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MICHIGAN AS A PROVINCE 1 - 5
In the same direction and beyond them were the Sauks or Saginas. The Pottawatomies were allies of the French against the Iroquois and were ultimately driven westward by the
latter. They dwelt for a time in Wisconsin. Later on they removed still further westward and were provided by the government with homes in the Indian Territory. They were a comparatively peaceful tribe, honest, industrious and frugal. They turned their attention easily to agricultural pursuits, acquired property and became good civilized citizens. A number of them are still living in Central Michigan and bear these characteristics.
The tribe occupying the north shore of Lake Erie and the Canadian peninsula between Lakes Erie and Huron was known as the Tobacco or Neutral Nation. Th'e former name was given them because they were accustomed to raise tobacco which they produced in considerable quantities and which they supplied to their surrounding neighbors. The latter name they acquired because in the long and bloody conflicts between the Iroquois and the Hurons they declined to take sides and held themselves strictly neutral. They were of Huron stock and allied in blood and interests with the tribes of that nation. But they were more inclined to industrial pursuits and less to war. So they gave asylum to all sorts and conditions of red men and white and held aloof from savage strife. It is somewhat remarkable that their neutrality was observed by the contending forces on either side of them, and that they were permitted to live in peace. The tribe itself took good care to enforce its neutrality among its own people and to impress it upon its neighbors. This shows in some degree the strength of Indian character.
MICHIGAN
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