Ohio History Journal

HENRY BOUQUET.

 

HIS INDIAN CAMPAIGNS.

 

BY J. C. REEVE, M.D., LL. D., [W. R. UNIV.]

A little book in the French language has recently come

to hand which deserves more than a passing notice. It is the

brief life of a man of high character and fine achievement, and

it records service of the greatest value which he rendered to

our country in one of the darkest periods of its early history.

It is a book of about one hundred pages, printed at Geneva,

in 1909, and is one of a series published under the collective

title, "Soldats Suisses au Service Etrangere," ["Swiss Soldiers

in Foreign Service,"] the individual title being, "Henry Bou-

quet, vainqueur des Peaux-Rouges de l'Ohio." The author

is a Swiss who thus pays a loving tribute to the memory of a

follow countryman, one of the thousands who, in past times

left their mountain home to seek fortune and fame in foreign

lands. We should expect to find, in a work of this character,

over-coloring and an excess of laudation. It is pleasing to

record the fact that they are not here. The author gives a

plain narrative following the historical records. Indeed, the

gravity of the undertakings, the peril of the situations, the dif--

ficulties against which Bouquet struggled and which he over-

came, could not be exaggerated, nor could the value of his

services, as attested by official recognition, be overstated. The

man may stand as a model for all rising generations. Studious,

dignified, reserved, calm and self-possessed in the most danger-

ous positions, of undaunted courage and of untiring energy,

fruitful of resource, wise in design, prompt and decisive in

execution. More than once in reading his career will come

to mind Guizot's saying: "Voulez vous du roman; que ne

vous addressez vous a l'histoire."

The earliest information we have as to Henry Bouquet,

is contained in "An Historical Account of the Expedition

(489)

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490      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

against the Ohio Indians in the Year 1764, under the command

of Henry Bouquet, Esq." Philadelphia 17661

We have now later and fuller histories of Bouquet's ex-

pedition. Parkman, by his researches and his facile pen, has

made us familiar with the exploration, the settlement, and

the early history of the various sections of the west and north-

west of our country, and in doing this he has added lustre to

American historical literature. In two chapters of the "Con-

spiracy of Pontiac" he has given a complete history of the ex-

pedition.²

Additional historical knowledge of Bouquet and his cam-

paigns is not to be found in this little book; there is some of

biographical character, but it is the old story that we well

know told in other words, and it is pleasant to have it in the

language of a foreigner. The story cannot be told too often; it

needs repetition to keep alive in the present generation, steeped

in commercialism, a due sense of the hardships endured, the

privations suffered, and the courage displayed by their pioneer

ancestors who braved the dangers of the howling wilderness and

led the way in its transformation to a land now smiling with

plenty, and enjoying all the advantages of an advanced

civilization.

The book opens with a scene of lively animation in the

little town of Rolle, on Lake Geneva. It is a cold clear morn-

ing in February, 1732. The north wind blows down from the

mountains and sweeps in fierce gusts along the one narrow

street. The town is astir. The inhabitants are on the lookout,

and a group is gathered in front of the chateau. In the court

yard can be seen horses saddled, pack beasts prepared for a

journey.  They are waiting for one of their members who

soon appears, a young man of seventeen, who descends the

 

Republished as one of the "Ohio Valley Historical Series," by

Robt. Clarke & Co., Cincinnati, 1868. In the same volume is a transla-

tion from the French of Dumas' "Relation historique de 1' Expedition

coutre les Indians de l'Ohio," with a preface by Francis Parkman.

2There is a brief and clear account, but without any citation of

authorities, in "Indian Fights and Fighters," by Cyrus Townsend Brady,

LL. D.-New York, 1909.

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Henry Bouquet.                  491 stairs giving kisses right and left to aunts and cousins, respond- ing to many "adieux," and to many a hearty "bon voyage." Henry Bouquet came of a family several members of which had won high military honors. From his earliest child- hood he had been under the influence of the military spirit.

