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Tous les autres exemplaires originaux sont filmds en commenpant par la premidre page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par la derniftre page qui comporte une teile empreinte. Un des symboles suivants apparattra sur la dernidre image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: le symbole — ► signifie "A SUIVRE ', le symbole y signifie "FIN". Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre film6s d des taux de reduction diff^rents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul clich6, 11 est film6 d partir de Tangle supArieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'imagas n6cassaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mAthode. 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 i - SECOND CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION y / i.X GmOSSE POINTE, MIOHIG-AN. AUGUST 12, 1879. Xi^'-y , I In Kxch. I m mt ti^ybM^KSSK^^"^ THE NAMING OF LAKE ST. CLAIR. 8 The second centenuial anniversary celebration of the naming of Lake St. Clair took place at Grosse Pointe, Michigan, on August 12, 1879. The first page of the printed circular programme of the centennial exeioisas contained a cut of the Griffin and the following announcement : France, 1679. United States, 1879. IT-t. ■X'SSmmamm* the griffin. AUGUST 12, 1879. SECOND CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF THE ORIGINAL NAMING OF LAKE ST. CLAIR, I wnicii TOOK place on the Twelfth day of August, 1679, on board of the Schooner " Griffin," of Grosse Pointe, by Robert Cavelier Slcur de la Solle. REGATTA WITH ACQUATIC SPORTS. Yachts will ftart from the pier at Grosse Pointe promptly at 2 P. M., to be fol- lowed by other "Ancient Mariners" in their "Bumboats." i*»i \ I'TiMiJMMiy"" is*^ The Naming of Lake St. Clair. The Exercises on Shoke will begin at 4 P. M., at the Grove kindly granted by Alfred Brush, Esq. The list of exercises was as follows : Music. Prayer. Address, by Bela Hubbard, Esq. Sonir "Men of Ye Olden Time," written for the occasion by D. Bethune Duffleld, Esq., to be sung by the " Sisters, Cousins and Aunts." Poetical Sketches, Historical and Descriptive, Hon. J. V. C-mpbell. Music by the Band. Brief and Extempore Addresses from Volunteers. Music and Fl.cvorlcs. Chorus by the Grosse Pointers. The following report of the doings is taken from the Detroit Post and Tribune: . « i, j- * August 12, 1879, was the two-hundredth anniversary of the discovery of Lake St. Clair by Robert Cavelier, le Sieur do la Salle, coramaiider of the Griffin, the first sailing vessel that ascended the Detroit river. The second centennial of any notable event is a rare thing in this new country, and as so much of historic interest centers round the discovery of this lake, associated with the discovery of the place where Detroit itself now stands, the residents of Grosse Point resolved to celebrate the occasion. Accordingly a suitable pro-gramme was arranged, and that it was successful and appropriate, as well as cl-editable to Hs promoters, may be seen by the following report of the pro- ceedings. The two fast-sailing and elegant private steam yachty, the LiUie and the Truani , the most commodious and well furnished yachts on all the lakes, were brought into requisition to carry a largo number of Detroiters to the Point. The Scotia brought a delegation from Grosse Isle, and a large number came in carriages. To those who made the trip in the yachts, the difference between the surroundings of the voyage 200 years ago and those of yesterday could -lot but force itself upon the mind, and was the subject of uni- versal remark. But the primeval foiost, tlio stillness of the waters, unruffled by the agents of commerce which now so thickly cover the river, can bo better imagined than described. The trip to the Point was rapidly and pleasantly made. WHO WERE THERE. Among the large number of residents of Detroit and vicinity who were pres- ent were the following: Judge James V. Campbell, Mrs. Campbell and Miss Camplfell, Dr. Morse Stewart, Mrs. and Miss Stewart, A. Ii. Dey and Mrs. Dey, Alfred llussell, Mrs. Russell and Miss Russell, J. C. D. Williams, Colonel Spraeue, Mr. and Mrs. Phillip J. D. VanDykt, Judge Douglass, Dr. Isaac S. Smith and Mrs. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. D. Bethuno Duffield, George Duffleld, Bethune Duffield, Thomas Lewis, George Peck, Cleveland Hunt, B. Wight aud Mrs Wight, W. K. Muir, Mrs. Muir and tiie Misses Muir, Professor Alvali Bradish, Hon. J. D. Weir, Mrs. Weir, L. P. Campau, L. C Watson and Mrs. Watson, Dr. Russell, Paulo Guoin, W. B. Morau and family, Joseph H. Berry, -■i->.-:a*r-*^o*©K-.- ■ LAIR. 3Y Alfked Brush, Esq. by D. Bethune Duffleld, i Aunts." J. v. C-mpbell. unteers. the Detroit Post and iry of the discovery of alle, commander of the :oit river. The second new country, and as so ' of this lake, associated )w stands, the residents Accordingly a suitable nnd appropriate, as well lowing report of the pro- steam yachtij, the Lillie ished yachts on all the number of Uetroiters to Irosse Isle, and a large e trip in the yachts, the years ago and those of d was the subject of uni- of the waters, unruffled ■ the river, can bo better ,(le. d vicinity who were pres- Mrs. Campbell and Miss irt, A. H. Uey and Mrs. , C. D. Williams, Colonel e Douglass, Dr. Isaac S. Nuffield, George Duffleld, land Hunt, B. Wight and s Muir, Professor Alvah , L. C. Watson and Mrs. family, Joseph H. Berry, The Kaming of Laive St. Claie. 11 H. Connor, Mr. -uul Mrs. W. G. Thompson, Mr. Alfred E. Brush and Mrs. 1 n si . Mr. James McMillan and family, llv.gh McMillan, John S. Newberry and family, Charles 1^. Lothrop. Mr. and Mrs. G. V. N. Lothrop, George H. Loth ro", Henry B. L. ' rop, George Hendrie, Miss St. Aubin, Miss Moross Miss BLbien,^Colonel b/lester Larned and Mrs. Larned, Dr. Anderson and Mrs. Anderson, W. S. Biddle and the Misses B;ddle. THE YACHT REGATTA. The first part of the exercises of the day was the third annual regatta of the Grosse Point yacht club. The life of so large a number of young people dur- iiiff nearly half the year on the breezy shores of one of the most beautiful of the northwestern lakes has developed among the younger portion of the 8«mmei residents of the Poi.it a great fondness for boating. The entries on this occa- Bion were numerous, and the result was looked forward to ^»th great interest. The judges were James McMillan, Hugh McMillan and W. K. Muir. Ihe prizes were, in the fust class, a purse of 1^5 in gold; second, a purse of $10 m ^old; in the second class, lirst priz-j, a silver pitcher; second, a silver cruet stand. T^hese vere all presented by Detroit gentlemen. There were two classes of entries, the diilerence between the first and second class benig oased ""^Se were five entries in the first class, viz: The Allie, George Lothrop; Wayward, \>'illiam McMillan ; Shiela, William McGraw ; Volante, A. R. dew- berry ; Adelaide, Captiin Aren. The entries in the second class, were the Annie, Charles Lothrop; Grace, Jimmie McMillan; Eowena, Alfred Brush, Gipsie, Truman Newberry. , j i. The course was, for the first-class boats, two miles to windward and return, three times round, or twelve miles. For second-cb^ss boats one mile to wind- ward a .d return, four times round, or eight miles. The wind was fresh and a heavv sea was running. The race was advertised for 2 o'clock, but ow ng to some-unavoidable delay the last gu.i was not fired till 2 :39 Of tjo first-c ass boats the Adelaide, sloop-rigged, was the first to cross the line, at ^ -40, close y followed bv Lhe Wayward, a "cat-rigged" yacht. These two boats weie the only oms of this class really in the race. The Shiela got a bad staii;, owing to anunfoitunate capsize in the morning, which hindered preparations. She crossed the line at 2 :i>l. The Allie was anchored far to the leeward, and at the firi'ig of the last gun was not ready. She was disqualified, not starting till 2 "')8-' "irUie second class all four boats started, the Gipsie being fii;st, at 3:41i, the Gv.-.ce second, at 2 :42, the llowena third, at 2 :42J, and the Annie fourth, at ^; :44i. The cor test, the first time around the stake, in this class, was between the Gipsie and tno llowena. . i * ,.:„„in,r The Gipsie was sloop-rigged, and the llowena fore-and-aft, a stvle ot ugging having some advantages for quick turning. Tiie Gipsie rounded the outer stake first, and coming down the two boats were within an oar s length of each other most of the way. ^he llowena sailed " wing and wing," and on the first tuin round the starting stake had the inside, rounding the boat very closely, followed by the Gipsie. On the second trip out the llowena showed her powers for sail- ing close to the wind, and rounded the outer stake and completed her second turn far in the lead, the Gipsie second, Annie third, Grace fourth. By this time the large i.oats were well on their first home trip, the Wayward completing her first round in 51^ minutes. The Adelaide followed with au I :!*r--t','.f:l*r-.