xt7w9g5gbs87 https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7w9g5gbs87/data/mets.xml Monette, John W. (John Wesley) 1846  books b92977m7462009 English Harper & Brothers : New York Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. Mississippi River Valley --History. America --Discovery and exploration --Spanish. United States --History --Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775. History of the discovery and settlement of the valley of the Mississippi, by the three great European powers, Spain, France, and Great Britain, and the subsequent occupation, settlement and extension of civil government by the United States until the year 1846. text History of the discovery and settlement of the valley of the Mississippi, by the three great European powers, Spain, France, and Great Britain, and the subsequent occupation, settlement and extension of civil government by the United States until the year 1846. 1846 2009 true xt7w9g5gbs87 section xt7w9g5gbs87 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
   HISTORY

Wta/f ' OP THE

      3

DISCOVERY AND SETTLEMENT

THE YALLEY OF THE MISSISSIPPI,

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THE THREE    CltEAT. Et!K  >fiEAK .VOWTERS.:        -.....  ........ ...

SPAIN, FPtANCE,-:\N  '4EiEA.TBRITA'IN,

THE SUBSEaUENT OCCUPATION, SETTLEMENT,  AND  EXTENSION OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT BY

THE UNITED STATES,

UNTIL THE YEAR 1846. BY

JOHN  W.  MONETT E, M.D.

" Westward tlie star of empire takes its way." IN   TWO VOLUMES.

VOL. I.

HARPER & BROTHERS, PUBLISHERS, 82 CLIFF STREET, NEW YORK.

1 8 46.

70538 
   v.I

Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1846, By Harper & Brothers, In the Clerk's Office of the Southern District of New York. 
   PREFACE.

The records of the first European colonies in the Valley of the Mississippi are distributed sparsely through the archives of foreign governments, and are to be found published only in fragments and hasty sketches, interspersed through miscellaneous works and periodicals, so that a connected and concise account of their rise and progress is not accessible to those who desire to trace their history. In like manner, the early records of the Anglo-American settlements west of the Alleghany Mountains, and their extension over the Valley of the Mississippi, are concealed chiefly among the archives of the several states and territories, or among the voluminous documents of the Federal government, thus placing any connected aceount of these infant colonies equally beyond the reach of common research. Other fragments, pertaining to the early history of the western settlements, are enveloped in private memoirs, narratives of individual observers loosely compiled, and meriting but slender claims to the confidence of the discerning reader. '

Hence that portion of the reading public who are desirous of tracing the true history of past events in the rise and progress of the new states in the Valley of the Mississippi, free from the glosses and episodes of visionary writers, are excluded from any concise and connected history of the whole West, which discloses correctly the progressive changes, and notes the order in the chain of events, in their advance from isolated, feeble frontier colonies, to populous, wealthy, and enlightened states.

To supply this desideratum, and to present a concise and comprehensive detail, a complete but condensed narrative of American colonization west of the Alleghanies is the object of the present work. In this undertaking, the author has endeavored to connect the history of the French and Spanish colonies, which have had their important agency in the destiny of the American Republic, with those of the Anglo-Americans in their advance upon the tributaries of the Ohio River. 
   iv

PREFACE.

The blending of these three great branches of European emigration in North America has resulted in the formation of a great and powerful Republic, the wonder, if not the admiration, of the civilized world, teeming with an enterprising and ever-active population, proud of their origin from the three great nations that have successively held dominion in the Western World.

The advance of the Anglo-American population into the Valley of the Mississippi, its union with Gallic and Spanish colonies, the concurrent extension of Republican government over the subjects of absolute monarchies, and its benign influence upon the moral character and enlightened enterprise of mankind, afford a subject worthy the profound attention of the philosopher and the statesman. They present a new phenomenon in the science of human government, as to the development of human capabilities, when untrammeled by arbitrary power, and left free to the exercise of its own energies, under the fostering care of a free and liberal system of government. They exhibit the speedy and progressive conversion of a savage wilderness into a populous and highly-civilized country, inhabited by a people who have made all nature tributary to their aggrandizement as a nation, and in the promotion of domestic independence and social wealth, by the extension of navigation and commerce, and by the perfection of arts and sciences throughout the magnificent regions of central North America.

