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THE LIFE OF HON. RIX ROBBINSON A PIONEER OF
WESTERN MICHIGAN BY GEORGE H. WHITE
The land is now partly covered by the city of Grand Rapids; it was appraised and its value given them, the government keeping the land. According to Mr. Everett, the amount was $23,040 or $3 an acre.
In connection with his going to Washington with the Indian chiefs, who declined to go without Mr. Robinson, who went at the solicitation of the government, on its expense, I will note here the following anecdote. He took charge of the transportation of the chiefs who filled two stage coaches full. They stopped at a tavern in the interior of Indiana; he stepped up to the landlord and said, "I want so many good dinners for these Indians. " They were seated and just helped when the stages again drove up and the drivers announced themselves as ready to go and would not wait, as they were carrying-U. S. Mail. Mr. Robinson saw no help for it, and counted out the silver at. 25 cents a head, the highest price then paid for a meal at a tavern, many charging; as low as half that amount. The landlord said, "You must double that sir. " "That is not fair, we have not even had enough to eat, and that is the highest price usually charged for such. " "Fifty cents is my price sir, it is no fault of mine that the stages will not wait, the food was ready. " It was paid. On their way back when nearing the same place he would not for a whole day let them eat; the chiefs complained of hunger; his only reply was, "lighten your belts. " A short time before arriving at the tavern, he got up beside first one driver and then the other. The chink of silver could have been heard. They arrived there. He ordered as before, adding that his Indians were very hungry. He didn't seem to recognize the landlord or the place. The landlord smiled, as much as to say, I will make another good haul.
Michigan
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