The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1837-09-05
NHESCEEEAN EIOUS.

FROM THE NoRTH WEST. The N. Y. Mer-
camille Advertiser, publishes the following inter-
esting letter from Macinac, dated July %, 1887.
Matters do not look well in that region. The
troops having been removed from Macinac-
there are none now in that quarter excepting
two companies at Fort Brady, on the SAUL dc
ST. Marie, THE most distant post that direction)
under command Of Major w. v. Cobbs, who is
also the government agent for trnnsacting affairs
with the Indians. His situation is by no means
an enviable one:-
"This Island is the most delightful place ]
ever saw, being generally $50 feet above the lev
ell ofthe strait. On the south side of the island,
is situated the town, on plain extending about
fifty rods inland, and mile along the coast. The
shore of the remainder is hold and high, the
rocks extending to the waters edge, of a perpen-
dicuar height VARYING from one to two hundred
and fifty feet Fort Macinnc is directly in rear
of the town, and overlooking it from height
of one hundred and fifty feet. The fort is now
deserted; but it will be found necessary to again
send troops, as the Indians require force to
awe them, especially Mt this time as our gov
eminent is not adhering to their treaties with the
Chippewas and Ouawas-their treaties express
ly stating they should be paid in silver-whereas
attempt is now made or will be made i'm Sep
TENDER next, when they are to be paid 100000,
to pay $15O,O0O in money and $l50, in goods.
A council of Otawas was held yesterday, and
they are determined to receive nothing but what
their treaty calls for, viz. specie What will be
the consequence no one knows; but the inhabi-
tants arc in fear, and Mr. Schoolcraft stands in n
position where he is very Ikelysto lose his scalp
they laying all the blame on him, he being the
government agent. The town numbers about
600 souls in all and there will be 5000 Indians
on the island in September to receive their pay
and presents There will also be another cause
to incense them when they shall! have collected /;
our government has heretofore supplied them
with provisions during the time they re-
ceiving their annuties, hut, this year, have only
appropriated $500 for that purpose-not stuff
Gent Mr. Schoolcraft says, to furnish one meal
to every Indian; thus they will be enraged by
hunger, and accuse Mr. S. of bringing them here
10 starve. They are in starving condition., the
crops of corn, of which the Ottawas raise large
crops having entirely failed the past year, owing
to the very cold weather and frequent and long
rains Thus in the most perilous times, our gov
eminent, in their madness, have Withdrawn the
garrison, and refuse to return it, though request
cd by their agent. Gen. Brady is here, and in
conversation with him, says the most extensive
and horid Indian war we have ever known in
this country is yet to come. The seat of it will
he in Northern Michigan and Wisconsin. The
Indians are becoming aware OF their strength,
being driven west and obliged to live together.
The Chrpewas, Oitawas, and Sioux alone can
muster 1000 warriors. | shall write again, and
give You more full account ofthe country, sc.