: CHAPTER XII VETERANS OF THE WAR OF 1812 PRELIMINARY GATHERING ON GUYOR'S ISLAND-VETERANS PRESENTFORMAL REUNION JULY 4, 1872-INTERESTING AND IMPRESSIVE PROCEEDINGS-ROLL CALL OF VETERANS-RESPONSE OF GENERAL LESLIE COMBS MICHIGAN'S LATER TRIBUTE TO KENTUCKY-THE LEGEND OF THE OLD CANNON. When it is remembered that Monroe is, and had always been appreciative and loyal toward its early settlers, its founders, the veterans of the war of 1812, and of all subsequent wars, it seems somewhat remarkable that not until 1871, had there ever been a reunion of the old pioneers who explored into the River Raisin country, where so many of their descendants have resided for nearly a hundred years; nor any steps taken to organize a Society of the Soldiers of 1812. PRELIMINARY GATHERING ON GUYOR'S ISLAND In June, 1871, Mr. Joseph Guyor, one of these veterans, at that time eighty-eight years old, and vigorous, hale and hearty as a man twentyfive years his junior, concluded that it would be an excellent plan to assemble together as many as possible of his old compatriots. Following up this admirable impulse, he at once extended an invitation to every one of them living in this county, to meet him at his home on Guyor's Island, now the home of the Monroe Marsh Club; and which was once known as "House Island." This had been the scene of large gatherings of the Pottawattomie and Shawnee tribes of Indians, and the ancient site of a small village of the former; many relics of their occupancy had been found in the earlier years; while, during the construction of the railroad from Monroe to the Piers, an extension of the line of the Michigan Southern Railroad Company to connect with its steamers on Lake Erie; in building its tracks across this island, there were exhumed, in the course of excavation, quantities of bones, skulls, stone axes, arrow heads, copper utensils and other implements used by the aborigines, unmistakable evidences of Indian occupation at some remote period. It seemed a fitting place therefore, that on this historic island, this gathering should take place. Besides this, it was a most attractive spot, located on the north bank of the stream, shaded by huge forest trees, and surrounded by the immense beds of Egyptian Lotus, wild rice and luxuriantly blooming members of the lily family, and the home of all manner of wild fowl. Mr. Guyor proved a liberal and hospitable host to the many survivors, and the four score or more citizens who gathered with them. General Custer was at that time on leave of absence from his command and was present, very much to the gratification of the old "vets," and the host. While there were present many more of the old men than was supposed possible, yet many more were absent for various reasons, either they could not be reached by invitation, or notices in the local papers, or were too feeble to undertake the journey. A substantial and very much enjoyed dinner was served by Mr. Guyor, after which addresses were made by the Mayor, H. J. Redfield, General Spalding, Colonel Grosvenor, Colonel Luce and others; but it remained for General Custer to arouse the utmost enthusiasm as he rose to greet the men of past generations, who welcomed him with warmest demonstrations of respect and admiration. JOSEPH GUYOR, AGED ONE HUNDRED AND SEVEN YEARS Born at Detroit, Michigan, 1772. Died at Monroe, in December, 1879. One of the French settlers who escaped the massacre at the River Raisin and fled, with a few others, to Ohio, January 22, 1813. (Father of Jos. Guyor above mentioned.) VETERANS PRESENT Following are the names of the old men, with their ages as given to the writer at the time: Frank Boroff, age 107 years and seven months; Louis Jacobs, 96 years; Peter Navarre (the old scout), 82 years; Francis Lazarre, 82 years; David Van Pelt, 89 years; Robert F. Navarre, 80 years; William Walters, 88 years; Joseph Guyor, 88 years; Bronson French, 82 years; John Bezeau, 80 years; John Claffes, 76; J. B. Nadeau, 77; Henry Mason, 79; Jean Chovin, 77; Hall Deland, 75; Joseph Foulke, 80; Chas. Hixon, 76; Thos. Whelpley, 73; George Younglove, 77-the average age being 90 years. Peter Navarre, the old scout who was with General Harrison's army and piloted Winchester's army to the River Raisin, was, of course the center of attraction, and in his broken English related many exciting incidents in his career; Mr. Boroff, the centenarian was also accorded respectful attention in his unique position of being the oldest resident of Monroe county with a continuous residence here. The reunion was a decided success, from every point of view, and Captain Guyor received many congratulations for his thoughtfulness in projecting it, and so hospitably carrying out its details. Naturally the question arose, why should not Monroe provide for another "Veteran's Reunion" on a scale commensurate with its interest and importance? It met with cordial approval and it was unanimously agreed that such an event should be arranged the following year. Those who appreciated the magnitude of an undertaking for a celebration such as this was intended to be wisely decided that time and effort-plenty of both would be required to successfully carry through a creditable demonstration. Therefore about January 1, 1872, the matter was taken up, actively, plans were discussed and decided upon, meetings of some of the most prominent citizens held, and the following executive committee. of arrangements was appointed: John M. Bulkley, Thomas Doyle, J. M. Sterling, Harry A. Conant, John J. Stevens, W. A. Noble, J. D. Ronan and Captain Charles Gruner. This committee met twice a month and appointed sub committees, who energetically began their labors. FORMAL REUNION JULY 4, 1872 The details of preliminary movements and preparation need not further be attended to, further than that it was decided to hold this gathering on July 4, 1872, in the beautiful grove of