-^--- 6 The Naming op Lake St. Clair. immense spread of extra canvas 1 :03 from lior start. The Shicla, which was so far beliind as to bo out of the race, nearly filled and lowered her sails at tho outer stake. The AUio camo in third in 1 :1G|. These relative positions of the boats wore not changed for some time. The Annie lost hor rudder and with- drew from the race on the second turn. This boat was also unfortunate ia shipping heavy seas, sixteen pails of water being bailed out at one time. Her mainsail halyards also broke, and clearly the fates were badly against her. The Rowena, during the entire race, took advantage of every chance, and her sailors, Wetmore Hunt and Robert Gray, showed that they thoroughly under- stood her. She started on her last round first, the Gipsie closely following. Tho Wayward now led the Adelaide by at least half a mile. As the boats started on their last round the wind, which had died down, again freshened, and tho race was thus made more interesting. The Rowena, which had twice unshipped her rudder, seemed to lose her grip on the last tack to windward, as her rudder again unshipped and tho Gipsie went by like a rocket, gaining twenty lengths in five minutes. The Rowena continued almost stationary in the water, and it was evident that unless something was done the race was lost to her. But at last she righted again. The Gipsie went too far to starboard, and lost much of the time gained by the accident to her opponent, the superior skill of whose crew enabled them to tack close to the stake boat. The Gipsie rounded the stake boat a length or two in advance, and " wing-and-wing " down they came on the home stretch. The crowds on the Lillie and the Truant, which followed them, cheered lustily. On came the Gipsie, ahead by three lengths, and under the influence of an unusually strong pult of wind gained every minute. But the time lost by the Rowena on the start was yet to be counted in. Not twenty rods from the finish the Rowena shipped a heavy sea, but on she came, and the boats rounded and crossed the line at 5:12J, abreast. The following is the official record of the time made : FIRST CLASS — TWELVE MILES. Time of Time of Time of Kamc. start, finisli. race. Allie 3:58i 6:03 3.03f Wayward 3:41 5:17J 3.36f Shiela 3:51 drawn Adelaide 2:40 5:40 3.00 Wayward first, Adelaide second, Shiela withdrawn, Allie disqualified. SECOND CLASS — EIGHT MILES. Time of Time of Time of Name. start, flnlsti. race. Annie 3:44J disa Gipsie 3:41^ 5:13i 3.30| Rowena 3:45f 5:12i 3.39^ Grace 3:43 5:34 2.42 Rowena first, Gipsie second, Grace third. An allowance of forty-eight seconds was made in favor of the Rowena on account of differences in measurement, and three minutes fifty-two seconds was allowed the Wayward. The prizes were accordingly distributed : in the first class, first prize, the *25 gold purse, to Wm. McMillan, of the Wayward ; second prize, $10 gold purse, to Mr. Brush, of the Adelaide ; in the second class, first prize, silver iAIR. ho Sliicla, which was )wored lier sails at tho jlative positions of tho lor rudder and with- also unfortunate in nt at one time. Her badly against her. very chance, and her ey thoroughly under- isie closely following. i mile. As the boats wn, again freshened, ena, which had twice tack to windward, as ke a rocket, gaining almost stationary in lone the race was lost too far to starboard, >pponent, the superior ko boat. Tho Gipsie ving-and-wing" down Hie and the Truant, psie, ahead by three puff of wind gained e start was yet to be I shipped a heavy sea, line at 5:13;^, abreast. Time of Time of start, flnish. Time of race. 3:58i 3:41 3:51 6:03 5:17f drawn 3.03f 3.36| 3:40 5:40 3.00 e disqualified. Time of Time of Time of start. flnlBli. race. . 3:44i 3:41^ 3:43f 3:43 disa. 5: 13 J 5:12i 5:34 3.30f 3.39^ 3.43 )r of the Bowena on tes fifty-two seconds class, first prize, the :5ond prize, 110 gold iss, first prize, silver Th) Naming of Lake St. Clair. pitcher, to "Wetraore Hunt, of the llowona; second, silver cruet stand, to Truman Newberry, of tho Gipsie. Master Newberry was also made happy by receiving a special prize which had been guaranteed him by his father in case his boat won either first or second prize. TUE CELEBRATION ITSELF. At the conclusiou of the race tho assemblage transferred itself from tho boats and dock to the pleasant grounds of Mr. Alfred E. Brush. These rise gradually from the road that circles tho beach. There music of an e.xcoUent character and appropriate to the occasion was discoursed by Spiel's orchestra. When the people had seated themselves on the broad balcony, tho graceful and easy rustic seats, or the soft grass, Mr. G. V. N. Lothrop addressed himself to them ao follows : Ladies and Gentlemen: The people of Grosso Point, dwelling on tho shores of Lake St. Clair, greet you with a welcome to-day as free and as hos- pitable as the breezes that sweep over us, or the beautiful waters that spread out before us and by which we stand. It is my office only to give you tho preface words of that welcome. Our young tars, who, I have no doubt, are the direct descendents of the crow of the Griffin, have done so much to- day that those words must be brief. But before we go further, and listen to those wise and instructive lips who will tell us of the events that have made these shores historical, it becomes us on this occasion as on all others, to invoke tho divine blessing. Father DoBrouex will of r prayer. Father DeBrouex then said in French, that as La Salle, the discoverer of the waters before them was a religious man and accustomed to address the Throne of Grace, it was eminently fitting that they, the residents and occupiers of these shores, should follow his illustrious example. He then offered the prayer of tho Roman Catholic church for St. Claire's day. Mr. Lothrop then introduced Bela Hubbard, Esq., who gave the historical address. as follows: It is good for us to look back into the past. The custom of celebrating the anniversaries of events that have had important influence upon a nation's bi's'^ory, or the welfare of mankind, is justly honored in the observance. That which we are met to commemorate has remained unhonored for 300 years. Yet two centuries ago to-day occurred an event which has mightily influenced the destinies of our race and provjd an epoch in the history of this continent ! It was the launching at Niagara and the arrival at this Point of a little vessel — not so large as many of our pleasure yachts — but the precursor of a long line of crai!t, of every size and character, which, passing through these waters, has swollen into a commerce that has become the wonder of the world. I have undertaken to relate the story of this achievement and of the naming of Lake Ste. Claire, in the default of those whoso superior local knowledge and research would have entertained us with "Outlines" of far greater inter- est and value. I propose to engraft upon the story of the Griffin some memo- ries of the extraordinary man with whom the conception originated. Of all whose names are associated with enterprise and discovery in New France, the Sieur do la Salle is tho most illustrious. The history of his va i- 0U8 undertakings is drawn mainly from the writings of Hennepin, Joliet, and Membre, and the details have been collected into a fascinating volume by P«-i^^tV Vl/i: $ The Naming of Lake St. Clair 'W& Parkmun. I trust tliat ii brief recital will not bo uniiitorcstiiig. Ilo was of uu honorable family, a burger of Houeu, where he was born in 1G43, and named liobort Cuvolier, better known ua tlio Siour do la Salle, from the namo of his estate uiiir Kouon. lie was educated among the Jesuits, but, preferring scicinco to tlieology, and being of a daring spirit and eager for adventure, ho sailed for Canada — that paradise of adventure — being then tweuty-tiirco years of age. According to an unpublislied memoir, wo first iind him, in 1660, making his way with a Soneca yuide to tho Ohio, which ho descended as far as tho rap- ids at Louisville. Here, abandoned by liis men, ho retraced his steps alono. Tho following year, according to the same authority, embarking in a canoo oa lako Erie, ho reacliod tiie straits of Detroit, coasted Lakes Huron and Michi- gan, and descended tho Mississippi to tho 35th degree of latitude. Assured that tho Father of Rivers discharged not into tho gulf of California, as had until thou been supposed, but into tliat of Mexico, ho returned to provide means for more extended exploration. Unfortunately, La Sallo's journals, and a map which iio is known to have made, and which existed in 1756, arc lost. If tiio accounts be correct, these would have given to the world tho first knowledge of tho Oliio, if not of tho Mississippi. It is certainly known that tho latter stream was explored in 1073 by Father Jacques Marquette, accompanied by Louis Joliet, an adventurous juorchant, and tho subsequent associate of La Salle. These did not, however, go fai* cnougii to solve the j)roblom of its terminus. Tliat these straits wore visited by tiio white man at a much earlier period is matter of history. Tho usual route of tho French from tho lower settlements to their missions and trading posts on tiie upper lakes was by tho Ottawa, being tho most direct route. Champlain him>ielf had in 1611 and 1612 ascended that river as far as Lake Huron. There ho visited tho country of the Sacs, near Saginaw bay, returning by way of tlie straits and Lake Eiie, as is shown by his book published at Paris in lQ3i. Accompanying LaSallo's first expedition (1G69) wore two priests of tho order of Sulpitians — Doliior and Galinee — who, on arriving at Niagara, were diverted from their purpose, and resolved to carry their spiritual succor to tiio Pottawatomies of tho upper lakes. After various misadventures, resulting in the loss of a great part of their baggage, including tho altar facrvice — a mishap they attributed to the malice of the devil — they reached the Detroit in tho spring of 1670. Hero they relate : "At tiio end of six leagues we found a very remarkable place, in great veneration among all the savages of these regions, because of an idol of stone which nature has formed there, to which they say they owe the good fortune of their navigation on Lake Erie, and which they propitiate with presents of skins, provisions, etc." The stone was hideously painted, and bore a rude resemblance to humanity. They wore convinced that this was tho devil, to whom they owed their ship- wreck. Tho relation proceeds; "I leave you to think whether we avenged on this idol (which the Iroquois had greatly recommended us to honor) the loss of our chapel. We also attributed to it tho scarcity of provisions wo had boon in up to this time. In fine, there was not a person wlioso hatred it had not incurred." Tho priest tells us that he consecrated one of his axes to break this stone god ; then "having lashed two canoes together, wo carried tho frag- ments to the middle of the river, so that no one should hear of it again." "God," ho says, "immediately rewarded us for this good action, for we killed tho same day a buck and a bear." !rr:!r-rEt:=^« "-»3!*»eMli'J^TT"-Vf'-' ■ LAIR The Naming of Lake St. Claik. torcstiiifj. llo W1V8 of U8 born in 1043, and Siillo, from tlio ntimo Icsuits, but, preferring Igor for iidventiire, lio len twonty-tlirco years him, in 16G9, making ndod aa far as the rap- traced his steps alone, ibarking in a canoe on kcs Huron and Michi- of hititude. Assured of California, as had returned to provide , La Salle's journals, h existed in 1756, are 1 to the world tlie first red in 1673 by Father dventurous morclmnt, not, however, go far much earlier period is I the lower settlements 8 by the Ottawa, being .nd 16 la ascended that itry of the Sacs, near Eiie, as is shown by Salle's first expedition ior and Galinee — who, I, and resolved to carry r lakes. After various leir baggage, including lice of the devil — they slate: "At the end of veneration among all one which nature has uno of their navigation skins, provisions, etc." mblance to humanity. tliey owed their ship- k whether we avenged 3d us to honor) the loss provisions we had been iiose hatred it had not e of his axes to break 3r, we carried the frag- Id hear of it again." )d action, for we killed Tliis place being, as the narrative tolls us, "full of tlio loilgcs of tliose who had conio to render their liomagii to tliis stone," it soonis incredible that sucli 1) deed could bo done in the very i)rcsonco of its savago worsliipors, if it were indeed a nianito. Whether the saviigcs were restrained by tlio audacity of the act, or the Inigo proportions of one of tho roverenil friars, or whether they attached loss importance to tiio "idol" tiian those zealous iconoclasts sup- posed, does not appear. Sucrcd stones were not uncommon in these parts. I have seen several sucli altars, somctinios in the most wild and lonely situations, invariably covered with bits of tobacco and other petty gifts, which cost little sacrifice. Several years had jjassed since tiiese adventures, but La Salle had lost neither energy nor purpose. Means only wore lacking. But ho had rich relatives, and ho was aided, so far as authority could go, by tho most energetic and astute governor that had yet administered t!io affairs of Canada. Together they planned a post on Lake Ontario, far beyond tho settlements of the St. Lawrence, which might overawe tlie Iroquois and turn to Franco the stream of wealth that was inuring to the Dutch and English from the fur trade. Twice La Salle visited Frame, where his influence at court obtained for him permis- sion to pursue his ])lans at his own expense for five years. Ho received from the king a patent of nobility and a grant in seigniory of Fort Frontcnac, as tho new post was called. But tho ardent nature of the man was not content with tho prospect of fortune now secured. To him it was only a base for operations of vaster extent and bolder enterprise. Tlie object which ho had in view was moat comprehen- sive. If tho project of a passage to Ciiina across the continent proved delusive ho would anticipate tho Spaniards and tho Englisii in their occupation of tho great west. Ho would colonize it with Frenchmen, develop its resources, make friends of the Indian tribes, and, by controlling tho mouth of the Mississippi, secure an outlet for a vast trade in tlie future. As necessary to his scheme he proposed to build a vessel for the navigation of the lakes, above the Niagara, where only canoes had been seen before, sufficiently large to carry the material needed for so vast an enterprise. In the corps organized for this expedition were two noted men afterwards famous in Canadian annals. Henry Do Tonty, his lieutenant, was a young Italian officer who liad lost a hand in tho Sicilian wars, and whom political troubles had driven to the new world. For the lost mem- ber he had substituted one of iron, which gained him the sobriquet of the "iron hand." It was symbolic of liis indomitable character. The other adventurous spirit was tho bold, audacious, and hardy friar. Pore Louis Hen- nepin, wlio had more taste for vvild and romantic travel than for tho spiritual part of his mission. Ho became tho liistorian of the expedition, but is too little trustwortliy and is inclined to magnify his own exploits at the expense of others of greater merit. The place where was built tlie first vessel tiiat sailed the upper lakes is the mouth of a small stream, the Cayuga, about six miles above the cataract, on the west side of Niagara river. Hennepin says " most of the Iroquois were gone to wage war on tho other side of Lake Erie," so, though exposed to occasional alarms, the party were in little danger. Two Mohegan hunters prepared lodges and supplied game. Tho vessel was finished early in tho spring of 1G79. She was, according to Hennepin's first account, of about forty-five tons burden. He afterwards reports it as sixty tons, which is much more probable, considering tho number of men and munitions she carried. Accompanying Hennepin's volume is an engraving representing her in an 10 The Kaming op Lake St, Claie. unfinished state. The drawing made by Judge Campbell and printed on the programme of to-day's exercises, gives a clear idea of its character. It was a two-masted schooner, but of a fashion peculiar to that day, having double decks, and a high poop projected over tlie stern, where was the main cabin, and over this rose another and smaller cabin, doubtless for the use of the commander. The stern was thus carried up, broad and straight, to consid- erable height. Bulwarks protected the quarter deck. She bore on her prow a huge figure, skillfully carved, in imitation of an heraldic monster — the arms of Count Fiontenac — "and above it an eagle." This, in the represen- tation, adorns the top of the stern. La S. bore no good will to the Jesuits, who hated him, and he often boasted that he would make the Griffin fly above the ravens, meaning that he would triumph over the black-coats. The ship "carried five small cannon, three of which were brass, and three barque- busf^es, and the rest of the ship had the same ornaments as men-of-war used to have." "It might have been called," adds the historiographer, "amoving fortress." In fine, it "was well equipped with sails, masts, and all other things necessary for navigation," besides arms, provisions, and merchandise. The previous autumn La Salle had sent fifteen men up the lakes to trade for furs, and open his way to the Illinois. Ho also despatched Tonty to the mouth of the strait to intercept these should they be returning. There with much difficulty the vessel was urged up the two and one-ha. f leagues that remained between the building site and the lake. On the 7th of August the thirty-four voyagenrs embarked, spread their canvas to a favoriag breeze, and having sung Te Deuni, set forth on their voyage. The ship proved a good sailer. On the 11th they entered " a strait thirty leagues long and one broad,"" called in the language of the French, the Detroit, where they were joined by Tonty, and the next day reached the beautiful expanse which spreads before us. Tradition says that on .reaching the lake they were wind-bound for several days, and this is rendered probable by the fact that they did not reach Lake Huron until the I a f avori Qg breeze, and rhe ship proved a good leagues \oi\g and one etroit, where they were il expanse which spreads wind-bound for several ley did not reach Lake lire whence was derived '16Bi2) no name appears. I lake of salt waters;" ce," or the fresh water lere nine years before, ion probably originated I of the f "ntou river, frequentlj, when upon SO; according to Judge io. Many suppose that lieutenant governor at ns to bestow upon any int to whom the day of There was a saint wiio f the headless saints, a The saint whose name