Vernon County, Wisconsin - Chapter 26: Miscellaneous, 1884 (part 1 of 3)

Chapter 26: Miscellaneous

History is among the most pleasing and entertaining of human studies. By it we converse and become familiar with men and things of ages long in the past, and live, as it were, from the beginning of time to the present hour; but we cannot extend our researches into the future. History relates to the past. Prophecy to the future.

History embraces the biography of men and Nations; their ups and downs, rise and fall, detailing the incidents which have been, the changes which have occurred, the improvements which have been made, and when known, the reasons therefor, which is the philosophy of history.

There are, however, many things of interest on the face of the earth of which we have no history, for the reason that none has reached us, if any was ever written; of stich we can can only draw infefences of their causes from the effects which lie before us. Such is the case in reference to the ancient tumuli which abound to an unknown extent in the western States, but in none of them more numerously than in our own.

Their forms, and the materials of which they are made, clearly indicate the work of human hands, and intelligence and design on the part of the builders. The forts and fortifications indicate the existence o' wars among them, and that the combatants had more or less knowledge of military science. In some of them the existence of something like brick or pottery indicates some advances in the arts of civilization, much more so than anything found among the aborigines wkich the Anglo-Saxon race found in the country. But the present race of Indians have no traditions of the people who made these mounds nor of the design for which they were built.

The age in which these builders lived, or the distance of time from the present, is inferred from the age of trees found growing in the mounds, some of which, from their annual rings, are supposed to be 40U years old. But who were the builders, whence they came, whither they went, or by what means they became extinct, lies in the impenetrable darkness of the past, and is not likely to be known in time. But there is an interest excited in the mind on seeing these ancient works, a written history of which would highly gratify, if it were authentic, or believed so to be. This interest in us shows the duty to the future, to record what we know of the past or present, for its edification, as we would that others should have done unto us, even so we should do to those who are to follow us.

As the matter relative to these mounds now stands, conjecture alone can answer the inquiries of the antiquarian, which in most cases is as unsatisfactory as the total darkness in which the history of those times is now enveloped. Some have thought that these mounds were thrown up as monuments over the distinguished dead, and have inferred this from the fact that in so?ne of them relics have been found. But

That human bones and Indian relics have been found in .some of them of late years is no proof that they were erected for places of interment; for since the whites have been in the country, our modern Indians have been in the habit, more or less, of burying their dead in them, and frequently guns, axes, kettles, etc., have been found with the bones - and sometimes without them - which shows that the interment took place since the whites came to the continent, and the fact that such metallic substances have been found without the bones, shows that if men were buried there at first, their bones could not have continued in a state of preservation until this time.

It is worthy of remark that while in Ohio the most prominent of these tumuli were forts or fortifications in Wisconsin, but few of that description are found. I can now call to mind but one such, that at Aztalan, and in traveling extensively in the State for twenty-two years, I have noticed but few of these mounds south of a line drawn east from the mouth of tlie Wisconsin river to the lake, while m rth of this line and between the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers there are probably 1000 of them. In Crawford county alone there are at least 500, one hundred of which can be found in the towns of Prairie du Chien and Wauzeka.

The evidence of ancient mining found in the Lake Suj)erior copper region, with trees ^ n them of 400 years' growth or more, indicating some degree of intelligence and skill, makes it probable that those mines were wrought by the same race of people who made the mounds, and at about the same time; and yet, their being no copper relics found in these mounds, makes it probable that either they had no commerce with each other, or that they were few in number and emigrated from place to place, to avoid their pursuing enemies, and that those mines were their last retreat, from which they disappeared from

The earliest inhabitants of the district now included within this State of whom we have positive knowledge, were the ancestors of present Indians of this vicinity, and from -the best light I have been able to obtain upon the subject, from Indian traditions, and the earliest history of the country, the Dakota or Sioux were the occupants and owners of the soil of what is now our entire State, together witli Minnesota and the northern parts of Iowa and Illinois. This occupancy we can trace back about 150 years, and if the growth of trees on the mounds and mines, which indicate at least 400 years to the time of the mound builders, be a true index, it is very strange that the Sioux have no traditions of them, as there would have been but 150 years between them. This makes it probable that the time of the mound builders was farther back in the world's history than is generally supposed.

Of the origin of the Sioux, or how long they had inhabited and hunted over this country before the whites came to it, we have no means of determining. They claim, and their traditions, together with the traditions of the Chippewas and the earliest history of both by the whites, sustain the claim; the earliest occupancy of the country to which any known history or tradition refers.

In 1639, (1634), Nicholet (John Nicolet), found the Pottawottomies in the vicinity of Green Bay. But in 1641 they were at Sault Ste. Marie, fleeing before the Sioux, who claiming the country as far at least as to that point, were driving tiie intruders from their soil and country. In 1642 a missionary was killed near Kewee-we-na, by the Sioux, as an intruder upon their territory. From 1652 to 1670 the Uurons appear to have been wandering about the country between Green Bay and La Pointe, when they were expelled by the Sioux. In 1667 the Kiskasons, a band of the Ottawas, were driven

In 1660 Father Maret and others established a mission among the Sioux, on the Che-goi-megon bay, wliich lies south of La Pointe. In 1668 there appears to have been a large gathering of the floating bands of the Algonquin or Chippewa race, who were encroaching upon the territory of the Sioux, at this mission, amounting to 800 warriors, for a kind of protracted religious meeting. The Jesuit missionaries coming to the country through Canada, first became acquainted with the Algonquins, and being kindly received by them, of course felt partial to them; and knowing that the Sioux and they were enemies, it woidd be natural for them to favor their early friends, and gathered them around their mission notwithstanding they were intruders in tlie country.

Not a Sioux appears to have been there at the meeting, and the preaching was in the Algonquin tongue. But this meeting of the enemies of the Sioux, in their own territory, seems to have aroused them to a defense of this right; and in 1670 they drove all these intruders, with the missionaries who had been the means of gathering them at that place, as far as Sault Ste. Marie. This proves that the Sioux claimed and exercised jurisdiction over the country as far east as Lake Michigan and St. Mary, as late as that period, which they did upon a more ancient right and occupancy of the country.

In 1681 Hennepin was taken prisoner by the Sioux, on the Mississippi, below the mouth of the Wisconsin river, as an intruder upon their country. This shows their claim to the country in that direction.