natural forest trees on Washington and Monroe streets called "Noble's Grove." Those who were so fortunate as to have been present on that occasion witnessed one of the most remarkable demonstrations, and unique gatherings ever assembled in the United States. The occasion was impressive and full of interest, because of its principal motive, joining in one celebration the declaration of Independence, and the events of the war which confirmed it, because, also, every feature of it bore the distinctive marks of originality, bearing upon the events which it was especially to commemorate. There were gathered here at that time, about one hundred and fifty veterans of the War of 1812, most of whom were from Kentucky, coming from their state under the leadership of that old warrior, General Leslie Combs of Lexington. Nearly every one of them were in the ranks of that gallant column of Kentuckians, who responded to the cries of distress and alarm which went up from the little French settlements scattered along the River Raisin at that period of gloom when there was grave appréhension that the people on the northwestern frontier would be entirely exterminated by the savages, incited to murder and rapine by the mercenary and merciless agents of the British government. The youngest of these patriots present, gave his age as 78 years, while the eldest was some months over 102. INTERESTING AND IMPRESSIVE PROCEEDINGS The number of people who witnessed and participated in this demonstration was estimated at fifteen thousand to twenty thousand. Coming mostly from the state of Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky. The grand stand, occupied by the speakers, distinguished guests, and officers, was built entirely of the beams, planks and boards taken from the house of Colonel Francis Navarre that interesting and time honored landmark, which was used as the headquarters of General Winchester, at the time of the Battle of the River Raisin-and which was being demolished to make room for the fine large mansion, built on the site, by Dr. A. I. Sawyer. This unique and interesting feature was made possible by the executive committee, and impressed the veterans very sensibly. The Kentuckians brought with them the faded and tattered flag which the troops carried with them on that memorable day in January, 1813. One of the veterans carried with him an ancient flintlock horsepistol that had seen service with his father in the revolution; another had a formidable weapon of the Bowie knife order; while bullet pouches, buttons and other relics, were eagerly examined by those who knew their significance. The battle ground was visited and the battle fought over again in spirit by those gallant and persistent, though unfortunate soldiers, many of whom were able to point out the place where the old fort and block house stood, and where the troops were forced across the river by overpowering numbers of the enemy to the place, where, in the woods around the Winchester (Navarre) house the surrender took place by order of the Commanding General. The committee on invitation had extended invitations to nearly every prominent public man in the country, statesmen, soldiers, civilians and from the President of the United States, through an extended list of eminent men, many of whom accepted and were present, and from some there were received appreciative and commendatory letters. Among others, that which probably caused the greatest curiosity, and interest, was that of Hon. Horace Greeley then candidate for the presidency. His known undecipherable penmanship was the cause of much speculation to the committee of invitation, who were unable to learn from his letter, at once, clearly, whether it was an acceptance or a declination; as a matter of collateral interest, it is herewith reproduced, together with the "translation.” (See page 130.) The president of the day was the late Honorable Warner Wing; and the principal orator of the occasion was the late Honorable James V. Campbell of Detroit, then Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court. The oration of Judge Campbell was a classic, delivered with his usual simple dignified manner, and evoked appreciative applause. The following are the closing lines of Judge Campbell's eloquent oration: "The people of Michigan rejoice to honor all those whose valor and sacrifices secured this pleasant land under the protecting care of the Union. "Soldiers of the war of 1812, worthy followers of the men of '76, accept our homage! May you live many long years to remind our children how Freedom is gained, and how she is guarded. "To you, our welcome guests, whose courtesy has again brought Kentucky to Michigan, we offer our warmest greetings on this spot, which will ever be sacred to you as to us. Its memories recall to you friends and kinsmen, whose loss made sorrow through all your households. To us they are the glorified memories of martyrs, who died in our behalf, and not for themselves. May their spirit still live where their bodies perished! And may the gracious Power that maketh men to be of one mind in an house, bind the elder and the younger sister in unbroken union, till those dark days are lost in hoary antiquity, and those heroes shine out of the far-off past like stars in the firmament. "Time may destroy the gathered wealth and the great works of commerce and enterprise. But the chronicles of Freedom are written in characters of light, that will last undimmed through all ages. Vol. I-9 Dear Sir: [Translation] I thank you for your invitation though unable to accept it Many cares and critical health dissuade me from traveling at present, but I trust your festival will be enjoyed by those present, as it will be a topic of interest to thousands who sympathise with the trials and rejoice in the heroism commemorated. Yours, HORACE GREELEY. To J. M. BULKLEY, Esq. Chairman, Monroe, Mich. |