Impelled by such influences and by his ardent and adventurous spirit, it is no wonder that he spurned the cage of a little town on placid Lake Leman, and that he chose a soldier's life in foreign lands with all its hardships and its perils. His early military career may be briefly narrated. He en- tered the service of the United Provinces of the Netherlands, then at war with France, and joined, as cadet, a regiment then

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in garrison at Maestricht. He became ensign in 1735, and

sub-lieutenant the following year. In 1738 he entered the army

of the King of Sardinia, receiving a commission as "Captain-

lieutenant," and distinguished himself as "aide-major" in cam-

paigns against the armies of France and Spain, and at several

sieges. In one battle his regiment won high honors by carrying

a difficult position at the point of the bayonet, and he acquitted

himself well in a most perilous night attack. In a sanguinary

battle against superior numbers he met one whom he was des-

tined to have again as an antagonist under other skies, the

Marquis Montcalm, then a colonel of infantry, and who there

received three wounds, and afterwards became the heroic de-

fender of the French colony in Canada. The peace of Amiens

having been signed he accepted from the Prince of Orange a

commission as lieutenant-colonel of his Swiss regiments. Then

he was deputed, with two generals, to take over the places de-

livered up by the treaty of peace. Out of active service he

retired to Holland and devoted himself to his favorite studies,

mathematics and military strategy. Afterwards he accepted an

invitation from Lord Littleton to accompany him on a journey

through France and Italy. From his intimate association with

this nobleman and his companions he acquired a perfect com-

mand of the English language. "He wrote it even better than

the English officers themselves."

No information is given here as to how, why, and when

Bouquet came to this country, and considerable search elsewhere

for the information has been made in vain. The narrative

passes on to the formation of the Royal American regiment.

This was an organization established by special decree of

Parliament, and intended to be formed from the settlers of

German descent in the country, and to be commanded by officers

who understood German. Bouquet received a commission as

colonel. The state of affairs was such as to call imperatively

for relief; it had been so for a considerable time, and was daily

getting worse. The peace of Aix la Chapelle left open several

questions of the utmost importance, the boundaries fixing the

limits of the two nations were not defined. According to the

English, Canada from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to a line along

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Henry Bouquet.                      493

the centre of lakes Erie and Ontario, and all the Ohio Valley,

belonged to them; the French claimed that the English settle-

ments should be restricted to the territory between Canada, the

Alleghany Mountains, Louisiana and the sea. Under these con-

flicting claims, and from conflicting interests, there necessarily

arose bitter feelings, and to these hostile acts soon followed.

Disorder, lawlessness, outrage and violence, prevailed over a wide

extent of territory especially in western Pennsylvania and all

of what is now Ohio. The two nations were at peace; their

subjects were at war. On one side were enterprising settlers

pushing out to better their fortunes by availing themselves of

the resources of a virgin fertile region, on the other hand were

those who felt that these were trespassers, unjustly depriving

them  of their rightful possessions.  The Indians were more

deeply aggrieved than the French. Their feelings, too, were

intensified by the manner in which the English treated them,

a manner so strikingly in contrast to the wise treatment by

England, in later times, of her colonial possessions, and di-

rectly opposite to that accorded by the French.    While these

cultivated friendly relations with the tribes, the English irritated

them by niggardly minimizing the customary presents, and, in

some instances by withholding them. As a result, over a wide

territory, savage warfare prevailed; there were scalpings and

burnings, massacres and outrages, raids and reprisals.     But

this dark period, which would easily furnish material for

volumes, is here very briefly disposed of, and to one of its prin-

cipal tragic incidents is devoted but a few lines:

 

"General Braddock marched upon Fort Duquesne at the head of

two regiments of infantry and a body of colonial militia of Virginia,

under command of Washington. Imbued with the maxims of European

warfare, Braddock neglected to reconnoitre and to scout the forests

through which he marched, so on the 13th of July, 1755, he fell into

an ambush of French and Indians, who destroyed his troops. Braddock

and almost all his staff perished, those who escaped the massacre owed

their rescue to Washington."

The attack on Fort William-Henry, the massacre of the

English prisoners by the Indians, recounted in Cooper's "Last

of the Mohicans," the assault on Fort Ticonderoga, are merely

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mentioned, as also is the expedition of General Forbes against

Fort Duquesne, "in which Bouquet played the principal role."