Such a result, heretofore, has been the work of many ages; and hence the early records of the rise and progress of most nations known to history have been lost in the uncertain mazes of tradition, until arms and commerce, arts and sciences, after the lapse of centuries, had given them renown and history. It has been left to the West to furnish the history of a new Republic, to present to the world the novel spectacle of a great nation formed by people coming from various portions of the globe, differing in manners, language, politics, and religion, and settling down quietly together, forming governments, constitutions, and laws, without bloodshed, violence, conquest, or invasion, and coalescing into one uniform, harmonious, and prosperous people. Never was there an experiment of greater moral grandeur, a more sublime spectacle of the harmonious development of the moral and political energies of a people 
   PREFACE.

V

left free to the unrestrained operation of enlightened public opinion, the great regulator of their forms of government, laws, and religion.

The history of the early pioneers of the West is full of thrilling interest and incident connected with their struggles for the occupancy of this great and fertile region, which they have left as a rich inheritance to their posterity. The only requital they ask at our hands is the gratitude with which their names and their virtues are cherished by their posterity, and the fidelity with which they are transmitted, as models of enterprise and perseverance, to future ages.

The last participants in the great drama of western civilization will soon have passed from the stage of action; and the only voice heard in their praise, the only tribute of gratitude and admiration for their merits, will be the impartial records of history, which should embalm their deeds of valor, their patient endurance, and their active virtues in the grateful remembrance of posterity.

The general tenor of this history is to trace the gradual and steady advance of the European colonies and settlements by their various routes into the central part of North America, and the progressive extension of the Anglo-American population and Republican government throughout the great Valley of the Mississippi and the southwest; to illustrate the progressive changes, and the rapid advance of population and civil government, from the rude and half-civilized pioneer up to nourishing cities and powerful states, extending over regions which a few years previously had been savage solitudes.

The plan of the work is simple, and grows out of the ordei in which the different colonies advanced in the occupation of the regions now comprised in the United States.

The Spaniards were the first exploring pioneers in the Valley of the Mississippi, and their early explorations and settlements furnish the subject of the First Book, or " Early Spanish Explorations."

The French were the first peaceful explorers and permanent colonists who occupied and settled the banks of the Mississippi River, subsequent to the hostile explorations of the Spaniards. The French colonies and explorations therefore furnish the subject of the Second Book, or " France in the Valley of the Mississippi." 
   vi

PREFACE.

Great Britain, the jealous rival of France, next extended her colonies into the western country, encroaching upon the discoveries and possessions of France, until finally, by force of arms, she expelled the French power from Canada and the Mississippi, and appropriated to her own use the whole eastern half of the valley, including the Floridas.

The progress of her colonies west of the Alleghanies, her tierce contests with the French and their savage allies, and her subsequent occupancy of the country, furnish the subjects of the Third Book, or " Great Britain in the Valley."

At the dismemberment of Louisiana in ]763, while Great Britain had secured the eastern portion of the province, except the Island of New Orleans, Spain had acquired all the western portion, including that island. Thus was Louisiana divided between Spain and Great Britain. Spain held dominion over the western portion of Louisiana and the Island of New Orleans, together with the Floridas, subsequent to 1781, until the close of the year 1803, when the Spanish dominion ceased in Louisiana. The acquisition, the occupancy, and the exercise of Spanish authority over this extensive province, until the final termination of the Spanish dominion on the Mississippi, furnish the subjects of the Fourth Book, or " Spain in the Valley."

