Green County, Wisconsin - Chapter 3: Aborigines of Green County, 1884 (part 1 of 3)

Chapter 3: Aborigines of Green County

As early as the year 1615, Samuel Champlain, while among the Huron Nation, at the head of the Georgian bay, in Canada, had heard of a tribe of Indians living many leagues beyond Lake Huron called the Fire Nation, or more accurately the Prairie Nation, better known at a later date as the Mascoutins. Their homes were upon the Fox river, of Green bay (where they had a village); and their territory extended southeastward, it is believed, as far as the site of the present city of Chicago. Their most northern village is thought to have been located within what are now the limits of Green Lake Co., Wis. - somewhere on Fox river between the present Berlin and Lake Puckaway. The nearest tribe to the Mascoutins down Fox river was the Winnebago, whose ancient seat was on the borders of the lake which now bears their name. In the immediate neighborhood of the Mascoutins, but up the river as is supposed, were located the Miamis and the Kickapoos. So far as is known, the valley of the Wisconsin river below the "portage" (now Portage, Columbia Co., Wis.) was without inhabitants. The time we are now speaking of was before the year 1634 - before any white man had set foot upon the soil of any portion of what is now the State of Wisconsin. It was a number of years subsequent to the date just mentioned, before the Sacs and Foxes made their appearance upon Fox river. Having thus described the inhabitants to the northward and northeastward of what is now Green county at the earliest known period, let us turn our attention to the tribe believed to have been the occupiers of this immediate section of country, 'J50 years ago.

There is a map extant, dated 1632, made by Samuel Champlain. On this ma]) a Nation is located where was "a quantity of buffaloes." This Nation is conjectured to have been the Illinois. These Indians occupied the country to the southward - the territory now constituting the State of Illinois; at least the northern portions of it, extending some distance into the present State of Wisconsin and including what is now Green county. The tribe of the Illini (or Illinois) was afterward driven beyond the Mississippi, but subsequently returned to the river which still bears their name. But their hold upon the territory so far north as the southern part of the present Wisconsin, was undoubtedly very weak at that period, and doubtless was soon entirely lost. The Mascoutins and their kindred, the Kickapoos and Miamis, emigrated south, and the whole region between the Fox and Wisconsin rivers on the north, and the Rock river on the south, including the present Green county, was taken possession of by

I. The Sacs And Foxes

The Sacs and Foxes came from the east to Fox river and then moved westward to the Wisconsin. Of all the tribes who have inhabited this State, they are the most noted. The Sacs were sometimes called Sauksor Saukies, and the Foxes were frequently known as the Outagamies. They are of the Algonquin family, and are first mentoned in 1665, by Father AUouez, but as separate tribes. Afterward, however.

because of the identity of their language and their associations, they were and still are considered one Nation. In December, 1 669, Allouez found upon the shores of Green bay a village of Sacs, occupied also by members of other tribes, and early in 1670 he visited a village of the same Indians located upon the Fox river of Green bay, at a distance of four leagues from its mouth. Here a device of these Indians for catching fish arrested the attention of the missionary. "From one side of the river to the other," he writes, -'they made a barricade, planting great stakes, two fathoms from the water, in such a manner that there is, as it were, a bridge above for the fishes, who by the aid of a little bow-net, easily take sturgeons and all other kinds of fish which this pier stops, although the water does not cease to flow between the stakes." When the Jesuit father first obtained, five years previous, a knowledge of this tribe, they were represented as savage above all others, great in numbers, and without any permanent dwelling place. The Foxes were of two stocks - one calling themselves Outagamies or Foxes, whence our English name; the other, Musquakink, or men of red clay, the name now used by the tribe. They lived in early times with their kindred the Sacs east of Detroit, and, as some say, near the St. Lawrence. They were driven west, and settled at Saginaw, a name derived from the Sacs. Thence they were forced by the Iroquois to Green Bay; but were compelled to leave that place and settle on Fox river.

Allouez, on the 24th of April, 1670, arrived at a village of the Foxes, situated on Wolf river, a northern tributary of the Fox. "The Nation," he declares, "is renowned for beingnumerous; they have more than 400 men bearing arms; the number of women and children is greater on account of polygamy, which exists among them - each man having commonly four wives, some of them six, and others as high as ten." The missionary found that the Foxes had retreated to those parts to escape the persecutions of the Iroquois. Allouez established among these Indians his Mission of St. Mark, rejoicing- in the fact that in less than two years he had baptized "sixty children and some adults." The Foxes, at the summons of De la Barre, in 1684, sent warriors against the Five Nations. They also took part in Denonville's more serious campaign; but soon after became hostile to the French. As early as 1693 tliey had plundered several on their way to trade with the Sioux, alleging that they were carrying arms and ammunitions to their ancient enemies, frequently causing them to make portages to the southward in crossing from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi. Afterward they became reconciled to the French; but the reconciliation was of short duration. In 1712 Fort Detroit, then defended by only a handful of men, was attacked by them in conjunction with the Mascoutins and Kickapoos. However, in the end, by calling in friendly Indians, the garrison not only protected themselves but were enabled to act on the offensive, destroying the greater part of the besieging force.

The Nation continued their ill will to the French. The consequence was that their territory in 1716 had been invaded and they were reduced to sue for peace. But their friendship Avas not of long continuance. In 1718 the Foxes numbered 500 men and "abounded in women and children." They are spoken of at that date as being very industrious, raising large quantities of Indian corn. In 1728 another expedition was sent against them by the French. Meanwhile the Menomonees had also become hostile; so, too, the Sacs, who were now the allies of the Foxes, The result of the enterprise was an attack upon and the defeat of a number of the Manomonees; the burning of the wigwams of the Winnebagoes (after passing the deserted village of the Sacs upon the Fox river), that tribe, also, at this date being hostile; and the destruction of the fields of the Foxes. They were again attacked in their own country by the French in 1730, and defeated. In 1734 both the

Sacs and Foxes came in conflict with the same foe; but this time the French were not as successful as on previous expeditions. In 1736 the Sacs and Foxes were "connected with the government of Canada"; but it is certain they were far from being friendly to the Frencli.

The conflict between France and Great Britain, commencing in 1754, found the Sacs and Foxes allied with the former power, against the English, although not long previous to this time they were the bitter enemies of the French. At the close of that contest, so disastrous to the interests of France in North America, these tribes readily gave in their adhesion to the conquerors, asking that English traders might be sent them. The two Nations, then about equally divided, numbered, in 1761, about 700 warriors. Neither of the tribes took part in Pontiac's war, but they befriended the English. The Sacs had emigrated farther to the westward; but the Foxes, at least a portion of them, still remained upon the waters of the river of Green bay which perpetuates their name. A few years later, however, and the former were occupants of the upper Wisconsin; also to a considerable distance below the portage, where their chief town was located; also spreading over the region now including Green county; so that this immediate country was peculiarly Sac territory. Further down the stream just mentioned was the upper village of the Foxes, while their lower one was situated near its mouth at the site of the present city of Prairie du Chien. At this date, 1766, and even later, what is now Green county was within the territory claimed as theirs. Gradually, however, they retreated down the Mississippi until, before the close of the century, all their possessions in what is now Wisconsin was in the extreme southwest. They no longer had their hunting grounds to the northward of the Wisconsin river. Another tribe, had, as it were, crowded them out.

of the^Wisconsin river to the United' States; so that they no longer were owners of any lands within this State. From that date, therefore, these allied tribes cannot be considered as belonging to the Indian Nations of Wisconsin. They were generally friendly to Great Britain during the War of 18 12-1 5, but they soon made peace with the United States after that contest ended. A striking episode in their subsequent history is the Black Hawk War, which will be narrated in a subsequent chapter. The exact date of the Foxes leaving the Wisconsin river country' is unknown. They sold the prairie at the mouth of that stream to some Canadian- French traders, in 1781, and subsequently vacated their village. Probably about the beginning of the present century they had abandoned this region as their home, although they long after visited it for the purposes of trade. 'Why the Fox Indians Left the Loioer Wisconsin.

On the 8th of October [1766] we got our canoes into the Ouisconsin [Wisconsin] river,which at this place is more than 100 yards wide and the next day arrived at the great town of the Saukies. This is the largest and best built Indian town I ever saw. It contains about ninety houses, each large enough for several families. These are built of hewn plank, neatly joined and covered with bark, so compactly as to keep out the most penetrating rains. Before the doors are placed comfortable sheds, in which the inhabitants sit, when the weather will permit, and smoke their pipes. The streets are regular and spacious, so that it appears more like a civilized town than the abode of savages. The land near the tow^n is very good. On their plantations, which lie adjacent to their houses, and which are neatly laid out, they raise quantities of Indian corn, beans, melons, etc., so that this place is esteemed the best market for traders to furnish themselves with provisions of any within 800 miles of it.

ing excursions into the territories of the Illinois and Pawnee Nations, from whence they return with a great number of slaves. But those people frequently retaliate-, and, in their turn, destroy many of the Saukies, which I judge to be the reason why they increase no faster.

