|
MICHIGAN CHAPTER 17 Close of the Revolution and Surrender of Michigan to the United States
There were evidences of intrigues on the part of Great Britain in dealing with her former Indian allies, who had suffered severe losses and who felt that they had not been adequately rewarded for all their sacrifices. So the Indian question cut a considerable figure in the determination of Governor Haldimand to hang on to the western posts as long as possible.
In 1786 a council of Indian nations northwest of the Ohio river was held at the Huron village near the mouth of the Detroit river. This was attended by representatives of all the leading tribes. They were troubled about the boundary between their possessions and those of the United States. They maintained that the Ohio was not to be crossed by the Americans. They also insisted that their rights had not been properly considered in the treaty between the United States and Great Britain. It seemed to be the feeling of the savages that the United States had neglected to show the attention; to their wishes which the same demanded. A grand council was held at Fort Harmer, Marietta, in 1787 which formulated a treaty tending to settle in a satisfactory manner the points in controversy. This was finally and definitely disposed of at Greenville in 1795, when by
treaty the title to large tracts of lands included in Michigan was confirmed to the United States.
There was another element in th'e case which had much weight, and that was the fur trade. This trade had been of immense value to England. She could not see these profits slip from her grasp without a struggle to save them. The region included within the new boundaries of the United States had been the most profitable source of supply. The Northwest Company had a practical monopoly which it was not yet ready to relinquish.
MICHIGAN
Page 3
|
|
If you find this information helpful please consider making a donation
Thank you
Thank you
|
