelain is in good Health & the Children, she is sorry that she cannot write to my Dear Mother by this Vessel but will be ready for the next In the mean time joins me in presenting our Dutiful wishes for your & my Dear Mothers Welfare & Love to Brothers & Sisters I remain My Dear Father Your Dutiful Son Jn° Askin J r r John Askin Esq I send t8 a Mocock of Cramberries for M rs McIntosh35 a8 Comp to him & her & the family. Addressed: John Askin Esquire Strabane p r Cap* Jesse Burbank r Endorsed: S* Josephesd Oct e 13h 1807 st d Jn° h Askin r Junr to Jn° Askin Senior Rec y 31 Answ 13 Nov LAND TITLES OF BRITISH SUBJECTS36 Detroit le 22. Octobre 1807 Monsieur John Askin Monsieur Vous me rendez une parfaite justice en croyant qu'une guerre imaginaire ne changera pas l'estime et Pamitie qui a 6xist6 entre nous depuis que nous nous Connoissance. Je dirai plus; une guerre r'elle ne devrait jamais produire aucun changement entre deux hommes qui 35 Mrs. Angus McIntosh, for whom see B. H. R., I, 293-94. 36 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 578 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS S'estiment e veritablement. Cen'est ny votre faute ny la mienne Si le gouvernement d'Angleterre et Celui de l'Amerique Sont en dispute; tot ou tard ils S'accorderont; Si la guerre nous privait du plaisir de nous voir et de nous Visiter, ce Serait un malheur politique, et qui ne peut durer long terns, et le retour de la paix nous ferait gouter le plaisir de nous revoir aprds un court interval. Jose predire qu'il n'y aura point de guerre, malgr6 que les apparences Soient un peu orageuses; telle chose qui arrive votre pro- pri6te et celles de vos amis dans ce territoire ne courent aucun risque; Vous avez sans doute lu l'acte du Congrds de la session derniere relativement aux titres des terres dans ce territoire. nos pouvoirs (comme Commissaires) sont extremement circons'crits. Par cet acte nous ne pouvons prendre Con- noissance d'aucun titre, qui n'a pas et6 enregistre par les anciens Commissairs et qui n'etait pas Cultiv6 et Occup6 avant et depuis le premier de Juillet 1796 jusqu'au 3 Mars dernier. Nous ne pouvons accorder cest a dire approuver qu'une Seule terre a la me*me personne, et le nombre d'acres ne peut en aucun Cas exceder 640. Nous (en notre qualite de Commissaires) avons ecrit au Ministre des finances et avons Soumis a Sa Consideration les trois points Suivants. Savoir— l er Que toute personne puise obtenir une patente pour chaque terre qu'il possede, S'il peut justifier Son titre a chaque terre en conformity a l'acte du Congrds. 2e Que toutes les fermes Sur la riviere du Detroit Soient toutes etendiies a la profondeur de 80. arpents. 3e Qu'il Soit accorde un an de plus aux proprietaires pour entrer leurs titres au bureau des terres. Nous avons de tres fortes raisons de croire que la Congres accordera ces trois points que nous considerons comme essentiels a la prosp6rite de ce territoire, et sans lesquels la moitie de nos Habitants Seraient ruin6s. Dans quelqu' autre moment J'aurai le plaisir de vous donner quelqu' autre information; dans cet instant la cour Supreme Si6ge et prend tout mon terns. 579 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS permettez moi de vous renouveller les Sentiments d'estime, d'amitie et de respect avec lesquels j'ai l'honneur d'etre Monsieur Votre tres humble Serviteur Peter Audrain e Veuillez presenter mes respects a Mad Askin. Addressed: John Askin, Esquire Straban Endorsed,: Detroit d Octr 22d 1807 d e Peter h Audrain r Esqr to Jn° Askin recv same day Answ y 14 Dec Translation Detroit, October 22, 1807 Mr. John Askin Sir: You understand my sentiments perfectly in think- ing that an imaginary war will not change the esteem and friendship that has existed between us from our first acquaint- ance. I would say further, real war should never make any difference to men who truly respect each other. It is not your fault, nor mine, if the governments of England and America are at variance. Sooner or later they will come to an amicable agreement. If war should deprive us of the pleasure of seeing each other and of social inter- course, it would be a political misfortune, of brief duration, and the return of peace would renew our mutual pleasure in seeing each other, after such an interruption. I venture to predict that there will be no war, in spite of the present somewhat stormy outlook. Whatever happens, you and your friends in this territory are secure with respect to your property. You have doubtless read the act of Congress of last session relative to land titles in this territory. Our power, as commissioners, is extremely limited. By that act we may not confirm a title that has not been recorded by the former board of commissioners, nor in the case of land not having been under cultivation and occupied before and since July 1, 1796, up to March 3 last. We may not grant, that is to say, sanction, the grant of more than one tract to an individual, and the number of acres must not exceed 640. 580 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS We, as the Board of Commissioners, have written to the Secretary of the Treasury, submitting to his consideration the three points following, viz: 1st That all persons may obtain patents for each tract owned providing the title to each tract can be proved in conformity with the act of Congress. 2nd That all farms fronting on the Detroit River may be extended to a depth of 80 arpents. 3rd That a further extension of one year may be allowed to landholders in which to enter their titles at the Land Office. We have every reason to believe that Congress will accede to these three points as we think them essential to the prosperity of this territory and without which one-half of the inhabitants will be ruined. Some other time I shall give myself the pleasure of further information for you. At this moment the Supreme Court is in session and takes all my time. Permit me to express anew the sentiments of es ^m, friendship, and respect with which I have the honor to remain, Sir, \. Your most humble servant, Peter Audrain Kindly present my compliments to Mrs. Askin. INDEBTEDNESS OF JOHN ASKIN NoV 3d 1807 Dear sir I was favoured with Your Letter of the 318t last Month the same day. Had I not been disapointed in one payment of Near 1100 Dollars, and many Others for less Sums, I would most Asuredly have paid you my Note with Interest before this, but at present I have neither Money nor Bills. I proposed and still do selling my Negro namd Benr in Order to pay you, & for that purpose offered him to M May, or if you will purchase him I will give him at a low Rate. I have not seen M r Brush for Above these three months, nor heard from him but seldom. Alise said he talked of come- ing Over Yesterday. I therefore Expect to see him some 581 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS day this Week and will then do all I can to procure payment for you, though I fear he cannot spare Money from himself. I will not neglect any Means in my power to make your payment. In the mean time I remain Dear Sir &ca r M James Fraser at Detroit Addressed: John Askin Esqr &c &c &c near Sandwich37 W. Halton Endorsed: Novr 3d 1807 Jn° Askin to M r Jms Fraser at Detroit Coppy INDEBTEDNESS OF JOHN ASKIN Detroit 10th Novr 1807 Dear Sir I have had the pleasure of receiving your kind favour of the 3d Instant & am sorry to find it is not in your power at present to settle the matter you assumed for Cap* Currey in 1805. however in order to accommodate you, I will wait with pleasure untill next Spring if you choose. With regard to the business of the sale of your Negro Man Ben, I wish with all my heart you may succeed in the sale, but I am afraid the times are too critical to risk much in that way; & as the question is not yet known by the general Court, I believe the Ideas of the Government of the United States are not much in favour of Slavery. If you was coming over yourself, or perhaps if you was to gett M r Brush to speak cto M r May probably he might purchase Ben I sent you, / o your Son M r Alex1" Two or Three English News papers of the latest date for June of this year in hopes to afford you a little amusement, when you have done with them please send them back & I will send you a few more for May c /° Alexr I am Dear Sir With Great Esteem Yours Sincerely Ja s Fraser P.S. I will be happy of a line from you when at leisure, JF, John Askin Senr Esqr 37 The address is evidently an error of the copyist. 582 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Addressed: John Askin Senr Esquire Sandwich Endorsed: Detroit d e Novr 10dth 1807 th M r James Fraser to Jn° Askin Rec y 12 & Answ 13 AFFAIRS AT ST. JOSEPH38 S* Joseph's 11th Novr 1807 My Dear Father, The Nancy has just made her appear- ance which is rather unexpected, thats to say I entertained hopes of having time to write you a long letter before she reached this having a great deal to write you, but un- fortunately my Office of St. Keeper has kept, me constantly occupied day & night the latter in making out the necessary Requisitions & [the] former in issueing. I have Cloathed 300 persons within these three days past. I have hardly time to take 1my meals in comfort. Per Capt Millsr you'll receive a Barr of white fish for yourself One for M Peltiers & one for M r Brush I entertain hopes you'll 1 find them good You'll please Pick out the largest Barr for yourself I understand that Cap* Mills is to unload part of his fish at M r McIntoshes if so M r Brush & M r Peltier may be put in store untill they send for them, should you find it inconvenient to have them taken tors your place. Madelaine has been occupied in attending M Crawford Daughter to Doct Mitchel who has been delivered of twins & the Infants died a few days after they were born & M rs Crawford stilln verry unwell, which prevented her from finishing a Doz of Torchons™ for your kitchen wrappers &c but they will be sent early in the spring, should the Kings Vessel pass near your place & that you have Notice I should be happy to get a Dozn or less of Apple Tree plants the size of half an inch in diameter or more. The Roots may be put in a small keg pressed together & filled wh earth & the limbs twisted in straw to prevent their receiving any injury. I would rather have few but good stout plants. They can be taken from those that My D r Brother Charles gave me. I dare say Cap* Fearson or Burbank will take a few astern of their Vessel, the roots well tied or wrapt in Course linnen 38 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 39 Dish cloths. 583 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS & some earth in it to prevent them going to decay or getting dried. We unfortunately lost all our plant[s] of the tree onion, they were 41 all pulled up by Capt Derenzies40 men after Capt True left this by mistake & left out in a frosty night by which means there were all frozen & un- serviceable a few Echallots & Garlic would be very acceptable, you'll undoubtedly think I'm a great beggar No wonder I have so many Indians about me Continually who are in the same habit, that I'm become a perfect Indian in that way. I'm afraid Madelaine will not be able to write my Dear Mother for Capt M. finds the season so far advanced that he will give us hardly time to write. I send an Indian sack full of Cramberry for Alice which is all I could procure for the present. Madelaine & the Children joins me prayers for your & My Dear Mothers Healthts & welfare. Our Love to my Brothers & sisters. Comp to M r & M rs Barthe & Louison I remain My Dear Father Your Dutiful Son Jn° Askin Jr r John Askin Esq Strabane If you have any influence with the Members of Parliament or any other at York to Recommend M r Louis Crawford who is one of the partners of South West C° & a residenter at this place to Act with me in cases unavoidable I should be happy I do assure you he is a well informed man & well educated and as good a Character as ever Trodd Terra ferma M r Hamilton is well acquainted with him from the acquaintance I have of him I know of no better person & well inclined to do good to all his fellow Creatures. N. B. two Barrls are headed & two unheaded Take the largest of those headed & other headed for Brush & other unheaded for M r Pelter the fourth goes to Maiden for1 Capt Hall I'm sorry that I could not get an other Barr for Richardson however I believe that Capt Mills will 40 William Derenzy, commissioned captain in the Forty-first Regiment, June 25, 1803. In November, 1805, he was at Amherstburg, where he served on a board of inquiry into the loss of the schooner Hope. He was still in Canada as late as the summer of 1813, being commended by General Sheaffe for his conduct in the battle of Queenston, Oct. 13, 1812. See British army list for 1804; Mich. Pio. Colls., passim. 41 Apparently Arthur True, who was commissioned a lieutenant in the Forty-first Regiment, Feb. 2, 1796. On Aug. 6, 1809, he stood sponsor at the baptism of a child in Sandwich. See British army lists and St. John's Church Register. 584 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS be generous wh his friends below as he has a numberd of Barrels. Johnny is on a fishing party but not yet ret . If McKay42 can collect me the newspapers for the open- ing of the Navigation I will be thankfull M r Woods of Sandwich was to have paid whatever duties were due to Government to the Receiver General at my departure, it was the am* of the Duties he Collected that was in arrears I'm afraid he has not fulfilled his promise I'll thank you to speak to him on the subject & if unpaid hope he will discharge the same without [loss] of time & shouldr you have any doubt of his non compliance write to M Allan to discharge it & let me know the amo* to the 1 st June last. I will send a draft on my agent at Montreal to repay him, tho at the same [time] r it would be an extreame hardship for me to pay & M Woods has benefitted the whole. I have not red a Line from him since I left Amherstburg on any subject whatever. Capt Cowan or Capt Elliott may be of service on the Occasion. & any advice they may deem proper to give me on that head can be left wth M r Allan untill our Winters Courier arrives & will bring their Letter to me Tell my Friend McKay that I'm afraid I will not have time to write him. I'm thankful to M rs Badishon for the Apples & hope I will be able to send her something in the spring. ESSEX MILITIA MUSTERED Sandwich 7th Decbr 1807 Sir Having received instructions from His Excellency the Governor, enjoining me to have the Militia under my command in readiness at the shortest notice, you will therefore bethpleased to order your Battalion out on friday next the 11 instant at eleven Oclock to parade before the Church of L'Assumption which I purpose to review Muster &c &c 42. Probably Alexander McKay (Mackay), one of three brothers who were active in the Northwest fur trade. Alexander entered the service of the North West Company soon after its formation, and in 1804 became a partner. In 1793, he accompanied Sir Alexander MacKenzie on his famous journey of exploration across the continent to the Pacific. In 1810, he joined Astor's Pacific Fur Company. He was one of the victims of the Tonquin massacre on the Northwest Coast the following year. See Wallace, op. cit. 585 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS I am Sir Your most obedient Humble Servant F. Baby Lieut of the County of Essex Colonel Askin Addressed: H. M. S. Colonel Askin Commanding the Southern Battalion of the Essex Militia Endorsed: Sandwich Decr ye 7th 1807 The L* of the County to Col Askin delivered by Andri La Balaine After 12 Oclock the 8th ABSENCE FROM MILITIA MUSTER To John Askin Esquire, Colonel Commanding the Northern Reg* of Essex Militia Sir, Impressed with the Idea of our being highly cen- sured for not appearing in time on Parade last Friday, Yet, conscious of our loyalty, and with a strong wish to appear on that day at the Muster; We sett off from this at 9 o'Clock that Morning on good Horses, but the preceding Night it having rain'd and froze towards day made the Roads so very bad, that we were nearly four hours going to Sandwich, which at other times can easily be done in two; This being the true statement of the case, We request that no wrong Impression be entertained in consequence of our not appear- ing at the appointed hour that day. We have also a hope that from our having done our utmost to arrive in time, You will not put us on a footing with deliquents, and exempt us from the Fine. We remain with great regard & consideration, Sir Your most humble Servants A. Maisonville Amherstburgh 14 Decr 1807 Capt. N.R.E.M Wm Smith L* & Adj* N R E M Addressed: To Colonel John Askin Commanding the Northern Reg* of Essex Militia Strabane Endorsed: Amhurstburgh Decr 14h 1807 Cap* Maison- ville & L* Smith to Col Askin 586 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS COUNTY LIEUTENANCY RESTORED TO COMMODORE GRANT Amherstburg 4 th Jan. 1808 Dear Sir My being reestablished in the Lieutenantcy of this County was very unexpected & of which I never dreamed, with a very friendly letter from the Lieu* Gover- nor expressing his Concern from being missinformed and had ordered a new Commission to be made out for me to Supersede M r Baby. I received a nother letter from the Chief Justice making also an apologie for the Governors Misstake and Says there is no man in the Province Sorryer for the Misstake than the Governor himself. The Governor says in his letter I must insist your accpting the Lieutenantcy. I received your letter of the 30th Ultmo I will not be in a hurry in nominating any deputy for some time. You Colonels I think can carry on the Duty Many thanks to you & Mrs Askin for your kind wishes for me, have no account of M r Charles returning. I am told that the late Lieut had a certain portion of Militia Men assembled every Sunday after the French Church come out & during the time of Service of the English Church Exerc[is]ing43 You must point out Some other day than Sunday. I have the pleasure also of telling you & M rs Askin that my Salary while President is received with a very Satisfactory letter from our old friend M r Todd—but my dear Sir, the deduc- tion of property Tax—6 per cent for geting the money by bill to this Country has almost run away with [an] astonish- ing portion of the Sum, but it's being an accedental God Send I must be Content M rs Grant was so glad at my being Superseded in the Lieutcy that I suppose she will be displeased now Remem- ber me Sincerely to Mrs Askin & family. God bless you and them A Grant John Askin Esqr P. S. I am thanks be to my maker geting very hearty & 43 On this subject, see the correspondence between Askin and Richard Pollard printed ante, 563-64. 587 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS strong my kind letters from M r Todd and from [my] Wife enlivens me A. G. Addressed: John Asking Esqr Strabane Endorsed: Amherstburgh d e th Jan y 4h 1808 Commodore Grant to Jn° Askin Rec y 6 . ARTILLERY SALUTE ON QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY Petit Cote 9 th Jan y 1808 Dear Sir I cannot account how I neglected the princepal cause of my calling upon You Yesterday, which was to learn if Your Regiment were to Parade in Sandwich on the Queens Birthday, as you did on the 4 th of June last. If so I will bring up my field peice with 21 Rounds of Powder, & according to Custom fire 7 Rounds first, then a Volley from Your Regiment & then seven more Rounds from Me &ca. By which Your Regiment will give the last fire. I am D r Sir Yours truly WPark John Askin Senr Esqr Addressed: John Askin Senr Esquire Strabane Endorsed: Petite Cote Jan y 9 th 1808 Wm Park Esqr to Jn° Askin CONDITIONS AT ST. JOSEPH44 S* Joseph's 13th Jan y 1808 My Dear Brother Tho you have not thought proper to Answer my sundry favours yet I'm determined not to discontinue writing in expectation that at some time or other you will recollect that I'm your Brother & then deign to answer my Epistle's. For my part I cannot think you can make a reasonable apology for not writing, the Vessels ply continually during the summer Months & every Winter an Express leaves this in Jan y for York Bt& returnsy from York thats to say leaves York about the l of Feb for this. Should you condescend to write After this Winter (this being to late for you) you can address your Letters 44 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 588 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS to the Care of M r D n Cameron45 or Capt Givens46 & they will see them forwarded. If necessary to give you some Idea of this place first its an Island Abounding Wh Rocks & not a Deer Bear, Wolf, Racoon, Moose Cariboux or Muskrat about it. a few Hares is caught & pheasants the Indians live entirely on fish, they even make their Mokasins with the skins of sturgeon & Lace their Snow shoes with the same skin & Skin the Maskelonge for the same purpose. They have Sold to the Merchts only 5 Beaver skins 20 Martins & 8 Fox skins which is the whole Amo* of the Hunt of upwards of 120 men since the 24th of Sept last from this statement which is perfectly correct you may Judge what would become of those Poor Miserable Objects if our Generous Government was not to afford them relief. No doubt you're all verry merry at these times as your 45 Duncan Cameron, a native of Scotland, came to America with his parents in 1767 and located in Schenectady. During the Revolution, he sought refuge in Canada, where he soon entered the employ of the North West Company, becoming a partner in 1799. In 1785 and for many years thereafter, he was the company's agent in charge of the Nipigon district. In 1814, he was sent to Red River to checkmate the colonizing project of Lord Selkirk in that region. Much violence followed, and in 1816, the adherents of Selkirk captured Fort Gibraltar, taking Cameron prisoner and sending him to England for trial. There, however, he was released and secured damages from the Hudson's Bay Company for false imprisonment. He returned to Canada several years later and located in Williams- town, Glengarry, where, in 1824, he was elected to represent his district in the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada. In 1820, he married Margaret McLeod. The date of his death is unknown. See Wallace, op. cit., and references there cited. 46 Prior to 1791, when he enlisted in the Queen's Rangers, James Givens had acquired a knowledge of the Chippewa and Huron tongues. Upon the organization of the govern- ment of Upper Canada, he was commended by Henry Dundas, Secretary of State for Home Affairs, to Lieutenant-Governor Simcoe. From November, 1791, to November, 1802, he was a lieutenant in the Queen's Rangers, serving during the earlier portion of this period as aide to Governor Simcoe, who seems to have entertained a high estimate of his ability. Givens accompanied Simcoe on the latter's tour to Detroit in the winter of 1793, and during the following year, when Wayne's campaign was being waged, served at Detroit and on the Maumee. He was in Fort Miamis when Wayne reconnoitered that post after the Battle of Fallen Timbers, and a few weeks later expressed to Simcoe the conviction that he could have killed Wayne with his pistol. Givens was made captain in the Rangers on Nov. 19, 1803. On Feb. 28, 1805, he was commissioned in the Fifth Regiment, and his name last appears in the army list for 1806. From the beginning of his army service, the government had utilized his knowledge of the Indians, and about the beginning of the nineteenth century, he was appointed interpreter and agent in the Indian Department. In 1816, he appears as superintendent in York, and in 1830 as superintendent, interpreter, and senior officer of the department in Upper Canada. This post he held until June, 1837, when he retired on full pay. He was with Brock at the capture of Detroit in 1812, and served throughout the war with the rank of major of Upper Canada militia. He died in Toronto in 1846. Data derived from Simcoe Papers, passim; Mich. Pio. Colls., passim; and information supplied by Francis J. Audet, Chief of Information, Public Archives of Canada, Feb. 13 .1929. 589 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Assemblies & other mode of Amusement has commenced. Our Society is verry small being composed of Cap* Derenzy, Capt & Mrs Muir M r & Mrs Crawford, L* Craddock47 Doctr Davis & our Family. Thanks to God no set of people are more sociable & united than we are, & want no medical Assist- ance to make us eat our Rations. The Winter has set in verry early & extreamely severe. We have from 5 to 6 feet of snow in some places, but generally 4 feet in the woods, which has prevented the hawling of fuel. The Makina C° are making great improvements at this place, they have erected a large store House 80 by 40 feet, besides Timber for two others of the same dimentions & a dwelling House to be 120 feet by 50 & 16 feet post. M r Louis Crawford is the agent & partner at this [place]. Madelaine Joins rme in rsRequesting you'll present our sincere wishes to M & M Dickson for their Welfare. My Respects to Mr Hamil- ton & my Love to Robert & his Brothers. Madelaine John & Theresse joins me in praying the Master for your Health & prosperity I remain My Dear Brother Most Affectionately Jn° Askin Jr M r Chas Askin Queenston Addressed: M r Charles Askin Queenston Endorsed: r d S* Josephs th y 13 th Jan y 1808 From John Askin Jun Rec the 10 F'eb . CONDITIONS AT ST. JOSEPH S* Joseph's 14th Jan y 1808 My Dear Father, This goes by our Express to York & [I] hope it will reach you some time in [the] next Month As this Courier returns immediately to this It will be impossible for me to hear from you before the opening of the Navigation. In my last per the Nancy, I gave you advice of Madelaines sending Towels of course linen to my Dear Mother. I'm sorry I deceived you, thro the Negligence of Sam the Vagabond who had taken them to the Beach with a Keg 47 Hedges Cradock, commissioned lieutenant in the Forty-first Regiment, June 25, 1803. No record of his service in Canada has been found. 590 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS of Fish addressed to Captn Whipple48 & there left them. The keg & Bundle was brought home a few days ago by a Soldier who had taken them to the Block House not knowing to whom they appertained at that time but on enquiry foundn they belonged to me You'll be pleased to write to Capt Whipple & inform him of the Circumstance; for he no doubt must have been verry pressing on insisting Mills to find his Fish. The Winter set in verry early & has been verry hard We have 5 feet of snow about our houses & elsewhere about 4 feet regular from the severity of the Weather the Indians do not bring us any Rabbits pheasants or Partridges, they [the] only supply we receive from them is Trout, Maske- longe & Pickrel. I can assure you I never knew any set of poor devils so wretched & miserable as the Savages of this place. They are so far put to the Test of EO Econnomy that they make Mokasins of the Sturgeon & Maskelonge Skin Their Snow shoes are All laced with those skins & nothing else The Sturgeon skin appears to me to be nearly as strong as Calf skin I'm persuaded great improvement may be made on it by Tanning it properly. From the Great Scarsity of Indian Corn & other grain the Inhabitants of this place have been under the Necessity of killing all their Poultry. All the Hogs are starved to Death & it will be with great difficulty to prevent the Horned Cattle from the same fate owing to the Hay of the country which is verry bad & appears to have no substance thro [though]lscut & cured in the proper season. I'm confident that 500 B of Corn would have been sold & at any price thats to say from 14/ to1 16/ P r Bush1. Indeed I have been offered 48/ for a Bush . It was verry fortunate that M r Duff shipt a few Bushls in the Nancy for me, which will keep my mare, three Turkies 48 John Whipple was a native of Manchester, Mass., who became an ensign in the Second U. S. Infantry, July 2, 1797, and came to Detroit in the capacity of an army officer. He became a captain, April 11, 1803, and resigned from the army, Jan. 31, 1807. He was a friend of Governor Hull, and through his influence was appointed associate judge of the Territorial District Court in 1809. He was proprietor of the Mansion House from 1818 to 1824, and register of deeds from 1826 to 1830, when he was appointed keeper of the light- house at La Plaisance Bay. On Jan. 11, 1800, Whipple married Archange Peltier, daughter of Jacques Amable Peltier and Magdelene Levasseur, who was born in Detroit, Nov. 14, 1782. They had a family of fifteen children. Data adapted from Proc. of the Land Board of Detroit, 211-12; Heitman, Reg. U. S. A.; and Denissen, op. cit. 591 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS 2 Ducks & a D n of fowls alive & I'm certainly better off than any one here. I'm confident that this place will be overstocked next year w* corn. The South West C° have ordered a large Supply & I hope the poor Devils of Indians will be more industrious in their cultivation of their Corn fields & not neglect them as they did last year. A fine fishery has been found out lately 21 Miles from this. The White 1 fish much larger than [at] S* Marys. 45 fills a Barr but unfortunately that they do not pass untill the 15th of Novr or thereabouts. Ill endeavour next fall to get people who understand curing them as Cod fish [are] in Order to send a Parcel down on trial. Potatoes & fish is a good & Wholesome food for my part I eat bread at Breakfast only, & fish & potatoes at Dinner & all the family follow my example (Madelaine excepted). We are all well & hearty & have been so Since we began to feed on fish & potatoes The latter have not been in such abundance as usual. They now sell at 3/9 H x P r bush1. My Servants Eat Potatoes & fish for their Dinners for Bread is not to be seen but in the Mornings only, they prefer the same to any other food. The South West C° are making great improvements & I understand from M r Crawford who is one of the Partners & an intimate friend of mine, that there will be upwards of 1500 of their men at this place next spring. It will induce Adventurers to visit this I hope tho I could not with pro- priety recommend any one to try the experment untill the 15th of June or later. No doubt but you have seen Chennequy for he is like the Wandering Jew, but a greater scoundrel never was on earth. In short it is not in my Power to write you a full detail of the Rascals Conduct it would require a full quire of Paper. All I can assume you is that he is an Enemy to all Mankind, previous to his departure he Sowed discord amongst the Military & the Merch*8 & attempted to do the same between the Merch*8 & me but on being called to Account he appol[o]g[iz]ed & swore Never to be guilty of the same, then he immediately went to the Command8 Officer & endeavoured to pursuade him to write to the Governor 592 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS against me. fortunately for the Vagabond it was not dis- covered untill his departure. No Set of People are more Sociable & friendly than we are all. We generally Dine, Drink Tea & sup together Once a Week & Once in each Week all meet together & play at Cards. Should Cap* Trew [True] Visit you as he promised tell him We are all well & only want him to enliven our Society. The Children intend to write him at the opening of the Navigation agreeable to their promise. I cannot recollect if you got a Power of Attorney from me for the purpose of preventing My Tenant from making away with my little Property If I have neglected it let me know & at the same time what opinion you have of his honesty &c. Pray has M r Woods paid the Receiver Gen1 or not I'm anxious to know as it may injure me. I intended last summer to have sent a Quantity of Cedar Bark in the spring for the purpose of Covering a Barn on my Lot, but from the experience I made of it here I do not intend sending any therefore Edwards must peel Elm Bark for that purpose. I found that Cedar Bark wants continual repair- ing it rends much more than the Elm. Have the goodness to write me at the opening of the Navigation what you think respecting a War wh cour Neigh- bours, or if there is any proba[bi]lity of Cap* M Kee being superseded by Elliott. I should be happy to know these as they concern me first on Ace* of Madelaines friendfs] & the other[s] apprehending want of fortitude on his part to sustain the shock without having recourse to—as to my own friends I know about Amherstburg I cannot trust them on this head. Madelaine intended to write My Dear Mother but I have pursuaded her to the contrary untill the water com- munication is open (postage of Letters being enormous). The Children are in good health & Join Madelaine & me in praying for your, My Dear Mother, Brother & Sisters hea[l]th & Happiness I remain My Dear Father yr dutiful Son Jn° Askin J r 593 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS ts My most c respectful Comp c to the Com6 & family & Cap* M Kee, Woods, M Intosh & all those who wish me well to wit. Duff, Richardson, Mills, McKay & Gilkinson Addressed: John Askin Esquire Sandwich Endorsed: S* Josephs Jan y 14 h 1808 r Jn° Askin Jun r to Jn° Askin Senior Rec the 24 of Feb Answ April 18th d h d 1808 MILITARY PREPARATIONS IN AMHERSTBURG Amherstburg Febr 23d 1808 My dear Sir I arrived here yesterday at 4 oClock P.M. Received my letters. That of the Governors approves mostly of what has been done—has no objection Stationing a detachment of Militia at Sandwich if necessary, but will not admit taken utencials from the Merchants, he hopes the barrack Store at Amherstburg will provide, he dos not confirm the nomination of Richardson, from his stay here being Local, but the matter is that the Militia law are now revising and it seems L* & deputy of countys are left out of which I am glad so that You Colonels and Adjutants will have the business upon hand. M r Gilkinson is approved of being Ensign & Adjutant in Your Reg*, nothing breaths from all letters but that the americans are to go to war with France & Spain God Grant it. Poor Cap* Hall. I am to order him immediately to Join his vessel at Fort Erie from his coming without his having a regular leave, few or no letters from Niagara. I am with very Sincere Wish for Mra Askin You &c &c Alexr Grant r John Askin Esq P. S. The Judicature bill has passed the lower house but its thought it will not the upper house. A. G. Addressed: John Askin Esqr Strabane favord M r Bryce Wood Endorsed: Amhurstburgh Febr 23d 1808 Commodore Grant to Jn° Askin Recd the 24h & Answd ye 25th. 594 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS CULTIVATION OF HEMP PROPOSED Queenston Feby 25th 1808 My Dear Father I was extremely happy to receive your affectionate letter of the 27th Ult° and 3d Ins* particulary as I had began to fear from having heard from you very seldom lately, that I had by some means or other incurred your displeasure. I am not much surprised that that discontented selfish sett at Sandwich are jealous of my holding a Commission in the Militia there, while resident here. I should think it unfair myself, were they embodied and doing duty; but as that is not the case, I would think it very hard indeed if to retain my Commission, I must remain there against my interest, when I Know my Services are not required. So far from wishing to avoid doing my duty, I would be happy to have an opportunity; this I may perhaps soon have, if a report we have here, is true, that M r Rose49 is gone home dissatisfied. Its very well known that many officers of the Army have leave of Absence from their Regiments for a very long time, sometimes years, and draw their pay, while those who remain with it are obliged to do their duty; yet this hardship is not prevented, although there must be great complaints made about it. I suspect one person particularly who would wish me out; because he thinks to get promotion by it, for which he would do anything al- most; but I despise him; and in that I am not singular for few I believe who know him; but do. My Commission is dated 10th June 1807 as Cap*. If my services are required, I shall be ready to attend my duty, as soon as I am ordered; should they be needed you will please let me know; they cannot be I fancy but in case of a War with America, which I must know before you, as we get the News from New York much sooner than you can at Sandwich, therefore I shall be able if there should be a declaration to be up in time [to] receive my orders there. 49 Sir George Henry Rose (1771-1855) was sent to Washington by his government in the latter part of 1807 charged with a commission to settle the difficulty growing out of the attack by the British ship Leopard upon the American war vessel Chesapeake, June 22,1807. Rose's demands were deemed impossible by the U. S. government, and he shortly returned to England without achieving the object of his mission. 595 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS I am much afraid that flour or grain will never bear transporting from Detroit to Montreal; therefore the farmers will be obliged at last to turn their attention to something else; at present I know nothing which has any appearance of answering so well as hemp; but the preparation of it for manufacturing, requires so much labour that I believe it prevents people from cultivating it where labour is dear. The English farmers here do not seem to understand raising and curing of it, so well as I would have thought they did, and as the Canadians do not understand it at all, it will not be easy to get them to attempt it. Cap* Gilkinson has the Model of a Machine here for breaking & hackling it, which is very simple and would not cost more than £100, if that, to go with a horse, one to go with Water would be Still simpler for it would require but two wheels the water wheel & another small one and it would require a very small quantity of water to make it go. The hemp of this Country is generally believed to be equal to that of Russia, but its always spoiled in curing. If we could supply the Mother Country with that article, what an advantage it would be to both it, & ourselves. I am glad of James's coming down; tho sorry of the occasion. I hope he may do well here. I had a letter from him which reached me before yours tho of a later date. I have more to say, but I am afraid that I will miss the opportunity I have of sending this, if I do; and as there is another opportunity in a few days I shall now conclude. M r . Hamilton and the family are well, that you and my Dear Mother may enjoy the same blessing are the prayers of Your Dutiful & Affectionate Son Charles Askin John Askin Esqr Strabane Sandwich Addressed: John Askin Esqr Strabane Sandwich Endorsed: Queenston d Febr 25 1808 dCharles Askin to Jn° Askin Rec the 18 March and Answ 596 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS WAR CLOUD WANES IN DETROIT Amherstburgh 21flt March 1808 Sir from the favorable accounts from the States of America, that there is not at present nor for some months to Come; any appearance of actual hostility between them & Great Britain also that the Imbodied detachment of Militia at Detroit are dismissed for the present. Lieu* Colonel Grant50 referring for the present Calling, or requiring, any Militia into this Garrison to relieve the Detachment doing duty there; the Colonel dispenses after the 25 fa Ins* having any Militia doing du[ty] till further orders. Youl pleas to dismiss the detachment lately ordered from Your Regiment, directing them to be in readiness at a short warning when called upon I am Sir Your most Humble Servant Alexr Grant L* of the County [of] Essex 1 Co John Askin Comding the N.E. regiment of Militia P. S. I write this before hand, waiting for Co1 Grants direction to me concerning his dispencing with requiring [any] body of Militia at present, but my dear Sir he is very tedious in all his undertaken tho a good officer A Grant Addressed: Colonel John Askin Commanding the North East Regiment of Militia of the County of Essex A.G. Endorsed: Orders The Lieu* of the County to Col Askin dated at Amherstburgh March ye 218t 1808. Recd same night INDEBTEDNESS OF ELIJAH BRUSH Detroit 25 March 1808 Dear sir I send Horrace over with some grape vines and 50 Jasper Grant was commissioned lieutenant in the Fourth (King's Own) Regiment, April IS, 1785, and in the Seventieth Regiment, May 1, 1788. He was made captain in the Forty-first Regiment on Dec. 31, 1793; major, Sept. 22, 1798; lieutenant colonel, Sept. 25, 1803. He was serving as commandant at Amherstburg in October, 1806, and was still there as late as Sept. 15, 1808. See British army lists. 597 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS currant bushes for M rs Askin. Allice desires her mother to send her a large basket that she says she has there. With respect to what M r Todd has said it is true there is yet a ballance of 160 dollars due on the orchard with interest. I have always anticipated to pay off this debt with con- siderable] further remittances with the money that I Ex- pected to have got from Govr Hull he yet stands indebted to me about 1420 dollars [If] I should not be able to get any money from him before I shall be able to discharge the 160 dollars in June next perhaps before. I have some months ago forwarded the final certificatey of this place which entitles me to a patent to the Sec of the U. S. Treasury but there are some objections made to giving it at this time the Lord only knows what they are adieu Yours truly E Brush Addressed: John Askin Esquire Straban Endorsed: March 25 1808 E Brush to Jn° Askin relative to a Ball, due Mess8 T & McG Recd and Answd same day FROM ROBERT HAMILTON TO JOHN ASKIN Dear Sir That I have not been a regular Correspondent of late dus not arise I assure you from Want of Respect. But the sad Evil which befell my family in the Course of this Winter, damped my Spirits & sett me at Adversion with 51every exertion that was not Called for by absolute duty. Time with his Lenient powers weakens these un- pleasant Sensations, And for most of the Evils of Life Patience is the only solid cure. I am thankful to my freinds for the kind part they partook in my Affliction. My Young folks have suffered a sad Loss but still have we not Reason to be thankfull. God has given them good Constitutions & he has kindly enabled me to give them the opportunity of procuring [a] Good Education which I esteem the first Duty of a Parent. I hear regularly from my Boys in Schenectady They seem to do as I could wish. My Youngest is still with me, but 51 The allusion is to the death of his wife, Mary Herkimer Hamilton, on Jan. 26, 1808. On the subject of Robert Hamilton's family relations, see B. H. R., I, 188. 598 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS goes to Niagara next Month where he has already two Brothers. My little Girl will go to Kingston to her Aunts for some time, till of fitt age to go to a publick School at Quebec. I give you a most irregular Account of my family. I come now to the oldest of Whose Marriage you perhaps have heard. Finding his Attachment so firmly fixed that neither time nor Absence had effect on it, I ceased oppo- sition & let him have his own Way. The Girl he has married52 seems extremly well disposed to make him happy, & probably may be more succesful than one taken from a higher Grade. This is his Bussiness. I hope the way he is now put in, will enable him with Industry & Economy to life [live] Comfortably. Wh[ile he] Continues to Merit it, nothing in my power which can be done with Justice to myself & his Brethern Shall be Wanting to promote his Success. Charles now speaks for himself all others here Join in most affectionate Compliments to M rs Askin & all your family & all our freinds I remain D r Sir Yours most Sincerly R Hamilton John Askin *Esqr Queenston April 23 1808. P. S. When either of the Witnesses to the Deedr you gave for Land to Nathaniel Howell, John Askin Jun or Israel Rulland shall come to Detroit have the goodness to procure their signature to the Memorial sent up, & affidavit that they saw the Deed Executed. This is much wanted. R. H. Addressed: John Askin Esqr Near Sandwich Endorsed: Queenstond April the 23d 1808d Rob* Hamilton Esq to Jn° Askin Rec y 3 May Answ ye 9 th of Sep* r e d NEWS FROM DETROIT63 Sandwich 28th April 1808 Dear Brother, From a sense of Duty which I know is 52. For the marriage of Robert, eldest son of Robert Hamilton and Catherine Askin, see ibid., 541. 53 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 599 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS due, from me to you, and which I have heretofore been diffident in, I avail myself of this, opportunity of writing you, which though Late, I hope will be acceptable * * * * 54 as I have no News just now, I may as well tell you how I have disposed of myself, as you must undoubtedly feel anxi- ous for my welfare. From political reasons as well as private interests, I have left the other side and have been over here since Last Faul. As I never intended practising on the other Side, It would have been a folly to have continued there, And as our Law directs that a person shall study five years in the Province with an attorney, it would have been so rmuch time lost. My Father r has therefore bound me to M Elliott, after having tried M Dickson at Niagara, who had as many Clerks as he wanted. The terms of the Agreement are; that M r Elliott is to board, Lodge, and wash me, and my Father is to clothe me. he is a good man, and Im sure will Do, what he can for me. I have been here since the Month of February, and am now very busy writing. I find that there is a great deal more to be learnt here than on the other Side, as there is more formality observed in the practice. James has become very industrious, he goes up to the Point every Day with La Roche, and stays there all Day. James is the only one left of the family, as you have undoubtedly before this time heard of our Dear Sister Nellys being married55 poor Nelly regretted very much that you was not here, she hopes it will meet with your approbation, as I suppose it undoubtedly will, it being, the best match in the country he being of an excellent character, and in a Good situation, he is a very good husband, and for my part, I can say he is a good Brother in Law.c they both beg to be remembered to you. Captain M Kee is coming to live at [illegible] in a few days. Colonel Clause being ordered to stay here, has excited some apprehension to Captain McKee's being ordered to [illegible] which I hope may not be the case. There still prevails some appre- hensions of a war here, with America. They seem to carry 54 The lines omitted pertain to family details not of interest to present-day readers. 55 Nelly (Ellen Phyllis) Askin married Richard Pattinson. For their careers, see B. H. R., I, 594. 600 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS the Embargo act pretty far here for the people can't go over to the Mills. I have r no more news, but 56 that we are all well. Weddings, M Godfroy & Miss May were married yesterday, & M r Hickman & Miss Hull57 are to be married today or tomorrow. I remain Dear Brother in hopes of seeing you next month, as I understood you was coming. Your forever affectionate Brother Alexr D. Askin Addressed: r M r Charles Askin at Queenstown Favored per M Jones. Endorsed: April 28th 1808 From Alexr Askin. FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES AND WAR CLOUDS Amherstburg 6th May 1808 My dear Sir I was favoured with Yours [a] few days Ago by the Chairmaker and would certainly give him part of the money, but cannot get any for bills. So hard to get money here that the Sailors, which is a great shame, has had no pay this five months. Reynolds Says he cannot get money whos bills are immediately answered geting any thing from here to your place is very precarious. I therefore wrote Gilkinson to use his influence with my best respects with 56 For the Godfroy family line, see ibid, 63; for the line of James May, see ibid., 307. Gabriel Godfroy, son of Gabriel Jacques Godfroy and Mary Couture and grandson of Jacques Godfroy and Louisa Clotilda Chapoton, was born in Detroit on July 3, 1783. He married Elizabeth Ann, daughter of James May and Rose St. Cosme, April 27, 1808. They were the parents of fourteen children, born in the period, 1808-32. He died in 1848. Data derived from Denissen, op. cit. 57 Harris Hampden Hickman married Ann Binney Hull, daughter of Governor William Hull, April 28, 1808. Hickman was a lawyer who is said to have come to Detroit from Vir- ginia. In 1807, he served as captain in a militia battalion which was mustered for service during the pending excitement over difficulties with Great Britian. In the spring of 1810, he was appointed by the President collector of customs at Mackinac, but the Senate refused to confirm the appointment; whether he actually entered upon the duties of the office, we have not learned. He was commissioned captain in the Nineteenth U. S. Infantry, March 12, 1812, and contemporary papers in the B. H. Coll. disclose that, in December, 1814, and January, 1815, he was commandant of Detroit. He was honorably discharged from the army on June 15, 1815. A letter of William Woodbridge, Jan. 12, 1822, states that Hickman had not been a resident of Detroit for several years past, while one written by Governor Hull to Solomon Sibley, May 6, 1820, discloses that Mrs. Hickman was then living in Hollowell, Me. They were the parents of two children, Anna, born in 1809, and Sarah, born, June 19, 1811. Data derived from mss. in B. H. Coll., passim; Mich. Pio. Colls., passim; Heitman, Reg. U. S. A.; and Weygant, Hull Family, passim. 601 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS the McIntoshs to get [a few] pounds of paint and a gallon of oil for M r Barth to paint the Callash if its possible to Collect all the parts together. I have had answers to my application throu the Col8 Burnet & Mathews to the Duke of York. They write me the most expedient way and best is for58 the recommendation Coming throu Sir J s Henry Craig Colonel Burns desires his Compliments to you. all the letters from below dreads a war. large Forces coming out from England horse and foot six or eight field officers as inspectors of the Militia in Nova Scotia & the two Canadas. You shall hear from me from below. My affection to Mr8 Askin. Yours Sincerely Alexr Grant John Askin, Esq Addressed: John Askin Esquire Strabane Endorsed: Amherstburgh May 6 1808 Commodore Grant to Jn° Askin LAND TITLES IN DETROIT Montreal 1 June 1808 r c Dear Sir During M M Gills confinement by sickness & at the time when an agent, M r Gillespie,59 was sent to Wash- ington by the Mackinac Company, we wrote a Letter to M r Erskin[e] our minister Plenipotentiary,60 complaining 58 Sir James Henry Craig (1748-1812) was Governor-in-Chief of Canada from 1807 to 1811. For an account of his career, see Wallace, op. cit., and references there cited. 59 George Gillespie was engaged in the Northwest trade for two decades prior to the War of 1812. He is said to have had trading establishments at Mackinac and Green Bay as early as 1794; and in 1798 was reported as "preparing to build" near the new blockhouse on St. Joseph Island. See Mich. Pio. Colls., XII, 282. In 1805, he signed a memorial of Montreal merchants to the government complaining of American restrictions upon their trade within the borders of the United States {ibid., XXV, 221); and the visit to Washington here mentioned was made when he went as their spokesman to protest against restrictions imposed by the Embargo and Non-Importation acts (ibid., XXV, 241). The present letter indicates that this mission was successful. See also post, 604. He continued his trad- ing activities as late as 1812, after which further knowledge of him is lacking. Data derived from Mich. Pio. Colls., passim; Wis. Hist. Colls., passim. A few scattering Gilles- pie manuscripts are in the B. H. Coll. 60 David Montague Erskine (1776-1855) was the eldest son of Thomas, first Lord Erskine. He was educated at Christ Church, Oxford; was called to the bar in 1802; and in July, 1806, was appointed minister to the United States. In July, 1799, he had married a 602 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS [torn] of Congress, which allowed no more then 640 acres of Land, being granted or confirmed to Any Individual for prior Claims on the west Side of the Detroit River, a Copy of that letter has been forwarded to you by M r Todd, but oweing to some misapprehensions, a copy of ours to you, was not kept, so that we do not recollect r the date. It would seem however that our application to M Erskin[e] has pro- duced some Effect, for a new law has been passed on the subject, and a news paper containing it having come to our hands, we inclose it for your information.61 You will no doubt remark that by the first section all lands granted by the French Government prior to the treaty of Paris, which we think was in October 1762, and by the British prior to the treaty of G. Britain & America 3 Sept. 1783, may be claimed up to 1 January next & certain things are to be done for that purpose and by the 4 Sect. That part of a former law which allowed of one Tract or Parcel only being granted to any one Person, is done away, and by referring to this last Act you will find all the particulars, therefore we do not subscribe them but refer you thereto, of one thing we deem it proper to advise you that, on no account will we become Purchasers of any Lands whatsoever on the American side, this relaxation by the American Government arises in our opinion (perhaps in part from our representation) chiefly from knowing, that the old French Settlers on this Side & their dependents were & could not be otherwise than highly displeased over the original Grants to their ancesters being set at naught & at this [torn] willing to conciliate them, but be this as it may, we think it will give you an opportunity of serving yourself & us, and we are persuaded you will avail yourself of it We are, Dear Sir Your very Obe Serv*8 James McGill Isaac Todd r John Askin Esq Addressed: John Askin Esqr near Sandwich Upper Canada daughter of General John Cadwallader of Philadelphia; and as minister he was very friendly o America. Dissatisfaction with his conduct of negotiations over the Non-Intercourse Act ed to his recall in 1809. See Diet. Nat. Biog. 61 The allusion is to the Act of April 25, 1808, 10 Cong. 1 Sess., chap. 67. 603 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Endorsed:r Montreal June 1d st 1808 Isaac dTodd & hJames c M Gill Esq to Jn° Askin Rec y 16 & Answ the 17 Aug* CONDITIONS AT ST. JOSEPH62 S* Josephs 17th June 1808 th My Deary Father st Your sundry d favoursd of the 13th Novr 5 Feb & 21 April last I rec on the 3 Ins* which gave my little family universal joy to find that You, My Dear Mother & all our Relations & friends were well. May the Almighty grant a long continuance of the same to all is our Fervant Prayers. Madelaine & myself are truly happy to find that Nelly is so well provided for I have every reason to believe that they will be a verry happy couple. Please present our Sincere wishes for their welfare & prosperity. In my Letters p r the Winters Express I mentioned the favourable prospects I had of this place improving & the flattering hopes of additional Society from the large Building that the South West C° were puting up to wit, Mess Houses, Dwelling Houses stores &c &c & the langu[a]ge held out that the Agents, Members & commis were to live at the post. The whole vanished at the arrival of the Agent of that C° from Montreal. It appears that they have settled their Business wh the President of the U. S which is that their Goods will be imported into Makina & their Furs ex- ported to any place they please without any Molestation or interruption whatever on the part of the U. S. There is two fine stores & a Dwelling House remain at their Newly improved point: which is half a Mile distance from the Garrison There was a talk at M r Gillispies arrival from New York of demolishing the Stores & taking them to Makina but I believe they found it would be attended with a great deal of Expence. Rum sold at 4/ per Gallon all last winter at this place 6i From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 63 The paragraph omitted concerns the collection of certain debts due the writer. 604 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Corn not to be had at 4/ p r Bushel— No Linen, thread Leather Cloth, Hats Shoes or smoked Deerskins, could be had at any price. Deerskins will be plenty in a short time. Whisky, High Wines Butter & Flour a Drug all winter Whisky could not sell for more than 10/yk H. Wines 14/ to 16/yk. Butter 2/yk. Flour could not be sold at %}4 the Barr1 good Pork sells at this present time at 1/yk p r lb. An assortment of Dry goods consisting of Shawls Linens printed Cottons, Teas, Coffee, Spirits, flannels, 8 Hats Stock- ings Shoes Leather threads, Tapes, calico Silk cot thread striptd Cottons Janes, fustians, & Second Cloths to the Am* of 5 or 600 Dollars would have sold verry well to the Soldiers, it appears that they have not spent their pay (so report says) I mention this to you (at the same time do not wish that it should be known that the Information came from me for Reasons) first that Im on a good footing wh the S. W. C° the 2d that it does not look well for a person in a Department such as I'm connected wh to have any- thing to say about commerce. Since the Navigation is opened I have found out the Method of geting the Indians to kill Bears they have bro* me Bear meat several times which was uncommon before my arrival. I cannot complain as yet hfor want of provissions, the Indians have furnished me w abundance of Ducks, fish, Beaver Meat, Hares & Pheasants, its true it has cost me a whole Barr1 of Whisky & Numbers of Loaves of Bread. However I'll be better provided for next year, having planted plenty of Potatoes, a Garden well furnished wh Cabbage plants for the winter & great prospects of the onions I planted. I have a field of Oats which looks well & promising; Eight bushels were sowed & to tell you the truth my Horses & Cattle were nearly starved in order to save what I did for seed. Exclusing of the field where the oats are another field for pasturage was fenced in by Johnnyh & [some] Indians h it contains four Acres well inclosed w Cedar poles w posts & pins & clover & Timothy Sown in it for the Calves The Apple Tree plants have been planted out & have taken verry well. We have abundance of good Radishes every day and Spanish spinage Greens (Melons, cucumbers, carrots Beats 605 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS & Selery the grubs have entirely destroyed). I have been verry unsuccessful wh the two yews I brought wh me theyh had two lambs each, & after feeding the old ones well w Turnips & paying great attention & attendance they all died I am again with my old stock to commence raising De nouveaux Brush disappointed me. he was to have sent me a Barr1 of Cyder if not two. he could as well Smuggle Cyder to our side as wine to his. If he had sent it to Makina ad- dressed to Doc* Mitchel & wrote the Doc* that it was in- tended for me it would have been in my store House long ago. We have a method in this Quarter, unknown below how to import & export into the U. S. Per the Nancy youll receive a keg of Sugar marked in your Name which I send you & one keg mark'd P address'd to your Care which is intended for Mrs Peltier & Several things which are intended as addressed in a Bundles marked in your Name 19th M r Wm McGilvery64 & McKay accompany r by c Count Chabot arrived from Montreal yesterday M M Kay in- formed me that J n Bte Cadot65 was appointed by Sr r John Johnson h to be Interpreter in my stead & that M Todd dined w those Gentlemen at LaChine & was greatly dis- pleased at S. J. J. for having taken that appointment from me. I once esteemed hopes that fortune would favour & enable me to pay my debt but Alas the Wheel is turn'd again & unless the Clerkship is added to Storekeeper I cannot live on a Dollar per day & will have to abandon this, which will be verry hard after going to such expence as I have in getting my little property. I cannot compre- hend the meaning of appointing a Man in my r stead without notifying to me the reason, Unless that S John has been displeased at the L* Govr having appointed me instead of 64 For the career of William McGillivray, see B. H. R., I, 533-34. 65 For the Cadotte line, see ibid, 52. The precise family connection of Jean Baptiste, here mentioned, has not been determined. Evidently he is the individual whom Sir James Craig, on May 11, 1808, directed Lieutenant-Governor Gore to appoint as interpreter at St. Joseph in place of Askin, whom Sir James had been informed was "not well qualified." Mich. Pio. Colls., XXV, 247. About the end of January, 1810, Captain Thomas Dawson, commanding at St. Joseph, summarily removed Askin as storekeeper and appointed Cadotte to replace him. This action was repudiated by Governor Gore, who characterized Cadotte as unfit for the place by reason of his habits of extreme intemperance. See ibid., XXIII, 84, 86. 606 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS its coming from him. No doubt you'll be able to get some Information on that head from Col Claus who is to reside below. Be pleased to get Richardson or those who are intimate wh him to assertain the reason. M r Todd a wel- wisher of the family show[ed] signs of his sorrow on my occasion. He, M r McGill & Richardson perhaps may be able to get the Clerkship which is 2/4 [illegible] p r day. as the present clerk has not been here since November last & cannot subsist on that salary its probable he will not return. Madelaine joins me in fervant prayers, for Your, My dear Mother, Sisters & Brothers Health & prosperity I am My Dear Father Yr Dutiful son Jn° Askin Jr John Askin Esqr Strabane Addressed: John Askin Esquire Strabane Endorsed: recvd Ab* l at July Answd ye 11th INDENTURE OF CHARLOTTE MOSES This Indenture made at Detroit in the Territory of Michi- gan this twenty-fifth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eight Between Charlotte Moses a mulatto or pawnee Girl of Detroit now of the one part and John Askin Esquire of Straben in upper Canada of the other part Witnessth that the said Charlotte for the consideration hereafter mentioned and which on the part and behalf of the said John Askin his Executors Adminis- trators and assigns shall be observed fulfilled and Kept hath put placed and bound herselfe and by these presents Doth put place and bind herselfe to the said John Askin his Executors Administrators and assigns as his Covenant servant to serve for the Term of three years from the first Day of November next insueing the date hereof during all which time the said Charlotte her Said Master shall well and truly observe and obey. She shall not at any time absent herselfe from his said service. She Shall do him no injury or knowingly suffer any to be done by others but in all things shall behav herselfe as a good and faithfull servant ought and is obliged to do. In consideration whereof the 607 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS said John Askin for himselfe his Executors [and] Adminis- trators Doth covnant promis and agree that at the Expira- tion of the said Term of three years upon condition that the said Charlotte shall behav herselfe as a good and faithfull servant ought and is obliged to Do he will liberate and dis- charge hir from bondage and from his said service giving unto hir hir freedom and liberty the said John Askin will also find and provide the said Charlotte with good and sufficient diet and cloathing during the continuance of her Servitude In testimony whereof the parties to these presents have hereunto interchangeably] Set their hand and affixed their seals at Detroit aforesaid the day month and year first above written Signed sealed & Deld In presence of her Charlotte X Moses Endorsed: Charlottes Indentures mark JOHN CAMPBELL SLAIN S* Josephs 17 th Aug* 1808 My Dear Father, My Letter per the General Hunter was very short, owing to the Business I had on hand, which consisted of Report of Survey &c & my mind wholely taken up with the narrow escape I had of my being superseeded without any reasons assigned for the same. I entertain hopes that my Enemees will let me alone after they have been so compleated frustrated in their operations. Count Chabot will I'm persuaded speak to the Governor in Chief in my behalf, thats to say he will give His Excellency an Account of my Character & abilities. No doubt you have been informed of the unfortunate meeting between M r Redford Crawford66 of the Mississipi & M r J Campbell67 Agent of Indian Affairs for the United 66 Redford Crawford was a brother of Lewis Crawford, for whom see ante, 576. Both were actively identified with the fur trade of the upper Mississippi region. For the death of Redford, see post, 688. 67 John Campbell was engaged in trade on the upper Mississippi for several years prior to his appointment, in 1802, as U. S. Indian agent at Prairie du Chien. See Wis. Hist. Colls., XIX, 323. 608 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS States of the Ouisconsan. it appears a misunderstanding took place over the Bottle, a Challange took place, they met & were prevented from accomplishing their ends by the Mal^na Justice but agreed to meet some place along Lake Huron near or about the Detour (the place I cannot assertain exactly) where poor Campbell received a Mortal Wound, he was brought to this [place] in a Canoe mann'd by American Soldiers, who put him ashore & immediatly returned to the American Side, the unfortunate man Died the Second day after his arrival & his Corps was taken back to Makina, agreeable to a wish he had expressed on his arrival. Redford Crawford & his second immediately went back to Makina, from the place where the Duel took place wh his Second Robert Dickson. As its probable that M r Crawford & Dickson will return to the Country where this mans family resides, I'm apprehensive that they will meet with a great deal of difficulty & its the general Oppinion that they will loose what property they may take in [to] that Country. I send M r J B* Barthe Sen rs r a Mocock of Sugar addressd to your8 Care One for M Badishon r w* Madelain & my Compt* . a Mocock marked IP for M Peltier & a Bundle, you'll receive One Mocock Sugar a Bundle of Mats, & a Mocock of dryed Huckleberrys which you'll please accept of. The sugar is very clean I believ^ej having recived it from a Clean woman. Madelaine & the Children are well & all join me in Sincere wishes for Your & My Dear Mother['s] Health & prosperity Our Love to Charles, James, Alxr Alice, Nelly, Brush & Pattenson. I remain My Dear Father Your dutiful Son Jn° Askin Jr 8 r Comp* to M L. Barthe inform him I have not forgot him but I cannot procure at present what Stone he wants for pipes. "• An Indian by the Name of Kayshaymekoquan from Saging a place where the Weasel was lost informs n me that he found an Anchor at that place & that J Marie Bobien claimed it as yours, & recd it, but afterward told r the Indian that it was not yours, but it had been lost by M L. Barthe 609 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS when commanding a Kings vessel & that it was to be retd to the King, this happened three years ago that Beaubien got the Anchor Addressed: John Askin Esqr Strabane Endorsed: S* Josephs d e Aug*th 17th 1808d Jn° Askin Jun r to Jn° Askin Senior recv y 29 & Answ then. AMERICAN RASCALITY DENOUNCED Montreal 29th Septr 1808 r John Askin Esq My dear friend By the bearer M M°Gregor you will recive my Letter of the 15 th his being detained gives me the opportunity of acknolegi[n]g receip* of your favor of the 3d Ins* you may remember I predicted that Smiths answering for payment was only to deceive you, and tho I will always be glad to hear from you & to know you are well, yet I am so out of patiance with your Rascally Country, and seeing that every letter only makes me regret I Ever knew it, your writing must be painfull to you as it is to me to read, for I see there is no chance of ever getting any thing for all my property that cost so much and from various disappointments I realy want it. from what you say neither Rulund nor Smith owes the Money and there it ends, and tho you dont say so directly yet I suppose all our property on the American Side is gon[e], and M r Brush appears no better than the rest indeed I am so vexed altho I must feel the want of so much property, I never expect to hear any thing good from the Country. God Bless you Isaac Todd P S it realy exceeds any thing I Ever read of that a Mort- gage for a Just debt, is of no use and that Lands bo* & Registred shall be given tost others, it cant be. I will not be surprised if I live until 1 Octtr 1810 (the time M r Brush is to pay for the property he bo*) that he claims it as his without paying a penny principal or Interest such is my opinion from what I have experienced, that if a Man wanted my coat I would give it fearing if I went to Law he would get my shirt allso. indeed the American Goverm* is a 610 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS rascally one and calculated to screen Rogues and it seems your side is little better. Addressed: John Askin Senr Esqr Sandwich Endorsed: Montreal th Sepr 29*d 1808 Isaac Todd Esqr to Jn° Askin recv* 7 Nov. Answ DIFFICULTIES OVER LAND TITLES Strabane October the 8th 1808 My Dear Friend, I have hardly courage to take up the pen to write you; Rascality and disappointments in what relates to your and my good friend M r McGills deb[t]s, & claims as well as my own, has nearly worn me out; and if it was not for poverty & old age; I think I would gladly leave a country where I had lived So Long, but [which] is so changed for the worst; £7 4s is all I received for you since I sent you my last accounts, so far as I can recollect; and though I accounted to you for £100 for a house I sold Doctor Brown, and though he is in as good circumstances as most people at Detroit, I have as yet recieved but £5 and his account will exceed £20, so that I still lye out of about £30. money at Detroit is very scarce; and what's got seems to be laid out in Buildings. The supreme Court, has been Long sitting there and not yet finished, no rEnd to suits, and most of them rascally ones;r I often put M Brush in mind of what he owes you and M McGill, and as often he promises soon to make payments, but when the time comes, he finds himself without the means; he like most others is too fond of improvements, the place he bought of me is now in great order and valuable, but he would have done much better to have made it Less so, and been more regular in his payments to you. He certainly in my opinion has more true value than he owes. The G I think is pretty deep in his Debt, for his practice Is worth a great deal of money; he is going to his Lands near the Ohio, after Court is over; I have often advised him to sell them and pay you off. I wish he would follow my advice, he has met with no purchasers as yet, for what he bought from M r McGill and you; at the time I imagine he thought to sell it out in Lots being so near the Town, but he has not 611 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS as yet disposed of one. M r Brush is certainly a regular, industrious, sober man, and except in improvements is by no means extravagant for a man who earns so much by his profession. I am quite at a Loss what steps to take relative to M r c M Gill's and your claims to Land in the Michigan Territory. I may add more expence and yet as the Law now stands not stren[g]then the claims; constant possession & cultiva- tion on all the tracts from July 1796 to 1807 is what the commissioners require, otherwise they can not grant certi- ficates; now though all were possessed before 1796 very few have been constantly occupied and improved since; surely unless congress means to rob people of property for which they paid a valuable consideration; they must alter this Law, and strong representations from Montreal, and this by the Interested should be made for that purpose. In my Letter of the 3d & 9 th Septemberr Last I mention the unpleasant issue of my suit with M Thomas Smith relative to the mortgage; neither my Law[y]er or self are yet determined, whether or no to apply for a new trial, the costs of this one will I suppose be £30 or £40 which with twenty pound, formerly for a non Suit is very provok- ing & expensive, when a man only seeks for what is clearly his right: Ruland does not deny that all that's done is only taking the security of the Land & making the Debt become his and which he is not able to pay; I have one redress yet, which is better than Israel Ruland alone; which is Ebenezer Allan68 & Israel Rulands original note, for what was due you £128 with Interest from June 1800. Allan I believe able to pay and perhaps it would be better to sue him, for though he gave a mortgage on Lands to Ruland, & Ruland to me in order to secure that debt with something due me, Yet as he joined to invalidate the mortgage by the Testi- mony of his Brother; he should be made to suffer; Smith will in all probability get the Land, having bought it of Allan; dishonest men generally play tricks on each other; Smith made me some payments on Rulands Mortgage, but yet there is still due me £246 of which sum 190£ odd, should be yours; Smith & Ruland say they gave M r Brush in part 68 Probably the individual whose career is sketched in B. H. R.t I, 559-60. 612 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS payment of the Mortgage, a Saddlers note for £100; this he positively denies, and says it was given in part payment of a Judgment he obtained agn st Ruland for a M r Pell and granted a reciept to Ruland accordingly, however this may be I never received a penny of that £100; and M r Brush likewise says he can not give [it] to me, as he recieved it in payment for another. I have now explained to you in the best manner I can this dmnd complicated matter and have on this subject only to add that if in the end, you should fall Short of your original sum, with Interest, I will account to you in the proportion your debt against Ruland bore to mine for what payment Smith or Ruland made on the mortgage. Under cover herewith I send you the copy of a Claim I gave in among many others in April 1803 agreeable to Law. of this Tract I have not got one foot, nor according to the present Law will I have one, and yet I hear that certificates are granted to sundry people on & near that Tract; how this is done I can not concieve, as no people Living (my people excepted), and a M r Connors family were at that place in 1796 which the Law requires or for Long after.69 A Caveat I think should be entered and sent to the Secretary of the Treasury ag nst giving patents on such certificates: the fair Law would be to confirm Tracts of Land purchased honestly & improved before the Americans took possession of the posts, and this is what our Government should insist on so far as it regards British subjects. I believe I forgot an exchange proposed by M r Park in May Last I now inclose it. The N° of the Lot he wants is I think 37 between Sandwich & Maiden, it has no houses or fences on it now. May health and happiness attend you, are the most sincere wishes of me and mine. Adieu my Dear Friend (Signed) John Askin (L. S.) Isaac Todd Esquire Endorsed: Copy of a Letter from John Askin Senior, a[t] Strabane to Isaac Todd Esq r at Montreal. Dated the 8 t h October 1808 69 Apparently this was Askin's purchase from the Moravians near Mount Clemens, for which see ante, 496-97. 