emale "SainteOlairo," rteenth century, known aughter of a nobleman }UB life and went to St. Francis to ask for advice. On Palm Sunday she went to church with her family dressed in rich attire, where St. Francis cut off her long hair with his own hands and throw over her the con'-^o penitential robes of the order. She entered the convent of San Damiano . spite of the opposition of her family and friends. It is related of her that on one occasion when the Saracens came to ravage the convent she arose from her bed, where she had been long confined, and placing the pyx, which contained the host,upon the threshold, she kneeled down and began to sing, whereupon the infidels threw down their arms and fled. Sancta Clara is a favorite saint all over Europe, and her fame in the new v/orld ought not to be spoiled — like the record of the dead in a battle gazette — by a misspelt name ! The interest of the subject will, I know, with my present auditors, pardon the introduction of a few further researches into the history of the Lady Claire. She was one of the most celebrated foundresses of orders in the Iloman church. Besides the Clarisses, instituted in 1212, she is said to have founded the Ca- pucines, the Annonciades, the Cordolieres or Gray Sisters, the Nuns of the Ave Marie and of the Conception, and the Becollettes. At a time when all the communities were extorting from the popes the authorization to possess prop- erty, she solicited from Innocent IV, in favor of her order of Franciscans the privilege of perpetual poverty ! i'. Way, in his work on Rome, published in 1875, says: "Sancta Clara has her tomb at the Minerva, and she dwelt between the Pantheon and the Thermae of Agrippa. The tenement she occu- pied at the time of her decease still exists, but is not well known. In a little triangular place on or near Via Tor. Argentina, lodged the first convent of the Clarisses. If, crossing the gateway, you turn to the left of the court, you will face two windows of a sliglitly raised ground floor. It was there Innocent IV visited her, and there on the 12th August, 1253, listening to the reading of the Passion, in the midst of her weeping nuns, died the first abbpss of the Clarisses and the founder of 4,000 religious houses."* 5"^" ^.tf'Cfdi^ We are not told with what imposing ceremonies the christening was per- formed, but surely some inspiration was derived from the beautiful scenes of nature through which the voyageurs had just passed, which then surrounded them, and which to our eyes this day are no less lovely and inspiring. The natural beauty of the region lying between Lakes Erie and Huron had been recorded by all the early travelers, with words of admiration. Many of the islands were low, and some of the river margins scarcely above the water. But all was green and peaceful. Dark forests extended to the river 3dge, and many a tall monarch of the wood waved its gigantic arms over the brink, and was reflected in a glassy surface which no tide or flood ever disturbed. The marshes vrere luxuriant with wild rice, that furnished a sumptuous repast to a great variety of birds and water fowl, and even a weioome supply to the Indians. Occasional villages and bark wigwams enlivened the shore, sur- * I copy from the Detroit Poet of November, 1880, the following Item, not vouching for its au- thority. The date given of the decease of the blessed Clara certainly conllicts with the statement of Mr. Way; TiiK Body of the Blessed Clara.— a Catholic paper has the following: "In the monastery of St. Clare at Montefalco is prcservetl the body of the blessed Clara, who (Tied in 1308. The body has all this time been preserved Incorrupt and also flexible, even to the cartilages of the ears. At the request of thearchbisliopof Spoloto, the holy roo ordered the authentic vorilicatlonof thiH fact; and for this purpose sent the promoter of the faith and tlie Judge of sacretl rights, who were assist- ed by tv/o physicians, by some skillful lawyers, the arclibishop of Spoleto, and others. Then in presence of all the religious of the monnstory, the truth oi' the fact was investigated. AH were forced to acknowledged that the wonder which had existed for more than Ave centuries still con- tinued, and could not be ascribed to natural causes. The process was Instituted upon the spot, and the affirmation of all presont taken; and thus U is hoped tnat the decree now lougbt from the sov- oroigQ pontlir may be Uastoned." •4 i JMB>* ■i«*H 12 The Naming or Lake St. Clair. |i! rounded with gardens and corn fields, and the most elevated points were crowned with burial mounds. Most of the shores had higli banks ami were covered with timber. Especial notice is bestowed upon Grosse Isle, and forest- crowned Isle au Cochon — Belle Isle — lay like an emerald gem, in its setting of bright waters. The chroniclers all allude to the abundance of wild game and fruits. There we "apples as large as the Pomnies d' Api," or Lady Apples, and nuts "like moderate sized oranges." La Uoutan says "the pears are good but rare." The apples were probably crabs, though one writer speaks of the trees as set methodically ; but who can tell us what were the pears? Can it be that the famous French pear trees, whose origin no man living knows, existed here as natives at that day? The beauties of the passage filled our voy- ageurs with raptu''ous delight. Hennepin records the loveliness of the shores, the prairies, and the forests. The Griffin was covered with game and fruits which had been gathered in great abundance and with little effort. The fruit consisted of chestnuts, walnuts, and butternuts, apples, pears, plums, and grapes; the game of deer and many smaller animals, and flocks of swans, ducks, and turkeys, and they had feasted on the meat of a bear they had killed. The Father adds, "They who shall have the happiness some day to inhabit this pleasant and fertile country will remember their obligation to those who first showed them the way." The chronicles are silent as to Indian settlements ou tlie straits, which is not singular, considering that they seldom recorded such things unless there was special occasion. The white occupation followed closely upon this period. A fort was established, as we know, near where Port Huron now is, in 1687; and it would appear from a memoir of the Sieur de Tonty, then on his way down from the Illinois, that something of the kind existed in the same year between Lakes Erie and St. Claire. He says, "We came on the lOth of May to Fort Detroit. Wo made some canoes of elm, and I sent one of them to Fort St. Joseph on the high ground above Detroit, thirty leagues from where we were, to give the Sieur du Leet (also commanded there) information of my arrival." I shall follow very cursorily in the path of La Salle and his party. The Griffin, which hitherto had been favored with prosperous winds, encountered off Saginaw bay a furiouj riorm, which sorely tried the skill and courage of the voyageurs. Nor did it calm until they had called after St. Anthony of Padua — the patron of mariners — to wliom, says Mernbr6, " they made a vow, which delivered them by a kind of miracle." Hennepin narrates that during the height of the gale "everybody fell on his knees to say his prayers and prepare for death, except our pilot, whom wo could never oblige to pray, and he did nothing all the while but curse and swear against M. do La Salle, who had brought him thither to perish in a nasty lake and lose the glory he had acquired by his long and happy navigation of the ocean." At length, escaped the tem- pest, they reached Point St. Ignace, tiio center of the Jesuit missions and tho Indian trade. A very slight sketch must here suffice as of the further fortunes of La Salle, and tho fate of the Griffin will command our interest. Brave, adventurous and successful as were the early explorers of New France, there was but small recognition of their services, either by the government at homo or in the now world. A deep jealousy of La Salle's designs pervaded the fur traders as well as the Jesuits, and made them hostile to his enterprise, since it threatened •m mmMm^- LAIR. elevated points were higli banks ami were Jrosso Isle, and forest- gem in its setting of inie and fruits. There iidy Applet', and nuts 10 pears are good but writer speaks of the the pears 'i Can it be living knows, existed ixssago filled our vor- )veliness of the shores, witii game and fruits ittlo effort. The fruit les, pears, plums, and and flocks of swans, t of a bear they had lapniness some day to ler their obligation to ti the straits, which is ch things unless there osely upon this period. uron now is, in 1687; ?onty, then on his way isted in the same year ! on the lOth of May to one of them to Fort leagues from where we re) information of my B and his party. The )us winds, encountered kill and courage of the St. Anthony of Padua icy made a vow, which rrates that during the lis prayers and prepare je to pray, and he did . do La Salle, who had 3 glory ho luwi acquired iigtli, escaped the tem- esuit missions and tho r fortunes of La Salle, i. Brave, adventurous e, there was but small at homo or in the now the fur traders as well !0, since it threatened The Naming op Lake St. Clair. 