CHAPTER XVI.

Chicago-Origin of its name-A fort erected here in 1804-Its advantages-Pottawatomies in its neighborhood-Tecumseh, in 1809, meditates its destruction-Massacre of White and others at Lee's Place, April 7, 1812-Winnemeg, a Pottawatomy Indian, arrives in Chicago, with dispatches from General Hull, August 7th, 1812— Advises Captain Heald to remain in the garrison, or abandon it immediately-Advice disregarded-Order to evacuate read on the parade-Lieutenant Helm and Ensign Ronan remonstrate against it-Dissatisfaction in Camp-Savages more and more insolent-A council held August 12th, 1812-Captain Heald attends it aloneCaptain Heald resolves to destroy the arms and ammunition not in use, also the liquor and stores-August 13th, the goods distributed among the Indians-Arms, ammunition, and liquor destroyed-August 14th, Captain Wells, Mrs. Heald's brother, arrives in camp-Another council held with the Indians-The latter indignant at the destruction of the arms, etc.-Black Hawk's assertion-A portion of the Chiefs still friendly-Black Partridge-August 15th, 1812, garrison marches out of the FortAttacked by the Indians on their march-After a severe action, in which two-thirds of the whole number are slain, the residue capitulate-Ensign Ronan and Dr. Voorhes killed-Prisoners and children massacred after the battle-Billy Caldwell-A party of savages from the Wabash arrive-Mrs. Heald-Mrs. Helm-Lieutenant Helm and other prisoners-Their subsequent fate.

Other

OUR misfortunes did not cease with the surrender of Detroit. garrisons more remote, and worse provided for, in like manner were abandoned or surrendered, some with, and others without resistance.

When Detroit was thus invested by a British force, and at the very time its surrender was demanded by General Brock, a tragedy was act ing at Chicago in Illinois, which cast all others in the shade. (See note 1.) By the treaty of Greenville, in August, 1795, negotiated by General Wayne, as well with the Pottawatomies as the Miamies, a tract of land six miles square, at the mouth of "the Chikago river," was ceded to the United States. From certain expressions used in the treaty, it would seem that a settlement had been made, and probably a fort, or blockhouse, had been erected by the French, on the lands thus ceded, some time before. Be that, however, as it may, the subject is no longer material. No vestige of such a settlement for many years has been visible. In 1804, a small fort was erected here by the United States. It consisted of two blockhouses, and a subterranean passage, from the parade to the river, the whole of which was surrounded by a picket, and furnished with three pieces of light artillery. A company of United States troops, about fifty in number, many of whom were invalids, con

stituted its garrison. Its position was well calculated for offence or defence; and its situation well adapted to effect the object for which it was intended, that is, "to supply the Indian's wants, and control the Indian's policy."

The Pottawatomies at that time inhabited, or rather overran, the country in its vicinity. They were a numerous and warlike tribe; had fought the armies of Harmar, St. Clair, and Wayne; and in the (then) recent battle of Tippecanoe, a number of their chiefs had fallen. Though hostile to the whites in general, they were partial to individuals among them, who by continued kindness had won, and afterward retained, their friendship.

In addition to its garrison, a few families had removed thither, both French and Canadian. This little community, disconnected as it was from the whole civilized world, except through Indian trails to Detroit, Fort Wayne, and St. Louis, and across the waters of Lake Michigan, on which the proud flag of England triumphantly waved previous to the war of 1812, furnished scarcely an incident worthy of record.

In 1809, it was selected by Tecumseh as the theatre, and marked out by him for savage massacre. The plans, however, of that celebrated warrior being then immature, its doom was postponed; and the battle of Tippecanoe having been fought in his absence, Tecumseh repaired to Malden, where the Pottawatomies, for several years, had received presents from their allies, and being there aided by the English, resumed again his schemes of vengeance.

On the 7th of April, 1812, a number of persons, and among them a Mr. White, were massacred at a place called Hardscrabble, (then Lee's place,) about four miles from Chicago, by a marauding party of Winnebagoes. No connection, however, existing between the Winnebagoes concerned, and the other tribes in their vicinity, and no concert being apparent, between those who committed the murder and the residue of the tribe, the transaction, though barbarous in its nature, was permitted to slumber, without exciting that interest which such occurrences usually inspire.