613 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS APPEAL TO BRITISH MINISTER OVER LAND TITLES Montreal 2d Decembr 1808 Dear Sir The very friendly attention which you gave a letter I wrote you jointly with M r McGill on the 5 th March last respecting our Claims to Lands on the Michigan Tere- tory of the United States induces me again to trouble you on this Subject. In consequence of the Law that was passed by Congress, extendingst the time for produccing proofs to such Lands until the 1 January 1809 we addressed our Agent John Askin Esqr of Sandwich, advesing him to aveil himself of it and to claim all the Lands we had in that Teretory & tho he has used every endeavour & produced proofs of the Lands having been granted by the French & confirmed, or granted by the British, as appears by the Regesters, was settled & improved, and the regular pur- chase & Transfere from the former Owner, yet he cannot obtain the necessary Certificates from the Commiss1"8 & writes as follows, "I am quite at a loss what steps to take relative to M r McGills & your claim to Lands in the Michi- gan Teretory I may add more expence but (as the Com- missioners Interpret the Law) not strengthen your claims. Constant possission & cultivation on all the Tracts from July 1796 to 1807 is what they require otherwise they say they cannot grant Certificates, and tho all were possesed before July 1796 few have been constantly occupie.d and im- proved since that time; but assuredly Congress means not to dispoil People of their Property for which they paid a Valuable Concideration, the Law ought to be alt[e]red other- wise the most flagarent injustice will be done." As we were induced to make those Purchases agreeable to the inclosed State[ment], knowing that by Treaty the Property of British Subjects, were secured to them, and that they ought in Justice nor Law to be deprived of them, I should hope the Law may be alt[e]red so as to preserve the rights of Individuals & especially British Subjects by repealing so much of it, as requires, constant occupation and improve- ment since 1796, & by extending the period of Ulterior proof until January or June 1810 every person interested would then have time to bring such proof forward, if the Titles are fair & supportable, and that part had been improved, 614 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS nd I have reason to beli[e]ve the Commissioners appointed o grant Certificates do not act to British subjects, as they ught. I had the Honor of receiving your very friendly letter of he 13th May also that by your Brother & M r Sterling to home I paid every attention in my Power it will give me leasure to do so to any friend of yours, if your Brother is t Washington please present my best respects. With Sentements of respect I have the Honor to be Your Most Obed* Humble Serv* Isaac Todd is Excellency The Hon D. M. Erskine His Britac Majes- bl ys Minister Plenepotentiary Washington 615 SECTION VIII LETTERS AND PAPERS, 1809-1811 DISMISSAL FROM MILITARY SERVICE Lieutenant Governors Office York 10th March 1809 Sir, The Lieutenant Governor having Judged it necessary o issue new Commissions to the Officers of the Militia, hroughout the Province, by virtue of an act passed in the ourth Session of the fourth Provincial Parliament I am ommanded to inform you, that, in Consideration of your nfirm State of health, which does not allow of such Exer- ons as the present times seem to require, he has felt him- elf called upon to place an Officer of more Personal activity t the head of the Corps you lately Commanded. And his xcellency trust[s] you will consider this change, in the ame light he has viewed it. I have the honor to be Sir, Your Most Obedient humble Servant Wm Hatton Secretary ohn Askin Esquire Sandwich Addressed: John Askin Esquire Sandwich Endorsed: Yorkd 10th March 1809 Major Hatton to ohn Askin recev April I P 1809 RIGHTS OF BRITISH SUBJECTS INFRINGED Near Sandwich March 29th 1809 My Dear Friend, Its quite needless, to be troubling ou & M r Todd with dayly Letters saying what I expect on to get done. I will defer therefore as I have for some me past Answering your Letters untill I can positively y whats done. The intention of this is to let you know at I have hired out the Farm at the River Rouge of 7 cres in Width by 50 deep for One Year to commence on e 20th of Next Month for £20 in Cash & £5 in grain or mething to that Value, at the Current price. This Rent am sure of, which has been very seldom the Case, my 619 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS reason for Renting it was that the place might not only be kept in good repair, but also give time for the Patent to come out & prevent some Rascal seting down on it, at these unsettled times when the American Government have no great wish to r serve British Subjects. I need hardly say to You or M Todd, that I at all times have & ever intend to serve Your interest so far as in my Power lies, though I have heretofore not been very successfull, however everything considered Mild Measures are the best to be pursued relative to obtaining a British Subjects rights in & about Detroit. Indeed whoever tries other measures I believe will be defeated but God knows the degree of patience should be very great in him who has business there, often has mine been put to trial and caused me Ten times more uneasiness than my Broken Arm I wait the warm weather (which I expect next Month) in Order to go over the River, for thoug[h] well, I dare not go from home at this Cold season. I think that I mentioned that 6 Lots say Town, was got in lieu of the little Houses belonging to You and M r Todd, on the Commons I find therer are 7 Certificates 4 of which are for You & three for M r Todd this exceeds what You were both to get so that M Todd will have to pay in perhaps 20 Dollars and some of his Lots are not as [large as ?] Yours. I made the Divission as Near as I could so that You might have double the Value he had for You had two Houses & he but One. may Health and happiness attend You both, are the constant prayers & wishes of me & mine. Adieu my Dear Friend James McGill Esquire P. S. I most r sincerely regret the loss of that worthy Man my Friend M Hamilton, he is a great loss not only to his Family but to his Country. Endorsed: Near Sandwich c March 29th 1809. John Askin Senior To James M Gill Esquire (Copy) 620 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS ARBITRATION OF CLAIM AGAINST FRANCIS VIGO Vincennes 28 march 1809 John Askin Esqr D r Sr I received your Favors of 10th October last with the enclosures, and would have replied long sincer but for some circumstances. The principal one was that M DuBois acquainted me that he should return to Sandwich in the course of the Winter, another was that I had entered into an agreement for the Sale of one of your Tracts of land & another prevailing one was, that for your Interest I found it necessary to renew a disagreeable discussion with Vigo respecting his Note in your favor, with a view to draw him into an acknowledgment of the correctness of the adjust- ment I made with him; in the course of which, I have put the affair on a footing which I hope willr be agreeable to r you. It is agreed upon, if you concur, that M Meldrum, M Park, Jn° McGregor and my Brother, or in the absence of either, such person as you and M r DuBois shall agree, shall be examined respecting the custom of receiving and disposing of Peltry at the time Vigo's Parcel was in your management; and the Instructions you had. and that their certificate shall be laid before four men at this place, to be chosen by the Court, who are to determine, according to the Statement or Certificate of those Gentlemen, whether your claim is to be encreased or lessened. As you have all the Documents that will be rnecessary, except such as M r DuBois will furnish from M Vigo, who has all the Accounts you sent me, I am confident the result will be more favorable to you than the former. You need not precipitate the measure on the supposition that our Statue of limitation will affect the Note, for I have taken such steps in our discussion as will preclude that, if even it was his Intention to avail himself of it. There is no necessity now of sending you the Note, as you have with- drawn the suit. Had you informed me that your Court would not authorise the examination of witnesses out of the Dominions, I would have attended altho it would have been extremely inconvenient for me. On every occasion as well as that, I have always had your pecuniary situation in mind, and exerted myself to relieve you as much as in my 621 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS power. At present I cannot assist you, but with advice. If I had money, I would accept of your land at the price you state, and I have written to my Brother to know if he can relieve you, and authorise me to take your land, provided I can be released from the promise I made to sell N° 73 in the Summer. Till this is determined I cannot send you the Deeds you requested. Your Rock Tract is a bad farm for an American farmer; and for that reason alone it has not been sold: I have always endeavored to buy that adjoining, and both would make an excellent Plantation. I now en- close you Hunots Obligation for which you have my Receipt which please return to me when you write next. I expect some money will be recovered from Barsaloux Estate, but when or how much I cannot yet inform you, as his Adminis- trator is much embarassed. Not having been able to sell any land, I have not the ability to remit you an account of what I received back from Vigo for the Company; and per- haps when I have made up my final Accounts with you, but little may be coming to you from that Source. Present my Respects to Mrs Askin and your Family and be assured that I am most sincerely your most Obed* and most humble Ser* Will. McIntosh P. S. It will occur to you that whether you refer the deter- mination of your affair to men at this place who will be governed by the Certificates, or to a Jury, still it must be decided by men in this place as the Defend* lives here, as there is no probability of finding him in another Country. W. M C I. Addressed: John Askin Esquire near Sandwich upper Canada Favor of M r DuBois. Endorsed: recevd April 9 th OBLIGATIONS OF ELIJAH BRUSH1 April the 6th 1809 Dear Sir, I am just favoured with Yours of Yesterday's date, & think that the only answer for the present which is i From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 622 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS necessary is, that you & I must settle what honor and strict justice requires, with as Little Loss to you as possible, at the same time, to strictly fulfill the trust, reposed in us both, by M r Todd & McGill; fairer you can not say, nor more honorable that [than] to submit to what I shall think ight, let the loss to you be what it may, rather than my character should in the least suffer, & I on my part assure you; Im as little disposed, as any man can be, to cause you any loss, or embarrassment next after yourself its my duty to provide for your Dear family should you be ncapable, through losses or other cause to do so. You must come here alone some day when perfectly at liesure & we must contrive whats best to be done & execute it. I hink some proposal of giving Alice's Land on this Side & other given her on yours by you should be some part of the ffer made to Messer T. & MCG in short my opinion now s (though it may change when we meet) that if possible you get rid of paying in money so Large a sum to these two gentlemen yet I only mean you should get rid with their onsent, for what a man has promised, he should most ertainly perform if in his power, unless relieved therefrom, by consent of those to whom the promise was made. Your busy and therefore for the present shall only add that I am s usual Dear Sir Yrs sincerely (signed) John Askin (L. S) E Brush Esquire Detroit ARBITRATION OF CLAIM AGAINST FRANCIS VIGO April 12th 1809 Sir, I received a line from you last Night, stating that You understood before You left Post Vincenns that the ifferences between Monsr rVigoe and me was to be settled y Arbritation. its true M William McIntosh wrote me to hat Effect provided I consented, to part of the mode I do. he other part requires consideration much longer than Your stay here will admit of and for which r I'm very sorry s the first step is to request that Mess John McGregor, Angus McIntosh, William Park & George Meldrum meet 623 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS for the c purpose of my laying before them All Messrs Todd & M Gills accounts with me, relative to the Sale of a Quan- tity of Peltries the property of Monsr Vigoe sent to London for Sale in 1786 with my other documents relative to that matter and that they should furnish a Certificate of what they had seen and send it to Post Vincenns. this, had time permitted, I would most certainly [have] done by you, but however having unfortunately broke my Arm last Fall, and the Season not permiting me to go to Sandwich since, I must for some time yet defer requesting of these Gentleman to meet as I cannot attend on them, but You may assure Monsr Vigoe that as soon as I can I will and that their Certificate shall without fail be sent to the Post Vincenns. should M r Vigoe find that their Certificates contain a clear proof to him, that my present demamands are just, why put him & I to further expence. I should hope he wishes for nothing more than is just, nor do I. I am Dear Sir, Your most Obedient Humble Servant r M Tousaint Dubois Merchant Sandwich Endorsed: April 12h 1809 Jn°r Askin to M r Wm Mackin- tosh at Post Vincenns per Mons Dubois Coppy & other Coppies NEWS FROM MONTREAL Montreal 16 May 1809 My dear old Friend I received yours of the 6th Ultm and am happy to find you and your family are well, but at same time am sorry to find you had the misfortune to break your arm. I supose you have been raceing, & forgot that you was geting old. it is my case at times, but find it will not do. however it is what we must expect, but it is not the greatest evil to be old. it is the crosses that comes in your way when you are not so able to support them as formerly, your old friend Todd goes on in the same old way, complaining every morning, but a bottle of Mediera & a good dinner removes all his disorders, he says he will go to Niagara this summer, he must go somewhere to get rid of the winter fatigue of eating & drinking M r McGill 624 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS is very well, & Frobisher. there is only us four old friends alive, all the new North westards are a parcel of Boys and upstarts, who where not born in our time, and suposes they know much more of the Indian trade than any before them. I am very much hurt of the death of our worthy friend M r Hamilton, it must be hard for him to leave this World when just arrived at independance, when other poor fellows who has nothing, must remain & rut thro life, in their old days, and experience the vexation of being forgotten and neglected. Montreal is much changed since your time, I meet twenty young men in the Street in a day that I do not know, the Country is over run with Scotchmen, you wish I would send you a Canadian, you will observe that every lasey Idle vagabond in the Country who is to lazey to work, becomes Soldiers, and those who will be industrous can get half a dollor per day. therefore I am afraid I cannot procure you one that will sute you. I have wrote to M r Brush to sell the land he got for Vigoes debt, he has money in his hands which I wish he would make a dividend and send me the amount of what is coming to the Creditors. The Embargo is raised and for which I am very sorry, as it will hurt the Trade of this Country much, it has been of more utility to this Country than any thing that ever happend. My dear friend I do not expect to live long, but you may be assur'd that you was always one of my most esteem'd friends and amongst my last thoughts you will be one of them, but in hopes of meeting in some happier clime consoles me. my famelly is Tolerably well, but like my self growing old and all join in our prayer & good wishes for your happiness & that of your family & remain Sincerely your friend untill death Alexander Henry r Addressed: John Askin Esq at, Sandwich, Straburne Detroit Endorsed: Montreal d e May 16h 1809 d d h Alexrr Henry Esqr to Jn° Askin recv y 22 June Answ 7 Sep 625 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS ACTIVITIES OF ASKIN FAMILY2 Strabane July the 5th 1809 My Dear John, Your mother and I were relieved from a great deal of anxiety relative to your health (occasioned by your Letter per the Hunter) by the reciept of your two Letters per the Nancy which has given us great hopes of your being soon in perfect health. We recieved every thing you mention having sent us & for which we are very thank- ful, what you sent for others have been delivered & M rs Badeshon is to send you every faul a barrel of apples such as you have already got & you are to send her a bark of sugar for each, ab* 30 lbs weight, will be right between you. poor Barthe is very thankful for what you send him & God knows poor fellow he stands in much need of help & we are not so well able as formerly to assist him: the Nuts left last faul will go in the Nancy. I went to Sandwich yesterday & agreed with M r Pattenson to order from the Riv. Trenche an american ox such as you want but something larger, as the Vessel can take but one for you. I have plenty of good breeding sows therefore needless to purchase, her with all the geese you[r] mother has and which she send[s] Madlaine will be shipt Likewise, your mother desires you to send her a good buffaloe skin for winter, as all those which we had have been lo[a]ned about by the boys so, that not one remains, this is all we want, for as we have reduced the family as to servants we hope to make this serve us the year through, for to buy & pay for it or almost any thing else has now become not an easy job. Charles is gone to meet M r Todd at Queenstown. that good man is always trying to serve the family, but the situation of barrack master for Charles is not to my liking; I hate to see a young man penned up in a garrison, if poor Richardson could get it with what he has to assist a large family, I would be very glad. I do not know of a more deserving man. he has done everything a Friend could do for another to preserve the Life of poor Duff and when he failed in that has shewn such kindness to that Family as merits real praise Colonel Merediths Death is a Misfortune, but we must 2. From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 626 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS resolutely put up and reasonably expect such things at our time of Life. If the education of Archanges children does not oblige her to go elsewhere, I expect her here. You should Write standing as much as possible I always did so. I'm sorry you had not time to write Brush, he is a warm hearted fellow I remembered you to all you directed me to do. We are sorry that Madelaine did not pay us a Visit, and also for the occasion that prevented it. I think Your like me & cannot well support the Absence of your Wife, indeed I cannot see well how any Who are fond of each other, can, unless where it becomes absolutely neces- sary. Edwards has not been able to put in Much Indian Corn nor is that Quarter good for raising Hoggs, oweing to the Wolves he has made some Stabling and other out Houses besides fences. The Pacer is in good Order, but very troublesome to his Neighbours. If he could be got up I think you should send for him. You make no mention of J. Baptist Where is he, I hope well. Your Lazy Brothers as to writing who are here seem last Evening to be useing the Pen for purpose of Writing you. M r Louis Barthe begs you will send him Red Stone, to make some pipes. I have much reason to thank Madelain for the Crainberry Com- fiture sent your Mother as I eat my full part of it & its the only Fruit that agrees with me. Your Mother has just been saying how much she has been obliged to Madelain for her attention in sending Tourshons, last year, at same time remarked that they were most worn out. I said I would mention her broad hint Louison has Made a Coop for the 3Geese [which] might go to the East Indies. Gal- lerneau tells M r Fraser he paid you £30 on Ace* of rent due the latter, Who says you Account to him for only 30 Dollars, a receipt which Gallerneau holds (a Coppy of which I inclose) will throw more light on the subject. Its now the 14th and its said the Nancy will sail tomorrow. A fine Ox with 18 Bundles of Hay, your Geese with an 3 Apparently Pierre Galerneau, a native of St. Vincent de Paul, diocese of Quebec, who was in Detroit as early as 1797. In 1800 he was a wood merchant. Following the fire of 1805, he drew a donation lot. He witnessed marriages in Detroit, Nov. 10, 1807, and Feb. 9, 1809. On July 30, 1821, he, or another individual of the same name, married Angelique Cascagnette, eldest daughter of Jean Baptiste Cascagnette and Ursula Cadoret. The couple had previously had a son, Pierre, born, May 4, 1820, and died, June 18, 1820. See Ste. Anne's Church Register, passim, and Proc. of Land Board of Detroit, 194. 627 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Excellant Coop & a good breeding Sow have been ready some time, & I have sent to know frequently when, they can be taken on Board, but I fear there will now be some difficulty, for the vessel has been at Amherstburgh and brought up 4 Oxen and some Sheep. I fear Captain Burbank has been prevailed on when down r to c take more Live Stock on Board there, than was M M Intoshes intentions for Alex3" seemed always disposed to take up your Live Stock, if they cannot be Shipt now, try and make sure for the Next trip. The Ox is a very fine, Gentle, American One in good Order and will not Weigh less than 600. the price £12 10', which brings the Beef to 5 pence. FROM JOHN ASKIN JR. TO JOHN ASKIN 4 S* Joseph's Aug* 5 1809 My Dear Father, I received your favour commencing the 5th & ending the 20th Ult° the 1 st Ins* The Articles there- in stated to have been shipt on Board the Nancy came to hand. It was verry fortunate that you got the Ox put on Board, for it doesnot answer to get Cattle in the Cold season; they cannot recover sufficiently the same year to make good Beef. Its a fine Animal & verry reasonable. I am verry thankful for the breeding sow & hope after this to be able to raise some Pork. There is not a Buffaloe robe to be purchased on this Is- land at present. M r Crawford who left this for Makina a few days past has assurd me he would bring one over, if it could be got at that place. I'm happy to find Charles is gone to Queenston to meet M r Todd & sincerely wish he may succeed in geting to be Barrack Master, its a good 8situationr in these hard times. I observe what you write of Ja & Alex & as Jas has commenced a correspondance I will continue punctually to answer his. Its highly pleasing to find that Doctr Richardson paid due attention to Poor Duff during his Illness & the uncommon kindness to that family since the Decease is truly worthy of himself. 4 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 628 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS The 111 state of my health & constant attention to my duty s the sole cause of not writing M r Brush by the two last pportunitys I hope he is generous enough to attribute my ilence from the reasons stated & not thro neglect or the want of attention. I'm sorry that you & several of our riends were disappointed in Madelaines intended visit. In former Letter I stated it proceeded from my indisposition hich had caused the Jaunt to be postponed to next summer. n addition to that cause there was another reason to wit: he want of & argent to pay her expences which arose from he Pay List having been returned as a change had taken lace in the mode of paying the Department of this post & a hole years pay is now due me. therefore next spring you may expect her. Mess™ McGilvery & Thain5 passed here a ew days ago for Montreal via York. They spent the eve- ing with me & took an early brakefast. The former was xceeding friendly in offering the North West C° dwelling ouse which is occupied by the Commandant at present & hat I should make my own Terms for it. When Captn erenzy is relieved I then will move into it as the House I ow occupy is to[o] small for my family exclusive of my eing deprived of shewing many worthy persons that Hospatilaty due to strangers. H8 Exy Govr Gore has been pleased to appoint me Col- ector for the place & enclosed the commn without demandg he Necessary secur8 or even an Ace* or charge for the Com- mission fees. I'm sorry that he has done so as I never ap- lied for the same in anyway whatever, but as there is no emedy for the present, I shall act untill such time as an Opportunity offers for my getting rid of it in a handsome manner. In the mean time it will stop up a hole where roublesome men might creep into & annoy me as the former Collector did. please acquaint M r L. Barthe that I cannot end him at present red stone as he requests, none can be 5 Thomas Thain of Montreal was a prominent figure in the Northwest trade during the rst quarter of the nineteenth century. On the reorganization of the North West Company 1804, he became a partner of the new company, and he and John Ogilvie (another part- er) were chosen to act as its agents for a term of five years. In 1824, when the govern- ent was negotiating for the purchase of the North West Company's establishment at te. Mary's, Thain was still described as the resident agent of the Company at Montreal. ee Mich. Pio. Colls., passim., and Davidson, North West Company, passim. 629 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS procured. However Mess™ Wilmot & Cameron promised when here last to procure me some from the head of the River S* Peters on the Mississipi which will be forwarded when received. I'm sorry to find that Edwards does not succeed in raising Hoggs, he must have been verry unfortunate indeed, not being able to send a sow after having had four breeding ones on Halves for two Years. I inclose an Account of the Articles he received from me & for which he is accountable agree- able to the Tenor of the Lease. I cannot think of getting up the Pacer yet as Madelaine may want him during the time she may remain below next year besides the want of a Sufficiency of Hay to winter. John is with the men who are gone to Cut Hay & is verry well. I have done hevery thing in my power to get a good situation for him w the South West C° but my endeavors have failed, they having more Partners & Clerks than their Trade requires. Is recd from Galerneau £17 "12" out of which he got1 1 3 ^ Gay whisky at r 8/p r Ga 8 which left a Ballance of £12 4 NY C I paid M Fraser ye £12 & if my son Gave a receipt for £30 it is an imposition, in the first place M r Fraser knows verry well that Galarno was to have paid £22 or 24 for the rent of the House therefore the whole Amo* could not have exceeded £24. If M r Fraser insists on my paying the Amo* of the receipt clandestinely obtained by Galerno from my Son, [illegible] could not be got otherwise unless the Boys making a mistake by putting pounds in lieu of Dollars. I will see into the Business. John was not authorized to give receipts in my name, the misfortune is the less said the better on those occasions. He being under age & foolish was I'm afraid induced to do what he would not have done had I been at hand, at the same [time] I donot think Mr Fraser acts the proper part for I never charged him a penny for what I did for him & he is not ignorant that Galarno was to have paid for the rent £24 out of which an abatement was to have been made for a Quantity of window glass which were wanting, & sundry other small charges in all amoutg as well as I recollect £5 or 6. The money for the Ox I shall remit you by this opportunity. Captn Fearson was detained here some days. It afforded me pleasure to see him as he 630 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS gave me a full account of all my friends about Detroit: I'm apprehensive he has not been able to get to Chekago or Chekawgo, as the winds have been contrary. Poor fellow he was 33 days from Sandwich to this. Had James taken a Trip to this it would have been verry pleasing to us & I'm sure it would have been very agreeable to him from the Mild Weather [and] the Quickness of the Nancys Voyage. 8th Inclosed you have a Draft for 40$ which will pay for he Ox & Corn & [give] the surplus to my Dear Mother to Buy such Bagatelles she may stand in need of. 13th I this moment put my Hand on a Letter which you nclosed mer last Summer, you'll observe that Galerno stated to M Fraser that he had given me £19.10 (which is ncorrect) for the whole am* Recd was only £17.12, but ad- mitting that he was correct in that sum, its far from being £30 as is stated in the receipt had he delivered me that Amo* he most assuredly would not have forgotten it so soon, but would have informed M r Fraser at that time to be £30 n lieu of £19.10. Have the goodness to let me know if Bonhomne paid you my part of Giyars debt Madelaine John & the Girls joins me in best wishes for yours & my Dear Mothers health & our Love to My Broth- ers & Sisters. Compts to all Relations & friends. I am My Dear Father Your dutiful Son Jn° Askin Jr John Askin Esqr Strabane Addressed: John Askin Esquire Strabane. Endorsed: Island ofr S* Joseph Aug* 5 th 1809 Jn° Askin Jun to Jn° Askin Sen recv the 18 Answd the 13 of Sepr r 41 th ESTATE OF THOMAS WILLIAMS6 Detroit 10th August 1809 Dear Sir I have received your very much esteemed avour of the 6th Instant, & have very attentively observedr ts contents. With respect to what you mention about M 6 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 631 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Brush having once received the Bookes & Papers, &c that I afterwards took them back, yes I did receive them back at his request, but he did not from what I understood at that time, give me that reason, that it was because he could not word the receipt, or discharge in the way I wanted it, but observed frequently to me that he would willingly give it in the way you should reccommend & afterwards he mentioned to me he would be able to procure me a sufficient discharge, both from the Creditors & Heirs, this was about the time M r Brush wasr about endeavouring to make some arrange- ment with M John Williams about the Estates. I do not see that M r Williams, or any other person whatever has any right to be medling themselves with these affairs untill all the Creditors are paid in full, they certainly in my oppinion have no right. When the Gentlemen of the Committe called upon me about the Fire Enjine, M r Williams begun by asking a great many questions, in particular about the Judjement obtained against Monsr Vigo, & that he was confident there was suf- ficient, & some thing over after paying all the Creditors which I doubt very much If ever that will be the case in- cluding the Interest; however be it as it may I can safely swear I have done everything in my power to the best of my knowledge & Judjement for the good of the Estates in ques- tion & cannot be expected to do any more. Please accept of my best thanks my good Sir for the trouble you have been pleased to take in this business in re- freshing of my memory, in many things, which from the distance of time, a person is apt to forgett, & also the verry propper footing you have placed the matter on, exactly co- incides with my own Ideas, that I certainly have nothing to do with any other person but M r Henry (or his Attorney) who put the matters into my hands. I shall therefore again call upon Mr. Brush & request of him to receive them, and I hope you will still be so good a little further to oblige me to mention to Mr. Brush what sort of a receipt or discharge he is to give me; as from every ap- pearence at present he will never be able to recover much more to recompense him for his trouble. I have already 632 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS aid him a part, & mean to pay him the remainder of One undred Dollars, for this, & some other matters he has romised to Interest himself in for me. I am not in the smallest degree uneasy but from several of he small Creditors hearing there was something to be di- ided, are frequently wishing that it should be done here on he spot as usual. I am glad M r Brush propposes doing so oon. If he has already remitted any Part of it to Montreal, is only in the first place to take what was gott from Vin- ennes, & through [throw] it with what he received from me Cast it up anew, probably what he has already remitted Montreal will not amount to more than the proportions M r Henry Mrssra Cruickshank & Arnoldie &c Yourself s well as me are both Creditors for a triffling amount. I thank you kindly for the trouble you take in that affair Gallarneau's. I hope the Error will be cleared up to the atisfaction of all parties If I should by chance hear of any erson wanting to purchase any lands on this side you may epend upon it I will make a point to inform you, but I m not much in the way of meetting with people of that escription. I am sorry to be always out when you are so ood as [to] Call, but I hope you will excuse me, & will be ad to be more fortuneate at another opportunity. I hope have the pleasure of a few lines from you, when most at eisure at any time, & when you come over, to be so good as ep in & see me untill then believe me to be Dear Sir with sentiments of Esteem & Friendship your ery much obliged Humble Servant 1 Ja s Fraser hn Askin Sen " Esquire Addressed: John Askin Senr Esquire near Sandwich Endorsed: Detroit d 6 th Aug* 10h 1809 M r James Fraser to ° Askin rec y 13 OBLIGATIONS OF ELIJAH BRUSH Montreal 14 August 1809 hn Askin Esqr Dear r Sir Having received a Letter of the 10th of June om M Brush, stating that the Lots N° 13 14 15 & 16 sold 633 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS to him four years ago are from various Causes of much less value now than what he was to pay for them, and to our great surprise offering new & unreasonable terms; and as we presume that he will show you copy of that Letter, it is unnecessary to send you copy from this. We inclose our Answer open for your perusal, by which you will observe that we tell him, we shall authorise you to make proposals on our part, and in consequence thereof we now subjoin these we have to make 1 st That we will relinquish the Interest now due, which amounts to 600 dollars and cancell the former agreement on Condition, 2 That M r Brush will pay M r McGill for Lots N° 13 & 14 One Thousand Dollars. And to M r Todd for Lots N° 15 & 16 One Thousand Dollars, moiety of these Sums to be paid on the first day of May 1810, the other moiety on the first of October of the same year, free from Interest. 3 That in passing Contract with M r Brush he grant you for our behalf, a good & sufficient Mortgage for payment of the money, and besides do pass his notes of hand for the respective Sums, payable to your order as our agent, at the periods above mentioned. And the agreement or Contract of Sale to mention these when these Notes shall be paid, then the mortgage to cease in part or in whole as the Case may be, or if M r Brush fails to pay the Notes, then the original Agreement which was by Letter is to remain & be in full force. We have been favoured with your Letter of 7 June & observe what you say of the mode you would recommend accepting, touching the smaller parcells of Land in the Michigan Territory to which we can only say at present that there are other Matters of so much greater magnitude to discuss between our Minister & the American Govern- ment that we are unwilling to make any application at this Moment, we therefore conclude by assuring you that, We are Dear Sir Your very obed Servts Isaac Todd James McGill 634 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Addressed: John Askin Esqr near Sandwich Endorsed: Montreal Aug* 14h 1809 Isaac Todd & c Gill Esqr to Jn° Askin recd 22 Sepr & Answd y6 21stNovr MISFORTUNES OF JACQUES PELTIER 7 S* Joseph's 24th Aug8t 1809 My Dear Father, d Your favour of the 10th Ins* came to and on the 22 Herewith enclosed you have a draft for 25 H x Cy to assist my Dear sister Archange at the same me I have to request that you give such directions as are ecessary to prevent its being protested in case my Agent essr F. R. & C° havenot a sufficiency in their hands to ischarge the same. M r Selbys letter of the 24th Ult° which inclose to you, will shew you that I have not Recd any of y Pay for 12 M° past & that all the pay Lists must first be ent from York to Quebec then back to York for payment from the latter place the Money or Bills sent to my Agent elow. Be pleased to send me back M r Selbys Letters by he Nancy. I recd a Similar information to yours respecting M rs erediths pension. Captn Dawson8 of the 100th Reg* who gave you three heers & beat the Grenadier march en passant your place resented me with a Note which M r Todd wrote him pre- ious to his departure from Montreal to this wherein he ecommends me strongly to Capt9n Dawson the Commandant f this post Cap* Dawson's Son a Lieu* or Ensign is now at mherstburg on his way to this I should be happy if my rothers would show him what cevelity they can. He is uite a Boy I'm told & requires verry little ceremony his tay will be but short below as he must take his passage in 7 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 8 Captain Thomas Dawson, whose assumption of the command of St. Joseph is here ted, remained until the early spring of 1810, when, in consequence of a violent quarrel th John Askin Jr., he was summarily removed by Lieutenant-Governor Gore, and Cap- in Thomas A. Sherrard, likewise of the 100th Regiment, was sent from York to replace m. See documents in Mich. Pio. Colls., XXIII, 75-85, and 283. 9 Ensign Erwin Dawson. Presumably he left St. Joseph at the time his father was moved. In November, 1810, he was at Amherstburg, ibid., XXV, 279. He served in e War of 1812, and was commended for gallantry at Isle aux Noix, June 3, 1813. See ving, op. cit. 635 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS the Hunter in order to join his detatchment under his Fathers command. The Hunter will return immediately with the Indian Stores which will compleat her last Trip. Therefore the Apples from M rs1 Badishon must be shipt on Board the Nancy for the Gen Hunter will not take a package for any person whatever. Have the goodness to let me know if you wrote M r Todd respecting 11 Johnnys getting the Situation r of Ass* Comy & Bar Mast for this post I'm told M Todd is related to Col0 Thornton, aid de Camp to L* S* Croix & his Interest [is] very great indeed. If you have not already wrote him on that subject I'm persuaded a Line from you will do the Business. I must Confess that I have been verry troublesom to you but I hope you will forgive me. I have a presentment that Fortunes wheel is turning in myr favour & it requires a little motion to keep it agoing. M Peltier10 situation is distressing & [I'm] truely sorry to say that from my Having made a purchase of a House at this place, a cow Bed Sted, pigs & potatoe fields has left me so bare that I cannot afford him any assistance at present. As Madelaine will positively go down next summer she will arrange matters as will I hope make him happier than he is at present. My Beau Freres have behaved ill & will repent when its to[o] late Madelaine is distressed about her sisters Marriage11 she being apprehensive that they have been drove to the same thro necessity. As to Master Whipple If he has been hard with M r Peltier he is an ungrateful fellow & merits to be dispised by all the family M r Brush is a warm hearted man & feels sensibly for his fellow Creatures, yet he in my oppin- ion is rather blameable in the Law suit instituted some years past J s Peltier vs Lacelles it should have been pursued with vigour untill finally settled but instead of that it trained for a length of time from Detroit to Post Vincennes & from Vincennes to Detroit. 10 Jacques Amable Peltier, father-in-law of John Askin Jr., for whom see B. H. R., 1,375. 11 One of the sisters here alluded to was Felicity Peltier, born, March 2, 1781. On Jan* 10, 1798, she married Lieut. Peter Tallman of the Artillery and Engineer Corps, U. S. army. He died, Sept. 15, 1804, and on Aug. 7, 1809, his widow married (second) Francis of Assisi Cicotte of Detroit, son of Jean Baptiste Cicotte and Angelica Poupard and grandson of Zacharias Cicotte and Mary Angelica Godfroy, for whom see ibid., 36 and 375. Felicity Peltier was buried at Detroit, Jan. 3, 1847; Francis Cicotte was buried here, Sept. 29, 1859. They had a family of seven children. Denissen, op. cit., and Heitman, Reg. U. S. A. 636 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Pray has Charles relinquished the Idea of getting the situation of Barrack Master for Amherstburg, If he has I'm sorry for it, as he could not get a better situation in these bad times. M r Brush once informed me that he had obtained a Sec- tion of Land on the River Huron for me Contg 640 Acres of Land & he would get out the Patent & send it. however I have not heard any more of it this year past. Be pleased to make some enquired on that head Tho I may not have immediate use for the same, yet I want the Titles so that I may do with them as I may deem proper when I go down & in the mean time may wish to have some part cultivated. Madelaine & John join me [in] sincere wishes for You, My Dear Mother Brothers & Sisters. I remain My Dear Father Your dutiful Son Jn° Askin J r r Jn° Askin Esq Strabane Addressed: John Askin Esqr 11 Strabane P r Brig Gen Hunter ¥[?] Rolette Lieut & Com Endorsed: S* Josephs the 1246 h hAug* 1809 Jn° Askin Jun to Jn° Askin Senior Recv* y 4 & Answd the 13h Sepr r FROM JOHN ASKIN TO JOHN ASKIN JR. 1 2 Strabane September 13th 1809 My Dear John The departure of the Nancy as it relates to time is so uncertain that I think it best to begin to answer your kind letter of the 5 & 24 August which I mean to do in Order of date. M r Todd never made mention to Charles or me of his application to get the place of Barrack Master at Maiden forr him he had an Offer from the Executors of the Late M Hamilton to Manage his Estate, which he has with my advice undertaken, being well paid for so doing. This will keep him some years at Queenston. he with One of my Grandsons, Alexander is to pay us a visit soon, four others are gone with M r Wm Dickson to Scotland for their education. ix From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 637 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS We are sorry for the reasons that prevented Madelaine from paying us a Visit this year, but happy to learn there is a great likelihood that they will not be the cause next year. M r Brush has too [kind] a Heart to be miffed at your short silence for realy its too much for you to attempt to write all your correspondents at Once. I for many years at Michilimacinac received perhaps at one time above 20 Letters & my health paid for my attempting to answer them all immediately. I would advise you to always write standing. & frequently to run out of Doors from your Writing Desk if it was only for a few minutes at the bottom of every page I get up and walk a little I find you have purchased the N. W. Company's House its certainly pleasing not to be confined or prevented from shewing Civilites where due, which besides being satis- factory to the feelings of a good Heart, does a Man no hurt in the World. j You are certainly under obligations to the Lieu* Governor for the different employments he has given you do not reject any of them. I believe your indebted in a great measure to M r Selby for what you have got, for I'm informed that [His] Excellency pays great attention to what M r Selby recomme[n]ds. You will do well therefore to culti- vate a friendship with the latter his Letter is friendly. I now send it back. I have mentioned to your Mother, the steps you have taken to get her a Buffaloe Skin, & M r Louis Barthe about the red Stone to make Pipes, in short I have done so far as I have had an opportunity whatever related to any One which you requested me to do. I cannot say that Edwards is much to blame, the rains rose the Waters in such a manner as to deprive all those whose lands were not in high situations from doing any thing. In the United States, half the Mills & Bridges are gone, the River Pike as well as where Edwards is dont prove a good situation for raising Hogg[s] M r Barthe never suc- ceeded. You did not send the list of Articles, as you intended to shew what you gave Edwards. I believe they are mentioned at the bottom of the lease from which nothing 638 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS can be taken, but an iron chain & other articles should be added. I never have seen him have a Plough, worth a Dollar, consequently would not answer you. If you want one direct [me] and it shall be made by those who know how. James Forsyth13 at Gross Point is the Master. Now the Harvest is got in the Pacer cannot do much mischief before Madelaine comes down. I think you have made the matter respecting M r Fraser and Gallerneau pretty clear. I have not seen him since I eceived Your Letter, when I do, I will be able to clear up he affair. I assure you M r Fraser never threw any reflec- ions on your character, & I believe [him] a man who means air. I received your Bill in payment of the Ox &ca and have distributed the remainder as you desired to buy trimmings &ca The Cloth is with the Taylor and I hope the Coats will be ready for the Nancy,ca though not certain I have orbidden the long waists & Poor Fearson arrived only yesterday. A Raft of Bonhommes with Cedar Pickets of a small size having by accident been drove on this Side of the River, I got from him some of them in part payment, which I have credited as they cannot be sold for Money, or anything else. Its not for want of inclination that James has not paid you a visit, but realy we must avoid all expence. You certainly rendered Captain McKee a service by selling Sam o well, but I fear all that can be done, for him will answer no good purposer as his property decreases every day. Poor Theresa & Alex If you expect Cash for your Sugar at any price, I dont recommend your sending it here, as there is no such thing. Sugar is sold here in the Fall & beginning f the Winter, at Public Sale for wheat & flour payable in he course of the Winter. I could take a little in that way, s I now find I will not have enough but in no other. you never could have rendered any service to your Mother r I so great as your ready complying with our request in 13 James Forsyth was a son of William and Ann Forsyth, for whom see B. H. R., I, 307. He was born in Detroit (Grosse Pointe), Oct. 30,1769. On Dec. 17,1789, he married Elisa- eth Dolsen (Dolson), daughter of Isaac Dolsen. They removed (date undetermined) to Chatham, Ont., where a son, Thomas, was born in 1813. He served as a militia officer in he Patriot War, was mayor of Sarnia, later removed to Detroit, and died in Windsor, une 24, 1895. Information adapted from Burton, Forsyth-Kinzie-Little genealogy. 639 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS sending a Draft for £25. Hallifax to assist poor Archange, who had she known my present Circumstances never would have made the demand it is the first since she was Married, on account of the Children & Pension she went to England the 25 th of last Month but promises us a Visit when her affairs are settled. I have given the necessary information, so that the Draft may be honored. Please present my Compliments to Captain Dawson & return my thanks for his Compliment passing my House. The Boys have been so employed, that they have not been able to go to Maiden to see Young M r Dawson when Our Court is over one of them shall invite him here, as the Hunter is gone to Fort Erie & will not return to your place so soon as you expected. I advise You (as I often have done, before) to avoid difficulties with the Commanding Officer, or indeed any other of the Garrison, but him in particular & should him or them at any time (which might be the Case,) ask you to do, what Honor or Honesty forbids, put them of[f] Gently, without exposing the unreasonable- ness of the demand, which would make them your enemies, & not serve the Government. A steady honest conduct will carry a Man pleasingly through life. I have always obliged mankind so far as propriety admited and by such conduct made myself many Friends. I have wrote M r Todd for the two situations you want for Johny your Son, and I'm sure if they are not given away or promised, he will apply for them unless he sees impropriety in the application. The early return of both the Hunter & Nancy, if this should be their last Trip will prevent us from sending anything, Except Onions, Comfitures, & the Coats & Stockings if ready in time, we are sorry that Apples & Peeches of which we have such quantities, will not keep at this season. M r Pelties situation though not pleasant is not however so distressing as it seems to appear to you. he has hired his place, I believe for three years, to M r Cicott 14 the Husband of MrB Tallman the other Marriage has not taken place, the reason why I know not. however I did not understand that any other cause than inclination was the means of the Union that took place. 14 Francis of Assisi Cicotte, for whom see ante, 636. 640 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS I do agree with you in oppinion that notwithstanding the goodness of M r Brush's heart, & good I believe it to be he has been neglectfull in M r Peltiers suit with M r Lacells indeed I have found all r the Lawyers more or less so, which is very inexcusable. M Brushe has got the Commissioners confirmation of the Claim he made in your behalf, but No Deeds have or perhaps will for a verry long time Issue for these Lands. September the 18th I yesterday th found at M r Brush's your letter to me of the 5 which I will attend. I have sent Doctor Richardson Cap*r Dawsons Order to Ship the Sheep to be delivered to M Rollette when [he] arrives from Fort Erie. Never send Letters to M r Brush's he pays no attention to them, if I had not found mine, it would not have been sent me this month. You say nothing will be taken On board the Hunter for any one. I should think as you are on the Kings Service your entitled to some Barrell bulk in the Kings Vessell, and on application to M r Selby he would have it settled by a standing Order. Your Mother says you must open the Barrell of Onions as soon as You get them. I called on M r Fraser when at Detroit poor Man he says Nothing to your disadvantage however as you say received £17 Odd of Gallerneau & note 19£ Odd as you Gallerneau reported Mr Fraser observes the difference between £12 you paid him, & £17 Odd you received must be due him. he has beged me to desire Gallerneau to come to me & try to know the fact. 22nd M rs Badechon has just sent for [a] Barrell to put your Apples in. Though I fear they will not keep from its being so early yet as I do not know of any other opportunity, I have sent [them], you of course will send her 30 lb. of Sugar the settled price. 23d As the Vessell sails to day or to Morrow Morng I must close my Letter, with Your Mother & my Blessing to Madelaine you and yours. Your tender & ca Youll find on Board J.A. 1 Barr1 of Onions 1 D° apples from M rs Badison 641 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS 1 D° D° from us, so poor this Year not worth sending 1 Crock Comfiture from your Mother to Madlaine 3 pairs of white stockings your Mother had knit for Madelaine. no gray worsted could be got spun, and M rs A. had only white Charles & Alexr Hamilton just Arrived & well Endorsed:r Strabane September the 13 th & 22n 1809 John Askin Sen to John Askin Junior Esq (Copy) NEEDS OF THE ASKIN FAMILY Strabane September 13th 1809 My Dear Friend I mean this Letter to contain little more than what relates to my Family with which more or less its probable you will be troubled all the days of your life the inclination you have always shewn to serve man- kind in general & me in particular is the cause of my trou- bling you so frequently. I will begin with my Son in Law Doctor Richardsonr at Amherstburgh. I wrote you & my Worthy Friend M James McGill long sence relative to him & as I never got an answer on that subject I have reason to suppose the Letter miscarried, what I requested was both your interests with the Commander in Chief to get him the place of Barrack Master provided the former one was put out of Office but not otherwise, this I believe is the case. I know Doctor Richardson [is] as capable of doing the duty as any one can be got, and am sure [he] will do it in such a manner as will give satisfaction to him who invests him with the charge, he is an excellent good character, much liked, but so loaded with a large Family that notwithstanding the utmost Oeconomy, & great Sobriety, his income as Surgeons mate to the Garrison, District Judge which fetches him little or nothing, and his present practice does not furnish near sufficient to keep pace with his absolute necessary expences. therefore if he got that place a deserving Man & Family would be helped and the Government well served, next comes Mrs Meredith by her Letter I find, Lieu* Colonel Meredith must have left little Money & his Funeral (which was expensive) must have taken a part of that, she had 642 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS during her stay to hire a House at a high rate, & not knowing my present circumstances, applied to me for the first time since She is Married for £25 Hallifax (her yearly income not being due.) this Sum it was out of my power to get by any other means than applying to Jn° indeed I made no otherrs application & he poor fellow sent me a Draft on Mess Forsyth Richardson & C° for that Sum which Draft I now inclose you & request that you will have it exchanged for. a Bill onrs London and sent to Mrs Meredith, directed as follows to M Lieut Colonel Meredith of the Royal Artillery at Woolwich Kent, England she was necessitated to go home on account of her Son who had or soon was to get his Com- mission she Sailed the 25th of last Month. John Writes me in case there not being enough in Mess1" Forsyth Richard- son & C° hands still to pay the Bill, as he was by a Letter from M r Selby to him (which he sent me) to get immediately a full Years pay that was due, & had been kept back oweing to some mistake though none of his. I now come to a request of John's (who like the rest of my Family you have encour- aged to trouble you) which is to use your influence with the Commander in Chief to get the appointment of asistant Commissary & Barrack master at Island S* Josephs for his Son Jean Baptist Askin who under the Eyes of his Father I'm persuaded would do the duty well, that John's accounts are more than those from any other of the out Departments & Lieut Governor Gore seems so pleased with his conduct that he has added that of Collector to his other employ- ments, you will please observe that if there should be any impropriety (of which you are the best Judge) in applying for these situations for J. Baptist Askin, his Father as well as myself would be very far from wishing to urge the matter, but if no appointment is already made, & the Government wishes to be well served, I think John will take care that his Son does the duty faithfully To this letter as I before men- tioned, I will only add one matter which relates to You & Me In my last I mentioned ther great mistake I had com- mitted in my settlement with M Smith & although its Con- sequences perhaps is nothing, yet it returns often to my Mind, as I reproach myself with such an oversight more than anything ever happened to me in all my mercantile transactions. I know I was lead to this, but least said is 643 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS soonest mended I therefore since that time have been looking out for the means of settling that Matter & have accomplished it in a Manner I'm sure you will like. I have sold the Acre of Land in Front by 40 a deep at the Petite Cote which Cost you £75 N. Y. Currency, for £160 & have got M r Woods the Lawyer to be answerable immediately for £80 to be paid in four equal Annual payments for which I have taken four Notes bearing Interest from the 1 st of this Month this Money will be surely paid when due. My Family joins in assurances of every wish that may tend to Your happiness here & hereafter & I remain as Usual, My Dear Sir Your ever Obliged Friend Isaac Todd Esquire at Montreal Endorsed: Strabane September the 13 th 1809 John Askin Senr to Isaac Todd Esquire Merchant Montreal (Copy) RESULTS OF NON-INTERCOURSE ACT15 S* Joseph's 12 Oct 1809 My Dear Father I duly received your Sundry favours of the 13th 21 st & 24th Ulto which came to hand wth the Apples, Onions, Comfitures & Stockings. It is fortunate that you gave the Necessary directions respecting the draft I sent you for my Agent Mess8 F. R. & C° wrote me on the 9 th Aug* last that they had not recd my Pay since June 1808. I conceive it a great Cruelty in Government to deprive me of my money for such a length of time without assigning any reason for the delay, however there is no remedy nor can I better myself. I observe what you say respecting the plough & it [is] a Shear I wanted & not the plough. Mr Duff sent me one without the Shear Enclosed you have Edwards receipt for the utensils delivered him. If the situation will not admit of raising Hogs I do not see that I'm bound to keep Master Edwards in Pork & reap no benefit Its impossible 15 From, the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 644 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS hat from the length of time he has been on my Land he as not raised any Swine. Should it be the case they con- equently must be an expence only Per the Nancy you'll receive a large Mocook sugar which ou'll please accept. I wrote you per the Gen1 [Hunter] a ew days ago & shall again introduce or rather give M r Chas Oakes Ermatinger16 a letter of Introduction to you. e does not stand in need of any thing I know of in your uarter, but he being merely a stranger & entirely un- cquainted with any person (except M r Moses David)17 ishes to get the best information he can how to get a assage down to Fort Erie with diligence in order to proceed o Montreal with expedition. He is a Brother to Geo rmatinger but a far better man I believe, he carries on a rade along Lake Superior & would have gone in the Lands gain had his Goods arrived here before the non-inter- ourse Law taken effect, his Merchandize remains stored ntill next spring; he proposes returning to this by Land n February next from York. M r Alex1" McIntosh will deliver you a Packet Containing few quires of Paper. Have the goodness to write me by Mess1"8 Baby, McGregor & Elliot & inform me how appear- nces are respecting us & our Neighbours the Americans. did not receive any Papers by the last Vessels (except ne my Friend Davids sent) I'm apprehensive that the 16 Charles Oakes Ermatinger was for many years a resident of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.> here according to one authority, he was a man "of great energy, courage, and local in" uence." Both Charles and his brother, George (mentioned, post), were long engaged in e Northwest trade. Their father, a Swiss merchant, had settled in Canada not long fter the British conquest of that country. A brother of Charles and George, Lawrence dward Ermatinger, spent many years in England and Europe. Two of his sons, Edward nd Francis, in the year 1818, became clerks of the Hudson's Bay Company; Edward served e Company ten years in the Far Northwest, while Francis served it between thirty and orty years, most of the period on the Pacific side of the mountains. Data derived from troduction to "Edward Ermatinger's York Factory Express Journal," in Royal Society f Canada, Proceedings and Transactions (Third Series), VI, Sect. II, 67-69, and Fowle, ault Ste. Marie, 299-300. 17 Moses David was a member of a prominent Jewish family of Montreal, who located Sandwich as a merchant as early as the autumn of 1800. Here he resided at least until he summer of 1814, when a letter preserved among the Solomon Sibley papers in the B. H. oll. indicates he was seeking permission from Colonel Croghan to leave the place. Prior o 1803, he had been an ensign in Askin's battalion of the Essex County militia, and in this ear, he and Charles Askin were slated for lieutenancies when the next vacancies should ccur. On Aug. 23, 1819, Charlotte David wrote from Montreal to Solomon Sibley of etroit, concerning certain accounts due the estate of "the late Mr. Moses David." Data erived from mss. in B. H. Coll., passim. 645 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS embargo has been laid on them likewise for they do not circulate as usual. Should you wish to write me via Makina enclose your letters to Doc* Mitchell & he will always be able to send them over by Indians—I send a Bark or Mocock of Sugar for M rs Badishon weight 30 lb n* Your Mocock is one of the largest I have seen & recd it as good Clean sugar & hope it may turn out such. Madelaine, John & the Children join me in sinc[e]re wishes for You, My Dear Mother, Brothers & Sister Health & Happiness & believe me to be My Dear Father Your dutiful Son Jn° Askin Jr John Askin Esq r Strabane. Addressed: John Askin Esquire Strabane Endorsed: Island of S* Joseph Oct r 12h 1809 Jn° Askin Jun r to Jn° Askin Senior Answd May 4 h 1810 OBLIGATIONS OF ELIJAH BRUSH Strabane November the 21 s t 1809 My Dear Friends, On the 11 t h inst I went to Detroit for the purpose of doing your buziness So far as was in my power & returned on the 18 th . I will now, let you know what I have done. I first settled with M r Brush agreeable to y r joint Letter of the 14th of August last; he executed new mort- gages to each of you for 31000 payable on 1 st of May next 500 & the remaining 500 to each on the 1 st of October next, with the express condition that if he Should not pay at the aforesaid periods he will be liable to pay you agreeable to the 1 st agreement principal & interest These mortgages are made in trust to me for y r uses only he has also given 4 bonds for the like sum, payable to yourselves, or to me as y r agent. This I believe is perfectly conformable to y r Letters, and he seems to have a grateful sense of y r uncom- mon generosity to him, & means as some Small return to make no Charge for attend ce in bringing forward y r claims or any buziness of that kind; & I'm sure if he can Sell his Lands near Cincinata or by any other means collect the money due you, so as to have it ready when due I'm certain he will do it. both to shew his sense of y r friendship to him, 646 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS to avoid paying So much more. He has made up the oney in part for the paymt of the orchard with interest & opes to come over with the whole in a few days, his Dis- ursements amount to a good deal, but I told him They can ot come in on Deduction of the debt for the orchard, but hat I would pay him, & in order to enable me to pay that & he Surveyor, he must Urge the immediate payment of what ohn Harvey owes, this man has a fine new house in the own of Detroit & other property, but money is now So ery scarce, that those in good circumstances are as much inched for ready [cash] as those in bad r The mecanicks as he only people who have a Little. M Brush has obtained & elivered me a deed in you M r McGills name for 4 Lots in own of Detroit, containing 17,882 Square feet & for you M r Todd 3 Lots in said place containing 16,882 square feetr hese are in Liue of the 2 small houses belonging to you M McrGill & the one belonging to you M r Todd I observed to M Brush that the proportion r didc not appear to me just, s you had only 1 house & M M Gill 2 he gave me forr nswer that owing to [their] Situation in the Town M McGills 4 Lots were worth double yr 3 I near 2 months ago brought before the Commissioners ome of yr claims at the Prarie Ronde & from the Spring wellr owards the River Rouge, at the time the Secretary M twater18 who is one of the Commissioners was absent, & believe the other two though authorized did not Chose to ecide untill his return, which has been for some time past, ince which I heard that these Claims were rejected; I herefore went over the River & requested a meeting of the ommissioners, when I Said so much to them, that they 18 Reuben Atwater (Attwater) was born in Wallingford, Conn., May 11, 1768. His ther, also named Reuben, was twice married and had several children. One daughter arried General Andrew Hull, long prominent in Cheshire, and in the Connecticut Legis- ture, and another married Stephen R. Bradley, U. S. Senator from Vermont, 1790-94 and 801-13. Reuben Atwater (our present subject) lived for some years in Wallingford. From 808-14 he was secretary of Michigan Territory. At the time of his appointment he was escribed as a lawyer living in Vermont. In 1811-12 he served as acting governor during e absence from Michigan of Governor Hull. He also served as a commissioner of the and Board until 1811, and collector of the port of Detroit, 1808-14. He married (first) liza Willard and (second) Sarah Lamb, daughter of General John Lamb. He had two hildren, Catherine and Clinton Edward. He died in February, 1831. Atwater Street in etroit serves as his local monument. Data derived from sketches in Mich. Pio. Colls., XXVII, 449, and in Proc. of Land Board of Detroit, 204-205; and Francis Atwater (comp.), twater History and Genealogy (Meriden, Conn., 1901), 156-57, et passim. 647 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS agreed to revise the matter & Said I might go with the Sur- veyor & get these Claims measured, therefore I'm in great hopes of their confirmation. I before mentioned that my idea was not, to bring forward any claims, which I thought might be rejected M r Brush & M r Sibley think I'm very right, for a rejected claim may be considered as waste lands of the Territory & ordered to be Sold, whereas the others claimed can not I have Seen M r Anderson the principal man now at the River Raizin & have directed him to have a days ploughing done on each claim there, & I will also send out the Surveyor to measure of[f] the front of each Since I began this Letter the bearer M r Labadie called who is on his way to Montreal, & could not Stay untill I had finished I therefore thought it best to give an order on you for $\}4 to induce him to take care of this & one I wrote M r Todd, some time ago, which for want of an opportunity is Still here & might be kept Longer. I would have paid him here, but that would not insure so well the delivery of the Letters as by giving an order, on the 6 th May 1805 I sent each of you an ace* of the claims I had given in to the Commissioners for each of you. I now send you, enclosed, the State in which each of these claims are I am &ca JA Endorsed: Strabane Nov 21 1809 Jn° Askin to Messrs r st Isaac Todd & Jms McGill Coppy The Original sent per La Belle the 22d Novr 1809 Isaac Todd & James McGill Esqr at Montreal LIVING CONDITIONS AT ST. JOSEPH19 S* Josephs 6h Jan y 1810 My Dear Father, On a former occasion I stated that His Excellency L* Govr Gore had sent me a Collectors Commission (without any application on my part) for it, & merely my wish not to give Offence induced me to Act as such. I'm However happy to Inform you that the Duties arising from Tobacco & Rum entered will exceed two Hundred pounds & of course my Share will be £100 pro Cy for this year, so far Fortune! has favoured me. Should 19 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 648 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS he N.W.C° enter their Tobacco yearly at this port in lieu f Niagara or Queenston it will settle a Hundred Annually s long as I reside here or they continue so entering their Goods. S* Josephs never was so dull as this Year (thats to say) ince I have been an Inhabitant; Whilst the 41 s t Reg* were here We were all sociable & entered into Card parties, Dances, Dinners &c but am sorry to say a great change has aken place laterly & it appears that Economy is the Word f the Day & no keeping up the rank of the Situation each man holds. Its a great pity that Cap tn M c Kee does not apply to come o his situation at this post, he is not aware of the advan- ages thereof. I can assure him he would live much better & have every article Necessary for his family as cheap as at] Sandwich by importing them from Lower Canada. The ountry abounds in fish of a Superior quality. Hares, atridges & Ducks some Rein Deer & Bear. The Soil xceeding good for Raising Vegetables Meadows abounding w th wild Hay for wintering such cattle as he may take from is farm to supply himself w h Beef (as to pork its sold at /Yk C y P r lb) with the Rations he used to receive would keep him with a full abundance. & you can assure im that £100 H x C y pays all my yearly stores including he Transport (which I have not Recd from Goverm*) as he rest of those in the Departm have & amongst my stores generally Order Two Quarter Casks wine as much spirits, which I find quite sufficient for my family & friends The emainder of my Salary goes towards pay [ing] my Debts. he Climate would answer him & Therese far better than where they are—Men servants can be procured here which re the best being engages & accustomed to the country, e will want a Female Servant they being scarce who nderstand how to Cook wash & milk Cows For my part n Engage, the Negresse & Gilbert does all the Work about he House the Engage Cuts & hawls all the Wood for Four ires, Feeds 4 Cows, 1 ox 2 Horses & yi D n Hogs & always more Wood in the Yard than My Brother ever had at any ne time. In short it appears to me he would be far happier: han where he now is on a Farm which is worn out. He 649 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS would be the First man here from his Situation & great acquisition to the Place. His Friends & well wishers should advise him to come & execute the duties of his appointment or station, otherwise he may dwindle away to nothing. If Edwards has delivered you any corn on my Ace* I request you'll have the Goodnessr to c ship it in the first Vessel, should you have no Bags M M Intosh perhaps will oblige me wh the loan of as many as will Answer & be retd by the Vessel. I want Three good sheep to be shipt on Board the Nancy. If you have none yourself, have the goodness to get M r McIntosh to procure them. I want them for summers use & wish them to be got fat if possible. Edwards Lease expires in April next (I believe). If you think him industrous & deserving of continuing, you can make arrangements for his remaining on the same till Madelaine goes down or for another year as you think fit. * * *20 I remain Dear Father Your Dutiful Son Jn° Askin John Askin Esqr Strabane. Addressed: John Askin Esquire Strabane Near Sand- wich Recommended to the care of The Honble P. Selby York y Endorsed: rS* Josephs d Jan h 6r h 1810 d Jn° Askin h Jun r to Jn° Askin Sen Recv 28 Feb Answ May 4 1810 FROM LAURENT BAZADONE TO JOHN ASKIN Vincennes 30 Jan y 1810 D r Sr I am still without any information from you con- cerning a Note I put into your Hands of one Choiser who lived inte Montreal and owed me about 450 Livres in Peltry or 900 in Money. He was in good circumstances then and must have paid your Correspondent; and they ought to account to you, who in Justice ought to reimburse me who am an unfortunate poor man. io The concluding paragraphs of the letter are devoted to greetings to friends and relatives. 650 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Expecting the r r pleasure of hearing from you by M r DuBois and remain, D S Your most Obed* Serv* Laurent Bazadone21 r John Askin Esq Addressed: John Askin Esquire near Sandwich upper Canada Favor of M r DuBois Endorsed: Post Vincennes d Janhy 30hr 1810 Monsr Baza-r done r to mJn° Askin recv the 14 Feb & wrote an Answ to M W Mackintosh same day ARBITRATION OF CLAIM AGAINST FRANCIS VIGO Sandwich 15th Feby 1810 M r Askin proposes to M r Vigo to refer all matters in dif- ference between them to the Arbitration at this place, of 3 or 5 Gentlemen to be mutually appointed by1 8the8 Parties. On his part he rwill have Nor objection tor Mess " Ja Francis or B te Baby, M Meldrum M Park, or M May. And further that if M r Vigo will come to Sandwich or Detroit himself, on this business, in the course of next Spring or Summer, M r Askin pledges his Word of honor that M r Vigo shall not be sued by him either at Sandwich or Detroit. Each party giving security to the other for pay* at this place of the sum which may be given ag* him. CHARGES AGAINST JOHN ASKIN JR. York the 25th Feb^ 1810 My Dear Grand Papa I arrived here on the 20th Ins* in 15 days from the Island of S* Joseph, with dispatches for zi Laurent Bazadone was described by Governor Harrison, in 1811, as an "Italian inn- keeper" of Vincennes. He was the recipient of 400 acres of land granted by Congress to heads of families residing there in 1783 or earlier. Am. State Paps., Pub. Lands, I, 290. He was engaged in trade in Vincennes for many years. In 1786, his store was plundered by George Rogers Clark, for which Bazadone a decade later levied upon Clark's property n the sum of 320,000. Ind. Mag. Hist., IV, 10-12. In 1788, one Bazadone, presumably Laurent, ransomed William Biggs from his Indian captors. In September, 1807, Bazadone was chosen president of a mass meeting of French settlers of Vincennes which adopted ringing resolutions of loyalty to the American government. Ind. Hist. Colls, VII, 256-59. These resolutions Bazadone signed by making his mark; his letter here printed is written n an excellent hand, presumably that of some amanuensis. In the spring of 1811, Harrison prosecuted Bazadone for murdering an Indian in Vincennes, but the jury acquitted him almost without deliberation." Ibid., 515. 