"While France, discouraged and badly governed despaired and

abandoned Montcalm as she had abandoned Dupleix, England, personi-

fied by Pitt, put forth strenuous efforts. On the site of Fort Duquesne

was erected Fort Pitt, Pittsbuourg, with a capacity for a garrison of

three hundred men. * * * Quebec surrendered in 1759, carrying down

in its fall two antagonists, Montcalm and Wolfe, whom posterity has

laid together in one tomb. Canada was lost for France who consoled

herself with the saying of Voltaire, who troubled himself little about

"the loss of a few acres of snow!"

 

While the events thus briefly noticed were taking place,

Bouquet was in Philadelphia where he establshed his head-

quarters. He had been appointed Inspector General of all the

forts in the region between the ocean and the Ohio. These posts

were to be held in good condition for service, re-victualled,

kept in constant communication with each other.        In Phila-

delphia this gallant officer received marked attention, he was

extremely popular, gained the esteem, and won the confidence

of all classes and associated with the best citizens.

"He was then a man in the prime of life, of fine personality, of

splendid physique, and endowed with exceptional qualities of mind and

heart. His uprightness, his firmness, his imperturbable sang froid, his

presence of mind in the greatest of dangers, made of him a leader

without rival. His look alone inspired confidence and commanded

respect."

 

But something more occurred here than social amenities

and ordinary friendships. Tenderer emotions were excited, and

this is not surprising, for "the bravest are the tenderest" the

poet tells us. But it is the sad duty of the historian to record

the defeat of a soldier who never suffered one on the field of

battle. The name of the lady whose charms gained the victory

over our hero, was Miss Anna Willing. From Fort Duquesne, at

the close of the first expedition, he wrote her the following letter:

 

FORT DUQUESNE, Nov. 25, 1758.

DEAR NANCY: I have the satisfaction of announcing to you the

news of the capture of this formidable fort. The French, in a panic

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Henry Bouquet.                       495

 

at our approach, had destroyed it, leaving for us no roof but the sky,

truly a cold shelter for an army without tents. The glory of this result

must be attributed, after God, to our general, who from the beginning

took the wisest measures to cut off the French from their base, and

has treated the Indians in such a manner as to keep them quiet, etc.-

 

The name of Annie Willing cannot be found in any work

consulted or at command except one, that one is the "Indian

Fights and Fighters," of Brady. In a note that author gives

the following, but without stating the source from which he

derives the information:

"In addition to his other claims upon our consideration, romance

appropriates him, since he was the victim of an unrequited passion for

a beautiful Philadelphian. Anna Willing refused to accept him because

he was a soldier, and she married another and less noted man. Poor

lonely Henry Bouquet! it almost broke his heart."

In 1763 occurred the great outbreak of Indian hostility

known as the conspiracy of Pontiac. War prevailed from April

to August, between the English on one side and the French and

Indians on the other. Space will not permit here a detailed ac-

count of the tragic events of this period; they are to be found

recorded in the pages of history.³      The chief Pontiac who

was the designer and leader of the great uprising was endowed

with intellectual abilities far beyond the ordinary gifts of the

savage; indeed he stands without a rival in the records of his

race.  His design was to unite all the Indian tribes of the

wide region, to make, simultaneously, a sudden attack on the

widely separated parts of the whole territory, and by a general

massacre of the settlers to break at once and forever the Eng-

lish power and to clear the land of the intruding white faces.

In boldness of design, in range of action, in extent of combina-

tion, this conspiracy stands without a parallel in the annals of

savage warfare. And it came near being as successful in execu-

tion as it was skilful in design. The storm burst forth and

carried destruction and terror throughout the region. A dozen

 

3The letters and documents formerly belonging to Henry Bouquet,

and relating to military events in America from 1757 to 1765 occupy

thirty volumes of manuscript in the British Museum.

