|
|
MICHIGAN AS A PROVINCE 1 - 5
The disadvantage was that
behind these rows of long farms which fronted the river was the untenanted wilderness, and there was no incentive to occupy it or to render it habitable.
After a sojourn of a few years here Repentigny was called east by the troubles between the French and English. He left his fort and little colony in charge of his lieutenant, Cadotte, and with an enlisted body of natives went to the aid of the governor. He fought at the head of a regiment of Canadians at Lake George and later he joined in the defense of the citadel at Quebec. There in 1759 the tide turned in favor of the English and French rule disappeared forever from Canada. Repentigny never returned to Sault Ste Marie, but in his place came Lieut. Jemette with a detachment of British soldiers. The lilies of France which waved above the fort were lowered after an ascendancy from the coming of St. Lusson of ninety-one years, and the red cross of England was flung to the breeze. Although Bonne never put in an appearance to inspect his concession, long years after his death his heirs laid claim to the lands. They sold his interests in 1806 to one James Caldwell of Albany and the matter became afterward one of extended litigation and international concern. In i860 congress passed an act to quiet the title, to the effect that if the courts decided against the claimants, their rights should be forever barred. As a matter of fact, the courts did so decide and the later settlers found their titles good.
On the arrival of Lieut. Jemette late in 1762, the fort was turned over to the British and occupied by
them. Cadotte who had been a faithful adherent of Repentigny changed his allegience and rendered good service to his new masters. The Indians did not take kindly to the change of sovereignty. They liked the French with whom they had affiliated for many years.
MICHIGAN
Page 54
|
|
|
|
|
|