651 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS His Excellency Governor Gore, from my Father, he having been suspended from his Situations as Store Keepers & In- terpreter in the Indian Department by Captain Tho Daw- son Commanding at S* Joseph, who is the most malicious fellow I ever Knew. I must refer you to D r Richardson for the particulars of the transaction, he having been made acquainted of them by me. I'm told that His Excellency, on the perusal of the dispatches, was verry much displeased with the beheaviour of Capt. Dawson, & in consequence of which, has been pleased to issue an Order that M r Askin do resume the Duties of Store Keeper & Interpreter in the Indian Department at S* Joseph, that Capt. Sherrard22 immediately proceeds to S* Joseph's to take the Command of that Post, & that Capt Dawson be held responsible for issue[s] out of his Majesty's Indian Store during the Time of my Father's Suspension. Captain Givens is also to ac- company us to S* Joseph's to examine whether there is Sufficient grounds for a Court of Enquiry & to report to His Excellency Accordingly, he conceiving it ne[ce]ssary from the Charges Alledged against my Father I expect We shall leave this to morrow Morning for S* Josephs. I am afraid we will meet with a great deal of difficulty to get there, the season being so far advanced When I left S* Josephs my Father desired me to request Your condescending to Excuse him for not having wrote you he being at that time unwell. My Father & Mother desired their Respectful Love to be presented you & My Dear Grand Mama & Kind Remem- brance to their Friends I remain My Dear Grand Papa Your Dutiful Grandson John B. Askin John Askin Esqr Strabane Addressed: John Askin Esquire Strabane Hond by D r Richardson Endorsed: Yorkd Feyb th25h 1810 J Bapt. Askin to Jn° Askin Senior recv the 15 March iz Captain Thomas Ormsby Sherrard, of the 100th Regiment, became an ensign in the army, June 26, 1801. In February, 1810, he was ordered to proceed from Toronto to St. Joseph, to relieve Captain Dawson as commandant of that post. He served in the War of 652 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS AMERICAN CONQUEST OF FUR TRADE Montreal 26 February 1810 My dear Old freend I receved a letter from you last fall, and wrote to you the same time which is very extraordinary that you did not receive it. there is no safety in writing otherwise than by post, as the Boatmen is very careless. thI also this day had The pleasure of receiving yours of the 13 January and am Happy to find that you and yours are in good Health, which is one of the greatest blessings Provi- dence can bestow on us poor Mortals, also that you are exempt from the many troubles, vexations, and disapoint- ments attending those who are in commerce, for my part I have had a severe Bilious Fever which I got in Lake Champlain, which was near puting an end to our frienlly ntercourse, however it pleased providence to Lengthen out my span, for sometime longer. I wish when it was in my power to have retired from active live to have done as you did. when we are young we do not feel the effects of mis- ortune, so much as when we grow old. how[e]ver when I ook arround I find many worse than myself which is a con- solation, our old friend Todd is in New York and has been here all winter, which has been a loss to our sociaty. espesi- ally to me. he being the only old friend, except M r Fro- bisher, who has not changed their dispositions, some from geting rich, other from having obtain'd places, &ca has raised them in their own imagination above their old acquaintance, and I am sorry to say your friend McGill is one of that number, the popolation of this City within this wo years exceeds all imagination, the whole trade of the Country is carried on by Americans and their agents, and Ir expect the Indian Trade will fall into their Hands, as M Astore has offerd to purchese out the Makenau C° he has a Charter from Congress to an excluseve right to the Indian Trade, and I understand he is to be conected with the N W Company to make settlemnts on the North West coast ofr America, to communicate with the inland N W Trade. M McGillavray is now in New York & M. Richardson on that 812, and was three times wounded in the battle of Chippewa, July 5, 1814. See Mich. io. Colls., XXIII, passim, and XV, 606. 653 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS business. I hope your reading this Letter will not give you the blues, it is a bad rainey day & that has affected my spirits, the next I hope will be better, we have had a dis- agreable winter, more sickness in the Countryr & Town, than ever was known. I have not heard from M Brush this 12 Months, let me Know whether he is dead, or no. M rs Henry and my Daughter are all I have of my family, two of my boys in the N West, one on board of a Man of War. my paper is almost full therefore I mustrsclose (is it possible we will never meet in this world). M Henry & [I] Join in wishing you & M rs Askin every Happ[i]ness this world can give [I] remain Dear Askin your old friend Alexander Henry Addressed: John Askin Esquire Strabane Detroit Endorsed: Montreald d Febr 26* 1810d Alexdhr Henry Esqr to Jn° Askin recv 22 April Answ July 24 VALUE OF REAL ESTATE IN GROSSE POINTE Detroit 20th April 1810 Dear Sir rBy the mail on Tuesday evening I recd a Letter from M Porter at Washington saying that the Gov* would give me other Lands for the Lot I have in the Esplen- ade in exchange and would give me a bargain, the Com- modore passed by here day before yesterday for the Gross point in order as he said to consult Mrs Grant on the subject of purchasing the back concession he seemed himselfe not much in favour of it I thoughjt] or rather he seemed to regret the idea of giving so much money, tho formerly he was very desireous of it. I think a word from you to him would in- fluence him much, instead of their being 270 acres as I thought there is 360, which at 2 dollars is 720 Dollars which I will get him for 650 Dollars and he or any other person that owns the Gross point had better give a thousand for it than have it ownd by another I expect to see him on his return if he crossess here, but if he should cross at Meldrums you will be prepared to meet him on this subject on his arrival at your house, the land will never be sold by the Gov* for a Cent less than two dollars per acre, and if he does not take it some designing countryman of mine will jump at it for the 654 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS very purpose of shoving him out of the front and which ere long they will do. I am Dear Sir very truly Yours E Brush P. S. I did not go at [to] Sandwich the day before yesterday as I had intended but shall go tomorrow without fail. John Askin Esqr Addressed: John Askin Esquire Straban. TROUBLES AT ST. JOSEPH 23 S* Joseph's 21 st April 1810 My Dear Brother, Tho your nephew John went to York last winter thats to say hhe left this on the 5 Feb & arrived at that place on the 20 of same Month, Yet the situation of my mind was such from the persecution of a Malignant Commanding officer that I had not time to write you. rest assured My Dear Charles it was not from the want of that Affection which nature imbibes in us, but merely from the Multiplicity of my Business or Affairs. From the ill state of my Health & the unpleasantness of my situation reduced me to a mere Skeleton however thank God my Health & strength is recovering fast and I hope to be able to get thro with my Affairs & the better of all those Malevolent Charac- ters that have endeavoured to Calumniate me Doctr Richardson happened to be at York when John was there which afforded him and the family nat the latters return to this [place] infinite pleasure. Capt Sherrard arrival here was a fortunate circumstanc as the Garrison at this Post was in a state of Mutiny. The principal ring leaders were secured in time The Indian[s] mounted Guard day & night under my Directions with The Soldiers till such times24 as the prisoners were compleatly secured & put in Irons. I do not know of any instance that any Officer in the Indian Department have been persecuted, harass'd or annoy'd as much as I have [been] since I came to this place. 2.3 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 2.4 For Captain Dawson's version of this affair (written the same day as Askin's present letter), see Mich. Pio. Colls., X X I I I , 279-81. 655 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Cap* Dawson who Commanded here previous to the 24h March last: conspired with the most worthless Characters of the Country to bring false & groundless accusation[s], but all their Diabolical Machinations have been brought to light & his Capt D. unwarrantable conduct will be exposed. As our Dear Father may be anxious to know what has transpired here, have the goodness to write him by the first Opportunity that His Excellency L* Gov Gore has been pleased to order that I resume the Situation I held in the Department and that the accusations which were prefer'd ag* me were mere cobwebs and not a single accusation was substantiated at the investigation that took place. I have been beset by a set of Malignant people who were callous to every sense of feeling and Captn Dawson who [was] more Malicious than the whole countenanced these in order (I believe) to get the Indian stores into his own hands, but the prompt & Judicious mode of His Excellency L* Gov Gore put a stop to the Business in due time. Madelaine, John & the Children join me in fervant prayers rs for your Health & prosperity. Our Love to M r & M Dixon & all our friends in your Quarter I remain My Dear Charles Your affectionate Brother Jn° Askin Jr r 8 M Cha Askin Queenston Addressed: M r Charles Askin Queenston Endorsed: S* Josephs April 21 st 1810 Jn° Askin Jun r toCA AFFAIRS AT STRABANE 25 Strabane July the 31 st 1810 My Dear John, The very best time to mention matters are as they occur. I'm just come from Mr Joseph Eberts's26 2.5 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. z6 Presumably Joseph Eberts, eldest son of Dr. Herman Eberts, for whom see B. H. R., I, 593-94. Joseph was born in Montreal in 1785, and was brought to Detroit by his mother in 1791. From Niagara the journey was made in company with the family of William Baker, for whom see ibid., 520. Joseph Eberts is described in various entries in the St. John's Church Register (Sandwich) as a merchant of that place. On July 24, 1810, he married Ann Baker, daughter of William Baker, and three daughters were born to them 656 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS where I saw the stick erected as a flag staff that you was nce so kind as to give me. I asked him how he came by t. he said a Monsieur Bellaire (how [who] has now gone o S* Joseph as a carpenter) sold it to him. have this matter leared up, for its certainly right I should have the value, f any thing given me & taken without my consent, its ncommonly fine & is still above 90 feet long. Another matter has been cleared up to me by a Gentleman ome days ago. He says he paid you £20 & M r Fraser £10 n ace* of rent due the latter & for these two sums your on gave a reciept to Gallerneau, this I have wrote M r rasor a few days ago. he agrees that he got the £10 but writes you never gave him but £12 out of the £20 if so here is £8 due him. Poor Capt n Laughton 27 was burried yesterday. Allice & child very well, but Brush not able to walk ab* from a evere fit of the gout—the rest of the family well. Doctor Richardson having given me to understand that Capt n Dawson intended to avail himself of the ace* made ut agn8t him for Shoes for (& which M r Woods compelled im to pay) to prove that you actually traded as I under- tand precaution was taken in it to set forth that they were ent & belonging to another man; in order to defeat this iece of malice I've explained the matter both to M r Selby t York & M r Todd say M r McGill at Montreal, for M r odd is gone to England & M r Woods has done the same o Forsyth Richardson & Co at Montreal. Capt n Rough as passing yesterday said he had seen the Caledonia at the Detour which gave us much satisfaction, s from the weather we feared Madlaine would have had long voyage. the years 1818-23. Joseph Eberts was an ensign of the Essex County militia in the ar of 1812, serving at Detroit and Raisin River (possibly elsewhere, also). Data derived om Mich, Pio. Colls., passim, especially XXVIII, 620-26; and St. John's Church Register. here was another Joseph Eberts, surgeon, who died, Sept. 29, 1819, aged sixty-six years, nd was buried in St. John's churchyard two days later. What his relationship with the dividual here noted may have been has not been determined. 2.7 Probably John Laughton of the British naval establishment and (later) Stromness sland, who is noted in B. H. R., I, 175-76. However, the St. John's Church Register ecords the death, on Sept. 1, 1810, of "John Laughton, late of this Parish, mariner." We re unable to reconcile the conflicting records with respect to the date of his death. 657 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS I can't say when there will be an opportunity to send this letter, but it shall be ready. Its now the 12th August & some days ago I receivd a letter fromd Judge Powell saying I would get st a Deed for the 2nd & 3 concession where we live (the 1 we have) this gives me great pleasure, as also that some other claims I had to the am* of 800 acres would be now granted (though formerly refused) as delays with Government in particular are dangerous & I have not the means of getting the Patent without money, I wish it was convenient for you to draw for the 1 st Annual paym* Madlaine proposed [to make]. I 2 days ago gave M r P28 a broad hint of my immediate want of sufficient r [funds to] take up my Patents, & that I was in hopes by y means soon to reimburse him but he did not seem to wish to do it (though his wife would with all my other children benefit by any lands I got) I therefore did not urge it nor beg of him, nor would I of the first man in the Country should I never get a foot of Land more! Its now the 16th August & yr favor of the 8th per the Hunter is just come to hand & though the Caledonia is in sight & I expect more Letters by her, I'll now answer this. I'm glad Madlaine had not so long a passage as we feared she had. I'm glad John is gone to the Mississipi though it deprives you of help, yet it will prevent some falsehoods in any point of view you take it I think it for the benefit of both. I think M r McIntosh disposed to oblige any of the family, when he can do it without drawing blame on himself from the N.W.C°. I'll attend to what you say ab* apples & cider &c. I will also direct Brush if any thing from Detroit goes, to send it to the care of Doctor Mi[t]chell at Mackinac. I was mistaken it was the Charlotte & not the Caledonia that was in sight. Its now the 18th & I've recd yr two Letters of the 14th. I have now wrote M r Brush respecting any apples &c intended to be sent you from the other side, to be directed to Doctor Mitchell. There seems to be so 2.8 The name Powell is written in the manuscript, with all the letters but the first crossed out. The manuscript is a copy made of the letter actually sent, and is apparently in the handwriting of Alexander Askin. Judge Powell was not Askin's son-in-law, and it seems likely that the letter B (for Brush) was intended by the copyist. 658 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS many masters to apply to, to send any thing in r N.W. c C08 Vessel that its disagreeable. I believe when M M Intosh can do it he would oblige you or I. I will do as you direct especting the Ox rs& wheat. Its too early for apples there- ore will desire M Badishon not to send this trip. I shall not forget yr plough at least the Shear. We were very happy to learn d that Madlaine ris so well after her Voyage. I have rec the Matts for M Brush & M r Peltier & have sent them to them, as well as the Letters or the other side. Your Mother received the box & things rom Madlaine, for which she is very thankful. 21 st c In order that there might be no nmistake I called at r M M Intosh's & saw both him & Capt Burbank & asked f the ox for the commanding Officer could be taken on board, they said not, owing to Cattle the N. W. Gentlemen have ordered up. Captn Burbank says Captnnt Sherrard gave up his claim of geting an ox, provided Lieut Williams ould get a cow on board, respecting this Cow I know nothing. I sent to M r Davids about the Plough or Irons if the Plough was not made, neither was done oweing to the man's having been sick, but he was in hopes they would be] before the Vessel should [sail] & if so he would Ship hem. 25 th Under cover you have the Papers which d M r Brush promised to send after Madelaine. I only rec a Copy of hem yesterday & have got Alex1 to draw them out, & sign both and keep one & send the other to me. sign in presence f the Same people I have, thats to say Cap* Burbank & Wm Thorn fill up the blank of the date on which you Sign did not put the real Sum due me in the paper, as cait's of no consequence, what the Sum is said to be. I am & FROM JOHN ASKIN JR. TO JOHN ASKIN 29 S* Josephs 14th Aug* 1810 My Dear Father The Caledonias arrival from S* Maries affords me the Opportunity of writing again, and to inform 19 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 659 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS you that M r Shaw30 the N W agent has been so good as to desire that the Officers of this Garrison should receive what Cattle & provissions they may want by their Vessel tho I am not one of the Officers yet I cannot think that M rr McIn- tosh would exclude me from that indulgence. M Shaw remained a few hours at my House & I did not think of making him a request of that kind, otherwise it would have been granted me. Such things as you or any of my rDetroit Friends wish to send me I request you'll apply to M McIn- tosh to let them be shipt on board the Vessel and that I hope to be able to send him a similar requisition to the Of- ficers of the Garrison as soon as M r McLeod31 arrives. Per the Caledonia I send a Mocock of Sugar for M rs Badishon & expect as usual a Barrel of her dry Apples. Capt Sherrard wishes to get a fat Ox up on the N. W. Vessel and as he has no Friend about Sandwich to apply to he has requested of me to procure him one to weigh about 6 Cwt I beg you'll have the goodness to apply to M r Pattinson, he having a number as mentioned by you in ar former letter. Make the best bargain you can and let M Pattenson send the Ace* for the Ox, hay & Oats or Bran that may be requisite and at the return of the Vessel he will get a Draft for the Amount. I send two Empty Bags and wish that they may be fill'd with Wheat that is to say 2 Bushls of Spring wheat & 2 of fall wheat & marked Capt Sherrard S. Wheat & F. Wheat. I hope you will be able to borrow that Quantity and make Edwards return it. Have the goodness to get Mr David to ship my Plough & Shear if the plough is not made no matter about that part I want the shear. Let M r Peltiers family know that there is a Bundle of Mats for them directed to your care, and acquaint them that by writing via Makina recommended to the care of Doctr Mitchell answers as well 30 Angus Shaw, a partner and long prominent in the affairs of the North West Company. He was one of the three signers, Nov. 5, 1810, on behalf of the North West Company, of a memorial to the government respecting interference by American officers with the opera- tions of the Canadian traders. See Mich. Pio. Colls., XXV, 273-75, and Davidson, North West Company, passim. 31 Archibald Norman McLeod, also a North West partner, and one of the most notable members of that organization. He figured prominently in the effort to drive Lord Selkirk's settlers from the Red River country in 1816, culminating in the killing of Governor Robert Semple and his followers in the battle at Seven Oaks. See ibid., passim., and Campbell, St. Gabriel St. Church, 271-72. 660 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS as by our Vessels or if they wish to send Apples in the Autumn by that way Doct Mitchell will take charge of them & [they will be] forwarded with care to this. Madelaine informs me that you have Corks, if so, send me a few Dozen for I have not one to cork my spruce Beer. My reason for requesting of you to make the best Bargain about the Ox is that I expect I get the Half of him en pay- ant. I recd a Letter from John Yesterday dated the th9th Ins* which states that he was to leave Makina on the 11 for the Mississipi wh M r Redford Crawford, his salary is but small being only 2003 yet its far better than Idling his time here nd [he] could get no legable [eligible] situation as long as he emained for there is none to be granted now as M r Rawson32 as been appointed commissary for this Post. Madelaine has been verry well since her return to this, he Climate of the place appears to be favourable to her. Have the goodness to inform my Dear Mother that she hall not pass the Winter without a Buffaloe Skin and that should have sent her some Sugar by this Vessel but am revented for the want of8 M r Crawfords arrival from Makina, his clerk not know if there is any for sale by his mployer. I believe I wrote you before that it would have een gratifying to me had it been in my power to have sent M r Barthe Sen1" & several of my worthy friends a little sugar, ut I have been compleatly deprived of that Satisfaction, hro the means of that Vagabond who went away. Made- aine joins me in best wishes to You & my Dear Mother & ur Love to all my Brothers Sisters & relations & am My Dear Father Your dutiful Son Jn° Askin Jr. ohn Askin Esqr Strabane 31 Santlaw Gustavus Rawson was born in Nottinghamshire, England, in July, 1749. e served in the American Revolution as a member of the Fifth Regiment of Foot. He ubsequently withdrew from the army and became a merchant of Quebec. He became ecurity for his sons-in-law, who failed, entailing the loss of his own property. InlAugust, 810, he became assistant barrack master and assistant commissary at Fort St. Joseph, nd served for many years thereafter at St. Joseph and Drummond Island. On the vacuation of the latter place by the British in 1828, he withdrew with the garrison to enetanguishene. In 1841 he located at Price's Corners, North Orillia, where he died n October, 1845. See Simcoe Co. Hist. Soc, Pioneer Papers, No. 5, pp. 79-80, and Mich. io. Colls., XXIII, passim. 661 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Addressed: John Askin Esquire Strabane. h Endorsed: S* r Josephs d Aug* 14 d 1810 th Jn° Askin Jun r to Jn° Askin Sen Recv & Answ the 18 FROM JOHN ASKIN TO CHARLES ASKIN 33 Strabane Octr 20th 1810 . My dear Charles I wrote you from Gros Point two days Ago & on my Arrival here yesterday d I found h two r letters from you dated at Montreal on the 2 & 4 Sep & two others dated at Queenston of the 3d & 8h Instant, to all wh. I will now Answer. I never had a doubt of my Montreal Fri[e]nds shewing Every Attention in their powers to any Child of mine they are realy Worthy men & sincerely Fri[e]ndly. . I'm very sorry Indeed that you report one of them (Mr Frobisher) to be so near his last good as well as bad Characters must go when the Almighty thinks fit. You do not Mention of whom you purchased your goods. I Approve much of your Not having taken much at first & I Advise you strongly not to buy fancy goods as some of them always remains On hand whilest Necessary Ones must sell sooner or later & I'm well pleased you remain at Queenston for the present, for the Commodore has told me that all the world is crowding to the Head of the Lake. You seems to have great Fri[e]nds at Queenston I'm happy you deserve them. Among which your time will pass Agreably. I cant say how late a Vessell will sail or what Vessells will Sail for Fort Erie. I fear None from this side, however I will put up in the best Order 20 Barrells or more of Apples. I have good new Barrelles making to put them in. I do not want any Money to pay for them. As to Cider my press is out of Order therefore will not make much. I'm sorry for the Death of poor Harry Hay & the manner in which he died.34 What changes take place in this life. 33 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 34 Apparently Pierre Henry Hay, eldest child of Jehu Hay and Marie Julie Reaume, for whom see ante, 58-59. Pierre Henry seems to have been commonly known by his second 662 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Send always an Account of the Expence of what you send s. the whole must be paid you out of the Annuity from n° £20 Ster. or the Legasy. Big-Knife is Arrived safe & shall be put on the Island here he will live well & not be subject to be rode. The Bill gave M r Pattinson for £100 N. Y. C. on Geo. & lex he paid Away to M r Fraser of whom he purchased r ome Land. I wrote them by desire of the latter that he ished to get a Draft payable in Montreal in Exchange. r Fraser not being pinched in Money Matters, I'm Sure ill be content to take a Bill payable in some Months in hich case Interest should be Offered him though I think he ill not Ask any. I found him poor fellow, Friendly & kind. know you will be Attentive to him. As to the Spirits, from e Agreem* with Cap* McKee, I do not think M r Pattinson xpects them for what they cost in Montreal & Expences up. he words were £100 in goods at a low or reasonable Advance. hose goods I suposed at first where [were] to have come om Queenston & [to be] furnished at a reasonable Advance s others in that Place. Indeed as you say it's hard to med- le in Bargains between Grand Sons & Sons in rLaw. I ink the Curricle a Dear Bargan, though it cost M Pattin- on much more,r however as he gave Geo. his choice to take or leave it M Pattinson is in no wise to Blame. No doubt om Queenston to Sandwich the Spirits will be at Mr P. sk & charges I'm glad that Roberts connections have been so lucky, e see how many things turns out for the best contrary to hat we Expected. Its no trouble to me to do anything I can for my Grand hildren. If M r Brush brings in the Mair as I expect and Vessell goes down Afterwards she will be sent to George. me. He was born in Detroit, Sept. 11, 1765. In a petition to the Executive Council Upper Canada, July 11, 1793, he stated that he had served in the Revolution as an sign in the Second Battalion of the King's Royal Regiment of New York, and asked r an allottment of land in the back concessions opposite Fort Detroit. In September, 94, Hay was a lieutenant in Capt. Daniel Field's company of Essex County militia, then ing garrison service at Detroit. In May, 1796, Governor Simcoe appointed him lieutenant Captain Louvigny Montigny's company of the Royal Canadian Volunteers (Montigny d married Agatha Hay, Pierre's sister, in 1790). The details of his further career have t been found. Data derived from Simcoe Papers, passim; Mich. Pio. Colls., passim; in- rmation and documents supplied by the Public Archives of Canada. 663 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS As James is now Absent & may not be here so as to leave this the 4h of Next Month, Your Mother says to put of[f] your departure with Alexr to y6 10h and that James & Alexrr will leave this to meet you at same time and take Alex Hamiltons young Mair with him. I have not seen M r Johnston yet, but mean to call on him this day. We have no good tin Man here, therefore beg you will send us the following Articles of that Mettle. 4 2R & 4 pint Measures, a large & small funnell, 2 Puding Dishes, one Lantern, with 2 Sau[ce]pans One to hold a Quart & the Other two Quarts. I will now finish this long Letter & present you with the Families best wishes Adieu My Dear Charles Your Affectionate Father John Askin P. S. the Deed for your Orchard is signed, but not yet dated, as in 6 Months after Execution we must Acknowledge it before One of the Judges & it was Neglected when Judge Scott was here INSTRUCTIONS TO AARON GREELEY CONCERNING LAND CLAIMS Strabane December the 17th 1810 Dear Sir, In order to enable you to make a fair & true representation of the situation of such claims of lands in the Michigan Territory that have been rejected or not brought forward (though entered) belonging to Isaac Todd, James McGill, Todd & McGill jointly, Major William Ancrum myself & the late William Robertson & myself jointly, I'm collecting under one head, on what grounds my claims for myself or the aforesaid gentlemen are founded, so that, added to the knowledge you already have respecting such claims, by looking at the memorandums I'm preparing you will obtain any knowledge you do not already possess. I have no doubt from the promise you made me at our last conversation but you will do all in your power consistent with equity to have the aforesaid claims confirmed & those 664 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS who unjustly took possession of them prevented from benefiting by their fraudulent intentions. I see by the Law of the United States, great stress is laid on cultivation 6 improvement, that perhaps may be very right when a man goes on a tract of land on which nothing has been done, but to go into houses made, & paid for by others or even when there has been but a cultivated field & on which erect a small hut of no value (which is the common improve- ment as you know of those who take up other people's property for which they paid an equitable value) most surely by such means they acquire no right to the soil, when compared to the purchaser for I can let out a waste piece of land on which there's been no improvement whatever toc a man, who will engage to make a house, out house barn & & clear 4 acres of land each year & return the whole in 7 years without any charge, this clearly proves how little improvement is worth when compared to the property of the soil. It's not in my power to direct you to what authority to apply for redress of what I think my grievances, you know best yourself, nor can I say by what mode redress will be granted (if it should,) however I suppose by making a more favorable Law for honest fair purchasers who could not get people to keep & cultivate all the lands they were obliged to take in payment of those who could not get any thing else & requested as a favour that such payment might be recieved, which was my case & out of compassion I complied with, not one of the Lots I got, one excepted being obtained by course of Law I have now to repeat what I already mentioned when I had the pleasure of seeing you last, which is that you should be amply rewarded in Land for any tract you may get confirmed of those mentioned in my memorandum to you whether such tract may belong to myself or those who's claims I have given in as being their agent & if any further security than what I give by this Letter is necessary you shall have it. I beg you will take this matter in its true light. Im not offering you a bribe or requiring you to betray a trust or injure any man who has right on his side, but I offer you a reward for the trouble & expence you may be at to obtain for me & others what Im sure is our right, & what you must in conscience feel to be such, therefore 665 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS I'm employing you as I would a Lawyer to prevent others from doing me wrong & to forward my just claims. Please let me know by the first opportunity how long exactly you think you'll be here, so that I may have the memorandums respecting my claims ready to send you, should the weather prevent my seeing you before yT depar- ture. With this I send a Letter for M r Brush directing him to give you 50£ out of which please take out any patents you get for any lands confirmed to myself or those for whom I act, also the one for M r Brush at Prarie Ronde & one for my son John at River aux Huron's. I am Dear sir &oa P.S. please send me the N° of the Lots I wrote you for some days ago M r Aron Greeley Surveyor Detroit Endorsed: 35Strabane Decr 17h 1810 Jn° Askin To M r Aron Greeley Surveyor Detroit Coppy REPORT OF COLLECTOR OF THE PORT OF DETROIT A STATEMENT of the salary, fees and emoluments received by Reuben Attwater Collector for the District of stDetroit in the Territory of Michigan, commenceing the 1 day of January, and ending the 31 st day of December 1810, and also of actual expenditures during said period. RECEIVED For salary $250 For fees 356 53 For commission. '. 46 5 $652 58 EXPENDED For stationary $ 6 For office rent and fuel 36 $42 35 For the career of Aaron Greeley, see B. H. R., I, 227-28. 666 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Collectors Office! [•December 31st 1810 Port of Detroit J Reuben Attwater Collector- Territory of Michigan, ss: Personally appeared before me, the Undersigned Reuben Attwater Esq. who in verification of the above account, did on oath declare the same to the best of his knowledge and belief to be correct and just February the 1 st 1811 Reuben Attwater d 36 Rich Smyth Justice of the peace Endorsed: Statement of the salary, fees and emoluments, and also of actual expenditures, Bt commencing the 1 st January and ending the 31 December 1810 DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY OF JAMES M C GILL 87 Montreal the 6th January 1811 Dear Askin, I think I requested you some time ago to have the goodness to transmit me a statement or Schedule of all the Lands I have got from you, in settling matters between us (except the 40 Lots near or upon the River Sinclair of which I have the Deeds that I might be enabled to devise or bequeath them so that they should not be lost or occasion difficulties among8* my successors, but I have not yet received it. I again make this request more especially as I wish to leave you part of them as a mark of my confidence and esteem, notwithstanding all misfortunes, for by a view I can now 36 Richard Smyth (Smith) came to Detroit about the year 1800 and died at his home on Grosse He, March 9, 1836. He held numerous public offices: marshal in 1803; sheriff in 1804; county treasurer in 1805; town trustee in 1818; and justice of the peace at various times. He was appointed lieutenant of cavalry in the Michigan militia in 180S and major in 1811; during the War of 1812 he served as colonel, and in 1826 was appointed major general of militia. In 1805 he had a tavern on Woodbridge Street near Woodward which he kept for many years. He married Prudence Brady, and they had a son, John, born in Lexington, Ky., prior to their removal to Detroit. They also had two daughters: Jane, who married Thomas Lyon of Mackinac, Oct. 26, 1818; and Martha, who married Jeremiah V. R. Ten Eyck, May 14, 1819. Data adapted from sketch in Proc. of Land Board of Detroit, 163-64. 37 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 667 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS take of my affairs, there will be enough for all M rs McGills relations, and I have none of blood to myself, and I therefore wish to be mindful of Friends in Upper Canada, who per- haps stand in need of assistance. I request you not to loose time, for though in perfect health at present both you & I are getting forward in years— I hope you will be so particular in your description as to render it easy to convey my intentions into Effect, & wishing you the return of many happy new Years, I am, Dear Askin Your Friend (Signed) James McGill John Askin Esquire Turn Over38 NEWS FROM ST. JOSEPH39 S* Josephs 8th Jan^ 1811 My Dear Charlesth You r favour ofn the 5th Octr last came to hand on the 16 Nov per Capt Fearson of the Ellen, who from Contrary winds and so boisterous as to drive his Vessel aground & wintering setting in immediately after compelled him to winter here: He will be an addition to our little society Malgre lui I feel much for his Wife & Children who no doubt must be verry uneasy not knowing what [h]is fate is. Indeed our Beau frere Pattinson must fret a good deal about his Vessel for he cannot possibly know any thing of what has happened or where its likely the Vessel is Fearson will be able to get her of [f] with two Boats as soon as the Ice goes away in the spring for she has not received any injury. I'm sorry to find that my Friend! Schieffelin has been so unfortunate & I hope long ere this the poor fellow has extricated himself from the horrors of a Joal, tho my Dear Charles you represent the prison bounds extensive & in a pleasant part of the town; yet the verry Idea of being a prisoner is enough to Effect the mind of the person who you know has always been fond of liberty. I am happy to find 38 The manuscript is a copy made by Askin to send to his son Charles in Queenston On the opposite side of the page is the letter of transmittal to Charles. 39 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 668 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS hat you have commenced Business at Queenstown & have every reason to believe you will do well for all those who carry'd on Business at that place made money. The mode you travelled from Lower Canada to the State[s] & U. C must have been verry pleasant especially as it was a Novelty o you. The steam Boats must be an expeditious way of voyageing. M r Johnston40 arrived here on the 18h Novr last quite worn out with the fatigue of his Jaunt to Ireland, tho he says his greatest anxiety was on Lake Huron being 5n days in a fog and within 12 Miles of this place. As Capt Pelkinson is a verry active & Industrious man its not un- ikely but he will do well at Johnstown; Thats to say if the principal persons of your place and Niagara gives him every encouragement & support, otherwise nothing of consequence will be made except merely a decent living. I have not received any letters from Johnny since he left a place called La Bay. as he was always verry punctual in writing to me I have reason to believe that no opportunity has offered which accounts for his silence. M r Crawford was to have left him at the Sock Villiage and himself to have gone down the Mississipi. John would have preferrd any other way of acquiring a livelehood than the one he has undertaken, but as he had not les Moyen or Friends capable of assisting him he was compelled to take the steps he did untill such time as a favourable opportunity offered: Entre nous he had an Offer, but on my being consulted I advised one of the Party not to take any rash step by giving up a certainty but to wait with patience untill such time as he 40 John Johnston was born, Aug. 25, 1762, near Coleraine, Antrim County, Ireland. His family was one of considerable local prominence and he received a good general educa- ion. In 1790, he came to Canada in search of a new career, and falling in with Andrew Todd, accompanied the latter to Mackinac in the summer of 1791. By Todd he was given fur-trade equipment and despatched to Chequamegon on Lake Superior (modern La Pointe, Wis.), then a Chippewa stronghold. Here Johnston married a daughter of Chief Wabojeeg, thereby establishing an intimacy with the tribe which continued to the end of is life. He subsequently located at Sault Ste. Marie, where he died, Sept. 22, 1828, having figured prominently in the activities of the adjoining region for upwards of a third f a century. He was the father of eight children, all born at the Sault. Lewis, born in 1793, entered the navy, and served on the Queen Charlotte in the Battle of Lake Erie; later he served in the British Indian Department and died in Amherstburg in 1825. George, orn in 1796, served in the army during the War of 1812, and was present at the defeat of Major Holmes at Mackinac, Aug. 4, 1814. He died at Sault Ste. Marie, Jan. 6, 1861. ane, born in 1800, married Henry R. Schoolcraft, Indian agent and writer, and died at Niagara, May 22, 1842. Descendants of Johnston still reside at the Sault. See Henry R. Schoolcraft, "Memoir of John Johnston," Mich. Pio. Colls., XXXVI, 53 ff.; and C. H. Chapman, "The Historic Johnston Family of the Soo," ibid., XXXII, 305 ff. 669 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS would be sure of success. As soon as he returns from his Wintering he will write you the plan he proposes to pursue The 41person who got the appointment of Ass* Comy for this post appears to be an honest man but a verry ignorant one And better calculated to manage a Corporals Guard than any thing else, he was a sergeant in the 5 th Reg* and a more consequential Phiz I never saw in any man before and as headstrong as old Sultan the Cheval our Father had at the same [time] I cannot but give him the justice to say that he is a verry sober man: Its a thousand pitys John did not get that situation he would have been under my eye and the emoluments arising therefrom would have answered himr well enough untill better times should have offered. M Crawford who left Montreal in Oct. last, informed me that McKenzie had seen you at that place: I'm sure Did M c told you a long winded story of my Misunderstanding with the Vagabonds Dawson & Dixon.42 greater villains there never were in any part of the World. I assure you I would rather than £100 I had never seen the Scoundrels for tho they were ordered away, yet it will always cause a certain coolness between those of his Cloth & me. at present I cannot com- plain for 43 Capt Howard, L* Williams, Gibbon & Ass* Surgeon Burnside are on the most friendly terms with me. butr there is no knowing those who may relieve the present. M Williams has been as unfortunate as myself with his Comg Officer at York [torn] own story it appears he has been treated verry ill. [torn] g Unless you have had the precaution of writing & send yo [torn] Mess™ Cameron or Selby at York I shall not receive th any y [from] you by this Courier, for hed leaves this the 14 Jan yearly [and is] at York on the 2 feby leaves that 6 days after for this place Madelaine, Theressa & Julia44 present their Love to you & all join in best wishes for your Prosperity & believe me to be 41 Santlaw Rawson, for whom see ante, 661. 41 Dixon was a lieutenant of the garrison at St. Joseph, who was involved in the quarrel between Askin and Captain Thomas Dawson which is described ante, 651-52. Additional documents pertaining to this dispute are printed in Mich. Pio. Colls., XXIII, passim. 43 Apparently these were all officers of the 100th Regiment, stationed at St. Joseph. Gibbon (then an ensign) and Lieutenant Williams were commended for gallantry in the action at Isle aux Noix, June 3, 1813. See Irving, op. cit., 253, 44 Therese was an adopted daughter of the Askins, being by birth a member of the Robert family of Detroit and vicinity. Shortly prior to May 1, 1815, she married Ensign 670 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS My Dear Charles Your Affectionate Brother Jn° Askin J M r ChaB Askin Merch* Queenston Addressed: M r Charles Askin Merchant Queenston Endorsed: S* Josephs 8th Jan y 1811 John Askin Jun r MISCONDUCT OF THOMAS MCKEE 4 5 Strabane Jan^ 10th 1811 My Dear Charles I'm sorry to hear that Cap* Ruff passed without calling as I wanted very much to send under cover to you a Packett for M r McGill which woul'd be too expensive to send by Post, as to any thing further I have to write you (in addition to my Letter of the 24h Ulto by M r Lee) it's of no consequence, the only thing now is Miss Maria Grant geting married to M r Robertson46 with- out the knowlege or consent of her Father so far as I know. I'm sorry to say his conduct in general seems to be much disaproved of. I have got this Letter, as well as One for M r McGill and an Other from Therese to you, all ready, for the first person who calls & is going your way—I cneed hard[l]y warn you to have no accounts with Cap* M Kee, who at the same time I believe an honest man, & I'm sure none can be more so than his wife, yet his conduct is such that it's impossible for him to keep his word, with all those to whom he owes: how shamefull it is for a man who receives £69 Odd clear Every Quarter, not to live well, & be clear of debt, but [he] does neither. Your Mother Thank God & all our Family are well. Give me a full answer to my last Letter. James's Horse is in great order & he will send him to you if he finds O'Brien of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. No record of his further career has been found, nor anything concerning Julia, the other child here noted. Neither of them is men- tioned in Askin's will, made Dec. 10, 1819; this neglect would seem to imply that they had died before this time. See post, 781. 45 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 46 William Robison, husband of Maria Julia Grant, for whom see ante, 378. Robison came to Detroit from Albany, N. Y., where he (or possibly his father) was engaged in business under the firm name of Robison and Martin. The firm was also interested in trade in Detroit, its local representatives being Hugh R. Martin and Charles Curry. See Proc. of Land Board of Detroit, 196-97, and mss. in B. H. Coll., passim. 671 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS you wish he should. May happiness Attend you here & hereafter are our constant prayers, Your Affectionate Father r M Charles Askin John Askin DEATH OF CAPTAIN HOWARD47 S* Josephs 20th Jan y 1811 /"""""My Dear Father, As an Express will leave Makinac in / a few days for Detroit 48to give intelligence of the sudden Death of Capt Howard who commanded at [that] Post. I it appears he departed this Life on the 13th Ins* of a Hem- / orrhage. from what I can learn he was an Honest sober & / just man and much regretted. On the 14th Ins*n I wrote / you via York and informed you therein that Capt Fearson ^ arrived here on the 17h Novr, unloaded his Cargo, ballasted & prepared to depart, when the wind verred to the S. East and encreased to a Hurricane, which drove the Vessel ashore on a Sand bank nearly opposite my House before she could get her sails sufficiently dried, and preparations made to get her off, the winter set in and consequently poor Fearson [was] obliged to winter here, he expects to get away early in the spring. Should [my] Lettersr via York not arrive before this I request you'll inform M Pattinson that every assistance will be given to Captn Fearson to get the Vessel afloat as soon as the Weather will permit. That provissions has been borrowed from the Garrison, for the Vessels Crew; which Capt F. has acquainted him thereof. MrB Fearson who must be verry uneasy about her husband should be made acquainted of his being at this place and in very good Health. Should you write by the return of this Courier, it will be necessary for you to give your Letter to Captn Dyson or Coln Kingsburry49 under Cover to Doctr 47 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 48 Lewis Howard was commissioned first lieutenant in the Eleventh U. S. Infantry, March 3, 1799, and honorably discharged, June 15, 1800. He re-entered the service, Feb. 16, 1801, as first lieutenant of the Second Artillerists and Engineers, became captain, Nov. 1,1806, and died, as here described, Jan. 13,1811. Heitman, Reg. U. S. A. 49 Jacob Kingsbury was born, June 6,1756, in Norwich, Conn., to which place his great- grandparents had removed from Haverhill in 1708. He enlisted in the army at the first outbreak of hostilities in 1775, and served throughout the Revolution, being made an ensign in 1780. He became a lieutenant in the U. S. Infantry Regiment, Oct. 15, 1787, and served 672 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Mitchell, or Lieu* A. Darragh,50 or Lieu* Hanks Comg Makinac by this means your Letter or Letters will come safe to hand. The Winter set in very severe, we had upwards of three feet of snow on the ground early in Dec1" but of late the Weather has been much milder than cus- tomary for the season. Madelaine joins me in praying you & my Death [dear] Mother for your Blessings and the Children join us in sincere wishes, [for] your & my Death [dear] Mothers Health & Happiness & our Love to my Brothers & sisters & am My Dear Father Your dutiful Son Jn° Askin J r Jn° Askin Esq Strabane Addressed: John Askin Esqr Sandwich U. C. y Endorsed: S* Josephd Jan e h 20h 1811 y Jn° Askin Jun r h to Jn° Askin Senior recv y 20 Feb & [answered the] 26 AMERICAN INVASION OF MONTREAL Montreal 10 February 1811 My dear Askin I received yours of the 24 December last week. I need not tell you, it gave me great pleasure, as you continuously until the close of the War of 1812. He served under General Harmar in 1790- 91, and as a captain in the army of General Wayne in 1792-95. He was in Detroit as early as 1800, when he made a sketch of Ste. Anne's Street which has often been reproduced in print. In 1804, he was commandant at Mackinac, and in the spring of 1805 conducted a detachment of troops by way of Chicago and the Illinois River to establish Fort Belle Fontaine near the mouth of the Missouri. From 1809-11, he was commandant at Detroit, and in the spring of 1812 (while on leave of absence in the East) was tendered the army com- mand which was shortly assumed by General Hull, but illness prevented his accepting the appointment. He was a capable soldier, and it is interesting to speculate what the course of history might have been had he been in command of the army Hull led to surrender. During most of the war, he served as inspector general of the New England levies. At its close, he settled in Franklin, Conn., not far from his birthplace, where he died, July 1, 1837. He married Sally P. Ellis of Connecticut about the year 1800. Two of his sons were army officers, one of them being killed while leading his regiment in the Battle of Antietam. Many of Colonel Kingsbury's papers are preserved in the Library of Congress and in the Chicago Hist. Soc. Library. Data derived from Norwich Vital Records; Ashbel Woodward, Historical Address Delivered in Franklin, Connecticut, October 14th, 1868 . . . (New Haven, 1870), 85-86; Heitman, op. cit., Quaife, Chicago and the Old Northwest, •passim; and Farmer, Hist, of Detroit, passim. 50 Archibald Darragh of Pennsylvania entered the army as second lieutenant of Artil- lerists, Feb. 27, 1807. He served until the close of the War of 1812, being made captain on Aug. 15, 1814. He was again commissioned captain in the quartermaster's department, April 18, 1818, and was honorably discharged on June 1, 1821. See Heitman, op. cit. Darragh's relations with John Askin Jr. were apparently somewhat intimate. An interest- ing item in this connection is in Wis. Hist. Colls., X, 96. 673 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS know it must, and allways will, while I draw breath, to hear that you and your family are happy, however it vexes me much, when I reflect, that there remains no hope of ever seeing you in This world, and I am afraid the other is so large, and so many before us, that it may be a long time before we meet. I am very sory to hear of the Death of M rs Grant. I hope the Old Comodore is well, to whom remember me. we loose many old friends, poor Frobisher, after yourself he was my next old constant, disinterested friend. Todd is in England, and I am informed have been in Ireland and much displeasd with his old Country, wants much to be in Canada, as all his friends in London are dead and gone. M r McGillavray has left us some time past for New York, and it is reported his wife, who left this [place] last fall for London, is Dead, and that he has gone from that to cEngland, so you may imagine we are very lonesome. M Gill is very well. There is a great change here within two years. I begin to think that I have been dead, and come to life again, as I find my self in a strange country, hundreds who I do not know or ever heard of, I meet in churches, and other places, both male and female, on in- qury, they are all Merchants settled here, who keep large stores, mostly Americans. The increase has doubled the number of the inhabitants of this place in the above time. There is but little french spoke here at present even the suburbs are more than half American and I am grown so old that it is a difficult matter with me to make new ac- quaintances as my old ones are all Dead. You say from the number of arrivals we must be all rich, quite the contrary, many bills returning and no means of payment, great loss on imports, all the Timber & Pot ashes gone home will do less 50 per C*. what little money [there is] in this country, the Americans takes away for ashes port, etc etc. pork is 9 dollars p r 100 lbs. flour at Quebec 15 dollars per barrel & wheat here [torn] 12/6. News we have none, only expect [war] with America, which must [come?] sometime or other you have the A[merican.?] papers as soon as we, therefore you know all that is new. your son Charles was here a Short time. I could not get him to make free. MrB Henry & my daughter are all my family, and tolerable 674 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS well, and so am I since I have got rid of the fever & Ague, which continued a great part of the summer, you say you re 71 years, next August I will be 72. Todd says he is nly 68. Todd was once much older than me but he has rown much younger at present. God bless you & your amily which is the constant prayers of mine, & your old riend Alexander Henry Addressed: John Askin Esquire Strabane Detroit Endorsed: Montreal h Febr 10h 1811 M r Alexdr Henry o Jn° Askin reed ye 25 March wrote him 15 July MARRIAGE OF NANCY GRANT61 Strabane February the 19th 1811 Dear Charles, Although I have nothing very particular o communicate yet from a wish to resume our former cor- espondence I avail myself of the opportunity of writing ou by James Miller who leaves this tomorrow for Fort Erie. I was happy to learn by M r Smith's account that you ppeared to be quite pleased with your change of situation which I can assure you is not a little interesting to us. As I have nothing else to write about, and as a circum- tantial account of Nancy Grants52 elopement may be very cceptable I will endeavour to give it. It having been sus- ected some time before she run ofF that she had a serious ttachment for young Mayez, she was sent from Gross oint to Woods's where she remained some days, after which he went to Amherstburg and attended poor Madelain's uneral; in the evening she returned with MrB Woods and bout nine Oclock crossed the River & went up to the River Huron where they were married by Clemens, who first ame to Gross point to consult the Commodore, she has ince been over to a dance with her husband at old Parres s we have understood. The Commodore had brought 51 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 51 Ann (Nancy) Grant was born on Feb. 5, 1785. At the time of the "elopement" here escribed, she was twenty-six years of age. On Feb. 8, 1811, Commodore Grant made his ill and in it disinherited his daughter Ann for having "acted a most undutiful part toward im." Three months later, however, he attached a codicil to the document revoking this rovision. See Ont. Hist. Soc, Papers and Records, XXII, 177-78. 675 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Nelly down but she has returned to Gross-point and its reported that she has got married to Young Cotteral at the River S* Clair.63 We do not so much feel these things as we would, had we not for some time past been prepared by one misfortune for another. My Mother has not seen one of them since the death of poor M r s Grant. James & myself went to Amherstburg some time ago to attend the funeral of the Doctors youngest who died of the same complaint as its poor mother. 54 Jane was pretty well reconciled, but the poor Doctor quite dejected. Captain M c Kee has gone to York, & anticipated great pleasure in visiting you on his return I suppose he has by this time fulfilled his intention. I remain Your very affectionate Brother Alexr D. Askin Therese begs of me to give you her love. P. S: I need make no apology for the bad writing as you'll not believe that I can write better, however I have written in a great hurry. Addressed: M r Charles Askin Merchant Queenstown Favored per M r Miller Endorsed: Strabane Feb y 19 th 1811 Alexr Askin to C A Answd the 14th March BUSINESS DEPRESSION IN DETROIT Detroit 9 March 1811 Dear sir It is now nearly four weeks since I hav[e] taken a pen in my hand to write or attempted any other kind of business therefore hope you will excuse me for not answering your former letter. With respect to M r McGills farm at River Rouge if he were to offer it for half of the sum you now offer it I am sure he would not find a purchasor for ready cash, its now vacant the tenant having left it. I let a man in by the name of Patrick to take care of the house but he is to leave it at the word of command, real 53 Apparently this report was unfounded. Eleanor (Nelly) Grant married George Jacob of River Thames in Sandwich, Oct. 31, 1820. Ibid. 54 Madelaine Askin, wife of Dr. Robert Richardson of Amherstburg, died Jan. 10, 1811. See B. H. R.y I, 441-42. 676 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS property on this side will not sell for any thing ready money its useless to attempt it. King would not give 100 Dollars for the house you offer him for £100. the Govr Lease is not out untill the fore part of the next month I do not remember the exact day however he was here the day before yesterday and said that as he had given up entirely the idea of purchasing, he would not give by any means as much for the use of the place the succeeding year in fact the house being now good for nothing, no use can be made of it. its worth nothing more than any other one on two acres of Land in any other part of the country is for cultiva- tion, and that to without any fencing whatever on it. I will pay James or cook the 8 dollars as soon as I get able to move out. at present I have no money in the house other- wise should have sent you some by Alexander when he was over. I had about 40 Dollars in the house when I first fell sick but its all waisted for one thing or another and you never get a Sight or hearing from a debtor unless you go yourselfe. your supplemental account is not yet made out and I must yet be excused for a few days when I hope to feel better than I now do. if I could move out I certainly would search the Town up for a pair of shoes for Mrs Askin, though shoes are very scarce on this side, but its a bad time to send here for any thing when I am laid up. I have no person except Alice about me that knows any thing or can do any thing please let me know what kind of shoes She wants and send the measure M r Brow[?J will give the money for your dft in one or t[wo da]ys he says, in fact he is going to Queenston the latter part of this week, you may perhaps wish to write by him. I had meant to have sent Charles his money by him it seems George has brought an old shoe of M rs Askins as soon as I am able to go out I will try to fit her a pair all my farming [is] behind hand not a plough mov'd yet. we are all well except myselfe thank God Adeu Yours E Brush John Askin Esq Addressed: John Askin Esquire Present 677 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS FAMILY DIFFICULTIES OF COMMODORE GRANT S* Josephs 10th May 1811 My Dear Father Your Favourth of the 26th Feby last via Makinac came to hand on the 26 Ult°. The Death of my dear Sister & the downfall of the Commodores Family has affected Madelaine & myself much. The first Accounts I recd were from Md r Selby & Charles letters which came to hand on the 23 Feby. They gave me the Melancholy tiding in every respect with the exception of Nellys impru- dent step. The conduct of the Commodores girls were never equallezed by any in Detroit or thereabouts since I have known it. No there never was a similar instance of sordidness happening to any family of their situation in the Canadas. Whatever treatment they received from the Commodore (if any improper) was no plea for throwing themselves away in the disgraceful manner they have done, and what is still worse I'm told the troubles are not over yet in that Family. God protect him from additional afflictions is my fervent Prayer, for I do not believe he has fortitude enough to support the different Tryals. Poor Richardson always shewed himself a good Husband & tender Father, he has met with a severe loss its true, but I'm well assured he will support the same with the true faith of a Christian. As his Family consist chiefly of Boys I hope he will be able to get thro the World as he has here- tofore done without involving himself. I'm happy to find that Miss Richardson gives satisfaction I shudder at the dreadful situation my Poor Mother was placed in when surrounded by the flames, and Offer my Prayer to the Almighty Father of the Universe for having sent aid to snatch her from the jaws of that Element. I am happy to find that her hands as well as your Own are entirely cured. Madelaine joins me in wishing Mr & Mrs Pattinson joy on the Birth of a Daughter It gives me pleasure to find that Cap* McKee has at last undertaken his Trip to York & hope he may be successful in accomplishing his ends. I was happy to get a Letter from Brush for he gave me information of the state of health of M r Pelties Family & 678 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS was anxious about not having heard from any of them for a length of time. Per the Winters d express I requested of youth to send me the Corn rec of Edwards & by yours of the 26 Feby I find that it was not very ripe, but as it is intended for my Poultry & swine it will answer verry well. The Paper or Instrument of writing you require I herewith enclose. There is not a grain of corn on this Island fit to plant & in consequence thereof have sent to L'herbe au Croche for three Sacks, should it not arrive in time for Fearson you will have to make use of the Detroit Corn & keep what will be sent you (if to[o] late [to] plant) for next year. Per the Ellen you'll receive the 3 Mococks sugar purchased last fall for you weighg 143 lb Cap* Fearson will give you a circumstantial account of the Occurrences of the place during his stay amongst us. You'll receive a Barrel Fish & a Mocock sugar which I send you & hope they may prove good, a few Shaygans in a Mocock & two Sacks L'herbe au Croche Corn & a Bundle addressed torsmy Mother. rB c I have shipt rfi several Packages for Brush, M Cicott M M Kee & M Peltier, the Articles for M r Peltie I wish M r Pattenson might Keep them in his store as they may be handier for M r Peltie to take them over. Madelain & the Children join me in wishing you & my Dear Mother every Blessing that this life can Afford I am Dear Father Your dutiful Son Jn° Askin Jr 4 Mococks sugar 1 Barrel Fish 1 Mocock w* Fish Backs (Shagans) 2 Sacks corn no Mark or address MrB McKee 1 Mocock sugar M rs Askin 1 Bundle Mrfl Phillis Cicot 1 Mocock Sugar E Brush 1 Barr1 Fish M r Peltie 1 Mocock Sugar 1 Bundle Addressed: Jn° Askin Esqr Endorsed: S* Josephs 4 e Mayh 10h 1811 d Jn° Askin Jun r to Jn° Askin Senior recv y 15 Answ 17^ June 679 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS OWNERSHIP OF DETROIT COMMONS To the Honorable Governor & Judges of the Territory of Michigan The Memorial of the Subscribers, in behalf of their Fellow Citizens of the Town of Detroit; Humbly Sheweth; That your Honors were authorised by an Act of Congress of 21 st April 1806 to lay out a Town, including the whole of the old Town of Detroit, and Ten Thousand acres adjacent, excepting certain Military reserves. That your Memorialists were proprietors in the old Town of Detroit on the 11 th June 1805, and were found55 by your Honors, in full possession of the Detroit commons, extend- ing two miles back from the Detroit River, under a Law of the United States late Government of the North West Territory, entitled "An Act to incorporate the Town of Detroit" passed by the House of Representatives and Council of said Territory, and approved by His Excelency Arthur S* Clair Governor of the same on the 18th January 1802, enacted when your Memoralists were a component part thereof, under the second grade of Government authorised by the Ordinance of Congress of the 13 th July 1787. Consequently the old Town of Detroit at the time Congress passed the aforesaid Act of 1806 comprehended the said Commons, and made a part and parcel thereof. Your Memorialists under this idea, set on foot a petition to your Honorable Body last year, which was lately read in open Session, but was not referred to a Committee to make a report on its merits, as is the usual practice of all Legislative Bodies, nor has the question as yet, been taken on the Subject; which consequently is still open for investiga- tion. Your Memorialists further beg leave to remark that their right to the Detroit Commons has been strengthened by the 5 th Section of the Act of Congress of the 3d March 1805, which recognises the principle of possession and occupancy, prior to, and since the lBt July 1796, and that an Entry in Conformity to said Act was made with the Commissioners 55 A history of the public domain at Detroit is given in Farmer, Hist, of Detroit, 24 ff. The present document has been printed in Mich. Pio. Colls., XXXVI, 236-39. The original manuscript (here printed) is preserved among the Askin papers. 680 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS of the Land Office for the District of Detroit, on the 31 st October 1805 in behalf of your Memorialists by a person duly authorised therefor at a Public Meeting of the In- habitants of the District of Detroit. Your Memorialists beg leave to suggest that they are informed, and have been assured that the sales of the Detroit Commons on the 6th February 1809 have been made in violation of An Act "Concerning the Town of Detroit" made and published the 13 th September 1806 and that untill the said Act is repealed, or so much thereof as regards the Detroit Commons beyond the Court House Circus, the said sale is absolutely invalid in point of Law; If so, your Honorable Body is still at full liberty to retrace your Steps, and grant to the Inhabitants residing in the Town of Detroit, their Commons, which they have time out of mind enjoyed, untill partially dispossessed of by Military Authority, as hath been emphatically expressed by the said Legislature of the North West rTerritory, in their written instructions to Paul Fearing Esq their Delegate in Congress on Friday the 11 th December 1801. Your Memorialists claim the constitutional privilege to Assemble and petition Government for a redress of griev- ances; considering their rights invaded, We enter our Solemn Protest against your proceedings, in violating through us, the constitution of the United States, by Selling the Public Commons aforesaid, and by the repeal last Fall of all Laws enacted by the Legislature of the North West Territory aforesaid under its second grade, by which we had acquired rights greater than any you Could Confer, and Particularly the Act aforesaid incorporating the Town of Detroit which passed while we the People of this Territory, were legally represented in said Legislature. The act of Congress of the 8th May 1792 Section 2d only having author- ized the Governor & Judges of the Territory North West of the River Ohio, and consequently your Honors as their Successors 'Ho repeal their Laws by them made, whensoever the same may be found to be improper" Your Memorialists with humility request leave to express their opinions, that there could not possibly be any im- propriety in said Incorporation act, Authorizing Trustees 681 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS to make Laws and Ordinances for the health, safety, cleanli- ness, convenience, and good government of the said Town of Detroit, and the Inhabitants thereof, but on the con- trary, a very palpable one in leaving them exposed as they now are, without any lawful regulations whatever on that subject. Your Memorialists therefore Humbly request that your Honors will refer the aforesaid Petition respecting the Detroit Commons to a select Committee, with powers to investigate the merits and rights therein of your Memorial- ists, and to grant them the same as a Public Commons and that so much of the sweeping repealing Law adopted last Fall as annuls all Laws enacted and made by the Rep- resentatives, Council and Governor of the late North West Territory, and repeals the said Act to incorporate the Town of Detroit may be vacated and declared null and Void, inasmuch as it may be the means of restoring your Memorial- ists to their just rights constitutionally acquired, and of preventing a Similar calamity befalling your Memorialists as happened on the 11 th June 1805 And your Memorialists as in duty bound will ever pray Detroit 8th June 1811 Conrad Seek56 Conrad Ten Eyck66 te 57 Jean B Beaubien Ant. Dequindre Jr67 d Rich Smyth Baptiste Bellange68 m W Brown Richd H. Jones69 Archibald Horner58 Abm C. Truax70 59 James Dodemead Peter Audrain Jean Durette60 Jas Henry Louis Lognon61 Jos Cote71 c 62 Daniel M Neel prisques Cote Joseph Campau63 J B* Piquette Joseph Thibault64 J Dodemead Augustin Lafoy65 56 Conrad Seek died in Detroit of cholera, Oct. 31, 1832, aged sixty-two years. His obituary notice, published in the Democratic Free Press for November 8, stated that in childhood Conrad and a younger brother were stolen from their home in Kentucky by a band of Indians from the Detroit region. The brother remained with the Indians until his death, "five or six years since." Conrad was purchased from them by a trader and taken to Montreal, where he learned the tailor's trade. "In time" he married and removed to Detroit. 682 i C * **< SOME EARLY DETROIT AUTOGRAPHS Signatures to memorial concerning Detroit commons JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Endorsed: June the 10th 1811 Presented and ordered to lie on the table. 1811 Protest against sale of Detroit Commons These statements presumably rest upon family knowledge and authority. From authen- tic records, we learn that in 1790-91 Nicholas Seek, tailor, was a discharged loyalist living in New Settlement (on Lake Erie). Mich. Pio. Colls., XXIV, 178. On Feb. 14, 1794, the Land Board of Kent and Essex counties (John Askin, Colonel England, and Louvigny Montigny) in session at Askin's home in Detroit, granted Nicholas Seek a lot of land on Thames River, and on April 11, 1794, granted the adjoining lot to Conrad (whom we pre- sume to have been his brother), both grantees taking the oath of allegiance and loyalty. Ont. Bur. Archives, Report, 1905, pp. 249, 251. Conrad was a house-holder of Detroit (where he followed his trade of tailor) shortly after the opening of the century. In 1802, he was appointed collector, and in 1804, constable. In the fire of June 11, 1805, he reported losses totaling £260. In October, 1805, he became lieutenant in the First Regiment. He married Mary Morrison and seven children were born to them in the period 1801-16. See Proc. of Land Board of Detroit, 203; Mich. Pio. Colls., passim; and Dennisen, op. cit. 57 The founder of the Detroit Beaubien line was Catherine Trotier dit Beaubien, for whom see B. H. R., L 34. One of her sons, Jean Baptiste Cuillerier dit Beaubien, born in Lachine, Jan. 6, 1709, married in Detroit on Jan. 26, 1742, Marie Anne Lootman dit Barrois, daughter of Francois Lootman dit Barrois, and Marie Anne Sauvage. They had a family of thirteen children, the second child and oldest son being Jean Baptiste Cuillerier dit Beaubien, who was born, April 15, 1745. On March 19, 1770, he married in Sandwich Geneveva Parent, daughter of Laurence Parent and Jane Cardinal for whom see ibid., 418. Apparently the signer of the present document was Jean Baptiste, the eldest son of this couple. He was born in Sandwich, Jan. 28, 1771, and married there, Jan. 9, 1826, Frances Metay daughter of Joseph Metay and Catherine Dufour, who had been twice widowed before her union with Beaubien. He was buried in Mt. Clemens, Nov. 19, 1858. Data derived from Denissen, op. cit. 58 Archibald Homer, a cabinet-maker, was living in Detroit prior to the fire of June 11, 1805, by which he suffered losses amounting to #657.50. Both Horner and his wife, Elizabeth, received donation lots, granted to residents of the town at the time of the fire. They had two daughters, Sarah and Mariah. Horner died in 1812, and his widow sub- sequently married (second) John Walker, and (third) Rev. Elias Pattee. See Proc. of Land Board of Detroit, 173-74. 59 James Dodemead was a son of John Dodemead and Jane Murray, for whom see B. H. R., I, 304. He was born, March 27, 1785, and died in 1818. See Proc. of Land Board of Detroit, 187. 60 Antoine Durette (Duret, Durett) married Margaret Renaud and lived in the diocese of Lucon, in France. Their son, Jacques, born in 1658, migrated to Canada, and on Feb. 10,1687, married in Quebec, Catherine Jomein, who was born in that place on Aug. 21, 1672. Their son Charles, born, Jan. 23, 1702, was thrice married, the third time to Mary Frances Girard, in Lorette, Nov. 8, 1734. The offspring of this union was Jean Baptiste Durette, who was born in Quebec, May 6, 1735. He married there on Jan. 7, 1761, Mary Bibiana Laberge of Baie St. Paul. Their son, Jean Baptiste, born in Quebec on Dec. 25, 1762, was the signer of the present document. On April 18, 1796, he married in Detroit, Mary Ann Renaud, daughter of Louis Renaud and Mary Ann Casse dit St. Aubin, who was born in Detroit, Jan. 13,1774. They had eight children, born in the period 1797-1811. The eldest son, Jean Baptiste Durette, born, Jan. 22, 1797, was recommended to West Point by Governor Lewis Cass in 1820. Durette, our present subject, was a baker. The date of his death has not been learned. Mary Ann Renaud was buried in Grenierville, Aug. 11, 1859. Data derived from ibid., 165, and Denissen, op. cit. 61 Pierre Lognon, born in 1631, married in Quebec, Oct. 8, 1652, Frances Roussin, daughter of Jean Roussin. Louis Lognon, signer of the present document, was their great- great-grandson. He was born in Quebec in 1765, and was a resident of Detroit at the time of the fire of June 11, 1805. He became dwner of P. C. 27, still known as the Lognon farm, lying west of modern Eleventh Street. On Jan. 30, 1814, he married Louisa Drouillard, daughter of Charles Drouillard and Mary Louisa Quesnel dit St. Remy, for whom see 683 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS B. H. R., I, 257. Louis Lognon was buried, Jan. 9, 1823, leaving his widow and four child- dren, born in the years 1815-21. See Denissen, op. cit., and Proc. of Land Board ofDetroit, 197. 6x Daniel McNeel (McNeal) was in Detroit as early as May 15,1802, when he purchased from James May a lot on St. Joseph Street. In the fire of June 11, 1805, he sustained losses amounting to £480. He purchased land of May in 1807 and again in 1809, and all three tracts were in his possession when he died intestate in or prior to 1815. He had a wife named Margaret and two sons, Daniel and John. In 1817, the latter (both parents being now dead) sold their inherited property, at which time Daniel was a soldier in the U. S. army and John was a resident of Quebec. See ibid., 197-98 and references there cited. 63 For the Detroit Campau line, see B. H. R., I, 33. One of the sons of Jean Louis Campau and Mary Louisa Robert, there noted, was Jacques Campau, born March 30, 1735, for whom see ibid., 48. Joseph Campau, signer of the present document, was a son of Jacques Campau and Catherine Menard there noted. He was born at the Northeast Coast of Detroit, Feb. 25,1769, the sixth of twelve children born to his parents in the period 1762-81. He early engaged in trade, and in addition to his principal store in Detroit, estab- lished posts at numerous outlying points. To this business and to his steadily expanding real estate holdings, he chiefly devoted his long business career. At the time of his death (July 23, 1863), he was reputed to be the wealthiest resident of Michigan and the largest holder of Detroit real estate. Campau held various local public offices, including those of town trustee, overseer of the poor, assessor, appraiser, and major of Michigan militia. He was one of the founders, in 1831, of the Democratic Free Press and Michigan Intelligencer, the forerunner of the present Detroit Free Press, Joseph Campau Avenue was named in his honor. On May 12, 1808, he married Adelaide Dequindre, daughter of Antoine Dequindre and Catherine Desrivieres de la Morandiere, for whom see B. H. R., I, 205-206. They were the parents of twelve children, born in the years 1809-29. Data derived from Denissen, op. cit.; C. M. Burton (comp.) Barnabas Campau and His Descendants ([Detroit], 1916); obituary notice in Detroit Free Press, July 25, 1863; and article by Robert B. Ross in Detroit Sunday News-Tribune, Nov. 4,1894, "Detroit in 1837: Reminiscences of Joseph and Daniel J. Campau." 