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of the more advanced forts were carried by assault and their

garrisons massacred. Venango, Presq'ile, Frontenac, Sandusky,

Mackinac were taken. Detroit, Fort Pitt and Niagara alone

held out. Throughout the wide extent of territory, comprising

western Pennsylvania and all of Ohio, the wildest terror pre-

vailed. Everywhere were massacres and scalpings, everywhere

the settlers, abandoning everything, were flying to find refuge

in Lancaster and Philadelphia. Words cannot describe, nor

the imagination picture, the terror, the distress, the sufferings

of the people throughout this region. In this scene of disorder

and fear all eyes turned towards one calm and self-reliant man,

it was Henry Bouquet. His name inspired confidence and

awakened hope. - For seven years as commander of the Royal

American regiment, and as Inspector General, he had traversed

the invaded region, and became familiar with all its features.

At the same time he had added immensely to his knowledge

of Indian character and of Indian warfare which he had gained

in the Forbes expedition. Farther and more important was

the fact that in his dealings with the Indians he had inspired

their respect and gained their esteem. They knew him as a

brave soldier and as a just man.

The chief object of anxiety was Fort Pitt, and the most

pressing necessity was its relief. No news had been received

from there for weeks; at last advices it was surrounded by the

enemy, short of rations, and in the greatest danger. A column

for its relief was organized with the least possible delay. It

was a difficult task, for the resources were scanty.

Sir Jeffrey Amherst, commander-in-chief ordered to ad-

vance from New York all that remained of the 42d and 77th

Highlanders, together with about 350 men, officers included.

These troops had just debarked from Havana. The majority of

the men were sick or convalescing. To these were added the

fragments of five other regiments, just returned from the West

Indies. All were in a miserable condition, the effect of hard ser-

vice and a tropical climate and were more fit for the hospital

than the ranks. Many were so feeble that they had to be carried

in wagons. Bouquet concentrated his forces at Carlisle. There

the greatest disorder and confusion reigned, and he was con-

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Henry Bouquet.                  497

fronted with the gravest difficulties. He could gain no recruits,

the settlers preferred to remain with their families rather than

to join an expedition which they believed to be doomed to de-

struction. Bouquet himself was reduced to the verge of despair.

He wrote, "I find myself completely abandoned by the men whom

I am sent to protect." But he continued unmoved in the general

disorder and all eyes were turned to him. He passed the time

in providing supplies, in drilling his men, and instructing them

in the methods of Indian warfare. Eighteen days after his ar-

rival the order to march was given. The column consisted of

about 500 men, 60 of whom were carried in wagons. At Bed-

ford he was happily able to add to his force thirty rangers and

backwoodsmen. Thus the column continued its march over roads

which were only pathways cut with the ax, through the deep

forest, all depressed by the prevailing thought of Braddock's

fate, whose force, much larger than theirs, had been annihilated,

and by thought of the fate, far worse than death, that awaited

those who fell into the hands of the savages. They made all

possible effort to reach Ligonier, a place of some importance,

and essential to the relief of Fort Pitt, from which there had

been no news for several weeks.

On the 5th of August the column was early in motion,

pushing on to reach Bushy Run where there was to be a tem-

porary rest. They were not far from the place when suddenly,

about one o'clock, shots were heard, and soon the firing, so

heavy and so violent, showed that a general engagement had

opened. Twelve of the advance guard had fallen at the first

volley. The attack was continued until nightfall. The day

was sultry, the heat excessive, the enemy in large number, vicious

and determined. Driven back in one part of the field by the

bayonet, they immediately returned to the attack in another part,

firing from every rock and tree trunk. They attacked in front,

then on the flanks, then at the rear.  The fight continued

until darkness put a stop to it. Then followed a night which well

merits the name given to it: "The night of anguish." The

position of the force was a very good one, on a slight eminence

surrounded by shallow ravines. In the centre of the camps,

an imperfect shelter for the sick and wounded, was formed with

Vol. XXVI -32.

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498        Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

 

the sacks of flour, and around it the exhausted troops tried to

rest. The darkness was intense; no fire could be lighted; the

slightest sound startled, as betraying the coming foe. All suf-

fered the agony of thirst, until a downpour of rain came, which

deluged them, but added to the distress of the sick and

wounded.

"In the midst of this darkness, full of menaces, peopled

with terrors, made hideous by the horrible cries of the savages,

let us look for a moment into a tent, before which pace a couple

of sentinels. By the dim light of a single candle we see Col.

