They have been transplanted only to help in the fur trade, and in this branch of commerce the Canadians surpass all others; but now that the population advances (and that by the means of the wise and equitable administration of the United States), the settlements increase, and the people take a character and an attitude which presages a great destiny, it becomes us to form some just claims, and to know all that can interest its honor and independence. The French ought to frequent the courts where the laws are discussed, and assist in the election of all their officers, and in this way learn to hold general assemblies, and how to conduct public affairs. Every American citizen ought to know how to use his rights and privileges that assure to him his title of citizenship. This is why it is the duty of each man to acquaint himself with laws, in order to vote, and give his opinion on all occasions which interest him himself in particular as well as the public in general as a nation. It is thus that one will come to know the merits of our excellent constitution, and that the advantages which result therefrom will be appreciated in a general and sensible manner. Besides all these ties that we possess or enjoy we ought to count the religious liberty of each man being able to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience, and live peaceably in the religion of his fathers. The social commerce established between good and virtuous men ought not to be interrupted by any religious dissension. In our day such disputes are regarded as unworthy of this enlightened century in which we live. Formerly things were not the same, and for want of equal dispositions among Christians, all was confusion and was the cause of the schism which dismembered the old church. For a long time disorder reigned; but to day such dissensions are suppressed, and virtuous persons of all classes and all sects are generally esteemed and respected. It is also the duty of every man to follow strictly the religion of his ancestors, to cherish it and to have it observed in his family, for no house should be divided against itself upon such an important subject. Without religion there is nothing for men, neither sentiment nor honor. No one can rely on their word - their oath is null. Thus you see, my dear friend, the price of religion, and how important it is to our happiness on earth and to

our future life. I will not dwell longer upon this subject, because I believe that the inhabitants of this country are always remarkable for their strict attachment to their religious duties, as well as their gentle and kind manners towards each other. In considering the particular situation in which the old inhabitants of this country are found placed, one would believe that they have not made much effort to aid any government in particular, if one ex cepts their first masters; but in examining with attention and diving into my searches, I have discovered with great satisfaction that the French people have always been faithful to the Government and hasten to defend its firesides and altars. The late war (considered in its true light) will give to the inhabitants of the Territory of Michigan (whatever their rank may be) a right to the protection and esteem of the American Government. Few persons know the critical situation of this country since the last war. Their zeal and eagerness to pluck out from the hands of the Indians the unfortunate victims of the River Raisin (and some other rights) will always be a sufficient title to attract the gratitude of posterity. The reclamations or claims that you have made to the Government for the losses you have sustained during the last war, have been, it is true, put off from one session to another, in spite of the efforts of our delegates to put them forward; but all these delays must not discourage you, for, although "justice moves with slow steps, it is none the less sure." If your claims are such as they should be to be paid by the Government, they will not be refused; but still one must not expect all the damages experienced during the war to be liquidated by the United States. Such an enterprise would cause necessarily the ruin of the richest country on earth. The depredations committed by our soldiers, the property seized or destroyed by the enemy because it was occupied by our troops, the articles furnished for the use of the army, either for subsistence or for the quartermaster department: all these different things. have been included amongst the objects which the Government ought to pay. All the claims which have had their support in unexceptionable certificates, have been reimbursed. confused arrangement of all the accounts that might be presented would exhaust the treasury, and would be exposing the honest and timid

A

citizen, who would rather lose all his rights under the Government than to have the States made bankrupt. The Government only deThe Government only demands sure proofs of the justice of the claims in order to pay as far as its means will permit. I am going to leave here on the first steamboat for the seat of Government. If it is in my power, by my influence, while in the city, to contribute to the advancement of the interests of the inhabitants of Michigan, no one will find me lacking in zeal and activity, as íar as my intellectual faculties will permit me, to see that justice is rendered in an impartial manner. It is with the greatest regret that I leave a country which is dear on so many accounts, above all, when I reflect that I shall be separated from numerous friends, who have shown such affection for myself and family. However, my duty calls and I must go. Adieu, my dear friend, and please remember me to your wife and children, and my friends on all sides. Believe me always your devoted and sincere friend and relative,

It is a long time since I received the letter that you have done me the honor to write on the 17th of last January. This is the first opportunity I have found to reply.