When war was declared in 1812, the little garrison at Chicago, consisting, as already stated, of a single company, was commanded by Captain Heald; Lieutenant Helm and Ensign Ronan, were officers under him, and Dr. Van Voorhes, its surgeon.

The nation which declares war, selecting, of course, its own time for doing it, is wholly inexcusable, when no warlike preparations accompany the act. The last moments of peace with considerate men, will always be employed in obtaining correct knowledge of the force they may have to encounter. Another duty is equally imperative; that of speedily withdrawing, or promptly reinforcing, all remote and isolated posts. If there be anything in their position, which renders their retention important, either to the progress or result of the war, the latter course will

always be pursued; but if, on the contrary, they have no material bearing on either, such garrisons ought speedily to be recalled, and the posts abandoned, while it is yet in their power. The administration knew, or ought to have known, that so long as the English commanded Lake Michigan, and the northwestern Indians were allies of the latter, the little fort at Chicago would not be sustained. The policy and humanity, therefore, of reinforcing or withdrawing its garrison, was too plain to require an argument.

General Hull, as commander-in-chief of the northwestern army, had charge of the forts at Mackinaw and Chicago, and was, of course, intrusted with their defence; both of which were forgotten alike by the Government and commanding general, until it was too late. General Hull, we have already observed, reached Detroit on the 5th of July, 1812. Mackinaw, two hundred and forty miles distant by land, was captured on the 17th, twelve days thereafter; and the first intimation that war existed between the United States and England, was communicated to Lieutenant Hanks, its commanding officer, in a note, signed by Captain Roberts of the British army, requiring his surrender.

On the 7th of August, (1812,) in the afternoon, Winnemeg, or Catfish, a friendly Indian of the Pottawatomie tribe, arrived at Chicago, and brought dispatches from General Hull, containing the first, and at that time, the only intelligence, of the declaration of war. General Hull's letter announced the capture of Mackinaw, and directed Captain Heald "to evacuate the fort at Chicago if practicable, and in that event, to distribute all of the United States property contained in the fort, and the United States factory, or agency, among the Indians in the neighborhood, and repair to Fort Wayne." Winnemeg having delivered his dispatches to Captain Heald, and stated that he was acquainted with the purport of the communication he had brought, urged upon Captain Heald the policy of remaining in the fort, being supplied, as they were, with ammunition and provisions for a considerable time. In case, however, Captain Heald thought proper to evacuate the place, he urged upon him the propriety of doing so immediately, before the Pottawatomies (through whose country they must pass, and who were as yet ignorant of the object of his mission,) could collect a force sufficient to oppose them. This advice, though given in great earnestness, was not sufficiently regarded by Captain Heald; who observed, that he should evacuate the fort, but having re"ceived orders to distribute the public property among the Indians, he did not feel justified in leaving it, until he had collected the Pottawatomies in its vicinity, and made an equitable distribution among them. Winnemeg then suggested the expediency of marching out, and leaving everything standing; "while the Indians," said he, "are dividing the spoils, the troops will be able to retreat without molestation." This advice was also unheeded, and an order for evacuating the fort was read next morning on parade. Captain Heald, in issuing it, had neglected to consult his junior officers, as it would have been natural for him to do in such an

emergency, and as he probably would have done, had there not been some coolness between him and Ensign Ronan.