Bouquet, but showing no such signs of anxiety or discourage-

ment, as might be expected after the day passed and in view

of the morrow to come. Seated at an improvised table he is

tranquilly writing the following report of the action of the

day, which he must dispatch immediately to headquarters. It

is worth reading."

CAMP AT EDGE HILL,

26 miles from Fort Pitt, Aug. 5, 1763.

SIR: The troops and the convoy arrived at Ligonier on the second

instant. I could not obtain there any information of the enemy. The

scouts sent out in the beginning of July had all been killed or obliged

to return. All the passes were in the enemy's hands. In this perplex-

ing situation I decided to leave at Ligonier all my wagons with a part

of the munitions and provisions. On the fourth I left with the com-

mand, and with about 340 horses carrying supplies. My intention was

to reach Bushy Run today, which is about a mile from here, and after

having given a rest to men and beasts, to push on during the night,

through the defile of Turtle Creek, a dangerous defile, several miles

long, bordered by high, steep hills. But this afternoon, about one

o'clock, when we had marched seventeen miles, the savages suddenly

attacked our advanced guard. This was immediately supported by two

companies of the 42nd, who drove back and pursued the enemy. The

savages rallied and opened fire on our front, and then attacked on our

flanks. A general charge was made along all the line, which was suc-

cessful in driving the savages from the heights, but was not decisive,

because, chased from one position they appeared at another, until by

the aid of reinforcements they became more numerous and finally were

strong enough to surround us and attack the convoy at the rear, which

obliged us to fall back for its protection. The action then became gen-

eral, but altho the savages advanced with extraordinary vigor, they were

constantly repulsed with loss; which we also suffered gravely. We lost

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Henry Bouquet.                       499

 

more than sixty men. The action lasted from one o'clock until night,

and we must expect its renewal in the early morning. -

Whatever may be our lot I believe it to be my duty to transmit

this information to your Excellency at the earliest moment, in order

that you may be able to take such measures as you may deem best, to

secure the safety of the provinces or to give succor to Fort Pitt, in case

that, after a second fight, I shall find myself unable to protect and trans-

port our provisions. By the loss today of men and horses, I am much

weakened, and am obliged to conduct the wounded whose situation iS

deplorable.

I cannot say too much in recognition of the devoted service ren-

dered me by Major Campbell during this severe action, nor can I ex-

press too much admiration for the courage and resolution of the sol-

diers, who have not fired a shot without orders, and who have dislodged

the enemy from his positions with the bayonet. As to the officers, their

conduct has been beyond praise.

I have the honor to be, dear Sir, with the greatest respect,

Yours, etc.,

To his Excellency,                       HENRY BOUQUET.

SIR JEFFREY AMHERST.

 

Such a dispatch, written under such circumstances, not

only reveals the man, it marks the hero.

At earliest dawn the attack was renewed. The war cry

resounded on all sides and a rapid fire began and was continued.

Every tree and rock sheltered an enemy. Scattered, and never

acting in a united body, no effective charge against them could be

made. The troops were exhausted by the long march, and

the fight of the day before. As the hours wore on, they began

to show signs of failing energy, while the Indians, perceiving

this, became more aggressive, believing victory to be theirs.

Bouquet, calm and collected, did not falter in a situation that

seemed desperate. On all sides, with coolness and resolution he

led and encouraged his men. Frightened by the yells and the

firing the horses broke away and a stampede now added to

the confusion that prevailed. The condition began to justify

the gloomiest foreboding, when the commander, fertile in re-

source, devised a maneuver which was as skillfully executed as

wisely planned. This was a feigned retreat, its intention being

to bring the Indians forward in a body so that they might be

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effectively attacked.  Two companies were withdrawn and

posted toward the rear. Then the front fell back. The Indians

believing, as was intended, that this was a retreat, and seeing

victory theirs, rushed forward with wild yells, to secure it. At

the proper moment the retiring movement ceased, the Indians

were met by a murderous fire, at the same time the two com-

panies closed in and fell upon their flanks. They were surprised,

checked, and defeated; the fortunes of the day were changed,

the victory of the whites assured.

