The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1876-04-27
CAMPBELL'S ROCK.

- - -. -Harpsrs Wsskly.s
CAMPBELL'S ROCK.
An Interesting story OF the Upper
Mississippi. a .
Some twenty years ago we. published a
communication (sicned "S."D in relation
to Campbell's Rock, which attracted a
good deal of attention, and at the request
of an old settler, We reproduce it, as fol-
lows: 4 E = sE<sz "a ~
This is the name of very dangerous
rock, situated in the middle of the Miss
issippi River, about midway Of the upper
rapids. In low water it rises abOut a. foot
above the surface; and boats in going up
ordown must perform nearly asemi-circle
in passing round it. This is very difficult,
especially when the wind blows down
stream. If boat keeps exactly at the
right distance, neither too near nor too
far, she will steer clear of all danger; but
if she varies twenty feet either way she
is almost sure to "strike upon the rock"
And many are the steamboats,, to say
nothing of the keels, flats and barges, that
have terminated their navigation of
the great river'' upon the rock.
Its name, as we'll as the island
and chain upon the rapids, it derived
from most bloody tragedy enacted at
that point during the war of 1912. At
that time the whole Mississippi valley
above st. Louis was Indian country, there
being not one white settler in thai entire
region excepta small garrison at Prairie
du Chen, and the few Indians, compris-
ing some OF the most powerful and war
like tribes then inhabiting the valley,
were then entirely under the influence Of
the Canadian French settlers, who, il not
pensioners of Great Britain, were entirely
devoted to her interests, and of conse-
quence, hostile to the United States. The
principal man among them was Pierre
Rolett, an Indian trader, residing at
Prairie du Chen. The garrison at that
point had become weak and exhausted in
consequence of the distance and difficulty
of procuring re:ntorccments and supplies.
The only means of securing the latte- was
by the slow and laborious process OF row
ing and cordeIing keel boats up against
the strong current from St. Louis. There
were no steamboats, in those days. This
required, with the best success, about a
month.
Under these circumstances Rolett con.
ceived the idea OF leading detachment
OF the enemy through the wilderness to
the lakes to capture the garrison. This
guidance of Rolett, and proved complete
Il successful. The garrison, with all its
stores and munitions of war, fell into the
hands of the enemy, who held it until the
end of the war. In the meantime, how.
ever, an expedition was fitting out at st.
Louis to relieve the little garrison thus
menaced. 1t ultimately started, with
several keel boats loaded with provisions
and munitions of wal, and about fifty men,
recruits for the garrison. The whole was
under the command OF Capt. John Camp
bell. lie was a ScOtchman BY birth, but
from early life had resided in Kentucky,
man of giant frame and indomitable
courage and perseverance. Rolett was
aware of the expedition and of the char
acter OF the man in command of it. He
knew perfectly we'll that if Campbell
reached Prairie du Chen before he could
conduct the enemy through the wilder.
ness, 1t would be most disastrous to him.
self, and not only would bis plans be
frustrated, but Campbell would cut off
his head just as surely as he caught him.
He therefore instigated the. Indians to
cut Oft or drive back the expedition under
Campbell.
Black Hawk was then young warrior
chef residing with his nation (the Sacs)
at Rock Island, few miles below the
point above described. Long and tedious
was the navigation of the little fleet
destined for the relief of the fort at
Prairie du Chen. At last it arrived at
the foot OF the fatal rapids, where i! re-
manned several days to rest and recruit,
preparatory to the labor and fatigue of
crossing them.
During all that time the Indians pro-
fessed the greatest friendship, furnishing
the men with everything in their power.
Black Hawk himself and several of his
principal warriors remained and slept on
board the boats for several nights. The
crafty savages thus succeeded in lulling
every suspicion Of any hostile purpose.
The Indians even informed Campbell OF
Koiett's treachery, and urged him to make
all haste lest the garrison should tall be-
tore he could relieve it. On the third day
the expedition started, several of Black
Hawks warriors plotting thee boats
through the intricate and Gan erolik chan.
mel.
AS the boats approached the designated
point OF the little island, upon the far side
OF which lay concealed among the willows
about 500 warriors and several fsseallys
traders, Black Hawk appeared and beck,
oned the boats to come near the island:
pretending that there was the best water
and the safest passage. =.
Campbell, not suspecting.s treacherv.
carried the boat very near the shore. and
suddenly two OF them, together with his,
own, grounded upon the rocks. SInan in
slant the whole land Of savages. poured
in a we'll directed and deadly Ore uponthe
boats. A large number OF the men were
either killed or wounded at the first fire.
They captured one of the stranded boats
and massacred all on board. The other
boats succeeded. in dropping down the,
river Deyond the enemy'ss psach, except
Campbell's own boat, which swung
around and stuck fast upon the rock
above cscribed, where she lay exposed to-
the eneMy's fire Tor several hours. More
than halt Of his men were either killed
or wounded, himself being literally shot
to pieces-his left side, shoulder and arm
being mangled IN the most shocking man
ner. at last q brisk wind blowing down
the stream hoated thesb0at off and down
the river beyond the reach Of the sfire OF
the enemy, Just as the latter were prepar.
ing to board. The expedition was utterly,
defeated, and the fate Of the little garrison
at Prairie du Chen sealed. So s.
The valley of the Mississippi became a
conquered province of the enemy, and 90
remained until the close of the war, when
1t was given up again to the United States
along with Michigan. fN
What was the reward of Rolett is not
known; one thing, however, is certain
from an Indian trader of very limited
means he at once became very wealthy
death. s Z,
The armament returned to ST. Louis,
having lost nearly oil Of their stor1s and
more than half their men, Caps. Camp
bell for long time fingered between lite