Whilst I stayed here I took a view of some mountains, [Blue Mounds], that lay about fifteen miles to the southward, and abounded in lead ore. I ascended one of the highest of these, and had an extensive view of the country. For many miles nothing was to be seen but lesser mountains, which appeared at a distance like haycocks, they being free from trees. Only a few groves of hickory and stunted oaks, covered some of the valleys.

So plentiful is lead here that I saw large quantities of it lying about the streets in the town belonging to the Saukies, and it seemed to be as good as the produce of other countries. On the 10th of October we proceeded down the river, and the next day reached the first town of the Outagamies. This town contained about fifty houses, but we found most of them deserted, on account of an epidemical disorder that had lately raged among them, and carried off more than one-half of the inhabitants. The greater part of those who survived had retired into the woods to avoid the contagion.

On the 15th we entered that extensive river, the Mississippi. The Ouisconsin, from the carrying place to the part where it falls into the Mississippi, flows with a smooth but strong current; the water of it is exceedingly clear, and through it you may perceive a fine and sandy bottom, tolerably free from rocks. In it are a few islands, the soil of which appeared to be good, though somewhat woody. The land near the river also seemed to be, in general, excellent; but that at a distance is very full of mountains, where, it is said, there are many lead mines.

very pleasing situation. On inquiring of the neighboring Indians Avhy itwas thusdeserted, I was informed that, about thirty years ago, the Great Spirit appeared on the toji of a pyramid of rocks, which lay at a little distance from it toward the west, and warned them to quit their habitations; for the land on which they were built belonged to him, and he had occasion for it. As a proof that he, who gave them these orders, was really the Great Spirit, he further told them that the grass should immediately spring up on those very rocks from whence he now addressed them, which they knew to be bare and barren. The Indians obeyed, and soon after discovered that this miraculous alteration had taken place. They showed me the spot, but the growth of the grass appeared to be no ways supernatural. I apprehended this to have been a stratagem of the French or Spaniards to answer some selfish view; but in what manner they effected their purpose I know not. This people, soon after their removal, built a town on the bank of the Mississippi, near the mouth of the Ouisconsin, at a place called by the French Les, Prairies Les Chiens, which signifies the Dog Plains; it is a large town and contains about 300 families; the houses are well built, after the Indian manner, and pleasantly situated on a very rich soil, from which they raise every necessary of life in great abundance. I saw here many horses of a good size and shape. This town is a great mart, where all the adjacent tribes, and even those who inhabit the most remote branches of the Mississii)pi, annually assemble about the latter end ol May, bringing with them their furs to dispose of to the traders. But it is not always that they conclude their sale here; this is determined by a general council of the chiefs, who consult whether ii would be more conducive to their interests to sell their goods at this place, or carry them on to Louisiana or Michillimackinac; according to the decision of this council, they either proceed farther or return to their different liQmes.

The Mississippi, at the entrance of the Ouisconsin, near which stands a mountain of considerable height,, is about half a n.ile over; but opposite to the last mentioned town, it appears to be more than a mile wide and full of islands, the soil of which is extraordinarily rich and but thinly wooded.

Concerning The Fox Indians

The first wo hear of these people [the Foxes] is from early missionaries of New France, who call them, in a list drawn up for the government in 1736, "Gens du Sang" and Miskaukis. The latter I found to be the name they apply to themselves. We get nothing, however, by it. It means red earth, being a compound from inisk-wdu, red, and ankle, earth. They are a branch of the great Algonquin family. The French, who formed a bad opinion of them as their history opened, bestowed on them the name of Renouard, from which we derive their long standing popular name. Their traditions attribute their origin to eastern portions of America. Mr. Gates, who acted as my interpreter and is well acquainted with their languages and customs, informs me that their traditions refer to their residence on the north banks of the St. Lawrence, near the ancient cataraqui. They appear to have been a very erratic, spirited, warlike and treacherous tribe, dwelling but a short time at a spot, and pushing westward as their affairs led them, till ihey finally reached the Mississippi, which they must have crossed after 1766, for Carver found them living in villages on the Wisconsin. At Saginaw they appeared to have formed a fast alliance with the Sauks, a tribe to whom they are closely allied by language and history. They figure in the history of Indian events about old Michillimackinac, where they played pranks under the not very definite title of Muscodainsug, but are first conspicuously noted while they dwelt on the river bearing their name, which falls into Green bay, Wisconsin.* The Chippewas, with whom they have strong affinity of language, call them Outagamie, and ever deemed them a sanguinary and unreliable tribe. The French defeated them in a sanguinary battle at Butte de Mort, and by this defeat drove them from Fox river.

Their present numbers cannot be accurately given. I was informed that the village I visited contained 250 souls. They have a large village at Rock Island, where the Foxes and Sauks live together, which consists of sixty lodges, and numbers 300 souls. One-half of these may be Sauks. They have another village at the mouth of Turkey river; altogether they may muster from 460 to 500 souls. Yet, they are at war with most of the tribes around them, except the lowas, Sauks and Kickapoos. They are engaged in a deadly and apparently successful war against the Sioux tribes. They recently killed nine men of that Nation, on the Terre Blue river, and a party of twenty men are now absent, in the same direction, under a half-breed named Morgan. They are on bad terras with the Osages and Pawnees, of the Missouri, and not on the best terms with their neighbors, the Winnebagoes.

I again embarked at 4 o'clock a. m. (8th). My men were stout fellows, and worked with hearty will, and it was thought possible to reach the prairie during the day by hard and late pushing. We passed Turkey river at 2 o'clock, and they boldly plied their paddles, sometimes animating their labors with a song; but the Mississippi proved too stout for us, and sometime after night-fall we put ashore on an island, before reaching the Wisconsin.

In ascending the river this day, I observed the pelican, which exhibited itself in a flock standing on a low sandy spot of an island. This bird has a clumsy and unwieldy look, from the duplicate membrane attached to its lower mandible, which is constructed so as when inflated to give it a bag-like appearance. A short sleep served to restore the men, and we were again in our canoes the next morning (9th) before I could certainly tell the time by my watch. Daylight had not yet broke when we passed the influx of the Wisconsin, and we reached the prairie under a full chorus and lauded at 6 o'clock.

Wcia between the Sacs and Foxes and the Sioux. [I. - By Mrs. H. S. Baird, of Green Bay.] During the first half of the present century, there existed between different Indian tribes of the north and west, a succession of sanguinary wars. The conflicts between the contending parties were marked by the characteristic traits of cruelty and ferocity of a barbarous race. The tribes engaged in these hostilities were the Sioux, Chippewas, Sacs, Foxes and Winnebagoes. Their battles were not always fought in their own country, nor on their own lands. Whenever and wherever a hostile party met, a contest was sure to be the result; and many incidents connected with this warfare were observed by the early settlers of Wisconsin, one of which I witnessed, and will relate.

In the month of May, 1830, with my family, I visited Prairie du Chien, on the Mississippi; we were guests of the late Joseph Rolette, then a trader, and agent of the American Fur Company. One evening, a few days after our arrival, we were startled by hearing the continual and successive reports of fire-arms, apparently on the Mississippi below. The firingcontinued for an hour or more, and was succeeded by sounds of Indian drums and savage yells, with an occasional discharge of guns.

The family having retired at the usual time, were aroused from their slumbers about midnight by hearing foot-steps on the piazza, conversation in the Indian language, and finally by knocking on the door and window shutters. Mr. Rolette immediately arose and went out to ascertain the cause of the disturbance, when he was informed that a bloody battle had been fought, and the visitors were the victors, and had called up their trader to inform him of their victory, and to obtain necessary spirit water to celebrate the glorious event in regular savage style. Their wants were supplied, of course, when they took their leave, but not to sleep; neither could we sleep, as the warriors kept up through the night a most horrible powwow, enlivened by savage yells, all plainly within our hearing.

In the morning we heard the particulars of the savage fight, and during the day witnessed one of the most disgusting and revolting exhibitions that human beings could display.

On the day before the battle, or rather massacre, a war party of some twenty or twentyfive Sioux encamped on an island opposite Prairie du Chien. They were there joined by a few Menomonees, who volunteered to assist their friends, the Sioux. It appears that the latter had previously received information that on that day a party of Sacs and Foxes, their inveterate enemies, would leave their village, situated on the Mississippi, some distance below Prairie du Chien, intending to visit the latter place; and that they would encamp for the night at a regular camping ground, near the mouth of the Wisconsin river.

In the afternoon of that day, the Sioux war party embarked in several canoes, and descended the river. Arriving near the spot where they knew their intended victims would encamp, they drew their canoes on land, and carefully hid them in the thick woods, and then selected a spot covered with a dense growth of bushes, and within a short gun-shot of the lauding place on the camping ground. Here, with true Indian cunning, they lay in ambush, awaiting the arrival of the unsuspecting Sacs and Foxes. No fire was made, and the stillness of death reigned in the forest. Nor had they long to wait for the arrival of their foes.