Saukies. Thi s 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 jointed 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 town 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 nuirkets for traders to furnish themselves with provisions, of any within 800 miles of it.

The Saukies can raise about 300 warriors, who are generally employed every summer in making 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 staid here I took a view of some mountains [Blue Mountains], that lie 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 Ottigaumies. 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 tlian one-half of the inhabitants. The greater part of those who survived had retired into tlie 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.

About five miles from the junction of the rivers, I observed the ruins of a large town, in a very pleasing situation. On inquiring of the neighboring Indians why it was tlius deserted, I was informed that, about thirty years ago, the Great Spirit appeared on the top 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, soon after discovered that this miraculous alteration had taken place. Tliey showed me the spot, but the growth of the grass appeared to be no ways supernatural. I apprehended this to have been a strategem of the French or Spaniards to answer some selfish view; but in what manner they affected 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 La Prairies las 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 Mississippi, annually assemble about the latter end of 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 it would be more conducive to their interest, 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 homes.

The Mississippi, at the entrance of the Ouisconsin, near which stands a mountain of considerable height, is about half a mile 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 extraordinary rich, and but thinly wooded.

Concbkning The Fox Indians

(By Schoolcraft, 1830.) The first we hear of these people (the F'oxes) 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 7nisk-irau, red, and ai/kie, 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 th'^ir longstanding 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, infoi'ms me that their tradi- tions 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, warlikeand treacherous tribe, dwelling but a short time at a spot, and pushing westward as their affairs led them, till they finally reached the Mississippi, which they must have crossed after 1766, for Carver found them living in villages on the Wisconsin. At Saginaw they ajjjieared to have formed a fast alliance with the Saus, a tribe to whom they are closely allied by language and history. They figure in the history of Indian events about old Michilimackinac, 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. Wis. * The Chippewas, with whom they have strong afiiuity of language, call their Otagami, and ever deemed 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 consist^ 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 no-v absent, in the same direction, undera half-breed named Morgan. They are on bad terms 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 sometimes after night-fall we put ashore on an island, before reaching the Wisconsin.

In ascending the river this day, observed the pelican, which exhibited itself in a flock standing on a low sandy spot of an island. This bird has a clumsy and unwieldly 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 chorous and landed at 6 o'clock.

The Winnebagoes

Twelve treaties were held at different times between the United States and the Sac and Fox Indians and the Winnebagoes, affecting, immediately or remotely, the territory now included within the limits of Vernon county, as follows:

1. A treaty was held at St. Louis, Nov. ;^, 1804, between the Sacs and Foxes and the United States. William Henry Harrison was acting commissioner on the part of the government. By the provisions of the treaty, the chiefs and head men of the united tribes ceded to the United States a large tract on both sides of the Mississippi, extending on the east from the mouth of the Illinois to the head of that river, and thence to the Wisconsin; and including on the west considerable portions of Iowa and Missouri, from the mouth of the Gasconade northward. In what is now the State of Wisconsin, tliis grant embraced the whole of the present counties of Grant and Lafayette and a large portion of Iowa and Green connties. The lead region was included in this purchase. In consideration of this cession, the general government agreed to protect the tribes in the quiet enjoyment of their land, against its owns citizens and all others who should intrude on them. The tribes permitted a fort to be built on the upper side of the Wisconsin river near its mouth, and granted a tract of land two miles square adjoining the same. The government agreed to give them an annuity of |1,000 per annum. The validity of this treaty was denied by one band of the Sac Indians, and this cession of land became, twenty-eight years after, the alleged cause of the Black Hawk War.

2. Another treaty was held at Portage des Sioux, now a village in St. Charles Co., Mo., on the Mississippi river, Sept. 13, 1815, with certain chiefs of that portion of the Sac Nation then residing in Missouri, who, they said, were compelled since the commencement of the late war, to separate themselves from the rest of their Nation. They gave their assent to the treaty made at St. Louis in 1804, and promised to remain separate from the S.acs of Rock river, and to give them no aid or assistance, until peace should be concluded between the United States and the Foxes of Rock river. '

3. On the 14th of September, a treaty was made with the chiefs of the Fox tribe at the same place. They agreed that all prisoners in their hamls should be delivered uj) to the governmeiit. They assented to,recognized, re-established and confirmed the treaty of 1804 to the full extent of their interest in the same.

4. A treaty was held at St. Louis, May 13, 1816, with the Sacs of Rock river, who affirmed the treaty of 1801, and agreed to deliver up all the property stolen or plundered, and in failure todoso, to forfeit all title to their annuties. To this treaty, Black Hawk's name appears with Others. That chief afterward affirmed that though he himself had "touched the quill" to this treaty, he knew not what he was signing, and that he was therein deceived by the agent and others, who did not correctly explain the nature of the grant; and in reference to the treaty of St. Louis in 1804, and at Portage des Sioux in 1815, he said he did not consider the same valid or binding on him or his tribe, inasmuch as by the terms of those treaties; territory was described which the Indians never intended to sell, and the treaty of 1804, particularly, was made by parties who had neither authority in the Nation nor power to dispose of its lands. Whether this was a true statement of the case or otherwise, it is quite certain that the grant of lands referred to was often confirmed by his Nation, and was deemed conclusive and binding by the government. The latter acted in good faith to the tribes, as well as to the settlers, in the disposition of the lands.

5. A treaty of peace and friendship was made at St. Louis, June 3, 1816, between the chiefi and warriors of that part of the Winnebagoes residing on the Wisconsin river. In this treaty the tribe state that they have separated themselves from the rest of their Nation; that they, for themselves and those they represent, confirm to the United States all and every cession of land heretofore made by theirNation, and every contract and agreement, as far as their interest extended.

6. On the 19th of August, 1825, at Prairie <iu Cliien, a treaty was made with the Sioux, Chippewas, Sacs and Foxes, Winnebagoes, Ottawas and Pottawattamies, by which the boundary between the two first Nations was agreed upon; also between the Chippewas, Winnebagoes and other tribes.

7. Another treaty was held August 5, 1826, at Fond du Lac of Lake Superior, a small settlement on the St. Louis river, in Itaska Co., Minn. , with the same tribes, by which the previous treaty was confirmed in respect to boundaries, and those of the Chippewas was defined, as a

8. A treaty was made and concluded Aug 1, 1827, at Butte des Morts, between the United States and the Chippewa, Menomonee and Winnebago tribes, in whicli the boundaries of their tribes were defined; no cession of lands was made.