13 injury to their private gains. Had Jesuit and Recollet, merchant and officer, constituted a band of brothers, all would have gone well for France in the new world. Unhappily it was far otherwise. The clashings of interests could never be reconciled, and it often happened that the meetings of white men in the far wilderness wore those of enemies in disguise. Of the fifteen men sent out by LaSallo tho year before, a few who remained faithful had collected at Green Bay a store of furs, which he resolved to send back with the vessel to satisfy his creditors, while ho, with his stores, his Mohegan, and his three friars, should continue up Lake Michigan. After completing her errand the Griffin was to return to St. Joseph, were a fort should be built, and prepara- tions made for the descent of the Mississippi. But the Griffin was never heard from again. Whether she foundered or was burned by tho Ottawas is not known, l^a Salle believed she waa treacherously sunk by the pilot to whom he had entrusted her. Whatever was her fate the salt-water hereof the storm on Lake Huron was doomed to perish in "the nasty fresh water" which he so detested. The loss was vital. Yet the brave hearted cavalier, undeterred by a misfor- tune so great, pushed on to St. Joseph and to Illinois. Leaving Tonty and Hennepin to occupy the fort, and in the midst of a savage winter, he made his way back on foot to his far distant Fort Fontenac. The path led through wilds unknown, across the Michigan peninsula. He crossed the Detroit on a raft, and almost alone, for his men were worn out, reached his seigniory. Thence he hurried to' Montreal, giving no rest to his ardent spirits and iron nerve. Here the intelligence met him of the desertion of his men and the destruction of his fort on the Illinois. Tonty and Hennepin must be rescued. With their aid and with fresh supplies he might yet save the vessel which was on the stocks, and make good tho descent of the Mississippi. He returned to Ottawa and reached his destination, only to find a solitude. Tho dreaded Iroquois had driven off or murdered his friendly Illinois, the plain was strewn with mangled corpses, and no tidings could be learned of Tonty. Wo are told of new schemes which now occupied his fertile brain, among which was that of a grand confederacy of the tribes against the common foe. Wo are told of the recovery of his two companions in the spring, with whom ho paddled back to Fort Frontenac ; of his commutation with his creditors, by the loss of half his seigniory, and of his third journey to Illinois to recover the lost ground. Abandoning the building of a vessel, and dragging their canoes on sledges, they embarked, and on the 6th of February, amid iloating ice, issued forth on the majestic Mississippi. Witii his small party, and amid new and strange scenes they reached the outlet of tho great river, and on tho 9th of April, 1682, La Sallo planted his standard and took possession of Louisiana, " in the name of tho most high, mighty, invincible, and victorious prince Louis tho Great, by the grace of God king of Franco and of Navarre." What did not such zeal and enterprise deserve of his country, for which ho had obtained an empire so boundless? But what availed this success to a princo wh", though so "high and mighty," had not contributed a sou to tho enter- prise, and who could write thus to the governor of Canada : " I am convinced, like you, that tho discovery of tho Siour do la Salle is very useless, and that such enterprises ought to be prevented in future, as they tend only to debauch the inhabitants by tho hope of gain and to diminish the revenue from beaver skins ! " Need I recount how this groat man, ignorant of the change in tho govern- !# I MM u The Naming of Lake St. Clair. ment and tilled with bright visions of the future, retraced his steps to the Illi- nois, where his influence had assembled tiiousands of Indian warriors friendly to his cause ; how that here he learned not only that the new governor, Jje Barre, turned a deaf ear to his appeals, but that under a frivolous pretext he had seized and wasted his property and reduced him to poverty, and how nothing remained but for him to again cross the seas and lay his cause before his sovereign in person? It must suffice me to say of this personal appeal to the throne that truth and eloquence once more gained for La Salle a just recognition of his great services. Having thus recovered his influence he was enabled to carry out a scheme worthy his character and fame, — the colonization of Louisiana. He was granted four vessels and one hundred soldiers, besides ship builders, mechanics, and laborers, and many so called "gentlemen of condition." Poor material these, for a colony in the wilderness, but a more prudent addition was made in a number of girls, who joined the expedition with the prospect of becoming wives to the colonists. Alas, that of this well concerted project we have to record only the most bitter failure ! From lack of har- mony between the leader and his captains, ignorance of the coast, or design on the part of the pilot, the fleet sailed past the mouths of the river, and in attempting to land the store ship was wrecked, with the loss of most of her cargo. The naval commander spread his sails and returned to France, leaving on a wild and desolate shore a forlorn hope, — the infant colony who were to conquer for France a territory half as large as Europe. After a winter spent in vain attempts to And the fatal river, a settlement was begun. But two years of suffering and disappointment reduced their number to less than one- fourth. La Salle now attempted to make his way, with a trusted few, across the country to the river and thence to Canada, to obtain succor for the colony. With this party were two men who had sworn vengeance upon the'r leader. On the morning of May 16, 1G87, they killed his three servants, including his faithful Indian hunter, and as La Salle himself approached where the mur- derers lay, a bullet pierced his brain and be fell dead. Thus perished at the age of forty-four years a man of whose like there have been few examples. In his active nature and determined energy a close resemblance may be found in our own youthful Houghton. He had spent twenty years in incessant activity, and, in pursuit of his grand scheme, as he himself says, had " traversed more than 5,000 leagues of new and unknown territory, among savage and cannibal nations, often on foot, through snow and water, without escort, without provisions, without broad, without wine, without recreation, and without repose." And now nothing remained of all his labors. It would bo too much to say that no selfish motive actuated him. He hoped to make for himself an abiding fame, and, doubtless he looked for the time when wealth and power should reward his toils. But he was essentially a man whose heart was in the work of discovery, and in this field there is no brighter name in American annuls. It is for us, who share the benefit of his life, to perpetuate his memory. But where or how shall we erect his monument? A few years ago there was in the city of Detroit a street called by his name ; a petty tribute, but even this has disappeared in the demand for a new nomenclature. Another street, recently opened in the western suburb, alone bears evidence of his honored memory. Let me add a suggestion. On the outer walls of the beautiful I!laie. iced his steps to the lUi- [ndiati warriors friendly new governor, JjC Barre, ous pretext he had seized d how nothing remained before his sovereign in the throne tliat truth recognition of his great 8 enabled to carry out a ition of Louisiana. He besides ship builders, tlemen of condition." , but a more prudent the expedition with the .t of this well concerted e ! From lack of har- of the coast, or design ihs of the river, and in he loss of most of her rned to France, leaving at colony who were to . After a winter spent ; was begun. But two imber to less than one- th a trusted few, across I succor for the colony, mce upon the'r leader, servants, including his cached where the mur- l whose like there have mined energy a close ;hton. He had spent is grand scheme, as he of new and unknown m foot, through snow i bread, without wine, 'thing remained of all uated him. He hoped e looked for the time ! was essentially a man 5ld there is no brighter rpetuate his memory, years ago there was in ' tribute, but even this ;ure. Another street, idence of his honored rails of the beautiful The Naming of Lake St. Clair. 