64 There were at least two contemporary Detroit residents of this name. See B. H. R., I, 347 and 377. The identity of the present signer has not been determined. 65 For the career of Augustin Lafoy, see ibid., 380. 66 Conrad Ten Eyck belonged to an ancient Albany family, his parents being Abraham Ten Eyck and Anna Lansing of that city. Conrad was born, July 7, 1782, being the sixth of nine children born to his parents. He came west to Detroit in 1801 and engaged in trade, having a store for many years on Jefferson Avenue near Woodward. He became locally prominent, and held the offices of county treasurer and U. S. marshal. He was the father of several children. He died in Dearborn, Aug. 23, 1847. Data adapted from Proc. of Land Board of Detroit, 205-206, and Joel Munsell (ed.), Collections on the History of Albany from Its Discovery to the Present Time (Albany, 1865-71), IV, 172. 67 Antoine Dequindre Jr. (known in later life as Major Dequindre) was the eldest son of Antoine Dagneau Dequindre and Catherine Desrivieres de la Morandiere,'for whom see B. H. R., I, 205-206. On Oct. 8, 1789, by decree of the Court of Common Pleas of the District of Hesse, Catherine secured a legal separation of her property from her husband's control, and on March 28,1795, she procured from Susanne Baby, widow of Jacques Baby dit Duperon, a tract of land at the Northeast Coast of Detroit which on July 2, 1807, was awarded to her by the Land Board as P. C. 8, being the western portion of the present Dequindre farm. Antoine, eldest son of Catherine and Antoine Dagneau Dequindre, was born, June 18, 1781. In November, 1813, he secured control of P. C. 17, originally awarded to Francois Gouin, and in May, 1816, Catherine Dequindre deeded to him her farm (P. C. 8), purchased from Susanne Baby. The two properties united, constituted what has since been known as the Dequindre farm, from which Dequindre Street takes its name. Antoine Dequindre was a merchant; in later years he encountered financial adversity, and the Dequindre farm passed into the hands of his various creditors. He was an officer of the Michigan militia from April 5,1806. In the opening months of the War of 1812, he was captain of a company of Detroit volunteers, and in this capacity distinguished himself in the battle of Mongaugon, Aug. 9, 1812. On Sept. 9,1809, he married Catherine Chapoton, daughter of Louis Chapoton and Catherine Meloche, and nine children were born to them 684 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS MARRIAGE PLANS OF ROBERT RICHARDSON Amherstburg 30 June 1811 Dear Sir The chief intention of this letter is to com- municate to you a circumstance which I Sincerely hope May meet your approbation. You must be well aware, from the situation of my family altogether, and from The in the years 1810-30. He died, Feb. 24,1843, and was accorded a military burial. Obituary notices in both the Weekly Advertiser (Feb. 28, 1843) and the Democratic Free Press (Feb. 25, 1843) emphasized his military services and heroism. See also Denissen, op. cit.; C. M. Burton, Dequindre genealogy (ms.); abstract of title of the Dequindre farm (printed); and mss. in B. H. Coll., passim. 68 Valentin Belanger married Jane Lafitte and lived in La Pouyade, diocese of Bordeaux, in France. Their son, Pierre, born in 1713, followed the mason's trade. He migrated to Canada and on Nov. 18, 1742, married in Quebec, Ursula Simon, who was born in Ste. Foye, Aug. 23, 1712, daughter of Pierre Lucian Simon dit Delorme and Ursula Hamel. Philip Belanger, eldest son of the foregoing couple, was born in Quebec, Nov. 13, 1746. He came to Detroit prior to 1771, and on January 13 of that year married here Mary Elizabeth Valle who was born, March 15, 1752, daughter of Jean Valle dit Versailles and Mary Elizabeth Drouillard. She was buried here, Sept. 9, 1799; Philip Belanger was buried, Sept. 16, 1800. To him and Elizabeth Valid twelve children were born in the years 1771-93. The sixth of these was Jean Baptiste Belanger, signer of the present document. He was born, Jan. 29, 1784, and was buried here, Oct. 28, 1818. On Aug. 20, 1804, he married Margaret Prudhomme dit Nantais, who was born, July 23, 1788, daughter of Jean Baptiste Prud- homme dit Nantais and Mary Ann Dellard, for whom see B. H. R., I, 370. They were the parents of seven children, born in the years 1805-17. Data derived from Denissen, op. cit. 69 Richard Hall Jones was in Detroit as early as 1799. Subsequent to the fire of June 11, 1805, he was awarded a donation lot. In May, 1812, he subscribed sixteen shillings to the fund for the purchase of gunpowder for the defense of the town. He also signed the protest of citizens against General Procter's order banishing a number of prominent citizens from Detroit. He died prior to December, 1813. See Mich. Pio. Colls,, passim, and sketch in Proc. of Land Board of Detroit, 171. 70 Abraham C. Truax was born in Schenectady, N. Y., in 1778, being a cousin of Stephen Van Rensselaer, proprietor of the patroonship of Albany. He was reared by an uncle, and in early manhood made his way to Detroit, arriving here about the year 1800. He eventually engaged in trade, and on May 30, 1809, purchased from Elijah Brush a lot on Jefferson Avenue, between Wayne and Shelby streets, on which he subsequently erected a store-building. About the year 1817, Truax removed to the present site of Trenton, where in 1834 he platted the town, which was originally called Truaxton. He held various local public offices, being a captain and subsequently colonel of Michigan militia, justice of the peace, and supervisor and commissioner of roads. In 1818 he married Lucy M. Brigham of Hanover, N. H., who died in Trenton in 1837. They were the parents of four children; two died in childhood; a son, George B. Truax, died in Detroit in 1869; a daughter, Sophia Maria Brigham Truax, married Giles B. Slocum of Slocum's Island, a leading business man of his time in Michigan. Abraham Truax was killed by a steamboat explosion on the Detroit River in 1844. Data adapted from Carlisle, Ckronography of Wayne County, 150 ff. 71 For the Cot6 family line, see B. H. R., I, 387. Prisque (Priscus) Cot6 and Magdelene Lefebvre, there noted, had four children. Prisque, the eldest, was born in Detroit, May 21, 1772, and was buried here, July 17, 1845. He lived and died a bachelor. A younger brother of Prisque seems to have been the signer here noted. He was born, Jan. 19, 1776, and appears in the record as Antoine. When he came to die, he was called Joseph, and he was also known to the Governor and Judges by this name. See Proc. of Land Board of Detroit, 187; Denissen, op. cit.; and Ste. Anne's Church Register. 685 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS circumstance particularly of my being days and nights absent from home, that Some person is much wanted at their head, indeed I feel it absolutely necessary and indis- pensable. Tis true My Daughter has behaved in the most praiseworthy and examplary Manner, but she is little more than a child herself, and certainly not fit to be so often left entirely alone.72 having therefore reason to believe that I can obtain the consent of a lady every way well qualified to act as a Mother to my children, I have after the most ma- ture reflection and consideration, come to a determination on the Subject, this may in The Eyes of some people be called a hasty resolution, but when my situation is con- sidered, which is certainly not a common one, an excuse c may easily be found. The Person I allude to cis Miss M 73 Gre- gor the eldeset daughter of the late Col. M Gregor. her character and conduct are well Known, and I think are such as will do honor and credit to Any family in the County I was an Eye witness to her dutifull and truly affectionate beheaviour to her Dying Parent and it was such a[s] con- vinc[es] and satisfies me she will make a Kind and affec- tionate Mother to my dear Madelanes children, could I for a Moment think otherwise, she should never have charge of them. Though this is not intended to take place instantly, yet as there are plenty of people ready to raise and propagate storys of this kind (often without any foundation) my wish is, out of respect to you, that the first account of this to you, should come from myself. I will only add that no change of this Kind will ever lessen The respect and esteem I have for you, and in fact the sincere regard I have for the whole family. I am with Sincerity Dear sir Yours & R. Richardson J. Askin Esqr CONFIRMATION OF LAND BOARD PROCEEDINGS Near Sandwich July the 15th 1811 My Dear Sir, Its some time since I had the pleasure of •jx The allusion is to Jane Richardson (born, May 19, 1794), for whom see ante, 131. 73 The prospective bride was Ann McGregor, for whom see B. H. R., I, 442. 686 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS hearing from you, not that there is anything material I want to know except as relates to yourself & families health, & to know if you expect Mr Todd & how he was when you last heard from him; I wrote him once since he went home, but [have] recieved no letter from him. A man who lives on the River Trenche called here some days ago and offered £300 NY* currency for a Lot there belonging to M r Todd part of it was his & part mine; I therefore had it valued & charged M r Todd with my share,r the valuation put on was £300. we obtained it from M Thomas Smith in consequence of a Judgm* angst him. What I now want to know is whether or no, you think I should sell it for whats' offered, the terms of payment are £50 down, the other three paymts annually and eaqual to form the £300, the notes to draw interst from the day of Sale untill paid, & a Mortgage to be given in security, it has no improvement, except rpart of an orchard [and] brings no rent, therefore unless M Todd was pinched for ready money I do not think the offer bad. even admit it was not paid for at the expiration of the 3 years, yet improvem*8 will ber made which will make the Lot more valuable. I wish ry answer on this subject. I had not ye Letter delivered to M Park as I intended, his situation prevented me, as no reasonable answer could be expected, according [to] the Doctors opinion of him he can last but a Short time. M r Meldrum called on me on his way to See him two days ago, & said he had written him twice on the subject but either got none or a very unsatisfactory answer from him but thinks his executors will have no objections to pay the £60 with interest, indeed no conscienscious man could refuse it, & if [he] did [he] certainly can be compelled. I can give you little information further, respecting yr property in the Michigan Territory, than what I did in December 1810 & March last. [The] Surveyor has not re- turned from Washington nor said when he will, he waits to bring the Deed's with him.74 M r Sibly (the Lawyer I em- ployed) shewed me a Letter from the Secretary in answerr to a representation he made him respecting your's and M Todds claims that were not confirmed to you, but on the 74 The allusion is to Aaron Greeley, for whom see ante, 664-66. 687 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS contrary some were given by the Commissioners to others who never paid a penny for them. This letter I will send you a copy of. It gives little or no hopes of redress. Con- gress I believe confirmed all the Commissioner's did, be it right or wrong, they would not give their time to matters which interested their Governm* so little, however I do not find they have directed the Lands in the rejected claims, in the Michigan Territory to be sold; They have in some others, perhaps they mean to give them another hearing. I will conclude by saying myself & family enjoy good hea[l]th, thanks be to the Almighty, may a like happiness attend you and yours, are the prayers and wishes of Mrs Askin, as well as those of My D r Sir Yr ever obliged and Sincere friend (Signed) John Askin Copy c r James M Gill Esq Montreal Endorsed: Copy of a Letter from John Askin Esquire to James McGill Esqr at Montreal NEW ROUTE TO UPPER COUNTRY78 S* Joseph 11 th Aug* 1811 My Dear Brother As Mess" Gilivray, Gregory & McKay leave this for Montreal tomorrow via York for the purpose of making some arrangements respecting the portage they mean to establish from Youngs [Yonge] Street to Matche- dash Bay I avail myself of their Conveyance to write you these few lines and to say that John returnd from the Mississipi a few days ago and is very well. The man he wintered with, M r Redford Crawford died a few days after his departure from Fort Maddison. Mr Robert Dickson is now with us and proposes to go & see his Brother Thomas in a few days thats to say as soon as he returns from Maki- nac. Should the NW Gentlemen establish the road as is proposed from York to Matchedashr it cwill be the making of that Country and will injure M M Intosh very much which I'm sorry for, he having a large family and a Worthy 75 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 688 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS man. His son Alexr left this about 4 o'Clock P M on the Nancy loaded with Packs for Fort Erie. I will write you again per R* Dickson & shall conclude by presenting Mrfl Askin joint wishes for your Health. John & the Children present their love & am My Dear Brother Most Affectionately yours, Jn° Askin r Addressed: M Charles Askin Merchant Queenstown Endorsed: d S* h Joseph's d Aug* 11 th 1811 John Askin Jun r to CA rec 27 answ AFFAIRS AT ST. JOSEPH St Joseph aout 25 1811 Ma cher Mere Jasper que cel-y-cite vous trouvera ainssi que mon cher pere en bonne sente, jai le plaisir apresent, de vous dire que except^ que mon cher John qui a le rume, nous nous porton tout bien. Johny ait tout-afait retabli et je crois que dens trois ou quatre jours il vas partir pour aller hiverne dans le lac Superieur, les battaux de la Campagnie du Sud etent arriv6 davanhier, quoi quil nait pas emploiez par eux, mes je crois que M r Crawford pour qui il vas hiverne prand sa marchandise deuse, les agent pour la Compagnie sont arriv6 de ce matin de Mackinac et come il doive faire leur Equipement icite, r sandoute c le monde vas abondi aujourdhui et demain. M M Givraye ainssi que M r Gregr6 et M r McKay son revenue de fortr William il sont venue nous voir en allant et en revenant M McGilvraye a ofert tous ses sarvice ainssi que M r Gregre a mon cher John: je crois en concequance de quel-que intention que je leur ait montres quant il ont passe et retourn6, je leur ait envoyez du beur frais et des oeuf et des biscuit, aussi il on montre boucoupe de reconnaisance en ofrant come je vous ait dite leur service a mon cher John, il sont passez par York, come le gouvernement a achete des terre des sauvages je crois quil vont apresent prandre leur mesure pour etablir le chemin afin il nous ont dit quil etoit decid6 de le fair—sandoute que vous avez aprise la mort de Md McGilvraye el mourut le meme jour que son mari lessa Montreal pour aller la retrouve vous savez sandoute 689 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS quel etoit all6 en Engleter sous la protection de M r Todd qui m6ne aussi sa fille. M r Todd ne pouvoit pas revenue dans le tem que M r M c Gilvraye ait venue en concequance d'un rume quil avoit atrap6, et come il Indulge boucoupe son appetit il etoit devenue nessaire de se mettre en les mains d'un Docteur qui lui donna esperance de le retablir sous peut de terns. Je supose apresent quil ait de retour. Nous some ni grand amie ne ennedie avec le Militaire en un mot il nous est impossible d£tre bien Intime avec euse il sont si bas de coeur il ni a que M r Williams et sa Dame avec qui nous some Intime. M r Caudell vous savez sadout quil a ette bannie de York pour avoir mal Ecrit contre le Gouverneur et plusieur autres respectable parsonnes. Je vous envoye une piece qui a ett6 poste quinze jours apres son arrive icite il n'avoit pas encore vue M r Crawford et il avoit seulement rendu la visite de mon cher John, afin il me seroit inpossible de vous dire tout les crasserie quil a comette icite tout les jours. Johny auta cet piece don je vous envoit la copie, et nous nen avont pas parl6 a personne mes le vilain ses tourment6 tout cet Journ6 la pour savoir quel efet saroit hut, il fut chez M r William et parla de po6sie et meme il pretit tout ces piece quil avoit ecrit a York ainssi que ceux que M d Dawson et il demanda le Docteur pour prendre le the et lui qui ne ne savoit rien consequament il ne pout avoir aucune information de ce cote la il vin aussi a 1 ofice et parla de ses afair de York mes tout inutilement afin il ne pouvoit plus resiste il retourna a chez M r William le soir et lui demanda sil il avoit entendu parle d'une piece qui avoit ette aut6 par le jeune Askin. M e W. fut bien surprie de ce que javoit visite M d W. ce jour la et que je nen avoit pas parle, mes tout fut inutil car parsonne ne vue le papi6, et je croit que lintention de cela etoit seulement pour avoir un pretex pour a querell6 avec mon cher John, car deux jour avant cela il demendit au Docteur a &tre appointe Clark de la court de requette et le Docteur lui dit quil parleroit a M r Askin et en efet il parla de cela et mon cher John [torn] de reponce, et come vous voire que cet piece a ett6 [torn] Ann il ait tem que je change de propos seulement pour vous marquer la surprise dans lequel Jai ette d'aprandre il-y-a quelque terns pass6 que Docteur Richardson faisait 690 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS la court a Msel McGregor trois mois apres la mort de pauvres Madelaine, et jai aprise par cet Barque icite quil soit marie le huit du pr6sent, Je crois que sa pauvre fame auroit plus respecte sa memoire; sa nous a fait de la peine, car nous avions une bonne opion de Richardson, ces-adire que la tendresse quil a toujour montre pour sa fame nous faisoit supose quil respecteroit sa memoire un peut plus longtems. Je vais conclure par vous prie dassures mes tendres amiti6 a mon cher pere, et mes frere, et soeur, et croyez moi avec tout tendresse possible, Votre affectionne fille Madelaine Askin Addressed: (by John A. jr.) Mrs. Askin Strabane Recommended to the care of R. Richardson, Esq., Amherst- burg. Translation St. Joseph, August 25, 1811 My dear Mother: I hope that this will find you and my dear Father in good health. I am pleased to tell you that with the exception of my dear John, who has a cold, we are all very well. Johnny is quite recovered and I think that in three or four days he intends to leave to spend the winter in the Lake Superior country. The South [West] Company's boats came in yesterday. Although he is not employed by them, I believe that Mr. Crawford, for whom he will work this winter, gets his goods from them. The company's agent arrived this morning from Mackinac, and as he gets his outfit here, there will likely be a great crowd in today and tomorrow. Mr. McGillivray, Mr. Gregory,76 76 John Gregory, for whom see B. H. R.t I, 334, was one of the early fur-trade magnates of Montreal, being in partnership in the early 1780 s with Archibald N. McLeod, for whom see ante, 660. In 1784, under the leadership of Simon McTavish and the Frobishers, the North West Company was organized for the purpose of dominating the trade of the upper country. Gregory and McLeod and Peter Pangman thereupon established a rival organiza- tion whose creation is of somewhat peculiar interest to Detroit, since they took into the firm Alexander Mackenzie, a young Scotchman who, after five years in the employ of Gregory in Montreal, had recently established himself in business in Detroit. He now entered upon the career of trade and exploration which in the next few years was to win for him world-wide fame. After a short and bitter period of competition, the Gregory- McLeod-Mackenzie firm united with the rival combination in the summer of 1787, and by the union became members of the North West Company, in which Gregory was for 691 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS and Mr. McKay returned from Fort William. They came to see us both going and coming. Mr. McGillivray offered to do anything he could for my dear John, so did Mr. Gregory. I think this was in return for some little attention I purposely showed them when they went through, both going and coming. I sent them some fresh butter, and eggs, and biscuit, so they showed their gratitude by offering, as I said, to be of service to my dear John. They went through York. I believe that as the government has purchased land from the Indians, they are now to lay out a road. In fact they told us that this had been decided. No doubt you have heard of the death of Mrs. McGillivray. She died the same day that her husband left Montreal to go for her. You probably knew that she had gone to England under the care of Mr. Todd who took his daughter also. Mr. Todd could not return when Mr. McGillivray did because he had taken cold, and as he indulges himself much in eating, he had to put himself in the hands of a doctor who gave him hope of an early recovery. I suppose he has returned by now. We are neither very friendly with the military nor the reverse. To say the least it is impossible to be really friends with them, they are so common. Mr. Williams and his wife are the only ones with whom we are intimate. Mr. Cawdell,77 you doubtless know, was banished from York because of what he wrote against the Governor and several many years an influential partner. He died in Montreal, Feb. 22, 1817, aged sixty years. Data derived from Campbell, St. Gabriel Street Church, 97-98, et passim; Davidson, North West Company, passim; Alexander Mackenzie, Voyages from Montreal on the River St. Lawrence through the Continent of North America to the Frozen and Pacific Ocean in the Years 1789 and 1793 (Philadelphia, 1802). 77 The allusion is to James M. Cawdell, an erratic individual, one of Upper Canada's pioneer literary characters. After acquiring a classical and legal education in England, he purchased an ensigncy in the One Hundredth Regiment, which he joined at Montreal in the summer of 1810. He was soon stationed at York where he published an anonymous lampoon upon Governor Gore, and in consequence was ordered to St. Joseph, "the Military Siberia" of Upper Canada. Angered by this punishment, Cawdell tendered his resigna- tion and offered his commission for sale, but several months elapsed before the acceptance of his resignation. He figured curiously in the War of 1812, and subsequently settled in York, where he died in 1842, having been for many years librarian and secretary of the Law Society of Upper Canada. In 1823, he had founded in York a publication, Rose Leaf, whose contents were chiefly contributed by himself. In a memorial to the Governor in 1818, Cawdell candidly described himself as a genius, whom many of his associates con- sidered to be insane. The student of his career will, perhaps, feel it unnecessary to take issue with the latter portion of this self-characterization. Data chiefly derived from "The Memorial of J. M. Cawdell," Adam Shortt (ed.), Can. Hist. Rev., I, 289, ff. 692 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS other influential people. I am sending you a piece that was posted up here fifteen days after he came. He had not yet seen Mr. Crawford and had merely returned my dear John's call. In fact, it would be impossible for me to tell you all his rudeness from the first day he came. Johnny removed the paper, a copy of which I am sending you, and we have not mentioned it to a soul, but the wretch worried all that day, wondering what effect it would have. He went to see Mr. Williams and talked about poetry and even loaned all the pieces he had written at York and even those about Mrs. Dawson. He asked the doctor to have tea with him, but the latter knew nothing so he could get no infor- mation there. He came to the office (too) and spoke of his affairs at York, but all to no purpose. Then he could bear it no longer and that evening went again to Mr. Williams and asked him if he had heard anything about some writing that young Askin had removed. Mr. W. was much sur- prised, for I had called on Mrs. W. that same day and said nothing about it. In fact, nothing was of any use for nobody had seen the paper. I believe he intended it only as a pretext to quarrel with my dear John, because two days previously he had asked the doctor to be appointed clerk of the court of requests and the doctor had told him to speak to Mr. Askin. So he did, and my dear John [torn] any answer, so you see that that paper [torn] But it is time that I changed my subject, if only to tell you how surprised I was, some time ago, to hear that Dr. Richardson was paying court to Miss McGregor in three months after poor Madelaine's death, and now by this boat I hear that they were married on the eighth instant. I think he might have had more respect for his wife's memory. We feel badly about it, for we had always thought so well of Richardson, and I must say that the love he always showed his wife made us think that he would respect her memory a little longer. I shall conclude by begging you to assure my dear Father of my love, also my brothers and sisters, and believe me, with all fond wishes possible, Your affectionate daughter, Madelaine Askin 693 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS CONSEQUENCES OF NON-IMPORTATION ACT S* Josephs 25th Aug* 1811 My Dear Father Tho I have not any of your favours before me to answer yet cannot let this opportunity slip without letting you know that we are all well. The constant arrivals of Canoes for some days past from Michilimakinac and Boats from Montreal via the Lakes has kept the place alive The non-importation act will effect the S. W. Furr Company much for their Goods must remain here this win- ter unsold Messr Gillespie, Pothier, Berthelot and many others are expected in to morrow they are to remain some time in hopes that the Act will be repealed. M r Robert Dickson intends going to Queenston via York from Queenston to Buff aloe from B. to Fort Pitt down the Ohio to the Mississipi then up the last mentioned river to the head thereof amongst the Siouxs. Johnney has made his arrange- ments wh M r Lewis Crawford and is to winter at Lake de Flambeaux, Superior, he only gets £50 H x tho little, its better than to be Idle. Madelaine John & the children join me in best wishes for Your & my Dear Mothers Health & Happiness & our Love to My Brothers & Sisters & am My Dear Father Your dutiful Son Jn° Askin J r Have the goodness to tell my D r Mother that I have not forgot her about the Buffaloe Skin Addressed: John Askin Esquire Strabane Endorsed: S* Josephd Aug* st 25h 1811d d Jn°r Askin Jun r to Jn° Askin Senior recv 31 & Answ 2 Sep AFFAIRS AT ST. JOSEPH S* Josephs 18h Sept 1811 My Dear Father I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Sundry favours of the 21 Ult° 2d & 4 Ins*, which arrived all at once yesterday. I'm sorry to find from your Letters that the drouth has injured your Garden & Field so much.78 78 The lines omitted concern a shipment of goods. 694 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS I am much obliged to you for the Sow she is indeed a fine large animal and will be in good order shortly for the Indians are now bringing in Corn. When the Nancy passes I shall send the Buffaloe Skin for my Dear Mother and some of the best and earliest L'herbe au Croche Corn for seed. The Indians commenced taking in their Harvest this year about the 1* of the M° therefore their seed Corn is of a good kind. M r Brevort79 of New York brought a few grains of Corn which produces two Crops in the same season, thats to say in the Summer, the person who has got it, is to try the same and if it answers you will be furnished with a little. I'm sorry to find that the Pacer rendered you so little service. I observe what you say respecting the Comg Officer of the veterans and and shall endeavour to steer myself clear of them as well as I have done with part of the Filth now going down. Burnside, L* Williams & Ensn Gibbons are the only decent persons belonging to the 100 reg* which have been here. By the time the Nancy returns I shall be able to give you some ace* of this Detatchment. It is reported that the Gen1 Hunter is to return to this & [I] hope it may be the case for all my Stores which left Montreal in July last have not 79 Presumably Henry B. Brevoort, member of an early Dutch family of New York, who was born there, Jan. 13, 1775. He entered the army about the close of the century and spent a year or more on the lower Mississippi. In the spring of 1802, he was ordered to Detroit to assume command of the Adams, which had been built at the Rouge River shipyard in 1799 to serve the military arm of the government on the upper lakes. From this time until the War of 1812, Brevoort, with home station at Detroit, commanded the "navy of the lakes," which during most of the period comprised the Adams and her crew. In consequence of Hull's surrender of Detroit in August, 1812, Brevoort became a prisoner on parole, and in February, 1813, was banished from Detroit by General Procter. He sub- sequently served as a volunteer under Commodore Perry, and his conduct in the Battle of Lake Erie, Sept. 10, 1813, won the commendation of that officer, and a silver medal awarded by Congress in January, 1823. He returned from the army with the rank of major in June, 1815. On Jan. 15, 1811, he had married Mary Catherine Navarre, daughter of Robert Navarre and Mary Louisa Marsac, and granddaughter of Robert Navarre and Mary Lootman dit Barrois, who are noted in B. H. R., I, 36-37. In 1772 the Potawatomi had given their village site in the vicinity of modern Twenty-third Street, fronting four arpents on the river, to Robert Navarre II. The tract was confirmed to Navarre by the Land Board in July, 1807, as P. C. 20, and Mary Catherine, on the death of her parents, inherited a one-twelfth interest in this property. Her husband subsequently acquired the shares of the several remaining heirs, and with these the old Navarre homestead. The property has since been popularly known as the Brevoort farm. For several years in the twenties (1823-29), Brevoort served as Indian agent at Green Bay. Save for this interval, Detroit was his home until his death, Jan. 30, 1858. Catherine Navarre died at the family home, Dec. 26, 1868. They were the parents of five children, born in the years 1812-22. A charming old-age description of the Navarre-Brevoort home, written by Mary Ann Brevoort, who was born there, Feb. 17, 1812, is in Wis. Hist. Colls., VIII, 293 ff. Data compiled from Denissen, op. cit.; Burton Hist. Coll. Leaflet, II, 34ff.; abstract (printed) of Brevoort farm; Wis. Hist. Colls., VIII, 293 ff. and XX, 312. 695 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS reached this. I have wrote Wm Duff to send an Express to you, the Moment its ascertained the Hunter is to return inrs order that you may be prepared to ship the Apples from M Badishon & Onions as the Vessel passes for Cap* Barwis I'm afraid will not wait a moment The Ram will be very acceptable in the spring as the season is to[o] far advanced to risk him this autumn. Per the Nancy I shall write you fully & send the Sugar etc etc. Madelain joins me & the Children in every wish that can tend to your & my Dear Mothers Health & Happiness & our Love to My Broth[er]s & Sisters I remain My Dear Father Your dutiful Son Jn° Askin Jr John Askin Esqr Strabane Addressed: John r Askin Esqr Strabane Per Gen Hunter Capt Barwis Com Endorsed: S* Josephes d Septhr 18 1811d Jn° Askin Jun r to h Jn° Askin Senior recv the 29 Answ 12 October AFFAIRS AT ST. JOSEPH 80 S* Josephs 18 h Sept r 1811 My Dear Charles, Your favour of the 7th Ulto came to hand yesterday per the General Hunter with a Detachment of the Veterans for this Post, it would have been very pleasing had it been part of the 41* Reg* they being a good set of people and well known as to this Detachment I cannot as yet form any opinion of them. M r Robert Dickson was with us some time ago and its reported he has got to the Mississipi with a compleat assort- ment of Goods, where he got them & [the] manner he escaped the Yanky Collectors &c I am not at present authorized to say. In the spring you shall hear more on that subject. This goes by Lieu* Williams of the 100 Reg* a very good man who has been unfortunate in having Quarreled with his Commanding Officers Martin & Sherrard 8o From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 696 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS the latter has used W. very ill indeed and had he been otherwise situated than he was [he] would have pulled Sherrard['s] nose MrB W. is a very good woman and would have been a most agreeable Companion to Madelaine &c had she not been indisposed part of the time she remained. Our poet M r Cawdell is going to display his poetical Talents in Burmuda a very good place I'm told for those professing that faculty. It does not appear to me that there is any probability of their getting an address from the Inhabitants of either of the Canadas Johnny remained with me about One Month & then went to winter on the heads of the Montreal river which empties into Lake Superior he only gets £50 H Cy and as he only went to be informed of the Country I dont believe he will go again at so low a price or Sallary. The Feathers cannot be procured at present, next Summer I hope to be able to send you what you want Should you be disposed to write by the Winters Express it will be necessary for yyou to have your Letters at York on or about the 25 Jan Madelaine Theresse & Julia join me in sincere wishes for your Health & prosperity & am My Dear Charles Your affectionate Brother Jn° Askin J M r Cha8 Askin Merch1 Queenston Addressed: M r Charles Askin Merchant Queenston Hon by Lieu* Williams 100 reg1 d Endorsed:d S*h Joseph r Sepr 18th 1811 John Askin jun r to C A rec 10 Oct DEPARTURE OF GOVERNOR GORE Queenston October 15 th 1811 Dear Father I returned here a few days ago from Prescot where I had gone to accompany Nelly Grant I was nearly three weeks away, which is about the time I expected to be absent. * * * *81 I have still some of the same kind of Tea as you got of me and will send the quantity you 81 The lines omitted deal with personal matters of no present importance. 697 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS desire, in consequence of an act of Parliament which has long been passed but only lately put in force, no Tea can be brought into the Province from the States, this has raised the price of it very much and it is charged me, (that is Single) 5/4 Hfx lbs. in Montreal which is more than it used to be sold for here last Spring, by retail. Thirty thou- sand chests are said to be consumed annually in the Pro- vinces most of which comes through the States, therefore if smuggling can be prevented it will save [a] great deal of money in the Country which goes out every year for that article. The East India Company in consequence of this law being put in force have given permission to the N.W.C° to send a Vessel to the East Indian loaded with furrs and to bring home Tea and other E. I. goods, Sugers are much lower this year than they were last. Muscovado, is 40/ Cw* and loaf 1/ Hfx lbs all other goods are very low for Cash, the scarcity of money is so great that bills are at 20 p r C* discount. Before this you have no doubt heard that Lieut. Governor Gore had got leave to go Home, and that 82he and his family had left York, as also that General Brock succeeds him in the Administrationr of the Government as President. I am told the Gover and his Lady seemed to regret going, particularly the latter who went the day before the[y] left York to see all those she was acquainted with, and was much affected at parting with them & when she embarked cried like a child, probably they thought as many do here, that they would never return to the Country again. General Brock is much liked here and will be so wherever he is known, he came over on Saturday last and yesterday held a Levee at which I with a number of others attended. I inclose you the address presented him by the magistrates & Inhabitants of this District & his answer, to day he 82. Sir Isaac Brock was born on the Island of Guernsey, Oct. 6, 1769. He purchased a commission in the Eighth Regiment in 1785, and in 1797 became lieutenant colonel of the Forty-ninth Regiment, with which he was sent to Canada in 1802. He became colonel in 1805, and major general in 1811. Upon Governor Gore's return to England in the latter year, Brock was entrusted with the civil administration of Upper Canada, thereby uniting the civil and the military administrations upon the eve of war with the United States. His administration of its affairs in the opening months of the war won him the undying affection of the Canadian people. He was killed during the Battle of Queenston, Oct. 13, 1813. An imposing monument now adorns the brow of the hill, a short distance from the spot where he fell. See Wallace, op. cit. 698 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS reviewed the 41 st Reg* at Niagara who went remarkably well through the different Maneuvres. I regreted very- much that James was not here to see it; for I am sure he would have been highly pleased if he had. it is seldom now, that a person has an opportunity of seeing any thing of this kind in the Country. The General did another good thing to day, he pardoned a poore fellow under sentence of death for stealing a Heifer. I am sorry to say poor M r Cartwright has lost another son the young man who was up and who you saw last year, he was a most amiable character and is much regreted by all who knew him, and the poor family are in the greatest distress immaginable. he died two days after I left Kings- ton, when on my way down I called to see him at which time he seemed to have great hopes of recovering & so did the family, in consequence of his leg swelling which they thought would break, and carry off all the bad humours; but unfortunately this was not the case and he suffered great pain before he died which is seldom the case with those who die of a consumption. Tho you have not ordered it I send you a keg of Mus- covado suger, and a little loaf suger. I have a pine apple cheese and a few other small things coming up for my Mother, which I hope may get up in time to go with the suger. Please give my love to my Dear Mother and to my Brothers and Sisters, and remember me kindly to my Uncles & Aunt Barthe. I am Your dutiful & Affectionate Son Charles Askin John Askin Esqr Sandwich 699 SECTION IX LETTERS AND PAPERS, 1812 MILITARY PREPARATIONS IN YORK 40 Mile Creek Feby. 28th 1812 Dear Father I am now on my way home from York where I have been some time and from which place I wrote to you a few days ago. a person who I have met here on his way to Detroit gives me a favourable opportunity of writing to you which I embrace, tho I have little to say. The Legislature have done little this Session as yet and as the house is soon to be disolved there will not be much done. A* new Militia Act has passed: In every Reg* there are to be two flank companies, to consist of one hundred men each which are to be out six days in every month for the purpose of training, untill they are perfect in their exercise, regular soldiers will be employed to drill them I believe, the house has voted £8000 to the President to be laid out in such manner as he thinks best, for having the Militia trained. a law respecting travellers on the road meeting has also passed the house, all persons meeting in carriages or sleighs are to give half the road and after December next no one is to drive a Sleigh without Bells. M r Nichol was committed to Gaol in York by a warrant from the Speaker of the house [of] Commons the day before I left it. this was for writing something to Major Hatton offensive to them in justification of his conduct when wrongfully accused by that House of not having accounted for Public money in his hands, its so lengthy a bussiness that I shall not enter more fully into it, as I should then not be able to give you all the particulars of it, and you will have the whole of it from the Members when they return home, which will be soon.1 Orders have been received lately from Below to fortify York. I met the Engineer here this evening from Niagara on his way there (probably for that purpose). i For an account of this affair, see Ont. Hist. Soc, Papers and Records, XIX, 10 ff. 703 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Please give my love to my Dear Mother and to my Brothers & Sisters Your Dutiful & Affectionate Son Charles Askin John Askin Esqr Strabane Sandwich Addressed: John Askin Esqr Sandwich FaV1 by M r Witherall Endorsed: 40 Miles Creek Febr 28h 1812 Charles to Jn° Askin recv4 y6 5h March Answd y6 6h INJUSTICE OF LAND BOARD DECISIONS Strabane April the 14th 1812 My Dear Friend, The only letter I received from you since you got home, was on the 24th November last, and was dated at London the 15th June; by it I was happy to find that you did not complain of bad health, and you gave hopes of returning to Canada this Spring; but I'm very sorry to learn by a Letter of M r McGills dated the 14th February last, that he has no such hopes, which seems to effect his spirits much; he says you are the only one of his first acquaintances left, & now he dispairs of Miss Portius [Porteous]2 living long; All his & Mr8 McGills pleasure in this life seems to be at an end; how seemingly hard is this good mans Lot; yet as infinite wisdom directs all for the best, it must be so, and so he thinks it; for the more friends we lose by death or absence, the less our attachment is to this World, & the better we prepare for the next. Nothing could be a greater Loss to M r McGill, than your Society; he loves you as a brother & you always brought him home dayly news, interesting and amusing which he otherwise could not have; his natural turn being, not to mix, but with a few chosen friends. He wrote me i Mary Charlotte Porteous, daughter of John Porteous, for whom see B. H. R., I, 144. Porteous had ten children, two of whom died before their father and one of whom (Mary- Charlotte) was born after his death. McGill assumed their guardianship, and after the death of Mrs. Porteous, Mary Charlotte was taken into his home and treated like a daughter. In his will, McGill bequeathed her $5000. She was afflicted with tuberculosis and died either before or soon after her foster father. See "The Early Years of James McGill," by E. Fabre Surveyer, in McGill News (supplement), September, 1929. 704 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS once his intentions respecting Madelains children, but their father marrying again, rather soon, he never since has said any thing on the subject; being pinched for about 600 Dollars, I wrote him to know if he could accomodate me with that Sum, & take Land to eaqual value in payment; his money seems so placed that he could not, but desired me to Sell half his lands in the Michigan Territory & apply this money where I wanted it; his friendship to me & family has no bounds however there is no money in or about Detroit, for purchasing Lands, or payment of Debts, all is confusion with preparations for war. I fear you & M r McGill will not recieve next month, your pay mt from M r Brush, not that I think he would take the advantage, of the misunderstandings between the two Governments, but untill the appearance of war blows over, (if it should) I dont think he can Sell his Lands, or raise the money by other means. I wrote M r McGill on the 30 th December last, that 3 patents were arrived for you, & I fear they are all you will ever get, from your large and fair claims, there could not in my opinion be done more injustice even pointed at some of your claims, than what was shewn by the Com- missioners; one instance in a large field near River Rouge, they confirmed M r McGills claim & rejected yours, though the Surveyor offered to make oath, that they were under the same inclosure; They rejected the claims from the Wind mill Seat to the River Rouge (M r McGills Lot excepted) Lands I have had possession of, for perhaps 20 years, before I sold them to you; I memorialed the Secretary for redress, but got none; what the Commissioners did, (though many of them glaringly partial & unjust & even remonstrated against) was confirmed or approved by Congress. The Commissioners were M r Atwater the Secretary, M Audrian Recorder & M r James Abbott, the r latter seemed to do all the business & rule the others, perhaps you had some misunderstanding with him, & he took this opportunity to injure your interest, while I live, this subject, when I think of it will disturb my mind, had you been in Canada, I believe I should have been tempted, to have desired you to have bought up an obligation due by one of these Gentlemen Commissioners & thrown him in 705 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS prison for payment; as paymt for his injustice to you. The three Deeds come for you are, one for the Prairie Ronde 356 acres, another at River au Raisin for 409 & the third for the house & Lot at the Grand Marrais. These, with 3 Town Lots (for which I have got the Deeds) I fear my Good friend is all you will get, a very poor payment indeed, for all you advanced me, and remained undischarged. I have wrote MrB Meredith by this opportunity & advised her to come here; as living in England is so very expensive. I heard indirectly that you had advanced M™ Meredith some money; please let me know how much that I may convey its value in Land; My Family must r not deprive your Dear Daughter of her rights; Had y worthy friend M r McGill Children or relations, I could not think of taking what he offers, nor have I said I would; I have still Lands worth more than what I owe, If they could be sold for their value, & why take his, for which there is not a readier Sale than my own. He has made no Secret of his intentions, respecting my family, in his will, as well as some others; he more than once, in Letters to me said, that as he had no blood relations alive, he would so something for his friends, & even to some, said, I must be served first. I have nothing but "poor Gratitude["] to offer in paym* of such great obligations, however unless quite reduced, which thank God is not yet the case, I can not think of being burthensome to my friends. Your property in my hands is certainlyr growing more valuable, & though the farm got of M Smith, is not not yet Sold, I expect it soon will for £300. there was £200 in cash offered, but money has been very scarce, but now there are contracts for Wood etc at Maiden, with men employed at the works, which will tis thought cost above £2,000. money must get into the hands of farmers & workmen, who will lay it out, mostly for lands. My family in general, beg me to return their most sincere thanks, for yr kind remembrance of them. And I remain My Dear Friend your ever obliged (Signed) John Askin r Isaac Todd Esq London Copy Endorsed: Strabane April 14th 1812 Copy of a Letter to Isaac Todd, Esquire in London 706 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS WAR CLOUDS IN DETROIT Strabane April the 28th 1812 My Dear Charles, I'm now two letters in your debt, the last of which dated the 16th Instant came to hand two days ago. It makes your mother and I happy that you do not complain of bad health, God be praised, the Family here enjoy the like great blessing. The Militia-Law has arrived, but I have not yet seen it. indeed, unless on my children's account I have little to do with it. Except my wishes for the success of the British arms, which can only end with my last breath. I can not comprehend how a man of honour & honesty can ever change his allegiance. There are some preparations making at Detroit, and great ones at Maiden for War. I hope it may not take place, yet I dread it much. The contracts at Maiden for wood etc for furnishing say to repair the Garrison & make a Vessel, its thought will exceed £6,000. this will throw a Good deal ofr ready money into this part of the Country. Im sorry y brothers are so little calculated for business, otherwise I should have endeavoured to have got them, at Montreal, or Queenston, such a cargo, as I'm sure in proper hands could be turned into cash. I was almost tempted yesterday to have purchased 50 barrells of flour at 6 dollars & draw on the Mess" Hamiltons for payment: The quality I suppose must ber nearly the same as with you, for its's manufactured at M McGregors famous Mill at the River Thames, and as the freight down is only 4/ the profit would be something in theirs or your pocketts. You may Speak to them on this subject & if they will answer my Drafts, when I see an opportunity of pur- chasing & sending them down such articles as will immedi- ately sell with them; they Shall have half the profits; but they must keep me regularly advised of the cash price of provisions or liquors with them, so as to enable me to know when I should buy. They may depend on my direc- tions, not involve them or myself, in purchases to too large an amount for their purses & credit, or in buying articles, the Sale of which may be doubtfull. The inhabitants give their flour for 24/ a hundred &.do not yet know that the 707 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS merchants get seven & a half dollars per barrell from Government, & these latter keep the secret by not offering the farmer more than the 24/. 5JC 3JC The indians have done a good deal of mischief in different quarters of the United States, the people of Detroit, not in the Garrison, are much alarmed; Alice was here a few days ago. poor woman, She Suffers amasingly from fear, for I understand none of the Town's people will be recieved into the Garrison. Alex1" was nst over yesterday & says they are now taking precautions ag Indian surprise, & there- fore she is not so much alarmed. The Guns, blunderbusses etc here are all loaded & in good order; I hate to be taken prisoner & he who attempts it, if openly may lose his life; having only my children & self we can not do much, but I will try not to be surprised I advised Captn McKee to move to Maiden there is too great risk here. I believed he moved yesterday. Most of Rob* McDougall's property is on this side, poor Meldrum I think [is] much embarrased. I think him in his heart [a] true british Subject, the conduct of his boys bears hard on him. Yr tender Father (Signed) John Askin Copy M r Ch8 Askin Merch* Canbury. Endorsed: nr Strabane April 2nd 1812 Copy from John Askin S to Ch" Askin Canbury AMERICANS OCCUPY SANDWICH (Coppy) Strabane July 17h 1812 My Dear sir A few days hago I was favoured with a Letter from you dated the 29 of April last, covering one from M r Todd bearing date the 10h of March: Every thing I thot necessary to Acquaint you or him with, or what I though[t] either of you wished to know, h was contained in Letters wrote you both, on the 14 of April last: with one at same time for M rs Meredith, to your care. 708 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS About a week Ago, Our Militia & other force left Sand- wich, and [the] same day the Americans came over to this side. Governor now General Hull, keeps up the strictest good order, the soldiers dare not take a Cherry, without the Owners consent. dI waited on him two days after his arrival, and he recev me not only with Politeness, but Friendship, and Exacted no oath, or promise, other than my Word, that I would not, whilest he had Possession here, meddle in the present troubles: Indeed I did not mean to do it, otherwise than giving my Advice to my Sons how they should act, in doing their duty to their King & Country. For in 1809 Lieu* Governor Gore wrote me a Letter, saying, that from my Advanced time of life & tender constitution, he gave the Command of my Reg* of Militia, to Col. Caldwell, who did not Accept of it: he having put Col. Elliott, (a Junior officer to both of us) first Col. I dayly see how pro[v]idence, orders all for the best. I had no duty but that of a magistrate to perform, since that time: and not having been consulted, by the president, nor he who now Commands at Maiden, on any Public matter. I have not thought it my Duty to my King & country, that I should be officious in giving Information, in particular as the same could be obtained, from those in office, who from Duty & reward should do so: Therefore I have kept myself quiet and were it rsnot for our anxiety respecting our Children & Fri[e]nds, M Askin & I have no cause of Uneasiness, That of the fate of a Government I have airways lived under, and that my wife & Children love much excepted. However should it be our lot, to fall under any other Authority, I would not prefer any man, to the present General Hull; who I'm pretty sure will not only respect my property, but that of my Fri[e]nds, so far as he can consistan[t]ly do so, in which he will be Aided & Assisted, by the Talents & Interest of M r Brush, (who now Commands at Detroit) and who I believe as kind & Fri[e]ndly a man, as ever was. All Our Canadian Militia to a man, being called to Maiden: M r Brush says he will send men to cut down my harvest. On the Subject of the Canadians on Our side, let me Assure you, I never have seen men shew more fidellity. they Volentered to a man, and left their Houses without a single person Except Women & Children. 709 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS however Our Enemies have taken no Advantage of their distressed situation, and up to the present time, there has not been a single life lost in this Quarter, in consequence of the War. how long this may continue, God only knows. I'm neither informed nor do I make Any Enquiry into the Views of our Goverm* here, they appear very Extrordinary to many Others as well as me. how far all may have been done in consequence of Orders I'm unacquainted with. I cant write M r Todd at this time, or rather could have nothing [to] say, but what I now say to you, and which I'm sure you will make him Acquainted with, should this Letter reach you, & yours him. some few Canadians, but many more English of the river[.?] Trench, are come of[f] from Maiden without leave. I realy think the distressed state of their Families and the harvest being so very near, is the general cause. General Hull has taken no notice of their haveing taken up Arms Agns* him. he desires them to go home & keep quiet, he wants no service from them, unless such as choose to offer themselves Volenteers. He has no Indians with him on this side, and I heard would not Employ them. The Crops in this place are the finest that have been seen for many years No prospect of receiving any paym* of any Debt for the present. M rs A & I Enjoy good health, which I'm surprised at. May God of his infinite goodness & mercy, preserve you & yours in this time of Danger are the prayers of Mrs A as well as those of Your etc Since writing the Inclosed, General Hull 8 has taken possession of privat[e] property rgoods & Prov belonging to M r McGregor, M r Baby & M David, which he said in my hearing yesterday (y6 19h) he would return, when some private property taken in a Vessell near Maiden, was given up. Our Canadians now desert in numbers. Our officers will have no men. My son James is Capt & Alexdr L* in the Militia at Maiden. Jm8 McGill Esquire Montreal 710 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS CHARLES ASKIN'S JOURNAL OF THE DETROIT CAMPAIGN, JULY 24—SEPTEMBER 12, 18123 Left Warner Nelliss4 Sunday afternoon the 24 met on my way up to the Mohawk Castle two or three Indians who appeared alarmed one of them told me that an Indian had just come from Amherstburgh that he said there were a great body of the American troops on their way up the River Thames, horse & foot, this Indian appeared from his dress &c as if he had left home to go and meet the Enemy with the party under Major Chambers;5 but had got alarmed and was going back again, after going a little farther I came to a Village where I saw two or three hundred Indians. I found from some of them who rode up with me to Mohawk Castle that they had had a Council and it was their determination not to fight the Americans. I afterwards learnt that General Hull had wrote them a letter which was brought them by the Indian who had as I before men- tioned come from Amherstburgh, which was the cause of their holding the Council. I got in the Eveg to the Bridge, there got a fresh horse and rode to Yiegh's where I got about 9 O'clock, I found Major Chamber's with the party under his command, also M r Wm Crooks,6 and Hamilton Merrit7 with some Light horse, who had Ebenezar Allan 3 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 4 Warner Nelles. Henry William Nelles migrated from the Mohawk Valley region of New York to the then wilds of western Canada about the opening (possibly later) of the Revolution. With the immigrant came six sons and several slaves. One son, known as Major Nelles, settled on the Grand River (modern York, in Haldimand County). Another son was Warner Nelles here noted. Mohawk Castle was Brant's Grand River settlement; it stood a short distance east of modern Brantford, where the ancient Mohawk Church still stands. Warner Nelles' home must have been some distance lower down Grand River. For the Nelles family see E. A. Owen, Pioneer Sketches of Long Point Settlement... (Toronto 1898), 403 ff. 5 Peter Latouche Chambers came to Canada as an ensign in the Forty-first Regiment early in the century. He became a captain in 1808 and brevet-major, Feb. 25, 1815. He served with his regiment in most of the battles on the western front during the war. See Irving, op. cit., 261; Casselman, op. cit., passim. 6 William Crooks, a captain in the Fourth Lincoln Militia Regiment during the war, was an elder brother of Ramsay Crooks who is notable in the annals of the American fur trade. William was born in Scotland about the year 1775, and came in early manhood to the Niagara region, where several other members of the family had located. A younger sister of William, Joan Crooks, married at Niagara on Dec. 11, 1807, Lieut. William Procter of the Forty-first Regiment, brother of General Henry Procter. See ibid., 120; William Kirby, Annals of Niagara (n. p., 1896), 131; Irving, op. cit., 80. 7 William Hamilton Merritt was the son of Thomas Merritt, a New England loyalist, who served during the Revolution as an officer in the Queen's Rangers. At the close of 711 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS and two other men prisoners, that were taken at Delaware for some treasonable behaviour. Saturday 25 th in the Morning M r Merrit went off with his prisoners to Niagara. Major Chambers, young S* John & myself rode down to G. R. to the Mohawk Castle, we found Cap* Norton, there who told us that few of the Indians were ready yet to go with him, but would be in a day or two we returned from the Castle to Woodruffs at the G. R. Bridge direct there. Cap* N. with us. from this Major C. and myself with Lieu* Garner a Militia Officer (who volunteered his Services to go with the Major on the Expedition) went to Mount pleasant press'd a few Waggons then rode to Yiegh's. M r Hamilton, Wilkinson,8 and some of the men had left it and gone with part of the baggage to Oxford. Sunday 26th Morng Our party left Yiegh's in Waggons and went to Oxford where we found some of the Oxford Militia under Col. Bostwick9 I think ab* seventy five of them. Monday 27th In the Morning Col. Talbot,10 arrived at our Camp from Long P* with young M r Rolph11 and some Other the war, he settled in New Brunswick, later removing to Upper Canada. William Hamil- ton (born in Bedford, N. Y., July 3,1793) thereby became a resident of Upper Canada. He participated in Brock's Detroit campaign of 1812 and subsequently commanded a troop of provincial cavalry. He was taken captive at the Battle of Lundy's Lane and was released only at the close of the war. He founded the city of St. Catherine's and was the promoter of the Welland Canal. He served in the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada from 1832 to 1840 and in the Legislative Council from 1860 until his death, July 5, 1862. In 1815, he married Catherine Rodman of Dutchess County, N. Y., and they became the parents of four sons and two daughters. Data derived from ibid.; Wallace, op. cit.; Cassel- man, op. cit. 8 Alexander Wilkinson, listed as a "gentleman volunteer" in the Forty-first Regiment. He served in the Detroit and Maumee campaigns and in connection with the latter was recommended by General Procter for promotion. See ibid., 165, 167; Irving, op. cit. 9 Henry Bostwick, lieutenant colonel of Oxford Militia. He commanded in the affair at Nanticoke Creek, Nov. 13, 1813. He died at Woodhouse, July 27, 1816. Ibid. 10 Thomas Talbot, born, July 17, 1771, in Dublin County, Ireland. He entered the army while still a child, becoming ensign in the Sixty-sixth Regiment, May 24, 1783. In 1790, he came to Canada as a subaltern in the Twenty-fourth Regiment, and in 1792 be- came private secretary to Lieutenant-Governor Simcoe. He subsequently served seven years in Europe, and from 1796 to 1800 was lieutenant colonel of the Fifth Regiment. In 1801 he returned to Canada, and, obtaining a large grant of land, in 1803, became the founder of Port Talbot on the north shore of Lake Erie. Here he ruled a semi-patriarchal domain until his death, Feb. 6, 1853. He lived a bachelor, and bequeathed his estate to his servants. In the War of 1812, he was colonel of the First Middlesex Militia Regiment. See ibid.; Wallace, op. cit. 11 George Rolph, a lieutenant in the First Norfolk Regiment, participated in the Detroit campaign of 1812. He died in Dundas, July 25, 1875. Irving, op. cit. 712 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Officers of the Long P* Militia who said that their Militia had been on their March to join us had got as far as Mas- acres:12 but there mutinied and went back. Tuesday 28th I was taken ill in the Morng occasioned by being out a great deal in the Rain, continued ill Wedr 29th & 30 in the afternoon on Thursday I went with M Carl to stay at his house as it was more comfortable there than where I was staying, and I thought I should soon recover— before I left our Camp (for I know not what else to call it) Col. Talbot, had gone either to Lg P* or Port Talbot, m Cap* Norton had joined us with Ab* 12 or 14 Indians, W Crooks & M r Racey had been with us and had gone off with West- brook of Delaware to take him down a prisoner as he was supposed to have some concern with the Enemy and suspected to have aided in having General Hull's proclama- tion promulgated. Friday 31 st . Docr Sumner13 paid me a visit and wished to give me an Emetic but I felt myself so much better that I declined taking any. he ad[visedr me] then to remain for a few days where I was. The Doct Left me and soon after M r Wilkinson came and informed me that the men were to march for Delaware that evening. I got the few things packed up I had with me and left M r Carle's where I had been treated with very great attention and politeness, he has a large family most of them sons growing up. they all appear much attached to the British government, which I believe is the case with very few in Oxford Delaware, on the Grand River. On my Arrival atr my old Quarters, I found that Major Chambers and M Hamilton had been on their way to Delaware but had returned in consequence of some Despatches bought to the Major by young M r Secord, I also learnt that we had taken Michilimackinac without firing a shot, it was said to be taken by a party of Indians under M r Rob* Dickson.14 ii. Abraham Messacar migrated from New Jersey to Upper Canada and settled on Nanticoke Creek near modern Rockford Post Office. His children and their descendants were numerous. Owen, op. cit., 481 ff. 13 Cyrus Sumner, a resident on Twenty-mile Creek. He served in Brock's Detroit campaign and subsequently as hospital assistant on the Niagara frontier. Irving, op. cit. 14 Mackinac surrendered to Captain Charles Roberts, commandant of the British fort on St. Joseph Island, July 17, 1812. Captain Roberts' little army included a few regular soldiers, a considerable number of fur traders and their employees, and a large number of Indians. The latter were mainly led by John Askin Jr., and Robert Dickson. 713 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Saturday Aug* 1 st The Detachment left Oxford with the Dragoons & ab* 70 Oxford Militia. I was unwell r& had to stay behind. Sunday I Left Fuller's with Doct Sumner and went to Yeighs. the fatigue of riding put me in a fever, the Doctr Left me here and went to Join the g Detach- ment which had marched to Long P* in the Morn Monday 3d I was so unwell that I was confined to bed most all day. Tuesday 4 th Felt much better & heard that a few Light horse from York and about 100 of the York Militia were on their way to Long P* saw 3 Canadians today who are just from Amherstburgh on their way to Montreal. They mentioned that the Indians had had some skirmishes with the Americans near River Canard and had driven r them over it twice. Got a note in the Evening from M Hamilton from Lg P* advising me to join immediately, had a horse press'd in harness and rode [to] Long P* through a most beautiful [coun]try and very good roads arrived at Dover ab* 3 OClock in the after-noon saw a great many men there, Norfolk Militia, York Militia Oxford Militia Dragoons & the troop of Hussars also some Artillery with a 6 pounder which was sent up from Niagara, heard onth my way up that the General was coming, Wednesday 5 heard that the Nancy had been to Fort Erie & had brought up about 60 of the 41* Reg*. Was so weak that I could not drill with the men. Wednesday Morning and today the Militia was drill'd by Captain Chambers Friday 7th Nothing remarkable occured to day. in the Evening General Brock arrived M r William Hamilton & myself left M r Nichols where we had [been] staying, and went to M r Williams where Cap* Henry [?] & other Officers of the York Militia were, here we staid all night Cap* [?] Jarvis arrived in the Middle of the night he came with a small party of Indians. Saturday 8h we all embarked in boats, for Amherstburgh Exce[pt] the Norfolk Militia, under Major Salmon15 & about 14 or 16 Oxford Do. who embarked in the Chippewa and some of the Oxfd & Norfolk militia were left behind for want of boats. I embarked on board the largest boat with the 418* Major Chambers was 15 Major George C. Salmon, Second Norfolk Militia Regiment. See Irving, op. cit., Casselman, op. cit., 60. 714 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS so sick that he had 10 remain behind.16 our boat being much loaded having the 6 pounder on board & many other things we did not get off so soon as the other boats we attempted to get to the carrying place but could not find the small creek that lead[s] to it nor could we get on shore therefore anchored among the Rushes and staid there all night. Sunday 9 th Early in the Morning we got under way and soon saw the General's Boat and several otherfs]. we got in the Creek and went up to the carrying place we had to take out most all our loading and then invite the assist- ance of the other boats crew had great difficulty to get our boat over. We had to caulk our boat here and then load and were so long doing this that Most of the boats were seven or eight miles a head of us before we saild off but the wind was fair and we came up to them, the General put in at Kettle creek and all our brigade. Monday 10th Left Kettle Creek early in the Morning, the wind fair and a good breeze the wind increased so and there was such an appearance of a storm, that McCaul17 who sailed our boat thought it advisable to put in at Port Talbot, distance 7 Miles from Kettle Creek, this was a very bad port for our boat, for we could not get her into the Creek, and had to haul her up the beach, here we remained all day. during the day Col. Talbot and Major Chambers arrived, also ab* 28 Dragoons but these I did not see they were ordered to Delaware immediately during the night it rained so hard, that McLean[.?]18 and myself were forced to leave our camp & go up to Col. Talbots, where we slept 16 From the beginning of the entry for August 1 to this point, the manuscript is so dim as to be semi-illegible. 17 Three McCalls, Captain Daniel, Captain Duncan, and Ensign James, belonged to the First Norfolk Militia which served under Brock at Detroit. All were sons of Donald McCall, a native of Argyleshire, Scotland, who served in the Seven Years' War in America, located in New Jersey, remained a loyalist in the Revolution, subsequently migrated to Canada, and in 1796 removed to the Long Point Settlement on Lake Erie, where his de- scendants were numerously represented until a recent date. See Owen, op. cit., 91 ff. 18 Possibly Archibald McLean, a lieutenant in the Third York Militia. He was born in St. Andrews, Upper Canada, April 5, 1791, the son of Neil McLean and (subsequently) the step-son of Robert Hamilton. He served under Brock at Detroit and Queenston, being wounded in the latter battle, and was taken prisoner at Lundy's Lane. Prior to the war he had studied law, and in 1815 was admitted to the bar of Upper Canada. He served in the Legislative Assembly from 1820 to 1836, and subsequently for many years as a judge, becoming chief justice of the Court of Queen's Bench in 1862. He died in Toronto, Oct. 24, 1865. See Wallace, op. cit. 715 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS on our blankets before the Kitchen fire very comfortably, we found a man there who had just arrived with an express for General Brock. Today our party was streng[th]ened by a Company of Riflementhin two boats under Cap* Robertson19 of York. Tuesday 11 left Port Talbot we sail'd some time, then the wind changed and we had to row. we were left behind by all the boats, at length the wind increased so much that we went a shore and anchored off. the General who had putt on shore a mile further came down & had our boat taken up nearly a mile above where his Boat lay. we staid here the remainder of the day. in the evening we got orders to get under way at 12 OClock but that the General's boat would have a light in it and no boat should pass it. Wednesday 12th ab* 4 OClock in the Morng we saw a boat with a light passing, we got off as soon as possible but all the boats were a great way a head of us the Wind was fair and we passed them all before we got to Point aux Pins the General desired us to Make the best of our Way up the Wind was fair and we got to Point a Pele at night, here we went on shore to cook something for the men. as we understood a party of American Light horse had been there we patroled all night, not myself for I had not been well since I left port Talbot Thursday 13 Left Point au Pel6 before day and arrived at Amherstburgh ab* 8 OClock in the night, we were saluted by a Number of Indians encamped near Cap* Elliotts, heard On our way up at a house we stop'd at to day, that the Americans had left Sandwich and returned to Detroit. Saturday afternoon 15th Aug*, 1812 the American Garrison was summoned to surrender by General Brock but refused, as soon as their answer came down to Gen. B. the artillery Officer went up to the battery opposite Detroit and [we] soon heard a firing commence which continued for a couple of hours, the party of the 41 st which came up with us were called out, and 9 more of the Reg* joined us we were then I think just 56 men including M r Hamilton M r Wilkinson & 19 Apparently Captain Peter Robinson of the First York Militia Regiment. He was born in New Brunswick in 1785 and died unmarried in Toronto in 1838. He commanded a rifle company at the capture of Detroit in 1812 and figured prominently in the defense of Mackinac against Colonel Croghan in 1814. In 1817, he was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada. He later served as Commissioner of Crown Lands, and be- came the founder of Peterboro, Ont., which was named in his honor. See ibid. 716 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Myself, we were in two divisions the first commanded by McLean [?] and the 2d to which we belonged by Sergeant Blaney. Some Militia joined us and Major Chambers form[ed us] into open Column & then into line several times, every one, and every thing allmost, was at this time in motion, people galloping in every direction, we were ordered to be in readiness at 4 OClock next morning for marching, as soon as we were dismissed the Officers of Militia and most of us were very bussy in preparing every thing for action, pistols sword &ca. Long before day we were up on Sunday 16th then fell in with the York Militia.20 Major Chambers commanded the 2d Brigade strong, composed of 150 of the 41 including 3 Vol M Hatt's 21 st 8 r company Militia the Norfolk & Oxford Militia—Major Tallen22 commanded the 3d Brigade in which there was nothing, but the 41 st & the 1 st Brigade commanded by Col. S* George consisted of the Essex Militiamen & some New- foundland Corps The 2d Brigade was halted a short wait at Sandwich then marched down near to Parks Mill, where we embarked, when marching down we saw the 3d Brigade and the General and his staff crossing the River just below the Springwell I think it was the handsomest sight I ever saw. the Indians were allready over they just crossed before us. when we landed we formed in open collumn in the rear of the 3d Brigade, a company of Riflemen from York (we all got over without any opposition) went over with us, but did not belong to our Brigade they were most all painted as Indians, we were some time halted here, then marched up the road. I was much pleased to observe how unconcerned Most of the men were both Militia and Regulars the first house we passed we observed the Indians had broke into and were plundering, we found them also running after horses in every direction we marched at Quick time but 10 The words in italics are crossed out in the manuscript. 11 Captain Samuel Hatt of the Fifth Lincoln Militia. He served with Brock at Detroit and Queenston and was wounded at Lundy's Lane. See Irving, op. cit., Casselman, op. cit. 60. 2.1 Captain Joseph Tallon of the Forty-first Regiment. On Aug. 14,1812, General Brock issued an order at Amherstburg organizing the army under his command in three brigades, commanded respectively by Lieutenant St. George, Major Chambers, and Major Tallon, the whole to be under the command of Colonel Procter. See ibid., 53. 717 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS had frequently to halt, the Can[.?] Brigade passed us on the Road I think there was about five or six Guns—and [illegible] I believe in front. I saw a number of inhabitants many of whom knew me and seemed happy to see me. we got at last to Mr Henry's about a Mile and a half from De- troit and there halted, from this place sent a flag of truce to the Garrison desiring them a 2d time to surrender it was a long time before we had an answer therefore was kept a long time in suspense many were wishing them not to capitulate these were young Officers who were anxious to have an oppy of distinguishing themselves: but most of us wished I believe they should to spare the effusion of blood and for the sake of the poor Women & Children who we knew would not be spared by the Indians should an action once commence, fortunately for us as it will appear after- wards the Americans after some time capitulated and sur- rendered themselves prisoners of War. I forgot before to mention that while we were marching up a constant firing was kept up from Our Battery at M r Babys23 and from the American Fort, the American Guns were 24 pounders, while we staid at M r Henry's24 two prisoners were brought in, one by an Indian and another by one of the Rifle Com- pany, during our stay here a good many of the Canadian Militia belonging to Col S* George's Bridgade joined us. M r Wm Forsyth25 was living near M r Henry's I never saw a Z3 The Baby house, near which the battery was posted, is still standing, and occupied as a residence, in Windsor. Z4 James Henry, for whom see ante, 305. At Henry's house General Brock and staff paused to breakfast. 