9. A treaty was made at Green Bay, Aug. 25, 1828, with the Winnebagoes, Potiawattamies and other tribes. This treaty wiis made to remove the difficulties which had arisen in consequence of the occupation by white men of that portion of tiie mining country in the southwestern part of Wisconsin which had not been ceded to the United States. A provisional boundary was provided, and privileges accorded the government to freely occupy their territory until a treaty should be made for the cession of the same. This treaty was simply to difiiie the rights of the Indians, and to give the Uniied States the right of occupation.

10. Two treaties were made at Prairie du Chien on the 29th of July, 1829, and Aug. 1, 1829. At the first date, with the Chii)pei<as, Ottawas and Pottawattamies, by whicli these Nations ceded all their lands which they claimed in the northwestern part of Illinois; and at the latter date with the Winnebagoes, by which that Nation ceded and relinquished all their right, title and claim to all their lands south of the Wisconsin river, thus confirming the purchase of the lead-mine region. Certain grants were made to individuals, which grants were not to be leased or sold by the grantees.

By this important treaty, about 8,000,000 of acres of land were added to the public domain. The three tracts ceded, and forming one whole, extended from the upper end of Rock river to the mouth of the Wisconsin, from latitude 41 degrees .30 minutes to latitude 43 degrees 1.5 minutes on the Mississippi. Following the meanderings of the river, it was about 240 miles from west to east, extending along the Wisconsin and Fox rivers, affording a passage across the country

11. At the conclusion of the Black Hawk War, in 1832, for the purpose of clearing up the Indian title of the Winnebago Nation in the country, a treaty was made and concluded at Fort Armstrong, Sept. 15, 1832. All the territory claimed by this Nation lying south and east of the Wisconsin and Fox river of Green ba}', was ceded to the United States, and no band or party of Winnebagoes was allowed to reside, plant, fish or hunt on these grounds, after June 1, 1833, or on any part of the country therein ceded.

12. The Winnebago Nation, by the chiefs and delegates, held a treaty with the government at Washington, Nov. 1, 1837. That Nation ceded all their lands east of the Mississippi, and obligated themselves to remove, within eight uKiiiths after the ratification of the treaty, to certain lands west of the river Mississippi which -vere conveyed to them by the treaty of Sept. 21, 1832.

A Sequel To The Great Indian Treaty

{By Caleb Atwater.) On the day we delivered the goods to the Winnebagoes, after the Indians were all seated on the ground in rows, tlie chiefs on the highest spot in the center, on lienches, clothed in the most sumptuous niatiner; where they could see and be seen to the best advantage; every tribe by itself; the half-breeds in one place; the full whites in another. As I passed through the open spaces between the ranks, my attention was forcibly drawn to a particular spot by a constant snarling, hissing noise of some miserable human being, whom, on approaching her, I ascertained to be an Indian woman, shriveled, haggard and old, though remarkably neat in her person and dress. She appeared to be about sixtjf years of age, and scolded incessantly. Some of the goo<ls placed before her, as her share of them, she complained of as beiny too fine; others as being too coarse; some cost too much, while others were quite too cheap, and none of them seemed to please her. Wishing, if possible, to please all of them, and especially the ladies; actuated by the best of motives, I endeavored by every argument in my power to satisfy her, that so far as I could do anything towards it, great care had been taken in the distribution to do justice to every individual. I told her that her great father, the President, had specially ordered me, so far as in me lay, to please all, and to see that no one went home dissatisfied. At that moment she returned upon me a volley of epithets too degrading to be repeated, even though applied to myself, as I felt conscious of not deserving them. Turning around to some females who were politely sitting ou the ground behind me, I learned the fault finder was an old maid, (unmarried men at sixty years of age I will call bachelors, but ladies never), and tliat the only distinguishing mark of attention she had ever received from any man was a smart blow with a flat hand on her right ear.

As there is no law regulating taste, and sometimes no rational way of accounting for some of its freaks; and as some sights are the aversion of some persons, while the appearance of other objects is equally disagreeable to others; and as I never could endure the ideas convened to my mind by a rattlesnake, a heartless politician, an iceberg and a cold hearted woman, I turned away from her in disgust, and never saw her more nor inquired her name, for fear I should remember it. She was the only person who left the treaty ground dissatisfied with the commissioners. To please her it was utterly impossible.

Seated, as I said, upon rising ground on benches, clad in blankets, either green or red; covered with handsome fur hats, with three beautiful ostrich plumes in each hat; dressed in ruflied calico shirts, leggins and mocasins, all new, and faces painted to suit the fancy of each individual, who held in his hand a new rifle, adorned too, with silver broaches, silver clasps on every arm, and a large medal suspended on each breast; the chiefs, principal warriors and head men , to the number of f oi'tytwo, sat during the two hours after all the goods had been delivered to the Nation.

Every individual of both sexes in the Nation had lyingdirectly before the person on the ground the share of the goods belonging to the individual. Great pains had been taken to give each, such, and just so many clothes as would be suitable for the owner to wear during the year to come. The clothes were cut so as to correspond exactly with the size of the owner. The pile of clothes for each person was nearly two feet in thickness, the sight of which entirely overcame with joy, our red friends, and they sat, during two hours, in the most profound silence, not taking off their eyes one moment from the goods, now their own. For the first time during my constant intercourse of several weeks with these interesting sons and daughters of the forest, as I passed repeatedly through their ranks, not an eye appeared to see me, not an ear to hear my heavy tread, not a tongue, as always heretofore, repeated the endearing name of "Oconee Kairake," (the good chief), which their kind partiality had given me on my first landing at Prairie du Chien. Their minds were entirely overcome with joy.

The day being far spent, and, as the loading of the canoes, in which they were about to depart, would necessarily occupy some little time, I informed the chiefs and principal men thai the time had arrived when we should part to meet no more; that the great gun at the fort would soon be fired to do them honor. With one accord they all arose, and shaking me heartily by the hand, many of them shedding tears on the occasion, they one and all invited me to visit them at their respective, places of abode. In a shrill tone of voice Nankaw issued his orders for every individual to arise, take up his or her goods, and repair to the

In fifteen minutes they were all seated on the sands hy the river's edge, where they all sat in breathless silence awaiting the signal, which was soon given. As .soon as that was given each chief came forward, shook me again cordially by the hand, accompanied by the warmest protestations of friendship. In a few moments more they were off, covering a considerable surface with their canoes, each one of which carried its flag of some sort floating in the gentle breeze, wliich ruffled the surface of the Mississippi.