Between sunset and dark, the party, in three or four canoes, arrived at the fatal landing place, and dis-embarkcd. It consisted of eighteen persons, one old chief, one squaw, one boy about fourteen years old and fi.Cteen warriors. Upon landing, the party commenced unloading the canoes. The concealed war party remained perfectly quiet, scarcely breathing, so that their victims might be completely surprised. After all had landed, and while carrying their effects on shore, leaving their guns and war-clubs in the canoes, the party in ambush bounded to their feet, with a horrible yell, and fired a murderous volley at the surprised party, by which all fell except one man and the boy. The former reached a canoe, seized a loaded gun, and discharged it, mortally wounding one of the Sioux; but the poor Sac was soon dispatched, and the only one of the eighteen who survived was the boy, who happened to be in a canoe. He seized a paddle, pushed into the stream, and made his escape down the swift current of the river.

After the massacre, all wlio yet breathed Avere dispatched, and horribly mutilated. Hands, feet, fingers, ears and scalps were cut off, and more horrible still, the heart of the aged chief was cut from his breast, and all taken by the victors as trophies of the bloody conflict.

On the day succeeding the murder, the victorious party assembled, and accompanied by a few squaws, paraded the streets of Prairie du Chien, with the monotonous sounding drum and rattle, and displaying on poles the scalps and dismembered human fragments taken from the bodies of their victims. The whole party was painted with various colors, wore feathers, and carried their tomahawks, war-clubs and scalping-knives. Stopping in front of the principal houses in the village, they danced the war-dance and scalp-dance, ending with yells characteristic of incarnate devils.

The mangled limbs were still fresh and bleeding; one old squaw had carried on a pole tlie entire hand, with a long strip of skin from tlie arm of one of the murdered men, elevated above her head, the blood trickling down upon her hair and face, while she kept up the death-song, and joined in the scalp-dance. After this exhibition, which lasted two or three hours, the warriors went to a small mound, about 200 yards from Mr. Rolette's residence, and in plain sight made a fire and roasted the heart of the old murdered chief, and then divided it into small pieces among the several warriors, who devoured it, to inspire them with courage, and "make their hearts glad."

The whole scene was shocking and disgusting in the extreme, and such a one, we hope, never again will be witnessed in a civilized community.

The incidents just related occurred in a town containing a civilized (?) population of 600 or 80t) inhabitants, under the walls of the U. S. garrison, and within musket shot of the fort. Neither civil nor military authorities made any effort to prevent the exhibition of the revolting and savage trophies of the sanguinary battle. In the afternoon, the party of Sioux warriors embarked in their canoes and ascended the Mississippi, on their return to their own village, leaving on the minds and memories of those who witnessed these horrible and frantic orgies recollections not soon to be forgotten.

In 1830 a party of Sauks and Foxes killed some Sioux, on or about the head-waters of Red Cedar river, in the now State of Iowa; and the same season a band of Fox Indians, who resided about where Dubuque now is, had occasion to visit Prairie du Chien on business with the agent, whom they had previously informed that they would arrive on a certain day. An Indian called the Kettle was their chief. It was generally believed that John Marsh gave the Sioux information of the coming of the Foxes, and of the time they were expected; and on the morning of the day appointed for the arrival of the Foxes at Prairie du Chien, a small war party of young Sioux made their appearance here, and joined by a few of the Menomonee young men, proceeded down the Mississippi to the lower end of the Prairie du Pierreaux, some twelve or fifteen miles below Prairie du Chien, where a narrow channel of the Mississippi runs close to that end of the prairie, fringed with small trees, bushes and grass. They knew the custom of the Indians in going up stream to avail themselves of all such side channels, as there was less current in them than in the broad river; and secreting themselves among the bushes, trees and grass, awaited their unsuspecting victims. When the Foxes came within point blank shot, they all fired upon them, killing their chief Kettle and several others. The Foxes finding their chief killed, returned down the river to carry the news of their misfortunes to the tribe, while the Sioux and Menomonees returned home with the tidings of their victory and to dance over it. They passed through Prairie du Chien, and remained a short time here, but for some unaccountable reason no notice whatever was taken of it.

The signs of several war parties of the Foxes were reported to have been seen on the opposite side of the river during the year; but they effected nothing until sometime, I think, in June, 1831, when a considerable number of Menomonees had collected at Prairie du Chien, and encamped on an island near the eastern shore of the Mississippi, about one-fourth of a mile from the old Fort Crawford. They had obtained whisky enough for all to get socially drunk upon - and it is rare to find a Menomonee who will not get drunk when he has a chance - and they had carried their revels far into the night, until men, women and children were beastly diunk. About two hours before day a Fox war parly, that had been watching their movements, fell upon them in that helpless state and killed about thirty of them. By this time some of the more sober of them were aroused, and commenced firing upon the Foxes, who fled down the river, pursued a short distance by the Menominees.

Thomas P. Burnett, the sub-Indian agent, was sleeping with me in my store. It being very warm weather, we had made a bed of blankets on the counter, when about two hours before daylight we were awakened by the cries of a

Menomonee woman at the store door. We let her in, when she told us. of the disaster to the Menomonees. Mr. Burnett took my horse and went to inform Gen. Street, the Indian agent, who lived about four miles above this, and who arrived about daylight and gave the first information to the fort. Although there had been a great firing of guns and hallooing among the Indians, the sentinels had reported nothing of it to the officers; but on hearing of the aflPair, . the commandant immediately dispatched a company of men in boats after the Foxes, but they did not overtake them. The government demanded of the Sauks to deliver up the perpetrators of this deed. The Foxes fled to the Sauks, and their chief. Kettle, being dead, they remained among and amalgamated with them, and have not since continued a separate Nation or tribe. I have always believed this to be the origin of the Black Hawk War. There were, I suppose, other causes of discontent, but I believe that this transaction was the immediate cause of the movements of Black Hawk. ,

The same year, 1830, the Fox and Sauk Indians killed some Sioux, at the head of Cedar river, in Iowa. Capt. Dick Mason* started with a number of troops for the scene of disturbance, and 1 went along as guide. We arrived at the place of the fight, found everything quiet and all we did was to turn about and go back the way w^e came.

Soon after, the Sioux and a numberof Menomonees attacked a party of Sauks and Foxes at Prairie du Pierreaux and killed some ten Indians, among whom was Kettle, the great Fox chief.f

*Richiird B. Mason, a native of Virs-inia, was a 1st. leutenant in 1817, capiain in 1819; servotl in tlie Black Hawk War; major of dragoons i;i 1833, lieutenant-colonel in 1836 an(i colonel in ]84fi. He com in untied tlie forces in California and was ex-offlcio g-over nor 1847-48; brevetted l)rig-adier-general anddled at Jeltorson Barracks, Mo., July 25, 1850.

After the fight the Manomonees and Sioux came up here to have a dance over the scalps. The Indians presented a horrid appearance. They were painted for war and had smeared themselves with blood and carried the fresh scalps on poles. Some had cut off a head and thrust a stick in the throttle and held it on high; some carried a hand, arm, leg or some other portion of a body, as trophies of their success. They commenced to dance near the mound over the slough, but Col. Taylor soon stopped that by driving them across the main channel on to the Islands, where they danced until their own scalps went to grace the wigwams of the Sauks and Foxes.

In April, of 1831, I was in the hospital at Fort Crawford, when, through the influence of Col. Taylor and Dr. Beaumont, I got my discharge. When I was convalescent, which was about June, a war party of Sauk and Fox Indians came up from their part of the country to the bluff north of Bloody Run, from where they watched the Menomonees, who were encamped on an island opposite Prairie du Chien, a little north of the old fort. One night the Menomonee camp was surprised by the Sauk and Fox war party, and all in the camp killed except an Indian boy, who picked up a gun and shot a Fox brave through the heart and escaped. After massacreing, scalping and mutilating the bodies, the Fox Indians got into canoes and paddled down the river past the fort, singing their war songs and boasting of their exploits. Soldiers were sent to punish them, but I believe they failed to catch them. In the morning I helped to bury those killed. There were twentyseven bodies, all killed with the knife and tomahawk, except the Fox brave shot by the boy. They were buried in three graves on the landing below the present Fort Crawford, and until within a few years the spot was marked by a small muslin flag kept standing by ihe few Menomonees who lingered in this vicinity; but nothing is now left to preserve the graves from sacrilege, and soon the iron horse will course o'er the bones of those red men, long since gone to their happy hunting grounds.

After the Menomonee massacre, a warrior of that tribe was found in the old Catholic graveyard and buried. He had no wounds and it is thought that when the Foxes attacked the Indians on the island, he got away and ran so fast that he had to lean against the wall to rest, and that he rolled over and died.

The Indian agency was removed this year to Yellow River and the Rev. Mr. Lowrey appointed agent. It was afterwards removed to Fort Atkinson, Iowa. The mission buildings can be seen now on Yellow river, about five miles from its mouth.

Ii. The Winnebagoes

The Nation which displaced the Sacs and Foxes upon the Wisconsin river and its contiguous territory, including what is now Green county, was the Winnebago. It is now 250 years since the civilized world began to get a knowledge of the Winnebagoes - the "men of the sea," as they were called, pointing, possibly, to their early emigration from the shores of the Mexican gulf, or the Pacific. The territory now included within the limits of Wisconsin, and so much of the State of Michigan as lies north of Green bay. Lake Michigan, the Straits of Mackinaw and Lake Huron were, in early time, inhabited by several tribes of the Algonquin race, forming a barrier to the Dakotas, or Sioux, who had advanced eastward to the Mississippi. But the Winnebagoes, although one of the tribes belonging to the family of the latter, had passed the great river, at some unknown period, and settled upon Winnebago lake. Here, as early as 1634, they were visited by John Nicolet, an agent of France, and a treaty concluded with them.* Little more was heard of the Winnebagoes for the next thirtyfive years, Avhen, on the 2d of December, 1669, some of that Nation were seen at a Sac village on Green bay, by Father Allouez.