Meantime, the " United States" on the Atlantic coast having declared their independence, which was recognized by Great Britain at the close of the Revolutionary war, succeeded to the territory claimed by Great Britain east of the Mississippi, as far south as the proper limits of Florida. The United States claimed dominion, and continued to extend civil jurisdiction in the formation of new states west of the Alleghany Mountains, gradually displacing the native savages from the country east of the Mississippi, and finally, by treaty negotiations, annexed all the Spanish provinces east and west of the Mississippi, as far as the Rio del Norte of Mexico.

The extension of settlements, the establishment of civil government, the increase of population, the wars and treaties with the native tribes, the acquisition of territory and the extension of dominion, the progress of agriculture, manufactures, trade, and commerce, aided by the potent influence of steam power, constitute the subjects comprised m the Fifth Book, or, " The United States in the Valley of the Mississippi."

Such is the general outline of the work which is now pre- 
   PREFACE.

Vll

sented to the American public. For its completion and pei-fection, so far as the nature and extent of the plan will admit, and its faithful adherence to truth and accuracy, the author has spared neither labor nor expense, and he throws himself upon the generous approbation of the American people for the first systematic arrangement of this portion of the history of the United States. 
    
   CONTENTS OF VOL. I.

BOOK I.

EARLY EXPLORATIONS OF THE SPANIARDS IN THE VALLEY OF THE MISSISSIPPI.

CHAPTER I.

first spanish discoveries in florida.-a.d. 1512 to 1538.

Argument.   The former undefined Extent of Florida.   Spirit of Enterprise and Discovery awakened in Europe by Spanish Conquests in the West Indies, Mexico, and Peru.   The romantic and unfortunate Expedition of Ponce de Leon into East Florida.   The Expedition and Disasters of Vasquez de Ayllon; his Avarice, Cruelty, and Death.   The disastrous Expedition of Pamphilo de Narvaez.   Preparations for the great and chivalrous Expedition, under Hernando de Soto, for the Conquest of Florida.   The Nature and Extent of this Enterprise.   De Soto's commanding Person and Influence.   The Expedition sails from Spain for the West Indies.   Other Arrangements and Preparations completed.   The Expedition sails from Havana, and arrives at the Bay of Espiritu Santo-late in May, 1539, A.D.     A Synopsis of the Marches, Disasters, and Fate of the Expedition......Page 1

CHAPTER II.

invasion of florida by hernando de soto.-a.d. 1539 to 1540.

Argument.   The Spanish Expedition at tbe Bay of Espiritu Santo.   Disasters commence.   Be Soto invades the Territory of Hirhihigua.   Invades the Territories of Acuera; of Ocali; of Vitachuco.     Invades Osachile; the Cacique's Castle upon a fortified Mound.   Invasion of Appalachc.   The Expedition winters in Appalache.    Various Incidents while here.   The Expedition marches in the Spring toward Western Georgia.   Invasion of the Territories of Copafi.   Capture of the Cacique.    His Person and Character.   His miraculous Escape.   Invasion of the Territory of Cofachiqui.   De Soto's Disappointment at the Poverty of the Natives.   Captures a Queen Regent.   Detains her as a Hostage, and carries her Westward in his March.    She effects her Escape near the eastern Limits of the Cherokee Country.   The Expedition upon the Sourcesof the Chattahoochy River.     Arrives on the head Waters of the Coosa River...............16

CHAPTER III.

the spanish expedition east of the mississippi.-a.d. 1540

to 1541.