The Chippewas, Ottawas and Pottawattamies had received their goods in the same manner as the Winnebagoes; had been treated precisely in the same way, and three guns, one for each Nation, had given tliem signal to depart, and they had parted with nie in the same kind and affectionate manner.

After the departure of tlie above named Indians, we had the Sauks and Poxes still with us, with whom we had orders to hold a council to ascertain from them "if they would sell theii mineral lands, situated west of the Mississippi?'" - and if they would sell them, upon what terms?"

(4en. M'Neil, who was in command as a military officer in this section of country, addressed these tribes and was answered by Keokuk on the [lart of the Sauks, and by Morgan for the Foxes. I regret that tlie injunction of secrecy rests on these speeches in tlie United States Senate; otherwise I should take great pleasure in laying them before the reader, Keokuk, in particular, made one of the best speeches I ever heard, and it was admired as such by several members of the Senate. Keokuk, on the part of these Indians, complained to us of certain white men who had settled on the Indian lands along the Mississippi in order to supply persons navigating the river with necessaries, such as poultry, milk, butter, eggs, and above all, cordwood for the steamboats. He complained that the United States had cultivated lands as a garden for the garrison at Prairie du Chien-had erected a mill without leave^ on Indian land - and had not fulfilled former treaties with them.

Making them liberal presents, we naturally deferred the whole subject in discussion for the consideration of the government of the United States to act on it; and I take pleasure in saying the government has, since that time done its duty to these sons of the forest.

After arranging all matters with them as well as we could, which occupied several days, they were dismissed in a very friendly manner, as all other Indians had been already, and they immediately descended the river for their homes.

Though I neither am, nor ever pretended to he, a military man, yet I venture a few remarks - in some of the military establishments in the Miirtliwest.

'I'lie fort on Rock Island is commanded by hills on both sides of it, and could not stand an hour against an enemy with cannon posted on the heights.

Why this fort was placed here where it is, no man of sense can tell, if the British were to be the attacking enemj'. If this work was intended to protect this frontier against Indians it is in so dilapidated a state that by crossing on the island above the fort, or gliding along in their canoes under the western side of the island, which forms the outside of the fort, the Indians could in any dark night make themselves masters of the garrison in fifteen minutes. Whenever they please they can collect at this point in ten days 4,000 warriors, to contend with 400 soldiers. There is no regular mail connecting this post with the United States and war might be declared for three months, in some seasons of the year, without the garrison's knowing it.

There is a postoffice established here, and in summer the officers sometimes go to Galena tor their papers and letters, luO miles above thtm

- and sometlmps they go to Springfield, in the Sangamo country, a distance of seventy miles perhaps, for tlieir letters. The oiBcers must go themselves, as the soldiers, if permitted to go, would desert the service. Cut ofp from all the world, that is, the civilized world, during six months of the year, the officers and soldiers lead a life as dull as need be. The officers who have families have established a school for their children, which is doing very well.

Ascending the Mississippi, 200 miles or more above Rock Island, we arrive at Fort Crawford, at Prairie Du Chien. This post, like that at Rock Island, stands near the Mississippi on its eastern shore, and is entirely and completely commanded by the hills on each side of the river. It enjoys, too, a situation so low that nearly every summer, during the dog days, its site is under water from six to ten feet in depth, from the overflowing of the river.

This work is in so dilapidated a state that I presume it is now abandoned for another site somewhat more elevated but nearer the high hill that will forever command it, just east of it. Maj. Garland pointed out to me the spot where he supposed a new fort would be erected.

There is a propriety in placing a military post somewhere, at or near the mouth of the Wisconsin, in order to form a line of posts situated on Green bay, where there is a fort - and in the interior, at the.spot where Fort Winnebago is; but wliat consideration could have induced the government to place a garrison at St. Peters, 300 miles and more beyond a single white set> tlement - unconnected, too, with any other post in the very heart of the Indian country, I am unable to determine. If this post was intended to strengthen this frontier, it certainly weakens it to the amount of the force stationed there added to an amount of force enough to succor and defend it. If the object was to station a garrison where an intercourse with the Indians, for the purposes of trade, was sought, Lake Pepin, far below it, is the place where it should have been located. As it is, it so happens often that the officers and others who pass and repast between Prairie Du Chien and St. Peters are taken prisoners on the route by the Indians. Unless some one wished to get a good governmental job by getting this post established, then I cannot account for this strange location, and I am equally at a loss to account for the continuance of this worse than useless establishment where it is.

All the officers in the Indian countrv, who have been there ten years, ought instantly to be relieved by others. Lieut. Col. Z. Taylor, has been in the Indian country constantly with his family, about twenty years. Here he and his lady, who were bred in the most polished and refilled society, have been compelled to rear as well as they could, a worthy and most interesting family of children. Col. Taylor commands Fort Crawford, at Prairie Du Chien. Dr. Beaumont and his amiable and accomplished lady; Maj. Garland and his, belonging to this garrison, are doing the same. It is an interesting sight, to see such persons, located as they are, in a fort, on the very verge of civilized life, educating a family of young children. The situation of delicate females, belonging to some of the best families in the Nation, reared in tenderness, amidst all the luxuries and refinements of polished society, now living in a fort, calls for our sympathy and admiration of their fortitude, which enables them to bear with all the ills, and overcome all the difficulties attendant on their mode of living. When I was very unwell, from exposure, miserable water, and the worst of cookery, and worn down too by fatigue of body and mental suffering, I always found sympathy, food that I could eat, and smiles and kindness which touched ray heart, in the families I have named, nor can I ever forget the females belonging to the families of Mr. Rolette and of Judge Lockwood, at Prairie Du Chien. Without their kindness towards me, I must have per ished. I do not deny my fondness for woman, because I know that in cases of distress and suffering, her sympathy and cheering voice, infuse into man new life, new vigor, and new fortitude, and he marches onward with redoubled energy, to climb over every alps that is placed in his way. Living, as these ladies do, amidst dangers, in an Indian country, they are familiarized with them and their animating voice is worth an army of men. I never can forget them, nor their families while I live. Would the government hear my feeble voice, such officers would not be compelled, with tlieir families, to spend all their days, in an Indian country, while others who have known no suffering in the service, are attending levees and gallanting about the ladies at Washington City.