As early at least as 1670, the French were actively engaged among the Winnebagoes trading. "We found affairs," says one of the Jesuit missionaries, who arrived among them in September of that year, "we found affairs there in a pretty bad posture, and the minds of the savages much soured against the French, who were there trading; ill-treating them in deeds and words, pillaging and carrying away their merchandise in spite of them, and conducting themselves toward tliem with insupportable in. sciences and indignities. The cause of this disorder," adds the missionary, "is that they had received some bad treatment from the Frencli, to whom they had this year come to trade, and particularly from the soldiers, from whom they pretended to have received many wrongs and injuries. It is thus made certain that the arms of France were carried into the territory of the Winnebagoes over 200 years ago.

The Fox river of Green bay was found at that date a difficult stream to navigate. Two Jesuits who ascended the river in 1670, liad "three or four leagues of rapids to contend with, when they had advanced one day's journey from the head of the bay, more difficult than those which are common in other rivers, in this, that the flints, over which they had to walk with naked feet to drag their canoes, were so sharp and so cutting, that one has all the trouble in the world to hold one's self steady against the great rushing of the waters. At the falls they found an idol that the savages honored; never failing, in passing, to make him some sacrifice of tobacco, or arrows, or paintings, or other things, to thank liim that, by his assistance, they had, in ascending, avoided the dangers of the waterfalls which are in this stream; or else, if they had to ascend, to pray him to aid thorn in this perilous navigation. The missionaries caused the idol to be lifted up by the strength of the arm, and cast into the depths of the river, to appear no more to the idolatrous savages."

The Winnebagoes, by this time, had not only received considerable spiritual instruction from the Jesuit fathers, but had obtained quite an insight into the mysteries of trading and trafficing with white men; for, following the footsteps of the missionaries, and sometimes preceding them, were the ubiquitous French fur traders. It is impossible to determine precisely what territory was occupied by the Winnebagoes at this early date, farther than that they lived near the head of Green bay.

A direct trade with the French upon the St. Lawrence was not carried on by the Winnebagoes to any great extent until the beginning of the eighteenth century. As early as 1679, an advance party of LaSalle had collected a large store of furs at the mouth of Green bay, doubtless in a traflSc with this tribe and others contiguous to them; generally, however, the surrounding Nations sold their peltries to the Ottawas, who disposed of them, in turn to the French. The commencement of the eighteenth century found the Winnebagoes firmly in alliance with France, and in peace with the dreaded Iroquois. In 1718, the Nation numbered 600. They had moved from the Fox river to Green bay. They were afterward found to have moved up Fox river, locating upon Winnebago lake, which lake, was their ancient seat, and from which they had been driven either by fear or the prowess of more powerful tribes of the west and southwest. Their intercourse with the French was gradually extended and generally peaceful, though not always so, joining with them, as did the Menomoneos, in their wars with the Iroquois, and subsequently in their conflicts with the English, which finally ended in 1760.

When the British, in October, 1761, took possession of the French post, at the head of Green bay, the Winnebagoes were found to number 150 warriors only; their nearest village being at the lower end of Winnebago lake. They had in all not less than three towns. Their country, at this period, included, not only that lake, but all the streams flowing into it, especially Fox river; afterward extended to the Wisconsin and Rock rivers. They readily changed their course of trade - asking now of the commandant at the fort for English traders to be sent among them. In the Indian outbreak under Pontiac, in 1763, they joined with the Menomonees and other tribes to befriend the British garrison at the head of the bay, assisting in conducting them to a place of safety.

They continued their friendship to the English during the revolution, by joining with them against the colonies, and were active in the Indian war of 1790-4, taking part in the attack on Fort Recovery, upon the Maumee, in the present State of Ohio, in 1 793. They fought also on the sidd of the British in the War of 1812-15, aiding, in 1814, to reduce Prairie du Chien. They were then estimated at 4,500. When, in 1816, the government of the United States sent troops to take possession of the Green bay country, by establishing a garrison there, some trouble was anticipated from these Indians, who, at that date, had the reputation of being a bold and warlike tribe. A deputation from the Nation came down Fox river and remonstrated with the American commandant at what was thought to be an intrusion. They were desirous of knowing why a fort was to be established so near them. The reply was that, although the troops Avere armed for war if necessary, their purpose was peace. Their response was an old one: "If your object is peace, you have too many men; if war, you have too few." However, the display of a number of cannon, which had not yet been mounted, satisfied the Winnebagoes that the Americans were masters of the situation and the deputation gave the garrison no further trouble.

On the 3d of June, 1816, at St. Louis, the tribe made a treaty of peacn and friendship with the gpnpval gnvevnmpnt; but thoy continued to levy tribute on all white people who passed up Fox river. English annuities also kept up a bad feeling. At this time a portion of the tribe was living upon the Wisconsin river, away from the rest of the Nation, which was still seated upon the waters flowing into Green bay. In 1820 they had five villages on Winnebago lake and fourteen on Rock river. In 1825 the claim of the Winnebagoes was an extensive one, so far as territory was concerned. Its southeast boundary stretched away from the source of Rock river, to within forty miles of its mouth, in Illinois, where they had a village. On the west it extended to the heads of the small streams flowing into the Mississippi. To the northward, it reached Black river and the Upper Wisconsin, in other words, to the Chippewa territory, but did not extend across Fox river, although they contended for the whole of Winnebago lake.

During the winter of 1825-6, there were confined in the guard house of Fort Crawford, at Prairie du Chien, because of some alleged dishonest act, two Winnebago Indians. In October, 1826, the fort was abandoned and the garrison removed to Fort Snelling. The commandant took with him the two Winnebagoes. During the spring of 1827, the reports about the two Indians, around Prairie du Chien, was to the effect that they had beeii killed. It was soon apparent that a spirit of enmity between tlie tribe and tlie settlers in southwestern Wisconsin was effectually stirred up. In addition to this, were the daily encroachments of miners in the Lead Region; for these miners had, by this time, overrun the mining country fram Galena to the Wisconsin river. Finally the difficulties led to an open rupture.

Gagnier, about two miles from Prairie du Chien, where they remained several hours. At last, when Mr. Gagnier least expected it, Red Bird leveled his gun and shot him dead on his hearthstone. A person in the building by the name of Lipcap, who was a hired man, was slain at the same time by We-Kaw. Madam Gagnier turned to fly with her infant of eighteen months. As she was about to leap through the window, the child was torn from her arras by We-Kaw, stabbed, scalped and thrown violently on the floor as dead. The murderer then attacked the woman, but gave way when she snatched up a gun that was leaning against the wall, and presented it to his breast. She then effected her escape. Her eldest son, a lad of ten years, also shunned the murderers, and they both arrived in the village at the same time. The alarm was soon given; but, when the avengers of blood arrived at Gagnier's house, they found in it nothing living but his mangled infant. It was carried to the village, and, incredible as it may seem, it recovered.

A Winnebago Dehcmch. Red Bird and his companions immediately proceeded from the scene of their crime to the rendezvous of their band, Dnri)ig their absence, thirty-seven of the warriors who acknowledged the authority of Red Bird, had assembled with their wives and children, near the mouth of the Bad Ax river, in what is now Vernon county. They received the murderers with joy and loud approbations of their exploit. A keg of liquor which they had secured was set abroach, and the Indians began to drink and as their spirits rose, to boast of what they had already done and intended to do. They continued their revel for two days, but on the third the source of their excitement gave out - their liquor was gone. They were, at about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, dissipating the last fumes of their excitement in the scalp-dance, when they descried one of the keel-boats, which had a few days before passed up the river with provisions for the troops at Fort Snelling, on her return, in charge of Mr. Lindsay. Forthwith a proposal to take her and massacre the crew was made and carried by acclamation. They coiinted on doing this without risk, for they had examined her on her way up and supposed there were no arms on board. But in this they were mistaken as the sequel shows.

There were indications of hostilities on the part of the Sioux on the upper Mississippi, and the boats when they left Fort Snelling had been supplied with arras. In descending the river they expected an attack at Wabashaw, where the Sioux were dancing the war dance, and hailed their approach with insults and menaces, but did not offer to attack the boats, or obstruct their passage. The whites now supposed the danger over, and, a strong wind at that moment beginning to blow up stream, the boats parted company. So strong was the wind that all the force of the sweeps could scarcely stem it; and by the time the foremost boat was near the encampment, at the mouth of the Bad Ax, the crew were very willing to stop and rest. One or two Frenchmen, or half-breeds, who were on board, observed hostile appearances on shore, and advised the rest to keep the middle of the stream with the boat, but their counsel was disregarded. They urged the boat directly toward the camp with all the force of the sweeps. There were sixteen men on deck.

