The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-05-24
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For ages the Great Lakes OF North America
lay in their gloomy solitudes.fthe garb of
nature clothing their endless shores Upon
She waters of those inland seas, within the
depths of the enormous forests. the petty
mutterings of barDarc wars were lost
Though the record Of savage Vibrations re-
NAMED in human memory, not even a pile
OF stone marked a historic SPOT.
But at last the white man came into the
region, and a new epoch began. The vast
surface of the forest, the long reaches of the
shores, were still almost the same; but here
and there was a tiny gap in the tree-tops
here and there were the charred ruins of
buildings, here and there the pick and shovel
had made trenches and mounds which would
remain for many years. These were the fee
BILE beginnings of stupendous change while
the Indian was yet master in the Land the
forest still covered the earth, and while the
wild beasts for many -ears to cCme were to
enjoy their natural haunte
In the late autumn of the year 1872 the
shores of Lake Huron seemed still unbroken
IN their monotony. The black forest pushed
up close to the tsach; the water Tapped the
rounded pebbles; and on the amending surface
OF the lake no canoe or boat was visible. But
where at the eastern point of Saginaw bay a
little river entered embayed waters, some
dozens of trees had been felled the smoke OF
fires assembled, and the sounds OF human act
iVity to be heard.
1t was encampment of soldiers of the
English, king. A few tents stood close to-
Pether a Of
On the beach men worked at the repairing Of
boats; toward the land sentinels in red coats
patroled the camp. Outside it's limits but
huddled close to the line, were Indian wig
vans, and at distance WIS a bark hut OF
better make but still Of savage workman
ship. None but the soldiers might enter the
camp: therefore from the door of the hut a
white girl gazed often wistfully at the men
Of her own
The commandment Of the soldiers walked ty
the shore, locked out on the lake and was
impatient to be gone. There were vet three
days before the boats could he finished and
his injured in condition to move. He cursed
his luck: he tantalized himself by the NUT
tered name of London, London, where his
, promotion was already purchased ~
Still in the *cods-dGnnation How stupid
it had been. Dull sol6ier-life sullen Indians
boorish provincials: changeless inexpressibly
draary trees and water. Behind him still was
sand pits, the same lake lmitless as the
ocean Detroit would be the samoa frontier
blockhouse, with soldiers, provincials In
dians land and water, all alike unbearable
No lfei No gaming with men who lived but
On a pittance. No drinking fit for gentle
man Brandy was hard to come at wine al
but unknown A single bottle, the last was
among his luggage; there was no more to b
had short of Montreal
But London! Then there would re no more
of this provincial service. An allowance
prcper to a gentleman, a fashionable regi
ment. gaming Wne women. Women No
one handsome woman in all this wilderness
Not one! He kicked the pebbles In disgust.
His servant approached him Begging
your pardon, lieutenant.
well. Tabb?"
"Those two wcodsman that came this after
noon, in their canoe. can't get nothing gu
O. them. y
What in establishment. will they no
guide us?''+
:" 'Tis the younger, sir, seems to; be tn.
leader He says they can't wait. $
Tell them I'll pay them we'll. Tell then
they must"
'.They won't take must They say they 81
on tomorrow"
The lieutenant kicked at the pebbles again
ct must speak to them myself, then: Rat me
what fellows have to deal with here
Two voNagers had made their camp apart
Their canoe was drawn UP by the river shore
their fire made. Crot9hed sticks made 7;
run-rack for their hintlocks; and hunting
awords weapons so unusual that their owner