I am very sorry, Monsieur, in spite of the cause, Monsieur, that it has deprived me of the pleasure of seeing you here. No excuse, certainly, is necessary for having restored the representatives to other hands, and in truth, Monsieur, a trip to Cincinnati, in the middle of winter, might be a little too much for you. At the same time I thank you for your good will, and I am pleased that you have survived such a severe season.

The remaining disorders in the town of Detroit have given me many regrets, and demand to be remedied; although our proceedings in justice are slow, they are none the less sure. The only step I could take at present upon the plea against Mrs. May and I have

taken; that is, to suspend the functions of both, until the time that an investigation will take place. Perhaps a resignation will follow. Let that be as it may, when the judges visit Detroit in June all will be examined and

justice rendered to each one. Besides this I promise myself the pleasure of seeing you at your home in passing from Fort Wayne to Detroit.

My ears are always open to the cries of the people I have the honor to lead; and it is to me a great pleasure, as well as an indispensable duty, to do them all the good in my power. I am mortified that they have been molested by Government officers, but Mr. Sargent (stranger as he was) ran the risk, in spite of best intentions, of being deceived concerning the different characters, like any other man in the same case. With much consideration for your upright and sincere character, I am, Monsieur, your very humble servant,

A. ST. CLAIR.

Certificate of marriage of Colonel Francis Navarre, November 9, 1790, and family record: After the publication of the bans of marriage. made at the sermon of the grand mass of the parish, having obtained dispensation from two others of Mr. Dufaute, doing the duties of Grand Vicar of Detroit, between Francis Navarre (son of Robert Navarre and Archangel Marsaive), his parents belonging to the parish of St. Anne, Detroit, and J. Marie Suzor (daughter of Louis Suzor and Marie Josephine Labeau), her parents belonging to another part. of the same parish, and not finding any binderance to said marriage, I, the undersigned priest and curate, do certify to having received their mutual consent of marriage, and to have given the nuptial benediction with the ceremonies prescribed by our Mother, the Holy Church.

In presence of Messrs. Charles Reaume, Martin Nadeau, Louis Gaillard, Louis Suzor, and several other witnesses. Among them some have signed and others have declared they know not how to sign this writing, according to the ordinance of the aforesaid day and year.

Copied from the original. Chas. R., M. Nad., L. G., Pr. John Bt., Cure.

Transcript from record :

Robert, son of Francis and Marie Suzor, born September 2, 1791; married Miss Duchane. Francis, son of Francis and Marie Suzor, born December 8, 1792; married Miss Mettez. Marie

Archange, daughter of Francis and Marie. Suzor, born April 6, 1794. Joseph Navarre, son of Francis and Marie Suzor, born December 3, 1795; married Miss Martin. Julia Navarre, daughter of Francis and Marie Suzor, born December 18, 1796. Hissalette, daughter of Francis and Marie Suzor, born June 15, 1798; David Navarre, son of Francis and Marie Suzor; married Miss Lasselle. Samuel Navarre, son of Francis and Marie Suzor. Paul or Perti Navarre, son of Francis and Marie Suzor. Victoria, daughter of Francis and Marie Suzor; married James J. Godfroy.

In the correspondence and files of Colonel Francis Navarre, translated from the French, preserved by Alexander T. Navarre and Mrs. James D. Machin, grandson and granddaughter of Colonel Francis Navarre, appears the following proclamation by Arthur St. Clair, Governor of the Territory of the United States Northwest of the Ohio, from which it appears a property qualification was essential to the exercise of the right of suffrage:

Whereas, by the ordinance of Congress for the government of the Territory northwest of the Ohio, it is ordained, "That so soon as there shall be 5,000 free male inhabitants of full age in the district, upon giving proof thereof to the Governor they shall receive authority, with time and place, to elect representatives from their several counties or townships to represent them in the general assembly;" and whereas sufficient proof has been given to me there is a much greater number of free male inhabitants in the district than the 5,000 required by the ordinance,I do in conformity thereto authorize and require the inhabitants of the several counties in the Territory, qualified according to the said ordinance, to assemble together on the third Monday in December next, at the places hereinafter mentioned, and then and there elect representatives for the said counties respectively, according to the directions and restrictions of the aforesaid ordinance of Congress, and in the numbers and proportions following, to serve in the general assembly or legislature for two years, that is to say: The inhabitants of the county of Washington shall meet at Marietta and elect two representatives; the inhabitants of the county of Hamilton shall meet at the town of