Argument.   De Soto marches down the Coosa River.   The King, or Cacique, of Cosa.    De Soto enters the Territory of Tuscaluza.     Nohle Person and lofty Bearing of Tuscaluza.   He is inveigled into De Soto's Train.   The Army marches through the Dominions of Tuscaluza.   The captive King is impatient and indignant at his Detention.   Resolves to secure his Liberty or die..    Reaches Mauvile with the Army.    De Soto apprehends Danger from the Native Warriors.   The severo and disastrous Battle of Mauvile.   Indian Courage and Desperation.   Deplorable Condition of tho Spanish Anny after the Battle.   De Soto resolves to advance to the North- 
   X

CONTENTS.

west.   Crosses the Tombigby River in the Face of an Indian Army.   Passes the Head Waters of Pearl River.     Enters the Chickasu. Country.     Takes Possession of a large Indian Town for his Winter-quarters.   The great Battle and Conflagration of Chicasd.   Great Losses of the Spaniards.   The Army marches Westward to Chica-cilla, where they spend the remainder of the Winter.   They march Northwest to Al-ibamo.   Severe Battle of Alibamo.   They approach the Mississippi, or Rio Grande.    Preparations for crossing the great River.   Indian Hostilities and Opposition to their crossing.   The Army at length reach the western Side of the Rio Grande.    The probable Crossing-place..........Page 33

CHAPTER IV.

THE SPANISH EXPEDITION WEST OF THE MISSISSIPPI.   =A.D. 1541 TO 1543.

Argument.   De Soto arrives upon the Banks of White River.   Incidents and Religious Ceremonies.   De Soto joins an Indian King in a hostile Expedition.   Marches with him Northeast to the Mississippi, near Helena.   Arrives at the Town of Capahti.    Present Remains of Capaha.   He returns to White River, and thence resumes his March to the West.   Winters high up the Arkansas in a cold Latitude.   Difficulties and Disasters there.   Returns to the Mississippi in the Spring.   Disasters begin to multiply.   He determines to leave the Country by descending the River.   New Hostilities by the Natives.   Difficulties increase, and Perplexities prey upon the iron Soul of De Soto.   He sickens and dies.   Affecting Scene before his Death.   He is finally deposited in the Mississippi, near the Mouth of the Arkansas.   His E ulogium.    Louis de Moscoso succeeds to the Command.   He marches Westward in search of the Mexican Settlements.   His fruitless Search.   Returns to the Mississippi.   Spends the Winter and Spring in Preparations for a Departure down the River.   Commences building Brigantincs for descending the River.   He is greatly annoyed by hostile Indians.   Perilous Descent of the River in Boats and Brigantines.   Dangerous Voyage in the Gulf of Mexico.   The Remnant of the Expedition reach the Spanish Settlements of Mexico.   Reflections..........47

CHAPTER V.

EARLY EXTENT AND SETTLEMENTS, WITH THE SUBSEQUENT BOUNDARIES AND SOVEREIGNTY OF -FLORIDA.-A.D. 1544 TO 1845.

Argument.   Extent of Florida in 1500.   Spanish Missions and Settlements.   Ribault's French Colony in 1502.   Its Location on the Combahee River.   Destruction of the Colony.   Laudonnior's French Colony in 1501.   "Fort Carolana'1 built on the St. Mary's.   Destitute Condition of this Colony.   Timely Relief by Ribault.   Melendez is Adelantado of Florida in 1505.   Ho exterminates the French Colony.   St. Augustine founded.   Degourges ravages the Spanish Colony and captures the Forts.   Jesuit Missionaries introduced by Melendei!.   Missions established in 1584.   St. Augustine plundered by Sir Francis Drake.   First Attempts at English Settlement, in 1585 and 1608.   English Colony of Virginia.   Carolina granted to Lord Clarendon and others.    St. Augustine plundered in 1005 by Captain Davis, an English Pirate.   English Settlement at " Charlestown," in 1079.   French Colonists arrive in Carolina, 1785-0.    Restricted Limits of Florida.   Spanish Settlements invaded by the English from Carolina.   Partisan Warfare continued.   Pensacola settled in 1090.   Boundary between Florida and Louisiana.   English Boundaries of Florida in 1764.   English Settlements in Florida.   Turnbull's Colony of New Smyrna.   His inhuman Tyranny.    Wretched Condition, and subsequent Liberation of his white Slaves.   English Agriculture in Florida.   Florida retroceded to Spain in 1783.   Extent of Florida claimed by Spain.   Extent claimed by the United States.   Claim of United States under the Purchaso of Louisiana.   Baton Rouge District annexed to the State of Louisiana.   Fort Charlotte and Mobile District surrendered in 1813.   Florida re- 
   CONTENTS.