At each of the military posts, the officers have established a library and a reading room, at their own expense. Their books consist of useful works, connected with their pursuits. History, geography, mathematics, chemistry and scientific books, are in the library, and the officers and their families are well read in them all. Though they may be uninformed as to the passing events, at the very moment they occur, yet, at unequal periods, their regular files of all the best newspapers published in the United States, are received and read with care. Tiie The National Intelligencer, National Gazette, all the literary periodicals, worth reading, are carefully perused.

The younger officers were all educated at West Point Academy, and wherever I met one of them, I always found a gentleman, and man of science, brave, active, vigorous, energetic, high minded, honorable, strictly honest and correct in all his deportment. He claimed all that belonged to him, and not one tittle more, of any one. These officers, belonging to the first families in the Nation, educated in the very best manner, are induced by their self respect, to conduct themselves in the veiy best manner on all occasions. They fear nothing but disgrace, originating in their own bad conduct,

I pray them to accept this "testimony in their favor, as a small payment towards a large sum, justly due to them, for their good conduct, in every part of the Union, where I have liad the pleasure of meet^g with them. My only regret is, that this honest, heartfelt approbation of them, is all I have it in my power to bestow, upon persons so worthy. Tliose who are in actual service on the Indian frontier, deserve more pay than they receive, in a country where every thing is so extravagantly dear. Congress ought to remember these worthy men, and make future provision for them, and to Congress, I submit their case. While those, who shine in every fashionable circle at Washington, under the eye of Congress, are well paid foi- their services, it is to be hoped that others, who undergo nothing but hardships, will not be forgotten, as I know they will not be by the Senate.

Having completed all our business, of a public nature, so far as we could at this place, about the middle of August, as near as I now remember, we concluded to give our friends here a ball on the evening preceding our leaving them. It was attended by a'l of the respectable part of the people, in the garrison and in the village. It was a most interesting scene. Within the counsel house, where the civilized people were assembled, might be seen, persons of both sexes, as polished and as refined in their manners, as well bred, and educated as well too, as any persons in the United States; and at the same moment, might be seen on the outside of the house, at the doors and windows, looking on and occasionally dancing by themselves, by way of experiment, or to show what they couLd do as dancers in the open air, as motley a group of creatures (I can scarcely call them human beings) as the world ever beheld. They are a race peculiar to those parts of the upper Mississippi, where settlements were originally made by the French, soon after the conquest of

Canada by the English, under Gen. Wolf. They are of a mixed breed, and probably more mixed than any other human beings in the world; each one consisting of negro, Indian, French, English, American, Scotch, Irish and Spanish blood; and I should rather suspect some of them, to be a little touched with the prairie wolf. They may fairly claim the vices and faults of each, and all the above named Nations and animals, without even one redeeming virtue.

The officers «nd their families from Fort Crawford, and the best families in the Prairie, were all very happy, and we parted with them all in friendship, and retired to rest at about midnight.

The Winnebagoes In 1816

In 1816 the Menomonees inhabited the country about Green bay, and their women occasionally married Winnebagoes, but not often. The Menomonees were a quiet and peaceful race, well disposed and friendly to the whites. Tomah, the acting chief of the Nation, was well spoken of by all the traders who knew him.

The principal villages of the Winnebagoes were at the lower and upper end of the lake of that name, with an occasional lodge along the Fox river. At the season that traders generally passed the Portage of Wisconsin, they would find old grey headed Day-Kau-Ray at the Portage with his band. Iheir village was a short distance from there up the Wisconsin, and the Winnebagoes had villages up the Baraboo river, and several small ones along down the Wisconsin to near its mouth and up the Mississippi. They were estimated at that time by the traders best acquainted with them, to be about 900 warriors strong. Of the Day-Kau- Rays, there were four or five brothers, who were all influential men in the Nation. One sister had a family of children by a trader named Lecuyer, who had married her after the Indian manner. Tradition says that their father was a French trader, who, during the time the French had possession of the country, married a Winnebago woman, the daughter of the principal chief of the Nation, by whom he had these sons and daughter; that at the time the country was taken possession of by the English, he abandoned them, and they were raised among the Indians, and being the descendants of a chief on the mother's side, when arrived at manhood they assumed the dignity of their rank by inheritance. They were generally good Indians, and frequently urged their claims to the friendship of the whites by saying they were themselves half white.

The Winnebagoes In 1818

The locations of the different tribes of Indians in the vicinity of Vernon county, in 1818, including also the homes of the Winnebagoes, is clearly pointed out in the narrative of Edward Tanner, published in the Detroit Gazette of Jan. 8, and 15, 1819:

"The first tribe of Indians after leaving St. Louis is the Oyiwayes (lowas). This tribe live about 100 miles from the west side of the Mississippi, on the Menomonee, and have about 400 warriors. The next tribe are the Sauks, who live on the Mississippi, and about 400 miles above St. Louis. They emigrated from the Ouisconsin (Wisconsin) about thirty-five years ago. Their military strength is about 800 warriors, exclusive of old men and boys, and are divided into two divisions of 400 men. Each division is commanded by a war chief. The first are those who have been most distinguished for deeds of valor, and the second the ordinary warriors. They have also two village chiefs who appear to preside over the civil concerns of the Nation. The next tribe is the Fox Indians. This tribe have a few lodges on the east side of the Mississippi near Fort Armstrong and about four miles from the Sauk village. Thirty miles above this, at the mine De Buke (Dubuque,) on the west side, they have another village, and another on Turkey river, thirty miles below Prairie Du Chien. Their whole military strength is about 400 warriors.

They are at this time in a state of war with the Sioux; and as the Sauks are in strict amity with the Fox Indians, and have the influence and control of tliem, tliey are also drawn into the war. This war was in consequence of depredations committed by the Fox Indians on the Sioux.