The men were rallying their French companions on their apprehensions, as the boat approached the shore; but when within thirty yards of the bank, suddenly the trees and rocks rang with the blood-chilling, ear-piercing tones of the war whoop, and a volley of rifle balls rained upon the deck. Happily, the Winnebagoes had not yet recovered from the effects of their debauch, and their arms were not steady. One man only fell. He was a little Negro named Peter. His leg was dreadfully shattered and he afterward died of the wound. A second volley soon came from the shore; but, as the men were lying at the bottom of the boat, they all escaped but one, who was shot through the heart. Encouraged by the non-resistance, the Winnebagoes rushed to their canoes with intent to board. The boatmen having recovered from their first panic, seized their guns and the savages were received with a severe discharge. In one canoe two savages were killed with the same bullet and several wounded. ''J'he attack was continued until night, when one of the party named Mandeville, who had assumed command, sprang into the water, followed by four others, who succeeded in setting the boat afloat, and then went down the stream.

Thirly-seven Indians were engaged in this attack, which may be called the first "Battle of Bad Ax;" the second being fought just below this point, five years after, between the Americans and Indians of another tribe, of which an account will be given in another chapter. Of the Winnebagoes seven were killed and fourteen wounded. They managed to put 693 shots into and through the boat. 1'wo of the crew were killed outiight, and four wounded - two mortally. I'he presence of mind of Mandeville undoubtedly saved the rest, as well as the boat. Mr. Lindsay's boat, the rear one, did not reach the mouth of the Bad Ax until midnight. 'J'he Indians Oj)ened fire upon her, which was piomptly returned. Owing to the darkness no injury was done to the boat, and she passed safely on. Considering the few that were engaged in the attack on the first boat and in its defense, the contest was indeed a spirited and sanguinary one.

Great was the alarm at Prairie du Chien when the boats arrived there. The people left their houses and farms and crowded into the dilapidated fort. An express was immediately sent to Galena and another to Fort Snelling, for assistance. A company of upwards of 100 volunteers soon arrived from Galena, and the minds of the inhabitants were quieted. In a few days four imperfect companies arrived from Fort Snelling. The consternation of the people of the lead mines was great, and in all the frontier settlements. This portion of the country then contained, as is supposed, about 5,000 inhabitants - that is south of the Wisconsin river and at Prairie du Chien, and extending into Illinois. A great many of these fled from tlieir homes.

Arrival of Government Troojjs. On the 1st of September, 1827,Major William Whistler, witli government troops arrived at the portage (now Portage, Columbia Co., Wis.), and while there an express arrived from Gen, H. Atkinson, announcing his approacl', and directing him to halt and fortify himself and wait his arrival. The object of the joint exiiedition of Gen. Atkinson from Jefferson barracks below St. Louis, ajid of Major Whistler from Fort Howard, at Green Bay, was to capture those who had committed the murders at Prairie du Chien* and put a stop to any further aggression. And this march of the two into the Winnebago country from opposite directions was well calculated to over-awe the disaffected among the Winnebagoes. These Indians were soon advised that the security of their people lay in the surrender of the murderers of the Gagnier family. Accordingly, Red Bird and We-Kaw were surrendered up to Major Whistler at the portage, and the Winnebago war was ended. The two Indians were taken to Prairie du Chien for safekeeping, to await their trial in the regular courts of justice for murder.

Trial and Conviction of the Murderera. The next spring (1828), Red Bird, We-Kaw and another Winnebago prisoner were tried at Prairie du Chien, before Judge James Duane Doty, who went from Green Bay there for that purpose. They were found guilty and sentenced to death. Red Bird died in prison. A deputation of the tribe went to Wasliington to solicit from the President of the United States, John Quincy Adams, a pardon for the others. President Adams granted it on the implied condition that the tribe would cede the lands then the possession of the miners,iii the Lead Region, to the General Government.* The Winnebagoes agreed to. this. Madame Gagnier was compensated for the loss of her husband and the mutilation of her infant. At the treaty with the Winuebagoes held at Prairie du Chieii in 1829, provision was made for two sections of land to her and her two children. The United States agreed to pay her the sum of |50 per annum for fifteen years, to be deducted from the annuity of the Winnebagoes.

De-Ka ii-Ray''s Imprisomnent. In closing this account of the "Winnebago War" we give an anecdote, which places the Winnebago character in an amiable light. The militia of Prairie du Chien, immediately after the affair of the boats at the mouth of the Bad Ax river, seized an old Winnebago chief named De-kau-ray and four other Indians. The chief was informed that if Red Bird was not given up within a certain time he and the others were to die in his place. This, De-kau-ray steadfastly believed. A messenger, a young Indian, was sent to inform the tribe of the state of affaiis, and several days had elapsed and no information was received of the murderers. The dreadful day was near at hand, and De-kau-ray, being in bad health, asked permission of the officer to go to the river and indulge in his long-accustomed habit of bathing in order to improve his physical condition, upon which Col. Snelling told him that if he would promise on the honor of a chief that he would not leave town, he might have his liberty and enjoy all his privileges until the day appointed for his execution. Accordingly he first gave his hand to the colonel, thanking him for his friendly offer, then raised both hands aloft, and, in the most solemn adjuration, promised that he would not leave the bounds presciibed, and said if he had a hundred lives he would sooner lose them all than forfeit his word. He was then set at liberty. He was advised to flee to the wilderness and make his escape. "Do you think," said he, "I prize life above honor?" He then complacently remained until nine days of the ten which he had to live had passed, and still nothing was heard of the murderers or of their being apprehended. No alteration could be seen in the countenance of the chief. It so happened that on that day Gen. Atkinson arrived with his troops from Jefferson barracks, and the order for the execution was countermanded and the Indians permitted to return to their homes.

Wm. J. Snelling on, the " Winueb«go TF«r." No tribe considers revenge a more sacred duty than the Winnebagoes. It was their an cient custom to take five lives for one, and it is notorious on the frontiers, that no blood of theirs has been slied, even in modern days, that has not been fully avenged. They used, too, to wear some part of the body of a slain enemy about them as a testimony of prowess. We well remember a grim Winnebago, who was wont to present himself before the whites, w-ho passed the portage of the Fox and Wisconsin rivers, with a human hand hanging on his breast. He had taken it from a Yankee soldier at Tippecanoe.

It was not difficult to stir up such a people to hostility, and, moreover, circumstances favored the designs of the Dakotas. There is, or was, a village of Winnebagoes on the Black river, not far from the Dakota town of which Wa-ba-shaw is chief. The two tribes are descended from the same stock, as their languages abundantly prove, and the claims of common origin have been strengthened by frequent intermarriages. Now, it happened, that at the time when Toopun-kali Zeze was put to death at Fort Snelling, the Red Bird was absent from his Winnebago village, on an expedition against the Chippewas. He returned unsuccessful, and, consequently, sullen and malcontent. Till this time he had been noted among his tribe for his friendly disposition towards the "men with hats," as the Indians call the whites, and among the traders, for his scrupulous honesty.

However, this man, from whom no white person beyond the frontier would have anticipated injury, was easily induced to commit a bloody and unprovoked outrage.

Certain Dakota ambassadors arrived at the Red Bird's village, with a lie in their moutlis. "You have become a by-word of reproacii among us," said they; "you have just given the Chippewas reason to laugh at you, and the Big Knives also laugli at you. Lo! wliile they were among you they dared not offend you, but now they have caused Wa-man-goos-ga-ra-ha, and his companion to be put to death, and they haA'e cut their bodies into pieces not bigger than the spots in a bead garter." The tale was believed, and a cry for vengeance arose throughout the village. It was decided that sometliing must be done, and the Dakota envoys promised to lend a helping hand.

A few days before, two keel-boats had ascended the river, laden witli provisions for the troops at Fort Snelling. They passed the mouth of Black river with a full sheet, so that a few Winnebagoes, wlio were there encamped, had some difficulty in reaching them with their canoes. They might have taken botli boats, for there were but three Hre-locks on board; nevertheless tbey offered no injur}'. Tiiey sold fish and venison to the boatmen, on amicable terms, and suffered them to pursue their journey unmolested. We mention this trifling circumstance, merely because it was afterwards reported in the St. Louis papers, that the crews of these boats had abused these Winnebagoes slianiefuUy, which assuredly was not the case Tiie wind died away before the" boats reached the village of Wa-ba-shaw, which is situated on the west bank of the Mississippi, twelve or fifteen miles above the mouth of the Black river. Here the Dakotas peremptorily commanded them to put ashore, which they did. No reason was assigned for the order. Upwards of 500 warriors immediately crowded on board. A passenger who was well acquainted with the Dakotas observed that they brought no women with them as usual; that they were painted black, which signifies either grief or hostility; that they refused to shake hands with the boatmen, and that their speech was brief and sullen. He instantly communicated his observation to Mr. Lindsay, who commanded the boats, and advised him to push on, before the savages should have discovered that the party were wholly unarmed. Lindsay, a bold-liearted Kentuckian, assumed the tone of command, and peremptorily ordered the Dakotas ashore. They, probably, thought that big words would be seconded with hard blow's, and complied. The boats pushed on, several Indians pursued them along the shore for several miles, with speech of taunt and defiance, but they offered no further molestation.