15 edifice which Detroit has erected as her hotel de ville, or city hall, are four niches designed for statues. They are now empty. Let them be filled with marble images of men whose names and fame are indissolubly associated with this region. ,...,.. Foremost will be that of the Sicur de la Salle. An engraved portrait of him is givon by Hennepin, from which his features may be modeled ; and we have a sufficiently accurate description of his tall figure and manly and somewhat aus- tere bearing. On the occasion of his visit with the GriflBn he donned, when it seemed advisable to make some display, a scarlet coat with gold trimmings. The dress of a gentleman of that period in Canada is well known, and there should bo no difficulty in sufficiently distinguishing him. The other pedestals may be filled with men of noble fame, whom France gave to America and who belong to us. I need only mention De la Motte Cadillac, the founder of Detroit — a portrait of whom is known to have existed, for which search is being made, and (as Hon. Levi Bishop assures us) with promise of success. The devoted and self-sacrificing Jesuit, Pere Marquette, than whom none is more deserving ; and lastly, though of later time, the Catholic priest whom all loved, and who first represented this territory in congress, Father Richard. Of him an excellent portrait is extant. The flow- ing yet diverse robes of the two priests will contrast strikingly with the rich official vestments of the nobleman and the courtier. And now, as we look back upon the past that we have recalled, with its wild surroundings, its hopes, and its disappointments, and note the changes two centuries have wrought, let us take heart, and hope that the future of this great country will be more glorious than the discoverer's wildest dreams ! MUSIC BY THE CHOEUS. At the conclusion of Mr. Hubbard's address, Mr. Lothrop said : "Our orator has told us that this charming sheet of water is named in honor of Lady St. Claire. For my part, I am delighted that our patron saint is a woman. It is a kind of saint that I have never failed to believe in. [Applause.] And I believe that the line has come down unbroken from Lady St. Claire to the saints that sanctify our homes to-day. [Applause.] And now, my friends, our excellent neighbor, Mr. Duffield, has written a commemorative ode that is to be sung, as he says, * by our sisters, our cousins and our aunts ; ' but I trans- late it to be sung by our saints, and I hope you will all rise and sing." Mr. Newberry— "I hope all the sinners will sing too; otherwise the chorus might be weak." Mr. Lothrop— "Mr. Newberry could not have sung if they had not been included." Mr. Newberry— "And the orator of the day would have been left out." [Laughter.] The whole assemblage then joined in singing the following commemorative ode, entitled "The Men of Auld Lang Syne," written by D. Bethune Duffield : Bold were the men of Auld Lang Syne, Who first braved ocean's breeze ; But bolder still the men whose will First sailed these silent seas! First broke the waters of 8te. Clairo, And gave our lake its name ; Here's honor to their bright career, And an enduring fame. I.. ' 9^^^ 16 The Naming of Lake St. Claie. The years have roH'd and Hags have changed Since that far distant day, When off our shore, witli cannon's roar "The Griffin" anchored lay. Lonely tlie little vessel lay In wildest wilderness, With none to clieerher on lier way. With none her flag to bless. But men have come, and men liavo gone And carved heroic path, Thro' thorny woes and savage foes, And winter's stoimy wrath; Till round tlie silent lake of old Fair states now smiling rise Whose happy songs to-day ascend The same o'er-spreading sliies. So when those ancient trees are gone, Which ti le old heroes set, These noisj vaves shall chant their praise Tho' men their names forget. So here's a health, and here's a cheer From cut this grove of pine. To bravo La Salle, the Cavalier, And tho men of Auld Lang Syne. The music of "Auld Lang Syne," so much sung at historical gatherings, never faiid to awaken a lively enthusiasm, and its full effect was felt and appre- ciated on this occasion. At the conclusion of the singing Mr. Lothrop suid : "We are honored, my friends, with tiie presence hero to-day of one, who, in addition to his many other gifts, has an extraordinary knowledge of all that relates to the history of this region. I have the honor of presenting to you Chief Justice Cai.pbelj." [Applause.] Judge Campbell said the poem was not written for "grown up" people, and proceeded to read the following, tho many happy hits of which were fully ap- preciated by his audience : A LEGEND OF L' A.NSE CREUSE. A woodpeclier sat on an oaken stump, Pecking away with a ceaseless thump. And now and then as he cocked liis eye, Darted a glance so !-een and sly. You'd have thought, had you seen him that summer day, Old Greenback has something queer to say. When that stump was a stately tree, Sturdy in trunk and sound in knee. Forward a little from the wood, Close by tlie edge of the bank it stood, And acorns dropped where the ripples break Over the brim of the smiling lake. When that tree was at its best, An emerald bird with crimson crest, All through the summer, from dawn till dark, Hopped and tapped on its ridgv bark; Tlie limbs have dropped, the trunk ?s dead. But tho plumes are shining on jack and head. And tlio restless eye is clear and keen As when the old oak's leaves were green; But under his throat, perhaps you'd say. Rubytop shows a spot of gra}'. Claie. angcd iisc t historical gatherings, ffect was felt and appre- to-day of one, who, in knowledge of all that lor of presenting to you grown up" people, and of which were fully ap- 1 that summer day, ) say. I break 111 dark, (lead, id head, en; ' I I .P.!J^ The Kaming of Lake St. Clair. 17 Orchard and field for many a rood Cover t. dust of the burled wood. And low-roofed houses, old and quaint, Browned by the weather and bare of paint, Shelter a people— so they say. Brown and quaint and old as they. Tlie urohln tumbling In the glass. The merry youth and the blooming lass. The farmer who tills the teeming soil When hunting and fishing leave time for toll. And the jolly old man who sits and drones Of the winter signs In the wild-goose bones, Seem living over as In a trance. The old, old life of sunny France. This restless age,— this age so fast- There fights at odds with the hoary past; Vainly it matches Its eager will With those who win by sitting still, And hears an adage old and worn.— Wlio goes for wool may come back shorn. There kindly nature spreads her stores In rich profusion out of d-vors; Bright gleam the apples, pears, and cherries, The brambles bend with luscious berries; The bullfrog, with his croaking harsh. And tiie fat muskrat, haunt the marsh ; The wild duck floats among the reeds. The red deer in the woodland feeds. The grouse, the partridge, and the quail Their bounteous larders never fail; And, yielding more etherlal fare. The daintiest creatures swarm in air. But, if your feet are ever found, O muses, on such level ground. Come hither from Parnassus' hill. Of melting whiteflsh eat your fill; And from your hrbricated throats Will glide such smooth and pleasing notes \s never yet the pipes did follow Of your precentor— bright Apollo. In the fall weather, cool and hazy. When the slow sun Is getting lazy, And from his cold bath in the river Comes out all red with many a shiver. With feet too chilly as they pass. To melt the hoar frost on the grass. Northward his yearly journey takes. The shining "white deer of the lakes." Swift through the lymph, in countless herds. Thicker than thickest flight of birds. The living shapes of silver dash. Till all the rustling waters flash. As when beneath the breeze of June Their myriad waves reflect the moon. Then all the dwellers in the land Came trooping gaily to the sand; Through day and night the populous shore Echoes he clanking of the oar. The meshes of the spreading seine Are tried by many a grievous strain, And the gav crowd, with jovial din, Hall the rich harvest gathered in. Then comes the kindly winter's reign; Then mirth and pleasure scour the plain. 18 The I^amtng op Lake St. Clair. The rapid pacers come and go Llkj phantoms o'er the beaten snow, And where the summer shallops ride, (swiftly the painted carioles glide. Not Hector o'er the Trojan field By his illustrious coursers wheeled, In his mad circuit whirling round, Thus saw his steeds devour the ground; Nor Pindar, yielding loud acclaims To the great victor of the games, E'er saw upon the Olympic plain Such ponies of heroic strain. And should they meet at break of day, Fresii baited with ambrosial hay. The sun's team climbing up tlie cope. They'd beat him halfway down the slope. But oh, my colts, too swift ye pace. You've borne me past my stopping place; Backward return in slower ir.ood, And while you whinny o'er your food. Again upon the bank I'll stray, And if ho lias not flown away, Hear what the old bird has to say. High on the stump the old woodpecker sat, Twisfing ills neck this way and that. And soon as he found an ear to listen. He bristled his crest, and his keen eyes glisten, On his breast feathers he wiped his beak, Opened his mouth and began to speak. Hearken, stranger, while I tell Wondrous things that once befel The people of this drowsy land. Here on this pulpit where I stand Preaching my sermon to only one, liOng ago I sat in the sun. And saw a sight that shook witli fear The hunter Herce, and the trembling deer. 'I"he bright warm rays of an August noon Huslied each sound but the locust's tune; But a gentle wind blew from the west, Dimpling witii ripples the water's breast. And catching the swans' wings where they float, Drove each one on like a well-trimmed boat,— A stately boat, with canvas white As a sheet of snow in a starry night. Now here, now there, the great flsh rise To snap at the gaudy dr.agon flies; The loon like a porpoise rolls and dives. Screaming as if for a hundred lives. And solemn bitterns stand and think. Each on a leg. by the rushy brink. /^Tust as the sun in his path on high / Stayed his course in the middle sky, I Speeding along with a foaming wake \A great ship sailed upon the lake; And the loon dove down, and tlie white swans flew. Scared at the sight of the wonder n v ; For never had vessel along this shore Cleft these quiet waves before. No better craft was ever seen Than brave LaSalle's stout brigantine: Out from th« prowagrlffln springs. With scales of bronze and flery wings. And the ship that earned so wide a fame Bore on its scroll the QriflSn's name. yhAIH. The Naming of Lake St. Clair. 