xi

stricted to the Perdido on the West.   Revolt and Occupancy of East Florida by "Patriots" in 1812.     Spain fails to preserve the Neutrality of Florida during the War with Great Britain.   Woodbine's Operations among the Seminolcs of Florida after the War.    He builds a Negro Fort on the Appalaclucola.   Negroes, Arms, Munitions, and Military Stores furnished from the British Fleet.   The Patriots of South America again occupy Amelia Island in 1817.     The Seminole War commences.   General Jackson prosecutes it successfully.    Captures St. Mark's.   Ar-buthnot and Ambrister condemned and executed.   Their righteous Sentence and deserved Fate.   Jackson marches to Pensacola and expels the perfidious Spaniards.    He retires to private Life.   His Traits of Character.   Florida ceded to the United States in 1819.   Terms of Cession.   General Jackson is first American Governor, civil and military, of the Province.   Collision with Governor Calleava.   The first Grade of Territorial Government organized in 1822.   Indians removed from Middle Florida in 1824.   The second Grade organized in 1825.    Advance of white Population until 1835.   Hostilities by the Mickasukie Indians.   Military Movements and Operations.   Horrible Massacre of Major Dade's Detachment.   Indian Murders at Fort King.   Commencement of the " Florida War."   Gradual Removal of the Seminolcs West of the Mississippi.   Increase of white Population until 1844.   State Constitution formed.   The State of Florida admitted into the Union in 1845    . Page 65

BOOK II.

FRANCE IN THE VALLEY OF THE MISSISSIPPI.

CHAPTER I.

ADVANCE OF THE FRENCH UPON THE ST. LAWRENCE, AND DISCOVERY OF THE MISSISSIPPI.-A.D. 1608 TO 1673.

Argument.   First Attempt of French Colonization in Canada.   First successful Sottle-ment by Champlain in 1G08.   His Explorations on the St. Lawrence and Lakes.    Indian Alliances against the Iroquois.   Advance of Catholic Missionaries.   Hostilities of the Iroquois.   Fathers Brebeuf and Daniel visit Sault St. Mary in 1634.    Character of Catholic Missionaries in Canada.   Sufferings of Raymbault among the Iroquois in 1642.   Of Father Bressani in 1643.   The Missionaries sustain the Colonies.   Death of Father Jouges among the Iroquois in 1646.   Others suffer Martyrdom in the same Field.   Jesuits and Monks flock to Canada in 1650 for the Missionary Field.   Le Moyne among the Mohawks in 1656.   Chaumonot and Dablon among the Onondagas.   Rene Mcsnard among the Ca3rugas.   Missionaries killed and expelled by the Iroquois.   Montreal a Bishop's See in 1656.   Mesnnrd repairs to St. Mary's and Green Bay.   Dies in the Forest alone.   Canada a Royal Province in 1665.   Military Protection of Settlements.   Father Allouez among the Chippe-was at St. Mary's.   Learns the Existence of the Mississippi in 1667.   Dablon and Marquette repair to St. Mary's in 1668.   Military Outposts of New France in 1670.    Missions in the Far.West.   Marquette conceives the Design of discovering the Mississippi.   Plans his Voyage of Discovery in 1672.   M. Talon patronizes the Enterprise.   Marquette and Joliet conduct the Exploration in 1673.   They proceed by Way of Green Bay and Fox River to the Wisconsin.   Discovery of the Mississippi, Juno 17th, 1673.   Explore the Great River 1100 Miles.   They return by the Illinois River to Chicago Creek.   Marquette returns to his Mission, and Joliet to Quebec.   Joy in Canada at the Discovery.   Native Tribes known to the early Explorers of Illinois and Louisiana: Algonquin Tribes; Shawanese; Miamis; Illinois; Potawntamies; Otta-was; Monomonies, Chippewas; Sioux; Sauks and Foxes; Chickasas; Natchez ; Choc t as............ .     . .110 
   Xll

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER II.