"Prairie du Chien, on which the villaj^e of that name stands, is a handsome plain, about half a mile wide from the bank of the river to the bluff or commencement of the rising ground, and out of danger from inundations. In consequence of the serpentine course of the river, the plain widens above and below the village. The soil is a black sand about fifteen inches deep, appearing to be very productive. Tlie foundation is gravelly, containing amber stones susceptible of a handsome polish. Timber is scarce. The upland in the vicinity is very broken, poor and nearly barren. In the settlement are about 1,500 inhabitants, exclusive of the military, who are principally Creoles. Asa place of business, it now appears on the decline.

"The river Ouisconsin (Wisconsin) is about half a mile wide - common depth one to four feet - no falls, but generally a brisk current. The channel is subject to change, from the numerous bars of sand which lie in it, and frequently alter their position. In the river are numerous islands, on which grow the principal timber of the country. The banks are generally low and sandy - some plains lined with the common granite stone. The bordering country is very broken, sandy and barren. In the interior the same description will answer. Barren, broken and destitute of vegetation, few places can be found that will admit of settlements. The Winnebago Indians inhabit the country bordering on the tributary streams of both sides of the river. They appear to go abroad for their game, and have no conveniences for dwellinir, except a kind of lodges which they carry with them wherever they go. Their territory extends from the Mississippi to the vicinity of Green Bay, and the number of their warriors is '700."

Up Tub Mississippi In 1819

I set out this morning with a view, if possible, to reach Prairie du Chien, but having no wind in our favor, and current strong, we could get no further than the mouth of the Ouisconsin. Distance to-day, twenty-four miles.

Monday July 5, 1819. - I arrived to-day at 9 a.m., at Prairie du Chien, and immediately the wind .sprang up and blew a fresh breeze. This was vexing, as I had experienced five days of head winds successively. I found here awaiting my arrival, the Red Wing's son, a Sioux Indian, who wished to be considered something, with a band of followers. He invited me to a talk, and after relating the loss of one of his young men who was killed by the Chippewas, he expressed a wish that I would take pity on all present, and give them some goods. All this was a begging speech. I told him that 1 meant to go up with the troops to tlie river St. Peters, and on my way up I would stop at their different villages, where I would speak to them, and give them a few goods. Here I had nothing to say, as I could not give any goods at this place, because it required goods to give weight to words, and make them understand me well. Yet be is such a beggar, that he would not take any refusal. I got up in an abrupt manner and left him and band, to study awhile. The Leaf, the principal chief of the Sioux, arrived this evening.

Tuesday, Cth. - The Kettle Chief, with a band of Foxes, arrived here to day, to make arrangements with Mr. Partney about selling him the ashes at the different mines. A boat belonging to the contractor, arrived to-day, loaded with provisions for the troops, in twenty-five days from Wood river.

Friday, 9th - The Sioux Indians yesterday seized on the Folle Avoine Indian who had stabbed the young Sioux, and kept him in confinement, well tied and guarded by a few young Sioux; but the Sioux chiefs sent for the Folle Avoine, and made him a present of a blanket and some other articles of clothing, and made him and the young Sioux whom he had stabbed, eat out of the same dish together, thus forgiving and forgetting the past.

Sunday, 11th. - Every day since my arrival at this place, the wind has blown up the river ; to-day it came around south and with rain ; wind settled at the northwest.

Monday, 12th. - The Red Wing's son is still here a begging. He invited me to talk with him in council yesterday. This I refused as I did not wish to be troubled with such a fellow.

Wednesday. 14th. - Some Winnebagoes arrived from headwaters of Rocky river, and Portage of Ouisconsin. These fellows are scientific beggars. Wind north.

Thursday, 15th. - Yesterday evening the Red Wing's son's band of Sioux Indians set out for their homes, and I am glad of it, for they are a troublesome set of beggars. The wind blows hard from the north to day, which makes it much cooler than it has been for many days before.

Friday, 16th. - The wind continues to blow hard from the north, and the weather is still cool. Two men arrived this evening from Green Bay in a canoe.

Saturday, ITtli. - Mr. Boutillier (Francois Boutillier) arrived here to-day from Green Bay. Mr. Shaw also arrived here to-day from St. Louis in a canoe, having left his horses at Rocky Island. He informs me that he left Belle Fontaine on the 15th ult., that the recruits destined

Sunday, 18th. - Took a ride out in the country. Found some of the situations handsome, but the farmers are poor hands at cultivation. Flour $10 per cwt.; corn, $3 per bushel ; eggs, $1 perdozen; chickensH to!|1.25 a couple, Butter none made.

Thursday, 22d - A fine wind up the river today, with much rain. The old Red Wing, a Sioux chief, with about twenty of his followers, arrived to-day. This is another begging expedition.

Friday, 23d - The wind is still up the river, with some rain. The old Red Wing and I had a long talk, and, as I supposed, the whole purport was begging.

Saturday, 24th - Having heard much talk about Carreis' claim to land at or near St. Peter's river, and understanding that the Red Wing knew or said something about it last year, curiosity led me to make inquiries of him, having now an opportunity. He told me he remembered of hearing his father say that lands lying on the west side of Lake Pepin, known by the name of the old wintering places, were given to an Englishman; that he is now an old man (about sixty years of age), and does not, himself, remember the transactions. I wished to continue the conversation, but the old man did not like it and therefore I did not press it.

Friday, 30th - Yesterday evening the war party of Foxes who had been on a hunt of some of the Sioux of the interior, returned without finding any. Much wind and rain this morning. I returned Mr. Moore $">, which Mr. Aird gave me last September to buy him some articles, which could not be procured.

Sunday, August 1st - Maj. Marston set out today early with twenty-seven troops in three boats to garrison Fort Armstrong, at Rocky Island. The boat which brought the settler's goods from Green Bay a few days since, set out to-day to return home. Some rain to-day; weather warm.

Monday, 2d - Thank God, a boat loaded with ordnance and stores of different kinds arrived to-day, and said a provision boat would arrive to-morrow, but no news of the recruits.

Wednesday, 4th - This morning the provision boat arrived. No news from St. Louis. This boat brings news of having passed a boat with troops on board destined for this place. Some of the men say two boats. Some rain to-day.

Thursday, 5th - Much rain last night. Col. Leavenworth is determined to set out on the 7th, if things can be got ready for the expedition to St. Peters. The colonel has very properly, in my opinion, engaged the two large boats now here, with as many men belonging to the boats as will remain to accompany the expedition, their contents being wanted for the new establishment at St. Peters. Without the assistance of these two boats, it would appear impossible for the expedition to go on.