15 William Forsyth was a son of William Forsyth, early Detroit inn-keeper, for whom see B. H. R., I, 307, and a brother of James Forsyth, for whose career see ante, 639. William was born, Sept. 9, 1765, the eldest child of the union of William and Ann Forsyth. On March 24, 1794, he married Margaret (Margarethe) Little of Grosse Pointe, daughter of John Little, for whom see B. H R., I, 309. In 1798, William Forsyth's elder half-brother, John Kinzie, married Eleanor, a sister of Margaret Little, and the widow of Daniel McKillip. William Forsyth resided for many years in Sandwich, and it was at his home, according to Mrs. Juliette Kinzie, author of Wan Bun, that John H. Kinzie, husband of the author, and son of John Kinzie and Eleanor Little (McKillip) was born, July 7,1803. Forsyth's name appears frequently in the St. John's Church Register over a period of years. In 1806, he is described as "inn-keeper." Several of his children were baptized on the same day, June 16, 1822: William, aged 14 years; George, born May, 1811; Duncan Chambers, born in May, 1815; and Margaret (Margarethe) Eleanor, born, Feb. 6, 1818. Another daughter, Elizabeth, married George Nelson of Sandwich on Nov. 1, 1818. Ibid. Still another daughter, Ann, married and had descendants living in Toronto in recent years. William Forsyth died, Dec. 28, 1843. See, in addition to references cited, Burton, Forsyth-Kinzie-Little genealogy. 718 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS person more happy than he was to see us he was so over- joyed that he could hardly speak. / have been told since that there were 32 ps of cannon in all and about 2900 Stand of arms. There were a great many Waggons &ca The num- bers I do not know26 We marched up to the Garrison the gun Brigade in front I believe there was —six pounders & the Ammunition Carts.[?] We marched into the town and from that up into Fort Lernow: but there were so many American Troops in it, that we could not all get in. I believe our march- ing in was improper, and that it was done by mistake, for we were but a few minutes there before we were ordered to march out. I really think there was while we were in the Garrison two Americans for one of us and they had still their Arms, we formed on the West side of the Fort in line, untill all the Americans had marched out, but I was so situated that I could not see them coming out. they did not march with the honors of War though I am told they were allowed to do it by the Capitulation but the Officers of the Am. Army were so mortified that they had to surrender without fighting that they were indifferent about it or any- thing else then, the American colours were flying nearly an hour after we first marched into the Garrison. After the Americans had all marched out, the Grenadiers & Light Infantry of the 41 st Reg*, and the Volunteers in that Reg*, that is Mr George Hamilton27 Wilkinson & myself And Jn° Richardson; commanded by M r Bullock of the Grenadiers, marched into the Fort, with Drum & fife, to the Tune of the British Grenadiers. I must say that I never felt so proud, as I did just then.28 as soon as we were in the Fort, the American Colours were taken down and ours hoisted. i6 The words in italics are crossed out in the original manuscript. 2.7 George Hamilton, son of Robert Hamilton and Catherine Askin (for whom see B. H. R., I, 14, 188) was a captain in the Niagara Light Dragoons; like Askin, he participated in the Detroit campaign merely as a volunteer. He married Maria Lavinia Jarvis, eldest daughter of William Jarvis, first Provincial Secretary of Upper Canada, and a grand- daughter of Rev. Samuel Peters of Connecticut Blue Law fame. On the outbreak of the War of 1812, Hamilton removed his wife and infant son from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Burlington Bay for safety from the enemy. Here he subsequently laid out the village (now city) of Hamilton. z8 This narrative of the occupation of Fort Detroit may profitably be compared with that of John Richardson, another of Askin's grandsons, who participated in the event. See Casselman, op. cit., 56-57. 719 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS three Cheers were given as they were hoisted by the Militia and others outside the Fort & the Indians when the Salute with the Cannon was given gave an Indian yell every shot we the Volunteers remained with our Guard until the Colours of the 4 th A. Reg* were brought by part of our Guard r After which we got leave to go where we wished and M Hamilton went to see M r Brush, where we dined Two prisoners were taken in the Woods today while we were at M r Henry's, one by an Indian and another by a rifleman. There were about 2300 prisoners surrendered, besides the Militia of the Michigan Territory, who gave up their arms that day, with the others, these were 3 or 4 hund[red] strong, most of the American army were composed of Militia from the State of Ohio, who had volunteered their Services for a year, some were cavalry reg* One company, great number Riflemen, and some infantry there were ofst the Regular troops, d of Artillery of the 1 Reg* and about 3 hun of the 4 th Reg*, this last Reg* are highly spoken of by the Americans, indeed from the man- ner they speak of them you would suppose them to be Invincibles.29 the whole of their army were ill dressed, and few of them appeared healthy or well, indeed they seemed to me the poorest looking sett of men I have seen for a long time, their situation and dress may probably have made them appear so ill to me. seven hundred Rifles were taken8 and a great many Muskets nearly 3000 stand, & 32 p Cannon of all descriptions, a great number of Waggons, horses, &ca Monday 17th Remained at Detroit but did no duty, saw the American prisoners embarking, many of whom were unwell with fever & some wounded, poor fellows I fear few of them will ever get home. All the Vessels from Amherst- burgh I believe & those taken at Detroit were taking in prisoners; but there were not a sufficient number to take them all, and those who were on board were very much crouded. by the Capitulation, as I understood, the Regular Troops were to be kept as prisoners of War and the Militia Z9 The Fourth U. S. Infantry had constituted the nucleus of Harrison's force at Tippe- canoe, in 1811. It was the only regular regiment in Hull's army. Hull's account of its reception at Urbana in May harmonizes with Askin's account of the esteem felt for it by the militia contingents. See Quaife, Chicago and the Old Northwest, 207. 720 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Regts were to be sent to Cleveland or Sandusky, from whence they were to return home and no[t] serve against the English ag[ain in] this War. of the Regulars I supp[ose]30 there is not more than 400. these I suppose will be sent to Quebec. Tuesday 18th I crossed the River, we[nt] up to my Father's dined there and then went down to Amherstburgh to see Major Chambers with whom [I] had volunteered to go to River Raizin & Foot of the Rapids, in ethe Even[ing] I saw General Brock r and his Aidecamp Col. M Donnell31 At Amherstburg M Hamilton was down there also; but as he had embarked and I could not conveniently get on board I did not see him. For want of boats or something else, we could not get off this evening for River Raizin. I saw Major Salmon 8& young M r Rolph M r R. 8 had bought a horse for 5 doll some were sold for two doll I understood from the Indians, who took about three hundred on the Day of the Surrender and the day following, on the American Side, they plundered Knagg's32 house and a few otherth houses and took a great deal from them. Wednesday 19 amherstburgh Last night or early this Morng the Chippawa, a small Vessel sailed from this, in which was passengers the General34 and his two Aide-camps,33 and M r Hamilton & M r Jarvis. in the afternoon we got off from Capt Elliotts for River Raizin. Major Cambers Cap* McKee & his son Alexr35 30 Apparently the omissions noted in this sentence are due to the defect of the photo- static copy of the manuscript, rather than to the manuscript itself. 31 Lieutenant Colonel John Macdonell, who perished with his chief, General Brock, in the battle of Queenston, Oct. 12, 1812. He was born in Greenfield, Scotland, April 19, 1785, and came to Upper Canada with his father about the year 1792. He was admitted to the bar of Upper Canada in 1808, and in 1812 became attorney-general of the province. At the opening of the war, he became provincial aide-de-camp to General Brock, and in this capacity negotiated with General Hull the terms of the surrender of Detroit. See Wallace, op. cit. 3Z Whittmore Knaggs, for whom see ante, 120. For a detailed account of his career, see Ross, op. cit., 7 ff. His home, whose plundering is here recorded, stood at the mouth of Knaggs Creek (no longer in existence) in the vicinity of Swain and West Jefferson avenues (P. C. 77). See Burton Hist. Coll. Leaflet, I, 36. 33 Captain John B. Glegg of the Forty-ninth Regiment and Lieutenant Colonel John Macdonell of the Provincial Militia. 34 Samuel Peters Jarvis, born, Nov. 15, 1792, lieutenant in the Third York Militia, and son of William Jarvis, for whom see ante, 299. At Detroit he was attached to the Forty- first Regiment. He served as lieutenant at Queenston and Lundy's Lane, and subsequently as chief superintendent of Indian affairs. In 1818 he married Mary Bayles, daughter of William Dummer Powell, for whom see B. H. R., 1,436, and five sons and four daughters were born to them. He died at Toronto, Sept. 6, 1857. See Wallace, op. cit., Irving, op. cit. 35 Alexander McKee, son of Captain Thomas McKee and Therese Askin, for whom 721 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS M r Bap1 Barthe36 & myself with some others went over in the same boat and landed below Brownstown. Alex McKee had his [horse] crossed and I had another taken over he had lent me. we waited some time here, for the Indians to join us, at length Tecompse with a few others came to us. a Gun Boat commanded by M r Bender37 of the 41 8t Reg* came over—we all that is the Gent[lemen] embarked in the Gun Boat and got under way our horses were sent on by land, when we got near the Point au Roche38 it blew Rather hard and it was thought dangerous to go round the Point, we therefore put into River Huron but how long we staid here I do not know; for I believe I was a sleep when we left Thursday Morn8 20th Got early in the morng to Rocky River.39 Rained a good deal this Morn8 & I believe it did last night but I was under cover du[ring] the night and not exposed to it. We got into two houses that were deser[ted] we made fires in them, and got some breakfast, three other boats were with us here, all under Bender's command. Gap* Elliott40 and his Son Alexr joined us here the[y] came on horseback with a number of Indians we most all got horses and Rode to River Raizin where we arrived about 10 or Eleven O'clock A. M. We went towards the Blockhouse but finding that the Block house was open; and nothing in it we returned to M r Lasselle's41 where we got Breakfasst see B. H. R., I, IS, 376. At the outbreak of the war, Alexander was a second lieutenant in the First Lincoln Artillery Company. On June 8, 1813, he was appointed lieutenant in the Indian Department, and on June 25, 1814, was promoted to a captaincy. See Irving, op. cit. The date of his birth has not been found, but since his parents were married in April, 1797, he must have been a very youthful officer. 36 Apparently Jean Baptiste Barthe, who was born in Detroit on Oct. 18, 1779, eldest child of Jean Baptiste Barthe and Genevieve Cuillerier dit Beaubien, for whom see B. H. R., I, 74. He was a first cousin of the diarist, his father being a brother of Mrs. John Askin. He was a lieutenant in the First Essex Militia, and according to Irving, op. cit., died later in the year 1812. 37 Lieutenant Benoit Bender of the Forty-first Regiment. In a report of Sept. 10, 1812, Colonel Procter states that the boats and engage's of the South West Company had been taken into the public service and Lieutenant Bender had been placed in charge. See Mich. Pio. Colls., XV, 146. 38 Modern Stony Point in French town Township, Monroe County, about midway between the mouths of the Huron and Raisin rivers. 39 Modern Stony Creek. 40 Apparently the diarist intended to write Captain McKee. 41 Presumably Jacques Lacelle, for whom see ante, 34. 722 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS some Indians [arrived] while we were here, we were still at Breakfast when a message came to us from M" Anderson42 begging that we would go and prevent the Indians from plundering her house Major Chambers rode off imme- diately & I followed him as quick as I could we found the Indians had taken a number of things, and were taking every thing valuable they could get hold of. they paid no attention to us what[ever] when we tried to make them de- sist. The Hurons were the first to break in & plunder this house and some of them were M r Anderson's friends, from this house they went to several other houses and plundered them old Mrs Knaggs43 house was among others plundered, some Indians remained about Andersons most all day, taking and destroying things. They emptied some flour out in the yard, which they did not want, Col. Elliott44 was with us at the time we first went to Andersons to prevent the Indians from plundering, but did not go with us think- ing that he would have more influence than Major C-s or myself I went and requested him to go once or twice, I think 41 At least two (possibly three) John Andersons figure in the history of Detroit and vicinity in the opening years of the century. References to their activities are numerous in both manuscript and printed records in the B. H. Coll., but information sufficient clearly to elucidate their respective careers is wanting. One of them, owner of the home here al- luded to, was one of Monroe's foremost citizens in the first quarter of the century. Accord- ing to Ross, Hist, of Knaggs Family, 29-30, he was born near Glasgow, Scotland, Aug. 20,1771, and came in childhood with his parents to Montreal. The opening of the century found him engaged in trade on the Maumee, where, apparently, he married Elizabeth Knaggs, daughter of George Knaggs and Rachel Schley, for whom see ante, 119-20, who was born, Jan. 4, 1772. Some years later, Anderson located at Raisin River (modern Monroe), where he held, in the succeeding years, a number of offices of public trust. In 1805 he was appointed by Governor Hull, colonel of the Second Regiment of Michigan Militia, and in 1811-12 he was U. S. Marshal of the Territory. When in 1812, General Hull was setting out from Urbana on his march to Detroit, he sent to Anderson for transmission to the Indians of the region adjoining Monroe warnings of the vengeance that he would in- flict upon them if they should exhibit any hostility to the American cause. The prominence which Anderson acquired in this connection made him the object of their own vengeance upon the downfall of Hull, and he hastily fled to Ohio, finding refuge for some months in Dayton. Meanwhile, his family was left behind in Monroe, and an interesting story is preserved of the heroism of Mrs. Anderson during the massacre of Jan. 22, 1813. Not long after this event, apparently, she found asylum in the home (now vacant) of Solomon Sibley in Detroit, and here, some time prior to December, 1813, Anderson joined her and was appointed by General Cass Sheriff of the Western District of Upper Canada, then con- quered territory. After the war, he returned to Monroe, where he resided until his death, July 3, 1840. Whether the Anderson whose career is here described was the same John Anderson who was engaged in the Maumee trade as a partner of John Askin, we have been unable to determine. See Mich. Pio. Colls., passim; Burton, Proc. of Land Board of Detroit, 183-84; and mss. in B. H. Coll., passim. 43 Rachel Schley Knaggs, widow of George Knaggs, for whom see ante, 119-20. 44 Colonel Matthew Elliot. 723 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS twice at last he went, it's true he was unwell; (but I think he might have gone at first as well as last). Yet for all the good he did he might as well have staid where he was. Major C. was much enraged at the behaviour of the Indians, & tried to prevent them from plundering as much as he could. Cap* McKee when he joined us did the same. T6- compse the Indian General as he is called, behaved [I] must say remarkably well, he assisted us very much in trying to prevent the Indians from pillaging; but the Hurons could not be prevented from taking what they wanted some Saucks that had begand to plun[der] were stopp'd by Maj. C. and they ev[en] retur some things they had taken. The Indians took a great number of horses on the River, horses they have taken everywhere, the day of the surrender and the day following I fancy they did not take less than 300 from the people on the Detroit side. Cap* Elliot45 who was sent here with a flag of truce on Sunday last was still here, he found Cap* Brush here who commanded a company of Gentlemen from Ohio, and a number of others with him from some of the corps serving in Detroit, when he saw the letter which was46from General Hull the contents of which I [do not] know (but suppose it was an order for him to surrender) he said it was a forgery and Elliott was an im- poster. he had Cap* E. confined and threatened to hang him. some of the Gentlemen in his company interfered and told him they would shoot him if he did. whether he thought it a forgery or not he and all those with him excepting a few sick made off that night not in any order but as fast as they could get off six or seven of them together in this disorderly manner they left the place, many of them taking horses with them that they took from the Inhabitants, who com- plained very much of them, when we found this party were so far a head of us that it was no[t] probable we could ever overtake [them] and that even if we should they had nothing with them that was worth going after, it was thought ad- visable to send back the Indians from this place and not allow them to go to the Foot of the Rapids where we 45 William Elliott, for whom see ante, 503. 46 In surrendering Detroit, Hull had included these Ohio militia. Captain Elliott was sent by Brock to Monroe to acquaint them with the terms of the capitulation. See Burton, City of Detroit, 1701-1922, II, 1017 ff. 724 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS dreaded they would behave in the same shameful manner they had done to day, at this place, some were in con- sequence of this sent back, and they would have all returnd had not a scoundrel of the name of Amable Bellair47 (I think was his name,) come and said that he was from the foot of the Rapids and that when he left it there were 180 Americans there, that had gone from that place about a mile and returned, we hardly credited w[hat.?] he said as a Doctr Fairfield a very decent looking man had come from that place with a flag of truce, and said that there were none there but a few sick, as I interpreted I told Belair who was a french[man] that if he deceived us he would be hung the scoundrel still insisted on it. I believe it was then deter- mined that what Indians remained should go there; I was not much with them then; and did not know well what was to be done, as Major Chambers had requested me to take charge of a boat that was loaded with arms and take it to Amherstburgh he wrote Col. Procter and I had the dis- patches, that night I slept at M r Jerome's48 where we most all staid, some Americans slept their also, who were much afraid that the Indians would murder them. Friday 21 st In the morng Major Chambers told me that Cap* Elliott would take charge of the boat, and wished me to go with him with a flag of truce to Foot of the Rapids. Doctr Fairfield, & a Cap* Hull left the River Raizin with us. Cap* Hull went in a boat with M r Bender, and Fairfield remained with us, at the River aux Loutre. we took a Canadian as an Interpreter in case we wished to speak to the Indians a party of whom were a head of us with Alexr 47 Probably Amable Chulle dit Belair. His father Jean Pierre Chulle dit Belair, born in 1733 in Avignon, France, came to Canada as a soldier in the La Sarre Regiment, and on Jan. 8,1759, married at Sault au Recollect, Mary Ann Menard. They subsequently came to Detroit, where Mary Ann Menard was drowned while crossing the river, and was buried in Sandwich, Jan. 1, 1785. Jean Pierre Belair was buried at Raisin River, Nov. 10, 1805. Their eldest son, Amable, born in 1759, married at Raisin River, on Jan. 19, 1796, Mary Louisa La Pointe, who was born in Sandwich, Aug. 13, 1780. Amable Chulle dit Belair was buried in Detroit, Nov. 14, 1821. Amable Belair had several brothers and sisters, and the family line was numerously represented in Detroit and vicinity. Data derived from Denissen, op. cit. 48 Probably Jean Baptiste Jerome, born in 1762, who married Mary Deliennes dit Bel- anger. They lived at Raisin River, where she was buried on June 1, 1827, and he on June 7, 1832. A daughter, Mary Archange Jerome, was born in Detroit, Feb. 17, 1792. See ante, 267. 725 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Elliot.49 we got to Foot of the Rapids about one or two oClock in the afternoon, the Indians had just began to plunder or began as soon as we got there, but did not take much here except horses, they took several of these, there were no Americans here but a few that were sick, which belonged to the Army, a party of Yankees had passed that place the day before with 200 head of Cattle, but it was thought they had got out of our reach. The Block house here Tecompse had set fire to and was burning when we came here, the Inhabitants complained of Brush's company some of whom had stolen their horses and some other things, we found 77 bbls, pork, 18 of flour & eight or ten of whisky here, which had been left by the American army, found no arms I suppose they were hid and some other things also. The Scoundrel Bellair that had told such a falsehood respecting the American troops being at this place, we were going to take with us to Amherstburgh. I took his pistols from him and we considered him as a prisoner but had no one to Guard him. some Indians begged he might be liber- ated which was done, and the fellow got his pistols again without my knowledge & I could never see him after. In the afternoon M r Bender arrived with the Gun Boat and two other boats we had before this collected all the water craft we could on the River, we had two boat's and some canoes which we began to load, but they were all so leaky except some canoes that we could not make use of them, the Canadians were sett to work and loaded the Gun Boat and two other boats they brought with them after geting all we could in these, we put what we still had to bring with us in five or six canoes, about 11 or 12 OClock at night we left M r Baugran's50 and went down the River with an 49 Alexander Elliot was a half-blood son of Colonel Matthew Elliot, his mother being an Indian woman concerning whom we have no definite information. Alexander was slain by Indians in December, 1812, and was buried in Sandwich on December 17. Data derived from ms. notes on Elliot genealogy supplied by Miss Julia Duff of Amherstburg, Nov. 9, 1927, and St. John's Church Register. 50 Presumably Jean Baptiste Beaugrand, whose claim to 640 acres of land near Fort Maimis, a short distance above modern Perrysburg, was recognized by the U. S. govern- ment. See William E. Peters, Ohio Lands and Their Subdivision (Athens, 1918), 194-95; Am. State Paps., Pub. Lands, I, 493. Jean Baptiste Beaugrand, presumably the same in- dividual, was also awarded title to a tract of land on Rouge River (P. C. 454). According to Denissen, op. cit., Francis Beaugrand resided in the diocese of Agen, province of Bor- deaux, early in the eighteenth century. His son, Jean Baptiste, born in 1725, migrated to 726 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Intention of going to the Lake I believe; but after going six or seven miles the men one after another fell asleep & I did the same, whether the boats went a shore or not I cannot say. Saturday 22d In the morning we were on our way down the River I think when we woke a Canadian came down running to us & crying; he and another had been left behind at the Foot of the Rapids, and we had not missed them, till this one joined us. in passing an Indian camp, his comrade was stopp'd and he supp[osed] him murdered by the Indians, a Mounsy Indian was taken from an Indian Camp, into one of the boats, th[at] had just been stabbed by some Indian of a diff* nation, we put on shore at Presqu'il where we got a very good boat in which we put what was in the Canoes, we breakfasted here and then left this place this day and night we got beyond the River Raisin, nothing remarkable occurred to day—Sunday 23d. In the Morng we got to Point au Roch. the boat I was in was a great way behind the other boats. I then advised Major Chambers to get in an other which we did. we left P te au Roch & got to Amherstburgh about 11 OClock AM. breakfasted at Capt Elliotts, then went up to Town, found that Major Chambers mare had been stolen by the Indians during his absence and an Immense number of other horses were taken by them on this side the River. Dined at Doctr Richard- son's then rode up with Maj. C. he went over to Detroit and I went to my Father's, before he left Amherstburgh he had a very serious quarrel with Col. Elliott. From the 23d to this date the 15th of September I have kept no journal, after my return from the Foot of the Rapids, I found Colonel Procter was acting as Civil Governor at Detroit & Judge Woodward an American Judge acting as his Secretary. Many things have occured during this short period which I have forgot; we had news that Chicago was taken by the Indians and no one saved but the Commang Canada. On Sept. 26, 1763, he married (second) in Ste. Foye, Mary Ann Alain, daughter of Pierre Alain and Margaret Leblanc. Their son, also named Jean Baptiste, was born in Montreal (date unnoted) and evidently came west to Detroit and the Maumee prior to 1796. On July 29, 1802, he married in Detroit, Margaret Chabert, daughter of Francis Chabert and Josette Ch6ne, for whom see ante, 448. They had eleven children, born chiefly in Detroit in the years 1803-20. 727 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Officer and his Wife.51 The Detachment that came up when I did and to which I belong'd left Amherstburgh a few days ago, also some Grenadiers under L* Bullock to return to Niagara. Major Chambers returned also, some some time since by Land. Col. Procter & M r Nichol went out to the Foot of the Rapids & returned soon, they went probably to view 62 the Country as they had no forces with them. Cap* Muir has been commanding officer at Detroit for some time both my Brothers were doing duty with the Militia there. An auction has been [held] at Detroit where part of the Public property taken at the Surrender was sold. Some Waggons of which there was ab* 60 sold very low. they were from 23 to Eighty Dollars many other things went very low also. Indians beseiging Fort Wayne have sent for assistance & for some days past preparations have been making to go to that place. Last night part of the Expedition Left Amherstburgh in a small Vessfel] and in Boats, they are all under the Command of Cap* Muir a very Galant Officer. Indians have been going for some days past, & a party of Indians ab* 200 in number who arrived here a few days ago from MacKina under the direction of Jn° B. Askin, have gone this Morng with Cap* McKee young Jn° A. is also with them they went off in great style, had a salute from the Garrison which they returned. The Expedition consisted of ab* 150 of the 41s* Reg* 200 of the Militia & a party of Artillery & ab* eight hundred [Indians], these it was supposed would be joined by a great number of Indians, allready on their way, and before the place, the whole expedition were off this Morng.53 the Officers Gone are Cap* Muir 1 Alex Askm >Mihtia M rr Bernard 54 Ul Bt Wm Hands TTrmU i J > M Hales J y Cap* Elliot Com y L* Troughton R. Ar Col Caldwell Do Q r M r 51 Chicago was taken, Aug. 15, 1812. Of the 94 white persons in the garrison and com- munity, approximately S3 were slain in the battle and subsequent massacre. Of the 40 survivors, a considerable number perished in captivity. See Quaife, Chicago and Old Northwest, 428 ff. 51 Captain Adam C. Muir, for whom see ante, 488. 53 For an account of Major Muir's expedition against Fort Wayne, see Casselman, op. cit., 93 ff. 54 Lieutenant Harris Hailes. 728 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS MrDickson 55 R. Engineers Cap*m Jacobs Col. Elliotc Indn Dep* W Sterling Cap* M Kee Do. Jn° Pike U/nv Doctr Richardson Surg J8. Little KVUlitia j n 0 D o . Volunteer Nich Little Cap* Caldwell56 - The Salina took part of the Expedition DISASTER FORESHADOWED IN DETROIT57 Detroit 11 Aug* 1812 Dear Sir I am going to send my family to reside at M r Meldrums. I know not what may be the destany of this country, my family are dear to my heart, will you receive some money in Keeping for them, and if so, would you prefer to have it in bills on our Government, or Cincinnati Bank notes as to specie there is none here. Adieu and may God bless you E. Brush a line by the bearer John Askin Esqr If at any time hereafter you think propper to send for Alice & the children, they will go over. THIRST OF AMERICAN OFFICERS68 Detroit 24 August 1812 Dear 1 Sir Will it 0 be possible 59 for M r Pattenson to spare Gen Taylor and Col Findlay and my selfe a demijohn of five gallons of wine I think you mentioned he had some at your house. 55 George Jacob. 56 Captain William Caldwell, half-blood son of Colonel William Caldwell, for whom see B. H. R., I, 243-44. 57 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 58 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 59 James Findley, colonel of the Second Ohio Militia Regiment, was born in Mercers- burg, Pa., about the year 1775 and spent his mature life (1793-1835) as a resident of Cincinnati. From 1825 to 1833 he served as U. S. Representative from Ohio. See Appleton Cyclopaedia of Am. Biog. 729 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS I shall be over to see you before I take my departure Edmund may remain untill I send for him. I am Dear Sir your h E. Brush John Askin Esqure In my portable writing desk you will find some papers addressed to you Addressed: John Askin Esquire Straban Endorsed: Detroit 24th Aug*, 1812 E. Brush to John Askin. CHARGES AGAINST ELIJAH BRUSH60 Detroit Septr 1812 Dear Sir I understand by Alice that you have the papers that were sent to Pattenson by the return of his vessel. M r Pattenson on Saturday last promised me the perusal of them. I likewise understand that it is represented in them that I (with some others) was in favour of the capitulationr than which there never was a greater falshood. as M Pattensons vessel will shortly be returning with some more of our Citizens I wish for an early perusal of the papers that I may have an opportunity of contradicting any representa- tions derogatory to my character have therefore sent Edmund over for them [and] will thank you to do them up carefully and give them to him. he is charged to let no one see them, in fact he does not know himselfe what he is going after, they will be returned this evening to you or M r P if an opportunity offers please give Edmund a dollar as we have no change in the house wherewith to pay his ferreage. if you have laid your hand on Henrys Note you may indorse that. Yours truly E. Brush Addressed: John Askin Esquire Present Endorsed: Detroit Septr 1812 E. Brush Esqr to John Askin. 60 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 730 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS AFFAIRS AT MACKINAC61 Michilimackinac 16th Sept 1812 My Dear Father The situation of the Country has been such that our Correspondance has been interrupted for a length of time, but the Communication being once more open will enable ush to resume again. The Changes of Affairs have been great w you thats to say the face of Affairs took a wonderful turn. After your having so large an Army as Gen1 Hull had & great part of them having partly ravaged your Country & only a handfull of men to engage them at one time a great number of our Shenaille Ecarte Canadians & some Indians humbling themselves to Hull and a party of our people were driven back from Moguagon must have sickened many good & loyal subjects. What a happy Change has taken place & your pleasure must have been great to see so many of your Children in defence of their King & Country. I have heard a great deal of James & Alexander previous to Gen1 Brocks Arrival, they having been exposed several times at the different Skermishes that took place at the Canard, Petit Cote & Moguagon Much praise is given them. It was reported to me that Charles carried a private Soldiers dress fearing that he would be garrisoned h below 1 if dressed as a Civilian & that he went back w Gen Brock. John has no doubt given you an Account of the reasons of my not being down in time to Cooperate wh the Gen1, the Order, if I may call it an Order was recvd at this post the 12h Aug* at a time that all the Indians were as drunk as Ten Thousand Devils & Detroit was taken on the 16h therefore it was impossible for any force to be down in that time & coasting the Lakes. Indeed the Band of Indians which Johnney took down could not be got off sooner I am even surprised they did not turn back when they heard that Detroit was in our possession. When John left this we had every reason to believe that Hull still held his possition at Babys & John was to have landed at Pikes Creek with all his Indians & Crossed the township of Maidston to form a junction with Col1 Elliott & McKee or if the Night was propitious he was to have passed in the 61 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 731 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Night under those Circumstances I 62 thought it most prudent not to write. When Livingston went down wh the Prisoners I wrote by him & your not Answering my Letters induces me to believe they were not delivered to you. My Dear Mother must now feel herself once more comfort- able & happy having nothing to apprehend from any force that the Yanky's can bring forward. As the Indians have enterrd heartily in the cause they will Keep them off & destroy every settlement as far as Grenville indeed far beyond that place. I request that you'll have the goodness to send a little flour, for I'm really in greatest want of this Article & will be more so than ever, having no Garden whatever here & during my Absence from S* Josephs all my potatoes have been destroyed by the Swine so that I must live entirely on Bread, Pork & Beef The oldest Oxen youll be pleased to get Kill'd, Salted & shipped by the last Vessel, The Hock & Shanks give to your Tenants & hope my Mother will help herself to a Choice piece of Beef. I send per this Vessel a Keg of English salt for to salt the Meat & will account to you for the Salt Petre you purchase & Barrels. Rum or Whiskey Barrels will not answer to salt Meat, please purchase good new Barrels for this purpose or Pork Barrels, Excuse my being so particular for I really have lost so much meat already [illegible] by being packed in bad Casks that I wish Every precaution may be taken. Have the goodness to Inform M r Pattinson that a [man] named Alexis Reaume63 has 62. Robert Ramsay Livingstone served four years as a midshipman on the Argus, and eight years as ensign in the 2nd Battalion, Royal Canadian Volunteers. He commanded a company of volunteers at the capture of Mackinac in July, 1812, was wounded and made prisoner at Brownstown, and was present at the capture of Detroit. He became a lieuten- ant in the Indian Department of Upper Canada, April 25, 1814, and captain on Oct. 25, 1814. He was wounded at Fort George, Aug. 17, 1813; assisted in the defense of the Nancy at Nottawasaga, Aug. 14, 1814, and was present at the capture of the Tigress and the Scorpion, the following month. It was he who brought to Mackinac the news of Brock's capture of Detroit. See Irving, op. cit., 210, 213, and Wis. Hist. Colls., passim, especially X,94. 63 Alexis Reaume was born in Sandwich, July 23, 1786. He was a grandson of Pierre Reaume and Susanne Hubert dit Lacroix, for whom see B. H. R., I, 61, and the son of Bonaventure Re"aume and Jeanne Deshe'tres, for whom see ibid., 377. Alexis was evidently familiar with the Mackinac region, and seems to have been engaged in trade, as indicated by the present entry, among others. According to John Askin Jr., it was he who brought to Mackinac, May 1, 1815, news of the signing of the Treaty of Ghent. See Mich. Pio. Colls., XVI, 340, and letter of John Askin Jr., printed post, 779. Alexis Reaume had nu- merous connections at Detroit. One of his father's sisters married Pierre Charles Daneau 732 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS delivered me 3,000 & Odd Lbs of Maple sugar for him which will be Ship'd on Board the Kings64Vessel as well as a quan- tity that a Michael Douseman is to deliver me. The Caledonia cannot take a Moccock, being Chartered for the Micha & S. West Furr Comp y to take down their packs. The Same Comy, I'm told, have now on board the Caledonia from c 12 to 15,000r lbs Sugar which will be deposited at M r M Intosh's or M Crawford will dispose of it himself onr his way down, indeed I believe the sugar belongs to M Crawford, what now goes & what is to be sent will lessen the price of this Commodity much. I wish I was ordered to send the quantum now in His Majesty store here & S* Josephs which would soon reduce the price, but its to be consumed here. Two other Adventurers I'm told proposes to send down a few moccocks to Barter for Flour. Should you be able to send a few Bags of Oats without putting yourself to any inconvenience whatever they will be very Acceptable. Madelain joins as well [as] Theresse & Julia in fervent prayers for you & My Mothers' Health & our Love to My Sisters & Brothers Your Dutiful son Jn° Askin J r Have the goodness to purchase or get purchased two Girths & a Sircingle & Crupper & forward the Ace* wh the same by first Vessel. de Muy, son of the commandant of Detroit, and another married, Jacques Duperon Baby. A brother of his father was Claude Thomas R6aume of the British Indian Department, and a cousin was the wife of Jehu Hay, last British lieutenant-governor of Detroit. See B. H. R., I, passim. 64 Michael Dousman (Douseman) was a native of Pennsylvania who is said to have come to Detroit with Wayne's army in the summer of 1796. Friend Palmer, Early Days in Detroit. .. .(Detroit, 1906), 469. Quite possibly this was not his first appearance in the Northwest, however; he was long prominent in trade at Mackinac, and in a formal protest to Governor Cass, Oct. 30, 1819, justifying his conduct at Mackinac in 1812, he states that he was then "claimed [by the British authorities] as a ci-devant British subject." One may reasonably infer from this that he was a resident of the Northwest prior to the American occupation in 1796. Prior to the War of 1812, Dousman was a partner in the firm of David Stone and Company. Although he regarded himself as an American citizen, the part he played in the capture of Mackinac in 1812, and his subsequent conduct during the war caused the American authorities to question his allegiance, a doubt which Dousman in- dignantly repelled. See Wis. Hist. Soc, Proc, 1912, pp. 138-39 and Mich. Pio. Colls., XXXVI, 416-19. In the thirties, Dousman was reported to be the wealthiest citizen of Mackinac. He was president of the village in 1824-25 and probate judge of Michilimack- inac County from 1833 to 1840. He was the father of John Dousman, who both before and after the War of 1812 was a resident of Green Bay, and of Hercules L. Dousman, for many years a prominent trader and citizen of Prarie du Chien, Wis. See ibid., passim, especially XXXVI, 416-19; Wis. Hist. Colls., passim. 733 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Madelaine requests that the Sewet of the Oxon may be melted & sent in a Bag or some other way in the Nancy, Caledonia or any other Vessell. Endorsed: Received ye 22d Sep* Answd ye 30th. WAR NEWS FROM MONTREAL Montreal 8th October 1812 My dear Old Friend It is so long a time since I heard from you that my anxiety is increased so that I must risk writing, altho it may never reach you. where are you, or where was you when the Great Hull crossed the River. I have frequently inquired about you but could not get any inteligence of you untill a young man came down who used to live with you, I forgot his name, is now at Quebec, who reported that you escaped safe without damage, which gave me much pleasure, we are hour'ly expecting Genr11 Dear- boon with about Ten Thousand of his Troops to attack us. but we are not afeard of thim, as our Canadians are in high Spirits, we have one 1Regement of Voyageurs, and Mc- Gillavray is their Colo , the fall is come & expect cold weather will send the americans Home for the Winter. Their Head Quarters are at Platsburg. our old Friend Todd is here and intends staying for the Winter, we are all soldiers here. I expect preferment [before] the Battle being the oldest Captn in the British Militia, the Americans on the opposite side of the river are continuely attacking our Boats going up to Kingston. I think it is their intention (if they can) to stop the communication, which they will find a difficult matter to perform, we have near ten thou[sa]nd men in arms here, and can with ease raise Twenty thousand more, in ten days in case they come over our lines, but we do not intend attacking them on their side. I hope the Cold weather will disperse them for the Winter, and before the Spring they may have a change in their Gove[rn]ment which will produce a peace, what has become of your son in Law my Lawyer. I never hear from him. times are geting very bad. Trade allmost at an end. what changes in the World since you an I first met. it is hard we cannot supose to 734 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS live to see the end of it. if that evil spirrit Bonepart was to take his departure to the other World before I go, [it] would be a great satisfaction, let me hear from you. I hope you will not be disturbed this winter, as Hulls business has deter'd them, but the Americans to raise the Spirits of their people have published in their Gazets that Gen[e]ral Brock is taken with Detroit, Niagara & all the Country to King- ston, there is a report this day of a British fleet being on the American coast, but I am fearful there is no foundation for it. the English are allways slow in their opperations. my pen is so bad I am afeard you will not be able to read what I write, therefore I have only to say I and my family are well, and wish & pray that you and yours may be allway [illegible] Your old friend Alexander Henry Addressed: John Askin Esquire Amherstburg Detroit. Endorsed: Montreal d 6 d Oct r 8h 1812 d e Alex h r Henry Esqr to Jn° Askin recv y 3 Dec Answ y 14 OPERATIONS AT NIAGARA Mountain Near Queenston Decr 11 th 1812 Dear Father Your affectionate favour of the 26th Ult° came to hand the night before last. I am surprised to find by it that very few of the letters I have wrote you since I have been down here, have reached you. the one giving an account of the Battle of Queenston65 went up in the Lady Prevost with some others and some newspapers, and I fancy you must have got them before this. John & William Robertson were both in the Battle and distin- guished themselves, William particularly who behaved as galantly as any one engaged that day. Rob* Hamilton & Alexr were in it also but only in the afternoon, and Alex could not take an active part in it, for he could not ride nor hardly walk on account of boils therefore remained or went with Cap* Holcroft who was cannonading the enemy when crossing the River. I had been laying confined to my bed 65 Fought, Oct. 13, 1812. 735 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS three days before the Action with boils and so ill with them that part of the time I could not even sit up in bed to eat my victuals. I was at George Hamilton's when the attack was made and had to get off as well as I could I remained a short time in Queenston, but finding the enemy were geting the better of us I went to avoid being taken prisoner; an account of the battle is in one of the newspapers I sent you, therefore shall defer saying any thing more about it at present. Soon after it, an armistice was concluded which did not terminate until the 19th ult°. Our batteries at Fort George the day after it's termination opened on Fort Niagara and a cannonade was kept up all day. some houses were burnt on the other side & about as many at Navy Hall, we lost twoth men Cap* Fry a half pay Officer, and a Soldier of the 49 Reg* and I believe the enemy lost but few. Some shots were fired from Queenston over to Lewis- ton but not returned, from that day we were quiet enough, except now and then a false alarm, until the 28th Ult°, when 500 of the Enemy came over from Black Rock and landed near the Ferry below Fort Erie about 1 OClock in the morning most of them unobserved. They fired on our men at the Batteries who had only time to spike the Cannon and make their escape after defending themselves sometime but resistance was useless against such a force, some of the Royal Artillery were killed and some wounded. L* King was severely wounded and taken prisoner and is since dead, about 40 of the 49th Reg* and some militia attacked the Enemy and drove them once or twice; but at last met with a party from Fort Erie who were coming to our Sup- port but not knowing in the dark friends from foes they fired on each other. M r Langout of the 49th Reg* was badly wounded with three balls he commanded a small party of his Reg* but the Americans were among them and were supposed to be Indians for they all wore blanket coats, and looked so much like them in the day time that I am not surprised our men were deceived by them at night. The light company of the 41 st Reg* who were stationed on the River below the place of attack, met the enemy when marching up to aid the 49th Reg*. They did not know they were the Americans until the word of com- mand was given make ready, take aim. the Officer com- 736 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS manding the 41 st then attacked them (they were the advanced guard of the Enemy) and he drove them back on their main body. The 41 st then Retired until day light, for it was allmost impossible to know your Friends from your foes. At day break the Enemy had all retreated and crossed66 the River, except Cap* King Aid e camp to General Smith & 35 men who were taken prisoners. A party of Sailors composed part of the force, who came over. These Scoundrels set fire to some houses of M r Douglass's & M r Hardison's which were burnt to the Ground, these fellows had to make a precipitate retreat, some were killed and others taken prisoners, we lost nearly eighty men in killed wounded & those taken prisoners, the prisoners have since been exchanged, the 49th & the long Point Militia suffered most. After day light the Enemy made an attempt with seventeen boats to come over, we had then about eight hundred men ready to receive them, and when the boats came within musket shot, we pored in such a brisk fire among them that the foremost boats cried out for quarter; but as it was impossible to stop the militia from firing on them, they all turned back, a three pounder was playing on them all the time and giving them plenty Grape or Canister shot, what number the Americans lost in this attempt to cross is not known; but the boats were full when they were coming to this side, and only five, six, or seven were seen to get out of most of them, when they reached the other shore in this and the Affair during the night, the Enemy may have lost about two hundred men. after this failure, a large force was seen to collect and upwards of fifty boats scows &ca were filled with men, horses and artillery, all ready to come over, (the enemy it has since been ascertained were then 7000 strong) General Smith then summonsed the Garrison at Fort Erie to surrender; but an answer was sent him to say that we could not think of surrendering the place as we could repel any force he could bring against it and we only had then about fifteen hundred men at the place and hardly Cannon to fire at them which the Enemy knew, and they had at least 16 field pieces and those very fine ones, immediately after 66 General Alexander Smyth. 737 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS he got this Answer instead of coming over, he disembarked all his troops, it's said that part of his Army were so dis- gusted with him that they endeavoured to kill him and three shots were fired at him. one thing seems certain that he had to fly from his Army, this we have from our prisoners who have returned, from an Inhabitant of the Head of the Lake who made his escape [torn] that side and from Cap* Fitzgerald who was over with a flag of truce, two thousand of his Army [illegible] him and hundreds were returning home, all the militia Volunteers are gone and the Army of the Centre as General Smith is pleased to call it, was reduced by d desertion & deaths from seven thousand to three thous . I Saw one of this cowardly General's Proclamations lately, he has the Impudence to call Upper Canada part of the United States, it's a good deal like Hull's; but not quite so barbarous this General Smith was to do so much when he came that he had allmost alarmed us; but he proves to be even worse than Hull. We have been quite on the alert since this business at Fort Erie and as the desertions and sickness has been very common of late among the militia, our force is much reduced and the duty is become very hard both on the officers and men who remain we have lost a number of militia men by the Pleurisy, they are taken very suddenly and very violently ill, and often die in eight or nine days, numbers of women in the Country have died also lately and what is strange you hardly hear of a Regular Soldier being sick. but they are used to fatigue and are well clad which is not the case with all the militia, but clothing is now given to the flank Companies, some articles for nothing & some at a very low rate. We have a most Galant young Officer here Col Bishopp67 who commanded at Fort Erie the day General Smith pretended to come over, he does every thing he can 67 Cecil Bisshopp, eldest son of Sir Cecil Bisshopp, Bart. Born in 1783, he became lieutenant and captain in the First Foot Guards Regiment, Sept. 3, 1803, and subsequently major in the Ninety-eighth Regiment. On May 30, 1811, he was commissioned lieutenant colonel. He possessed a peculiarly engaging personality, a fact attested alike by friend and foe. On July 11, 1813, he commanded a force which raided Black Rock, was wounded, and died of his wounds on July 16. By his brothers officers, his body was conveyed to the little cemetery at Lundy's Lane for burial, and over his resting place a few months later was waged the desperate battle of Lundy's Lane. In 1846 the present tomb was erected by his sisters. Data derived from British army lists; Irving, op. cit., 29; Niagara Hist. Soc. pubs., No. 22, pp. 4-6; Mich. Pio. Colls., XV, 701. 738 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS to make the militia comfortable, and does not mind a little expense, he has allready ingratiated himself in their favour and he is as much liked by them I believe as General Brock was. We are in great hopes of soon having a peace every thingr seems nearly settled between Sir John B. Warren68r & M Monroe. I think the Oxen had better be sold to M Brush at the price you mention, for I should not know what to do with them here. Please give my love to my Dear Mother my Brothers & Sisters. I am Your dutiful & Affectionate Son Charles Askin John Askin Esqr near Sandwich P.S. I am [may] say have been stationed with my Company at & near Chippawaw, I am now on leave of absence for a few days & am spending [torn] here with John Robertson & tomorrow I must return to my duty. Your affectionate Son Ch8 Askin Please thank Alex for me for the sword he was so kind as to send me. I sent up a few things this fall which I hope you will receive by the Lady Prevost. Your affectionate Son Ch8 Askin Addressed: John Askin Esqr Strabane Sandwich Endorsed: Queenston Decr l l h 1812 Charles to Jn° Askin recvd ye 24h Answd ye 28th OPERATIONS AT NIAGARA Near Queenston December 14th 1812 Dear Father Your affectionate favour of the 26th Ult° I had the pleasure of receiving a few days ago, and partly answered, but could not go to Niagara therefore missed the opportunity of sending you an answer by the return of the mail. I luckily met with one of Lord Selkirk's men from Beldown [Baldoon] who is kind enough to take charge of 68 Sir John B. Warren (1753-1822) devoted his life to the British navy, rising to the rank of admiral. Early in 1813 he was given command of the fleet on the North American station, resigning the command the following year. See Diet. Nat. Biog. 739 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS this and says he will leave it at Dolson's for you, as also of another letter I gave him to day which I wrote you two days ago, in which I have given you an account of an Affair which took place on the 28 th Ult° at Fort Erie in which we suffered severely: but our Enemy much more, and the business terminated much to our honour, and in such a manner as to convince the American Nation that Canada is not to be conquered in such an easy manner as they imagined. General Smith sent a Summons to the Corn8 officer at Fort Erie on that day to surrender that Garrison and it's Dependencies, he then had seven thousand men under his Command at Black Rock and Buffaloe, and we had but fifteen hundred at Fort Erie to oppose him, part of them Indians and part militia but an answer was sent him by Col. Bishopp (a very Galant young Officer just from Spain) that he could not think of doing it as he had sufficient force to repel any force he could bring over. Gen. Smith then had part of his Army embarked in sixty boats, scows &ca ready to come over, and we were ill prepared to receive him, which he knew very well for most of our Cannon had been spiked by a party of his men or our own that morning, when the party from the other side came and surprised our men, in the Batteries, but Gen. Smith had not courage enough notwithstanding all these advantages to attempt to come over, and immediately on receiving the Answer to his Summons disembarked his troops some of his men yanky like wanted to know from him what he meant by this maneuvre, but he would not condescend to tell them & this gave them such offence that three or four shot it's said were fired at him, and he made his escape, one thing is certain that he is gone, but as great a Coward as I think him I hardly think he has left his Army in the shameful manner he is said to have done, he is one of the most violent General's I think that has been op[p]osed to us this War. if poor Hull is hung for Cowardice I think there is not many of their Generals but should share the same fate. General Van Ranselair I think was a good Officer but he was too liberal and too much of a Gentleman to please his Country, he was obliged to give up the Command and General Smith superseded him. I am Sorry to say the 740 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Naval Department on Lake Ontario have done nothing to boaast of this War, and the Americans, unless other Officers & Crews are got for our Vessels will make themselves masters of that Lake next Spring, some merchant Vessels have been taken in Sight of the Royal George by small armed American Vessels and no exertion made to save them or rescue them, a Lieu* of the British Navy arrived yesterday at Niagara who I believe will have the Command of One, and some others I believe, with a Crew from Halifax are coming, and four Vessels are ordered to be built at Kingston and two at York. There is no doubt but the Enemy will try every means in their power to make them- selves masters of both Lakes Ontario & Erie. No troops I believe are yet on their way here, though it has frequently [been] reported there were, except twenty of the Royal Artillery and an Officer who I believe are now on the road between Kingston & this, they are much wanted here, for though we have 2 Companies of militia Artillery on the lines, it's not enough and men from the 41 st & 49th have sometimes to Assist in manning the Guns. Some troops, I saw in a Montreal paper today are on their march from Halifax to Quebec under the command of L* Col. Hamilton of the 100th Reg*, what number it is not said. I saw English papers as late as 25th Aug* there is hardly any thing said about the War with the Americans, and I only see an account of one Reg* going to Halifax I think its the 97th, though there are lists of the reinforcements going to Portugal & Spain, the papers are nearly filled with accounts of Lord Wellington's great victories in Spain and Portugal, a prayer has been ordered to be used throughout the United Kingdom of Eng & Ireland thanking the Almighty for our Successes in Spain particularly for the Victory over the French at the Battle of Salamanca. No more titles can be given Lord Wellington than he allready has; for he has Spanish & Portuguese ones enough to fill half a Sheet of paper near. I believe they are now at a loss to know what rewards to make him for his splendid achievements. S* Regis a small Town in Lower Canada which was taken some time ago by the Americans, has lately been retaken by us, & a company of Americans were lately taken at a place called River Sable by a party of Militia. General 741 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Dearborn 69 the Commander in Chief of the American Army, it's said is going against Montreal with 10,000 men. they have not many troops in Lower Canada yet I fancy General Dearborn will meet with a warm reception if he goes there, there are two Reg ts raised in Lower Canada since the War one called the Voltageurs & the other the Voyageurs they are fine active Canadians in each. We are flattered notwithstanding the preparations which we are making for War, with hopes of a speedy and honorable peace. Sir John B. Warren is said to [be] at Washington and all differences between the two Country's is settled, except the naturalization of British born subjects who come to America, respecting this our Ambassador and M r Monroe cannot agree. * * * *70 Elizabeth Meredith's 71 miniature picture I have got, but do not like to send it now. Please give my love to my Dear Mother my Brothers & Sisters, Your Dutiful & Affectionate Son Charles Askin. P. I wish it was possible to get the pistol you lent M r Pattinson Your Affectionate Son r John Askin Esq Sandwich Charles Askin r Addressed: John Askin Esq Care of Mathew Dolson Esq r River Thames Sandwich Endorsed: Queenston Dec r 14h 1812 Charles to Jn° Askin recvd y e 24h Asnwd y e 28 th N E W S FROM AMHERSTBURG Amherstburgh Dec r 26 th 1812 My Dear Father I have heard of a Letter from you some days but as yet have not recieved it. I have again sent to the shoemaker for the shoes, and have not been able 69 For the career of Henry Dearborn, see Appleton's Cyclopaedia Am. Biog. 70 The portion of the letter here omitted deals with various private concerns of the writer. 71 Daughter of David Meredith and Archange Askin, for whom see B. H. R., 1,15. 742 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS to get a Tea Pot. We last Evg heard a great deal of News which it was said was conveyed through Charles to you & M r Woods. I feel quite anxious to hear of him. I hope you recieved the Letters I returned I lost no time in Enclosing & sending them by M r Smith. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than when I can hear from him. from you saying that he did not like that any body but yourself should read his Letters, I did not even allow Captain McKee to do so. We are still much distressed respecting the poor people who are missing, who left this for the vessel there are three from this House, James Blue Jacket Joseph Park & Billy Peck, poor L'esperance is also one of the unfortunate men. we have not heard a word today last Evg Doctor Richardson told me that Robert was gone toward Point au Pie with some other person, until he returns I will have some hopes, how many poor souls sent out of the world without answer- ing any good end & their friends left in the greatest distress. Captain McKee suffers dreadfully with the Rheumatism in the Head, but otherwise much better. It will afford you the great[e]st pleasure I am sure to hear that your Grandson takes the greatest delight in the In- structions that are given him. Doctor Simms is anxious to have a case of Mathematical Instruments for him. he will himself take proper care of them if you can lend them, he says that the globe being a little out of order is of no consequence. My Dear Father I wish you would do me a favor, which is If you should meet with a favorable oppor- tunity of sending these things, with the Books you men- tioned to have the goodness to do so. our Horses are not shod, the Harness was lent to James Blue Jacket as also our Sleigh & we have not a cariole, and if you could lend me a [illegible] Bunk that is if you should have one not in use, I should be very thankful, out of Nine or ten Bed- steads I cannot get one up they have been so shattered from moving duringc the war. Doctor Simms was quite pleased when Cap* M Kee told him last evg, that you was a famous hand at Algebra, this is the first Christmass for some years that has past without our seeing each other. I believe my Brothers are determined I shall not see them this year. I hope Brush is getting better. I pity poor Alice with my whole heart. I hope the children are well. Nelly promises 743 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS to come & see me after christmass. there is not a day- passes that I do not think of the Miniature picture that Archange has sent, perhaps my mother has it. There is a Report this morning that a number of Indians are on their way down with scalps, how true, I do not know. I have a cotton shirt, or at least the making of one for my Uncle whenever I can send it up. If my Mother will be good enough to send Captain McKee' old stockings I will endeavor to get feet into them for I cannot get a pair. Please to offer my dutifull good wishes to my D r Mother, Brother Uncle Aunt & [illegible] Barthe. Your D r Affectionate Daughter T McKee r h rs c Endorsed: Amherstburgh Dec 26 1812 M M Kee to Jn° Askin Answd 4* Jan y 1813 DEATH OF JAMES HENRY [December 31, 1812] James Henry has at length fallen a victim to the bottle, he has been in a constant drunken fit for this some time past, he the day before yesterday took a little breckfast in his bed and about 12 oclock (noon) was found d[ead] there. I do not think there is [any] place on the continent of America of the size of Detroit and number of its inhabitants that has produced so many drunkards, I shall try to hurry my children out of it before They ever learn the use of this poisonous liquid. E. B. Addressed: John Askin Esquire Strabane Endorsed: d Detroit y h Decr 31 th 1812 E. Brush to Jnc y Askin Answ y 4 Jan 1813. 744 SECTION X LETTERS AND PAPERS, 1813-1820 LAND TITLES IN DETROIT Montreal 15h Jan y 1813 My dear Friend My last Letter to you was the 10h Octbr to which Reffer I there mentioned having wrote to Niagara to obtain an order from Gen1 Brock respecting the Deeds taken in an American boat.1 his death will have prevented his interfering but I have no doubt Coin1 Proctor will allow you, or say M r Pollard to examine the papers & to detain such as you want, I still recommend keeping possesion of the whole as I am convinced what ever may be [the] fate of the Michigan Teritory no upright court of Justice, can take that property from me or M r McGill. I observe what you say of the Value of my property on both sides of your River I agree with you that at present there is no disposing of Property as you seem to think M r Pattison would still give £200 Cash for Smiths farm, if so I wish you to sell it him as this sum will be of more use to me now then a much Larger some time hence. I perticu- larly remark what you say about M r Brush, that you hold his Bond & Mortgage to me for £460 with near 8 years Interest, that the property is more valuable then when he sold it. this will in part depend on the settlement of the Michigan Teritory at Peace, there is Representations gon[e] home praying it may be made Neutral Ground &c I must think it strange M r B. has not paid any part of this purchas. he is said to have the means & you think he has the inclination, which I hope may be the Case tho your friend Alex Henry says he has receivd Money for him which he neither can get an Account of nor even an Answer to a Letter, it would be particularly usefull to me could he i The allusion is to the capture at Amherstburg on July 2, 1812, of the Cuyahoga on which General Hull had sent his personal baggage, some camp equipment, sick soldiers and several wives of officers from the Maumee Rapids to Detroit. On the vessel, also was Aaron Greeley, who was returning to Detroit from Washington with the titles to certain pieces of real estate in which Todd and James McGill were interested. See Burton Hist. Coll. Leaflet, V, 54-55. 747 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS remit me part of the Interest, for I assure you I am now borrowing Money for my expences. I showd your Letter to M r McGill & he has Sent me the enclosed Memodm of Letters receivd & wrote you which will no doubt be satisfactory. This Warr is most unfortun- ate for the Canadas, tho it will occasion a great expenditure of money, and your place will feel the benefit of this. Remember me kindly to Mrs Askin M rs McKay [McKee] & all your family it gives me sinc[e]re pleasure to hear you all enjoy Good health Long my dear friend may it Continue Mine thank God is as good as I can expect but my deafness continues and prevents my enjoying Company. Let me hear from you, & beli[e]ve me My Dear friend Yours Affectly Isaac Todd John Askin Esqr Addressed: John Askin Esqr Strabane near Sandwich Detroit Endorsed: Montreal Jan y 15h 1813 Isaac Todd Esqr to Jn° Askin recvd ye 12h Feby Answd 10h April NEWS OF RAISIN RIVER BATTLE Dear Father, I have the happiness of informing you that the American Army was defeated so effectually that every man was either killed or taken prisoners, with the exception of two only who made their escape, the prisoners 450 in number will arrive today, the only person related to us who has suffered is poor Robert Richardson2 who received a wound in his knee. Our Regular Officers have suffered much in proportion to their numbers. Gouin3 wounded in 2. Robert Richardson, second son of Robert Richardson and Madelaine Askin, was born in Queenston, Sept. 10, 1798. At the opening of the War of 1812, he became a mid- shipman in the provincial marine. Despite his extreme youth, he joined as a volunteer the expedition against General Winchester at the Raisin River, and the wound he received here alluded to, eventually caused his death, which occurred in Amherstburg, June 7, 1819. See Casselman, op. cit., passim, especially, 137-39, and Irving, op. cit. 3 Ensign Claude Gouin of the Second Essex Militia. He was born in Detroit, June 14, 1789, his parents being Joseph Nicholas Gouin and Archange Boyer, and his grandparents Claude Jean Thomas Gouin and Mary Joseph Cuillerier dit Beaubien, for whom see B. H. R., I, 326. Claude Gouin married Margaret Kerby of Detroit. They had two children 748 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS the Shoulder, & Pierre Badichon4 killed. I remain, your Affectionate Son James Askin General Winchester is taken prisoner. OFFICIAL MISCONDUCT AT RAISIN RIVER Amherstburg 7h Feby 1813 Dear Sir It gives me real Satisfaction to be able to Say I think poor Robert now out of danger his health improves and his leg I think wil[l] be saved, he behaved like a little hero in the field and has born[e] his wound like a 6man. herewith is enclosed a letter from your grandson John who gives you a detail of this whole business. I was near writing a few days ago to M r Powell at York respecting the un- pleasant situation I am in here as a Majistrate, under the command and controul of Commanding officers who expect every thing to be done as they wish sometimes without either law or reason, if I had I should have Stole Johns letter to give an account of our River Raisin business, the loss has been very severe, indeed ten times more than was necessary. Our men ought either to have been brought up in Contact with the enemy at once (which they might have been before half of them was fairly awake) or else kept at a sufficient distance for the Guard to drive them out. We Succeeded tis true but we have to thank the fears and want of Conduct in the Enemmy, and a kind and protecting providence, much more than our own good conduct. If the Americans had been sold[i]ers, they would have come out when our men were compleatly broke and nearly half of them kill[e]d & wounded, and would have taken or kill[e]d every man. I am sure two hundred men could not then have been got together, and they had 450 all together. born in Detroit in the years 1822 and 1824, and three born in St. Clair, Mich., in the years 1826-34. Data derived from Irving, op. cit., and Denissen, op. cit. 4 Pierre Labadie dit Badichon was a son of Anthony Labadie and Marie, a Chippewa woman, for whom see B. H. R., I, 46. Pierre was born in 1775 and was baptized in Sand- wich, Nov. 17, 1782. He married Ann Purday and they had seven children born in Sandwich in the years 1799-1812. Denissen, op. cit. 5 John Richardson, eldest son of the writer, for whom see ante, 131. The letter here alluded to is printed in Casselman, op. cit., 301-304. 