19 Id; lope, lace; ir sat, !8 glisten, 3ak, fleer. oon le; east, they float, iJ boat, — ise es. te swans flew, ? ne For when the cunning robes of black Troubled the zealous Frontcniic And strove his venturous hands to keep From reaching out to the western deep. The wrath of the sturdy Norman rose At tiie jealous arts of his patron's foes, And the ship he built for Ills dangerous quest, He named from the valiant noble's crest. And vowed he would nmke the Grittlu fly Over the crows in tlie western sky. A gilded eagle carved in wood On the crown of the qunrter-deck castle 8to?d, And from the stuft astern unrolled, Floating aloft with its lilies of gold. The great while flag of France is spread, And the pennon decking the mainmast head Bears the chieftain's arms on a field of red. Three b • k-ncbbed falcon*! gaping svlde Scowl through the ports on either side. And the old sergeant says they speak Each for a common day In the week. While the great bow gun with its heavy knell Rings as loud as a Sunday bell. But another standard is seen to-day As the gallant cruiser wins the bay, For the cross is waved, and the censer swings. And the seainen kneel as the mass bell rings. For to-day is the feast of the Abbess Claire; And the corded priests, witli chants and prayer, Sprinkling the lake with holy water Name it after the Churcli's daughter. Then in a trice the gunners catch Each in his place the blazing match. And the flame leaps out, and the trembling shore Quakes stt the terrible cannon's roar. And stout La Fleur with chuckling griii Said as he patted his culverin — In my church there's never a friar Sings like the Abbot who leads the choir I Out «n t^^ lake the Griffin lay ■Winti-bound at anchor many a day. While the ship's company explore The novel wonders of the shore; And as they reach upon the way The bend at Polnte a Gulgnolet, Before them spreads a lovely bay; Its limpid waters softly glide Lila the slow creeping of the tide. Upward and backward on the beach, But ne'er beyond one margin reach. i And In its lonely beauty there, I So still, so smiling, and so fair, I To their charmed eyes it seemed to be I A sunny strip of Normandy, / Wliere mermaids in the moonlight play, / And happy children ail tlie day. Beside the shore a cross they plant. The reverend priests an anthem chant, And tne stem soldier, as he went. To seek the shelter of his tent. Cast backward many a yearning look, Made homesick by that fairy nook. The ship sailed on, but the friendly shore Saw it returning nevermore. 20 The Naming op L/ke St. Clair. And inmiy a day had come and Hod And many a fall the leaves 'lad shed, Before the early niornlni; diiws On the white eioverby l/Anse Creuse Were dashed by font-* - •'••(nn thitlri'tip Kre the dry sun ., the.n up. IJnt rvhen 1 grev chagrin A little htifc^y about the chin, And could not find sulHcient cause For a wrinivle or two a>oinid inv clawf, The pleaslii)!; scene I daily viewed No longer was a solitiule. Neat farms and gardens lined ilie strait From Erie up to Huron's gate. While on the narroiv stri|)s of land The cottage homes so closely stand, Their numbers stretching up and down. Appear like one continuous town. In trout of each upon the l>ank, A narrow wharf of single plank Stretched out to wliere a steady hand Might till a bucket to the brim, Sinking it down below the rim. Yet never touch the l)ottom sand. While to this simple jetty tied Canoes float safely by its'side. Whenever Monday's morning ray Brings to the world its washing day. The busy housewives and their daughters There with tlielr labors vex the waters. 'J'he garniciits in their fingers galliered. With vigorous rubbing drenched and lathered. And paddied with a cunning knack Kesound with many a rousing whack, While tlie lair laundresses at work In no Carthusian silence lurk. But skilled alike to wash and speak, Uossip enough for all the week. In the small luimlet of I.'Anse Creuse One Monday buzzed the stirring news Tliat tlie old Seigneur of Beauvals Was busy all the previous day Devising how his daughter fair — The arch and graceful Lady Claire- Might f.iid ere long an lionest mate, Ot gentle blood and good estate, Who by some valiant feat at arms Might prove him worthy of her eharjjs. He was a man whose antique blood. Traced backward to the very flood. Had with such notions tilled his brain As once disturbed the knight of Spain. He passed the vigor of his years Koving among his gallant ))eers. Exploring widely to advance The glory of his native France, And oft a pleasant hour had spent With gallant 'J'onty in his tent. And he was first who found his way To dwell beside the cross and bay. He mingled reading and the eare Of watching o'er his darling Claire, And soothed his fatherly alarms With cbroulcles of deeds of arms. TiiEJ NAMiJfa OP Lakk St. Clair. 21 As lip flie grew to womiiiiliood, Merry ami bright, n* well iis jjood, Ho (Irc'uinetl ofiiobli' caviilicrs Bearing h'M- colors on ihi-lr spour.''. Anil ioncthiK on the nicailows j;rf»!n To will the siiille of Heaiity'H ciiiocn; And a ^jreat toiiniainent lio planned, The prize to be Ills danjjliter's hand. The damsel huvin^r niotlier wit. And Rome small will for nsiiifj it, Had been enabled to discover She need not lanjjiiisli for a lover. And though she knew that yonnj; Ueauclerc Was prompt enoufjl' '" ''" or dare, She was not anxious for her sake. That he another's head should break, Nor would It suit ber views at all Should others profit by his fall. So, with a smile upon her face. And many a blnshliifiC maiden grace. She met her honest father's question ■With a more practical suggestion. The Greeks, in that heroic time Which all the poets call sublime, Instead of carving up a friend. In public games did oft contend, And deemed n vegetable crown And name by Pindar handed down, More likely to adorn the State Than if they earned a broken pate. ■Wlien the hard winter's frost shall make A slippery Ice-fleld of the lake, No ancient circus could compete With such a course for flying feet; And if no youth my hand may claim But him who pleads a victor's name. Then let his honors be my price Who wins a race upon tlie Ice. The sire approved, and gave commnnd To publish it through all the land, That on the coming Christmas day A horse race o'er the frozen bay Should by Its fair results decide What lucky hand should claim the bride. Then to the shore in state lie went. Where the good dames on work Intent, Their weekly store of clothes did scrub In the great common washing tub, And sought their willing aid to bear His festive message through the air. Swiftly it traveled toward the south. Leaping from ready mouth to mouth; And while its echoes still did play In broken murmurs round the bay. Past Whidmii; Pilnt, on pinions quick. It reached the n.r uth of Tremble's creek ; And like a bulle. from a gun Crossed the ravine at Bloody Kiin; Thence like the west wind on the main, Shook the great Hag at Ponchartrain; Then like a brightly falling star Gleamed on the household of Navarre, And shot along its flashing way Around the bend of Godfroy's bay. Startling the ghost that lingered still Sighing In Gobeye's haunted mill. ^! '>l'Ma»l>K>3na«9«A*!^VB4miS««iSIWWa44W^^ The Namin(^ of Lake St. Clair. The violet banks of nnllefontniiie And iho eo(.l hhaks of Lovcm's Lano lioiir a low imninnr. M of bees Huinminj,' iimoiiK the linden trees. As up the Uon«e the story sped. Old Vn-de-bon-Cii iir. as he shook hl3 heaU, Marveled that any olher place AVas choRon for a ('hvistmafl race; Hut crai-klnj? all his knuckles bony, Forthwith began to train liis pony. Keyond this region of the horso The niesnago reached the broail Kcorce, Kousiutf the herdsmen as they roam O'er the wide acres of St. (Josine. Across the channel to Grosse Islo, Shouted with sympathetic zeal, And tlier.ce beyond, the tidings Jjo To the rich Islar.tls dark with sliudo lly the gigantic lindens made, Wltiiin whose woods the Wyandot Had liuilt his town in a charming spot, Guarding Lake Erie's open door: In tlio rough sailor pilot's lore 'Tis known as the island of Bobalo. In the short passage of ,in hour. Sped by tlds tireless motivo power, The news had entered at the gate Of every household on the strait. And the gay bachelors all prepare To struggle boldly for the fair, While pouting maidens— half onended— Wish that the day had come and ended, That they who fall to win the prize Might find a better use of eyes; - "t none the less they toil and fluster \iO look their prettiest at the muster. And. sooth to say, the gallant wrong Would And his Journey very long. Who traveled till he found the graces More prodigal of charming faces. Tlie summer Into autumn glides. The mellow autumn long abides, The dark December claimed a part In The unruffled season of St. Martin ; And many a lovely bosom fluttered. And