The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-08-25

extremity, at the head of large regular bay, with
sandy beach, with open and geDty-rlspg scat
tered pine and spruce land in the Of the beach,
stands La Ponte-one of the most pleasant, beauti-
full, and desirable places for residence on Lake
Superior, and the very place where Fort Wilkins
should have been placed, instead Of its present loca-
ton, which must be conceded, by every impartial
person, be among the very worst that could have
been selected on the whole lake.
The garrison at Copper harbor, located, as it is,
upon the rocky surface Of trap congomerate, afford
ing surface SO scantiy supplied with soil amidst
masses of pebbly rock and trap fragments as to be
wholly unfit for any sort of cultivation whatever,
is altogether out of place. Ii is wholly inaccessible
by land, and can only be reached by water in sum-
nier. II is at a spot where Indians usually never
passed within forty miles Of it. I'LL since its occupa-
ton.
The very next Congress should direct its prompt
removal to La Pointe Here, from the foot of the
bay in front of the Madelaine island there is an In
dian trail, connecting La Pointe with st. Anthony's
Falls, and over which the mail is carried in winter
by royagers foot La Pone is the favorite resort
Of the Indians. Their lodges, in villages, bark ca
noes, &c, are found here the year round.
They delight to paddle and sail their canoes about
the beautiful bays harbors, &c. of these islands,
ploying their time in canoe building, hunting, fish,
ing, DC. AT every annual payment of their annui-
ties, they flock to La Pointe great numbers. Not
only is that section Of the great Chippewa nation
sharing in the annsties brought together, but large
parties OF the same trioe VINO receive no annuity,
to the north Of Pigeon river The Chippewas, cali
ed the "Pilageurs," ESQ called from their thievish
propensities, nhabiting the country about Mile and
Leech lakes, also attend-to meet relations TO traf-
nc, and, perhaps, to steal little.
Inc great advantage OF government outpost is
iet IN the moral erect y exercises over the lhdians
know Of no place where this influence would be
more decidedly and benefcialy exerted than at La
roinpc. Ilere shouiu pe daly uhiuriea the srs ana
stripes, ana tne sound OF the evening gun De hearu
over the peauiui pays ana along the SHORES OF the
Twelve Apostles, which the Indians would learn 70
reverence WIN lite less respect than they 90 the
voice OF the Manitou--the guardian spirit OF the
Mines emeoweed IN the dark trap hills OF the lake
Here, 100, Is an exceedingly heaithy place, a
good soil, ana every convenience for raising the
hnest potatoes, turniPs, ana every KIND OF garden
stun.
Dr. borup, me agent Tor the American FUR Com
Pany, (who have an extensive tradng.post at this
place, mas superb garden. In walking through
with MN, saw very me crops OF the usual gar
den vegetables growing IN It. His red currant bush
ca were literally bent down beneath their weight OF
ripe frait. Ills cherry-trees had also borne well
Gooseberries also succeed well. The doctor also
had some young appe-trees, that were in thriving
condition. Poultry, likewise, does well. Mrs. b.
had her yard well stocked with turkeys, geese, ducks,
and chickens There was also good garden at
the mission-house OF the American board.
How Infinitely better is such place for United
States garrison than Copper harbor, located, as 1t
were, on barren rock, where no Indians are seen,
unless induced to go there by the whites-where
there is nothing to protect-where intercourse is
cut off in winter, and food can only reach it in sum
mer--where there is no soil on which to raise a
potato or cabbage. ! can only say that greater
blunder, in the location Of military post, was
probably never committed. And If made (of which
| am assured W. notl bv a mil ma ha
ought to be contaminated and cashiered
The mouth of the Ontonagon river is far better
spot for the fort than Copper harbor IL has good
soil, and beautiful site for fort. Furthermore,
the country between It and Fort Winnebago, on the
Wisconsin river is favorable to the construction Of
military road, which ought, at no distant day, to
be opened. Another road should be cut from Fort
Smelling, near the falls OF st Anthony, to La Pointe
In cutting these roads, 1t would seem to if the
United States soldiers themselves might be usefully
employed.
While at Copper harbor, frequently visited
Fort Wilkins, in command of Captain Cleary,
whom consider in every way an ornament and an
honor TO the service In the brief space of time he
has been at this post, and with the slender materials
at command afforded by the country, he has never
theless succeeded in making an "oass" in wilder
ness He has erected one of the neatest, most COM
lot to enter on the western frontier He keeps all in
excellent condition. His men look clean, healthy,
and active. He drills them daily, and keeps them
under most excellent discipline. He seems to take
both pleasure and pride in the service. He says he
never has any difficulty with his soldiers while he
can exclude ardent spirits from them, as he sue
ceeds in doing here, notwithstanding the great num-
Der of vsiters to Copper harbor this summer.
To all travellers who are interested in objects Of
leading curiosity the character Of the Indians they
fall in with cannot fail to arrest share of attention.
The Chippewas are the only Indians now met
with from the Sault Ste. Marie and Mackinac, ex-
tending from thence west along the southern shore
Of Lake Superior, to Fond du Lac, and from thence,
IN me same direction, 70 me Misslssippi river.
WITHIN the onted states lney extend over we
country south from the BRUSH boundary, 70 the
country low 10y, down on the p. Croix ana GnipPewa
rivers. me same ,rloe extenas rom our oounaary
northwest OF me ake, entire'y around us nortnern
shore on BRUSH terriiory, u they reach the oaul,
Ste. WARE, opposite .he Araercan snore. Is sara
ns ,rine, sPreaa over sucn vast .ract Of country
- prancn OF me powerful race OF me Algonquns.
Ihey are sometimes called o,llb-was. Ihey 40
not exist as consollda'ea nation, or strictly as
ri