EXPLORATION OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER BY LA SALLE : HIS COLONY ON  THE COLORADO.-A.D. 1673to1G9G.

Argument.   Character and Enterprise of La Salle.   His Ambition to complete the Exploration of the Mississippi.   His Plans approved by M. Talon, Inteudant of New Prance.   La Salle sails for Europe.^Receives the King's Patronage.   Returns to Canada.   Repairs to Fort Froutenac and the Western Lakes in 1678.   Winters on the Niagara, and builds the Griffon in 1679.   Proceeds to Green Bay and freights the Griffon.   Visits the Miamis on St. Joseph's River.   Loss of the Griffon and Cargo-Builds Fort Miami in 1C80.   Builds Fort Greve Cceur.   Difficulties with Indians.    Mutiny among his Men.   Mutiny quelled and Indians reconciled.   Father Hennepin sent to explore the Mississippi.     La Salle returns to Fort Frontenac.     Rock Fort built on the Illinois.   Extent of Hennepin's Explorations in 1681.   Subsequently he explores the Mississippi as low as the Arkansas.   La Salle devotes his whole Energy to retrieve his Fortune.     Prepares for a final Exploration of the River to the Sea.   He enters the Mississippi, February 2, 1682.   He explores it to the Sea, and visits numerous Tribes of Indians.   Takes formal Possession of Lower Louisiana.   Returns to Canada.   Sails to. Europe in October, 1782.   In Paris, organizes a Colony for the Mississippi.   Sails from Rochelle with his Colony, July 24, 1684.    Character ami Numbers of the Colony.     Tedious and disastrous Voyage.     Sails West of the Mississippi, and is compelled to laud in Western Texas.   Unavailing .Searches for the Mississippi.   Builds "Fort St. Louis" on the Colorado, and takes formal Possession of Texas in 1C85.   Deplorable Condition of the Colony.   La Salle finally determines to reach the Illinois and Canada by Land, in 1C87.   Assassinated near the Trinity River.    The Remainder of the Colony are dispersed, and some reach the Illinois.   Spaniards search for the French Colony in vain, in 1689.   Rlinois Country occupied by French after La Salle's Departure.   Wars in Canada with tlie Iroquois and English.   The Colonization of Lower Louisiana deferred until the Year 1699      .'"       " .'    ;"'......'       . ' * .     . Page 131

CHAPTER III.

advance of the french settlements from canada upon THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI and ohio rivers, to the close of THE FRENCH WAR.-A.D.  1096 to 1764.

Argument.   Settlements near the Missions, and La Salle's Trading-posts on the Illinois.   At Peoria.   Kaskaskia.   Missionaries visit the Lower Mississippi.   Detroit settled in 1701, by La Motte Cadillac.     Peace with the Iroquois and Western Tribes.   English Jealousy.   Hostile Foxes humbled in 1713.   Settlements on the Upper Mississippi from 1712 to 1720.   Accession of Emigrants from Canada and Louisiana.   Renault and two hundred Miners arrive.   Trade between the Illinois and Mobile.   Agriculture in the Illinois and Wabash Countries.   Ohio River unexplored.   Fort Chartres built in 1721.   Villages in its Vicinity.   Jesuits' College at Kaskaskia.   Advance of the French South of the Niagara River.   On Ontario and Champlain.   Fort Niagara built in 1726.   Crown Point in 1727.   Ticonderoga in 1731.   Tuscarawas join the Five Nations.   Post St. Vincent's erected in 1735.    Presque Isle in 1740.   Agriculture of the Wabash in 1746.   English Jealousy.   Villages of the Illinois Country in 1751.   Population of Kaskaskia.   French advance to the Head Waters of the Alleghany River in 1753.   Forts Le Beuf, Venango, Sandusky.    Ohio Company of Virginia.   Gist visits the Ohio Region as Agent of the Company in 1753.   English Colonies remonstrate against the Advance of the French.   Major Washington Commissioner to Lc Beuf   His Mission unsuccessful.   Governor Din-widdio rouses the People of Virginia to resist the French on the Ohio.   Captain Trent advances to the Ohio in 1754.   Lieutenant Ward's Detachment captured by 
   contents. Xlll