many a savage youngster muttered, As the sun neared his last decline. While winter yet had made no sign. But when the dreary solstice came, The morning sky was all aflame. And from the polar deserts vast The wind came howling fierce and fast. All day the clouds their snowflakes shed, The sighing waves vere dark as lead, Sounding upon the gloomy shore Like the didl plash of melted ore. But In the night no vapor mars The luster of the burning stars. High in the firmament the moon Shines dazzling as the sun at noon. And the cold beams the waves congeal Like a great floor of gllmnierlng steel. All through the night from shore to shore 1 he imprisoned waters moan ai)d roar, But vain are all their throes to break The dungeon walls that hold the lake. (t . On Chrlstinns cvo tlio (Iiowrv heniU Went ouily to their downy bed*", 'I'Jmt lill from sweet repose inlxht borrow More bloonihiK roses for tlie morrow; While even the wiilehful diiintleleer Forgot to blow his clarion clear, AnUslttlnR snn){ly on his pt^eh, Was silent as the vlllajje chnrch. But when the rays of mornlntf creep Down the gray spire of St. I'liillppo, And cast its shadows o'er the way Just nt t"lie foot of Gran;'. Marals, The wooden cock that at Its peak Stood openinR wide his glided beak, Thought surely there was something wrong To make his biotiiers mute so long. Uprising on his sinewy toes, Far out his gorgeous breast he tiirows, Willie of the bracing air lie qunfled A deep exhilarating draught; Then from tlio bottom of his throat He crowed so fierce a trumpet note That all tiie country stared agluist, Astounded by that sudden blast; And every rooster, roused to feel A rival worthy of his steel. Met the fierce chapel gmirdian's crow With a defiant coquericol Up from their beds tlie slumbering people Sprang at that summons from the steeple, And every bachelor and maid In rustic garments neat arrayed. With sparkling eyes and glowing face, Prepared to fijjure at the race. Too far from Fashion's halls to get The work of Ma'ni'selie Tond Minette, The blooming damsels managed still To show the power of taste and skill. And when they all had met together, Kose tinted by the bracing weather, They made philosopher and dunce Fail swift in love with all nt once. Tlie mass was over, and the sleighs CHme sliding o'er the crystal ways. As shining birds from flower to flower, Dart swittly in the summer hour. The swan-necked carioles make the scene Lively with scarlet, gold, and green. The bright-eyed pacers, roan and baj'. Caper like little boys at play. And toss their heads, as if they knew As much as human horses do. The lady Claire, with courteous meln, Beams like a radiant fairy queen; But while she swiftly moved her eyes O'er the contestants for the prize, She turned a moment pale as snow. Then blushed with such a ruddy glow That all the maidens then and there Owned there was none so good and fair. And wished success to lovely Claire. For well, with ready wit, they guessed She had a purpose In her breast Tliat none from her devoted swain The triumph of the course should gain; ■gt ^vi" v rw B. » j sv ^ si v^, ■s/BT*5.v?;?nT^W^irsT^STi^:ifE=^-?'' /' The Naming of Lake St. Clatr. An. "!ich with sympathizing face HopcLi that, her own true lover's place . Would be the second in the race. Then forth advancing hi his sleigh The stalely form of old Beauvais Appeared among the shouting throng, And with a voice like 8tentor's, strong. Taught by his daughter's shrewd device Who knew the mysteries of the Ice, Announced the scrupulous rules to guide The contest for the peerless mide. In a straight run the course sliall reach From where the trending of the beacli Bounds Into Pointe a Gulgnolet, 'I'o Huron Point across the bay; Thence turning at the blasted elm, The limit of Maconse's realm, Back to the starting point again Across the white and slippery plain. And he whose steed's returning feet Shall first upon the margin beat. Shall take my mansion and !ny land. And, if she will, iny daughter's hand. The graybeards shrugged their shoulders wide At such a long and freezing rule; Eight miles across the raven's flight Must reach before his feet can Uglit; And when upon tlie glassy floor That space must twice be traveled o er, The horse that wins without a founder ■• , . . 1 \ii—^ "o o" olofhteen nounuer. But the swift pacers cocked their ears In scorn at sucli unworthy fears; And, ranged In oroer on the shore. The friendly rivals reached a score, Waiting the signal to begin The race that only one could w n. Each In such sliding carriage placed As suits his money or his taste. Jumper and cutter, train and pung Behind the nimble pony swung. While the trim carlole's graceful wedge, With Its shafts hung low at the runner's edge Was decked In the spoils of the shaggy bear, Ready to cleave tlie frozen air- „ . Sut what has troubled the Sleur Beauvais, And what the cause of the long delay ? The course is long and the day is br ef. The night comes on like a stealthy thief, And woe to the Knight who rides astray, Far from the land on the wintry bay. Alas, the old man's eyes are dim ; For under his features hr.rd and grim His soul Is soft and his spirit mild, And his heart Is aching for h s child, He knew her love for young Beauclerc, And marveled why he was not there. He was a youth of manly heart. Lithe as a pantlier, straight as a dart. And loved to share the hunter a toll More than he cured (or his costly spoil. Changing their names with one anotlier. The hwan creek chieftain culled him brother And a sturdy man he saw who met The tawny or white Eshtoiiaquet. I. The Naming of Lake St. Clatr. wide sdge ear, is. The chief just come from a praJrle trail, Brought home a horse like a spotted quail. With long slim neclt and Arab head. But a back that sloped like the roof of a shed, And legs that raised his ample chest Up to the height of an Indian's breast. And he gave a hint to young Beauclerc That none with this strange beast might cope. Though he should train an antelope. To run the race for his lady fair. He framed a jumperof ironwocd tough. Limber and stout, but rude and rough ; His harness strong and his reins to guide He made from thongs of bison hide. And there he sat with the jeering racers. Proud of themselves and their well groomed pacers. Wrapped in the shaggy robes of skin That his red brother clad him in; And many a scoff and scornful laugh Greeted the sleigh with the brown giraffe. A whisper from the Lady Claire. And the old man with dubious air Shouted the signal. Off they fly. Skimming like swallows across the sky. But far behind, with drooping tall. And swinging his legs like a clumsyflall, The prairie beast goes steadily on As If there were never a race to be won, While the neat ponies their sinews strain To reach the verge of the frozen plain. But when they turn at the blasted tree, Panting and foaming, lo, they see. Jogging along as fresh and stout As when fiom the shore th«y first set out. The clumsy brute whose movements seem lilke the measured sweep of a walking-beam. And as the home-bound rivals ride Just In the midst of the basin wide. The shambling nag with his terrible stride Passes them all, and in his eyes Gleams of a conscious triumph rise. Wider and wider he spreads apart His hoofs, and shoots like a fiery dart, Till his nimble limbs so swiftly fleet, He seems like a body without any feet Shot like a ball through the midst of the air; And he reaches the goal when there's nobody there. For they thought It was safe to sit long by the fire. Not dreaming this monster, with sinews of wire, And never within a decent stall Would thus so horribly beat them all. But the boys when they saw the meek young men Moodily driving back again, Shouted a mocking mange Vavoinef And the merry maids with smiling lip Welcomec' them back from their leisure trip. But they looked more blithe when the jolly priest Asked them In to the wedding feast; And never since that Christmas-day Have the good dwellers by the bay Danced at the bridal of lady fair, Sweeter and brighter than lovely Claire. )ther .t«i*»9»->>Sf^!ni(t«**e««««»*."- 26 The Naming of Lake St. Clair. It mav be of interest to the readerB of this report to know that Judge Camp bell is in the habit at each Christmas of writing a story or poem for his children. The above charming narrative was written for such an occasion. Ak the conclusion of the poem Mr. Lothrop said : -The approac^^ evening admonishes us that we »«»«fc bring our meeting to a close We shall therefore be, compelled to dispense with the extempora- l'„ SresTes ButI will extTnd an' invitation ^o all those w^^^^^^ anoken and all others, to attend our next centennial festival. [Laughter.j And now my friends! we will close the pleasant exercises of o-day bv singing what should be^the wpression of all our hearts, 'Praise God from whom all ^^Thetferilg was then dismissed with singing, after which a large number of yoSnTFople tripped the light fantastic on the smooth grassy lawn for som^ tinfe, and as the shJdes of evening settled over the clear lake, as they did 200 years ago, the people dispersed to their homes. '^' that Judge Catnp- m for his children, on. iring our meeting ;h the extempora- se who would have val. [Laughter.] to-day by singing id from whom all ch a large number rassy lawn for some Le, as they did 200 '■ "t