The Dakota villages higher up showed much ill-will, but no disposition, or rather no courage, to attack. Altogether appearances were so threatening that on his arrival at Fort Snelling, Mr. Lindsay communicated what he had seen to the commanding officer, and asked that his crew should be furnished with arms and ammunition. The request was granted; his thirtytwo men were provided with thirty-two muskets, and a barrel of ball cartridges. Thus secured against attack, the boats commenced the descent of the river.

In the meanwhile the Red Bird had cogitated upon what he had heard, every tittle of which he believed, and had come to the conclusion that the honor of his race required the blood of two Americans at least. He, therefore, got into his canoe with Wekaw, or the Sun, and two others, and paddled to Prairie du Chien. When he got there he waited upon Mr. Boilvin in the most friendly manner, and begged to be regarded as one of the staunchest friends of the Americans. The venerable agent admitted his claims, but absolutely refused to give him any whisky. The Winnebago chief then applied to a trader in the town, who, relying on liis general good character, did not hesitate to furnish him with an eight gallon keg of spirits, the

There was an old colored woman in the village, whose five sons had never heard that they were inferior beings, either from the Indians or the Canadian French. Therefore, having never considered themselves degraded, they were not degraded; on the contrary, tliey ranked with the most respectable inhabitants of the place. We knew them well. One of them was the village blacksmith; the others were substantial farmers. Their father was a Frenchman, and their name was Gagnier.

One of these men owned a farm three miles from Prairie du Chien, where lie lived with his wife, who was a white woman, two children and a hired man named Lipcap. Thither the Red Bird repaired with his three companions, sure of a fair reception, for Registre Gagnier had always been noted for his humanity to the poor, especially the Indians.

Registre Gagnier invited his savage visitors to enter, hung the kettle over the fire, gave them to eat and smoked the pipe of peace with them. The Red Bird was the last man on earth whom he would have feared; for they were well acquainted with each other and had reciprocated good offices. The Indians remained several hours under Gagnier's hospitable roof. At last, when the farmer least expected it, the Winnebago chief leveled his gun and shot him down dead on his hearth-stone. Lipcap was slain at the same instant by Wekaw. AJadame Gagnier turned to fly with her infant of eighteen months. As she was about to leap through the window, the child was torn from her arms by Wekaw, stabbed, scalped and thrown violently on the floor as dead. The murderer then attacked the woman; but gave way when she snatched up a gun that was leaning against the wall and presented it to his breast. !She then effected her escape. Her eldest son, a lad of ten years, also shunned the murderers, and they both arrived in the village at about the same time. The alarm was soon given; but when the avengers of blood arrived at poor Registre Gagnier's house, they found in it nothing living but his mangled infant. It was carried to the village, and, strange as it may seem, recovered.* The Red Bird and his companions immediately proceeded from the scene of their crime to the rendezvous of their band. During their absence, thirty-seven of the warriors, who acknowledged the authority of Red Bird, had assembled, with their wives and children, near the mouth of Bad Ax river. They received the murderers with exceeding great joy, and loud approbation of their exploit. The keg of liquor was immediately set abroach, the red men began to drink, and, as their spirits rose, to boast of what they had already done, and intended to do. 'i'wo days did they continue to revel; and on the third the source of their excitement gave out. Ihey were, at about 4 in the afternoon, dissipating the last fumes of their excitement in the scalp dance, when they descried one of the keel-boats before mentioned approaching. Forthwith a proposal to take her and massacre the crew was made and carried by acclamation. They counted upon doing this without risk; for they had examined her on the way up, and supposed that there were no arms on board.

Mr. Lindsay's boats had descended the I'iver together as far as the village of Wa-ba-shaw, where they expected an attack. The Dakotas on shore were dancing the war-dance, and hailed their approach with insults and menaces; but did not, nevertheless, offer to obstruct their passage. The whites now supposed the danger over, and a strong wind at that moment beginning to blow up stream, the boats parted company. That which sat deepest in the water had the advantage of the under current, and, of course, gained several miles in advance of the other.

*Gen. Smith, on the authority of Judge Doty, states that this trug'edy occurred on the ~8th of June, 1827; Judge Lockwood says the 26th and Niiea Register says the 21th.

the foremost boat was near the encampment, at mouth of the Bad Ax, the crew were very willing to stop and rest. One or two Frenchmen, or half breeds, who were on board, observed hostile appearances on shore, and advised the rest to keep the middle of the stream; but their counsel was disregarded. Most of the crew were Americans, who, as usual with our countrymen, combined a profound ignorance of Indian character with a thorough contempt for Indian prowess. They urged the boat directly toward the camp, with all the force of the sweeps. There were sixteen men on deck. It may be well to observe here, that this, like all keel-boats used in the Mississippi valley, was built almost exactly on the model of the Erie and Middlesex canal boats.

The men were rallying their French companions on their apprehensions, and the boat* was within thirty yards of the shore, when suddenly the trees and rocks rang with the blood-chilling, ear-piercing tones of the war whoop, and a volley of riflo balls rained upon the deck. Hap|)ily, the Winnebagoes had not yet recovered from the effects of their debauch, and their arms were not steady. One man only fell by their fire. He was a little Negro named Peter. His leg was dreadfully shattered, and he afterwards died of the wound. Then Peter began to curse to be shot at like a Christmas turkey; but finding that his reproaches had no effect, he also managed to drag himself below. All this passed in as little time as it will take to read this paragraph.

Presently a voice hailed the boat in the Sac tongue, demanding to know if the crew were English? A half-breed Sac, named Beauchamp, answered in the affirmative. "Then," said the querist, "come on shore, and we will do you no harm, for we are your brethren, the Sacs." "Dog," retorted Beaucamp, "no Sac would at-

With that, a second volley came from the shore; but as the men were now lying prone in the bottom of the boat, below the water line, they all escaped but one. One man, an American named Stewart, fell. He had risen to return the first fire, and the muzzle of his musket protruding through a loop-hole, showed some Winnebago where to aim. The bullet struck hiui under the left arm, and passed directly through his heart. He fell dead, with his finger on the trigger of his undischarged gun. It was a hot day, and before the fight was over, the scent of the gunpowder could not overpower the stench of the red puddle around him.

The Winnebagoes encouraged by the nonresidence, now rushed to their canoes, with intent to board. One venerable old man endeavored to dissuade them. He laid hold on one of the canoes, and would, perhaps, have succeeded in retaining it; but in the heat of his argument, a ball from the boat hit him in the middle finger of the peace-making hand. Very naturally eni-aged at such unkind treatment from his friends, he loosed the canoe, hurried to his wigwam for his gun, and took an active part in the remainder of the action. In the meanwhile, the white men had recovered from their first ])anic, and seized their arms. The boarders were received with a very severe discharge. In one canoe, two savages were killed with the same bullet. Their dying struggles upset the canoe, and the rest were obliged to swim on shore, where it was sometime before they could restore their arms to fighting order. Several more were wounded, and those who remained unhurt, put back, satisfied that a storm was not the best mode of attack.

Two, however, persevered. They were together in one canoe, and approached the boat astern, Avhere there were no holes through which the whites could fire upon them. They soon leaped on board. One seized the long steering oar, or rudder. The other jumped upon deck, where he halted, and discharged five muskets, wliich had been left there by the crew, fled below through the deck into the bottom of the boat. In this manner he wounded one man verj^ severely. After this exploit, he hurried to the bow, where he seized a long pole, and with the assistance of the steersman, succeeded in oTounding the boat on a sand-bar, and fixing her fast under the fire of his people. The two Winnebago boatmen then began to load and fire, to the no small annoyance of the crew. He at the stern was soon dispatched. One of the whites observed his position through a crack, and gave him a mortal wound through the boards. Still, he struggled to get overboard, probably to save his scalp. But his struggles were feeble, and a second bullet terminated them before he could effect his object. After the fight wafB over, the man who slew him took his scalp.

The bow of the boat was open, and the war_ rior there still kept his station, out of sight, excepting when he stooped to fire, which he did five times. His third shot broke the arm, and passed through the lungs, of the brave Beauchamp. At this sight, one or two began to speak of surrender. "No, friends," cried the dying man; "you will not save your lives so. Fight to the last; for they will show no mercy. If they get the better of you, for God's sake throw me overboard. Do not let them get my hair.'' He continued to exhort ihera to resistance as long as his breath lasted, and died with the words "tight on," on his li{)s. Before this time, however, his slayer had also taken his leave of life. A sailor, named Jack Mandeville, shot him through the head, and he fell overboard, carrying his gun with him.

From that moment Mandeville assumed the command of the boat. A few had resolved to take the skiff, and leave the rest to their fate. They had already cast off the rope. Jack interposed, declaring that he would shoot the first man, and bayonet the second, who would persevere. They submitted. Two more had hidden themselves in the bow of the boat, out of sight, but not out of danger. After a while the old tar missed them, sought them, and compelled them by threats of instant death, enforced by pricks of his bayonet, to leave their hiding place, and take a share in the business in hand. Afterwards they fought like bull dogs. It was well for them that Mandeville acted as he did; for they had scarcely risen when a score of bullets, at least, passed through the place where they had been lying.