749 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS however these observations are only for you I suppose it would be considered high treason to speak out in this way. there is another circumstance which has hurt me more than I can express. That is with respect to some wounded men belonging to the Americans who were left without any proper protection and some of whom I have been informed were the same evening murdered by the Indians, had I been commanding officer I should have considered myself responsible for the lives of every one of them, and within my hearing protection was promised for those poor people, be assured we have not heard the last of this shamefull transaction. I wish to god it could be contradicted. I have only to add that M r s R. and all home join in best wishes for you M rs Askin and family and I am Yours very faithfully R Richardson Addressed: John Askin Esquire Endorsed: Amherstburgh Feb y 7h 1813 Doct r Richard- son to Jn° Askin recvd ye 8h FROM CHARLES ASKIN TO JOHN ASKIN Canborough March 8 th 1813 Dear Father I have lately had the pleasure of receiving a number of letters from you which I have not yet been able to answer, and two were handed me this morning by Alexr who arrived here to day with Edmund Brush, whose Father was obliged to go down to Kingston before he could be allowed to cross the River, for what reason I cannot say. it will be pleasing to you to hear that he met with every attention from General Sheaffe6 and others and that he was allowed to stay at Queenston and go to Niagara when he pleased, and those who came down under similar cir- 6 Sir Roger Hall Sheaffe was born in Boston (where his father was serving as deputy collector of the port), July 15, 1763. He became an ensign in the Fifth Foot Regiment, May 1, 1778, from which position he rose to the rank of general in 1828. He served in Canada 1787-97, 1802-11, and 1812-13. Sheaffe succeeded to the command left vacant by the death of General Brock at Queenston, and for his conduct in this battle was created a baronet. From Oct. 20, 1812, to June 18, 1813, he was president and administrator of Upper Canada. In 1810 he married Margaret Coffin of Quebec. He died in Edinburgh, July 17, 1851. See Diet. Nat. Biog.; Wallace, op. cit. 750 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS cumstances were hardly allowed to walk the Streets of Niagara. I am sorry you were so unfortunate as to lose the Oxen you got of me; but hope they may still be found. The horse on the Island I think you got a tolerable good price for, considering he was not broke and that he would be very troublesome to get over. I shall be pleased to hear that he has paid my mother for him, for I had made her a present of him. I am now accustomed to sleep on hard beds and can do very well without a feather one, therefore would be happy they were sold and the money received for them sent to Johny. I do not think James or Alex good hands for speculators, and do not think they would make much by buying up things here, and taking them up to sell them again. They would spend as much on the road, as they would clear on the goods, it's most probable. I believe Tea is higher here than it is at Sandwich and Salt also. I do not know if green Tea can now be got for 24/ and Onon- daga Salt was selling for fifteen dollars a barrel a few days ago and I fancy is now higher, suger is 1/6. such things as these I would advise you if they can be got at Sandwich to lay in a stock of sufficient to last you five or six months, for I really think the prices of all Kinds of goods will rise in the Spring, as what came up last Summer after the Declaration of War cost more to bring up, than what came in Sleighs this Winter. I return you thanks for the Travel- ing case and cathe Rifle which you have sent down, as also for the books & in the case, they have not yet got this far, but I know where Alexr left them & fancy I shall soon get them. There is no newspaper printed now at Niagara, and the York papers I think are very poor ones, yet as you desire it I shall get them and endeavour to have them sent regu- larly to you. I send up by Alexr and Edmund 1 doz desert knives & Forks & a few needles and thread for my mother which she will please accept of. Alex takes up also Elizabeth Mere- diths miniature picture and some drawings with it. 751 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Please give my love to my Dear Mother my Brothers & Sisters Believe me Dear Father Your dutiful and affectionate Son Charles Askin John Askin Esqr Strabane Sandwich Addressed: John Askin Esqr Strabane Sandwich. Endorsed:d Canborough e h March 8h 1813 Charles to Jn° Askin recv y 16 BATTLE OF FORT GEORGE Dundass Mills Head of the Lake June 2d 1813 Dear Father Your affectionate letter of the 2d Ult° was handed me at the 40 Mile Creek without a Cover by a Gentleman from Fort Erie who picked it up some where there, by mere accident, just before he retreated from that. You must no doubt before this have heard of our misfortunes in this Quarter, the loss of Fort George after an action which lasted only fifteen or twenty minutes, and our being obliged in consequence to evacuate the whole of our Fortifi- cations, from that place to Fort Erie, and to destroy an immense quantity of Provision and other kinds of stores on our Retreat. On the night of the 24th Ult° we commenced cannonading from the five Mile Meadow on some boats going down the River to Niagara, which was kept up on both sides for two or three hours, we recommenced again early the next Morning at some more boats going down; but the Enemy had a much superior Force in Artillery and set fire to Fort George, which was consumed and our troops were obliged to leave it. a great deal was burnt in it, which I am told could have been saved; but very little exertion was made to save anything, onth Wednesday everything remained quiet. On Thursday 27 The morning was very foggy; and the Enemy began to move their fleet and one hundred and fifty boats which they had concealed behind Fort Niagara, two or three thousand of their men landed at the same moment at 2 Mile Run, where they were met by 350 of the Glengary Reg* who suffered very much, the 752 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Enemie's Vessels were anchored along our shore from 2 Mile Run on the Lake to nearly where the Ferry was kept in Niagara River; and were po[u]ring such an Immense quantity of Grape on our poor Fellows that they were not allowed to advance to charge them; which they wished to do; until such an immense force had landed that it was thought necessary by General Vincent 7 to order them to retire towards Queenston from that they retreated to Beaver Dams about 12 Mile back in the Country where they were joined by about two hundred of the 41 s t Reg* under Colonel Bishopp from Fort Erie and by two hundred of the 8 th Reg* who just arrived from Lower Canada, the Army remained at this place all night, and the next day retreated to the forty Mile Creek where they halted and staid two days, after which they marched to the Head of the Lake, 8 where we are now. I was stationed at Fort Erie with part of my Company, the day of the Action and the next day left that with them and retreated along Lake Erie with a small party of the 41 s t Reg* and some of the Women of the Reg* and came to mouth [of] Grand River; 9 but left the 41s* behind for they came on too slow. After a great deal of Fatigue I arrived at the forty Mile Creek10 on the 30 th Ult° alone; for all my men had stop'd at their homes and I knew if I waited to bring them with me I should probably not be able to join the Army myself, which I was very anxious to do. On my arrival at the Forty I was unfortunately taken with a fit of the ague, which detained me there for a day. the next day I came to this place where part of the Army lies. I am staying at M r M c Kay's who is extremely kind and attentive to me. June 3d I yesterday had another fit of the ague but sores are breaking out on my lips today and I am in hopes that I shall soon 7 John Vincent, successor of Brock and Sheaffe as commander of the Forty-ninth Regiment. He became a major general, June 4, 1813, and lieutenant general, May 27, 1825. His service in the War of 1812 was terminated by his return to Europe on sick leave in July, 1814. He died in London in 1848. See Irving, op. cit. 8 Burlington Bay at the western end of Lake Ontario. The city of Hamilton has since grown up here. 9 Vicinity of modern Dunnville, Ont. 10 Forty Mile Creek empties into Lake Ontario at Grimsby. This is approximately twenty miles north of the mouth of Grand River on Lake Erie. 753 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS get rid of it. Since writing the above I have heard further particulars of the Engagement at Fort George. The Enemy landed about eight thousand troops, and we had not more than two thousand five hundred to oppose them altogether, and of these there were but a very small propor- tion of Indians (not one hundred) the Glengary Newfound- landts and 8th Reg* with a few of the militia were the only Reg engaged with the Enemy, and they suffered much. Two hundred of the 8h were killed & wounded, 8nearly one half of the Glengary Reg* were cut off. Cap* Liddle & M r McLean were killed and several of the Officers wounded, among which were two of Doctr Kerr's11 sons, the Gren- adiers of the Newfoundland Reg* went in the action thirty or forty strong; but only 12 came out of it. The Militia behaved as well as the Regular troops & many say better, we have lost in Killed Wounded & Missing about four hundred and fifty men. the Enemy I believe have not lost so many. Notwithstanding they were so superior to us in numbers, they did not give our troops a chance of charging them, for the Moment we advanced they would run down the bank and leave our men exposed to the Grapeshot from their shipping, which swept them c off so12 fast that they were forced to fall back, a Cap* M Lelan of the Militia and M r Chew13 of the Indian Department were killed also. The ii Dr. Robert Kerr arrived at Quebec as a hospital mate in September, 1776. He served throughout the Revolution, being surgeon of Sir John Johnson's Royal Regiment of New York from 1779 to 1784. In 1788 he became surgeon in the Indian Department of Upper Canada, which position he held throughout the War of 1812. He married a daughter of Sir William Johnson and Molly Brant. Dr. Kerr died in Albany in March, 1823. See Irving, op. cit. i i Captain Martin McClellan of the Second Lincoln Militia. His father, William, was a resident of Cherry Valley before the Revolution; he was carried off by Indians, but finally escaped and with his wife and two of his sons made his way to Niagara. The third child (Martin, born in 1771) was taken by the Indians to Ogdensburg, where he was rescued by the whites and sent to join his parents at Niagara. Here he grew up; on Dec. 21, 1804, he married Eliza Grant of Niagara; and here he resided at the time of his death. If the family traditions may be credited, General George B. McClellan of Civil War fame was descended from a branch of the family which remained in the States at the time of the Revolution. See ibid., and Ont. Hist. Soc, Papers and Records, XXV, 306. 13 William Johnson Chew, brother of John Chew, for whom see ante, 528. He was named for Sir William Johnson, under whom his father served as Secretary of Indian Af- fairs, and was remembered by Sir William in his will. He was storekeeper of the Indian Department at Niagara for several years beginning in 1794. In 1799 he was recommended for appointment as Superintendent of Indian Affairs at Niagara. In February, 1806, Governor Gore asked to have him put on the pension roll because his mind was failing. Data adapted from sketch in Mich. Pio. Colls., XX, 694. 754 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS 49th & 41 st were hardly engaged at all, and our Artillery did very little, we were fortunate in saving all our Field Pieces, all the Wounded Officers and men fell in the hands of the Enemy among them was Colonel Myers14 a most Galant Officer and indeed the Principal Officer, in the Field and the 2d in Command. The enemy did not pursue us at all; but when the Army got to the twenty Mile creek, there was a false alarm which was the occasion of our destroying a good deal of ammunition & provission there. I must con- clude this, by saying that the Enemy have nothing to boast of in taking Fort George; for they had an immense superior- ity of force. June 4 th I am now just going down to the Camp to celebrate the day, which perhaps may be the last time, for an action I think we shall have in a very short time, two thousand Americans are said to be at the forty, we have a fine field to meet them on where our Army now lays and should they advance we will probably best them; but there will be little use in it if even we should unless we get the Superiority on Lake Ontario, where the chances are much against us for we have but five Vessels and the Americans fourteen. We have just had accts from Kingston by one of Sir George Prevost's Aide Camp's that an attempt had been made by Sir George with 800 men to take Sacket's harbour aided by Sir Lucas Yeo.15 our troops landed but the Vessels were becalmed and could not get into the harbour, our troops were met by three thousand Americans, which were drove into their Intrenchments, we took 150 prisoners and 3 pieces of Cannon, we lost three hundred men in this Affair, Col. Grey16 is said to have been killed 14 Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Myers of the quartermaster general's department. In numerous official dispatches he is commended for zeal and ability. At Niagara he com- manded one of the three brigades into which General Vincent's entire force was divided. In the battle of May 27, he was thrice wounded and taken prisoner. He was released from his parole and resumed duty in May, 1814; was made colonel on June 4, 1814; and died, March 3, 1817. See ibid., XV, passim; Irving, op. cit.; Casselman, op. cit., 65, 119. 15 Commodore Sir James Lucas Yeo, commander-in-chief of the British naval forces on the Great Lakes. 16 Andrew Gray, lieutenant in the Eighth Regiment, Feb. 25, 1808; captain of the Nova Scotia Fencibles, Aug. 1, 1811. A general order issued after the battle said of him: "In him the army lost an active and intelligent officer." Irving, op. cit. 755 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS and Major Evans17 severely wounded, two companies of the 8th suffered severely. Our fate is decided now, for firing was heard on the Lake yesterday and it could be nothing but a fight between our fleet and that of the Enemy, we hope for the best but dread to hear the result of the business, as the chances were so much against us. June 5h Our Army I think must soon retreat from this whether they will go to Detroit or towards Kingston we do not know. I mean to follow them if pos- sible. Your affectionate letter of the 25 th & 31 st Ult° I had the pleasure of receiving the day before yesterday. I never had an opportunity of sending up Eclipse, or I should have done it. I am afraid the Americans have got him. Should M r Brush return to Detroit and the Americans get possession of this Country I hope he will try and save as much of my property as possible, a great number of our Gentlemen have taken protection from the Enemy since they have come in the Country. I shall keep out of their hands as long as I can. I wish we had Tecumseh here to help us out of our difficulties. I received a letter from Therese a few days ago which I am sorry I have not time now to answer. I delivered the one for M r Sutherland which was with it; and he has promised to send her the things she wants you will please tell her. The Americans behaved very well to the Inhabitants of York, except those any way connected with the Indian Department. Poor M r Selby18 died about the time the Enemy landed at York. Poor old M r Warren is also dead. I was in the Room when he expired, two or three days before the Action at Fort George. I am sorry to hear of the Death of my Uncle Grant. His Family in this quarter are well. Please give my love to my Dear Mother, to James, Alex & my Sisters & remember me kindly to my Relations & Friends. Believe me your dutiful & affectionate Son John Askin Esq Charles Askin 17 Thomas Evans of the Eighth Regiment. He enlisted in the army as an ensign in 1794 and rose to the rank of general in 1855. He was commended by his commander for his conduct at Sackett's Harbor. He married a sister of Charles R. Ogden, attorney-general of Lower Canada, 1833-42, and of Peter Skene Ogden, fur trader. 18 Prideaux Selby, for whom see ante, 102. 756 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Addressed: John Askin Esqr Sandwich Endorsed: recvd 8h June & Answd partly same day BATTLE OF STONY CREEK Dundass Mills June 8th 1813 Dear Father I wrote you on the 5 th Ins1 at which time We were in a melancholy state, and thought that we should be forced to surrender to a very large force which were in pursuit of us or make a precipitate Retreat, an Action which took place on the sixth Ins* which terminated much in our favour has quite altered the face of Affairs, and the appearance of our Vessels which hove in sight last night has put us all in high spirits again, the Enemy were advancing three thousand five hundred strong20 and were within Six miles of us on the evening of the 5 th . They took a strong position and encamped, determined to attack us next morning. General Vincent after geting correct infor- mation of their situation, determined on attacking them that night, and marched down with the whole of the 8 th & 49th Reg*8 with us and one field piece, our force was one thousand strong, we got up to them undiscovered and bayoneted the Centinels, then pushed on with the Bayonet; and took the Enemy by Surprise laying in their Tents, our troops in order to alarm them yelled as much like Indians as they could, this had a bad effect; for it woke the Enemy who would have been skivered otherwise, they kept up a warm fire on our troops for a short time, with musketts and a howitzer, and killed a good many of our men. our brave fellows pushed on took the howitzer and seven21 field pieces, after which the Americans fled, both 19 The two paragraphs omitted concern matters of no present-day interest. 10 As usual in warfare, the strength of the enemy is here over-estimated. The Ameri- can army numbered 2700 men, but owing to various detachments made in the course of the advance toward Burlington Bay, only about 1400 were present on the battlefield. See Louis L. Babcock, The War of 1812 on the Niagara Frontier, Buffalo Hist. Soc, Pubs., XXIX, 85-86. xi First written "the field pieces"; the number interpolated in not clear, but seems to be "seven." 757 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS their Generals fell in our hands Generals Winder22 & Chandler,23 and a number more officers and about one hundred men. several Officers who were taken, after giving their word on honour they would not run away: made their Escape, they lost about two hundred in Killed wounded & prisoners. Our loss has been severe also, we had twenty-two killed on the field, about seventy wounded and thirty prisoners taken. Col. Clark24 of the 49th Reg* and M r Drury25 of the same Reg* both mortally wounded, M r Taylor26 of the 41 st severely wounded (not the M r Taylor who was at Amherstburgh) Major Manners27 of the 49th is also wounded but slightly. M r Bernard was much hurt by a Fall from his horse who was shot under him. Some officers of the 8th Reg* were wounded but their names I do not know, the night was dark and occasioned great confusion. General Vincent was missing six or eight hours after the Action and was supposed to be taken; but found his way to us again, for want of horses two of the field ix William Henry Winder (b. Feb. 18, 1775; d. May 24, 1824) was a native of Mary- land, a lawyer, and resident of Baltimore. In July, 1812, he assumed command of the Fourteenth U. S. Infantry, and in March, 1813, became a brigadier general. In May, 1814, he became adjutant and inspector general and was in command at Bladensburg when the British captured Washington. At the close of the war he returned to his law practice. His son, John Henry, after a long career in the U. S. army, joined the Confederacy and dur- ing much of the Civil War was commander of the city of Richmond. See Jppleton's Cyclopaedia Am. Biog. IT, John Chandler (b. 1760; d. Sept. 25, 1841) was a resident of Maine. In earlier life a blacksmith, he later became wealthy. He was a member of the U. S. House of Repre- sentatives from 1805 to 1808. An enthusiastic supporter of the war, in 1812 he was made brigadier general. His military experience was very slight. In the battle of Stony Creek he was wounded and captured. He was a U. S. Senator from Maine, 1820-29, and Collector of the Port at Portland, 1829-37. 2.4 Alexander Clerk (Clerke) of the Forty-ninth Regiment. He became captain and captain lieutenant of the regiment, Dec. 12, 1798. In 1803-1805, he was serving as com- mandant of Fort St. Joseph in Lake Huron. His wound at Stony Creek was not mortal; he was still in the service several years after the war. See British army lists; Irving, op. cit.; Mich. Pio. Colls., passim, especially X X I I I . 15 "Ensign Drury, who carried the King's color of the 49th, was mortally wounded, but struggled forward until he could give it into the keeping of another officer." Ernest Cruikshank, in Niagara Hist. Soc, pubs., No. 3, p. 14. 2.6 Thomas Taylor, commissioned lieutenant in the Forty-first Regiment, Dec. 13, 1810. At the time of the battle of Fort George, he was serving as adjutant of that post. He had been admitted to the bar in England, and in 1819 was called to the bar of Upper Canada. In 1824, he became judge of the Gore District Court. He died in December, 1837, and was interred in the George Hamilton family burial plot in Hamilton. See Wentworth County Hist. Soc. Journal and Trans., IV, 38-40. 2.7 Thomas Manners, commissioned lieutenant in the Forty-ninth Regiment, Feb. 2, 1796, and captain on June 23, 1803. See British army lists. 758 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS pieces which were taken were left but a little way from the field of battle, while we were gone for horses, the enemy28came and took them off. the Enemy retreated to the Forty. they are said to have left that and are retreating towards Niagara. I dare say the sight of our Fleet does not please them much. There were no Militia in the Engagement, and only four or five Indians, the Indians have behaved shamefully lately, and do us no service what- ever. I hope they will do better. I would not give ten Hurons for two hundred of such as we have here.29 I fancy a stand will be made here now. some works are going to be thrown up. our fleet has brought us a small reinforce- ment, and some Ammunition the last of which was wanted very much. I am sorry to say that many of our great men below, I mean about Niagara, went and took protections from the Enemy as soon as they came over. Please give my love to my Dear Mother & to my Brothers & Sisters, and Believe me Your dutiful & Affectionate Son Charles Askin P.S. The Action was fought half a Mile this side of Stony Creek. John Askin Esqr Sandwich. Messrs Rob* Grant, Wm Kerby, and five or six more Gentlemen from this Quarter leave this, this Morning to buy cattle & take them to Amherstburgh. they are sent by Government.30 I send you by them a few old English Papers, which are the only ones I could get. Your dutiful & Affectionate Son Charles Askin 2.8 Site of modern Grimsby. 2.9 In a letter to his brother, James Askin, June IS, 1813, the writer said: "There are 300 Indians crossing [here] also from Lower Canada and we look for 500 from your quarter [Detroit] I hope we may not be disappointed in getting them for the Indians of the Grand River are not worth a Farthing." 30 For an explanation of this movement, see letter of General Vincent of June 2, 1813, printed in Mick. Pio. Colls., XV, 308-309. Robert Grant was a captain in the Second Lincoln Militia. William Kerby's military unit has not been identified. See Irving, op. cit. 759 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Addressed: John Askin Esq r Sandwich. Endorsed: recvd y e 13h June Answd ye 16h CONDUCT OF ROBERT DICKSON'S INDIANS Mackinac, Juin 23 1813 Ma Cher Mere San doute que vous avez enticipe" la joie que nous avons hut de voir Allexandre, malheureuse- ment M r Dixson a arrivez deux jours apres lui, ce qui nous a mis dans le trouble et la confussions, mon cher John na paa hut la satisfactions de sasoir une demie journe pour sentertenir avec son frere, il £toit se tourmente avec les sauvages la maison ne vidait pas du matin au soire, dieu merci ils vienne de partir, ils ont fait bien du homages icit, ils ont tu6 sis ou sept b6te acorne et plussieur mouton la partes est grandes pour ceux qui ont pardu leur vache car il se vend quarante piastre isite. Je supose que le General sera surprit de voir que quatres ou cinq cent hommes au lieu de trois mil quil esperait ces a dire le Lieutenant Colonel Boucherville a dit ici que M r D. a promis au Gouverneur de mene aumoins trois mille. je pensait bien qui se tramperait sa nait pas une choses si aise dasembl6 ten de monde en autre des sauvages quil faut ramass6 dun cot6 et de lautre, cepandant M r D. dit quil emmene plus quil na promis je ne sait pas sil se trompe ou non, il dit quil auroit put en- mene boucoup plus de sauvages mais quil navoit pas de canan ni de provisions, vous pouvez vous jmagine sil lui fallait boucoup de vivres, Ion ma dit que ses sauvages avoit mange trois cent poche de farine dans trois ou quatres jours, je sait quil avoit quelque fais icit cinq cent minot de Ble- dainde par jour sen cont6 la gresse le Boeuf et le poison et le sucre, enfin Ion ne peu pas avoir aucu'une ide des depances que ses denmen6 un nombre de sauvages, le magazin sauvages ait vide et boucoup de Marchandise ont ette achette et tous les fusil du vilages neuf et vieux, et encore ils ne sont pas sastifait, ils ni a jamais de fin a leur demande, ils ont reste" ici quatorze jours, selon mon opinion il naroit pas du reste plus que quatre, mon cher John se travailli6 sans delait arm de ne pas le retarde, et en trois jours il avoit tout livre, il faut dire aussi quil sait pas passe une journ6 sans 760 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS quil aie mouillee depuis son arriv6 je nait jamais vue un terns pareil depuis que je suis dans ces paiye icit. je crains boucoup que si vous avez un pareil terns aussi preummeis- saux que les fievre seront bien comune chez vous en autre au Detroit ou il y sont si sujet par tout descriptions ils sont assez mallheureux sans avoir encore la maladie. la Cocluche a ette bien comune icite lhivert dernierre une chose qui na jamais prie lieu dans cet endroit ici a ce quec dise les enciens et sa emporte plussieurs anfans, le vieux M donald est bien malade le docteur ne crois quil en revienne cepandant il na pas envie de mourir, il y-a cinqant trois ans quil sont mari6 et le vieux avoit tres bonne mine Chivert dernierre javoit Coutume de la rencontre souvant quant je me promenoit le matin devant dejuenne, la vielle ne paressoit pas suport6 son age si bien d elle etoit plus lasse que son marie, je ne croit pas que M Soloman vivra longtems elle ait bien foible elle garde son lit depuis quelque terns, et elle na pas autre choses a mang6 que ce que le mondes lui envoye, et vous savez que Ion done tarde quant Ion attend apres les autres. comme Allexandre a ette un silent obser- vateur de tous ce quel ses passez ici, concequament il peu vous dire tout ce quil a trouve de plus remarquable sur l'ils, et le trait quil a remarque dans les personne quil vu£ depuis quil est ici, je conclure done par vous pri6 de present6 mes amiti6d a mon cher pere ainsse que mes frere et soeur, excepte M McKee ils sont tout des mauvaise corespondent, car, ils sont tout dans ma dette, je plains pauvre Allice car je crois quel sannui, Adieu ma cher mere que le bon dieu vous conserve mes cher parant est la prierre de votre affectionne Madelaine Askin Addressed: Madame Askin Strabane Translation Mackinac, June 23, 1813 My dear Mother: You have no doubt been anticipating our pleasure in seeing Alexander, but unfortunately Mr. Dickson arrived two days after him with only trouble and confusion in store for us. My dear John has not had the satisfaction of even a half day off to visit with his brother, 761 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS he has been so plagued with Indians, the house never empty of them from morning to night. Thank God they are now leaving. They have done much damage here, six or seven cattle killed and several sheep. It is a great loss for those who have had their cows killed, as they sell for forty dollars here. I am thinking that the General will be surprised to see only four or five hundred men instead of the three thousand that he is expecting, or so Lt. Col. Boucherville31 said here, that Mr. D. had promised the Governor to take out at least three thousand. Mr. Dickson miscalculated in this, I think. It is not an easy matter to muster so many men, especially Indians, who must be gathered in from every quarter. However, Mr. D. says that he is taking out more than he promised. I do not know how true that is. He says that he might have taken many more Indians but that he had neither canoes nor provisions. You can imagine whether there has been any lack of provisions. I am told that the Indians have eaten three hundred bags of flour in three or four days, and I know that he has had sometimes five hundred minots of Indian corn here per day, not count- ing the pork grease, beef and fish, and sugar. Indeed, no one can have any idea of the expense in taking out a lot of Indians. The Indian store is empty and much of the mer- chandise has been sold, and all the guns, new and old, in the village. Still they are not satisfied. There is no end to their wants. They were here fourteen days and in my opinion they need not have remained more than four, for my dear John worked constantly so as not to delay them and had everything delivered in three days. I must say, too, that there has not been a day without rain since his arrival. I have never seen such weather since I have lived here. If you are having the same, so damp and foggy, it will be a bad time for the ague, I fear. Then they are so exposed in Detroit, by all accounts, that the people are unfortunate enough, without sickness. 31 Lieutenant Colonel Pierre Amable de Boucherville of the Eighth Battalion, Lower Canada Militia. He belonged to a notable Canadian family, and was head of the seignory of Boucherville. He was on the personal staff of Governor Prevost. For his report of his western journey, here alluded to, see Mich. Pio. Colls., XV, 315-16. He died in Novem- ber, 1857, aged seventy-seven years. See Irving, op. cit., passim. 762 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Whooping-cough was very prevalent here last winter, something that never happened before in this place, so the old residents say, and carried off several children. Old Mr. McDonald32 is very ill. The doctor thinks that he cannot recover, but he does not want to die. They have been married fifty-three years, and the old gentleman looked so well last winter. I often met him when I would be out walking in the forenoon. The old lady has not seemed to carry her age so well, more worn out than her husband. I do not think that Mrs. Solomon33 will live long, she is very feeble and has kept her bed for some time now. She has nothing to eat except what people take in and you know how slow they are giving when one waits for another. As Alexander has been a silent observer of all that has taken place here he will be able to tell you all that he has found worthy of notice in the island, and the peculiarities of the people he has seen since he came. I will therefore con- clude asking you kindly to give my love to my dear Father and to my brothers and sisters. With the exception of Mrs. McKee, they are all bad correspondents, for they are all in my debt. I am sorry for poor Alice.34 Time will hang heavy on her hands, I am afraid. Farewell, dear Mother. May the good Lord protect you, my dear parent, is the prayer of your loving Madelaine Askin BATTLE OF BEAVER DAMS 10 Mile Creek July 8th 1813 Dear Father Your r m affectionate letter of the 15th Ult° was handed me by M W Kerby on the field of Battle when six hundred of the Americans under the Command of Col. 3z John McDonald, assistant barrackmaster prior to the British evacuation of Mackinac in 1796. See Mich. Pio. Colls., X X I I I , 340-41, and Wis. Hist. Colls., XVIII, 502. 33 Probably the wife of Ezekiel Solomon, for whom see ante, 525. William Solomon, son of Ezekiel, is said to have been of mixed Jewish and Indian blood. This would imply that Mrs. Solomon was an Indian woman. See Ont. Hist. Soc, Papers and Records, III, 126 ff. 34 Mrs. Brush, sister-in-law of Madeline Askin. The allusion is evidently to the ab- sence from Detroit of her husband and son, for which see ante, 750. 763 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Bustler35 were obliged to surrender themselves prisoners of Warr, to us. this was on the 24 th Ult°. the Enemy had marched out of Fort George to surprise and take a party we had at the Beaver Dams under L* Fitz Gibbon36 of the 49 th Reg* and probably also to attack an advancing party we had at the 10 Mile Creek commanded by Col. De Heran 37 of the 104th Reg*, the Enemy were observed in the Morning on their march by some Indian Scouts, who gave the alarm and about four hundred & fifty Indians who lay at 20 Mile Creek marched off immediately to meet them. 38 I joined them with three more young men of the Country, and in about three quarters of an hour after, we came up to their rear guard which were horsemen and attacked them, after killing several of them, we were then forced to retreat into a woods which was a little distance from us. some Infantry followed us across one or two fields, but we forced them td retreat, they then came along the edge of the woods sheltered by a fence but we also drove them from this, they after this came some distance in the Woods; but we forced them to retire to a wheat field where the Enemy remained nearly two hours firing at us from two field pieces with Canister shot, which Kept the Indians from advancing on them, after a short cessation from firing, the Americans began to retreat but in very good order, the Indians 35 Colonel Charles J. Boerstler of the Fourteenth U. S. Infantry. 36 James Fitzgibbon was a native of Ireland, who after several years' service as a non- commissioned officer in the Napoleonic wars was commissioned a lieutenant in the Forty- ninth Regiment in 1806. He was an enterprising character who in the warfare on the Niagara frontier seems to have enacted the rdle of a ranger leader, having organized a com- pany for scouting service which proved a magnet for adventurous spirits. His outstanding exploit in the war was the capture of Colonel Boerstler's force at Beaver Dams. Fitz- gibbon became assistant adjutant general in 1822, and in the uprising of 1837 he com- manded the force which defeated the rebels near Toronto. In 1846 he returned to England, where he died in 1863. See Wallace, op. cit., and Babcock, War of 1812, 93 ff. 37 Peter W. DeHaren, lieutenant colonel of the Canadian Fencibles. He was a veteran soldier, having been commissioned lieutenant in the Sixtieth Regiment, Dec. 30, 1797. He had joined General Vincent shortly before the battle of Beaver Dams, having brought a detachment of several hundred men from Lower Canada. See Irving, of cit.; Matilda Edgar (ed.), Ten years of Upper Canada in Peace and War, 1805-1815; Being the Ridout Letters with Annotations (Toronto, 1890), 200. 38 This statement negatives the claim that the British learned of the impending Amer- ican attack from Mrs. Laura Secord, whose supposed exploit in conveying the warning has caused her to be lionized by the Canadian people. For a discussion of the subject, see Babcock, War of 1812, 99 ff. 764 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS followed them and the enemy soon took up a good position for their Guns, while they were doing this L* Fitzgibbon joined us with about 45 of the 49th Reg*, these were the first troops who came to our aid. the Americans gave them two or three shots from their field pieces but neither Killed nor wounded a man. Fitzgibbon's party did not fire in return for they were at too great a distance for Musketry to do much execution. The Indians kept firing a few shots, then Fitzgibbon advanced with a flag of Truce and demanded them to Surrender, which after a long parley they agreed to do. while they were settling the terms on which they would lay down their Arms, a party of our Dragoons under Cap* Hall, and about two hundred Infantry, under Col. De Heran also joined us. Fitzgibbon who is a most active and deserving Officer gets the whole credit of the business, as he was the person who demanded them to surrender; but the Battle was gained by the Indians for his party as I before said, did not fire a shot, he is one of the most active and deserving Officers we have and has allways been employed in any arduous duty, he was most allways on the rear Guard when we were retreating, and commanded the advance Guard since we have been moving towards Fort George, while the main body of our Troops were at theth Forty Mile Creek, he has been with a small party of the 49 in Queenston, and then would be at Chippawa, Fort Erie, and flying about in such a manner that the Enemy did not know where to find him he has had some very narrow escapes, his life was saved by M rs Kerby and another Woman a short time since, he had by accident met with two of the Enemy's Riflemen when he was alone, they were going to fire on him, but he was in disguise and told them he belonged to their Army, at the same time got near them and seized hold of their Rifles one in each hand and was struggling to get them from them, when one of his Antagonists drew his sword rsfrom him, and would have run him through, had not a M Dufield Kicked it out of the Fellows hand, the Women then threatened to Kill him if he did not surrender, and they both allowed them- selves to be taken prisoners, he had hardly got a quarter of a mile from the place with his prisoners when a large 765 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS party of Americans, came there, but he got off safe with them. I find by one of your letters that you have under- stood we have had an engagement soon after the 6 h June, but there has been none since that except the one on the 24h, which I have given the best account of I could but I omitted to mention the loss on both sides that of the Enemy was about 20 Killed and nearly 40 wounded and on the Indians six killed and ten or twelve wounded. The Enemy were Panick struck by a few shot which Sir Lucas Yeo gave them at the Forty and a few shot accompanied with a little yelling from about 20 Indians at the same time they imagined that Gen1 Proctor and all the wild Indians had reinforced us, and that it was a General attack we were going to make on them, they hurried off left their tents, camp Kettles & a number of other things behind them and hardly halted a minute until they got into Fort George, some troops they had at Fort Erie, Chippawa Queenston &ea were marched down immediately to Fort George so much alarmed that they hardly dared look behind them at the same time, there was not an Indian nor one of our Soldiers within ten miles of them, had we followed them, we could have taken one half of them or got some of our troops and Indians ahead of them, which could have been done easily by some bye road it's the oppinion of those who saw them on their retreat that the whole of this army which was 5000 strong would have surrendered, but we missed this fine opportunity of geting rid of them and we have lost many others. We have been very fortunate in driving them ahead to Fort George where they are confined and hardly dare venture more than two or three miles indeed there Picket Guard have been driven into the Town, and a number of their men at different times taken prisoner, their Army are said to be very unhealthy, they have eight hundred sick and wounded; but their sick, their Cannon, baggage and most every thing else they have removed to the other side of the River for they are in constant dread of an attack and are continually alarmed. 10 Mile Creek 19th July. We have about one thousand men within a Mile of Niagara, and our Head Quarters are now at S* Davids about 7 Miles from Fort George, we 766 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS have good news from our fleet which we expect in a few days, an attack will be made on the Enemy its supposed the moment our Shipping arrives. I am sorry to say that we have lost one 39 of the most Gal ant Officers in the Country, Colonel Bishopp who died of the wounds he received on Sunday the 11th instant at the Battle of Black Rock where we took 3 brass field pieces and some other Guns. The 41 st suffered much in this Engagement. Cap* Saunders40 was supposed to have been Killed, but was only wounded he is now a prisoner. dM r Mompesson was also wounded. Col. Thomas Clark rec a wound in the hand but is doing well, we lost about forty men in Killed wounded & missing, the Enemie's loss I believe was very trifling. ca Our people brought over an immense deal of stores & before the Engagement commenced, and could have returned without losing a man; but Col. Bishopp was too Galant a Soldier and would not retire till he had given them Battle, he was one of the last to retire from the Field & was carried in the Boat after receiving a wound in the thigh. His loss is most sadly regretted, he was one of the most Gentlemany men I ever was acquainted with; and the best soldier * * *41 We have upwards of three thousand regular Troopsst here I think, th we have the Royals, the King's, part 41 49th 104 Newfoundland, Glengary Light Infantry and Dra- goons from Lower Canada, the 19th L* Dragoons have not yet arrived. It was not my intention to have sent this scrawl, which I am really ashamed of, but an Indian is going to Amherstburgh and would not wait untill I could write another, you will please not show this to any one, but my Mother & Brothers * * *42 There is a report here that Sacketts Harbour is taken: but I do not believe it. Give my love to my Dear Mother, my Brothers & Sisters and Believe me Your Dutiful & Affectionate Son Charles Askin 39 For Colonel Bisshopp, see ante, 738. 40 William Caulfield Saunders, commissioned lieutenant in the Forty-first Regiment, Nov. 1, 1797. See British army lists. 41 The paragraph here omitted consists of a recital of European news. 41 The sentences omitted deal with unimportant personal matters. 767 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS John Askin Esqr Sandwich P.S. M r Willson of the Field Train Dep* died on Friday or Saturday last. The remainder43 of the 41 st Reg* in this quarter are now on their March for Amherstbergh, and I believe the Light Company of the Newfoundland Reg* are ordered up also. I find by a letter from Therese that you supposed me to have been in the Action at Stony Creek: but I was not. the only action I have been in, was on the 24th June, which was near Beaver Dams when we took six hundred, the battle lasted three hours & a half. I saw the whole of it. Your Affectionate Son Charles Askin 12 Mile Creek July 19th 1813 There is a report that Sackett's Harbour is taken, but I do not believe it. Your Affectionate Son Charles Askin July 19th 1813 Addressed: John Askin Esqr Strabane Sandwich Endorsed: recvd ye 28th July NEWS OF BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE Ma chere M&re Je me suis trouve avec mes amies americains ici et je me suis ainformer de votre flotee. il mont dit que il y a voit beaucoup de monde de tu6r dun bord et de lautre mes que Richardson et Comodore Berkly etoit tout les deux presonier et quil etoit a bord de le Queen Charlotte que le Comodore avez le Bras Casse6, et que les autres etoit toute a fait a leur aisse. Je men vais travessa a present. adieu chere mere porte vous bien je suis votre Effectionnee fille A Brush Addressed: Madame Askin 43 This portion of the letter is written on different paper than that which precedes, and apparently at a later time. 768 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Translation My dear Mother: I am with my American friends here and have asked about your fleet. They say that many were killed on both sides but that Richardson and Com- modore Barclay were both taken prisoners and that it was aboard the Queen Charlotte that the Commodore received the broken arm, and that the others were quite comfortable. I am leaving now to cross over. Goodbye, dear Mother, keep well. I remain, Your loving daughter, A. Brush NEWS FROM ASKIN FUGITIVES West Minister Octr 10th 1813 My Dear Father To relieve the anxiety of your mind & that of my mother tnI will merely say that we are all well James, Alick, Cap McKee & Alick McKee are ahead. My Brother Alick has the ague but the people are all very kind. My Alicks Toe is very bad. God Bless you both my most excellent Parents. I wish I could hear how my D r Sister Nelly is, & her children. Your tru[l]y affete Daughter T McKee 44 Jane is very anxious to find out how her poor father, & Brother John are. Addressed: John Askin Esqr Endorsed: recv* 25h Octr SAFE CONDUCT FOR JOHN ASKIN Territory of Michigan Head Quarters at Detroit 15th Octr 1813 T o ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS MAY COME, BE IT KNOWN: John Askin Esquire of Sandwich in the Province of Upper 44 Jane Richardson, daughter of Dr. Robert Richardson. Her father had been captured, at the defeat of Barclay's fleet by Commodore Perry on September 10, and her brother John had been captured at the Battle of the Thames, October 5. 769 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Canada having applied to me for protection, the same is hereby granted unto him during his good behaviour, and all Officers and privates of my army are hereby required to observe the same, and to abstain from any acts of violence or outrage towards the said John Askin and his hous[e]hold. Given under my hand at Detroit the day and year above written Willm Henry Harrison NEWS FROM ASKIN FUGUTIVES Head [of] the Lake 23d October 1813 Dearr Mother, I'm happy to say that Captn McKee Alex James Johnny & myself are here and all in Good health. Charles & all the Hamiltons and Robinsons are in this neighbourhood House Jane Richardson and Nancy left this the day before yesterday for York where they will be more comfortable than here We are very anxious to know how you are and beg that you may not suffer the least uneasiness with respect to us, as we are as well off as the times will admit of. We have suffered no hardship, but the very unpleasant separation from our parents & friends which I feel in a very great degree. Let my Uncles & relations know that not an hour passes over without my thinking of them, please assure my Dear Friend45 of my everlasting attachment, & hopes of one Day seeing &c. What satisfaction it would be to hear from you could it be done with propriety. Yr ever tender & affectionate Son Alexr D Askin Remember me to all my friends Addressed: M rs Askin Strabane DIFFICULTIES AT MACKINAC Michc 26* Oct 1813 My Dear John, An opportunity offering for Matchedash 45 The allusion is evidently to the writer's sweetheart. The attachment was interrupted by his untimely death. See ante, 423. 770 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS affords me an opportunity of writing, merely to describe to your [you] our distressing situation, having only two months provissions & very little prospect of obtaining any. tho two Canoes & a boat are now sent to get some at Nautawwaysaugui the season is so far advanced that I dont believe we will be able to get them back, to compleat or crown our situation is that we have a Commandant46 who is only fit to drive about Miscreants & knows very little or pretends to know the difference between Gentlemen & Blackguards. Of late he is tormenting all about him with orders counter orders & in short creates discontentment & disgust for my part I am quite sick of my situation & was it not that we expect the Enemy & it being the duty of every Loyal Subject to put up with thing[s] untill a day of retribution arrives & untill that day arrives to be united & every nerve exerted to maintain our ground I would resign my situation. There was a Corps of fencibles raised here consist8 of 50 men & instead of keeping these people to defend our little ground they have been sent away to La Baye with Dickson thats to say the greatest part & the remainder goes for the Pro8 so that we are left with the Veterans & Volunters the latter I really dont believe will fight, being in dread of being tucked up if found in arms. The Indians are num[er]ous but in a day or two will be gone to their wintering Ground, to keep them would be madness, having no provisions. I really & sincerely believe that we will be obliged to eat every horse that is on the Island before spring if we are not taken prisoners this autumn Should 46 Richard Bullock of the Forty-first Regiment succeeded Captain Charles Roberts as commandant of Mackinac, Sept. 14, 1813. The British army lists disclose that Richard Bullock became a lieutenant in the regiment, Feb. 28, 1796. He served in most of the actions in the Detroit area during the war, being present at Mongaugon, Aug. 9, 1812, and leading the advance guard of Brock's army in the capture of Detroit a few days later. He was with Procter in the latter's Maumee campaign of April-May, 1813, and on his retreat eastward in the autumn, being the only officer of the Forty-first who escaped capture in the Battle of the Thames, Oct. 5, 1813. There is some confusion in the evi- dence at this point which we have not succeeded in resolving, for Captain Charles Roberts reports that he yielded the command of Fort Mackinac to Bullock on Sept. 14, 1812, and this taken in conjunction with Askin's present letter would seem to preclude the idea that Bullock could have been with Procter's army on the retreat from Detroit to the Thames. A possible explanation may be that there were two officers of the same name in the regi- ment, whose whereabouts and activities we are unable to distinguish. Richard Bullock, presumably the Mackinac commandant of 1813, was serving as adjutant general of militia at Toronto as late as 1839. Data derived from documents in Mich. Pio. Colls., passim; Casselman, op. cit., passim; and British army lists. 771 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS the Canoes return w* pro & the Enemy leave us alone this fall, in the spring we will with the help of God keep them of[f]. Write me by the Winters Express & let me know where you are & how does matters stand. Your mother & sisters say God Bless you & may you enjoy Health & every Blessing this world affords & am Your affectionate Father J. A. Jn° Askin J[r] My negro wench Madelaine absconded two days ago & I am just informed that Capt Bullock has taken her into his service (if so) he must be a d m n Scoundrel & is begin- ning similar tricks that Dawson did I can hardly credit the Report, for I cannot think that any man but Dawson would have been guilty of the like I am sorry the sudden departure of his [illegible] is such that I canot get full proof of his having acted so, for were I certain that he has concealed her after I told him that she was my Slave & shewed him the Act whereby it is expressly mentioned that all those born before 1793 are slaves,47 I would report him. time will illucedate all things, dont say any thing on this head to any one untill you hear from me again. Addressed: M r JohnB. Askin S*Davids or River Thames Recommended to the Care of Duncan Cameron Esqr York FROM JOHN ASKIN TO HIS CHILDREN Strabane Novr the 12h 1813 My Dear Children This Letter though Only directed to three of you, its contents I wish you to make known not only to your sister M rs McKee but likewise to my grand Children and fr[i]ends in the quarter w[h]ere you may be when it reaches you. First thanks to Almighty God that we, Our Family and connections in this Quarter Enjoy good health though its a sickly time & many people have died. Your Acquaintances the Families of M rs McIntosh, F. Baby, M r Hands M r 47 The allusion is to the act for the restriction of slavery passed by the Legislative As- sembly of Upper Canada in 1793. It was a compromise measure, which did not interfere with property in slaves existing prior to the passage of the act, but provided that children born to enslaved mothers subsequent thereto should become free upon attaining the age of twenty-five. 772 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Woods & M r James Babys, are likewise well: I have further to say That notwithstanding the great troubles I have not suffered any loss in property worth mentioning, Nor received the least Insult and am provided with all the necessaries of life for this Winter therefore was it not for the heavy & Unexpected stroke we have met with in the Deathr of your Dear & much limented Sister M rs Pattinson at M Jacobs on the 12* of last Month Our minds would be tolerable Easy & we would Endeavour to bear your Absence, but those two misfortunes Added to Age bears heavy On us yet the Almighty favours us so much as to give us health of rsBody with Appetite & rest. Mary Pattinson is with M Park, Richard & Ellen with us, all in good health, the last Child is with a good nurse at river Thames, we thoughtr it unsafe to remove her at this Season. I requested M Brush to write M r Pattinson, as I do not wish to keep up any Corrispondence Except with you, when permitted by the Commanding Officer of Detroit so to do. as he Appears very Indulgent to the British 48 under hisr Authority, Im in hopes to Obtain this favour. Doct Richardson came home some time ago & is well, he says, your Acquaintance poor Johnston was Only slightly wounded & recovered before he came away. We were told by M r Brice Woods & Cap* Shaw that they both seen you & that you were then well, but had been sick: We hope & depend on your suporting all the losses crosses & disapointment you may meet with in this life as becomes Christians, relying On the Almightys goodness for Our meeting Again in this life when this destructive war will be at an End. We hear Every two or three days from M r Brush & Allice who with their dear Children are all well. M r Barthe having lost a great part of his little property & his Family being in fear, they winter with us & their Company Added to that of Richard & Ellens in some Measure keeps up our spirits. The Ladyes of Messr Marentetes & Themuses Famil[i]es 48 For the kindness and liberality exhibited by General Harrison toward the conquered British people, he was long held in grateful remembrance by them and by their descend- ants. Statement of Harry Maisonville of Windsor to the Editor, August, 1929. See also, William L. Baby, Souvenirs of the Past (Windsor, 1896), 119. 773 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS are well. If any or all the articles, Johny was sending me in the Nancy or what I wrote to Montreal for are got where you are, take such of them as you stand in need of. Your mother joins in Blessing with your tender Father J.A. r Charles James or Alexd Askin with the British Army CAPTURE OF FORT NIAGARA AND LEWISTON49 Tuesday 14th50 I staid last night at M r Hills51 went and took an Inventory of Asa Baker's Cattle, who fled to the Enemy from that returd to Queenston where they were preparing to cross the River, but were disappointed in get[t]ing boats and much against Col. Murray's52 wish had to give it up. heard that seven pieces of Cannon had been found buried near Fort George, & some few prisoners were taken onth Sunday morning at Niagara & Fort Erie. Wednes- day 15 Rode to Ball's Mills to send down flour there where I staid all night. Thursday 16th Went up 20 Mile Creek pressed a number of sleighs to take flour & some whiskey down from Balls Mills to S* Davids. Rode down to Queenston on Saturday the 18th About 10 oClock at night our troops began to cross the River from near Count De Puissay's to the five stmile meadow, the 100th crossed first then part [of the] 41st Reg* after which the Royals and the remainder of the 41 and last the Indians & militia some few militia were over in the first boats, among whom was Cap* Kerby63 who was the first person who landed on the other side, the Grenadiers of the 100th Reg* pushed on towards Fort Niagara surprised the Enemy's picket at 49 The manuscript is a fragment of the diary (consisting of several pages) kept by Charles Askin. The earlier portion (not reproduced here) details the doings of the writer from December 7-13 inclusive. 50 Dec. 14, 1813. 51 At Beaver Dams, where the detachment of Colonel Boerstler had been captured on June 24, 1813. 52. Lieutenant Colonel John Murray of the 100th Regiment. He was a native of Jamaica and had been an officer in the army since 1792. He later rose to the rank of lieutenant general. He died, Feb. 21, 1832. Irving, op. cit. 53 Captain James Kerby of the Second Lincoln Militia Regiment. He was given a sword by the Assembly in recognition of his gallantry at the capture of Fort Niagara. He was subsequently a member of the Legislative Council of Upper Canada. He died at Fort Erie, June 20, 1854. Ibid. 774 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS youngs Town where they killed several men. Cap* Fawcett advanced with the "Grenadiers to the Gate of the Fort and fortunately got there just while the Guard were relieving the Sentinels by which means they got in at the Picket as they had got the Countersign from two sentinels whom they had taken. M r Dawson of the 100th Reg* led the forlorn hope but Cap* Kerby of the Incorporated Militia was in the Fort before any other officer, while theth Gren- adiers got in in front the Light Company of the 100 under Capt* Martin scaled the Works in the rear and got in nearly at the 54same time with the others. Cap* Elliott Qr M r General was with Cap* Martin. Fortunately most of the Garrison were sleeping and were so completely surprised that we lost but 6 MenthKilled in taking it among whom was L* Nowlan of the 100 Reg*, the Enemy made as good a defence as could be expected considering the situation they were caught in and lost sixty-five men most of whom were bayoneted. Col. Murray who commanded the storming party was unfortunately wounded. Cap* Leonard the commanding officer of the Garrison was sleeping a few miles from the Fort with his Family, he came very early to the Garrison in the morning but was much surprised to be challenged by a British Sentinel who made a prisoner of him. upwards of three hundred men th were made prisoners, a number of whom were of their 24 Reg*, just as the first boat load of Indians had reached the other shore, the news of the Fort being taken reached them. They 65 immediately pushed off for Lewiston and General Riall with the Royals and the 41 st marched to the same place, there were but about sixty artillery at that place who toke to their heels as soon as they heard the yells of the Indians, about 12 or 13 of the Enemy were killed at Lewiston, several of them Inhabitants of the place, unfortunately there was Liquor in most of the houses & notwithstanding the exertions of the Officers of the Indian Dep* the Indians soon got intoxicated and were outrageous several men of the Regular 54 Captain G. A. Eliot of the 103 rd Regiment. 55 Sir Phineas Riall. He had been commissioned a major general on June 4, 1813. He subsequently attained the rank of general. He died in Paris, Nov. 10, 1850. Irving, op. cit. 775 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS troops got drunk also, the Indians plundered the houses then set fire to them, the poor Inhabitants, Men, Women and Children we were obliged to keep a strong Guard over to prevent them from being killed by the Indians, one of whom killed a young Boy. Indeed the Indians got so drunk that they did not know what they were about, two of their own Indians were killed by them and one of the 41 s t Reg* M r Caldwell was shot through the thigh by one of them and young M c Dougall had his arm broke by another who struck him with a Tomyhawk. Indians, Regulars & Militia were plundering every thing they could get hold of. immense quantities of things were brought over from that place to Queenston at youngstown there were one or two stores from which every thing was taken by the Plunderers. I have never witnessed such a scene before & hope I shall not again. DEATH OF JAMES M C G I L L Montreal 3 d febry 1814 r John Askin Esq My dear friend I wrote you the 30 th Decemb r informing you of the death of our mutual friend M r McGill & that he had bequeathed you all his lands on the American side of Detroit [River.] at our advanced age we must expect to experience the loss of friends & relatives, and you have lately felt this in the loss of M r s Pattison and I am told M r Brush, in both of which I sinc[e]rely condol with you & M r s Askin. you have a pleasing consolation that tho Death may deprive you of your Children yet in your numerous family none has by their conduct caused you pain. I have a long Letter from M rs M c Kay [McKee] which I will answer. I wish I could serve her. the death of M r McGill and your advanced time of Life occasions my appointing M r Cartwright of Kingston my attorney perticularly for my property in Upper Canada & as the death of M r Brush will make it necessary for you to take some steps for securing payment of my property sold him in 1805 which was £460 York with Interest, as the property is improved his Executors or Heirs may keep it on 776 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS paying or securing the payment of what is due me. if you take it back for me it may be proper to consider the pro- priety of selling it immediatly, and if not sold for sufficient to pay me, M r Brush Estate must make up the deficiency, or of keeping it untill a More favoriable time for disposing of it, r and in recommend [ing] this respecting my property sold M Brush, I suppose the same mode may be per[s]ued re- specting that of M r McGills sold him indeed by M r McGills Will this part may become yours. I will send you an extract of his Will respecting you. M r Cartwright is Just Leaving this for Kingston I sendrs this by him to forward, with kind remembrance to M Askin beli[e]ve me My Dear friend Yours Senc[e]rily Isaac Todd PS if I am obliged to quit this Country or other accident happen me you will correspond with M r Cartwright re- specting my property in your care I now send extract from M r McGills Will respecting his bequest to you Addressed: John Askin Senr Strabane near Sandwich Detroit Endorsed: Montreal Feby 3d 1814 Isaac Todd Esqr to Jn° Askin recvd y6 7 June I give and devise all and every [one of] the Lands and Tenements situated within the Territories of the United States of American to me belonging or to which I am in any manner entitled not exceeding in quantity sixteen hundred acres, to John Askin of Strabane his Heirs and Assigns for ever: Provided always that if the said last mentioned land and tenements should exceed sixteen hundred acres in quantity then and in that case I give and devise all and every such lands and tenements so exceeding and over and above the said quantity of sixteen hundred acres to Robert Reynolds step Father of the said James McGill Desriviers, his Heirs and Assigns for ever. 777 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Endorsed: Extract from the Will of the late James McGill, Esqr TROUBLES OF GEORGE MELDRUM56 Dear Sir It's so long since We have had any corospond- ence that I do not know how to begin first give me leave to Condole with you for the loss of your Daughter Mra Pattison as well your Anxiety for your Sons as for [my] part mine have troubled me much and have intirely let every thing on the Farm go to Distruction and my Situation is such that I dare not direct them as to my self I was three months on my back by the Calash wheel going over my foot which had most cut if off but thank God I made a great cure ofrs[it] by sopyknit Root which surprised all the Docters and M Meldrum since the month of July have not had three Days at one time health Myself for this month past I have been very unWell but am now little recovered We are most reduced to Starvation for the Indian[s] whilst I was on my back killed all my pigs to the number of thirty four Oxen ten sheep all our Fowls and burned our hen house and like to have sett the house in fire and I could [not] let my sons interferr as the Indians knew and reproached them being Yankies and was not able to go out myself We now eat Rye bread for want of better and our Porke which I chans'd of Getting last fall is most out and the worst of all no money to gett more Mrs Park keeping back the papers of the Copartnership is the occasion of being reduced so low as also the occasion of great loss to Co partnership there is M r Boyer who bog* a House [from] M r Parke he is dead and as I am told hase made over the house to an other which may cause a loss to the Co. with sundrei losses which I can not help for want of Companys books & papers Inclosed you have arsNote of sundrie papers of Mr Frasers and also mine as M Brush goes over in a day or two you can deliver them to Her I will thank you if [you] can let me have five or six Quarts of salt as I have not a pint in the House I woud be thankful to you if [you] coud inform me where the Martins that bog* Sag[uinah\ sloop lodged the Iron or if they 56 From the original copy in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 778 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS tookerBit away M rs Meld rum Joins me with Compelements to M Askin and am with great respect Your sincere Friend and well wisher I am, Sir Your Most Obed Serv* George Meldrum Detroit 29th March 1814 John Askin Esquire Addressed: John Askin Esquire Sandwich Endorsed: Detroit d e Marchth 29th 1814 M r Geo. Meldrum Jno° Askin Answ y 30 CONDITIONS AT MACKINAC Michilimackinac 1 st May 1815 My rDear Father, 57 Your esteemed favour of the 17th Ult° per M Reaume afforded Madelaine & myself the greatest pleasure we have been blessd with since the commencement of this unjust declaration of War. I am truly happy to learn that all our Relatives, Friends & connections are well and that you have not suffered as was reported to me. James wrote me rfrom York that he intended to proceed to Sandwich for M Pattinsons children, by yours I'm glad he has reached you58& by the next trust he will be married to the Young Lady rs c he so long has sigh'ed for. In March last I wrote M M Kee & enclosed a draft on D. Davids for £25 H x Cy in her favour & hope she has received it in time to relieve her wants— 57 Alexis Reaume, for whom see ante, 732. 58 He married Frances Godet dit Marentette on Oct. 10, 1815. The bride was born in Sandwich, Nov. 19,1796. She was a descendant in the sixth generation of Nicholas Godet, who was born in Ige, province of Perche, France, in 1583. He married Frances Gadois, a native of the same place, and migrating to New France, became a resident of Montreal. Here he was slain by the Iroquois, and was buried, Oct. 25, 1657. Jacques Godet, a grand- son of Nicholas, born, Oct. 13, 1673, was in Detroit on business as early as 1708, although his place of residence was always Montreal. He married at Three Rivers, Nov. 4, 1698, Margaret Duguay dit Marentette, daughter of Jacques Duguay dit Marentette, and Jane Baudry dit St. Martin. Their youngest child, Francis Godet dit Marentette was born in Montreal, March 6, 1720. On Sept. 8,1755, he married in Detroit Jane Parent, daughter of Laurence Parent and Jane Cardinal. The fourth of their thirteen children was Dominic Francis Godet dit Marentette, who was born in Sandwich, May 16, 1763. He married, Oct. 20, 1788, Mary Louisa Robert Navarre, daughter of Robert Navarre and Mary Louisa Marsac, for whom see B. H. R., I, 36-37. Dominic Godet was buried in Sandwich, April 22, 1808; Mary Louisa Navarre was buried in Detroit, May 15, 1851. They had nine children; the fifth child was Frances who became the bride of James Askin. Data adapted from Denissen, op. cit. 779 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Reaume has given me a great [deal] of information re- specting my old acquaintances about Sandwich &c &c You have been far more fortunate than we have been on the score of cheapness of things. Flour was selling at 203 the Cw* Rum at 132$ p r Gallon, Butter 1$ Beef1 J4% p r lb Po- tatoes 3$ Bush Salt 1$ Corn 10 & 12$ Bush Maple Sugar from 1/ to 1/3 H x per lb The latter Commodity will fall in price I hope before an opportunity offers for your Quarter —None of the Indians are arrived consequently the moment the Market is open I will procure what you want at the lowest rate its sold at. This letter goes by a dispatch sent by our Commandant & is to return immediately you can write by their return for I have desired them to put ashoren for your Letter. If you possibly can send me half a Doz Sheep in the course of the Summer to S* Josephs draw on me for the amo* thats to say I want 6 Ewes & 1 Ram—I have not tasted Mutten for two Years past & wish much to raise a stock. Per an Express arrived th from York this day I got a letter from John dated the 4 Ulto—he was well & states Mrs McKee being at Robert Hamiltons—The Schoon- ers Scorpion & Tygriss arrived here on the 24th Ult° with Full Cargos of 8Irish Pork & Flour for the Garrison. The[y] had 18 M° Pro on the Island before this last Supply arrived & as we have to leave this & settle an other place there will not be too much to treat our Indian allies with. I learn that there is a number of Pedlars on Board the Mink & Mary with Whisky for Trade. I really am afraid they have been rather premature in coming to this before the Indians have been spoken to & fully satisfied as to the mode of their future dependance I trust in God that no accident may happen to any of the poor Wretches—Per the opportunity that takes the sheep I request you will send a good breeding Sow wth Pig & young Boar, there is not any to be had at this place. The Indians destroyed all that was on the Island fortunately I saved two Cows & one horse. Since Gen1 Harrison took Amherstburg I have only wrote you two Letters I dare not venture any more being fearful that they might have Fallen into the Enemys hands & have caused your being suspected of carrying on a Correspond- ance & proven injurious to yourself & family—By the York Express which arrived this day I'm sorry to learn that the 780 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS New Found land Reg* is to go down by the Grande River, our adopted Daughter Theresse who was married to Ensign OBrien of that Reg* will have to go down with her Husband. Its a great pity their route was not via Amherstburg it would have afforded her an opportunity of seeing some of her Friends. When an opportunity offers to her Uncles the Roberts or Roberre have the goodness to desire them to notify Theresses Father of his Daughters marriage with a decent Sober & well educated Young man, who was for- merly in the Comrn0 & volunteered his Services to Sackets Harbour—on his having distinguished himself as a brave man got a Com11 he is a distant relation of M rs England69 born in Lymerick Ireland has a Brother at Kingston L* in the Field train at 15/ p r day & an other Brother Lieu* in the Royal Navy at Home— "%. "%. >£. ^c yfi ^c ^* 6 0 Your dutiful Son Jn° Askin Jr * * * * * * *61 John Askin Esquire Strabane Endorsed: Mich: May 1 st 1815 Jn° Askin Jun r to Jn° Askin Senior Recvd ye 11 th & Answd ye 15th Recvd May 11 FROM ALEXANDER HENRY TO JOHN ASKIN Montreal 9 th May 1815 My dear Old Friend It is three days since I had the pleasure of receiving yours of the 21 February, where could it have been so long on the road. I think before this we should have a regular post to your place, but you have been so long separated from us that your place is forgoten, 59 Wife of Colonel Richard England, last British commandant of Detroit. See B. H. R., I, 444. Mrs. England was a daughter of James O'Brien of Ennistyen, a cadet of the family of the Marquis of Thomond. Die. Nat. Biog. According to 0 . M. Spencer, Ensign Edward James O'Brien of the Detroit garrison in 1792, who is noted ante was a brother of Mrs. England. 60 The paragraph here omitted conveys greetings to various relations and friends. 61 A postscript, here omitted, concerns trivial personal matters. 781 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS however we are blessed with another peace, which I hope may continue, as long as I live, but we live in a time that such Wonderfull things happens, that we cannot say what may come to pass. Boneparts return to France, will cause another General War in Europe, which I am afraid will extend to America, as they do not approve of the peace. I received a letter a few day[s] ago from our old friend Todd. he was then at Bath taking the Mineral Waters, and says if his leg gets better he will return to this Country, as he has no friends in any other. I expect he will come by New York. It is not only him whom old Age deprives of friends. I must say that I experience every day the want of Old acquaintance, they are all Dead, there is only one alive in Montreal that was here when I came. I know but very few. what do you think of our Beaver Club which com- menced in 1786 and consisted of 16 member[s], and I the only one alive, our late Friend McGill was the last, and a great loss he was to Montreal, he allways continued friendly to the last, and was much regreted. I was happy to hear he was so friendly to you. his sudden Death de- prived him of doing more good to those who wanted it. several who he mentiond to me shortly before his death— forrs he chad no idea of going off half an hour before 62 he died. M M Gill is left comfortable, but young Deriviere will it is said have £60.000. My dear friend are we never to meet in this World. I think it would do you much good to come down. Could I be spared from my business I would go on purpose to say we Meet once more. Old Age should not prevent me having that pleasure, but necessity at my time of rslife obliges me to be attentive in procuring Necessarys. M Henry & my Daught[er] Julia has enjoyd uncommon Health. I have only one Daughter & one son living one was killd in the North west the other died in the West Indies, being a Midshipman in the Navey. we are subject to many misfortunes in the world, but our hope is that we will be more happy in the next, the great Ruler of the World orders all for the Best, we must depend on him for our suport in this life, and hope for his protection in the Next, where you & I may meet in these regions of Happiness 6x Francois DesRivieres, eldest son of Mrs. McGill by her first marriage. 782 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS in the Next, that period must soon come, it gives me great pleasure to hear you and M rs Askin enjoy Health, and that you have Escaped the ravages of War. poorMrs McKee sufferd much while she was here with her unfortunate Husband, he had no command over himself. Continualy deranged with Liquor, if he had lived, Government could have no ralyance on him. I wish she was with you. I sent by M r McIntosh, a keg with some Tea Coffee & Sugar for you, and have never heard from him what he has done with it. I wish you would enqure of him, as I supose he sold it not suposing while the war continued to be able to convey it to you. as the communication is now open I hope to hear from you frequently, with the most sincere wishes & prayers of me & Mine for you M rs Askin & all yours— remain ever My dear Askin your old freind Alexander Henry N B enclose a Newspaper with all the News. Addressed: John Askin Esquire Sandwich Detroit Endorsed: r Montreal 9 th May 1815 Alexander Henry Esq to Jn° Askin. DEATH OF JOHN ASKIN Ma tres Cher Mere: Voira Combien je me suis faite de resolutions enfin de prandre ma plume pour lui offrire les conssolations que sa situation afligent demande, mais que vous dire—je ma plume refuse de trass6 ce que je voudroit exprimer, oui ma tres chere et aflige mere parsonne ne sens plus le poix de votre malleur que nous, vous avez pardu le plus Cherri des mari et nous avont perdu le plus tendre des pere, nos larmes ne nous le rendera pas, il faut done se soumettre a la volonte de bon dieu, il vous la voit donne et il lui a plut de le reprandre. Console vous done ma chere mere il vous unira encore une fois, dans cet ter Celeste ou vous ne sere jamais Separr6, voyez combien le dieu de bonte vous a menag6 dans votre afflixition il vous la flesse" jusqua ce que vos enfans pouvoit aller vous joindre pour vous consoler dun malleur dans le quel il participe auten 783 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS que vous mon cher John est presque inconsolable viola trois mois quil enticipoit ce fatal Coup la dernierre lettre a ett6 regu avec des larmes de joie il avoit esperence de le voir jusqua quel-que jours pass6 quil a vue quil etoit im- possible pour lui de descendre enfin une melancolie senpara de lui et il me disoit que jamais il ne voirait son pere cetoit pourtan la Seule Chose quil demandoit a dieu, mais quil sentoit quel-que malleur il y-avoit trois jours quil navoit presque pas mange quant la Barque est arrive qui nous aprit le malleur quil avoit si longtems prevu. il ne pui pas ecrire et il ma prie de tacher de la faire je crains que vous aur6 auten de peine a le lire que jai a lecrire ce nait quau traver de mes larmes que je tache de vous offrire du con- solation que nous sommes priv6 dans cet endroit ou nous avont que des etrangers que non pas la consideration de Iess6 un home deux heurs chez lui nenporte dans quel affixtion il puise etre tel est sa situation et il faut quil se soumet adieu ma chere mere que le bon dieu vous benise ainssi que mes frere et soeur est la prierre de votre affec- tion^ fille Madelaine Askin Addressed: Madame Askin. Strabane, Par Captn Keith [note in another writing under address] a Mocok Sugar for M rs Askin Translation My dearest Mother: How many times have I had it in mind to take up my pen and offer you the consolation due to your great sorrow. But what can I say? My pen refuses to trace the words I wish to express. Yes, dearest, afflicted Mother, no one can appreciate the weight of your sorrow more than we. You have lost the most beloved of husbands and we the tenderest of fathers. Our tears will not bring him back to us, and we must then submit to the will of Almighty God. He gave him to us and it has pleased Him to take him back. Console yourself then, dearest Mother. He will bring you together again in that blessed land where you will never be separated. See with what love He has spared you in your affliction. He had compassion for you 784 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS that it came only when your children could be with you to comfort you in a grief which He feels as much as you. My dear John is almost inconsolable. For three months now he has anticipated this fatal blow. The last letter was received with tears of joy. Up to quite recently he had hoped to see him. Then at last he realized that it was im- possible for him to go down and he was beside himself with grief. He said to me that he would never see his father. Nevertheless it was his only prayer, but how oppressed he was with some trouble. For three days he has not eaten, then came the boat that brought us the painful intelligence he has so long foreseen. He can not write and has begged me to try to do so, but I fear you will have as much difficulty to read it as I have to write. It is only through my tears that I try to offer you any comfort. How alone we are in this place! Only strangers about us who are not thoughtful enough to leave a man to himself even for two hours, no matter how great his sorrow. That is his situation and he must bear it. Adieu, dearest Mother. May God bless you and my dear brothers and sisters is the prayer of your affectionate daughter, Madelaine Askin Addressed: Madam Askin, Strabane, by Captain Keith63 WILL OF JOHN ASKIN 64 1—I commit my soul to Almighty God hoping through the merits and sufferings of his dearly beloved son our Saviour Jesus Christ to partake of happiness everlasting in the world to come. 2—I commit my body to the dust from whence it came to be buried in such manner as my directions to Doctor Richardson will show, avoiding all unnecessary expenses and vain pomp. 63 Captain William Keith, probably at this time skipper of the schooner Tiger. He lived for some years in Detroit, where for a time (prior to 1823) he was commander of the revenue cutter A. J. Dallas. In 1821, he was one of a committee of seven citizens of Wayne County appointed to promote the candidacy of Judge Woodward for the delegacy in Con- gress. See Mich. Pio. Colls., passim, and entries in Solomon Sibley papers. 