Friday, 6th - Yesterday evening some Frenchmen who would not agree to go any further up the Mississippi, set out for St. Louis in a bark canoe. This morning eight discharged soldiers set out from this place for St. Louis in a skiff.

Sunday, 8th - This morning the colonel told me that he would be ready in an hour, and about 8 oclock we set out for river St. Peters. The troops consisting of ninety-eight rank and file, in fourteen bateaux and two large boats loaded with provisions and ordnance, and stores of different kinds, as also my boat; and a barge belonging to the colonel, making seventeen boats; and in the wlole ninety-eight soldiers and about twenty boatmen. I felt myself quite relieved when we got under way. We made to-day eighteen miles.

War Between The Sacs And Foxes And The Sioux

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, Cbippewas, 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 con- and successive reports of fire-arras, apparently on the Mississippi below. The firing continued 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 the 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 tiiey 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 laud, 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 landing 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-embarked. It consisted of eighteen persons, one old chief, one squaw, one boy about fourteen years old and fifteen 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 despatched, 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 who yet breathed were despatched, 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, p raded 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

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 the arm of cue of the murdered men, elevated above her bead, the blood trickling down upon her hair and face, while she kept up the deathsong, 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 800 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 tlie 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 k^ioux made their appearance here, and joined by a few of the Menomonee young men, proceeded down tlie 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 drunk. About two hours before day, a

Fox war party, that liad been watching their movements, fell upon them in that helpless state and killed about thirty ot 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 Menomonees.

Thomas P. Burnett, the Sub-Indian Agent, was sleeping with me in my store, and 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 Menoraonee 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 day-light 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 ofiicers; but on hearing of the affair, 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 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.

With Col. Wm. 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 a boat from St. Peters, which had been attacked by the Indians a short distance above Prairie du Chien, bringing on board one man killed 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, and also upon some of the inhabitants near Prairie du Chien and the reports being spread over the country, a scene of the mostalarming 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 the 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 difficult to do any thing; 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 Wm. S. Hamilton as lieutenants, and was immediately put in motion for Prairie du Chien, by embarking on board the keel-boat Maid of Fevre 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 reconnoissanoes 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 Cbien we took possession of the barracks, under the prior orders of Gov. Cass, and 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, wliich 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. Snelling, stating, 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, he was dismissed.

Col. Snelling then addressed the vo'unteers 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 as 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 Nation, three Indians, one of whom was the well-known Chief Daykau-ray. He disclaimed on 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-neshiek, 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.

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 xiifficulties he had with some of the principal inhabitants. During the winter there were confined in the guard-house of 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, the 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 the fort, and proceed with the troops to Fort Snelling ; and if he could not procure transportation, to leave the provisions, ammunition and fort in charge of some citizen.

But a few days previous to this order, there had been an alarming report circulated, that the Winnebagoes were going to attack Fort Crawford, and the commandant set to work repairing the old fort, anil 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 tied tiirough fear of them. The commandant took with liira to Fort Snelling the two Winnebagoes confined in Fort Crawfori), 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 adopt, hunting barely enough to obtain what they wanted to subsist upon in the meantime .

Mr. M. Brisbois said to me several times during the winter, that he fe.ired some outrages from the Winneb.igoes in the spring, as from all lie could gather they were bent on war, which I ought to have believed, as Mr. Brisbois had been among them engaged in trade over forty years. But I thought it impossible that the Winnebagoes, surrounded, as they were by Americans, and troops in the country, should for a moment seriously entertain such an idea. I supposed it a false alarm, and gave myself very little uneasinesss about it ; but in the spring, when they returned from their hunts, I found that they paid much worse than usual, although they were not celebrated for much ])unctuality or honesty in paying their debts. It was a general custom with the traders, when an Indian paid his debts in the spring pretty well, on his leaving, to let him have a little ammunition, either as a present or on credit. A Winnebago by the name of Wah-wah-peck-ah, had taken a credit from me, and paid mo but a small part of it in the spring ; and when I reproached him, he was disposed to be impudent about it ; and when his party were about going, he applied to me as usual for amunition for the summer, and insisted upon having some, but I told him if he had behaved well, and paid me his credit better, that I would have given him some, but that he had behaved so bad that I would not give him any, and he went away in a surly mood.

A man by the name of Methode, I think, a half-breed of some of the tribes of the north, had arrived here, sometime in the summer of 1826, with his wife, and, I think, five children ; and, sometime in March of 1827, he went with his family, up the Yellow or Painted Rock creek, about twelve miles above the Prairie, on the Iowa side of the Mississippi river, to make sugar. The sugar season being over, and he not returning, and hearing nothing from him, a party of his friends went to look for him, and found his camp -consumed, and himself, wife and children burned nearly to cinders, and she at the time enciente. They were so crisped and cindered that it was impossible to determine whether they had been murdered and then burned, or whether their camp had accidentally caught on fire and consumed them. It was generally believed that the Winnebagoes had murdered and burnt them, and Red Bird was suspected to have been concerned in it; but I am more inclined to think, that if murdered by Indians, it was done by some Fox war party searching for Sioux.

In the spring of this year, 1827, while a Chippewa chief called Hole-in-the-day, with a part of his band, visited Fort Snelliug on business with the government, and while un'ler the guns of the fort, a Sioux warrior shot one of the Chippewas. The Sioux was arrested by the troops, and confined in the guard-house. The Chippewas requested Col. Snelling to deliver the Sioux to them, to be dealt with after their manner ; to which he agreed, provided they would give him a chance to run for his life. To this they acceded. The Sioux was sent outside of the fort, where the Chippewas were armed with tomahawks and war clubs. He was to be allowed a fair start, and at a signal started, and one of the swiftest of the Chippewas armed with a club and tomahawk after him, to overtake and kill him if he could, which he soon effected, as the Sioux did not run fast, and when overtaken made no resistance. The Winnebagoes hearing a rumor of this, got the news among them that the two Winnebagoes confined there (for the murder of Methode and family) had been executed.

