n fact his business was carried
on throughout all the then northwest Indian country. This trade became
extinct in 1834, when Mr. Astor sold out to Ramsey Crooks, Esq., of
New York, and others, but it lacked the energy and controlling
influence which had been characteristic of Mr. Astor's business, and
after languishing a few years, the new company became involved and
their outposts were discontinued.

"The place since then has been mostly supported from the fisheries,
which are excellent and extensive. It is estimated that twenty
thousand barrels of white fish and trout are exported from this
country alone annually, estimated worth, at this point, about one
hundred and fifty thousand dollars. A material support is also derived
from the immense amount of trade.

"The population is fluctuating, owing to the influx of strangers
seeking health, traders, and Indians; but the permanent inhabitants of
the village are about one thousand and fourteen, as per census of
1854.

"Fort Mackinac stands on a rocky eminence immediately above the town,
and is at present garrisoned by a company of United States troops: a
chaplain (Episcopalian) is attached to the garrison, and services are
held there every Sabbath. Fort Holmes occupies the highest bluff of
the island, and is not at present occupied: this fortress was erected
by the English, while they held possession of the island, during the
last war, and by them named Fort George. But after the surrender of
the island in 1814, the name was altered in compliment to the memory
of Major Holmes of the United States Army, who fell in the unfortunate
attack upon the island by Col. Croghan. The gallant Holmes was killed
a little below the rise of ground, as you descend toward the Dousman
farm-house, on your way to the British landing. On Fort Holmes is a
triangular station for the government engineers, who have been at work
some years in the straits.

"Visitors mounting the station on a still clear day, have a view of
this island, the straits with its curves, islands and points, and the
adjacent shores, which well repays them, especially on a calm day, for
the lake and green woods lie in stillness before them, taking the mind
for hundreds of years back, to the time when thousands of warriors
occupied the prominent points brought within view.

"Off to the northwest, some four or five miles, lies the mixed
Canadian and Indian settlement of Point St. Ignace and Moran Bay, with
a few farms,