The lieutenant and ensign, after the promulgation of this order, waited on Captain Heald to learn his intentions; and being apprised, for the first time, of the course he intended to pursue, they remonstrated against it. "We do not," said they to Captain Heald, "believe that our troops can pass in safety through the country of the Pottawatomies, to Fort Wayne. Although a part of their chiefs were opposed to an attack upon us last autumn, they were actuated by motives of private friendship for some particular individuals, and not from a regard to the Americans in general; and it can hardly be supposed that, in the present excited state of feeling among the Indians, those chiefs will be able to influence the whole tribe, now thirsting for vengeance. Besides," said they, "our march must be slow, on account of the women and children. Our force, too, is small. Some of our soldiers are superannuated, and some of them are invalids. We think, therefore, as your orders are discretionary, that we had better fortify ourselves as strongly as possible, and remain where we are. Succor may reach us before we shall be attacked from Mackinaw; and, in case of such an event, we had better fall into the hands of the English, than become victims of the savages." Captain Heald replied, that his force was inadequate to contend with the Indians, and that he should be censured were he to continue in garrison, when the prospect of a safe retreat to Fort Wayne was so apparent. He therefore deemed it advisable to assemble the Indians, and distribute the public property among them, and ask of them an escort thither, with the promise of a considerable sum of money to be paid on their safe arrival; adding, that he had perfect confidence in the friendly professions of the Indians, from whom, as well as from the soldiers, the capture of Mackinaw had studiously been concealed.

From this time forward, the junior officers stood aloof from their commander, and, considering his project as little short of madness, conversed as little upon the subject as possible. Dissatisfaction, however, soon filled the camp; the soldiers began to murmur, and insubordination assumed a threatening aspect.

The savages, in the meantime, became more and more troublesome ;* entered the fort occasionally, in defiance of the sentinels, and even made their way without ceremony into the quarters of its commanding officer. On one occasion an Indian, taking up a rifle, fired it in the parlor of Captain Heald. Some were of opinion that this was intended as the signal for an attack. The old chiefs at this time passed back and forth among the assembled groups, apparently agitated; and the squaws seemed much

* An Indian runner had previously arrived in the Pottawatomy camp with a message from Tecumseh, informing them of the capture of Mackinaw, the defeat of Van Horne, and the retreat of General Hull from Canada. He desired them to arm immediately; and intimated, that he had no doubt but General Hull would, in a short time, be compelled to surrender.

excited, as though some terrible calamity was impending. No further manifestations, however, of ill feeling were exhibited, and the day passed without bloodshed. So infatuated, at this time, was Captain Heald, that he supposed he had wrought a favorable impression upon the savages, and that the little garrison could now march forth in safety.

From the 8th to the 12th of August, the hostility of the Indians was more and more apparent; and the feelings of the garrison, and of those connected with, and dependent upon it for their safety, more and more intense. Distrust everywhere at length prevailed, and the want of unanimity among the officers, was appalling. Every inmate retired to rest, expecting to be aroused by the war-whoop; and each returning day was regarded by all as another step on the road to massacre.

The Indians from the adjacent villages having at length arrived, a council was held on the 12th of August. It was attended, however, only by Captain Heald on the part of the military; the other officers refused to attend, having previously learned that a massacre was intended. This fact was communicated to Captain Heald; he insisted, however, on their going, and they resolutely persisted in their refusal. When Captain Heald left the fort, they repaired to the blockhouse, which overlooked the ground where the council was in session, and opening the port-holes, pointed their cannon in its direction. This circumstance, and their absence, it is supposed, saved the whites from massacre.

Captain Heald informed the Indians in council, that he would, next day, distribute among them all the goods in the United States factory, together with the ammunition and provisions with which the garrison was supplied; and desired of them an escort to Fort Wayne, promising them a reward on their arrival thither, in addition to the presents they were about to receive. The savages assented, with professions of friendship, to all he proposed, and promised all he required.

The council was no sooner dismissed, than several, observing the tone of feeling which prevailed, and anticipating from it no good to the garrison, waited on Captain Heald, in order to open his eyes, if possible, to their condition.

The impolicy of furnishing the Indians with arms and ammunition, to be used against themselves, struck Captain Heald with so much force, that he resolved, without consulting his officers, to destroy all not required for immediate use.

On the next day, (August 13th,) the goods in the factory store were distributed among the Indians; and in the evening the ammunition, and also the liquor belonging to the garrison, were carried, the former into the sally-port and thrown into the well, and the latter through the south gate, -as silently as possible, to the river bank, where the heads of the barrels were knocked in, and their contents discharged into the stream.

The Indians, however, suspecting the game, approached as near as possible, and witnessed the whole scene. The spare muskets were