Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, W.T. [i.e. Wis.]) 1843-1844, 1843-11-11
From the Rochester Democrat.

i THE FAMOUS COPPER RoCK.--lhe
scietific reader is familiar with the his
tory of the famous Copper Rock OF
Lake Superior. 1t is vast mass OF
virgin copper, weighing not less than
5000 lbs, and was discovered many
years since, lying in the bed OF the DC
tanagon River, entirely isolated. The
spot where it has rested, probably for
ages, is some twenty miles from the
Lake. The river is navigable for fiat
about ten miles, and it has been here
tofore deemed impossible to transport
the vast mass from the spot where it
was discovered to the point where 1t
could be shipped; but some two years
ago a plan was adopted by which it
was hoped its removal could be effect
ed.
Mr.. Asher-for many years resi-
dent at Sault St. Marie, fat, jolly In
dian trader-while representing his
constituents in the Legislature of
Michigan, informed US of his plan, and
we perceive that, in company with Mr..
Eldred, an enterprising merchant of
Detroit, he has put the plan into exc
cution. For the purpose of transport
ing the mass to navigable water, huge
car, placed upon movable rail road,
was built, and by patient labor it was
gradually advanced, until it reached
deep water, where it was placed on
fiat, and easily foated down to the
lake shore.
These gentlemen designed to ship
it to New York. Had they succeed
ed, it would have been fortune TO
them as a mere curiosity. But govern
ment interfered! Although they had
purchased the rock from the Indians in
whose territory it was found, the gov
eminent agent claimed its possession
denying the power of the Indians to
dispose Of it. AS this claim was not
set up until the great labor of trans
porting it to the shore Of the lake was
effected, the agent offered to fully COM
pensate the enterprislng gentlemen by
whom it had been removed for their
trouble. This was hard, but there was
no alternative. They had to quietly
submit, and see the fruits Of their la
bors borne off by the government A
gent to the Sault, whence it has been
shipped on board of revenue cutter.
1t will be Immediately forwarded 10
Washington, and be placed in the Ma
tional Institute, where it will remain
for all coming time, we hope, as one of
the greatest curiostes Of the age.
The Indians have revealed TO Mr..
Asher where another rock, but not Of
equal weight, may be found. 1t had
been discovered ages before and hid
its location being kept profound Sc
cret, until civilization had dissipated
the superstition connected with it
Whether Mr.. A, after thisinterlerence
of government, will reveal his knowl-
edge of it, is doubtful.
From the Michigan City Gazette, of DC, 90.
ANOTHER WRECK.-On Saturday
morning last, during the prevalence of
severe gale, the Ship Superior parted
her cable and drifted ashore, where she
in all probability will remain, COM
plete loss. The Superior had taken
on board part Of her cargo, consisting
of about five thousand bushels of wheat
which we fear will be much damaged
if not an entire loss She is owned
by Kinnie, Davis, & Co., Of Buffalo,
and commanded by Captain Munson,
an old and favorite seaman On this lake.
The above wreck is another argu-
ment in favor of the necessity of an
early completion Of the harbor. Thro'
the neglect of Congress, vessels COM
ing here for the produce of Northern
Indiana, are compelled to anchor out
in the Lake, and there be exposed to
every gale that shall spring up, and I'M
less they "cut and rum" in all proba
blity will be wrecked. 1t is burn
ing shame that the lives and property
of those engaged in the Lake trade
should be so little thought so little Of,
by those whose duty it is to attend to
it. BY judicious expenditure Of a
few thousand dollars, our harbor wo'd
soon be in state capable of affording
ample protection 10 all vessels coming
here for produce.
THE LEARNED BLACKsMITH.-The
Brother Jonathan contains an article in
relation to this remarkable man. The