the French.   Fort Duquesne erected by the French.   Colonel Washington marches a Detachment to the Monougahela.   Captures a Detachment under M. Jumonville, who is killed.   Colonel Washington surrenders "'' Fort Necessity" to the French, and retires to Fort Cumberland.   French Forbearance and Moderation.   Arrival of General Braddock at Alexandria.   Preparations for the Capture of Fort Duquesne.    General Braddock marches from Fort Cumberland for the Ohio.   Falls into an Ambuscade on the Monongahcla, and utterly defeated.   French at Duquesne undisturbed for two Years.   General Forbes, in 1758, advances to the Ohio.   Occupies Fort Duquesne.   All Canada falls under the British Arms.   France relinquishes New France and Louisiana, by the Treaties of 1762 and 1763, to Spam and Great Britain..............Page 157

CHAPTER IV.

THE MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF THE  EARLY FRENCH SETTLERS IN

THE ILLINOIS COUNTRY.-A.D. 1700 TO 1780.

Argument.   Extent of the " Illinois Country."   Conciliatory Policy of the French, toward the Indian Tribes.-   Their amicable Intercourse with the Natives.   Picture of primitive Happiness enjoyed by the Illinois French.   Their plain and homely Houses and rural Villages.   " Common Field," and Mode and Distribution of Labor.   Family Interests in the same.   " Commons," and its Uses.   Patriarchal Harmony and Contentment of these Communities.   Moral Influence of the System.   Equality and Happiness of the People.     The Paternal Homestead, and Patriarchal Families.    Costume: Male and Female.   Catholic Religion.   Equality.   Contentment.   Sabbath Amusements and Hilarity.   Trades and Professions.   Idiom.   Habits and Deportment.   Domestic Simplicity of Manners and Virtues.   The mild and indulgent Regime of Spain.   Facility of Incorporation with Indian Character.   English Authority introduced in 1765.   The Jurisdiction of the United States extended over them in 1804.   Their Objections to American Population and Laws .     .          181

CHAPTER V.

THE   FIRST   COLONIZATION   OF   LOUISIANA   UNTIL THE   CLOSE OF CROZAT's  MONOPOLY.-A.D. 1098  TO 1717.

Argument.   Retrospect of the Illinois Settlements.   D'lherville undertakes to Colonize Lower Louisiana.   Sails with his Colony from Rochelle, September 24th, 1798.    Leaves the West Indies, and reaches Florida in January, 1699.   Casts anchor at Isle Dauphin.   Disembarks his Colony on Ship Island.   Sets out to explore the Mouth of the Mississippi.   Enters that River on the 2d of March.   Finds Letter of De Tonti to La Salle, dated 1685.   Returns by way of the Bayou Iberville to Bay of St. Louis.   Builds Fort Biloxi, May 2d.   Sails for France.   English Attempts to pre-occupy Louisiana.-   The British King bribes Hennepin to lie.   British Colony arrives in the Mississippi.   Condition of the Colony at Biloxi.   Bienville superintends the Colony as Governor.   Explores the Channel of the Mississippi.   Iberville returns with another Colony.   Builds a Fort on the Bank of the River.   Ascends the River as far as the Natchez Tribe.   Selects a Site for Fort Rosalie.   The Natchez Indians.   Their Customs and Religious Ceremonies.   Interview with the "Great Sun."   Boundary between Louisiana and Florida compromised.   The Colony at Biloxi reduced by Sickness and Death.   Exploring Parties.   Unrivaled Water Communications.   Death of Sauvolle, Commandant.   Iberville retires to France.   His Death in 1700.   Extravagaut Mining Credulity continues.   Explorations for Mines.    Feeble Condition of the Colony from 1704 to 1710.   Louisiana made Independent of Canada.   Bienville Governor-general.   Banks of the Mississippi neglected.   Cro-zat's Monopoly granted, 1712.   Extent of Louisiana defined in his Grant.   Population of the Colony in 1713.   Crozat's Enterprise, Zeal, and Plans of Trade   He is 
   xiv