The battle of Bushy Run was the most brilliant and effec-

tive battle ever fought between the whites and Indians in the

great and prolonged struggle for the possession of the disputed

region. Its immediate effects were great and evident, but its

remote influence was far greater. Its moral influence on the

Indians was immense.

A table presents the numbers of killed and wounded from

each regiment and class of the force. The totals are: Killed,

50; wounded, 60; missing, 5; total 115.

The Indians lost about sixty; among them some noted

chiefs.

In five days' march the column reached Fort Pitt, still

closely besieged. But the Indians retired, and the siege was

raised. The feelings excited and the rejoicing manifested by the

inhabitants cannot be described and can only be imagined by

those who have made a thorough study of the times and the

situation.

The Assembly of Pennsylvania passed a vote of thanks

to Bouquet, and he soon after received the additional honor of

formal thanks from the King.

Bouquet remained at Fort Pitt during the winter.   As

spring opened he began to prepare for further operations. There

was need for vigorous measures.   The Indians had retired

beyond the Muskingum but bands of them roamed over all the

region, committing the outrages usual with their race. There

were constantly isolated attacks, massacres, scalpings and the

most horrible torture to prisoners. Terror reigned everywhere.

Bouquet's plan of campaign was bold and well designed. It

was to penetrate the very heart of the Indian country, to destroy

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Henry Bouquet.                   501

 

their crops and their towns, and to bring them to complete sub-

mission. In making preparations for the expedition he met with

difficulties which taxed his energies to the uttermost, and his

success in overcoming them merits a praise rivalling that of his

military triumphs. First, was the inaction of the governments

of Pennsylvania and Virginia. They manifested an inaction

which caused many long delays and which nothing can excuse.

Then there was great apathy among the people of those sections

whence recruits were to be drawn. A goodly portion of the

inhabitants were Quakers; these and some other religious sects,

had conscientious objections to war. The settlers and back-

woodsmen, who could render the most valuable service, were

difficult to manage. Individuality was the leading characteris-

tic of the backwoodsmen. Parkman who eulogizes them in the

highest terms, emphasizing their many virtues, says "they were

wilful, headstrong and quarrelsome, utterly intolerant of arbi-

trary control; discipline and obedience were repugnant to all

their habits."⁴ The number of desertions indicates and illus-

trates the commander's troubles. At Bedford he wrote "the

Royal American regiment now numbers only 55 privates, 35

having lately deserted.  Again, the ranks of the Pennsyl-

vanians were reduced by desertion to 700 men.". On one page

we read "More Pennsylvanians ran off with their arms and

horses," on another "two deesrters, caught in the act, were

executed."

Finally, the Assembly of Pennsylvania voted 300 men to

act as home guards, and one thousand to join Bouquet. To

these was added the few remaining veterans of Bushy Run, and

200 Virginians, well versed in Indian warfare, joined and were

a most welcome addition.

On the third of October the column, consisting of about

fifteen hundred men, left Fort Pitt, and entered upon its

perilous way. During the march rigid discipline was maintained,

by formation and order of march the utmost precautions were

taken against surprise, and the strictest orders given as to what

 

4 Conspiracy of Pontiac. * * Further and stronger testimony of this

character is to be found in Vol. 1 of Life of Chief Justice Marshall.

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was to be done in case of attack. On the tenth they arrived

at Muskingum without having had any serious interference.

They were now in the heart of the enemies' country. Already

at Fort Pitt a deputation from the Indians appeared but Bou-

quet had refused to receive them, and believing them to be

spies, had kept some of them as hostages. Now other deputa-

tions arrived. From their defeat at Bushy Run, and from this

large force now before them, the Indians were deeply impressed

and showed themselves anxious for peace. In the negotiations

which followed Bouquet pursued a course and displayed

qualities, which shows him equally capable in diplomacy as in

warfare. He showed the utmost firmness, was haughty and

rigid in manner, positive and precise in his demands. During

his service as Inspector he had acquired an intimate acquaintance

with the Indian character. He knew that moderation and con-

cessions were taken by them as evidence of weakness. The

Indians, too, had learned the man; they knew his inflexibility,

recognized his strength and his justice; they had felt his power at

Bushy Run and saw it displayed before them in the troops of the

expedition. A grand conference with the united tribes was

agreed upon and soon took place on one of the tributaries of the

Muskingum. It is not necessary to give in detail the proceedings

of this meeting nor to reproduce the speeches of the chiefs

and of Bouquet. These were the terms, laid down, compliance

with which must precede any negotiations for a permanent peace:

1. Within twelve days all captives should be delivered up,

of whatever nation or kind, English, French, women and chil-

dren, even the negroes.