After the two or three first volleys the fire had slackened, but it was not, therefore, the less dangerous. The Indians had the advantage of superior numbers, and could shift their positions at pleasure. The whites were compelled to lie in the bottom of the boat, below the water mark, for its sides were without bulwarks. Every bullet passed through and through. It was only at intervals, and very warily, that they could rise to fire; for the flash of every gun showed the position of the marksman, and was instantly followed by the reports of two or three Indian rifles. On the other hand they were not seen, and being thinly scattered over a large boat, the Winnebagoes could but guess their positions. The fire, was therefore, slow; for none on either side cared to waste ammunition. Thus, for upwards of three hours, the boatmen lay in blood and bilge-water, deprived of the free use of their limbs, and wholly unable to extricate themselves.

At last, as the night fell, Mandeville came to the conclusion that darkness would render the guns of his own jjarty wholly useless, while it would not render the aim of the Winnebagoes a jot less certain. He, therefore, as soon as it was dark, stoutly called for assistance, and sprang into the water. Four more followed him. The balls rained around them, passing through tlieir clothes; but they persisted, and the boat was soon afloat. Seeing their prey escaping, the Winnebngoes raised a yell of mingled rage and despair, and gave the whites a farewell vol lev. It was returned, with three

For half the night, a wailing voice, apj^arently that of an old man, was heai'd, following the boat, at a safe distance, however. It was conjectured that it was the father of him whose body the boat was bearing away. Subsequently inquiry proved this supposition to be correct.

Thirty-seven Indians were engaged in this battle, seven of whom were killed, and fourteen were wounded. They managed to put 693 balls into and through the boat. Two of the crew were killed outright, two mortally, and two slightly wounded. Jack Mandeville's courage and presence of mind undoubtedly saved the rest, as well ns the boat; but we have never heard tlial he was rewarded in any way or shape.

Mr. Lindsay's boat, the rear one, reached the mouth of the Bad Ax about midnight. The Indians opened a fire upon her, which was promptly reluriied. There was a light on board, at which the first gun was probably aimed, for that ball only hit the boat. All the rest paf^sed over harmless in the darkness.'^

Great was the alarm at Prairie du Chien when the boats arrived there. The people left their houses and farms, and crowded into the dilapidated fort. Nevertheless, they showed much spirit, and speedily established a very effective discipline. An express was immediately sent to Galena, and another to Fort Snelling, for assistance. A company of upwards of 100 volunteers soon arrived from Galena, and the minds of the inhabitants were quieted.

In a few days, four imperfect companies of the 5th Infantr}'^ arrived from Fort Snelling, The commanding officer ordered a march on the Red Bird's village; but as the volunteers re-

*It is stated in Neill's Minnesota, that amouy the passengers on Lindsay's boat was .Joseph Snelline-, a talented son of the Colonel, who wrote a story of deep inti'rest, based on the facts narrated. This we presume wa'; William J. Siiellinir, the writer of this narrative. As for the date nf the attack on these keel boats. .ludg-e Lockwood trives it a< June 26th, wiiich Neill follows; Gen. Smith, on Judge Doty's authority, we pre.-iumc. says the iSOth. Whatever was the real date, one thinjr is quite certain, that the murder of Gasnier's family and the boat attack, transpired the same day, and the next day the first of the keel boats arrived at Prajrj^ d« Ohjen, incrlE^asing the war pianic among the pedple.

The consternation of the people of the lead mines was great. Full half of them fled from the country. Shortly after, however, when Gen. Atkinson arrived with a full regiment, a considerable body of volunteers joined him from Galena, and accompanied him to the portage of Wisconsin, to fight with or receive the submission of the Winnebagoes.

The Red Bird there appear(>d, in all the paraphernalia of an Indian chief and warrior, and surrendered himself to justice, together with his companions in the murder of Gagnier, and one of his band, who had taken an active part in the attack on the boats. They were incarcerated at Prairie du Chien. A dreadful epidemic broke out there about this time, and he died in prison. He knew that his death was certain, and did not shrink from it.

In the course of a year, the people of the lead mines increased in number and in strength and encroached upon the Winnebago lands. The Winnebagoes complained in vain. The next spring, the murderers of Methode, and the other Indian prisoners, were tried, convicted, and sentenced to death. A deputation of the tribe went to W^ashington to solicit their pardon. President Adams granted it, on the implied condition that the tribe would cede the lands then in possession of the miners. The Winnebagoes have kept their word - the land has been ceded, and Madame Gagnier has been compensated for the loss of her husband, and the mutilation of her infant. We believe that slie received, after waiting two years, the magnificent sum of $2,000.*

We will close this true account of life beyond the frontier, with an anecdote which places the Winnebago character in a more amiable light than anything already related. The

*At the treaty held at Prairie du Chien with the Winnebagoe-^, in 1''29, provision was made for two sections ot land to Therese Gagnier and her two children, Francois and Louise; and for the L'nit^J States to pay Therese Gaguier the sum of §50 per annunj for fifteen year?, to be dedticted from the annuity tb ^aid Indians.

militia of Prairie dii Chien, immediately after the affair of the boats, seized the old chief De- Kau-ray - the same who has already been mentioned. He was told that if the Red Bird should not be given up witliin a certain time, he was to die in his stead. This he steadfastly believed. Finding that confinement injured his health, he requested to be permitted to range the country on his parole. The demand was granted. He was bidden to go whither he pleased during the day, but at sunset he was required to return to the fort on pain of being considered an old woman. He observed the condition religiously. At the first tap of the retreat, De-Kau-ray was sure to present himself at the gate; and this he continued to do till Gen. Atkinson set him at liberty.

The following incident, found in the IVestern Courier, published at Ravenna, Ohio, Feb. 26, 1830, was read by the secretary at a meeting of the Wisconsin Historical Society, in December, 1862:

"There is no class of human beings on earth who hold a pledge more sacred and binding, than do the North American Indians. An instance of this was witnessed during the Winnebago war of 1827, in the person of De-Kau-ray, a celebrated chief of that Nation, who, with four other Indians of his tribe, was taken prisoner at Prairie du Chien. Col. Snelling, of the 5th regiment of Infantry, who then commanded that garrison, dispatched a young Indian into the Nation, with orders to inform the other chiefs of De-Kau-ray's band, that unless those Indians who were the perpetrators of the horrid murders of some of our citizens, were brought to the fort and given up within ten days, De-Kau-ray and the other four Indians, who were retained as hostages, would be shot at the end of that time. The awful sentence was pronounced in the presence of De-Kau-ray, who, though proclaiming his own innocence of the outrages which had been committed by others of his Nation, declared that he feared I not death, though it would be attended with serious consequences, inasmuch as he had two affectionate wives, and a large family of small children, who were entii'ely dependent on him for their support; but, if necessary, he was willing to die for the honor of his Nation.

"The young Indian had been gone several days, and no intelligence was yet received from the murderers. The dreadful day being near at hand, and De-Kau-ray being in a bad state of health, asked permission of the colonel to go to the river to indulge in his longaccustomed habit of bathing in order to improve his health. Upon which, Col. Snelling told him if he would promise, on the honor of a chief, that he would not leave the town, he might have his liberty and enjoy all his privileges, until the day of the appointed execution. Accordingh'^, he first gave his hand to the colonel, thanking him for his friendly offer, then raised both his hands aloft, and in the most solemn adjuration, ])roraised that he would not leave the bounds prescribed, and said if he had a hundred lives lie would sooner lose them all than forfeit his word, or deduct from his proud Nation one particle of its boasted honor. He was then set at liberty. He was advised to flee to the wilderness and make his escape. "But no," said he, "do you think I prize life above honor? or, tiiat I would betray a confidence reposed in me, for the sake of saving m.y life?" He then complacently remained until nine days of the ten which he had to I've had elapsed, and nothing heard from the Nation witli regard to the apprehension of the murderers, his immediate death became apparent; but no alteration could be seen in the countenance of the chief. It so happened that on that day Gen. Atkinson arrived with his troops from Jefferson barracks, and the order for the execution was countermanded, and the Indians permitted to repair to their homes."

Gen. Cass On Tiik Winnehago Outbreak, 1827

"Twenty-eight years have elapsed," said the venerable statesman, "since I passed along the borders of this beautiful State. 'Time and ohance happen to all men,' says the writer of old ; and time and chance have happened to me, since I first became identified with the west. In 1827 I heard that the Winnebagoes had assumed an attitude of hostility toward the whites, and that great fear and anxiety prevailed among the border settlers of the northwestern frontier, I went to Green Bay, where I took a canoe with twelve voyagers and went up the Fox river and passed over the portage into the Wisconsin. We went down the Wisconsin until we met an ascending boat in the charge of Ramsay Crooks, who was long a resident of the northwest. Here we ascertained that the Winnebagoes had assumed a hostile attitude, aiid that the settlers of Prairie du Chien were apprehensive of being suddenly attacked and massacred. After descending about seventy miles further, we came in sight of the Winnebago camp. It was situated upon a high prairie, not far from the river, and as he approached the shore he saw the women and children running across the prairie, in an opposite direction, which he knew to be a bad sign. After reaching the shore he went up to the camp. At first the Indians were sullen, particularly the young men. He talked with them awhile, and they finally consented to smoke the calumet. He afterwards learned that one of the young Indians cocked his gun, and was about to shoot him, when he was forcibly prevented by an old man, who struck down his arm. He passed down to Prairie du Chien, where he found the inhabitants in the greatest state of alarm. After organizing the militia, he had to continue his voyage to St. Louis. He stopped at Galena. There were then no white inhabitants on (.-ither bank of the Mississij)pi, north of the Missouri line. Arrived at St. Louis, after organizing a force under Gen. Clark and Gen. Atkinson, he ascended the Illinois in his canoe, and passed into Lake Michigan without getting out of it. The water had filled the swamps at the head of Chicago river, which enabled the voyageurs to navigate his canoe through without serious difficulty. Where Chicago now is he fouiid two families, one of which was that of his old friend Kinzie. This was the first and last time he had been at Burlington. New countries have their disadvantages of which those who come at a later day know little. Forty years ago flour sold at $2 a barrel, and there were hundreds of acres of corn in the west that were not harvested. The means of transportation were too expensive to allow of their being carried to market."