Cincinnati and elect five representatives; the inhabitants of the county of St. Clair shall meet at the town of Cahokia and elect one representative; the inhabitants of the county of Knox shall meet at the town of St. Vincennes and elect one representative; the inhabitants of the county of Randolph shall meet at the town of Kaskaskia and elect one representative; the inhabitants of the county of Adams shall meet at the town of Washington and elect one representative; the inhabitants of the county of Jefferson shall meet at the town of Steuben and elect one representative; the inhabitants of the county of Wayne shall meet at the town of Detroit and elect one representative, and the inhabitants of the county of Ross shall meet at the town of Chillicothe and elect one representative; and the representatives so elected. shall meet in general assembly at the town of Cincinnati, in the county of Hamilton, on the 22d day of January next, to do and perform what is required of them for the benefits of the people and the good government of the district. The restrictions with respect to the elections in the aforesaid ordinance, are that no person shall be eligible or qualified to act as a representative unless he shall have been a citizen of one of the United States three years and be a resident in the district, or unless he shall have resided in the district three years, and in either case shall likewise hold in his own right, in fee simple, 200 acres of land within the same; and that a freehold in fifty acres of land in the district, having been a citizen of one of the States, and being a resident in the district, or the like freehold and two years residence in the district, shall be necessary to qualify a man as an elector of a representative.

And whereas a strict adherence to the letter of the last restriction would exclude all those whose real estate consists of houses and lots only, in the several towns, from any share in the choice of representatives, while the spirit and intention of it is, that the right of election should not be extended to those who are not possessed of real estate of a certain value: all persons having a freehold estate in houses and lots in any of the towns in the counties where they respectively reside, equal in value to the medium value of fifty acres of land in the same counties, are to be considered duly qualified as to property. And the sheriffs

شی

of the counties, or the coroners in case of any contingency whereby it may be impossible for the sheriffs to attend, shall hold the said elections in the counties for which they are respectively appointed, at the time and places before mentioned, and in the manner as by the writs to them directed is required.

Given at Cincinnati, in the county of Hamilton, under the seal of the Territory, the 29th day of October, 1798, and of the independence of the United States the twenty-third.

Copy of letter from the Bishop of Baltimore, addressed to Colonel Francis Navarre, for the inhabitants of the River Raisin:

BALTIMORE, October 19, 1796. Your petition that you had the kindness to address to me the 10th of May did not reach me before the month of August. I see in it, with great satisfaction, that you are sensible of the inexpressible advantages of the true religion and of a ministry of salvation which responds to its sanctity and may be worthy of it. Feeling all the weight of my pastoral duty, it is very pleasant for me to find the charges it imposes on me lightened by the Christian dispositions of those who share my solicitude. I did not reply immediately to your request because having already charged Mr. Labaudoux (my grand vicar of this part of my diocese) to make report of the religious condition of the country recently added to the United States, I believed that I ought to wait until I received it. This report has just come to hand, and in this which has relation to you, I see that it confirms the favorable idea I had formed of your dispositions. In consequence I wrote to him to-day to make his arrangements to send you a very excellent priest, who dwells at present on the Illinois. If this cannot be brought about to advise me as promptly as possible, in order that I may send one from here as soon as I have the necessary means to furnish the expenses of his journey.

Your manners and habits of industry and love of order are to me a sure guaranty that you will make citizens peaceable and obedient to laws of the Government, and that you will never abuse the liberty in which you participate to make a pretext of living without check, be it of religion or civil authority. I prize greatly the assurance which you have made

me of your respect for your fathers, and the good wishes you have offered me for my health. In return I beg of you to regard me as one having for you the most fraternal affection, and an earnest desire to see you and unite with you before the altar of the Most High, to pray to Him to bestow upon you and upon all our Catholics and wandering brothers, the choicest benedictions. I am, sir, with regards and gratitude for all which you have done for the welfare of religion, your very obedient servant and father in Jesus Christ,

BISHOP OF BALTIMORE.