64 Reprinted from an exemplified copy, filed, Oct. 6, 1891, in the Probate Court of Wayne County (P. C. File 16980). The original document was admitted to the Surrogate Court of Essex County, Ont., Dec. 5, 1815, and was recorded in L. 169, p. 102, P. R. 785 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS 3—After my funeral charges and other expenses incurred during my sickness are paid I next desire that all debts due by me in law or equity be honestly and fairly discharged. 4—That the remainder of my property of every kind or nature whatever, real, personal or mixed whether in upper Canada, the United States of America, or any other country or place whatsoever becomes the property of my dear wife Archange Askin during her widowhood and while she lives as such for her use and at her entire disposal without her or her property being answerable in many manner for what she may have done with the same, whether employed for the purpose of relieving any of my children who may fall into distress or any other purpose she may think necessary, knowing her sentiments relative to those in distress and almost every other matter to correspond with mine. 6—and lastly: I constitute and appoint my dear wife, Archange Askin my sole executrix to put this my last will and testament in force according to the true intent and meaning thereof, judging it unnecessary to nominate or appoint any other executor, knowing I have many relatives and friends capable, willing and ready to assist her if necessary and being at the same time persuaded that none of my children nor their husbands will find fault or oppose what have willed to be done. 7—This article should have been inserted before I will the whole of my property of every kind whatever that may remain at the death of my wife to be equally divided between the whole of my children without exception and if any of them should die before my wife his or her share to be equally divided between his or her children, or if there are none to her or his husband or wife and in default of all these such share to go to my surviving children in equal proportions. 8—In order that it may not hereafter be doubted that this will contains my real intentions, and I have written it with my own hand and signed and sealed it at Strabane near Sandwich this eleventh day of Nov. 1808. 786 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS Codicil Dated—1811. I John Askin of Strabane near Sandwich in the Western District of Upper Canada do make this Codicil as part of my will and testament that is to say that the whole of my late Catherine Askins children whether Robertsons or Hamiltons are to have equally amongst them their late mothers share which is the same as any of her brothers or sisters and not before fully expressed in the 7th article of my will it being only said then that such of my children who died before my wife that his or her children should have her or his share whereas I should have said and it was my intention that the children of any of my children though they might have died before I made my will was on the same footing as the children of those who died after. CONDITIONS AT ST. JOSEPH65 St Joseph aout 4 1815 Ma tres Cher Mere nous somes dans une si grandes Confusion que apeine puije trouv6 un moment pour vous adresse quel-que ligne—voila quinze Cens sauvages que mon Cher John habille depuis que nous somes arrivez ici et il en arrive encore tous les jours imagine vous come je suis tourmant6 la maison ne vide pas, et come nous some les seule ici consequamant tous les allant et les venant rest a dine" avec nous nous navons pas encore dejunne seule et nous navont jamais moins de quatres ou cinq parsonne a din6 avec nous, enfm je nait pas encore n^toyez ma maison ni d6pact6 le tier de mon butains, ainssi vous ne ser6 pas surprise de ne pas recevoir les sarvi6tte que je me proposoit de vous envoyez car je ne sait pas ou il sont, je crains que nous parderont du butains car il mouille si souvent et la maison et les hangard sont si humide que tous moizi—notres Com- mandant rend le sarvice si p6nible que apeine les parsonne peuve r6sist6 il afait pardre lesprit a M r Monck notre Com- misaire de tel fagon quil ses en alle dans le bois le 28 du mois pass6 et il na pas ette retrouv6 que hier ausoire je crois que 65 From the original manuscript in the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. 787 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS mon Cher John navoit pas moins de deux cens sauvages employez pour le Cherche et apres tous ces un soldat quil la trouvai, le pauvre home est bien doux ces suelement ses afaire qui le d6range il a ten fait de chose sur des ordres verbal pour eviter de se cr61e avec la Commandant et apres tous il ne pouvoit pas le Contente, et sa lui a derange lesprit jai 6tte oblig6 darett6 decrire pour recevoir ce pauvre M r Monck de celui que je vient de vous ecrire il na pas lesprit derange mais il est melancolie et il a la vue bien egarr6 et il paroit etre dans une grande Inqui6tude il a dit quil a souvent vue les sauvages mais quil les a toujours 6vit6 il est venu me voir jai reusit a le fair mange une bouch6 il la fait seule- ment pour moblig6, car parsonne ne pouvoit le fair mange sa me Surprand apres avoir ette sept jours sans avoir prit aucune nouriture que de leau, il vas a ses afair come avant, jesper que le Colonel le fera descendre ces un bon home je crains quil ne reviendra jamais de cet melancolie, sa paroit etre dans la famille il y a un de ses frere qui ses tue avec un pistolet il y a quel qu'annee—et ces evident quil vouloit se Iess6 mourir car devant que de partir il avoit 6crit sa lettre d'adieu il navoit auc'une armes avec lui mais je supose quil vouloit se lesse mourir de faim car quant le soldat la trouv6 il na pas voulet sen v6nir se sont les oficir quil Ion amene, il a bien megrit mais il na pas pardu sa force—il faut que je iinise car voila encore quelqu'un qui vienne fait moi done le plaisir de dire a therese que si je peu je lui dcrire devant que cet Barque parte et si elle part trop vite il faudra quel mexcuse jusqua la premierre occation—fait lui sii vous plait mes amitie ainssi qua Allice et mes frere adieu ma cher mere que le bondieu vous Benise est la prierae de votre affectionne Madelaine Askin Translation St. Joseph, August 4, 1815 My dearest Mother: We are in such confusion that I can scarcely find a moment to write you a line. You might have seen fifteen hundred Indians that my dear John has clothed since we arrived here and still they come, every day. You 788 JOHN ASKIN PAPERS can imagine how I am plagued with them. The house is never empty and as we are the only people here everyone coming and going stops to dine with us. Not once have we been alone at breakfast and there are never less than four or five with us for dinner. In fact I have not had time to unpack a third of our things, so you will not be surprised that you have not received the napkins I promised to send you for I do not know where they are. I am afraid that we shall lose some of our stuff. There is so much rain that the house and sheds are damp and things get mouldy. Our Commandant66 makes the service so hard that scarcely anyone can stand it. He has driven Mr. Monck,67 the commissary, crazy. On the 28 of last month he went off into the woods and was not found until yesterday even- ing. My dear John must have had two hundred Indians out hunting for him, and after all it was a soldier who found him. The poor man is quite harmless. It is only his work that bothers him, and he tried to have things done by verbal orders so as not to conflict with the Commandant, but nothing proved satisfactory and it affected his mind. I have had to stop writing to receive poor Mr. Monck. What I said about him being crazy is not true. He is melan- choly and looks very wild and seems to be in great trouble. He says that he often saw the Indians but that he hid from them. He came to see me and I have succeeded in persuad- ing him to eat a mouthful. He did it just to oblige me for no one else has been able to make him eat—strange, too, after having been seven days with nothing but water. He is going on with his work as usual but I hope the Colonel will send for him to go down. He is a good man. I am afraid he will never recover from this melancholy. It seems to be in the family. One of his brothers shot himself some years ago, and he evidently intended killing himself for he left a farewell letter. He had no weapons and perhaps thought he would starve to death, for when the soldier found him 66 This was Lieutenant Colonel Robert McDouall of the Eighth Regiment, command- ant at Mackinac from the spring of 1814 until the evacuation the following year. Although Mrs. Askin's letter is written at St. Joseph, the garrison was almost immediately established on Drummond Island, where it remained until 1828. See Mich. Pio. Colls., passim, espec- ially XVI, 714. 67 G. W. Monck, assistant deputy commissary general at Mackinac from June, 1815, until the removal of the garrison to Drummond Island. See ibid., XVI and XXIII, passim. 789 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS he would not come until the officers went and got him. He is very thin but not weak. I must stop for there is another person coming. Please say to Therese that if I can I shall write to her before this vessel sails, but if it goes too soon for me she must excuse me until the next opportunity. Give her my love, also Alice and my brothers. Adieu, dear Mother, may God bless you is the prayer of Your Affectionate Madelaine Askin. BURIAL OF JOHN ASKIN JR. Sandwich 2d February 1820 Madam Enclosed is an account for four yards Black Cloth, furnished for the purpose of making a Pall, for your late Husband.67 the Pall was deposited with me by M r James Askin, & can be had on application. I am Madam Your very humble Serv* James W. Little68 Estate of the Late d John Askin D r To James W Little 1820 January 3 To 4 yards of Black Cloth furnished for a Pall to M r J9 Askin 68/ S 13 12 New Yk Currcy Sandwich 2d February 1820 Addressed: M rs Askin Amherstburg 67 John Askin Jr. died in Amherstburg, Jan. 1, 1820, and was buried in Sandwich, January 3. Burial certificate in St. John's Church Register. 68 James W. Little was the fourth child of John Little and his wife Elizabeth, for whom see B. H. R., I, 305, and a brother of Eleanor Little, wife of John Kinzie, for whom see ibid., 305-306. James Little was a resident and merchant of Sandwich in the period subsequent to the War of 1812. On Jan. 4, 1819, he married there Catherine McGregor of Sandwich, daughter of John and Mary (or Martha) McGregor. A daughter, Jane, was born to them, Oct. 5, 1819. See St. John's Church Register, and Burton, Forsyth-Kinzie- Little genealogy. 790 INDEX INDEX ABBOTT, , share of money due AIDE, Jean Baptiste, dit Crequi, sketch, Miamis Co., 419, 440, 477-78, 519. 464. ABBOTT, James, I, mentioned, 254-55; AINSE, Joseph Louis, sketch, 173. money due Miamis Co., 137, 503-504; AINSE, Sarah (Sally), sketch, 101. sketch, 113; death, 310. See also ALAIN, Mary Ann, wife of Jean Baptiste Miamis Co. Beaugrand, sketch, 727, ABBOTT, James, II, sketch, 254; share of ALAIN, Pierre, mentioned, 727. money due Miamis Co., 489-90; land ALEXANDER of Russia, battle with commissioner, 705. See also Miamis Napoleon, 510. Co. ALLAN, , mentioned, 488, 561, 585. ABBOTT, James Whistler, birth, 255. ALLAN, Ebenezer, letters, 157, 297-98; ABBOTT, Mary, wife of William Hands, sketch, 157-58; recommended to Henry, mentioned, 112. 196; offers to buy Cuyahoga Purchase ABBOTT, Robert, mentioned, 133, 254; shares, 297-98; suit against, 612; petitions to create Territory of Michi- prisoner, 711-12. gan, 455. ALLAN, Capt. James, sketch, 264; assists ABERCROMBY, Sir Ralph, sketch, 352. at Dr. Harffy's funeral, 377. ACHIN, Andrew, mentioned, 189. ALLAN, William, mentioned, 308; sketch, ACHIN, Francis, dit Catin, I, sketch, 189. 300. ACHIN, Francis, dit Catin, II, identified, ALLCOCK, Judge Henry, sketch, 260; 189. returned to office, 302; fails of re- ACHOAKIGIQUE, signs deed, 11. election, 351; in England, 442; chief ACT for the Relief of Persons Imprisoned justice of Lower Canada, 506. for Debt, 319. ALLEGRAIN, Mary Joseph Charlotte, ACT of April 25, 1808, 603. wife of Louis Vesina, sketch, 279-80. ADAMS, sketch, 695. ALLEN, , mentioned, 520; debt to ADHEMAR, Mary Joseph, dit St. Martin, Askin, 34. wife of Alexis Laframboise, sketch, 225. ALLEN, Deodat, marriage, 496. ADHEMAR, Patrick, sketch, 428. ALLEN, Susan Randolph, wife of Charles ADHEMAR, Toussaint Anthony, dit St. Jouett, sketch, 472. Martin, mentioned, 225, 345-46, 428; ALLISON, Susanne, wife of Philippe letter, 36-37; sketch, 37; business rela- Aubert de Gaspe, sketch, 306-307. tions with Gamelin, 150, 282-84; debt ALLISON, Capt. Thomas, sketch, 306-307. to Askin, 367. ALOIRE (Alloir, Aloir, etc.), Jean Bap- ADYE, Lt. Ralph Willet, sketch, 540. tiste, dit Lapierre, sketch, 532. AGOA, signs deed, 12. ALOIRE, Marie Magdelene, birth, 532. AGRICULTURE, celery, 147, 472, 572, 605- AMBROISE, , lawsuit, 379. 606; potatoes, 211-12, 572, 605-606; AMERICAN Fur Co., rivalry with British, pumpkins, 337; roses, 337; Spanish 500. beans, 337; hemp, 353-55, 596; cotton, 408-409; clover, 436-37, 605-606; tim- AMHERST, Jeffrey, Baron, signs capitula- othy, 436-37, 605-606; oxen used for tion of French, 273-74. plowing, 480; harvest, 527; raspberries, ANCRUM, Maj. William C , Moravian 554; prickly ash, 555; spruce, 565; land claims, 309-10, 327-29, 664-66; cherries, 565; pine, 565; cabbage, 572, sketch, 310; letter, 327-29. 605-606; turnips, 572, 605-606; cran- ANCRUM, Mrs. William, mentioned, 310. berries, 578, 584; apple trees, 583-84, ANDERSON, John, mentioned, 327, 370, 605-606; echallots, 584; garlic, 584; 648; letters, 134, 267, 362-63; sketch, tree onion, 584, 605-606; currants, 723. See also Anderson, John, and Co. 597-98; grapes, 597-98; beets, 605-606; ANDERSON, John, and Co., activities, 62- carrots, 605-606; cucumbers, 605-606; 64, 134, 159-61, 237-38, 292, 334, 362- melons, 605-606; oats, 605-606; radi- 63, 380, 390-91. shes, 605-606; spinach, 605-606; huckle- ANDREWS, Colin, mentioned, 219. berries, 609; corn produces two crops, ANDREWS, Elizabeth, wife of Capt. 695. James Andrews, mentioned, 19. AGUE, mentioned, 753. ANDREWS, Capt. James, sketch, 19. AIDE, Cecilia, dit Crequi, wife of George ANQUEQOAD, signs deed, 12. Cottrell, mentioned, 464. ANIGROTHE (Anicratte), Jean, men- AIDE, Jean, dit Crequi, sketch, 464. tioned, 323. 793 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS ANNE MARY (Molly), Moravian Indian, veyor, 512; letters, 527-30, 547-48, debts, 336. 567-68, 595-96, 697-99, 703-704, 735-42, ANNETTE, wrecked, 148-49, 174-76; sal- 750-60, 763-68; captain of militia, 567; vaged, 255-56. manager of Hamilton estate, 637; ANTAYA, Angelica Peltier dit, see Peltier, journal during War of 1812, 711-29, Angelica, dit Antaya. 774-76. ARMSTRONG, John, carpenter partner- ASKIN, Ellen Phyllis (Nelly), wife of ship, 50-51. Richard Pattinson, mentioned, 88, 131, ARMY, militia: duty, 67-68; arms, 70; 174, 378, 388, 486, 488, 499, 517, 529, shortage of officers, 78-80; regulations, 537, 554, 577, 743, 769; tuition, 357; 179-80, 240-41, 546, 552-53, 595; com- land claim, 520; marriage, 600, 604; missions, 308, 548-49; uniforms, 521- death, 773, 776, 778. 22; meeting at church time, 563-64, ASKIN, James, Sr., father of John Askin, 587; mustered, 565-66, 585-86; dis- 341. missed, 597; preparedness measures, ASKIN, James, mentioned, 352, 486, 499, 703; regular army: drinking, 165; 551, 554-55, 565, 577, 596, 600, 609, desertion, 316-18; pay, 635, 644. See 628, 631, 639, 664, 671, 676-77, 699, also War of 1812. 751, 756, 770, 790; tuition, 155, 357; ARPENT, denned, 512. land, 449; letters, 537-40, 566-67, ARTELL, , mentioned, 315. 748-49; captain of militia, 710; service ASKIN, Adelaide (Alice), wife of Elijah in War of 1812, 731; marriage, 779. Brush, mentioned, 88, 112, 174, 185, ASKIN, Jean Baptiste (Johnny), men- 193, 211, 214, 281, 301, 344, 352, 374, tioned, 378, 554, 565, 572, 574, 585, 378, 385, 410, 459, 461, 480, 486, 488, 590, 605, 627, 630-31, 640, 646, 655- 499, 517, 529, 539, 542, 566, 581, 584, 66, 689, 770, 773, 780; sketch, 342; 609, 657, 677-78, 708, 729, 743, 763, imprisoned, 576-77; assistant com- 773, 778, 790; fashions, 128; sketch, missary and barrack-master, 636, 643; 370; land claims, 520, 623; garden, letter, 651-52; Mississippi expedition, 598; letter, 769. 658, 661, 669, 688, 691, 694; salary, ASKIN, Alexander David, mentioned, 697; service in War of 1812, 728, 731. 111, 378, 459, 480, 486, 499, 511, 520, ASKIN, John, mentioned, 30, 57, 59, 60, 529, 540, 551, 577, 582, 609, 628, 658- 83-84, 86, 88-89, 97, 102, 118, 129, 131, 59, 644, 677, 708, 739, 750-51, 756; 157, 258, 301, 499-500, 528, 691, 693, tuition, 155, 357, 426; sketch, 243; 721, 723, 763; land: speculation, 5-8, witness, 533; studies law with Brush, 27-28, 68-70, 101-102, 144-47, 166-68, 556, with Elliott, 600; letters, 599-601, 297-98, 311-12, 320, 330, 333, 453-54, 675-76, 770; service in War of 1812, 470-71, 508, holdings, 16-17, 39-41, 710, 728, 731, 735; visits Mackinac, 102-104, 176, 197-200, 309-11, 327-29, 761-63; ague, 769. 395-96, 448-49, 459-61, 484, 512, 530- ASKIN, Archange, wife of David Meredith, 33, 613, 619-20, 622, 676-77, claims, mentioned, 105, 107, 118, 139, 174, 29, 122-24, 161-63, 238-39, 300-301, 250-51, 428, 521, 523, 528, 708, 742- 314, 446-47, 526-27, 647-48, 658, 664- 43; letters, 57-60, 71-74, 83-90, 95-98, 66, plea for Crown lands, 90-91, cer- 127-29, 183-85, 491-92, 541-43; hus- tificates, 223, 228-29, 232-37, 241-42, band's death, 626-27; financial aid 245-46, 307-309, 496-98, U. S. ruling from John Askin Jr., 635, 643, from on claims, 472-74; sketch, 8-10; Todd, 706; financial difficulties, 639-40, executor for: Askwith, 15-16, Weston, 642-43. 25, Knaggs, 119-20, Harffy, 376; ASKIN, Catherine, wife of Samuel attorney for: Bird, 19-21, Adhemar, Robertson (first), and Robert Hamil- 36-37, Hembrow, 77; letters, 22-23, 29, ton (second), mentioned, 58, 73, 87, 46-50, 65-68, 78-80, 100-102, 120-23, 599, 719; death, 96, 174; children 144-47, 150, 156, 159-68, 171-72, 176, inherit from Askin, 787. 179-80, 187-90, 195-96, 203-209, 212- ASKIN, Charles, mentioned, 260, 332, 336, 14, 218, 224-25, 227-29, 231-33, 245-48, 352, 378, 380, 388, 390, 480, 486, 494, 260-63, 274, 279-87, 292-93, 300-301, 498-99, 526, 583, 609, 626, 628, 645, 307-10, 312-20, 327, 329-30, 333, 338- 662, 668, 674, 677-78, 731, 743, 770; 39, 341-42, 347-49, 354, 360, 369-74, education, 155-56, 353, 357; sketch, 378-80, 385-87, 390-92, 395-96, 403- 211; agent for Robertson, 427; witness, 407, 409-13, 426-28, 434-35, 439-40, 448; land, 449, 664; business ventures, 453-54, 459-67, 469-76, 478-84, 496-98, 466-67, 469, 482, 525, 668-69; sur- 501-503, 507-15, 519-21, 526-27, 545- 794 INDEX 49, 551-53, 564, 581-82, 611-13, 619-20, death of father, 785; death and funeral 622-24, 626-28, 637-44, 646-48, 656-59, expenses, 790. 662-66, 670-72, 686-88, 704-10, 772-74; ASKIN, John Alexander, marriage, 562. business relations: North West Co., ASKIN, Julia, mentioned, 697, 733; 24-25, money due, 33-35, 207, Todd identified, 671. and McGill, 40-42, 64-67, 135, 144-47, ASKIN, Madelaine, wife of Robert Rich- 160, 176-78, 314, 459-61, 465, 467, 505, ardson, mentioned, 58, 73, 87, 96, 129, 514, 611-15, 624, 646-48, McTavish, 209-10, 278, 574, 590, 686, 705, 748; Frobisher and Co., 66, Vincennes, 99- Crown lands, 90; letter, 131-32; mar- 100, 136-37, 182-83, 201-203, 253-54, riage, 174; at St. Joseph, 355-56, 368; 279-85, 344-47, 367-68, 396-98, 410-11, death, 675-76, 678, 693. 413-14, 439-40, 489-90, 503-504, 621- ASKIN, Therese, wife of Thomas McKee, 24, 651, shipping: ferry, 129-30, An- mentioned, 29, 46-49, 52, 57-60, 65, 73, nette, 148-49, 174-76, 255-56, Sagui- 84, 90, 96, 98, 107, 109-10, 118, 129, nah, 333, 370-71, 379-80, 399-401, 135, 173, 183, 209, 218, 318, 352, 422, 445, 481, 495, Robert Hamilton, 148- 508, 517, 539, 541, 639, 671, 676, 679, 49, 245-47, 289-90, Daly, 152-53, 165- 721, 747, 756, 763, 768, 772, 776, 779- 66, U. S. government, 163-64, logging, 80, 783; sketch, 102; marriage, 127; 186-88, 208-209, Bond and Dodemead, letters, 111-12, 742-44, 769. 196-97, Charles Morison, 214-15, 225- ASKIN, Therese, wife of Ensign 26, salt spring, 221, 228, Traxellar, 262- 63, Thomas Smith, 285-89, Mackinac, O'Brien, mentioned, 590, 697, 733; 290-91, Cartwright, 313, distillery, identified, 670-71; marriage, 781. 314, 361, debts, 339-40, 459-61, 465, ASKWITH, John, sketch, 14; estate, 14-16, 481-83, 505, 581-82, mercantile specu- 34, 99-100; land speculation, 27-28. lations, 707-708, see also Anderson, ASOGOUW, signs deed, 12. John, and Co., Ft. Maiden, McGill, ASSOGOUA, signs deed, 12. James and Andrew, and Moravian ASSUMPTION Church (Sandwich), men- Mission; friendship with Col. England, tioned, 101. 47-53; militia service, 67-68, 78-80, ASTOK, John Jacob, organizes South 179-80, 522, 552-53, 565-66, 570-71, West Co., 37, 554; fur trade, 275, 653. 585-86, 597, 619; Strabane, 71, 317, ATWATER, Catherine, mentioned, 647. 347-48, 373; loyalty to England, 120- ATWATER, Clinton Edward, mentioned, 21, 707, 709-10; education of children, 647. 155-56, 294, 357; philosophy, 167-68, ATWATER, Reuben, I, mentioned, 647. 514, 640; employees, 206, 607-608; ATWATER (Attwater), Reuben, II, sketch, public offices, 257, 370, 374, 444, 545, 647; collector of customs, 666-67; land 683; relatives, 341; wedding anniver- commissioner, 705. sary, 471; church affiliation, 549, 563- ATWATER Street (Detroit), named, 647. 64; education, 743; Harrison's safe AUBERT de Gaspe, Philippe, sketch, 307. conduct, 769-70; death, 784-85; will, AUDRAIN, Margaret, wife of George Hoff- 785-87. man (first), and Col. Samuel Wells ASKIN, John, Jr., mentioned, 46, 73, 79, (second), sketch, 27. 88, 98-99, 129, 145-46, 160, 204, 255, AUDRAIN, Peter, mentioned, 27, 77, 121, 265, 338, 389, 520, 552, 599; land 194, 475; public offices, 8, 104, 119-20, speculation, 5-8, 27-28, 68-70, 234, 142-44, 472, 705; sketch, 14; witness, 564-65, 636, 664-66; witness, 64, 153; letter, 580-81; friendship for 448-49; Chippewa grant, 102-104; Askin, 580; signs petition, 682. letters, 140-41, 550-51, 553-55, 565-66, 568-70, 572-74, 577-78, 583-85, 588-94, BABY, , mentioned, 64, 123, 232, 234, 604-10, 628-31, 635-37, 644-46, 648-50, 378, 486, 502-503, 510, 512, 645, 718; 655-56, 659-62, 668-73, 678-79, 688-89, land, 241, 497; property seized by 694-97, 731-34, 770-72, 779-81; busi- Hull, 710. ness, 174, 627, 630-31, 633, 639-46, BABY, Francois, mentioned, 651, 772; 691-92; collector of customs at Am- sketch, 67; letters, 67, 585-86; militia herstburg, 348, 379; at St. Joseph, 369, duty, 67-68, 70, 78-80, 350-52, 565-66, 398-99, 534, 545, 550-51, 553-55, 606, 585-87; magistrate, 357-58. 629, 636, 638, 761-62, 788-89; financial BABY, Jacques, dit Duperon, mentioned, aid to Archange, 635, 643; quarrel 651, 684, 773; marriage, 733. with: Dawson, 652, 655-56, Cawdell, BABY, Jean Baptiste, mentioned, 279, 692-93; capture of Mackinac, 713; 651; sketch, 79; militia rank, 548. 795 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS BABY, Susanne, wife of William Caldwell, BARTHE, Mrs. -, mentioned, 577, 584, mentioned, 34. 699. BABY, Therese, wife of John Casety BARTHE, Charles Andrew, sketch, 533. (first), and Thomas Allison (second), BARTHE, Charlotte, wife of Louis Reaume death, 306; husband's estate, 431-34; (first), and Anthony Louis Descomps sketch, 432. See also Williams and dit Labadie (second), mentioned, 585, Casety. 609, 626, 636, 641, 646, 659-60, 696. BABY house, located, 718. BARTHE, Jean Baptiste, I, mentioned, BACKWELL, William, mentioned, 261, 609; sketch, 722. 264, 268, 273, 334; sketch, 217. BARTHE, Jean Baptiste, II, sketch, 722. BACON (Baken), David, sketch, 312-13; BARTHE, Louis, mentioned, 190, 538-39, commended to Ottawa, 312; tuition 609, 627, 629, 638; work at Pinery, 236. bill, 357; letter, 361-62. BARTHE, Louis Theophile (Louison), men- BACON, Leonard, identified, 313. tioned, 584, 627; sketch, 533. BADICHON, , debt, 555. BARTHE, Marie Archange, wife of John BADICHON, Mrs., see Barthe, Charlotte. Askin, mentioned, 29, 37, 46-49, 52, BADICHON (Badishon, Badischon), An- 57, 65, 73, 102, 107, 109-11, 118, 122, thony Labadie dit, see Labadie, 131-32, 134-35, 137, 140, 182-83, 185, Anthony, dit Badichon. 193, 205, 211, 214-15, 221, 226, 229, BADICHON, Pierre Labadie dit, see 234, 238, 242, 247, 249, 251-52, 259-60, Labadie, Pierre, dit Badichon. 293, 301, 303, 310, 315, 317, 326, 338, BADON, , land claims, 529. 344, 352, 368, 377, 382, 385, 388, 390, BAIRD, Jane, wife of Toussaint Dubois, 393, 395, 398-99, 403, 407-408, 415, sketch, 203. 425, 443, 447, 471, 479, 486, 488, 491- BAISCHE, Charles de la, Marquis de 92, 494, 498, 506, 510, 517, 519, 522, Beauharnois, grants land, 530. 527, 529, 534, 543-44, 547, 550-51, 553, BAKER, Ann, wife of Joseph Eberts, 555, 563, 565, 568, 570, 573-74, 578, sketch, 656-57. 581, 584, 587, 593, 596, 602, 604, 607, BAKER, Asa, mentioned, 774. 622, 626-27, 631, 637-39, 641-42, 646, 652-54, 661, 664, 671, 673, 676, 679, BAKER, William, sketch, 656. 687, 694, 696, 703, 709-10, 722, 732, BALDOON, 404, 446. See also, Douglas, 739, 742, 744, 747, 750, 752, 759, 767, Thomas. 773, 776-77, 779, 783; garden, 228, BANDIGAIKAWA, signs deed, 27. 337, 409, 472, 598; gifts, 353, 677, BANK of Detroit, sketch, 534. 695, 699, 751; illness, 427; Brush farm, BANK of Michigan, organized, 562. 460-61; burned, 678; executrix for BARBEAU, Jane, wife of Jean Baptiste husband, 786. Valle, sketch, 177. BARTHE, Mary Felicity (Phyllis), wife of BARCLAY, Commodore R. H., taken Daniel Mercer, mentioned, 58, 98, prisoner, 769. 127, 139, 184, 492, 523; death of hus- BARKLE, Mary, wife of James Abbott, band, 541. property in Detroit, 479. BARTHE, Therese, wife of Alexander BARON, Michael Catin dit, see Catin, Grant, mentioned, 58, 60, 73, 87, 98, Michael, dit Baron. 117, 337-38, 342, 350, 382, 407, 485- BARROIS, Agatha Lootman dit, see 86, 521, 541, 553, 587; birth of Lootman, Agatha, dit Barrois. daughter, 247; responsibilities, 389; BARROIS, Francois Lootman dit, see rudeness of Brush, 390; illness, 498; Lootman, Francois, dit Barrois. rents farm, 517; visits Askins, 519- BARROIS, Marie Anne Lootman dit, see 20; death, 674, 676. Lootman, Marie Anne, dit Barrios. BARTHELTH, , shoemaker, 459. BARROIS, Mary Lootman dit, see Loot- BARWIS, Capt. , of General Hunter, man, Mary, dit Barrois. mentioned, 696. BARSALOUX, , estate, 622. BASSETT, Maj. Henry, mentioned, 19. BARSTO, , recommended as magis- BATES, , carpenter, 444. trate, 521. BATES, Edward, identified, 256. BARTHE, , mentioned, 73, 209, 213, BATES, Frederick, mentioned, 114; letter, 335-37, 353, 459, 570, 577, 584, 602, 255-56; sketch, 256; judge of Territory 699, 744; land claims, 122-23; militia of Michigan, 456. commission, 338; slave, 357-58; pov- BATES, Tarleton, mentioned, 114. erty, 626; loss of property, 773. BATTLE of: Beaver Dams, 763-68, Cape BARTHE, , Sr., mentioned, 661. Vincent, 97, Fort George, 752-56, 796 INDEX Raisin River, 748-50, Sackett's Har- BELLE ISLE, deeded to the Macombs, bor, 755, Stony Creek, 757-59. 479. BAUDRY, Jane, dit St. Martin, wife of BELLE RIVER, located, 101. Jacques Duguay dit Marentette, men- BELLECOUR, Francis Xavier Trotier dit, tioned, 779. see Trotier, Francis Xavier, dit Belle- BAUDRY, Jean, dit Desbuttes dit St. cour. Martin, mentioned, 193. BELLECOUR, Mary Magdelene Trotier BAUDRY, Mary Archange, dit Desbuttes dit, see Trotier, Mary Magdelene, dit dit St. Martin, wife of Angus Mc- Bellecour. Intosh, mentioned, 368, 578. BELLEPERCHE, Frances, wife of Joseph BAZADONE, Frangois, letter, 408-409. Pouget, mentioned, 260. BAZADONE, Laurent, letter, 650-51; BELLESTRE (Belestre, Bell£tre), Francois sketch, 651. Marie Picote (Piaoutee), Sieur de, BEAGAM, James, buys lot, 533. grants land, 345, 551. BEAUBIEN family, sketch, 114, 683. BELLESTRE, Mary Ann Picote de, wife BEAUBIEN, , mentioned, 370. of Louis Cesaire Dagneau de Quindre, BEAUBIEN, Angelica Cuillerier dit, see mentioned, 123. Cuillerier, Angelica, dit Beaubien. BELLETT, , land claims, 529. BEAUBIEN, Catherine Brillant dit, see BEN, Askin's slave, 582-83. Brillant, Catherine, dit Beaubien. BENALQUE (Benac), Joseph Stephen BEAUBIEN, Catherine Trotier dit, see Porlier dit, see Porlier, Joseph Trotier, Catherine, dit Beaubien. Stephen, dit Benalque. BEAUBIEN, Genevieve Cuillerier dit, see BENDER, Lt. Benoit, identified, 722; Cuillerier, Genevieve, dit Beaubien. service in War of 1812, 725-26. BEAUBIEN, Jean Baptiste Cuillerier dit, BENNET, Moneso, mentioned, 407. see Cuillerier, Jean Baptiste, dit BENOIT, fitienne, dit Livernois, I, sketch, Beaubien. 511. BEAUBIEN (Bobien), Jean Marie, men- BENOIT, fitienne, dit Livernois, II, tioned, 609-10. sketch, 511. BEAUBIEN, Louis Antoine, mentioned, BENOIT, Paul, dit Livernois, sketch, 511. 113; sketch, 114. BENTINCK, William Henry Cavendish, BEAUBIEN, Mary Joseph Cuillerier dit, Duke of Portland, mentioned, 389. see Cuillerier, Mary Joseph, dit Beau- BERGAND, , debt, 345. bien. BERNARD, , service in War of 1812, BEAUFAIT, Louis, sketch, 241. 728; injured, 758. BEAUGRAND, Francis, identified, 726. BERNARD, Alexander, mentioned, 188. BEAUGRAND (Baugran), Jean Baptiste, BERNARD, William, sketch, 188. I, sketch, 726-27. BERNARD, see also, St. Bernard. BEAUGRAND, Jean Baptiste, II, sketch, BERTHELET, Antoine, sketch; 532. 727. BEAUHARNOIS, Marquis de, see Baische, BERTHELET, Francis, marriage, 532. Charles de la. BERTHELET, Francis, dit Savoyard, BEAUREGARD, Mary Frances Davignon sketch, 532. dit, see Davignon, Mary Frances, dit BERTHELET, Henry, dit Savoyard, sketch, Beauregard. 532. BEAVER Club, mentioned, 782. BERTHELET (Berthelot, Berthellet, Ber- BECQUET, Pierre, mentioned, 448. tholott), Jean Baptiste, mentioned, BECQUET, Therese, wife of Isidore 694; sketch, 469-70. Chcne, mentioned, 113; sketch, 448. BERTHELET, Olivier, identified, 532. BELANGER (Bellange), Jean Baptiste, BERTHELET, Pierre, dit Savoyard, sketch, signs document, 682; sketch, 685. 532. BELANGER, Mary Deliennes dit, see BERTHELET, Therese, dit Savoyard, wife Deliennes, Mary, dit Belanger. of Jacques Lacelle, mentioned, 34. BELANGER, Philip, sketch, 685. BERTRAND, Simon, witness, 322-33. BELANGER, Pierre, sketch, 685. BEZER, Jacques, II, sells land, 557. BELANGER, Valentin, sketch, 685. BIGGAR, Mary, wife of Robert Hamilton, BELAIR, Amable Chulle dit, see Chulle, II, marriage, 599. Amable, dit Belair. BIGGS, William, mentioned, 651. BELAIR, Jean Pierre Chulle dit, see BIG KNIFE, mentioned, 538, 663. Chulle, Jean Pierre, dit Belair. BIGRAS, Mary Joseph, dit Fauvel, wife of BELLAIRE, , steals flagpole, 657. Francis Le Beau, mentioned, 133. 797 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS BIGUET, Etienne, dit Nobert, sketch, BONDY, Mary Therese, wife of Gabriel 259. GODFROY, sketch, 562. BIGUET, Jean Baptiste, dit Billet, sketch, BONHOMME (Bonhomne), , men- 259. tioned, 631, 639. BILLET (Billiet), Frangois, mentioned, BONNEAU, Jeanette, wife of Toussaint 261, 264; sketch, 259. Dubois, mentioned, 202. BILLET, Jean Baptiste Biguet, dit, see BORDEAU, Veronica, wife of Simon Biguet, Jean Baptiste, dit Billet. Campau, mentioned, 479. BINEAU (Beneau), Roger, land owner, 41. BOSSERON, Frangois, sketch, 281; estate, BINEAU, Therese, wife of Joseph Valade, 345-46, 367. mentioned, 278. BOSTWICK, Col. Henry, identified, 712. BIRD, Capt. Henry, mentioned, 33; BOUCHER, Margaret, wife of Toussaint sketch, 17; letter, 17-21. Toupin, Sieur Dusault, sketch, 193. BIRD, Henry, witness, 19. BOUCHERVILLE, Lt. Col. Pierre Amable BISHOP, Ann, wife of John Whistler, de, mentioned, 568, 570; sketch, 762. sketch, 362. BOUCHETTE, Jean Baptiste, mentioned, BISHOP, Sir Edward, mentioned, 362. 522, 532. BISSHOPP, Col. Cecil, sketch, 738; serv- BOUCHETTE, Mary Joseph, wife of Henry ice in War of 1812, 740, 753; killed, Berthelet dit Savoyard, sketch, 532. 767. BOUCHETTE, Sophie, wife of William BISSOT, Francis, mentioned, 28. Elliott, sketch, 503. BISSOT, Mary, wife of Claude Porlier, BOUCHETTE, Therese, wife of Thomas sketch, 28. Hypolite Des Rivieres (first), and BLACKWOOD, Thomas, letter, 176-78; Robert Reynolds (second), sketch, 522. trade difficulties, 176-78; sketch, 178. BOULLARD, Jane, wife of Francis Ber- BLAKE, Dr. Charles, mentioned, 21; thelet dit Savoyard, sketch, 532. attorney for Bird, 17-19. BOURBON, House of, hold upon France. BLAKE, Col. John, commands in Mon- BOURGERY, Mary, wife of Louis Robert treal, 65. dit La Pomerais, sketch, 197. BLANEY, Sergt. , service in War of BOURGINIONE, , value of house, 307. 1812, 717. BOYER, , mentioned, 190, 253; buys BLEAKLEY (Blakeley), Josiah, mentioned, house, 778. 202, 216-217, 230; sketch, 569. BOYER, Archange, wife of Joseph Nich- BLEAMIRE, Maj. William Bird, identified, olas Gouin, mentioned, 748. 528. BOYER, Therese, wife of Jean Baptiste BLONDEAU, Genevieve, wife of Toussaint Casse dit St. Aubin (first), and Fran- Adhemar dit St. Martin, mentioned, cois Guillaume Dagneau de Quindre, 37. Sieur de la Picanier (second), sketch, BLONDEAU, Marie Madelaine, wife of 123. Pierre Joseph Celoron de Blainville, BRADLEY, Stephen R., mentioned, 647. sketch, 284. BRADY, Prudence, wife of Richard Smyth, BLUE Jacket, mentioned, 34. sketch, 667. BLUE Jacket, James, mentioned, 743. BRANT, Joseph, sketch, 140; letters, 311- BLUE Jacket, Mary, wife of Jacques 12, 330; Cuyahoga Purchase, 320, 330, Lacelle, sketch, 34. 333. BOATS, value of, 370-71, 399; construc- BRANT, Molly, mentioned, 303, 754. tion, 152-53. See also individual boats. BREVOORT, Henry B., sketch, 695. BOCQUET, Father Simple, mentioned, 32. BREVOORT, Mary Ann, birth, 695. BODIER, Mary, wife of Jacques Gaillard, BREVOORT Farm, origin, 695. identified, 194. BRIAN, , mentioned, 464. BOERSTLER (Bustler), Col. Charles J., BRICKS, price, 197; clay at Ecorse River, service in War of 1812, 764. 288. BOLTON, Col. Mason, mentioned, 19. BRIDPORT, Viscount, see Hood, Alexander. BONAPARTE, Napoleon, mentioned, 151, BRIGHAM, Lucy M., wife of Abraham C. 167, 181, 220, 331, 407, 437, 442, 488- Truax, sketch, 685. 89, 500, 510, 513, 515, 541, 543, 735, BRILLANT, Catherine, dit Beaulieu, wife 782. of Antoine Meny, mentioned, 464, 480. BOND, Lewis, sketch, 196-97. BRILLIAU, Jean Baptiste, dit Lesperance, BOND, William, sketch, 392. mentioned, 323. BOND Lake (Ont.), named, 392. BROCK, Sir Isaac, mentioned, 216, 280, BONDY, , mentioned, 258. 455, 589, 753, 771; sketch, 698; service 798 INDEX in War of 1812, 714-21, 731, 735; BURNS, -, agent for Selkirk, men- death, 721, 747; succeeded by Sheaffe, tioned, 402, 404. 750. BURNS, Col., , mentioned, 602. BROOKS, Cornelia Eleanor, wife of Wil- BURNS, Alexander, sketch, 376. liam Robertson, mentioned, 249; death, BURNS, Dr. David, sketch, 510. 297. BURNSIDE, Dr. I , assistant surgeon BROW, , mentioned, 677. at St. Joseph, mentioned, 670, 695. BROWN, Dr. David, mentioned, 344. BURR, Aaron, mentioned, 480. BROWN, Dr. William, mentioned, 517; BURRELL, , mentioned, 112. sketch, 234-35; money due, 486; debt, BURTON, Gen. , mentioned, 506. 611; signs petition, 682. BRUSH, Alfred E., mentioned, 385. CABAINSE, signs deed, 27. BRUSH, Charles, sketch, 539; death, 543. CADIAU, , debt of Askin, 410. BRUSH, Charles R., marriage, 281; CADONET, Ursula, wife of Jean Baptiste sketch, 539. Cascaguette, mentioned, 627. BRUSH, Edmund Askin, mentioned, 410, CADOTTE family, sketch, 606. 730, 750-51; sketch, 385. CADOTTE, Jean Baptiste, supersedes As- BRUSH, Elijah, mentioned, 281, 327, kin, 606. 380, 385, 390, 409-11, 423, 426, 453, CADWALLADER, Gen. John, mentioned, 481, 485, 488, 490, 495, 499, 514-15, 602. 517, 520, 534, 539, 552, 563, 571, 574, CALASH {caliche), definition, 118. 577, 581-83, 606, 609, 627, 629, 636-38, CALDWELL, , wounded, 776. 653, 658-59, 663, 678, 720, 729, 739, CALDWELL, Thomas, marriage, 34. 756, 773; sketch, 370; characterized, CALDWELL, Col. William, mentioned, 34, 371, 374, 546, 641; attorney for: Askin, 217, 269, 306, 729; sketch, 173; pall- 390-91, 475-76, 513, Henry, 404-405, bearer for Harffy, 376; loss of 2000 500-501, 515, 543-44, 546, 625, Wil- acres, 494; service in War of 1812, liams and Casety, 413-14, 458, 462, 709, 728. 632-33, Warren, 438, Cuyahoga Syndi- CALDWELL, Capt. William (Billy), iden- cate, 470-72, Robertson, 486, Todd and tified, 729. McGill, 545-46, 734; land: holdings, CALLAHAN (Calahan, Callaghan), Hugh, 406, 459-61, 526, 530-33, 633-34, 685, mentioned, 244; sketch, 237-38. claims, 664-66; letters, 440-41, 471-72, CAMDEN, Earl of, see Pratt, John Jeffreys. 497-98, 654-55, 676-77, 729-30, 744; debts, 465, 497, 598, 610-12, 622-23, CAMERON, Duncan, mentioned, 630, 670, 646-47, 676-77, 705, 747; illness, 657, 672, 772; sketch, 589. 743; service in War of 1812, 709, 724, CAMPAU family, sketch, 684. 726, 730, 750-51; death, 776. CAMPAU (Campeau), , mentioned, BRUSH FARM, sale, 459-61, 530-33. 383; sells sugar, 459. BUCKWOOD, , mentioned, 151. CAMPAU, Anthony, mentioned, 188, 511. BUFFALO, skins used, 626, 628, 638, 661. CAMPAU, Jacques, mentioned, 432; BUISSON, Louis, mentioned, 499; yketch, sketch, 684. 292. CAMPAU, Jane, wife of Etienne Benoit BUISSON, Coursolle and Co., debts, 292. dit Livernois, sketch, 511. BULLOCK, Capt. Richard, service in War CAMPAU, Jean Baptiste, mentioned, 14. of 1812, 719, 727; sketch, 771; steals CAMPAU, Jean Louis, mentioned, 684. slave, 772. CAMPAU, Joseph, mentioned, 464; part- BUNBURY, Capt. Joseph, sketch, 326-27. nership with John R. Williams, 383; BUNTON, Robert, mentioned, 138. witness, 434; sketch, 684. BURBANK, Capt. Jesse, mentioned, 564- CAMPAU, Judith, wife of John Grant, 342. 65, 573, 578, 583, 628, 659; sketch, 537. CAMPAU, Mary Archange, wife of John BURGOYNE, Gen. John, mentioned, 362. R. McDougall, sketch, 479-80. BURKE, Father Edmund, mentioned, CAMPAU, Mary Cecilia, wife of Thomas 112; sketch, 32-33; letter, 43. Williams (first), and Jacques Lauzon BURLINGTON BAY, located, 753. (second), sketch, 383, 432; husband's BURNET, Col. , mentioned, 602. estate, 431-34. See also Williams and BURNET, Jacob, letter, 1^2-83; sketch, Casety. 183. , CAMPAU, Mary Joseph, wife of William BURNET, Lt. John, sketch, ^487. Bernard, sketch, 188. BURNET, Dr. William, identified, 183. CAMPAU, Mary Therese, wife of Tous- BURNETT, , mentioned, 254. saint Chgne, sketch, 14. 799 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS CAMPAU, Mary Therese, wife of Charles CELORON de Blainville, Jean Baptiste, Andrew Barthe, sketch, 533. sketch, 284. CAMPAU, Simon, mentioned, 479. CELORON de Blainville, Pierre Joseph, CAMPAU and Williams, established, 383. sketch, 284. CAMPBELL, John, mentioned, 569; iden- CELORON Island, named, 284. tified, 608; duel, 608-609. CHABERT (Shabert), Col. , men- CANTEBURY, Francis, mentioned, 144. tioned, 194. CAOUSA, Charles Cheine dit, see Chene, CHABERT, Daniel de Joncaire de, men- Charles, dit Caousa. tioned, 113; sketch, 101. CARDIN, Francois Louis, notary at CHABERT, Francis de Joncaire de, men- Mackinac, 101-102. tioned, 727; sketch, 113-14; marriage, CARDIN, Veronique, wife of Charles 448. Sanguinet, marriage, 101. CHABERT, Margaret de Joncaire de, wife CARDINAL, Jane, wife of Laurence Par- of Alexis Maisonville, sketch, 101. ent, mentioned, 779; sketch, 683. CHABERT, Margaret de Joncaire de, wife CARLETON, Sir Guy (Lord Dorchester), of Jean Baptiste Beaugrand, II, sketch, mentioned, 19, 48, 220; sketch, 8; 727. Askin's memorial to, 8-10; ship- CHABOILLEZ (Chabouillez), Charles,clerk wrecked, 52. and storekeeper at St. Joseph, 398-99 CARMEL, Antoine Levasseur dit, see 534, 545, 553-54. Levasseur, Antoine, dit Carmel. CHABOILLEZ, Marie Marguerite, wife of CARMEL, Mary Charlotte Levasseur dit, Simon McTavish, sketch, 24. see Levasseur, Mary Charlotte, dit CHABOT, Count , mentioned, 606, Carmel. 608. CARQUEVILLE, Josephte Drouet de, wife CHAMBERS, Maj. Peter Latouche, sketch, of John Porteous, mentioned, 704. 711; service in War of 1812, 712-15, CARTWRIGHT, , mentioned, 232, 238, 717, 721, 723-25, 727-28. CHANAZART, Margaret, wife of Louis 246, 375; land certificate, 241. Gaillard, sketch, 194. CARTWRIGHT, Richard, mentioned, 45, CHANDLER, Gen. John, sketch, 758. 223, 510-11; sketch, 16; letter, 313; CHAPOTON, Catherine, wife of Antoine business with Askin, 144-47, 313; Dequindre, sketch, 684-85. death of son, 699; executor for McGill, CHAPOTON, Jane, wife of Paul Du- 776-77. mouchel, sketch, 279. CARTWRIGHT, Thomas Robison, men- CHAPOTON, Jean, mentioned, 279. tioned, 510-11. CHAPOTON, Louisa Clothilda, wife of CASCAGUETTE, Angelique, wife of Pierre Jacques Godfroy, mentioned, 601. Galerneau, sketch, 627. CHAPOTON, Louis, mentioned, 684. CASCAGUETTE, Jean Baptiste, mentioned, CHAPOTON, Mary Catherine Angelique, 627. wife of George Meldrum, mentioned, CASETY, John, sketch, 397; debt, 515. 409, 778-79. See also Williams and Casety. CHARLO, mentioned, 255; land claims, CASS, Lewis, mentioned, 385, 456, 683, 529. 722. CHARLOTTE Augusta Matilda, Princess CASSE, Jean Baptiste, dit St. Aubin, Royal, marriage to Frederick, Prince mentioned, 123. of Wurtemberg, 107. CASSE, Magdelaine, dit St. Aubin, wife CHARLOTTE Sophia, Queen, birthday of Pierre Nicholas Robert, sketch, 198. celebrated, 588. CASSE, Mary Ann, dit St. Aubin, wife of CHARTIER, Jane, wife of Antoine Berthe- Louis Renaud, mentioned, 683. let, sketch, 532. CASTLEREAGH, Viscount, see Stewart, CHARTIER, Rene, mentioned, 532. Robert. CHASE, Judge Samuel, impeachment CATIN, Francis Achin dit, I, see Achin, trial, 454-55. Francis, dit Catin, I. CHAUVIN, Helene, wife of Regis Loisel, CATIN, Francis Achin dit, II, see, Achin, sketch, 177.; Francis, dit Catin, II. CHAWINABAI, signs deed, 27. CATIN, Michael, dit Baron, sketch, 189- CHENIQUY (Chennequy, Chiniquy), , 90; logger, 208-209. imprisoned,) 577; at St. Joseph, 592-93. CAWDELL, James M., sketch, 692; quarrel CHENE family, sketch, 14, 448. with Askin, 692-93; goes to Burmuda, CHENE, j , mentioned, 370. 697. CHENE, Charles, mentioned, 448. 800 INDEX CHENE, Charles, dit Caousa, mentioned, CLARK, William, attorney for Ogilvie, 14, 188. 567. CHENE, Elizabeth, wife of George Lyons CLARKE, , comes to Niagara, 382. (first), and George Knaggs (second), CLARKE, Capt. , militia duty, 389. marriage, 120. CLARKE, James Freeman, identified, 455. CHENE, Isidore, mentioned, 113; sketch, CLARKE, Samuel, mentioned, 382. 448. CLARKE, Dr. Samuel, marriage, 455. - CHENE, Mary Catherine, dit Labutte, CLARKE, Thomas Alexander, mentioned, wife of Charles Stanislas Dagneau de 302. Quindre dit Fontenoy, sketch, 123. CLAUS, Daniel, mentioned, 350. CHENE, Mary Josette, wife of Francis de CLAUS, Col. William, mentioned, 572, Joncaire de Chabert, mentioned, 727; 600, 607; sketch, 350. sketch, 113-14, 448. CLEAVELAND, Moses, founds Cleveland, CHENE, Toussaint, sketch, 14. 46. CHESAPEAKE, attack by Leopard, 566, CLEMENS, Christian, sketch, 495-96; 595. performs marriage ceremony, 675. CHEVALIER, Constance, wife of Joseph CLEMENS, Garret, sketch, 495. Ainse (first), and Francois Louis CLENCH, Joseph, marriage, 33. Cardin (second), mentioned, 102. CLENCH (Clinch), Ralph, sketch, 33; elec- CHEW, John, mentioned, 754; identified, tion to Parliament, 302. 528. CLERK (Clerke, Clark), Col. Alexander, CHEW, Joseph, identified, 528. mentioned, 344; sketch, 758. CHEW, William Johnson, sketch, 754. CLEVELAND (O.), founded, 46. CHEWENISIE, signs deed, 26. CLINTON, Sir Henry, mentioned, 23. CHICAGO, massacre of 1812, 727-28. COATES, Mrs. Ann, tavern keeper, 291. CHIMONDOQUE, signs deed, 12. COATES, John, sketch, 291. CHIPPEWA, see Indians. COCHRANE, Thomas, identified, 441. CHITTENDEN, Benjamin, mentioned, 370. COCKBURN, Archdeacon , mentioned, CHOATTS and Sanford, debt to Askin, 34. 487. CHOISER, , debt, 650. COCKBURN, Elizabeth, wife of Henry CHRISTIANCY, Sen. Isaac P., marriage, Procter, sketch, 487. 562. COFFIN, Margaret, wife of Sir Roger CHRISTIE, Gen. Gabriel, mentioned, 506; Hall Sheaffe, sketch, 750. identified, 181. COLT, , mentioned, 148. CHULLE, Amable, dit Belair, sketch, 725; COMMERCIAL Company for the Discovery service in War of 1812, 725-26. of Nations of the Upper Missouri, CHULLE, Jean Pierre, dit Belair, sketch, organized, 33; Glamorgan's r61e, 216. CONNECTICUT Western Reserve, Buffalo 725. Creek meeting, 46; Indian title, 190-91. CHURCH of England, pew regulations, 32. CONNELLY, Catherine, birth, 495. CHURCH of the Huron, see Assumption CONNELLY, John, sketch, 495. Church. CONNELLY, Will, mentioned, 495. CICOTTE, Francis of Assisi, sketch, 636; CONNOLLY, , carpenter, 444. rents Peltier farm, 640. CONNER, , mentioned, 477. CICOTTE, Jean Baptiste, mentioned, 636. CONNOR, Richard, mentioned, 613; CICOTTE, Zacharias, mentioned, 636. trouble with Indian lands, 206-207; CLAMORGAN, Jacques, sketch, 216. sketch, 310; Moravian lands, 310, 329; CLAM ORGAN, Loisel and Co., mentioned, sells land to Clemens, 496. 569; debts, 216-17, 230. COOPER, Lt. Robert, mentioned, 217. CLARK, , mentioned, 438. CORNWALL, John, mentioned, 258; CLARK, Daniel, Sr., mentioned, 138, 231. sketch, 103; Chippewa grant, 102-104. CLARK, Daniel, Jr.. letter, 137-38; sketch, CORNWALL, Capt. Richard, sketch, 463. 138-39; money due, 143-44. CORNWALLIS, Lord Charles, second Earl CLARK, George Rogers, mentioned, 113, and first Marquis, mentioned, 251; 197, 281, 284, 439, 651. sketch, 58. CLARK, Jane Isabella, wife of Col. Samuel COTE family, sketch, 685. Smith, sketch, 376. COTE, Antoine (Joseph), witness, 322- CLARK, Col. Thomas, mentioned, 387-88, 23; signs document, 682; sketch, 685. 550; sketch, 302-303; builds Kentucky COTE, Prisque (Priscus), I, sketch, 685. boat, 343, 353; attorney for Ogilvie, COTE, Prisque, II, signs document, 682; 567; trade in flour, 568; wounded, 767. sketch, 685. 801 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS COTTEELL (Cotteral), , marriage to CUILLEEIEE, Angelica, dit Beaubien, Eleanor Grant reported, 676. wife of Claude Cyprian Porlier, sketch, COTTEELL, George, sketch, 356; marriage, 28. 464. CUILLEEIEE, Genevieve, dit Beaubien, COUILLAED, Mary, wife of Francis wife of Jean Baptiste Barthe, I, Bissot, mentioned, 28. sketch, 722. COUESOLLE, Michel, sketch, 292. CUILLEEIEE, Jean Baptiste, dit Beaubien, COUTUEE, Mary, wife of Gabriel Jacques I, mentioned, 114; sketch, 683. Godfroy, mentioned, 601. CUILLEEIEE, Jean Baptiste, dit Beaubien, COUVILLION, Jean Baptiste, witness, 322. II, sketch, 683. CouVILLON (Couvillion), Margaret, wife CUILLEEIEE, Jean Baptiste, dit Beaubien, of Jean Anigrothe (first), and Simon III, signs document, 682; sketch, 683. Drouillard (second), signs marriage CUILLEEIEE, Mary Joseph, dit Beaubien, contract, 322; sketch, 323. wife of Claude Jean Thomas Gouin, COWAN, Capt. David, mentioned, 360, sketch, 748. 388-89, 564, 585; sketch, 151; testifies, CUBEY, Charles, mentioned, 276, 671; 222; letter, 375-78; executor for arbitrator, 537. Harffy, 502. CUEEY, Peter, sketch, 43-44. COWAN, George, death on Speedy, 441. CUSTOMS, duty on liqour and tea, 287, COWAN, Mary, wife of William Smith, 403; first inspector appointed for sketch, 280. Detroit, 287; at St. Joseph, 648; col- COWELL, Capt. Robert, mentioned, 356; lections in Detroit, 666-67. house burns, 368; sketch, 344. CUTLEE, Manasseh, mentioned, 457. Cox, Lt. Col. , mentioned, 540. CuYAHOGA, captured by British, 747. Cox, Thomas, sketch, 19. CUYAHOGA Purchase, participants and Cox and Greenwood, mentioned, 52, 109. extent, 5-8; contemplated sale, 68-70, COZENS, .hatter, comes to Detroit, 332. 272, 297-98, 311, 320, 325, 330, 333, CEADOCK (Craddock), Lt. Hedges, iden- 453, 458, 462, 465-66, 470-71. tified, 590. CUYLEB, Lt. Col. Abraham, sketch, 221; CEAIG, Sir James Henry, mentioned, 606; letter, 218-21; advised against business identified, 602. in Detroit, 247-48. CEAIGNOIE, , mentioned, 390. CUYLEE, Cornelius, mentioned, 221; CKAWFOED, Lewis, mentioned, 590, 592, sketch, 220. 628, 691-93, 733; sketch, 576; charac- terized, 584. DAINE, John, mentioned, 459-60; wit- CEAWFOED, Redford, duel with Camp- ness, 449. bell, 608; goes to the Mississippi, 661; DALY (Daily, Dealy), William, men- death, 688. tioned, 149, 159; contract with Askin, CEEQUI, Jean Aide dit, see Aide, Jean, 152-53, 165-66, 187. dit Crequi. DANEAU, Pierre Charles, Sieur de Muy, CEETI (Creaty, Crequi), Jean Baptiste, marriage, 732-33. sketch, 464. DAEEAGH, Capt. Archibald, sketch, 673. CEEVIEE, Father Joseph, mentioned, 111. DAVID, , makes plow, 659-60; prop- CEOGHAN, Col. George, mentioned, 262, erty siezed by Hull, 710. 495, 645, 716. DAVID, Dr. , at St. Joseph, 590. CEOOKS, Joan, wife of William Procter, DAVID, Charlotte, mentioned, 645. mentioned, 711. DAVID, D , mentioned, 779. CEOOKS, Ramsay, mentioned, 711. DAVID, Moses, sketch, 645. CEOOKS, Capt. William, sketch, 711; DAVID, Stone and Co., mentioned, 733. service in the War of 1812, 713. DAVIGNON, Mary Frances, dit Beaure- CEOOKSHANK, Miss , mentioned, 486. gard, wife of Jean Francis (Phenon) CEOOKSHANK, Rachel, wife of Dr. James Toupin dit Dusault, sketch, 194. Macaulay, sketch, 351. DAWSON, Ensign Erwin, mentioned, 640; CEOSS, Capt. Joseph, identified, 577. identified, 635. CEOWN lands, regulations, 22-23, 29, 90- DAWSON, Capt. Thomas, mentioned, 640- 91, 100-102. 41, 772, 775; sketch, 635; quarrel CEUICKSHANK (Cruckshank), Robert, with Askin, 606, 652, 655-57, 670. creditor of Williams and Casety, 431, DAWSON, Mrs. Thomas, mentioned, 693. 433. DEAN, Maj. , negotiations for Cuya- CEUICKSHANK and Arnoldie, mentioned, hoga Purchase, 453-54, 462; fraud 633. discovered, 465-66. 802 INDEX DEARBORN, Gen. Henry, expected at DEQUINDRE Street, named, 684. Montreal, 734. DERENZY (Derenzie), Capt. William, DEBT, imprisonment, 319-20, 326-27, mentioned, 629; sketch, 584. 329-30, 348-49, 557-58, 560-61; col- DERINEAU, Louis, debts, 212-14. lection, 344-47, 431-34, 489, 501-503, DESBUTTES, Jean Baudry dit, dit St. 505, 513; lenity to soldiers, 348-49; Martin, see Baudry, Jean, dit proposed regulations, 477-78; method Desbuttes dit St. Martin. of payment, 550. DESBUTTES, Margaret, dit St. Martin, DEDINE, , mentioned, 538, 566; land wife of Louis Joseph Toupin, sketch, claims, 529. 193. DEDINE, Mrs. , mentioned, 529. DESBUTTES, Mary Archange Baudry dit, DEHAREN, Col. Peter W., sketch, 764; dit St. Martin, see Baudry, Mary service in War of 1812, 764-65. Archange, dit Desbuttes dit St. Martin. DEJEAN, Philip, indictment, 526. DESCOMPS, Margaret, dit Labadie, wife DELIENNES, Mary, dit Belanger, wife of James May, mentioned, 563. of Jean Baptiste Jerome, sketch, 267, DESCOMPS, Mary Joseph, dit Labadie, 725. wife of Charles ChSne dit Caousa, DELISLE, Catherine, wife of Jean Aide mentioned, 14. dit Crequi, sketch, 464. DESCOMPS, Mary Joseph, dit Labadie, DELISLE, Louis, mentioned, 464. wife of Whittmore Knaggs, marriage, DELLARD, Mary Anne, wife of Jean Baptiste Prudhomme dit Nantais, 120. mentioned, 685. DESERTION, from British army, 49, DELORME, Francis Fafard dit, see Fafard, 316-18, from U. S., 115-21. Francis, dit Delorme. DES GRANGES, Louisa, wife of Louis DELORME, Margaret, wife of Rene Delisle, mentioned, 464. Chartier, mentioned, 532. DESGRANGES, Zulime, alliance with DELORME, Mary Magdelaine Fafard Clark, 138-39. dit, see Fafard, Mary Magdelaine, DESHETREsJeanne, wife of Bonaventure dit Delorme. Reaume, sketch, 732. DELORME, Pierre Lucian Simon dit, see DES RIVIERES, Francois, mentioned, 178, Simon, Pierre Lucian, dit Delorme. bequest from McGill, 782. DELORME, Ursula Simon dit, see Simon, DES RIVIERES, James McGill, mentioned Ursula, dit Delorme. 777; identified, 522. DEMOCRATIC Free Press, founded, 384. DES RIVIERES, Thomas Hypolite, sketch, DENKEY (Denke, Dencke), Christian 522. Frederick, mentioned, 336-37; sketch, DESSALINES, Emperor, mentioned, 529. 303-304; letter, 381-82; on Harsen's DETROIT, Hamtramck commands, 49; Island, 381-82. prohibition, 49; British subjects, 112- DENKEY, Mrs. Christian Frederick, 14; needs army, 115; first mayor, 165; missionary activities, 304. incorporated, 370, 374, 680; fire of D E PEYSTER, Col. Arent S., mentioned, 1805: reconstruction, 456, 474, 497-98, 18, 33, 172, 221, 262; sketch, 174; 526, fire, 479, 481; taxes, 484; society, performs marriage ceremony, 283, 432; 537-40, 590; War of 1812, 566, 570-71, letters, 382-83, 407-408; baptises John 716-20, 728; business 647, 676-77; R. Williams, 383. customs, 667-67; commons, 680-83; D E PEYSTER, Arent Schuyler, land intemperance, 744. See also education. claims, 171-72; sketch, 172-73. DETROIT, captain's expense account, 43- D E PEYSTER, Mrs. Arent Schuyler, 45. mentioned, 173-74, 382, 407, 478-79. DICKSON, , mentioned, 96, 502, 600; DEPUIS, Jane, wife of Philip Robert, service in War of 1812, 729. sketch, 197. DICKSON, Robert, mentioned, 211, 572, DEQUINDRE, see also Quindre. 609, 688, 694; sketch, 428-29; letter, DEQUINDRE family, sketch, 123. 428; purchase of Saguinah, 482; DEQUINDRE, Adelaide, wife of Joseph debts, 485, 505, 514-16, 526; dif- Campau, sketch, 684. ficulties with Wilkinson, 499-500; DEQUINDRE, Maj. Antoine, signs peti- avoids customs, 696; service in War tion, 682; sketch, 684-85. of 1812, 713, 761-62. DEQUINDRE, Antoine (Dagneau), sketch, DICKSON (Dixon), Thomas, mentioned, 684. 140, 407, 446, 485, 487, 517, 527, 590, DEQUINDRE Farm, 684. 656, 688; marriage, 266; sketch, 428. 803 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS DICKSON, William, I, mentioned, 445-46, DRING, Sarah Jane, wife of William 567, 637; sketch, 302, 428; duel with Macomb, mentioned, 283; property, Weekes, 481. 479. DICKSON, William, II, identified, 429. DROUILLARD family, sketch, 323. DILLON, Peter Joseph, sketch, 244-45; DROUILLARD, Charles, sketch, 683-84. letter, 244-45; contract, 294-96. DROUILLARD, Jean, mentioned, 323. DILLON, Mrs. Peter Joseph, mentioned, DROUILLARD (Droulliard), Jean Baptiste, 245. witness, 322. DISTILLERY, in Detroit, 310-11; Askin DROUILLARD (Droulliard), Joseph, wit- to erect, 314; operation, 361; equip- ness, 322-23. ment, 390. DROUILLARD, Josette, wife of Jean Bap- DIXON, Lt. , quarrel with Askin, 670. tiste Rousson, witness, 323. DOBIE (Dobe), Richard, mentioned, 181. DROUILLARD (Droulliard), Louis Bap- DODEMEAD, Ann, wife of Samuel T. Dy- tiste, witness, 322-23. son (first), and Charles Jackson (sec- DROUILLARD, Louisa, wife of Louis Log- ond), sketch, 539. non, sketch, 683-84. DODEMEAD, Elizabeth, wife of Charles DROUILLARD, Mary Elizabeth, wife of Jouett, marriage, 472. Jean Valle dit Versailles, mentioned, DODEMEAD, James, signs petition, 682; 685. sketch, 683. DROUILLARD, Pierre, mentioned, 323. DODEMEAD, John, mentioned, 539, 683; DROUILLARD (Droulliart), Simon Am- sketch, 5; land, 5-8, 68-70, 479; signs able, witness, 322; sketch, 323. petition, 113, 682; sues Col. Strong, DROUILLARD, Simon, II, sketch, 323; 165, 204; buys bricks, 196-97. marriage contract, 323-25. DOLSEN, , absconds, 192; land DRURY, Ensign , killed, 758. claims passed, 260. DUBOIS, , buys land, 512. DOLSEN, Elizabeth, wife of James iFor- DUBOIS, Dorothea, wife of Etienne syth, sketch, 639. Biguet dit Nobert, sketch, 259. DOLSEN, Isaac, mentioned, 639. DUBOIS, Frangois, loses Askin's boots, DOLSEN (Dolson), Matthew, mentioned, 500. 159, 742; sketch, 315. DUBOIS, Fred T., identified, 203. DONOVAN, , mentioned, 264; death, DUBOIS, James, mentioned, 203. 499. DUBOIS, Jesse K., identified, 203. DONOVAN, Matthew, mentioned, 390, DUBOIS, Louis, debts, 284. 396; sketch, 155-56; tuition bill, 155, DUBOIS, Nicholas, debts, 284. 426; misconduct, 265-66; letters, 265- DUBOIS, Thomas, mentioned, 203. 66, 423-24. DUBOIS, Toussaint, mentioned, 280, 282, DONOVAN, Richard, mentioned, 502; 397, 421, 651; sketch, 202-203; busi- sketch, 77; witness, 77, 503. ness relations with Askin, 253-54, 345- DORCHESTER, Lord, see Carleton, Sir 46, 367, 419; Vigo's debts, 503-504, Guy. 518-19, 621. DORR, Melvin, marriage, 409. DUBOIS County (Ind.), derivation of DOTY, James D., mentioned, 197. name, 203. DOUGHTY, William, mentioned, 566. DUBORD, Pierre, winterer, 206. DOUGLAS, , mentioned, 438. DUCHENE, Magdelene Gastinon dit, see DOUGLAS, Sir Howard, sketch, 542. Gastinon, Magdelene, dit DucMne. DOUGLAS, Thomas, Earl of Selkirk DUDEVOIR, Mary Joseph, wife of Laur- identified, 404; trouble at Baldoon, ence Eustache Gamelin, mentioned, 446; Red River colony, 589, 660. 282. DOUGLASS, , house burned, 737. DUELING, mentioned, 528; White vs. DOUSMAN, Hercules L., identified, 733. Small, 277-78; Lacelle vs. Williams, DOUSMAN, John, identified, 733. 383-84; Dickson vs. Weekes, 481; DOUSMAN (Douseman), Michael, sketch, Crawford vs. Campbell, 608-609. 733. DUFAUX, Father Francois Xavier, men- DOYLE, Maj. , in Montreal, 65. tioned, 111; sketch, 32. DOYON, Louisa, wife of Jean Baudry dit DUFF, , mentioned, 572, 591, 594, Desbutte dit St. Martin, mentioned, 644. 193. DUFF, Alexander, I, mentioned, 444, 527, DRAKE, Capt. John, sketch, 33; letters, 594; attorney for Bird, 21; sketch, 338; 155, 361. slave, 389; death, 626, 628. DRAKE, Roderick, marriage, 217. DUFF, Alexander II, birth, 528. 804 INDEX DUFF, James, birth, 528. DYSON, Capt. Samuel T., mentioned DUFF, Robert, birth, 528. 537, 672; sketch, 539; debt, 552. DUFF, Rev. William, mentioned, 338. DYSON, Samuel T., II, mentioned, 539. DUFF, William, mentioned, 565, 573, 696; sketch, 527-28. EAST India Co., arrangement with DUFIELD, Mrs. , saves Fitzgibbon's North West Co., 698. life, 765. EASTMAN, Jonathan, sketch, 537. DUFOUR, Catiche, wife of Joseph Drouil- EBERTS, Dr. Herman, sketch, 113, 656- lard, witness, 323. 57. DUFRESNE, , mentioned, 42, 46, 160. EBERTS, Dr. Joseph, sketch, 656-57. DUFROS, Mary Louisa, wife of Ignatius ECHAWET, signs deed, 26. Gamelin, mentioned, 28. EDUCATION, tuition, 155-56, 294-95, 357, DUGGAN, Thomas, mentioned, 398; 423-24, 426; house offered for school, sketch, 368; store-keeper, 368-69. 243-44; schoolmaster's contract, 294- DUGUAY, Jacques, dit Marentette, men- 96; curriculum, 294, 357, 361-62; tioned, 779. tutors, 378; Hamilton children go to DUGUAY, Margaret, dit Marentette, wife Scotland, 637. of Jacques Godet, sketch, 779. EDWARDS, , tenant of John Askin DUHAMEL, Mary Angelica, wife of Jean Jr., farm troubles, 593, 627, 630, 638- Baptiste Bouchette, mentioned, 532. 39, 644-45, 650, 679. DUMAS, Parentt and Co., mentioned, EDWARDS, William, mentioned, 243; 482. sketch, 304. DUMOUCHEL (Demouchell, Desmouchelle, ELECTIONS, in Upper Canada, 298-303. Dimouchelle, etc.), Bernard, dit La- ELLIOT, , mentioned, 645. roche, sketch, 278-79. ELLIOT, Alexander, sketch, 726. DUMOUCHEL, Louis Joseph, sketch, 279. DUMOUCHEL, Louis Vital, sketch, 279. ELLIOT, Col. Matthew, mentioned, 593, DUMOUCHEL, Paul, I, sketch, 278-79. 726; sketch, 173; dismissed from DUMOUCHEL, Paul, II, sketch, 279. Indian Department, 273; candidate for DUNCAN, , mentioned, 539, 566. representative, 299; militia duty, 389, DUNCAN, Admiral Adam, sketch, 129. 521-22, 709; slave, 389; service in DUNDAS, Henry, Viscount Melville, men- War of 1812, 723-24, 727, 729, 731. tioned, 589. ELLIOT, Capt. Matthew, Jr., mentioned, DUNHAM, Capt. Josiah, sketch, 537. 716; service in War of 1812, 721. DUPERON, Jacques Baby dit, see Baby, ELLIOTT, Capt. , mentioned, 585; Jacques, dit Duperon. service in War of 1812, 725, 728. DUPLESSY, Francois Xavier Moreau dit, ELLIOTT, Capt. G. A., service in War of see Moreau, Frangois Xavier, dit 1812, 775. Duplessy. ELLIOTT, Robert, birth, 503. DURETTE (Duret, Durett), Antoine, ELLIOTT (Allet), Capt. William, men- sketch, 683. tioned, 461, 600; sketch, 503; attorney DURETTE, Charles, sketch, 683. for Monforton, 561; service in War of DURETTE, Jacques, sketch, 683. 1812, 724. DURETTE, Jean Baptiste, I, sketch, 683. ELLIS, Sally P., wife of Jacob Kingsbury, DURETTE, Jean Baptiste, II, signs sketch, 673. petition, 682; sketch, 683. ELORA (Ont.), founded, 212. DURETTE, Jean Baptiste, III, goes to EMBARGO Act, 601-602, 625. West Point, 683. EMSLEY, John, sketch, 78, 308. DURHAM, , captured by French, 109. ENGLAND, Lt. Col. Richard G., men- DUSAULT, Sieur, see Toupin, Toussaint. tioned, 18, 35, 65, 781; sketch, 9; DUSAULT (Dusaut, Dusau), Jean Fran- leaves Detroit, 42, 46-47; letters, 47- cis (Phenon) Toupin dit, see Toupin, 48, 51-53, 107-10; captured by French, Jean Francis (Phenon), dit Dusault. 72, 107-108; member of Land Board, DUVAL family, sketch, 132-33. 683. DUVAL, Ignatius Joachim Thuot dit, see ENGLAND, Richard, Jr., sketch, 107. Thuot, Ignatius Joachim, dit Duval. ENGLAND, living expenses, 20; political DUVAL, Mary Louisa, wife of Pierre conditions, 20, 58, 71-72, 105-108, 128- Edmund Thuot, sketch, 132. 29, 181, 184, 220, 250-51, 275-76, 331, DUVAL, Thomas Ignatius Thuot dit, see 437, 541; indifference to War of 1812, Thuot, Thomas Ignatius dit Duval. 741. DYSON, Jane, mentioned, 539. ERMATINGER, Charles Oakes, sketch, 645. 805 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS ERMATINGER, Edward, identified, 645. FISH, white, 554, 574, 583, 592; scarcity ERMATINGER, Francis, identified, 645. at St. Joseph, 569; salmon, 578; ERMATINGER, George, mentioned, 645. trout, pickerel, sturgeon, and muskel- ERMATINGER, Lawrence Edward, men- lunge used by Indians, 589, 591. tioned, 645. FISHER, defined, 118. ERNEST, Capt. Matthew, mentioned, FITZGERALD, Capt. , service in War 257, 461, 480, 486, 512; sketch, 114; of 1812, 738. commissary, 164; letter, 287; inspector FITZGIBBON, Lt. James, sketch, 764; of revenue, 287; engages schoolmaster, service in War of 1812, 764-65. 294-96; disappears, 521. FLAGG, Elizabeth, wife of Stanley Gris- ERSKIN, James, search for brother, 341. wold, sketch, 456. ERSKINE, David Montagu, Lord, sketch, FLEET, James, sketch, 222; letter, 222-23. 602; influence upon land law, 602-603. FLEMING, Capt. William, sketch, 376. EBSKINE, Thomas, Lord, mentioned, 602. FLOURNOY, , mentioned, 356. ESTEVE, Mary Magdelene, wife of Jean FONTENOY, Charles Stanislas Dagneau de Chapoton, mentioned, 279. Quindre dit, see Quindre, Charles ETGOMINUS, signs deed, 12. Stanislas Dagneau de, dit Fontenoy. EVANS, Gen. Thomas, sketch, 756. FORSYTH, Alice Marion Sophia, wife of EWING, , mentioned, 512. Maj. Thomas Hunt, mentioned, 281. FORSYTH, Ann, mentioned, 718. FAFARD, Francis, dit Delorme, sketch, FORSYTH, Duncan Chambers, birth, 718. 225. FORSYTH, Elizabeth, wife of George FAFARD, Jean Baptiste, dit Laframboise, Nelson, marriage, 718. mentioned, 225; witness, 322-23. FORSYTH, George, birth, 718. FAFARD, Mary Magdelaine, dit Delorme, FORSYTH, James, mentioned, 718; sketch, wife of Prudent Robert dit Lafontaine, 639. sketch, 198. FORSYTH, Jane C , wife of Charles R. FAGO, , estate, 515. Brush, marriage, 281. FAIRFIELD, Dr. , service in War of FORSYTH, John, connection with North 1812, 725. West Co., 180. See also Forsyth, "FAMILY Pact," 300. Richardson and Co. FASHIONS, 60, 86-87, 128, 185. FORSYTH, Margaret (Margarethe) Elea- FAUVEL, Mary Joseph Bigras dit, see nor, birth, 718. Bigras, Mary Joseph, dit Fauvel. FORSYTH, Maria, wife of Benjamin FAWCETT, Capt. , service in War of Kercheval, birth, 281. 1812, 775. FORSYTH, Robert, I, sketch, 280-81. FEARING, Paul, Congressional delegate, FORSYTH, Robert, II, identified, 281. 681. FORSYTH, Thomas, mentioned, 211, 292; FEARSON, Felicity, wife of George John- sketch, 639. ston, mentioned, 45. FORSYTH, William, I, mentioned 639, 718; FEARSON, Capt. John, mentioned, 436, sketch, 280; property in Detroit, 479. 459-60, 565, 583, 639, 679; sketch, 45; FORSYTH, William, II, sketch, 718. operates Saguinah, 333, 399-401; sale FORSYTH, William, III, baptism, 718. of Saguinah, 507-508; goes to Chicago, FORSYTH, Richardson and Co., men- 630-31; commands the Ellen, 668; tioned, 52, 257, 280, 311, 497, 635, winters at St. Joseph, 672. 643-44, 657; letter, 444-45. FEARSON, Mary Julia, wife of William FORT Belle Fontaine, established, 673. Whistler, mentioned, 45. FORT Dearborn, built, 362. FEARSON, Victoria, wife of William FORT Lernoult, surrenders, 719-20. Watson, mentioned, 45. FORT Maiden, construction, 83, 217-18, FERE'S mill, 123. 222, 224-25, 257-59, 264-65, 268-70, FERRY, M , land claims, 122. 273-74, 318-19. FERRY, Askin's license to operate, 129-30. FORT Niagara, captured, 774-76. FIELD (Fields), Capt. Daniel (Donald), FORTY Mile Creek, located, 753. mentioned, 76, 663; sketch, 68. FOURNIER, Antoine, mentioned, 132. FINDLEY (Findlay), Col. James, sketch, FOURNIER, Mary, wife of Pierre Thuot, 729. sketch 132 "FIRELANDS," granted by Congress, FOURTH U. S! Infantry, in War of 1812, 453-54. 720. 806 INDEX FRANCE, political conditions, 20, 437; GAMBLE, Isabella Elizabeth, wife of Dr. war with England, 58, 97, 105-109, John Gamble, sketch, 377. 128-29, 181; suspected of plan to in- GAMBLE, Jane Smith, baptized, 377. vade Northwest, 115-16; ceded Louisi- GAMBLE, Dr. John, sketch, 377. ana, 139. GAMBLE, Mary Ann Allan, wife of Lt. FRANCOEUR, , logger for Askin, Col. John S. Sinclair, sketch, 377. 208-209. GAMBLE, Sarah Hannah Bois, wife of Dr. FRANCOEUR, Augustin, wreck of Annette, James Geddes, marriage, 377; at St. 174-76. Joseph, 554. FRASER, James, mentioned, 19, 268, GAMELIN family, sketch, 282. 414, 778; sketch, 314; attorney for GAMELIN, Ignatius, mentioned, 28. Williams and Casety, 394-95, 397-98, GAMELIN, Joseph Antoine, sketch, 282. 431-33, 631-33; drunkenness, 396; ill- GAMELIN, Laurence Eustache, mentioned, ness, 404, 410; wife destitute, 458; 282; granted land, 530. letters, 582-83, 631-33; troubles with GAMELIN, Louisa Michelle, wife of Jo- Galerneau, 627, 630-31, 633, 639, 641, seph Stephen Porlier dit Benalque, 657; sells land, 663. sketch, 28. FRASER, Mrs. James, insane and desti- GAMELIN, Mary Catherine, wife of Jo- tute, 458. seph Antoine Gamelin, marriage, 282. FRECHETTE, Father Pierre, mentioned, GAMELIN, Paul, mentioned, 36; sketch, 32. 282; estate, 150, 254, 282-84, 344-45, FREDERICK, Prince of Wurtemberg, mar- 367, 398. riage to Charlotte Augusta Matilda, GAMELIN, Mrs. Paul, husband's estate, Princess Royal, 107. 150, 254, 282-84. FRENCH Canadians, in War of 1812, 709- GAMELIN, Pierre, sketch, 282; debts, 398. 10. GANEAU, Gabriel, land grant, 6. FRENCH bushel, defined, 402. GARDNER, Allan, Lord, mentioned, 488. FRERO, , mentioned, 355. GARNER, Lt. , service in War of FROBISHER, , mentioned, 570, 653; 1812, 712. illness, 662; friendship with Henry, GASTINON, Magdelene, dit Duchene, wife 674. of Jean Baptiste Aide dit Crequi, FROBISHER, Benjamin, mentioned, 691. sketch, 464. FROBISHER, Joseph, mentioned, 331, 625, 691; sketch, 24; retires from North GAUTIER, , mentioned, 173. West Co., 274-75. GEDDES (Geddis), Dr. James, marriage, FRY, Capt. , killed, 736. 377; at St. Joseph, 554. FRY (Frey), Lt. Phillip R., sketch, 328. GEE, , of Mackinac, business with FULLER, , mentioned, 714. Askin, 482. FULLER, Sarah, wife of William Hull, GENERAL WILKINSON, built, 495. sketch, 455. GEORGE, slave of Askin, mentioned, 563. FUNERAL, cost of, 25, 790; of Dr. Harffy, GEORGE III, celebration of birthday, 375-78 479. FUR trade, 181, 275, 297, 334, 374-75, GIASSON, Jacques, I, sketch, 227. 499-500, 516, 543; insurance, 135; GIASSON (Giassen, Geasson), Jacques, II, Embargo and Non-Importation acts, mentioned, 333, 334, 428, 569; sketch, 602. 227; letter, 227; in Montreal, 396; FURNITURE, dimensions for table, 475. debt to Askin, 405. See also Giasson and Berthelet. GADOIS, Frances, wife of Nicholas Godet, GIASSON and Berthelet, Askin's business sketch, 779. with, 292, 469. GAILLARD (Galliard, Gailliard), Jacques, GIBBON, Lt. , at St. Joseph, 670, identified, 194. 695. GAILLARD, Louis, sketch, 194. GILKISON (Gilkinson), Capt. William, GAILLARD, Louis Jean, sketch, 194; mill mentioned, 342, 436, 551, 601; sketch, farm, 194, 197-200. 212; marriage, 339, 386; appointed GAINES, Gen. E. P., marriage, 138. ensign and adjutant, 594; machine for GALERNEAU (Gallerneau, Galerno), hackling hemp, 596. Pierre, I, sketch, 627; difficulties with GILLESPIE, George, mentioned 604, 694; Askin, 627, 630-31, 633, 639-41, 657. sketch, 602. GALERNEAU, Pierre, II, birth and death, GILLESPIE, Moffat and Co., mentioned, 627. 64. 807 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS GIKARD, Catherine, wife of Alexander GOYAU, Marie Madelaine, wife of Louis Bernard, mentioned, 188. Vital Dumouchel, sketch, 279. GIRARD, Frances, wife of Charles Dur- GRAETER, Christian, sketch, 230. ette, sketch, 683. GRAETER (Gratier, Greater, Grattor), GIRARDIN, Charles Francis, mentioned, Frederick, sketch, 230; debts, 230, 241; sketch, 113. 257,311. GIVENS, Capt. James, sketch, 589; As- GRAHAM, Felix, mentioned, 37; second kin's quarrel with Dawson, 652. marriage, 73. GIYAR, , mentioned, 631. GRANT, Capt. , mentioned, 264. GLEGG, Capt. John B., identified, 721. GRANT, Commodore Alexander, men- GOBINET, Elizabeth, wife of Paul Benoit tioned, 47, 57, 59-60,107,109, 111, 117, dit Livernois, sketch, 511. 132, 145, 151, 156, 173, 181, 185, 212, GODDARD, Mrs. , mentioned, 19. 221-22, 248, 252, 255, 257, 259, 263-64, GODET, Dominic Francis, dit Marentette, 268, 315, 331, 341, 357, 373, 378, 382, sketch, 779. 407, 498, 519-21, 527-29, 534, 541, 545, GODET, Frances, dit Marentette, wife of 551, 594, 662; sketch, 21; land claims, James Askin, sketch, 779. 122, 479, 654; misplaces Askin's papers, GODET, Francis, dit Marentette, sketch, 223, 228-29,231-38, 245-46,300; letters, 779. 233-37, 241-42, 337-38, 350-52, 388-90, GODET, Geneveva, wife of Jean Baptiste 485-89, 492-94, 498-99, 505-506, 510- Campau, mentioned, 14. 11, 516-18, 587-88, 594, 597, 601-602; GODET, Jacques, sketch, 779. militia duty, 234, 348-49, 587, 594, GODET, Nicholas, sketch, 779. 597; adopts child, 342; William Rob- GODFROY family, sketch, 601. ertson's debt, 427; as lieutenant-gover- GODFROY, , land owner, 41. nor, 485-89, 492-94, 506, 516-17, 523; GODFROY, Gabriel, I, sketch, 562. family affairs, 671, 675-76, 678; death GODFROY, Gabriel, II, sketch, 601. of wife, 674; death, 750. GODFROY, Gabriel Jacques, mentioned, GRANT, Alexander, II, mentioned, 486, 601. 511, 520, 553; education, 155, 389; GODFROY, Jacques, mentioned, 601. sketch, 357-58; legacy from McTavish, GODFROY, Mary Angelica, wife of Zach- 424. arias Cicotte, mentioned, 636. GRANT, Ann (Nancy), wife of Simon GODFROY, Susanne, wife of James Mc- Maillet, mentioned, 527; marriage, Closkey, sketch, 562. 675. GOLDSMITH, Eliza, wife of John Small, GRANT, Archange, wife of Thomas Dick- sketch, 277. son, mentioned, 527, 590, 656. GONZALES, Simon, mentioned, 231; GRANT, Christina, birth, 193. sketch, 137; debts, 137-38, 142-44. GRANT, Eleanor (Ellen, Nelly), wife of GORDON, James, identified, 296. George Jacob, mentioned, 537, 678, GORE, Lt.-Gov. Francis, mentioned, 534, 697; marriage, 676. 545-46, 560-61, 606, 629, 635, 642, 691, GRANT, Eliza, wife of Martin McClellan, 709, 754; lieutenant-governor of Upper sketch, 754. Canada, 506; sketch, 534; kindness to GRANT, Elizabeth, wife of James Woods, Grant, 587; dismisses Askin from mentioned, 552, 675; sketch, 373. military service, 619; befriends John GRANT, Isabella, wife of William Gilki- Askin Jr., 652, 656; returns to Eng- son, sketch, 212, 339; marriage, 386. land, 698-99. GRANT, Lt. Col. Jasper, sketch, 597. GOSQOAME, signs deed, 11. GRANT, Jean Cameron, wife of William GOUIE, Robert, sketch, 349; dealings Richardson, mentioned, 378; sketch, with Hunot Sr., 435-36; letter, 435-36; 247. confiscates Askin's skins, 482; Askin's GRANT, John (Jean), mentioned, 378, suit against, 501-503. 389; sketch, 342; leases farm, 517. GOUIN, Ensign Claude, sketch, 748-49. GRANT, John, of Lachine, mentioned, GOUIN, Claude Jean Thomas, sketch, 511. 748. GRANT, Maria Julia, wife of William GOUIN, Francois, sells P. C. 17, 684. Robison, mentioned, 378, 671. GOUIN, Joseph Nicholas, mentioned, 748. GRANT, Phillis (Felicity), wife of Alex- GOUIN, Therese, wife of William Park, ander Duff, mentioned, 389, 485, 527; mentioned, 778. sketch, 338. GOUYOU Mary Louisa, wife of Michael GRANT, Robert, sketch, 193. Catin dit Baron, sketch, 189-90. GRANT, Capt. Robert, mentioned, 759. 808 INDEX GRANT, Therese, wife of Dr. Thomas HAMILTON, , service in War of 1812, Wright, mentioned, 58, 73, 87, 252, 712-14, 716, 720-21. 342; in West Indies, 47; in England, HAMILTON, Lt. Col. , brings soldiers 127; sketch, 181; death, 331. GRANT, William, sketch, 218; debts, 218- from Halifax, 741. 19. HAMILTON, Maj. Gen. Alexander, men- GRAVERAT, Gerrit, mentioned, 221; tioned, 240, 637, 642, 663-64. sketch, 219. HAMILTON, George, mentioned, 539, 663, GRAVERAT and Visger, debts, 219. 736; illness, 151; sketch, 719. GRAY, , mortgage on Harffy's house, HAMILTON, Lt.-Gov. Henry, mentioned, 377. 19, 113, 146, 282, 284; indicted, 431, GRAY, Lt. Andrew, killed, 755. 526; surrender, 448. GRAY, Robert Isaac Dey, solicitor HAMILTON, Robert, I, mentioned, 42, 45- general, drowned on Speedy, 441. 46, 131, 145, 179-80, 193, 209-11, 216, GREELEY, Aaron, agent for land claims, 227, 231, 236-37, 245-47, 286, 350, 664-66; sketch, 666; surveyor, 687; 356, 372-74, 382, 428, 534, 545-47, capture by British, 7A7'. 553, 568, 590, 596, 715, 719; sketch, GREEN, Maj. James, mentioned, 350- 33; death of wife, 96, 129; letters, 51; sketch, 304-305. 148-49, 151-52, 223-24; 238-39, 289-90, GREENE, Gen. Nathanael, mentioned, 18, 424-25, 441-43, 446-47, 598-99; second 540. marriage, 174; land certificates, 241- GREENVILLE Treaty, mentioned, 474; 42; distillery, 310-11; death of second Indian land grants, 30. wife, 598-99; death, 620, 625. GREGORY, John, mentioned, 66, 688; HAMILTON, Robert, II, mentioned, 590; sketch, 691. marriage, 599; service in War of 1812, GREGORY, McLeod and Co., mentioned, 735. 275. HAMILTON, William, service in War of GRIFFIN, John, judge of Territory of 1812, 714. Michigan, 455. HAMILTON (Ont.), founded, 719. GRIFFITHS, Joseph, witness, 19. HAMMOND, George, peace negotiations in GRIMSBY (Ont.), located, 759. Vienna, 108. GRISWOLD, Stanley, sketch, 455-56. HAMTRAMCK, Col. John Francis, sketch, GROESBECK, William, sketch, 381. 49; slaves, 347. GRUMMETT (Grumment, Grummond, HANDS, William, mentioned, 79,112, 135, Grummut, etc.), Timothy, identified, 230, 257, 314, 772; sketch, 42; letter, 149; wreck of Annette, 174-76. 