2. These should be provided with clothing and provisions,

and horses should be furnished for their transportation to Fort

Pitt.

3. Delegates should be sent from each tribe to a confer-

ence to be held by Sir William Johnson, where the conditions

of peace would be considered.

The latter article was afterwards faithfully complied with.

The history of the conference does not belong to this narrative;

it is sufficient to record that by it permanent peace was estab-

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Henry Bouquet.                      503

lished, and the long and bloody contest for the possession of

this region was closed.

In accordance with the demand, the Indians began imme-

diately to bring in their prisoners. At different places the dif-

ferent tribes delivered them, to the number of 206. Of these

116 were Pennsylvanians: 32 males, 56 women and children;

90 were Virginians: 32 mena 58 women and children. On the

ocasions of these deliveries there were outbursts of emotion

rarely, if ever, equalled in the annals of history.     Moving

scenes were enacted which no pen can portray, every string of

passion vibrated, gleaming hope, strained anxiety, bitter dis-

appointment and deepest grief. The joyful rose to its heights,

the pathetic sank to its depths.

"It is impossible for the pen to describe the touching scenes which

occurred on the arrival of each new convoy; we renounce the attempt

to describe these scenes in which were the cries of joy, the tears of

happiness, the sobs of despair. Parents found again their children, hus-

bands, their wives; brothers recognized their sisters and they fell into

each others arms. In the midst of these delirious effusions were to be

seen those who, trembling with anxiety, made inquiry for relatives from

whom they had been long separated; and those who burst out in tears

of despair, obliged to yield to incontestable proof of the sad fate of their

much-loved ones."

 

Surpassing all others in anxiety and eagerness of search

were, of course, mothers, looking for long-lost children. One

instance of this kind is deeply affecting, and affords, at the same

time, proof that not alone on the battle field and at the coun-

cil fire, Bouquet deserves our admiration. An elderly woman

sought for a daughter of whom, nine years before, she had been

robbed. With fear in her heart that years before the dear girl

had been tomahawked, she scanned face after face. Finally she

found one whom she felt sure was her child. But she could

get from her no response, no recognition. After many vain ef-

oeforts had been made, Bouquet suggested that she sing to her

some little song with which she had soothed her to sleep in her

childhood. Here is the first verse of the little German song with

its paraphrase in French:

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504        Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

 

Wie die Blumlein draussen zittern

In der Abendlufte weh'n!

Und du willst mir's Herz verbittern

Und du willst schon wieder geh'n?

O bleib bei mir und geh' nicht fort,

Mein Herz ist ja dein Heimatort.

 

Aux champs vois-tu 1'humble fleurette

Trembler a la brise du soir?

Voudrais-tu t'en aller seulette

Et m'abandonner sans espoir

Ne t'en va pas, reste avec moi!

Mon coeur c'est l'abri sur pour toi.

 

"At first only a little curiosity seemed manifested by the girl;

then her eyes indicated that she was seeking some long effaced memory,

at the second verse this was intensified and she seemed awaking from

sleep, at the third she responded to the intense and passionate voice

of the singer, flung herself into the outstretched arms of the woman

crying, 'Mother! Mother.'"

Hard is the heart and dull the nature of any one who can

recall this scene without emotion. "One touch of nature makes

the whole world kin." In a note it is stated that "this account

is taken from a romance: 'Regina Hartman,'" by Rev. Reuben

Weiser. It is given briefly by Parkman and by Brady in "Indian

Fights and Fighters," where a single verse is given as the song,

and this bears not the slightest resemblance to the one above.

Such is history!