Translated from old deed signed by chief of the tribe of Pottawatomies, then inhabiting River Raisin :

DETROIT, September 14, 1786. Sir Askiby, chief of the Pottawatomies, of the River Raisin, given in my name and that of my nation and of the families inhabiting of my tribe: I declare that I have reserved a piece of land, three acres in size, in all its profundity, for the building of a house of prayer, situated at that end of land, on right side of River Raisin, joining the concession of Francis Navarre Hutrow. This place, destined in perpetuity as a place of prayer, can never be occupied for any other purpose but by the minister of the Great Spirit. For this reason it is expressly forbidden all persons, of whatever nation they may be, to touch said place to cultivate or build thereupon, under the penalty of having their work and labor utterly destroyed. For this reason I affix my signature, to the end that people may not doubt of my resolution, which will be forever irrevocable.

At Detroit the 13th of September, 1786.

As also the concession of land that we have

given to the brothers and children of Robert Navarre; as also that of Marie, widow of Alexis Campau, shall remain in perpetuity to her and her children, the peaceful possession of which she may claim undisturbed.

ASKIBY.

DETROIT, May 9, 1794. To Francis Navarre, Justice of the Peace, River Raisin:

SIR: I have the honor of informing you that I have discovered a plot to pass counterfeit money. The principal actor lives in your district, and is named Moses Powers. He is a

brother of the lawyer Powers, and he has only one eye. He pretends to be a carpenter, and has made a conract with Israel to build him a house. I have had the other two arrested. The sheriff has my warrant to arrest Powers, but as he delays to start, I fear that the man will escape, learning that the others are taken. I beg you instantly, as soon as you receive my letter, to have him arrested and sent to me under assurance that they will be tried by the court. I pray you, also, to have a search made of his house or lodgings and seize any tools he has made use of in making the money; and also any material you may find which has been used in making it, and send all here.

As this is the first discovery of a conspiracy so dangerous for society in general, it is of the greatest importance to suppress it in its commencement, and the people of the River Raisin are more interested than others, for following the information that I have that Mr. Powers is the principal actor, I have reason to believe that he works in your canton; inform your neighbors to take good care when they receive some bogus money. I have the honor of being very perfectly your very humble servant,

JAMES MAY, J. P. County Wayne.

JUNE 3, 1796. DEAR COUSIN: A favorable opportunity presents itself for me to write you a letter, and have it delivered by Captain Chamberg, aid-decamp of General Wilkinson, commander of the American troops. He is going ahead of the army to demand possession of Detroit. Colonel Hamtramck left here this morning with a large detachment to form the garrison at Detroit. As I know well your zeal for our American army, I have taken the liberty to assure Colonel Hamtramck that you and your friendly inhabitants of the River Raisin would take pleasure in accompanying Captain Chamberg to Detroit. He has asked for the names of persons that I consider as veritable patriots. I informed him that he could not pride himself on more honest people in the establishment of Detroit than my uncle Robiche and Mr. Buffet, who will be listened to by all the inhabitants, and who, I think, will give him all the assistance possible. Although I have offered to have him stay at Mr. Cecire's house, you can have him stay at your house. I think his horses will be

more safe in your stable than in the fields. Courage. I wish you good health, as well as all your family. Your sincere cousin, GEO. MCDOUgall.

DETROIT, MICH., October 8, 1796.

SIR: The Court of Quarter Sessions have held their first meeting to-day, and have ordered me to write a circular to the justices of peace of each district, to inform them that the first Tuesday of the month of December next, there will be a general Court of Quarter Sessions, at which you are required to be present.

This same day the court will divide the county into districts, will name three commissioners and one constable for each district. The court desires that you will give advice to all the inhabitants of your district that you will have occasion to see, in order that among themselves they recommend to the court a respectable man to be one of the commissioners of the district of the River Raisin. It is necessary that they recommend also an honest man to be constable of the district, who knows how to read and write, if it is possible. The court desires very much to name persons generally agreeable to each district.

I have the honor of being, respectfully, your very humble servant,

PETER AUDRIAN,

Clerk of the Court of Quarter Sessions.

DETROIT, MICH., April 23, 1797.

SIR: The present letter to you will be handed you by John Bt. Sanscrainte, who will present you a contract of land that the savages have given him the tenth of May, 1779. You will see that this contract is well made, but unfortunately for Sanscrainte there was no witness who has signed with the savages. In consequence it is necessary that the savage chiefs who are still living come before you to recognize their signatures, or better their marks, and that they make their marks again to the certificate that I have written immediately under their names; that you and Monsieur Cecire will sign as witnesses under the words in presence of. After this you will sign your name as justice of the peace to the certificate that I have written below that of the savages,