357-58; sheriff, 369-70; service in War GUEVREMONT, Mary Frances, wife of of 1812, 728. Alexis Maisonville, sketch, 101. HANKS, Lt. Porter, mentioned, 211, 673; GUILBERT, Elizabeth, dit Laframboise, sketch, 537-38. wife of Pierre Thuot, sketch, 132. HARDISON, , house burned, 737. GUILLEMIN, Marie Charlotte, wife of HARFFY, Dr. William, mentioned, 111, Joseph Amable Trotier dit Des Rivieres 174; sketch, 109; letters, 147, 217-18, (first), and James McGill (second), 249, 255, 257-59, 261-65, 268-70, 306- mentioned, 178, 293, 527; death of 307, 317-18; illness, 204, 373; promo- son, 522, of husband, 782. tion, 306; death and funeral, 375-78; GUY, Joseph, letter, 525; birth, 526. debt to Donovan, 423; estate, 502. GUY, Pierre, sketch, 526. HARFFY, Mrs. William, draft on husband, 268. HAILES (Hales), Lt. Harris, mentioned, HARLEQUIN, wrecked, 356-60. 728. HARMAR, Gen. Josiah, mentioned, 673. HALDIMAND, Sir Frederick, mentioned, HARPSICHORD, first in Detroit, 255. 19, 221, 273, 473; sketch, 20. HARRIS, James, Earl of Malmesbury, HALIBURTON, Mrs. William (Ann—), Paris mission, 72. wife of John McKinzie (second), and HARRISON, William Henry, mentioned, William Forsyth (third), mentioned, 114, 183, 202, 280-81, 304, 439, 487, 718; sketch, 639. 490, 651, 720, 780; land, 345, 367; HALL, Capt. , mentioned, 573, 584; ball for, 390; letters, 503-504, 518-19; military service, 594, 765. plea for leniency to Vigo, 503-504, HAMEL, Ursula, wife of Pierre Lucian 518-19; gives Askin safe conduct, 769; Simon dit Delorme, mentioned, 685. courtesy to British, 773. 809 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS HARROW, Capt. Alexander, mentioned, HENRY, John Joseph, mentioned, 305. 389, 464, 548, 550; sketch, 186; letters, HENRY, Julia, mentioned, 782. 186, 191; provisions loggers, 186-88, HENRY, Maria, wife of Charles Rouleau, 190-91; price of house, 261; appraiser, sketch, 305. 444. HENRY, Matthew, death, 305; sketch, HARSEN, , suit against Harffy estate, 414. 502. HENRY, Moses, mentioned, 305. HARSEN, Bernardus, mentioned, 313. HENRY, R , money due, 395. HARSEN'S Island, Moravian mission, HENRY, Dr. Stephen Chambers, comes to 381-82. Detroit, 305. HARVEY, John, sketch, 465; letter, 475- HENRY, William, sketch, 305, 414. 76; title to Reeder farm, 475-76, 511; HERBINE, Catherine, wife of Michael financial troubles, 527, 647. Yax, mentioned, 103. HASTINGS, Francis Rawdon, Earl of HERKIMER, Jacob, death on Speedy, 441. Moira, sketch, 540; mentioned, 541. HERKIMER, Mary, wife of Neil McLean HATHAWAY (Haghtaway), , men- (first), and Robert Hamilton (second), tioned, 508. mentioned, 131, 152, 425, 442, 447, HATT, Capt. Samuel, identified, 717. 547; birth of daughter, 373; death, 598. HATTON, Maj. William, letter, 619. H E WARD, Hugh, mentioned, 261, 316; HAY, , part owner of Ottawa, 360. sketch, 249; secretaryship, 300; ship- HAY, GOV. Jehu (John), mentioned, 78, wrecked, 303; letters, 304-306, 332; 662; sketch, 58; marriage, 733. death and will, 391-92. HAY, Pierre Henry, mentioned, 28; HEWARD, Mrs. Hugh, mentioned, 332; sketch, 662-63. leaves Detroit, 305; death of husband, HAYTER, Elizabeth, wife of Dr. James 391-92. Macaulay, sketch, 351. HICKLEY, Sarah, wife of Jesse Burbank, HAZEL, Edward, sketch, 18; occupies sketch, 537. Bird's house, 18, 20-21. HICKMAN, Anna, birth, 601. HEALD, Capt. Nathan, mentioned, 27. HICKMAN, Capt. Harris Hampden, mar- HECKENWELDER, John Gottlieb, men- riage, 455; sketch, 601. tioned, 164, 243. HICKMAN, Sarah, birth, 601. HELM, Capt. Leonard, mentioned, 281. HICKS, Agnes, wife of Edward Hazel, HEMBROW (Hembro, Embro), John, given house by Bird, 18. mentioned, 461; sketch, 50; carpenter HICKS, Judith, wife of Henry Ramsey, partnership, 50-51; rents land, 75-77. given house by Bird, 18. HEMPSTEAD, Stephen, mentioned, 143. HILL, , mentioned, 774. HENRY, Capt. , service in War of HINN, Capt. , mentioned, 109. 1812, 714. HOCQUART, Gilles, grants land, 530. HENRY, Alexander, mentioned, 166-68, HOFFMAN, , mentioned, 577. 196, 371-72, 395-96, 404-405, 410-11, HOFFMAN, Anna, wife of Christian Hoff- 453-54, 461-62, 509-10, 513, 543- man, mentioned, 27. 44, 633; sketch, 5; land specula- HOFFMAN, Christian, mentioned, 27. tion, 5-8, 27-28, 68-70, 453-54, 470-71; HOFFMAN, George, sketch, 27-28; regis- letters, 180-82, 274-76, 296-97, 324-25, ter, 104, 329; recorder, 448-49. 330-32, 374-75, 393-95, 431-34, 458-59, HOFFMAN, George Washington, men- 462-63, 500-501, 515-16, 653-54, 673- tioned, 27. 75, 734-35, 781-83; philosophy, 330-31; HOLCROFT, Capt. , service in War business with: Williams and Casety, of 1812, 735. 397, 431-34, Lindsay, 425, Brush, 747; HOLMES, Maj. , defeat at Mackinac, friendship for Askin, 624-25; age, 675. 669. H E N R Y , Alexander, "the younger," HOLMES, Hugh, letters, 153-54, 207-208; sketch, 180. sketch, 154-55; debts, 207. HENRY, Mrs. Alexander, mentioned, 332, HOLMES, Dr. William, sketch, 306. 375, 544, 653, 674, 782. HOOD, Alexander, Viscount Bridport, HENRY, James, mentioned, 114, 158, mutiny of crew, 106. 414, 486, 532, 720; sketch, 305; public HOPE, Lt.-Gov. Henry, mentioned, 309, offices, 386, 464; agent for Fraser, 458;. 328. signs petition, 682; entertains General HOPKINS, James, mentioned, 414. Brock, 718; death, 744. HORN, Elias, mentioned, 76. HENRY, James, Indian captive, men- HORNER, Archibald, signs petition, 682; tioned, 164; sketch, 158. sketch, 683. 810 INDEX HORNEB, Elizabeth, wife of Archibald HUNTER, Lt.-Gov. Peter, mentioned, 223, Horner (first), John Walker (second), 231, 234, 237, 242, 257, 290, 300, 307, and Elias Pattee (third), sketch, 683. 348, 399, 470, 506, 548; sketch, 220; HORNER, Mariah, mentioned, 683. commander-in-chief in Canada, 301; HORNER, Sarah, mentioned, 683. favoritism in granting claims, 314; HORRACE, servant of Brush, mentioned, army contracts, 318-19; friendliness 597. towards Askin, 350; death, 486; HORSES, price, 721. character, 493. HOUDE, Michael, mentioned, 323. HUNTER, William, mentioned, 220. HUNTINGTON, , mentioned, 270. HOWARD, Gen. Benjamin, mentioned, HUNTINGTON, Benjamin, I, mentioned, 292. 190. HOWARD, Capt. Lewis, death, 538; at HUNTINGTON, Benjamin, II, letter, 190- St. Joseph, 670; sketch, 672. 91; sketch, 190. HOWELL, Nathaniel, mentioned, 599. HUNTINGTON, Daniel, identified, 190. HUBERT, Marie Angelique, wife of HUNTINGTON, JedidiahV., identified, 190. Jacques Giasson, I, mentioned, 227. HUNTINGTON, Samuel, declines judgeship HUBERT, Susanne, dit Lacroix, wife of of Territory of Michigan, 455; sketch, Pierre Reaume, sketch, 732. 456. HUDSON'S Bay Co., mentioned, 589. HUSTLER, Rachael, indentured to Wallen, HUGHES (Hughs), Maj. , mentioned, 276-77. 181. HUSTLER, Sergt. Thomas, daughter in- HULL, Abraham, death, 455. dentured, 276-77. HULL, Gen. Andrew, mentioned, 647. HUTCHINS (Hutchings), William, men- HULL, Ann Binney, wife of Harris Hamp- tioned, 217; letter, 133-34; sketch, 134. den Hickman, mentioned, 455; sketch, ILER, Jacob, mentioned, 76. 601. ILLINOIS Territory, organized, 456. HULL, Isaac, identified, 455. INDENTURE, see law. HULL, Julia, wife of Joseph Wheeler, INDIANA Territory, slavery, 347; collec- mentioned, 455. tion of debts in, 505, 513. HULL, Rebecca, wife of Dr. Samuel INDIANS, land grants, 5-8, 12-14, 27-28, Clarke, mentioned, 455. 30,60-62, 102-104, 171-72, 176,311-12; HULL, Gen. William, mentioned, 258, rum, 154; debts, 187, 335-36, 448-49, 305, 409, 486-88, 517, 539, 562, 591, 695; white aggressions, 206-207; mis- 647, 673, 695, 713, 720-21, 723, 731; sionaries among, 312-13 {see also Mor- sketch, 455; plan for Detroit, 474; avian Mission); influence of Shawnee governor of Michigan Territory, 474; Prophet, 568-69; use of fish, 589, 591; character, 481, 526-27, 709; debts, need of charity, 589; service in War of 598, 611; marriage of daughter, 601; 1812, 708, 711 ff., 714, 716-18, 720-28, housing problem, 677; service in War 731-32, 740, 744, 759, 761-62, 764-66, of 1812, 709-11, 724-25, 734-35, 738, 775-78; steal child, 754. See also indi- 740, 747. viduals. HUNOT (Hunault, Hunaud) family, INNIS, Robert, mentioned, 258, 261; sketch, 12. partnership with Grant, 193; sketch, 249; shipwrecked, 303; debts, 314. HUNOT, Gabriel, I, difficulties with INSURANCE, on furs, 135. Gouie, 435-36. IREDELL, Abraham, mentioned, 123; HUNOT, Gabriel, II, mentioned, 17, 46; surveyor, 29, 145, 162-63, 171; sketch, sketch, 12; land holdings, 12-14, 39-40; 101; candidate for representative, debts, 34, 202, 475, 501-503, 622; loss 299-300; death, 521. of Askin's packs, 482. IREDELL, Mrs. Abraham, mentioned, 171. HUNT, Elizabeth Cass, wife of Edmund IRELAND, sympathetic towards French A. Brush, sketch, 385. invasion, 128; union with England, HUNT, Henry Jackson, mentioned, 281. 184; political conditions, 250-51. HUNT, Gen. John E., mentioned, 385. IRONSIDE, George, sketch, 399. HUNT, Col. Thomas, mentioned, 281; IRVINE, Col. , mentioned, 18. sketch, 253. HUNT, Maj. Thomas, marriage, 281. JACKMAN, William, mentioned, 154. HUNT, William, mentioned, 362. JACKSON, , mentioned, 247. HUNTER, John, mentioned, 220. JACKSON, Ann, birth, 539. 811 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS JACKSON, Charles, marriage, 539. JONES, John Rice, I, sketch, 439; attorney JACOB (Jacobs), Capt. George, men- for Miamis Co., 439-41, 477-78, 489. tioned, 211, 729, 773; sketch, 521. JONES, John Rice, II, identified, 439. JACOB, Monique, wife of Charles Askin, JONES, Obediah, judge of Illinois Terri- sketch, 211. tory, 456. JACOB, Moravian Indian, debts, 336-37. JONES, Rev. Peter, sketch, 311-12. JARVIS, Capt. , service in War of JONES, Richard Hall, signs petition, 682; 1812, 714. sketch, 685. JARVIS, Maria Lavinia, wife of George JOSEPH Campau Avenue (Detroit), Hamilton, sketch, 719. named, 684. JARVIS, Samuel Peters, sketch, 721. JOUETT, Charles, sketch, 472. JARVIS, William, mentioned, 486, 719, JUDICATURE Bill, passes Lower House, 721; sketch, 299-300; candidate for 594. representative, 299; on Land Board, JUIN, Jeanne, wife of Bernard Dumouchel 307-309. dit Laroche, sketch, 278. JEANNES, Mary Ann, wife of Francis Achin dit Catin, II, mentioned, 189. KANE, Sergt. , mentioned, 88. JEFFERSON, Thomas, mentioned, 256, KAY, Alexander, identified, 431-32. 331, 472; creation of Territory of KAY, John, identified, 431-32. Michigan, 455; friendship with Wood- KAY, William, identified, 431-32. ward, 456. KAYSHAYMEKOQUAN, finds anchor, 609. JEMISON, Mary, mentioned, 157. KEITH, Capt. William, sketch, 785. JEROME (Gearome), Jean Baptiste, sketch, KELSEY, Elizabeth, wife of William Searl, 267, 725. sketch, 217. JEROME, Mary Archange, wife of Hubert KENNEDY, John, mentioned, 154. Lacroix, birth, 267, 725. KENT and Strathern, Edward Augustus, JERVIS, Sir John, mentioned, 97; victory Duke of, comes to Canada, 242, 290; over Spain, 106. sketch, 290. JOE, servant of Brush, mentioned, 472. KENTUCKY boat, described, 343; success- JOHN R. Street (Detroit), named, 384. ful use, 353. JOHNSON, Andrew, identified, 140. KERBY, Mrs. , saves Fitzgibbon's JOHNSON, Ann (Nancy), wife of Daniel life, 765. Claus, mentioned, 350. KERBY, Capt. James, identified, 774; JOHNSON, Elizabeth, wife of Ralph service in War of 1812, 774-75. Clench, sketch, 33. KERBY, Margaret, wife of Claude Gouin, JOHNSON, Sir John, mentioned, 350, 606, sketch, 748. 754. KERBY, William, mentioned, 759, 763. JOHNSON, Sir William, mentioned, 33, KERCHEVAL, Benjamin, marriage, 281. 303, 350, 754. KERR, , wounded, 754. JOHNSTON, Capt. , mentioned, 517. KERR, Mary Margaret, wife of Thomas JOHNSTON, Capt. , secretary to In- Clark, mentioned, 303. dian Department, 528. KERR, Dr. Robert, sketch, 754. JOHNSTON, , mentioned, 664; wound- KEWAIDENAHAM, signs deed, 27. ed, 773. KING, , mentioned, 677. JOHNSTON, George, mentioned, 45, 525; KING, Lt. , wounded and imprisoned, sketch, 669. 736. JOHNSTON, Jane, wife of Henry R. KING, Capt. , prisoner, 737. Schoolcraft, sketch, 669. KINGSBURY, Col. Jacob, sketch, 672-73. JOHNSTON, John, sketch, 669. KINZIE, John, mentioned, 790; adminis- JOHNSTON, Lewis, sketch, 669. trator, 280; marriage, 718. JOHNSON, General Washington, letter, KINZIE, John H., birth, 718. 253-54; sketch, 254; Askin's attorney, KNAGGS, , mentioned, 238. 279-85. KNAGGS, Elizabeth, wife of John Ander- JOMEIN, Catherine, wife of Jacques Dur- son, mentioned, 238; sketch, 723. ette, sketch, 683. KNAGGS, George, I, mentioned, 360, 723; JONES, , mentioned, 601. sketch, 119-20; estate, 119-20. JONES, Augustus, sketch, 311-12; Cuya- KNAGGS, George, II, marriage, 120. hoga Purchase, 320, 325, 330, 333; KNAGGS, James, birth, 120. letter, 325. KNAGGS, Rebecca, wife of Capt. Joseph JONES, George Wallace, identified, 439. May, marriage, 120; sketch, 360-61. 812 INDEX KNAGGS, Whittmore, marriage, 120; LAJUMODIERE, Maria Amable, wife of house plundered, 721. John Fearson, mentioned, 672; sketch, KYLE, James, wife dies, 422. 45. LALOR, Dorothea, wife of John Connelly, LABADIE, , mentioned, 648 sketch, 495. LABADIE, Anthony, dit Badichon, sketch, LAMB, Sarah, wife of Reuben Atwater, 573. sketch, 647. LABADIE, Margaret Descomps dit, see LAMBERT, Joseph, property difficulties Descomps, Margaret, dit Labadie. 375. LABADIE, Mary Joseph Descomps dit, LAND, belonging to Crown, 9-10, 21-23, see Descomps, Mary Joseph, dit 90-91, 100-102; price, 27-28, 40, 76, Labadie. 183, 316, 397, 459-61,467, 509, 530-33, LABADIE, Pierre, dit Badichon, sketch, 634, 644, 654, 687, 747; Indian grants, 749. 30, 60-62, 102-104, 171-72; title valida- LA BALAINE, Andre, mentioned, 586. tion, 122-24, 144-47, 161-63, 232-35, LA BELLE, , mentioned, 648. 245-46, 260, 307-10, 327-29, 496-98, LABEBGE, Mary Bibiana, wife of Jean 520, 526-27, 545, 571, 610-16, 664-66, Baptiste Durette, I, sketch, 683. 705; certificates, 241; cost of house, LA BUTTEJ , militia duty, 553. 307; "Firelands," 453-54; Congres- LABUTTE, Mary Catherine Chene dit, see sional regulations, 454, 472-74, 580-81, Che"ne, Mary Catherine, dit Labutte. 603; Canadian grants, 493-94, 516; LACELLE family, sketch, 34. fee for claims, 529; Canadian disagree- LACELLE, Antoine, sketch, 150. ment with U. S. laws, 611-13; laws of LACELLE, Jacques, III, mentioned, 34. Michigan Territory, 687-88. See also LACELLE (Lasselle, Laselle), Jacques, IV, Cuyahoga Purchase. mentioned, 160, 722; sketch, 34; duel LANGOUT, , wounded, 736. with Williams, 383-84; suit against LANSING, Anna, wife of Abraham Ten Peltier, 636. Eyck, mentioned, 684. LACELLE,, Mary Ann, wife of Thomas LAPAGE, , miller, mentioned, 443. Caldwell, marriage, 34. LAPIERRE, Jean Baptiste Aloire dit, see LACROIS (Lacroi), Dominic (Domq), Aloire, Jean Baptiste, dit Lapierre. mentioned, 524. LAPIERRE-LAPOMERAIS, Pierre Robert LACROIX, Hubert, marriage, 267. dit, see Robert, Pierre, dit Lapierre- LACROIX, Susanne Hubert dit, see Hu- Lapomerais. bert, Susanne, dit Lacroix. LAPLANTE, Jean Baptiste, mentioned, LADEROUTE, , debt to Askin, 345. 420. LADEROUTE, Mary Seguin dit, see Seguin, LA POINTE,, Mary Louisa, wife of Amable Mary, dit Laderoute. Chulle dit Belair, sketch, 725. LAFITTE, Jane, wife of Valentin Belanger, LA POMERIAS (Lapomeraye, La Pomer- sketch, 685. aie), Louis Robert dit, see Robert, LAFLEUR, Basil, logger, 188-90, 208-209. Louis dit La Pomerais. LAFOND, Charles, mentioned, 197. LAPRARIE, Mary Piedalu dit, see Piedalu, LAFONTAINE, , pays for house, 204. Mary, dit Laprarie. LAFONTAINE, , dit Marion, winterer, LA ROCHE, , mentioned, 600. deserts, 227. LAROCHE, Bernard Dumouchel dit, see LAFONTAINE, Francois, sketch, 34. Dumouchel, Bernard, dit Laroche. LAFONTAINE, Prudent Robert dit, see LAUGHTON, Ann, wife of Walter Roe, Robert, Prudent, dit Lafontaine. sketch, 75. LA FOREST, Archange, sketch, 323. LAUGHTON, John, sketch, 657. LA FOREST, Guillaume, mentioned, 323. LAUZON (Lauson), Jacques, marriage, LAFOY, Augustin, signs petition, 682; 383, 432. sketch, 684. LAUZON, Mary Frances, wife of Francis LAFRAMBOISE (Laframboies), Alexis, Meloche, mentioned, 511, 532. mentioned, 291; sketch, 225. LAW, deeds, 5-8, 40-41, 530-33; estates, LAFRAMBOISE, Elizabeth Guilbert dit, 15-16, 119-20, 431-34; power of see Guilbert, Elizabeth, dit Lafram- attorney, 17-21; contracts, 24-25, 152- boise. 53, 294-95, 323-25, 399-401; inden- LAFRAMBOISE, Francois, sketch, 225. tures, 50-51, 62-64, 276-77, 607-608; LAFRAMBOISE (Laframboize), Jean Bap- lease, 75-77; citizenship, 115-21, 742; tiste Fafard dit, see Fafard, Jean ferry license, 129-30, for inn, 160; Baptiste, dit Laframboise. debts, 137-38, 212-14, 228-29, 267, 813 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS 319-20, 326-27, 329-30, 348-49, 477- LINCOLN, Abraham, mentioned, 203. 78, 501-503, 505, 513, 557-58, 560- LINDSAY, William, partnership with 61; mortgage, 253; Canadian judicial Henry, 425. system, 373; duel, 383-84; arbitra- LIQUOR, price, 159-60,167, 262, 353, 604, tion, 441, 537, 562, 621, 623-24, 780; forbidden to army, 165; spruce 651; Judicature Bill, 594; training in beer, 661. See also merchandise. Canada, 600; dissatisfaction with U. LISA (De Lisa), Manuel, sketch, 143. S. in Canada, 610-16; traffic regula- LITTLE, Eleanor, wife of Daniel Mc- tions, 703; wills, 777-78, 785-87. See Killip (first), and John Kinzie (second), also lands. mentioned, 790; sketch, 34; marriage, LE BEAU, Francis, mentioned, 133. 718. LE BEAU, Isabelle, wife of Drouil- LITTLE, Elizabeth , wife of John lard, witness, 323. Little, mentioned, 790. LE BEAU, Lisette, wife of Ignatius LITTLE, Elizabeth, wife of William Joachim Thuot dit Duval, sketch, 133. McCrae, sketch, 386. LE BLANC, , millwright, debts, 319. LITTLE, James, service in War of 1812, LEBLANC, Margaret, wife of Pierre Alain, 729. mentioned, 727. LITTLE, James W., bill for John Askin LEBLANC, Mary Ann, wife of Joseph Jr's. funeral, 790; sketch, 790. Robidou, mentioned, 259. LITTLE, Jane, wife of Robert Forsyth, LECLERC, Mary Louisa, wife of Louis sketch, 281. Joseph Dumouchel, sketch, 279. LITTLE, John, mentioned, 718, 790; LE Due, , buys land from Askin, 512. sketch, 386. LEE, , mentioned, 671. LITTLE, Margaret (Margarethe), wife of LEE, Capt. William, mentioned, 438; William Forsyth, sketch, 718. sketch, 192-93. LITTLE, Nicholas, service in War of 1812, LEE, Dr. William, sketch, 344. 729. LEES, John, identified, 544. LITTLE Otter, mentioned, 30. LEES, John, Jr., sketch, 544. LEFEBVRE, Magdelene, wife of Prisque LIVERNOIS, Etienne Benoit dit, see Benoit, Etienne, dit Livernois. Cote, sketch, 685. LE FRANC, , buys land from Askin, LIVERNOIS, Joseph, I, sketch, 511; buys land from Askin, 511. 512. LIVERNOIS, Joseph, II, sketch, 511; buys LE GROS FUSIL, Ottawa chief, 551. LEITH (Leath), George, mentioned, 52, LIVERNOIS, land from Askin, 511. 173, 205, 276, 313; sketch, 73; visits Paul Benoit dit, see Benoit, Detroit, 310. Paul, dit Livernois. LEITH and Co., mentioned, 230. LIVINGSTON, Henry Brockholst, letter, LEONARD, Capt. , service in War of 60-62; sketch, 62. 1812, 775. LIVINGSTON, Robert, identified, 62. LEOPARD, attack upon Chesapeake, 566, LIVINGSTON, William, identified, 62. 595. LIVINGSTONE, Robert Ramsay, sketch, LESEUR, Marie Ann, wife of Pierre 732. Levasseur, mentioned, 339. LOFTUS, Gen. William, sketch, 57; in L'ESPERANCE, ——, mentioned, 743. Ireland, 98. LESPERANCE, Jean Baptiste Brilliau dit, LOGNON, Louis, signs petition, 682; see Brilliau, Jean Baptiste, dit Les- sketch, 683-84. perance. LOGNON, Pierre, sketch, 683. LESTER and Managh, bankruptcy, 543. LOGNON Farm, 683. LETOUR, , carpenter, debts, 319. LOISEL, Regis (Registre), sketch, 177. LEVASSEUR, Antoine, dit Carmel, men- LONDONDERRY, Marquis of, see Stewart, tioned, 14. Robert. LEVASSEUR, Felicite, wife of William LOOP, Peter, Jr., witness, 51. McCoskry, sketch, 339. LOOTMAN, Agatha, dit Barrois, wife of LEVASSEUR, Magdelene, wife of Jacques Jean Baptiste Reaume, mentioned, Amable Peltier, mentioned, 591, 606. 198. LEVASSEUR, Mary Charlotte, dit Carmel, LOOTMAN, Frangois, dit Barrois, men- wife of Joseph Reaume, sketch, 259-60. tioned, 683. LEVASSEUR, Pierre, mentioned, 339. LOOTMAN, Marie Anne, dit Barrois, wife LEWISTON (Ont.), captured, 774-76. of Jean Baptiste Cuillerier dit Beau- LIDDLE, Capt. , killed, 754. bien, mentioned, 114; sketch, 683. 814 INDEX LOOTMAN, Mary, dit Barrois, wife of MCCRAE, William, identified, 386. Robert Navarre, I, sketch, 695. MCDONALD, John, identified, 763. LORANGER dit Maisonville line, sketch, MACDONELL, Allan, sketch, 351. 101. MACDONELL (McDonnel), Angus,sketch, LORANGER, Alexis, dit Maisonville, see 351; death on Speedy, 441-42. Maisonville, Alexis. MCDONELL, James, sketch, 171. LORANGER (Lorange), Alexander (Alexis, MACDONELL, Lt. Col. John, sketch, 721. Elexis), debts, 267; imprisoned for MCDONELL, Ronald, sketch, 134. debt, 326-27, 329-30; letter, 326. MCDONNELL, , mentioned, 529. LORRAIN, Charles, winterer, 206. MCDOUALL, Lt. Col. Robert, command- LOTTERY, price of ticket, 430, 508. ant at Mackinac, 789. Louis Philippe, Duke of Orleans, recon- MCDOUGALL, , wounded, 776. noitres Niagara region, 116. LOUISIANA, ceded to France, 139. MCDOUGALL, Lt. George, mentioned, LOUVIGNY, Pierre Jean Baptiste Testard, 479. Sieur de Montigny de, see Testard, MCDOUGALL (MacDougall), George, Pierre Jean Baptiste, Sieur de Mon- mentioned, 479; sketch, 134; fight tigny de Louvigny. with Huntington, 190; letters, 193-95, LOWRIE (Lawrie), Peter, sketch, 72. 197-200; buys farm, 197-200, 204. LUDWIG (Lodwick), Moravian Indian, MCDOUGALL, John Robert, mentioned, mentioned, 187; debts, 335. 708; deeds Belle Isle to Macombs, LUSIGNAN, Marie Magdelene, wife of 479; sketch, 479-80. Frangois Xavier Trotier dit Bellecour, MCDOUGALL Avenue (Detroit), named, mentioned, 533. 480. LYON, Benjamin, sketch, 291. MCDOUGALL Farm, origin, 480. LYON, Thomas, marriage, 667. MCGILL, , mentioned, 517; reads Harffy's funeral service, 376. MCCALL, Capt. Daniel, identified, 715. MCGILL, Andrew, mentioned, 178; mar- MCCALL, Donald, sketch, 715. riage, 425; sketch, 483. See also Mc- MCCALL, Capt. Duncan, identified, 715. Gill, James and Andrew. MCCALL, Ensign James, identified, 715. MCGILL, James, mentioned, 219, 318-19, MCCAN, Lt. , mentioned 242; land 370, 394, 399, 406-407, 422, 458, 484, grant, 234. 496-500, 513-15, 520, 526-27, 534, MACAULAY, Dr. James, mentioned, 499; 544, 563, 607, 619-20, 624, 642, 653, sketch, 351. 657, 671, 674, 686-88, 708-10; sketch, MCCLACHLAN, , school teacher, debts, 8; land speculation, 68-70, 168, 425, 191-92. 453-54, 470-71, 526-27, 575, 664-68, MCCLELLAN, Gen. George B., ancestry, 676-77, 705-706; trade difficulties, 177; 754. friendship for Askin, 347-48, 513-14, MCCLELLAN, Capt. Martin, sketch, 754. 704-705; letters, 485, 505-506; 667-68; MCCLELLAN, William, mentioned, 754. money due, 505, 514-16, 523; con- MCCLINTOCK, James, identified, 341. nection with Reynolds family, 522; MCCLINTOCK, William, debt, 34. death and will, 776-78, 782. See also MCCLOSKEY (McClosky), James, sketch, McGill, James and Andrew, and Todd 562. and McGill. MCCORMICK, Arthur, sketch, 378. MCGILL, James and Andrew, men- MCCOSKRY, Alfred, mentioned, 339. tioned, 246; letters, 206, 334-35; busi- MCCOSKRY, Felicite, mentioned, 339. ness with Askin, 231-32, 256, 292, MCCOSKRY, Bishop Samuel A., men- 481-83. tioned, 339. MCGILL, Capt. John, mentioned, 241, MCCOSKRY (McCroskey, McCoskrey, 486, 493; sketch, 234; letter, 359. McCostrie), William, mentioned, 342; MCGILLIVRAY, William, mentioned, 534, suitor for Isabella Grant, 337-39, 336; 629, 653, 688; sketch, 606; death of sketch, 339. wife, 674, 692; friendship for John MCCRAE, Alexander, identified, 386. Askin Jr., 691-92; colonel of Voy- MCCRAE, Ann, birth, 386. ageurs, 734. MCCRAE, Eliza, birth, 386. ^ MCGILLIVRAY, Mrs. William, death, 674, MCCRAE, George, birth, 386. 692. MCCRAE, Thomas, I, Askwith's tailor MCGREGOR, Ann, wife of Robert Rich- bill, 14-15; sketch, 386. ardson, mentioned, 750; marriage, 686, MCCRAE, Thomas, II, sketch, 386. 693. 815 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS MCGREGOR, Catherine, wife of James MCKEE, James, mentioned, 769; sketch, W. Little, sketch, 790. 112. MCGREGOR, Col. Gregor, mentioned, MCKEE, Marie Anne (Nancy), men- 173, 502-503, 527, 645, 686; sketch, 65; tioned, 770; sketch, 539. debts, 395, 405; transactions with Du- MCKEE, Capt. Thomas, mentioned, 111- bois, 397; mortgage on Monforton 12, 129, 209, 258, 306, 350, 352, 399, property, 557; property seized by Hull, 437, 521, 539, 551, 593-94, 600, 663, 710. 676, 678, 708, 721, 770; sketch, 102, MCGREGOR, James, mentioned, 372. 173; letters, 117-18, 521-22; death of MCGREGOR, Jane, birth, 790. father, 192; illness, 318, 743; miscon- MCGREGOR, John, mentioned, 405, 790; duct, 422, 783; partner in Cuyahoga sketch, 372; Vigo's debt to Miamis Purchase, 453-54, 458, 465; militia Co., 621, 623-24. duty, 470, 493-94, 521-22, 528, 548, MCGREGOR, M , mentioned, 610. 553; Huron lands, 494; debts, 639, MCGREGOR, Mary (Martha), wife of 649-50, 671; service in War of 1812, John McGregor, mentioned, 790. 722, 724, 728-29, 731. MCGREGOR, Susanne, wife of William MCKENZIE, , mentioned, 670. Duff, sketch, 527-28. MACKENZIE, Sir Alexander, mentioned, MACGREGOR, Messrs., Montreal firm, 691; sketch, 274-75; knighted, 375; 334, 505. expedition to Pacific, 585. MCGREGOR mill, 707. MCKENZIE, Donald, death, 180. MCHENRY, James, rules of War Depart- MCKENZIE, Roderick, mentioned, 177. ment, 240-41. MCKIIXIP, Daniel, mentioned, 718. MCINTOSH, Mrs. , mentioned, 772. MACKINAC, surrendered to British, 713; MCINTOSH, Alexander, mentioned, 645, shortage of provisions, 770-72. 689, birth, 76. MCLEAN, Capt. , killed, 754. MCINTOSH (Mackintosh), Angus, men- MCLEAN, Lt. Archibald, sketch, 715; tioned, 259, 283, 300, 307, 499, 537-38, service in War of 1812, 717. 565, 573, 583, 594, 602, 628, 650, MCLEAN, Catherine, wife of Louis Ves- 658-60, 688, 733, 783; sketch, 75-76; ina, sketch, 280. executor, 75-77; money due, 356, 489- MCLEAN, Capt. Hector, mentioned, 36, 90, 621, 623-24; pallbearer for Harffy, 217, 274, 307, 317, 376; sketch, 273. 376: house burned by Mrs. Fraser, MCLEAN, Mrs. Hector, death, 273; 458; goes to Scotland, 478; property, grave, 377. 479. See also Miamis Co. MCLEAN, Neil, mentioned, 715. MCINTOSH, Duncan, birth, 76. MACKLEM, James, sketch, 315-16; letter, MCINTOSH, James, mentioned, 445; 316. sketch, 263. MCLEOD, Archibald Norman, mentioned, MCINTOSH, William, mentioned, 283, 691; identified, 660. 651; sketch, 281; attorney for: Askin, MCLEOD, Margaret, wife of Duncan 282, 367-68, 396-98, 405, 410-11, 413, Cameron, sketch, 589. 419-21, 439-41, 475, 477-78, 501-503, MCLEWES, , mentioned, 251. 513, 518-19, 621-24, Miamis Co., MCMICHAEL, , characterized, 192. 489-90, 503-505; letters, 344-47, 367- MCMURRAY, , marriage, 525. 68, 396-98, 477-78, 621-22; business MCNEAL, , at Greenville, 202. in Vincennes, 344-47; characterized by MCNEEL (McNeal), Daniel, I, signs peti- Vigo, 419-21. tion, 682; sketch, 684. MCKAY, , mentioned, 574, 594, 606, MCNEEL, Daniel, II, identified, 684. 688, 692, 753. MCNEEL, John, identified, 684. MACKAY, Col. Aeneas, marriage, 283. MCNEEL, Margaret, wife of Daniel MCKAY (Mackay), Alexander, sketch, McNeel, I, sketch, 684. 585. MCNIFF, Catherine, wife of Patrick MCKAY, H , mentioned, 550. McNiff, mentioned, 537-38. MCKEE, Col. Alexander, mentioned, 18, MCNIFF, Eleanor, wife of Jonathan 67, 70, 111, 173, 310, 470, 639; sketch, Eastman, sketch, 537. 9; militia duty, 78-79; death, 192, MCNIFF, Margaret, wife of Porter 209; succeeded by Claus, 350; land ' Hanks, sketch, 538. claims, 494. MCNIFF, Patrick, mentioned, 113-14, MCKEE, Alexander, II, mentioned, 769- 122, 190, 537-38; sketch, 5, 464; land 70; sketch, 721-22; mathematics, 743; speculation, 5-8, 27-28, 68-70; letters, service in War of 1812, 722. 30-31; judge, 38-39, 277. 816 INDEX MCNIFF, Robert, sketch, 464. MARENTETTE, Dominic Francis Godet MACOMB family, sketch, 283. dit, see Godet, Dominic Francis, dit MACOMB, , shipwrecked, 303. Marentette. MACOMB, Mrs. , mentioned, 374. MARENTETTE, Frances Godet dit, see MACOMB, Alexander, mentioned, 19, Godet, Frances, dit Marentette. 283; sketch, 18; care of Therese MARENTETTE, Francis Godet dit, see Wright, 342, 351-52; ownership of Godet, Francis, dit Marentette. Belle Isle, 479. MARENTETTE, Jacques Duguay dit, see MACOMB, Gen. Alexander, mentioned, Duguay, Jacques, dit Marentette. 173; marriage, 283. MARENTETTE, Margaret Duguay dit, see MACOMB, Anne, wife of Col. Aeneas Duguay, Margaret, dit Marentette. Mackay, mentioned, 283. MARIE, mistress of Anthony Labadie dit MACOMB, Catherine, wife of Gen. Alex- Descomps, mentioned, 749. ander Macomb, mentioned, 283. MARIETTA (Ohio), founded, 457. MACOMB, David Betton, marriage, 283. MARION, , Lafontaine dit, see La- MACOMB, John Gordon, mentioned, 283. fontaine, , dit Marion. MACOMB, Sarah, wife of Arent Schuyler MARRIAGE, French contract, 323-25. De Peyster, II, sketch, 173. MARSAC, Mary Louisa, wife of Robert MACOMB, William, mentioned, 21, 50, Navarre, II, mentioned, 779; sketch, 173, 370; sketch, 75-77, 283; owner- 695. ship of Belle Isle, 479; debts due MARSHALL, , mentioned, 140. Miamis Co., 489-90. MARTIN, , quarrel with Lt. Williams, MCQUEEN (McGuin, Maguire), Alex- 696. ander, sketch, 377. MARTIN, , buys Saguinah, 778. MCQUEEN, Grace, wife of Alexander MARTIN, Capt. , service in War of McQueen, sketch, 377. 1812, 775. MCQUEEN, Mary Flora, birth, 377. MARTIN, Widow -, property, 449. MCQUEEN, William, birth, 377. MARTIN, Hugh R., mentioned, 671. MCTAVISH, Simon, mentioned, 691; MARTIN, Margaret, dit St. Jean, sketch, sketch, 24; break with Mackenzie, 323. 274-75; educates Alexander Grant MARY, sketch, 258. Jr., 357; death and estate, 421, 424; MATCHIQUIS, mentioned, 407. effect of death upon North West MATHEWS, Col. , mentioned, 602. Co., 444. MATHEWS, Maj. Robert, mentioned, 75. MCTAVISH, Frobisher and Co., contract MAY, Ann, wife of Peter Francis Audrain with Askin, 66. (first), and James B. Whipple (second), MADELAINE, slave of John Askin Jr., mentioned, 562. mentioned, 772. MAY, Elizabeth Ann, wife of Jacques MADISON, James, mentioned, 456, 472. Godfroy, sketch, 601. MAHIMAK, signs deed, 27. MAY, James, mentioned, 113, 241, 390, MAHINGAN, signs deed, 26. 410, 464, 552, 562, 582, 601, 651; MAIL, transportation, 72, 86, 105, 164, sketch,102;judge, 104, 142;debt, 165; 207, 280, 341-42, 397, 648, 653, 671-73. wreck of Harlequin, 360; purchases MAILLET (Mayez), Simon, elopement, windmill, 406; petitions for Territory 675. of Michigan, 455; arbitrator, 537; MAISONVILLE, , Jr., mentioned, 79; letter, 561-63; sells lot, 684. agent for Askin, 150; militia duty, 553. MAY, Capt. Joseph, marriage, 120; MAISONVILLE, Alexis, mentioned, 48- death, 358; sketch, 360-61. 49, 140, 193, 207, 237, 337, 407; sketch, MAYNE, Capt William, mentioned, 46- 7, 101; witness, 7, 40, 104; land hold- 47, 83, 273; sketch, 35-36. ings, 122-24, 314; goes to York, 350; MAYRITTE, Jean, mentioned, 323. financial misfortunes, 479; letter, 586; MEASURES, minot, French bushel, Win- militia duty, 586. chester bushel, 402; arpent, 512. MAISONVILLE, Harry, mentioned, 101. MEDICINE, quinine, 491; elk skins, 539. MALMESBURY, Earl of, see Harris, James. MELDRUM, George, mentioned, 114, 177, MANNERS, Maj. Thomas, identified, 758. 178, 216, 299, 406, 409, 460, 651, 687; MANSION House, mentioned, 591. sketch, 17; note, 219; engages school- MARCHAND, Father Jean Baptiste, sketch, master, 294-96; ownership of Saguinah, 111. 399-401, 507-508; Vigo's debt to 817 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS Miamis Co., 621, 623-24; loyalty, 708; 639; potash, 674; timber, 674; U. S. letter, 778-79; home plundered, 778. embargo on tea, 698. See also Meldrum and Park. MEREDITH, Anne, mentioned, 59, 542; MELDRUM, Mary Ann, wife of William education, 72, 89, 97. McDowell Scott (first), and Melvin MEREDITH, Col. David, mentioned, 73, Dorr (second), sketch, 409. 87-88, 118, 183-85, 287, 428, 431, 523, MELDRUM and Park, mentioned, 135; 568, 742; sketch, 57; illness, 71, 83-84, build mills, 194; ownership of Saguinah, 88-89, 127; military service, 95 ff., 333, 370-71, 379-80; letter, 380; 105-107, 128, 174, 491, 528, 540-41; property in Detroit, 479; business, 778. letters, 105-107, 126, 250-52, 540-41; MELOCHE, Catherine, wife of Louis death, 626; estate, 642-43. Chapoton, mentioned, 684. MEREDITH, David, Jr., mentioned, 59, MELOCHE, Francis, mentioned, 511, 532. 542; education, 72, 89, 97, 541; com- MELOCHE, Mary Frances, wife of Pierre missioned, 643. Berthelet dit Savoyard, sketch, 532. MEREDITH, Elizabeth, mentioned, 542; MELOCHE, Mary Therese, wife of Joseph education, 491-92; miniature, 742, 751. Livernois, I, sketch, 511. MERRITT, Thomas, sketch, 711-12. MELVILLE, Viscount de, see Dundas, MERRITT (Merrit), William Hamilton, Henry. service in War of 1812, 711-12. MENARD, Catherine, wife of Jacques MESSACAR, Abraham, identified, 713. Campau, mentioned, 432; sketch, 684. METAY, Mary Frances, wife of Francis Deslauriers (first), Francis Bertrand MENARD, Mary Ann, wife of Jean Pierre (second), and Jean Baptiste CuiUerier Chulle dit Belair, sketch, 725. dit Beaubien (third), sketch, 683. MENY, Antoine, mentioned, 464, 480. MIAMIS CO., money due, 346, 367, MENY, Cecilia, wife of Jean Baptiste 413-14, 419, 437-40, 477-78, 489-90, Creti, sketch, 464. 513, 518-19, 621, 623-24. See also MENY, Geneveva, wife of Lambert entries under various partners. Thibault (first), and John R. Mc- 'MICHIGAN, sketch, 258. Dougall (second), sketch, 480. MICHIGAN Territory, officers appointed, MENY, Mary, wife of Jean Baptiste 455-56; debt law, 505; land laws, 687- Brilliau dit Lesperance (first), Michael 88; as neutral ground, 747. Houde (second), and Simon Drouillard MICHILIMACKINAC Co., mentioned, 569; (third), sketch, 323. sketch, 554; storehouse at St. Joseph, MERCER, Charlotte, mentioned, 184. 590; protest against Embargo and MERCER, Capt. Daniel, mentioned, 73, Non-Importation acts, 602; charters 242, 252, 486, 521, 528; stinginess, 89; Caledonia, 733. in Uxbridge, 492; gout, 523; death, MILITIA, see army. 541, 547. MILLER, James, mentioned, 675-76. MERCHANDISE, price of: men's clothing, MILLS, Capt. William, mentioned, 437, 14-15, corn, 24, 159, 186, 336, 591, 444, 550, 555, 583-84, 591, 594; sketch, 780, flour, 24, 225, 286, 386, 403, 415, 215-16. 430, 447, 674, 707-708, 780, tea, 148, MILNES, Sir Robert Shore, sketch, 220. 751, whisky, 159, 403, 554, 780, rum, MINOT, defined, 402. 262, 604, 780, jewelry, 160, pork, 160, MIRANDA, Francisco, mentioned, 529. 186, 211, 430, 674, 780, timber, 186, MISSIONARY, Bacon on Harsen's Island, beef, 186, 318, 780, maple sugar, 214- 312-13. See also Moravian Mission. 15, 225, 698, 751, 780, bricks and tile, MISSISAUGA, Cuyahoga Purchase, 5-8. 262, cider, 262, 435, bread in England, MISSISSIPPI Territory, collection of debts 331, tools, 336, ox, 628, wheat, 674, in, 505. wagon, 728, butter, 780, potatoes, 780, MISSOURI, first book published by salt, 751, 780, mutton, 780; whisky, Frederick Bates, 256. 148, 353, pay for Indians, 551, re- MITCHELL, Dr. David, I, mentioned, 291, fused by Indians, 568-69; rum, di- 569, 576, 583, 606, 646, 658, 660-61, luted, 159; blankets, 160; candle 673; sketch, 173. wick, 160; salt, 221, 336, 353, 507; MITCHELL, David, II, mentioned, 569. corn, 262, 343 (from Niagara), 402; MITCHELL, Jessie, wife of Lewis Craw- wheat, 262; Harffy's order, 268; cider, ford, mentioned, 590; marriage, 576; 353; duty on provisions, 403; scarcity birth of twins, 583. at St. Joseph, 604-605; maple sugar, MOIRA, Earl of, see Hastings, Francis 609, 733; sugar exchanged for flour, Rawdon. 818 INDEX MOMPESSON, , wounded, 767. NADEAU family, sketch, 358. MONCK, G. W., identified, 789; nervous NADEAU (Nadau), Jean Baptiste, fight breakdown, 789-90. with slave, 357-58. MONFORTON, William, sketch, 434; NANANNIE OU Kuvainin, signs deed, 27. letters, 557-58, 560-61; imprisoned for NANGUI (Nangi), signs deed, 104, 381. debt, 557-58, 560-61. NANTAIS,. Jean Baptiste Prudhomme dit, MONROE, James, mentioned, 472, 739, see Prudhomme, Jean Baptiste, dit 742. Nantais. MONTIGNY, Sieur de, see Testard, Pierre NANTAIS, Margaret Prudhomme dit, see Jean Baptiste, Sieur de Montigny de Prudhomme, Margaret, dit Nantais. Louvigny. NAUDOET, signs deed, 12. MONTREAL, fire in 1803, 394; growth and NAVARRE, , mentioned, 194. trade, 653, 674; attack by Gen. Dear- NAVARRE, Mary Catherine, wife of born expected, 742. Henry B. Brevoort, sketch, 695. MORAN (Morin), , a mason, debt, NAVARRE, Mary Frances, wife of George 549-50. McDougall, mentioned, 479. MORANDIERE, Catherine Desrivieres de NAVARRE, Mary Louisa Robert, wife of la, wife of Antoine Dequindre, sketch, Dominic Francis Godet dit Marentette, 684. sketch, 799. MORAVIAN Mission, trade with Askin, NAVARRE, Robert, I, sketch, 695. 153-54, 158-59, 164, 186-87, 335-37; NAVARRE, Robert, II, mentioned, 779; members, 243; arrival of Denkey, sketch, 695. 303-304; lands bought by Askin and NEAGLE.S, John, mentioned, 181. Ancrum, 309-10, 327-29, 613; on NEGAONIQUE, signs deed, 12. Harsen's Island, 381-82; title of NEGROES, used as soldiers in Detroit, property, 497. 566, 570. MOREAU, Frangois Xavier, dit Duplessy, NELLES, Henry William, sketch, 711. sketch, 533. NELLES, Maj. Warner, sketch, 711. MORISON, Charles, mentioned, 257; NELSON, , carpenter, 444. sketch, 214; letters, 215, 224-26, 290- NELSON, George, marriage, 718. 92, 414-16. NELSON, Horatio, Lord, reported dead, MORRIS, , mentioned, 246. 151; victory, 181, 500. MORRISON, James, mentioned, 181. NELSON, Capt. Jonathan, sketch, 34; MORRISON, Mary, wife of Conrad Seek, buys wood for garrison, 205. sketch, 683. NEW London Co., plan to buy Cuyahoga MORTIMEJR, Benjamin, sketch, 243; let- Purchase, 453-54. ters, 243, 303-304. NEWSPAPER, published in Niagara, 239; MOSES, Charlotte, indentured, 607-608. 582. MOTT, Mary, wife of John R. Williams, NIAGARA (Ont.), newspaper, 239. sketch, 384. NICHOL, Robert, mentioned, 75, 158, MOUNSEY, Capt. Paul, sketch, 249; 372, 387, 714; sketch, 41; witness, estate, 261. 102, 104; business relations with MOUNT Clemens (Mich.), founded, 496. Robert Hamilton, 148-49, with Askin, MOY, house of Angus Mclntosh, 367. 187, 214, 227-28, 354, 385-87, 403, MUIR, Capt. Adam C , mentioned, 590; 429-31, 434-38, 507-508, with Clark, sketch, 488; commands at Detroit, 728. 303; letters, 191-93, 210-12, 221-22, MUIR, Mrs. Adam C , mentioned, 590. 226, 301-303, 342-44, 353-54, 383- MURRAY, Anne, wife of William Dummer 85, 401-404, 421-31, 436-38, 445- Powell, mentioned, 140, 568. 46; disapproval of cosmetics, 436; MURRAY, Jane, wife of John Dodemead, charter of Saguinah, 445-46; public mentioned, 539, 683. funds, 703; service in War of 1812, 728. MURRAY, Lt. Col. John, identified, 774; NIGOUCHEWAY, signs deed, 11. service in War of 1812, 774-75. NIGQUANI comme, signs deed, 12. MURRAY and Sansom, creditors of NIQUIQUE, signs deed, 12. Williams and Casety, 431. NOBBIN, runs away, 561-62. MUY, Sieur de, see Daneau, Pierre NOBERT, Etienne Biguet dit, see Biguet, Charles. Etienne, dit Nobert. MYERS, Lt. Col. Christopher, sketch, NON-IMPORTATION ACT, objection of fur 755. traders, 602, 694. MYERS, Martin Theophilus, mentioned, NORTHUMBERLAND, Duke of, see Percy, 268; sketch, 218. Hugh. 819 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS NORTH West Co., mentioned, 212, PAINE, Thomas, mentioned, 305. 286, 585, 589, 629, 658-60; business PALMER, Joseph, repairs Harlequin, 360. with Askin, 24-25, 34; organization, PANGMAN, Peter, mentioned, 691. 180, 444, 691; break between McTav- PARE, Jean Baptiste, mentioned, 14. ish and Mackenzie, 274-75; control of PARE, Mary Frances, wife of Antoine lake shipping, 482; goods seized by Levasseur dit Carmel (first), and Tous- U. S. customs, 515; tobacco output, saint Ch£ne (second), sketch, 14. 649; proposes road from Yonge Street PARENT family, sketch, 548. to Matchedash Bay, 688; contract with PARENT, Maj. , mentioned, 548. East India Co., 698. PARENT, Geneveva, wife of Jean Baptiste NORTON, , debts, 179. Cuillerier dit Beaubien, II, sketch, 683. NORTON, Capt. John, mentioned, 508; PARENT, Jane, wife of Francis Godet dit sketch, 372; service in War of 1812, Marentette, sketch, 779. 712-13. PARENT, Laurence, mentioned, 779; NOWLAN, Thomas, offers to manage sketch, 683. Saguindh, 495; letter, 495. PARK, Mrs. , mentioned, 773. PARK, Joseph, mentioned, 743. OBRIAN, Mrs. , daughter of Joseph PARK, William, mentioned, 173, 195, 299, Frobisher, fatally burned, 331. 379, 409, 497, 534, 613, 651; sketch, O'BRIEN, Ensign , marriage, 671. 17; characterized, 217-18; Miamis O'BRIEN, Ann, wife of Richard G. Co., debts, 419, 489-90, 621, 623-24; England, mentioned, 48-49, 52, 72-73, letters, 443-44, 588; windmill, 443-44; 107-109; sketch, 781. appraiser, 444; debts, 465; militia O'BRIEN, Ensign Edward James, menr duty, 552; illness, 687. tioned, 781; sketch, 50. PARKE, Judge Benjamin, mentioned, 281. O'BRIEN, James, mentioned, 781. PARKER, Gerrard, Ogilvie and Co., men- O'BRYAN, Capt. , in Montreal, 65. tioned, 64, 393, 427. OCHAISIE, signs deed, 104. PARKS, Beaumont, assistant of David OCHICHALK, signs deed, 27. Bacon, 362. OGDEN, Charles R., mentioned, 756. PARK'S mill, mentioned, 717. OGDEN, Peter Skene, mentioned, 756. PARLIAMENT (Canadian), eligibility to, OGETONICUT, death on Speedy, 442. 299. OGILVIE, Mrs. , marries William PARRES, , mentioned, 675. Robertson, 392. PATERSON, Capt. , mentioned, 517. OGILVIE, John, sketch, 64; William PATRICK, , mentioned, 676. Robertson's estate, 567; agent for PATTEE, Rev. Elias, marriage, 683. North West Co., 629. O'HARA, Gen. James, mentioned, 414; PATTINSON, Ellen, mentioned, 773. sketch, 148; army contractor, 305. PATTINSON, Mary, mentioned, 773. OHIO, troops in War of 1812, 720, 724. PATTINSON (Pattenson), Richard, I, men- O'KEEFFE, , mentioned, 538. tioned, 237, 470, 499, 537-38, 574, 609, OKIA, mentioned, 30; signs deed, 26. 626, 660, 672, 679, 729-30, 732, 742; OLIVER, , mentioned, 19, 539. sketch, 140; furs lost, 303; land, 467, OMISSASS, signs deed, 104. 509, 564, 663, 747; militia duty, 553; OPPELT, Gottfried Sebastian, sketch, 243; marriage, 600; owner of the Ellen, 688; letter, 270, 335-37. birth of daughter, 678; death of wife, OPPELT, Mrs. Gottfried Sebastian, men- 773. tioned, 337; at Goshen, 243. PATTINSON, Richard, II, mentioned, 773. O'REILLY, Anne, wife of D. W. Smith, PECHE River, located, 101. mentioned, 78, 122, 124; sketch, 22. PECK, William, mentioned, 743. O'REILLY, John, mentioned, 22. PELL, , suit against Ruland, 613. ORLEANS, Duke of, see Louis Philippe. PELLETIER, , leaves Vincennes, 345. OTHESNEESA, signs, deed, 27. PELTIER, Mrs. , mentioned, 679. OTTAWA, see Indians. PELTIER, Angelica, dit Antaya, wife of OUBEQUEGYATE, signs deed, 12. Antoine Campau, mentioned, 188'. OUQUESOS, signs deed, 11. PELTIER, Archange, wife of John Whip- OXEN, for plowing, 480. pie, sketch, 591. PELTIER, Felicity, wife of Peter Tallman PACCAN (pecan), definition, 118. (first), and Francis of Assisi Cicotte PACKARD, Benjamin, marriage, 203. (second), mentioned, 640, 679; sketch, PACIFIC Fur Co., mentioned, 585. 636. 820 INDEX PELTIER, Jacques Amable, mentioned, POLLARD, Richard, mentioned, 112, 139, 583, 591, 609, 659-60, 679; debts, 636; 173, 288, 503, 747; sketch, 37; becomes rents farm to Cicotte, 640. rector, 369, 374; letters, 438-39, 550, PELTIER,'Jean Francis, mentioned, 511. 5.63-64. PELTIER, Mary Ann Angelica, wife of POPHAM, Sir Home, mentioned, 541. Anthony Campau (first), and Etienne PORLIER, Claude, sketch, 28. Benoit dit Livernois, II (second), PORLIER, Claude Cyprian, sketch, 28. sketch, 511. PORLIER, Joseph Stephen, dit Benalque PELTIER, Mary Frances, wife of Jean sketch, 28; location of land, 512. Baptiste Pare, mentioned, 14. PORLIER, Stephen, baptism, 28. PELTIER, Mary Madelaine, wife of John PORTAGE, Yonge Street to Matchedash Askin Jr., mentioned, 73, 88, 234, 487, Bay, 688. 551, 564-65, 570, 573-74, 577-78, 584, PORT HURON (Mich.), first lots platted 590, 593, 604, 607, 609, 626-27, 629, by John Thorn, 262. 631, 636, 638, 641-42, 646, 650, 652, PORTEOUS, John, sketch, 215. 656, 661, 670, 673, 678-79, 689, 694, 696-97, 733-34, 772, 779; letters, 132- PORTEOUS, John,, sketch, 704. 33, 576-77, 691-93, 761-63, 784-85, PORTEOUS, Mary Charlotte, sketch, 704. 788-90; moves to St. Joseph, 550, PORTER, , mentioned, 138, 654. 553-55; kindness to Mrs. Crawford, PORTLAND, Duke of, see Bentinck, Wil- 583; goes to Detroit, 657-59; death of liam Henry Cavendish. husband, 790. POSTAGE, from England, 56. PERCY, Hugh, Duke of Northumberland, POTAWATOMI, see Indians. honors D. W. Smith, 517. POTAWATOMI Village, given to Navarre, PERRY, Commodore Oliver H., men- 695. tioned, 695. POTHIER, , mentioned, 525, 694. PETERBORO (Ont.), named, 716. POTHIER, Jean Baptiste Toussaint, PETERS, Hannah Owen, wife of William sketch, 37. Jarvis, sketch, 300. POTHIER, Louis Toussaint, mentioned, PETERS, Rev. Samuel, mentioned, 300, 37. 719. POTHIER, Toussaint, mentioned, 569. PEYROAX, Capt. , mentioned, 436. POUGET, Cecilia, wife of Paschal Reaume, PHELPS, Oliver, mentioned, 157. sketch, 260. PICANIER, Sieur de la, see Quindre, POUGET, Joseph, mentioned, 260. Francois Guillaume Dagneau de, Sieur POUNAL, Sir G , mentioned, 425. de la Picanier. PICOTE, Francois Marie, see Bellestre, POUPARD, Angelica, wife of Jean Bap- Sieur de. tiste Cicotte, mentioned, 636. PIEDALU, Mary, dit Laprarie, wife of POWELL, Jeremiah, sketch, 528-29. Thomas Ignatius Thuot dit Duval, POWELL, Mary Bayles, wife of Samuel sketch, 133. Peters Jarvis, sketch, 721. PIETOU, Frances, wife of Andrew Achin, POWELL, Judge William Dummer, men- mentioned, 189. tioned, 303, 315, 432, 499, 529, 721, PIKE, John, service in War of 1812, 729. 749; sketch, 34; in England, 109; PIKE, Zebulon, mentioned, 211; expedi- letter, 139-40; opinion on land claims, tion to Northwest, 500. 161-62; attorney for Williams, 384; PILET, Jacques, land granted, 531. son imprisoned, 568; Askin's land PILKINGTON, Capt. Robert, sketch, 388- claims, 658. 89; fortifies Fort Miamis, 543; business POWERS, , shipwrecked, 303. venture at Johnstown, 669. PRATT, John Jeffreys, Earl of Camden, PILKINGTON Township, colonized, 389. mentioned, 488. PIMAQUE, signs deed, 12. PRESCOTT, Gov.-Gen. Robert, men- PINFOLD, Capt. , mentioned, 109. tioned, 234, 273; sketch, 220. PIQUETTE, Jean Baptiste, signs petition, PREVOST, Sir George; attempt to take 682. Sackett's Harbor, 755. PISINACK, , land claims, 529. PRINCE, , debt, 191. PITT, William, mentioned, 106, 108, 331; PRINCE, James, debt, 191. war policy, 72. PRINCE, Col. John, execution of prisoners, PLAYTER, George, sketch, 351. 503. POINT AU ROCHE, see Stony Point. PROCTER, Augusta Margaret, birth, 487. POLLARD, Edward, sketch, 510. PROCTER, Frances Sarah, birth, 487. 821 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS PROCTER, Gen. Henry A., I, mentioned, REAUME, Charlotte, wife of Pierre Charles 197, 235, 280, 409, 488, 685, 695, 711- Daneau, Sieur de Muy, mentioned, 12, 717, 722, 747, 771; sketch, 487; 732. service in War of 1812, 725, 766; civil REAUME, Claude Thomas, mentioned, governor of Detroit, 727-28. 733. PBOCTEK, Henry, II, birth, 487. REAUME, Hyacinthe, sketch, 259. PROCTEE, Sarah Anne, baptised, 487. REAUME, Jean Baptiste, mentioned, 198; PROCTER, Lt. William, marriage, 711. sketch, 449. PROHIBITION, in Detroit, 1796, 49. REAUME, Joseph, sketch, 259-60. PRUDHOMME, Jean Baptiste, dit Nantais, REAUME, Marie Julie, wife of Jehu Hay, mentioned, 685. mentioned, 662; characterized, 59. PRUDHOMME, Margaret, dit Nantais, REAUME, Paschal, sketch, 260. wife of Jean Baptiste Belanger, sketch, REAUME, Pierre, sketch, 732. 685. REAUME, Susanne, wife of Jacques Baby, PRUDHOMME, Mary Jane, wife of Jean dit Duperon, land holding, 41, 684. Baptiste Raoul, mentioned, 193-94. REEDER Farm, title difficulties, 465, PTOLOMEE, Angelica, wife of Pierre 475-76. Robert, dit Lapierre-Lapomerais, RENAUD, Antoine, debt, 347. sketch, 197-98. RENAUD, Louis, mentioned, 683. PUCE River, located, 101. RENAUD, Margaret, wife of Antoine Dur- PUISAYE, Joseph Genevieve, Comte de, ette, sketch, 683. mentioned.. 774; sketch, 151. RENAUD, Mary Ann, wife of Jean Bap- PURDAY, Ann, wife of Pierre Labadie, tiste Durette, II, sketch, 683. dit Badichon, sketch, 749. RENT, house at St. Joseph, 355; River Rouge farm, 619; office, 666. QUESNEL, Mary Louisa, dit St. Remy, REYNOLDS, Jean Charlotte McGill, birth, wife of Charles Drouillard, sketch, 522. 683-84. REYNOLDS, Reuben, witness, 51. QUIMFERS, Charlotte, mistress of James REYNOLDS, Robert, sketch, 522; bequest Henry, mentioned, 305. from McGill, 777. QUINDRE, see also Dequindre. REYNOLDS, Thomas, mentioned, 174, QUINDRE, Charles Stanislas Dagneau de, 263, 431, 522, 601; sketch, 34; con- dit Fontenoy, sketch, 123. struction of Ft. Maiden, 83, 218, 222, QUINDRE, Francois Guillaume Dagneau 249; letters, 222, 273; commissary, de, Sieur de la Picanier, sketch, 123. 224-25, 255, 258, 261, 264-65, 268-69, QUINDRE, Louis Cesaire Dagneau de, 273-74, 317, 389-90; pall-bearer for mentioned, 123. Harffy, 376. QUIOUIGOUSHQUIN, mentioned, 407. RIALL, Sir Phineas, service in War of QUOUQIXE, signs deed, 12. 1812, 775. RACEY, , service in War of 1812, 713. RICHARD, Father Gabriel, mentioned, RAE, John, grandfather of John Askin, 562. 341. RICHARDS, Peter, deserts, 222. RANDALL and Whitney, mentioned, 22. RICHARDSON, Jane, wife of Robert Rist, RAOUL, Jean Baptiste, mentioned, 193 mentioned, 670, 676, 678, 686; sketch, RAOUL, Mary Jane, wife of Jean Francis 131; father and brother captured, 769. (Phenon) Toupin dit Dusault, sketch, RICHARDSON, John, mentioned, 356, 368, 193-94. 749; sketch, 131; tuition, 357; service RAPIN, Elizabeth, wife of Jean Drouil- in War of 1812, 719, 729, 769. lard, mentioned, 323. RICHARDSON, John, mentioned, 534. See RAVIER, Frances, wife of Francis Berthe- also Forsyth and Richardson. let, mentioned, 532. RICHARDSON, Dr. Robert, mentioned, RAWSON, Santlaw Gustavus, sketch, 661; 246-47, 308, 359, 426-28, 499, 553, 565- assistant commissary of St. Joseph, 66, 569, 573, 584, 594, 607, 626, 628, 670. 641-42, 652, 655, 691, 727, 743, 748-49, REAUME family, sketch, 259. 773, 785; sketch, 131; marriage, 174; REAUME, Agatha, wife of Isidore Robert, letters, 209-10, 277-78, 355-56, 368-69, sketch, 198. 685-86, 749-50; goes to St. Joseph, REAUME, Alexis, mentioned, 779-80; 344, 355-56; military promotion, 548- sketch, 732-33. 49; death of wife, 676, 678; marries REAUME, Bonaventure, sketch, 732. Ann McGregor, 685-86, 693; service REAUME, Charles, sketch, 28. in War of 1812, 729, 769. 822 INDEX RICHARDSON, Robert, II, mentioned, 93; gift of £1000, 393; executor for 743; sketch, 748; wounded, 749. William Robertson, 547, 552, 567; RICHARDSON, William, marriage, 247. service in War of 1812, 735. RIGAULT, Pierre Francois, Marquis de ROBIDOU, Joseph, mentioned, 259. Vaudreuil, capitulation, 473. ROBIDOU, Mary Teresa, wife of Francois RIST, Robert, marriage, 131. Billet, sketch, 259. RIVARD family, sketch, 28. ROBINS, , mentioned, 529, 538-39, RIVARD, Antoine, I, mentioned, 28. 566. RIVARD, Antoine, II, sketch, 28. ROBINSON, , mentioned, 276. RIVARD, Jean Baptiste, sketch, 28. ROBINSON, Christopher, sketch, 23. ROBERT family, sketch, 449. ROBINSON, John Beverley, mentioned, ROBERT, Isidore (Guemon), mentioned, 75. 449;sketch, 198. ROBINSON, Capt. Peter, sketch, 716. ROBERT, Louis, dit LaPomerais (La- ROBINSON and Martin, mentioned, 671. pomeraye, La Pomeraie), sketch, 197. ROBISON (Robertson), Capt. Thomas, ROBERT, Mary Louisa, wife of Jean sketch, 510-11; death, 520. Francis Peltier (first), and Jean Louis ROBISON (Robertson), William, men- Campau (second), mentioned, 511, tioned, 378;sketch, 671. 684. ROCHESTER (N. Y.), early settlers, 157. ROBERT, Michael, sketch, 197. ROCKY River, see Stony Creek. ROBERT, Philip, sketch, 197. RODMAN, Catherine, wife of William ROBERT, Pierre, dit Lapierre-Lapomerais, Hamilton Merritt, sketch, 712. sketch, 197-98. ROE, John James, birth, 75. ROBERT, Pierre Nicholas, sketch, 198. ROE, Maria Ann, birth, 75. ROE, Walter, mentioned, 146, 179, 218, ROBERT, Prudent, dit Lafontaine, sketch, 238, 242; sketch, 75; register, 104; 197-98. money due, 192; surveyor, 260-61; ROBERT, Regina Susanne, wife of Gregor letter, 279-80; candidate for represen- McGregor, mentioned, 527. tative, 299-300; incompetence, 314-15. ROBERTS, Capt. Charles, mentioned, 469; ROE, Walter Thomas, birth, 75. takes Mackinac, 538, 713; succeeded ROE, William, birth, 75. by Bullock, 771. ROLETTE, F , mentioned, 637. ROBERTSON, , mentioned, 550. ROLLETTE, , mentioned, 641. ROBERTSON, David, mentioned, 72. ROLPH, Lt. George, identified, 712; ROBERTSON, John, mentioned, 426; service in War of 1812, 721. business, 385-86; letter, 387-88; gift ROMAIN, Jean Baptiste, dit Sanscraint, from William Robertson Sr., 393; sketch, 7; interpreter, 7, 14. executor for William Robertson, 547; ROMAN Catholic Church, relation to service in War of 1812, 735, 739. state, 43. See also Assumption Church ROBERTSON, Elizabeth Lucy, wife of and Ste. Anne's Church. Henry Ronalds, mentioned, 340; RONCELAY, Mary, wife of Antoine trouble with father, 387-88. Fournier, sketch, 132. ROBERTSON, Prince, account, 212. ROSE, Sir George Henry, American ROBERTSON, William, I, mentioned, mission, 595. 48-49, 52, 59, 65-67, 73, 88, 230, ROUGH (Reuff), Capt. James, mentioned, 245, 257, 260-61, 314, 337-38, 341, 657, 671; sketch, 258-59, 434. 347, 378, 396, 465, 510, 563; sketch, ROULEAU, Charles, marriage, 305. 5; land speculation, 5-8, 68-70, 167, ROUSSIN, Frances, wife of Pierre Lognon, 260-61, 289, 315, 664-66; debts, 34-35, 486; witness, 41; marries, sketch, 683. Mrs. Ogilvie, 64, 392; business affairs ROUSSIN, Jean, mentioned, 683. 72, 339-41, 390-93, 427; attorney for ROUSSON, Jean Baptiste, witness, 322-23. Todd and McGill, 74-75; salt spring, ROWLAND, Thomas, mentioned, 537. 228; letters, 243-44, 248-49, 339-41; RULAND (Rutland, Rulund), Israel, offers his house for school, 243-44; mentioned, 30, 197, 297, 599; sketch, death of wife, 297; illness, 350-51; 5; land speculation, 5-8, 27-28, 68-70; misconduct, 387-88, 422, 425-26, 467, debts, 34, 422, 534, 610; suit against, 492, 523; death, 547; estate, 552, 567. 612-13. ROBERTSON, William, II, mentioned, 151, RUSCUM River, located, 101. 310; business troubles, 385-86; goes to RUSSELL, Peter, mentioned, 70; sketch, England, 387-88, 392-93; letter, 392- 23; letter, 121; receiver general, 516-17. 823 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS SAGUINAH, repairs and operation, 333, STE. MARIE, Felicity, wife of Antoine 339-401, 481; sale, 370-71, 379-80, Rivard, sketch, 28. 507-508; chartered by Nichol, 445; SALARIES, 319, 671, 697; winterers, 206, Nowlan's offer to manage, 495. 227, 661; engages, 274; secretary to ST. AUBIN, Jean Baptiste Casse dit, see governor,-305; shoemakers, 371, 671; Casse, Jean Baptiste, dit St. Aubin. boat captain, 400; president of Coun- ST. AUBIN, Magdelaine Casse dit, see cil, 523; in Montreal, 625; collector of Casse, Magdelaine, dit St. Aubin. customs, 666. ST. AUBIN, Mary Ann Casse dit, see SALMON, Capt. , mentioned, 86. Casse, Mary Ann, dit St. Aubin. SALMON, Maj. George C , identified, ST. BERNARD, see also Bernard. 714; service in War of 1812, 721. ST. BERNARD, Joseph, sketch, 188; logger SALSTAUNSTAL, , mentioned, 17. for Askin, 189-91; lawsuit, 379. SAM, slave of Thomas McKee, men- ST. CATHERINE (Ont.), founded, 712. tioned, 551, 590, 639. SAINT CERNY (Saint Cernie, Cencirnie), SAMUEL, Moravian Indian, debts, 335. Antoine, sketch, 278. SANDWICH (Ont.), site considered, 101. ST. CLAIR, Gen. Arthur, mentioned, 49, SANGUINET, Charles, marriage, 101. 183, 197,305, 339, 362; in Detroit, 310; SANSCRAINTE, Jean Baptiste Romain dit, incorporation of Detroit, 680. see Romain, Jean Baptiste, dit Sans- ST. CLAIR, Arthur, Jr., identified, 182. crainte. ST. COSME family, sketch, 7. SAQUIMAINT, signs deed, 11. ST. COSME, Dominic, birth, 7-8. SARGENT, Winthrop, sketch, 114-15; ST. COSME, Pierre Laurence, sketch, 7-8. grants Askin ferry license, 129-30 ST. COSME, Rose, wife of James May, SAUCIER, Geneveva, wife of Joseph St. mentioned, 601. Bernard, sketch, 188. ST. CROIX, Lt. , mentioned, 636. SAUCIER, Joseph, mentioned, 188. ST. GEORGE, Lt. , service in War of SAUNDERS, Capt. William Caulfield, 1812, 717. identified, 767. ST. GEORGE, Col. Thomas B., service in SAUVAGE, Catherine, wife of Charles War of 1812, 717-18. Ch£ne, mentioned, 448. ST. JEAN, Margaret Martin dit, see SAUVAGE, Marie Anne, wife of Francois Martin, Margaret, dit St. Jean. Lootman dit Barrois, mentioned, 683. ST. JOHN, , service in War of 1812, SAVOYARD, Francis Berthelet dit, see 712. Berthelet, Francis, dit Savoyard. ST. JOHN'S Church (Sandwich), need of SAVOYARD, Henry Berthelet dit, see wardens, 438-39. ST. JOSEPH, wild life, 570, 574; described, Berthelet, Henry, dit Savoyard. 589; living conditions, 589, 649. SAVOYARD, Pierre Berthelet dit, see ST. LOUIS, , debts, 329. Berthelet, Pierre, dit Savoyard. ST. MARY, fitienne, mentioned, 253, SAVOYARD, Therese Berthelet dit, see 280, 397; property, 368. Berthelet, Therese, dit Savoyard. ST. MARTIN, Jane Baudry dit, see SAWYER, Daniel, mentioned, 113; sketch, Baudry, Jane, dit St. Martin. 114. ST. MARTIN, Jean Baudry dit Desbuttes SCHENECTADY boat, speed, 46. dit, see Baudry, Jean, dit Desbuttes SCHIEFFELIN, Jonathan, sketch, 62; dit St. Martin. Philadelphia mission, 181; imprisoned, ST. MARTIN, Margaret Desbuttes dit, see 668. Desbuttes, Margaret, dit St. Martin. SCHLEY, Rachel, wife of George Knaggs, ST. MARTIN, Mary Archange Baudry dit mentioned, 360; sketch, 119-20; house Desbuttes dit, see Baudry, Mary plundered, 723. Archange, dit Desbuttes dit St. Martin. SCHOOLCRAFT, Henry R., marriage, 525. ST. MARTIN, Mary Joseph Adhemar dit, SCOTT, Judge , mentioned, 664. see Adhemar, Mary Joseph, dit St. SCOTT, Mary, wife of Robert Grant, Martin. sketch, 193. ST. MARTIN, Toussaint Anthony Ad- SCOTT, Mary, common-law wife of hemar dit, see Ahemar, Toussaint Robert Forsyth, sketch, 281. Anthony, dit St. Martin. SCOTT, Thomas, mentioned, 506; sketch, ST. REMY, Mary Louisa Quesnel dit, see 486. Quesnel, Mary Louisa, dit St. Remy. SCOTT, Dr. William McDowell, sketch, STE. ANNE'S Church, erected after fire, 409. 533. SEABURY, , mentioned, 259. 824 INDEX SEARL, Ann, wife of Roderick Drake, SIMCOE, Gov. John Graves, mentioned, birth, 217. 10, 18, 23, 33, 48, 157, 242, 299, 311, SEARL (Serle), William, sketch, 217. 376, 388-89, 589, 712; sketch, 9; SEATON, Maitland and Co., failure, 275. letter, 32; lieutenant-governor of Santo SECORD, , service in War of 1812, Domingo, 72-73, 109; unfairness to 713. Askin, 100. SECORD, Mrs. Laura, myth, 764. SIMMS, Dr. , teaches Alexander Mc- SEEK, Conrad, sketch, 682-83. Kee, II, 743. SEEK, Nicholas, sketch, 682-83. SIMON, , mentioned, 137. SEGUIN, Mary, dit Laderoute, wife of SIMON, Pierre Lucian, dit Delorme, men- Francis Achin dit Catin, sketch, 189. tioned, 685. SELBY, Prideaux, mentioned, 111, 317, SIMON, Ursula, dit Delorme, wife of 350, 480, 635, 641, 643, 650, 657, 670, Pierre Belanger, sketch, 685. 678; sketch, 102; candidate for repre- SIMPSON, , mentioned, 160. sentative, 299; agriculture, 353, 437; SINCLAIR, , mentioned, 254. friendliness toward John Askin Jr., SINCLAIR (Sinclear), Lt. Col. John 638; death, 756. Sutherland, sketch, 376-77. SELKIRK, Lord, see Douglas, Tomas, SINCLAIR, GOV. Patrick, mentioned, 291. Earl of Selkirk. SINGLETON, Capt. , mentioned, 16. SEMPLE, GOV. Robert, death, 660. SLAVERY, 389, 639; Indiana Territory, SENSEMAN, Gottlob, mentioned, 153-54, 347; Upper Canada, 357-58, 389, 582- 164, 243, 262; letters, 158-59, 186-87; 83, 772; Michigan Territory, 561-62; death, 270. growing disapproval of, 582. SERVANT, duties, 509-10; indenture, 276- SLOCUM, Giles B., marriage, 685. 77, 607-608. SMALL, Charles, identified, 277. SHAND, Col. Alexander, identified, 252. SMALL, John, sketch, 277; duel with SHARP, George, mentioned, 75, 204-205, White, 277-78; clerk of Council, 308. 252, 310; sketch, 15; North West Co., SMITH, , mentioned, 435, 643, 675, 180; death, 276; business with Gamelin, 743; sells land to Askin, 508-10. 282-84. SMITH, Capt. , delinquent militia SHARP, John, murder, 442. returns, 78-79. SMITH, , tavernkeeper on St. Clair SHAW, Capt. , mentioned, 773. River, 463-64. SHAW, Maj. Gen. Aeneas, mentioned, SMITH, David W., mentioned, 29, 77-78, 249, 261, 263, 265, 486, 493, 499; 121, 145-46, 223, 231-32, 241, 245; sketch, 241-42; identified, 660. letters, 21-23,35,90-91,123-24,325-26; SHAW, John, identified, 41; delivers sketch, 22; goes to England, 234; bricks, 423, 426. Small-White duel, 277-78; returns to SHAWNEE Prophet, see Tenskwatawa. Canada, 300-301; speaker of Legis- SHEAFFE, Sir Roger Hall, mentioned, lative Council, 350-51; executor for 584; sketch, 750; succeeded by Vin- Hugh Heward, 391; second marriage, cent, 753. 487; favored by Duke of Northumber- SHEARS (Spears), Capt. , mentioned, land, 517. 109. SMITH, Hugh, mentioned, 197. SHEPPHERD, , buys corn, 133. SMITH, Major John, mentioned, 327; SHERRARD, Capt. Thomas Ormsby, men- sketch, 350. tioned, 659-660; replaces Dawson at St. SMITH, Mrs. John, mentioned, 78, 122, Joseph, 635, 652, 655; sketch, 652-53; 124, 228-29, 301, 316, 326; goes to quarrel with Lt. Williams, 696. England, 234; sketch, 350. • SHIPLY, , mentioned, 166. SMITH, Col. Samuel, mentioned, 356, 359, SHORT, , shoemaker, 462. 369; sketch, 376. SIBLEY, , daughter mentioned, 517. SMITH, Thomas, mentioned, 223; debts, SIBLEY, Henry H., mentioned, 165. 285-89, 610, 612-13; sketch, 286; SIBLEY, Solomon, mentioned, 62, 176, letters, 288-89, 298-300; political views, 198,254,370,372,645,648,723;sketch, 298-300; captain of militia, 299; land, 165; representative for Wayne County, 687, 706. 319-20; letter, 454-57; Washington SMITH, William, sketch, 205; letter, mission, 454-57,465, 473, 562; attorney 348-49. for Askin, 687. SMITH, William, sketch, 280; militia SIMARD, Magdelene, wife of Pierre Trem- duty, 586. blay, sketch, 103. SMUGGLING, 379, 606. 825 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS SMYTH, Gen. Alexander, inefficiency in SUTTON, Mary, sketch, 537. War of 1812, 737, 740. SWAN, James, sketch, 177; letter, 216-17; SMYTH, Jane, wife of Thomas Lyon, agent for Todd, 229-30, 257. marriage, 667. SWAYZIE, Isaac, sketch, 302. SMYTH, John, birth, 667. SMYTH, Martha, wife of Jeremiah V. R. TACHE, signs deed, 12. Ten Eyck, marriage, 667. TAGUE, , debt to Williams and SMYTH (Smith), Richard, sketch, 667; Casety, 394. justice of the peace, 667; signs petition, TALBOT, Col. Thomas, sketch, 712; 682. service in War of 1812, 713, 715. SNOW, mentioned, 590-91, 673. TALLMADGE, Elizabeth, wife of Deodat SNYDER, , farm, 122. Allen (first), and Christian Clemens SOCIETY, balls in Ireland, 184; in Detroit, (second), sketch, 496. 537-40, 590; at St. Joseph, 593. TALLMADGE (O.), founded by Bacon, 313. SOCIETY of Cincinnati, 457. TALLMAN, Lt. Peter, mentioned, 574; SOI d Bardeau, defined, 396. marriage and death, 636. SOLOMON, Ezekiel,mentioned, 763; sketch, TALLON, Capt. Joseph, identified, 717. 525. TAXES, 587; Detroit, 1805, 484. SOLOMON, Mrs. Ezekiel, illness, 763. TAYLOR, Gen. , mentioned, 729. SOLOMON, Lewis, mentioned, 525. TAYLOR, Lt. Thomas, sketch, 758. SOLOMON, William, mentioned, 763; TECUMSEH (Tecompse), service in War sketch, 525. of 1812, 722, 726, 756. SOUTADE, signs deed, 12. TEN EYCK, Abraham, mentioned, 684. SOUTH West Co., mentioned, 569, TEN EYCK, Conrad, signs petition, 682; 572, 584, 630, 691, 722; organized by sketch, 684. Astor, 37; at St. Joseph, 554, 592, TEN EYCK, Jeremiah V. R., marriage, 604; Non-Importation Act, 694; char- 667. ters Caledonia, 733. TENSKWATAWA (Shawnee Prophet), in- SPAIN, capture of ships by Jervis, 106; fluence, 568-69, 572. cedes Louisiana to France, 139. TESSIER, Mary Louisa, wife of Paul SPARKMAN, John, mentioned, 174; sketch, Dumouchel, I, sketch, 278-79. 368. TESTARD, Pierre Jean Baptiste, Sieur de SPEEDY, wrecked, 441-42. Montigny de Louvigny, mentioned, SPROAT, Col. Ebenezer, sketch, 457. 146, 246, 663; member of Land Board, SPROAT, Sarah Whipple, wife of Solomon 683. Sibley, sketch, 165. THAIN, Thomas, sketch, 629. STEAMBOAT, mentioned, 669. THAMES River Settlement, 509. STEDMAN, John, sketch, 303. THEMUS, , land claims, 529. STERLING, , mentioned, 615. THIBAULT (Teabeau), , mentioned, STERLING, William, service in War of 64. 1812, 729. THIBAULT, Joseph, signs document, 682; STEUBEN, Frederick William, Baron von, sketch, 684. mentioned, 455. THIBAULT, Lambert, mentioned, 480. STEWART, Robert, Marquis of London- THORN, John, plat of Port Huron, 262. derry, Viscount Castlereagh, mention- THORN, Capt. William, mentioned, 659; ed, 488. sketch, 262. STONY Creek, located, 194, 722. THORN, William, II, mentioned, 262. STRABANE, see Askin, John. THORNTON, Col. , mentioned, 636. STREET, Samuel, I, mentioned, 211; iden- THORPE, Robert, sketch, 506-507. tified, 302. THUOT, Ignatius Joachim, dit Duval, STREET, Samuel, II, identified, 302; sketch, 133. partnership with Clark, 303. THUOT, Pierre, sketch, 132. STRONG, Col. David, mentioned, 49, 166, THUOT, Pierre Edmund, sketch, 132. 234; sketch, 165; sued by Dodemead, THUOT, Thomas Ignatius, dit Duval, 204. sketch,132-33. STUART, Rev. John, mentioned, 155. TIFFIN, Edward, resigns from Senate, STUART, Robert, mentioned, 470. 455. SUMNER, Dr. Cyrus, identified, 713; TODD, Andrew, mentioned, 36, 99, 137; service in War of 1812, 714. sketch, 33; business affairs, 34-35, 143- SUPPON (supon, sepon), defined, 459. 44, 216, 465, 523, 575; estate, 257; SUTHERLAND, , mentioned, 346, 756. befriends John Johnston, 669. 826 INDEX TODD, Isaac, mentioned, 33, 137-38, 173, TROTIER, Francis Xavier, dit Bellecour 181, 202, 223, 274, 296, 331, 394, 458, (Francois Desruisseaux Bellecour), 567, 587, 606-607, 624, 626, 628, 635- mentioned, 533; sketch, 7; notary, 7, 37, 640, 653, 657, 708, 710, 734, 782; 14, 38-39, 322. sketch, 17; letters, 42, 45-46, 64-65, TROTIER, Joseph Amable, dit Des 135, 229-31, 256-57, 310-11, 398-99, Rivieres, death of son, 522. 421-23, 522-23, 533, 574-75, 610-11, TROTIER, Mary Joseph, wife of Antoine 614-15, 674, 747-48, 776-78; land: Rivard, mentioned, 28. speculation, 68-70,167, 453-54, 470-71, TROTIER, Mary Magdelene, dit Bellecour, 526-27, holdings, 664, 687, claims, 664- wife of Francois Xavier Moreau dit 66, 704-706; executor for: Andrew Duplessy (first), and Louis Theophile Todd, 144, McTavish, 424-26, McGill, Barthe (second), sketch, 533. 776-77; business with, Clamorgan, TROUGHTON, Lt. Felix, service in War Loisel and Co., 177-78, 216-17, dis- of 1812, 728. tillery, 310-11, money due, 522-23; TRUAX, Abraham C , signs petition, 682; daughter, 422, 692; illness, 500, 505, sketch, 685. 515, 522-23, 543; friendship for Askin, TRUAX, George B., death, 685. 513-14; ire at U. S. laws, 610-11; age, TRUAX, Sophia Maria Brigham, wife of 675. See also Todd and McGill. Giles B. Slocum, mentioned, 685. TODD, William, mentioned, 523. TRUAXTON (Mich.), see Trenton. TODD and McGill, mentioned, 15-16, 35, TRUDEAU, Jean, mentioned, 99. 56, 74, 88, 94, 110, 127, 185, 252, 492, TRUDEAU, Zenon, sketch, 99. 543; letters, 74-75, 602-604, 633-35; TRUE (Trew), Capt. Arthur, mentioned, land: holdings, 198-99, 406, 409-10, 584, 593. 463, 484, 533, 611-15, 619-20, 633-34, TUBERCULOSIS, death from, 699, 704. claims, 307-309, 496-97, 508-10, 664- TuRCOTTE, Pierre, winterer, deserts, 227. 66, 747; business in Detroit, 314, 571, TURKEY, war against France, 181. 646-48; Brush's debt, 598, 622-23. See TYLER, John, mentioned, 22. also Askin, business relations with TYLER, Mary, wife of D. W. Smith, Todd and McGill. sketch, 22. TORCHON, defined, 583. TORONTO, fortification, 703. UNDERSTON, Capt. James, sketch, 25. TOUPIN, Francis, identified, 193. UNITED Empire Loyalists, land holdings, TOUPIN, Jean, Sieur Dusault, identified, 234, 516. 193. UNITED STATES, land claims, 309, 472- TOUPIN, Jean Francis (Phenon), dit 74, 476; political conditions, 384, 594. Dusault, sketch, 193-94; land difficul- See also land, laws, and War of 1812. ties, 193-95, 198-200. VALADE, Joseph, mentioned, 278. TOUPIN, Louis Joseph, sketch, 193. VALADE, Mary Therese, wife of Antoine TOUPIN, Toussaint, Sieur Dusault, Saint Cerny, sketch, 278. sketch, 193. VALLE family, sketch, 177. TOWNSHEND, Marquis, mentioned, 57. VALLE, Jean, dit Versailles, mentioned, TRAVEL, 52, 71; routes, 694. 685. TRAXELLAR (Trexeler), Peter, mentioned, VALLE, Jean Baptiste, mentioned, 216; 337; identified, 262. sketch, 177. TREATY of Amiens, signed, 384. VALLE, Mary Elizabeth, dit Versailles, TREMBLAY (Tremble) family, sketch, wife of Philip Belanger, sketch, 685. 103. VANDERBURGH, Henry, sketch, 138. TREMBLAY, Geneveva, wife of Joseph VANIER, Mary Geneveva, wife of Pierre Saucier, mentioned, 188. Becquet, mentioned, 448. TREMBLAY, Louis Michael, sketch, 103. VAN RENSSELAER, Gen. Solomon, super- TREMBLAY, Magdelene, wife of Jean seded by Smyth, 740-41. Baptiste Aloire (first), and Hyacinthe VAN RENSSELAER, Stephen, mentioned, Desjardins (second), sketch, 532. 685. TREMBLAY, Margaret, wife of Guillaume VAUDREUIL, Marquis de, see Rigault, La Forest, mentioned, 323. Pierre Francois. TREMBLAY, Pierre, sketch, 103. VAUDRY, Ursule, wife of Pierre Gamelin, TRENTON (Mich.), named, 685. mentioned, 282. TROTIER, Catherine, dit Beaubien, wife VESINA, Charles, identified, 280. of Jean Cuillerier, sketch, 683. VESINA, Jean, birth, 280. 827 BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS VESINA (Vessina, Vesinat, Vezina, Vis- WASHINGTON, George, mentioned, 455; cenau), Louis, I, sketch, 279-80. death, 276. VESINA, Louis, II, sketch, 280. WASHINGTON (D. C ) , captured by Brit- VERSAILLES, Jean Valle dit, see Valle, ish, 539. Jean, dit Versailles. WASSON'S Son, signs deed, 104. VERSAILLES, Mary Elizabeth Valle dit, WATSON, William, mentioned, 45. see Valle, Mary Elizabeth, dit Ver- WAWAYACHTERIN, mentioned, 407. sailles. WAYNE, Gen. Anthony, mentioned, 49, VICTORIA, Queen, mentioned, 290. 146, 190, 197, 249, 362, 455, 589, 673; VIGER, Margaret, wife of Pierre Berthe- ruling on Indian land grants, 30; let, dit Savoyard, sketch, 532. Greenville Treaty, 474. VIGO, Francis, mentioned, 443, 460; WEAVER, , mentioned, 443. letters, 99-100, 136-37, 201-203, 418- WEEKES (Wicks), William, sketch, 480- 21; sketch, 100; debts, 182-83, 201-203, 81; attorney for Askin, 502; trouble 346, 367, 397, 405, 410-11, 413-14, 418- maker, 506. 21, 433, 439-41, 477-78, 489-90, 501, WELCH, Elizabeth, wifeof Thomas Welch, 503-504, 513, 518-19, 621, 632, 651; mentioned, 203. business relations with Askin, 280-81, WELCH, Margaret (Peggy), wife of Ben- 284; friendship of Harrison, 503-504, jamin Packard, mentioned, 203. 518-19; characterized, 504. WELCH, Thomas, identified, 203. VINCENNES (Ind.), lawsuits, 482. WELLESLEY, Arthur, Duke of Welling- VINCENT, Gen. John, sketch, 753; service ton, victories in Spain, 741. in War of 1812, 755, 758, 764. WELLINGTON, Duke of, see Wellesley, VISGAR, , suit against Robertson, Arthur. 427. WELLS, Rebekah, wife of Capt. Nathan VISGER, Jacob, arbitrator, 537. Heald, mentioned, 27. VISGER, John, sketch, 219; debts, 247-48. WELLS, Col. Samuel, marriage, 27. VOLTAGEURS, service in War of 1812, 742. WELLS, Capt. William, mentioned, 27. VOYAGEURS, service in War of 1812, 742. WENTWORTH, Arabella, wife of Francis VOYER (Voyez), Joseph, mentioned, 241; Gore, returns to England, 698. sketch, 14, 113. WESHEBANWAI, signs deed, 104. WEST, Benjamin, mentioned, 305. WABECHIN, signs deed, 11. WESTBROOK, , prisoner, 713. WABECHIQUE, signs deed, 11. WESTERN Reserve, see Connecticut WABKENINE, murdered, 140. Western Reserve. WABOJEEG, mentioned, 669. WESTON, Amos, sketch and burial, 25. WALKER, John, marriage, 683. WESTON, Mrs. Amos, mentioned, 24. WALLEN, Elias, sketch, 276. WHEELER, Gen. Joseph, identified, 455. WALSH, Dr. , mentioned, 436. WHEELER, Joseph, marriage, 455. WAR of 1812, preparations in Detroit, WHIPPLE, , mentioned, 636. 566, 707, along Detroit River, 570-71, WHIPPLE, Abraham, mentioned, 457. in Canada, 703, at Fort Maiden, 707; WHIPPLE, Catherine, wife of Ebenezer anticipated in Queenston, 567, on St. Sproat, sketch, 457. Joseph, 572, in Montreal, 574, in De- WHIPPLE, Capt. John, sketch, 591. troit, 580, in Canada, 600-602; land WHISTLER, Eliza, wife of Joseph Clench, as cause, 574-75; along Detroit River, mentioned, 33. 709, 716; at St. Joseph, 731; activities WHISTLER, Capt. John, mentioned, 254; in Montreal, 734-35; near Niagara sketch, 362; debts, 380, 390-91. 735-42; Battle of Raisin River, 748-50, WHISTLER, Sarah, wife of James Abbott, of Fort George, 752-56, of Sackett's sketch, 254-55. Harbor, 755, of Stony Creek, 757-59, WHISTLER, Col. William, mentioned, 33; of Beaver Dams, 763-68; Charles As- marriage, 45; birth, 362. kin's diary, 711-29, 774-76; desertions, WHITANESSA (Withannesse, Wittanessa), 738; capture of Fort Niagara and signs deed, 104, 381; complaint against Lewiston, 774-76. Connor, 206-207. WARREN, , mentioned, 163. WHITE, David, creditor of Thomas WARREN, John, mentioned, 290, 438, Williams, 431-33. 537; sketch, 42; letter, 360, death, 756. WHITE, James, mentioned, 19. WARREN, Sir John Borlase, destruction WHITE, John, sketch, 277-78; duel, 277- of Brest fleet, 181; identified, 739; 78. efforts to gain peace, 742 WHOOPING cough, at Mackinac, 763. 828 INDEX WILKINS, Gen. James, tannery in WOLVES, mentioned, 627. Detroit, 305. WOMEN, land grants, 516. WILKINS, Gen. John, mentioned, 114. WOOD, Ann, wife of William Henry, WILKINSON, Alexander, identified, 712; mentioned, 305. service in War of 1812, 713, 716, 719. WOOD, Bryce (Brice), mentioned, 594, WILKINSON, Eliza, wife of Taylor 773. (first), and Thomas Dickson (second), WOODS, James, mentioned, 461, 492-93, marriage, 266. 498, 522, 550, 552, 585, 593-94, 743, WILKINSON, Gen. James, mentioned, 138; 773; sketch, 372-73; militia duty, 553; letters, 30, 115-17; curb on British buys lot, 644; r61e in Askin's quarrel trade, 499-500. with Dawson, 657. WILLARD, Eliza, wife of Reuben At- WOODS, Robert Stuart, sketch, 373. water, sketch, 647. WOODRUFF, , mentioned, 712. WILLIAMS, , mentioned, 714. WOODWARD, Augustus Elias Brevoort, WILLIAMS, Lt. , mentioned, 659, 692- mentioned, 488, 785; sketch, 456-57; 93, 695; stationed at St. Joseph, 670; plan for Detroit, 456; secretary to quarrel with Sherrard and Martin, Procter, 727. 696-97. WOODWARD Avenue (Detroit), named, WILLIAMS, John, mentioned, 384. 457. WILLIAMS, John R., mentioned, 447; WORTHINGTON, Mary, wife of David sketch, 383-84; duel, 383-85; father's Betton, marriage, 283. estate, 431-34, 458, 462, 631-33. WORTHINGTON, GOV. Thomas, men- WILLIAMS, Nathan, sketch, 113. tioned, 283. WILLIAMS, Thomas, mentioned, 37, 288; WRIGHT, Therese, wife of Robert Nichol sketch, 383, 432; estate, 398, 631-33. (first), and Capt. Boyd (second), See also Williams and Casety. mentioned, 527; sketch, 342; returns WILLIAMS and Casety, estate, 394, 397, to Canada, 352. 431-34, 515; debts of Vigo, 405, 411, WRIGHT, Dr. Thomas, mentioned, 252; 413-14, 420, 503-504, 513,519. See also in West Indies, 47; sketch, 181; land Williams, Thomas, and Casety, John. certificates, 246; land grant petition WILLSON, , death, 768. 234; dies in Jamaica, 331. WILMOT, Alan, mentioned, 630; sketch, 211; goes to Mackinac, 214. YAX, Cecilia, wife of Louis Michael WILSON, , farmer, mentioned, 15. Tremblay, sketch, 103. WILSON, Margaret, wife of John Hem- YAX, Michael, mentioned, 103. brow, sketch, 50. WILSON and Ormsby, mentioned, 414. YEO, Sir James Lucas, identified, 755; WINCHESTER, Gen. James, mentioned, service in War of 1812, 766. 488, 748; taken prisoner, 749. YIEGH, , mentioned, 711-12, 714. WINCHESTER bushel, defined, 402. YORK, Frederick Augustus, Duke of, WINDER, John Henry, identified, 758. mentioned, 251, 273, 602. WINDER, Gen. William Henry, sketch, YORK, see Toronto. 758. WINTERERS, arrangements and pay, 206. ZEISBERGER, David, mentioned, 303-304; WISWELL (Wisewill), Oliver, sketch, 263. sketch, 243. WITHERELL, Judge James, mentioned, ZEISBERGER, Mrs. David, mentioned, 562. 243, 304. 829