CONTENTS.

excluded from Trade with Florida and Mexico.   Settlements extend.   Natchitoches on Red River settled.   Trading-posts established.   Disappointment and Failure of his Flans.   Expenditures of Crozat up to 1716.   Fort Rosalie built in 1716.   The new Governor, L'Epinai, arrives with Troops.   Crozat surrenders his Charter in 1717.   Condition of the Colony at his Surrender......Page 195

CHAPTER VI.

LOUISIANA UNDER THE " WESTERN COMPANY" UNTIL THE FAILURE

OF LAW'S "MISSISSIPPI SCHEME."-A.D. 1717 TO 1722.

Argument.   Enthusiasm in France for colonizing the Mississippi.   The Western Company succeeds to the Monopoly of Louisiana.   Charter of the Company.   Its Privileges, Powers, and Term of Existence.   Extravagant Expectations of the Company.    Arrival of the Company's Officers, Troops, and some Colonists at Mobile.   Bienville appointed Governor.   He desires to extend Settlements upon the Mississippi.   Selects the Site of New Orleans.   Establishes a Military Post on it.   Company refuse to leave Mobile as Headquarters.   Mining Delusion excludes Agriculture.   Extensive Mining Arrangements in 1719.   Bienville's Agricultural Views embraced by the Company.   Dependent Conditiou of Louisiana.   Several large and small Colonies from France arrive.   The Spaniards establish Settlements and " Missions" east of the Rio del Norte.   rLa Harpe maintains his Post near Natchitoches.   Spanish Encroachments.   Correspondence of the Spanish Commandant, De la Corne, with La Harpe, in 1719..   Negro Slavery introduced into Louisiana by the Western Company.   Different early Importations from Guinea.   Value of Slaves.   Sources from which the African Slave-trade is supplied.   Changes in the Government of Louisiana in 1719.    Superior Council organized.     Headquarters removed to Biloxi.    Emigrants and Troops arrive in 1720.   War with Spain.   Operations at Mobile and Pensacola.    The latter captured and burned by the French.   Spanish Incursions from Santa Fe to the Missouri and Arkansas.   Fort Orleans built on the Missouri.   Plan of Defense for the Upper Mississippi.   Lesueur occupies a Post on the St. Peter's.   Fort Char-tres commenced.   Becomes a strong Fortress.   Difficulties in Southwestern Louisiana.   Bienville resolves to occupy Texas.   His "Order" to Bernard La Harpe.   La Harpe's Occupation of the Bay of St. Bernard.   Indian Hostilities east of the Mississippi.   " Fort Conde" built on the Alabama.   Increase of Population by different Arrivals.   Colonies.   Convicts.   Females from the Houses of Correction in Paris.   Interdiction of Convicts to Louisiana.   Arrival of Emigrants and Slaves.   New Orleans becomes the Capital of the Province.   Embarrassment of the Western Company.    Sufferings of the Colonies and Scarcity of Food.   Revolt of Troops at Fort Conde.    New Orleans in 1