Dear General: - Capt. Henry, the chairman of the committee of safety, will wait on you at Prairie du Chien, before your departure from that place. Capt. Henry is an intelligent gentleman, who understands well the situation of the country. The letter accompanying Gov. Cass' communication to you has excited in some measure the people in this part of the country. As the principal part of the eflicient force is preparing to accompany you on your expedition up the Ouisconsin, it might have a good effect to send a small regular force to this part of the country, and in our absence they might render protection to this region.

I feel the importance of your having as many mounted men as the country can afford, to aid in punishing those insolent Winnebagoes who are wishing to unite, it would seem, in common all the disaffected Indians on our borders. From information received last night, some straggling Indians have been seen on our frontier.

There has repeatedly, durmg the past dozen or fifteen years, appeared in the papers an article purporting to be An Indian''s Race for Life. It stated, that soon after the Winnebago diflino culties in isa';, tliat a Sinnx Ii)diaii killed a Winnebago Indian while out hunting near the mouth of Root river; that the Winnebagoes were indignant at tlte act, and 2,000 of tliem assembled at Prairie du Chien, and demanded of Col. Taylor, commanding there, the procurement and surrender of tlie murderer. An officer was sent to the Sioux, and demanded the murderer, Avho was given up; and finally was surrendered to the Winnebagoes, on condition that he should have a chance for his life - giving him ten paces, to run at a given signal, and twelve Winnebagoes to pursue, each armed only with a tomahawk and scalping knife - but he out-ran them all and saved his life.

H. L. Dousman and B, W. Brisbois, have alwaj'S declared that no such incident ever occured there, and that there is "not one word of truth in the statement." This note is appended here that future historians of our State may understand that it is only a myth or fanciful story.

In the year 1822 considerable excitement was created in relation to the lead mines near Galena, and a number of persons went there from Sangamon county, among whom was Col. Ebenezer Brigham now of Blue Mounds, Dane Co., Wis. In 1826 the excitement and interest relative to the lead mine country became considerably increased, and in 1827, it became intense, equalling almost anything pertaining to the California gold fever. People from almost all portions of the Union inconsiderately rushed to the mining region.

W^ith Col. William S. Hamilton, James D. Brents and two others, I arrived at Galena on the 4th of July, 1827, and on the same day arrived also a boat from St. Peter's, which had been attacked b\' the Indians a short distance above Prairie du Chien, bringing on board one ni:in killeil and two men wounded. In the encounter with the Indians they killed two of them. *******

Upon the reception of the alarming intelligence of the attack on this boat ami also upon some of the inhabitants near Prairie du Chien and the reports being spread over the countrj-, a scene of the most alarming and disorderly confusion ensued - alarm and consternation were depicted in every countenance - thousands flocking to Galena for safety, when in fact it was the most exposed and unsafe place in the whole country. All were without arms, order or control. The roads were lined in all directions with frantic and fleeing men, women and children expecting every moment to be overtaken, tomahawked and scalped by the Indians. It was said, and I presume with truth, that the encampment of fugitives at tie head of Apple river on the first night of the alarm was four miles in extent and numbered 3,000 persons.

In this state of alarm, confusion and disorder it was extremely diflicult to do anything; almost every man's object was to leave the country, if possible. At length a company of riflemen was raised at Galena, upon the requisition of Gov. Cass of Michigan, who arrived there on the second day after the alarm. This company was commanded by Abner Fields, of Vandalia, 111., as captain and one Smith and William S. Hamilton as lieutenants, and was immediately put in motion for Prairie du Chien, by embarking on board the keel-boat, J/ai(7o/'i^<??«'6 River. On our way up the river, I acted as sergeant of the company, and we made several reconnoitering expeditions into the woods near the river, where Indian encampments were indicated by the rising of smoke. In these reconnoissances we run the hazard of some danger, but fortunately all the Indians that we met were friendly disposed, and did not in the least sympathize with those who had made hostile demonstrations.

When we arrived at Prairie du Chien we took possession of the barracks, under the prior orders of Gov. Cass, aiul remained there for several days until we gave way to Col. Snelling's troops who arrived from Fort Snelling. While we remained there, a most serious difficulty occurred between Col. Snelling, of the regular army, and Capt. Fields and Lieut Smith of our volunteers, which eventuated in Lieut. Smith sending Col. Snelling a challenge and Capt. Fields insisted upon doing so likewise, but Col. Hamilton and I at length dissuaded him from it. Col. Snelling declined accepting Lieut. Smith's challenge, and immediately sent a corporal with a file of men to arrest Mr. Scott, the bearer of Smith's communication. The volunteers refused to surrender Scott into the hands of the guard, but Col. Hamilton wrote a note to Col. Snellingstating, in effect, that Scott should immediately appear before him. Accordingly Col. Hamilton and I conducted Mr. Scott into the presence of Col. Snelling, who interrogated him as to his knowledge of the contents of Lieut. Smith's communication; and upon Mr. Scott's assuring the colonel that he was entirely ignorant of the subject-matter, lie was dismissed.

Col. Snelling then addressed the volunteers in a pacific and conciliatory manner, which seemed to dispose of the matter amicably; but the colonel, nevertheless, refused to furnish us with any means of support or any mode of conveyance back to Galena - as the boat in which we came, returned there immediately after our arrival. But for the noble generosity of Mr. Lockwood, who kindly furnished us with a boat and provisions, we would have been compelled to have made our way back to Galena on foot, or the best we could without provisions. During our entire stay at the garrison, we received the kindest treatment and most liberal hospitality at the hands of Mr Lockwood. At the time of our arrival at Prairie du Chien, the citizens had in their custody as hostages for the good conduct of their N^ition three Indians, one of whom was the well-known chief De-Kau-ray He disclaimed oh the part of his Nation as a whole, any intention to engage in hostilities with the whites; he was, however, retained some time as a hostage before being released.

During our absence, another volunteer company was raised, commanded by Gen. Dodge, who was constantly in the field with his mounted force, keeping in check the approach of the enemy. During his rangings, he took young Win-ne-shiek, son of the chief Win-ne-shiek, who was detained as a hostage for some time. No farther disturbances of a serious character took place that season; and in the succeeding autumn. Gens. Atkinson and Dodge held a council or treaty with the Winnebagoes. After this we had no more Indian troubles till 1832. James II. LockicoocVs Account of '-'-The 'Winnebago WarP

In the winter of 1825-26, the wise men at Washington took it into their heads to remove the troops from Fort Crawford to Fort Snelling, and abandon the former. This measure was then supposed to have been brought about on the representation of Col. Snelling of Fort Snelling, who disliked Prairie du Chien for difficulties he had with some of the principal inhabitants. During the winter there were confined in the guard-house at Fort Crawford two Winnebago Indians, for some of their supposed dishonest acts; but what they were charged with, I do not now recollect. At that time, as already mentioned, our mails from St. Louis, tlie east and south, came via Springfield to Galena, and the postmaster at Prairie du Chien sent to Galena for the mails of that place and Fort Snelling. An order would frequently arrive by steamboat countermanding a previous order for the abandonment of the fort, before the arrival of first order by mail, and this matter continued during the summer of 1826, and until October, when a positive order arrived, directing the commandant of Fort Crawford to abandon tlie fori, and proceed with the troops to Fort Snelling; and if he could not procure transportation, to leave the provisions, amninnition and fort in charge of some citizen.

ford, and the commandant set to work repairing the old fort, and making additional defenses. During this time the positive order arrived, and the precipitancy with which the fort was abandoned during the alarm was communicated to the Indians through the half-breeds residing at or visiting the place, which naturally caused the Winnebagoes to believe that the troops had fled through fear of them. The commandant took with him to Fort Snelling the two Winnebagoes confined in Fort Crawford, leaving behind some provisions, and all the damaged arms, with a brass swivel and a few wall pieces, in charge of John Marsh, the then sub-agent at this place.

The Winnebagoes, in the fall of 1826, obtained from the traders their usual credit for goods, and went to their hunting grounds; but early in the winter a report became current among the traders that the Winnebagoes had heard a rumor that the Americans and English were going to war in the spring; and hence they were holding councils to decide upon the course they should adojit, hunting barely enough to obtain what they wanted to subsist upon in the meantime.