"Alone, yet not alone am I

Tho' in this solitude so drear,

I feel my Saviour always nigh,

He comes my weary heart to cheer."

 

Among the captives delivered by the Indians there were a

few who refused to return to civilization. In the early years

of the decade, 1830-40, there was a little pamphlet in my father's

scant library which I read, and re-read, with absorbing interest.

It was a narrative of the capture by and captivity among the

Indians, by Mary Jemison.     As memory serves me, the scene

opens in a little log cabin, somewhere to the north of Pittsburg,

there was a sudden early morning attack by the Indians, the

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Henry Bouquet.                   505

killing of her brother, and the hurrying away of herself, her

mother and father, into the northern forest. As night fell, the

Indians, being closely pursued, got rid of their captives. The

blessing and farewell of the mother, as she was led away into

the bushes, well knowing her doom, was heart-rending. The

next day, as the scalps were dressed and combed. Mary recog-

nized her mother's by the hair.

Mary Jemison was one of the few who chose rather to

remain with her captors than to return to civilization. She

passed her life in the neighborhood of Genessee Falls, New York,

was twice married to Indians, and had children by each husband.

The pamphlet was taken by dictation, as she had no educa-

tion. It would be interesting to know if there is still in some

library, a copy of this pamphlet in existence.

Bouquet received most gratifying official testimony of the

recognition of and gratitude for, the services he had rendered.

The Assembly of Pennsylvania sent him a long and flattering ad-

dress, signed by Jas. Fox, Speaker, and the governor was di-

rected to recommend him to the ministry for promotion. The

Chamber of Deputies of Virginia passed a resolution thanking

him "for his inestimable services in conquering the Indians and

for delivering their captives."

It was a long cherished design of Bouquet to visit his

native land, and he began preparation for the journey when he

was surprised by the news of his promotion to be Brigadier

General, and soon afterwards he was assigned to the command

of the military department of the South. In entering his new

field of duty he arrived at Pensacola in September where he

soon after passed to the great beyond. The exact date of his

death is not known. But sad it is to record that his last rest-

ing place is unknown. The gallant warrior sleeps in an un-

marked grave. This is not because efforts have not been made

to find where his remains were interred. Unfortunately the

researches made have not been as successful as were those made

to discover the tomb and remains of Paul Jones. The follow-

ing letter bears witness that the government has made strenuous

efforts to make this discovery:

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506        Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

 

WAR DEPARTMENT

ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE,

WASHINGTON, March 21, 1883.

DEAR SIR: I have received from Gen. Hancock a response to my

enquiries relative to the remains of Bouquet. He informs me that,

on receipt of my letter, he communicated with several officers who have

been on duty at Fort Barrancas, Florida, asking any information, or

any supposition on the subject ,or even if they could indicate any per-

son who might furnish any information whatever. But all effort has

only demonstrated that inquiry is absolutely without result.

The commading officer at Fort Barrancas himself tried in Pensa-

cola to obtain some information, even the slightest, as to Bouquet's

remains having been interred there. He interrogated many gentlemen,

old inhabitants, and found that not one of them had ever heard the

name.

He investigated also the old cemetery, given by Spain to the Cath-

olic Church in 1781, but in vain. Unfortunately the records of this

cemetery, as well as those of the church have been destroyed. He is

compelled to say with regret that it is impossible to obtain any infor-

mation whatever at Pensacola as to the remains of Bouquet.

Sincerely yours,

R. C. DRUM,

To the Rev. Cort.

 

The little book thus closes its narrative:

"The generous voices that have pleaded for a recognition of the

services of Henry Bouquet have been heard. A     monument to the

victor of Bushy Run has been erected, on the very theatre of the action,

a few miles from Pittsburgh.

In Switzerland the name of the hero is scarcely known, and

Rolle, his native town, has not yet erected even a simple column, to

the memory of the most renowned of her children. We cherish the

thought that it will not be much longer thus, that this generation will

take means to perpetuate the memory of this brilliant commander, this

generous conqueror, this man of heart and of action, this skillful

negotiator of peace with the red skins, a man who allied so much

audacious intrepidity with so much firmness and prudence."-Revue

historique vaudoise.

DAYTON, OHIO.

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