During the spring of 1827, the reports about the Winnebagoes bore rather a threatening aspect; but, as I said before, situated as they were I did not believe they would commit any depredations. Under this belief, and having urgent business in New York to purchase my goods, I started for that city on the 25th of June; it then took about six months to go and return. Mine was the only purely American family at the Prairie, after the Garrison left. There was Thomas McNair, who had married a French girl of the Prairie, and John Marsh, the sub-Indian agent, who had no family, and there were besides three or four Americans who had been discharged from the army. Without apprehension of danger from the Indians, I left my family, which consisted of Mrs. Lockwood, and her brother, a young man of between sixteen and seventeen years of age, who was clerk in charge of the store, and a servant girl belonging to one of the tribes of New York civilized Indians settled near Green Bay.

I started to go by way of Green Bay and the lakes for New York, in a boat up the Wisconsin, and down the Fox river to Green Bay; thence in a vessel to Buffalo, and down the canal to Albany, and thence by steamboat to New York city. About 4 o'clock in the afternoon of the first day's journey up the Wisconsin, I came to an island where were sitting three Winnebagoes smoking, the oldest called Wah-wah-peck-ah, who had a credit of me the the fall previous and had paid but little of it in the spring; the other two were young men not known to me by name. They had some venison hanging on a pole, and we stopped to purchase it. As I stepped on shore I discovered an appearance of cold reserve unusual in Indians in such meetings, and as I went up to them I said, ^bon jour'' the usual French salutation, which they generally understood; but Wah-wah-peckah said that he would not say to me. Upon which I took hold of his hand and shook it, asking him why he would not say bon jour to me? He inquired what the news was. I told him I had no news. He told me that ihe Winnebagoes confined at Fort Snelling had been killed. I assured hira that it was not true, that I had seen a person lately from that fort, who told me of the death of the Sioux, but that the Winnebagoes were alive. He then gave me to understand that if such was the case, it was well; but if the Winnebagoes were killed, they would avenge it. I succeeded in purchasing the venison, giving them some powder in exchange, and as I was about to step on board of my boat, Wah-wah-peck-ah wanted some whisky, knowing that we always carried some for our men. I directed one of the men to give them each a drink, which Wah-wah-peck-ah refused, and taking up his cup that he had by him, he showed by signs that he wanted it filled; and believing that the Indians were seeking some pretense for a quarrel as an excuse for doing mischief, I thought it most prudent under the circumstances to comply.

There were among the boats' crew some old voyageurs, well acquainted with Indian manners and customs, who, from the conduct of these Indians, became alarmed. We, however, embarked, watching the Indians, each of whom stood on the bank with his gun in his hand. As it was late in the day, we proceeded a few miles up the river and encamjted for the night. As soon as the boat left the island, the three Indians each got into his hunting canoe, and the two young Indians came up on either side opposite the bow of the boat, and continued thus up the river until we encamped while VVah-wah.peck-ah kept four or fiye rods behind the boat. They encamped with us, and commenced running and playing with the men on the sand beach; and after a little the young Indians proposed to go hunting deer by candle-light, and asked me to give them some candles to hunt with, which I did, with some ammunition, and they promised to return with venison in the morning. After they had gone, Wali-wah-peck-ah proposed also to go hunting, and begged some candles and ammunition, but remained in camp over night. Morning came, but the young Indians did not return, and I saw no more of them. In the morning, after Wah-wali-peck-ah had begged something more, he started, pretending to go down the river, and went, as we supposed; but about an hour afterward, as we were passing on the right of the upper end of the island on which we had encamped, I saw Wah>-wah-peck-ah coming up on the left. He looked very surly, and we exchanged no words, but we were all satisfied that he was seeking some good opportunity to shoot me, and from the singular conduct of the Indians, I and my men were considerably alarmed. But about 9 o'clock in the morning, meeting a band of Indians from the Portage of Wisconsin, who appeared to be glad to see me, and said they were going to Prairie Du Chien, my fears with those of the men were somewhat allayed. I wrote with my pencil a hasty line to my wife, which the Indians promised to deliver, but they never did, as they did not go there.

This day, the 26th of June, we proceeded up the Wisconsin without seeing any Indians until we came near Prairie Du Bale, when an Indian, alone in a hunting canoe, came out of some nook and approached us. He was sullen, and we could get no talk out of him. We landed on Prairie Du Bale, and he stopped also; and a few moments thereafter, a canoe of Menomonees arrived from Prairie Du Chien, bringing a bi-ief note from John Marsh, saying the Winnebagoes had murdered a man of mixed French and negro blood, named Rijeste Gagnier, and Solomon Lipcap, and for me, for God's sake, to return. I immediately got into the canoe with the Menomonees, and directed my men to proceed to the portage, and if I did not overtake them to go on to Green Bay. I proceeded down the river with the Menomonees, and when we had descended to the neighborhood where we had fallen in with the Indians the day before, we met Wah-wah-peck-ah coming up in his hunting canoe alone, having with liim his two guns. He inquired if I was going to the Prairie. I told him I was. He then told me that the whisky at the Prairie was shut up, but did not tell rae of the murders, and asked me that should he come to the Prairie whether I would let him have some whisky? I told him I certainly wou'd if he brought some furs, not wishing then to make any explanation, or to enter into any argument with him.

About this time, we heard back of an island, and on the southern shore of the Wisconsin, the Winnebagoes singing their war songs and dancing, with which I was familiar; and so well satisfied was I that Wah-wah-peok-ah was only seeking a favorable opportunity to shoot me, that if I had had a gun where he met us, I be- lieve that I should have shot him. After talking with him the Meiiomonees moved down the river, and arrived at the mouth of the Wisconsin about dark without seeing any more Winnebagoes. It was so dark that the Monomonees thought that we had better stop until morning, and we accordingly crawled into the bushes without a fire and fought mosquitoes all night, and the next morning, the 27th, procetded to the Prairie. I went to my house and found it vacant, and went to the old village where I found my family and most of the inhabitants of the Prairie, assembled at the house of Jean Brunet, who kept a tavern. Mr. Brunet had a quantity of square timber about him, and the people proposed building breast-works with it.

I learned on my arrival at the Prairie that on the preceeding day, the 26th, Red Bird, (who, when dressed, always wore a red coat and I'iilled himself English,) went to my house with two other Indians, and entering the cellar kitchen, loacle(l their gnus in the presence of the servant girl, and went up through the hall into Mrs. Lockwood's bed-room where she was sitting nlone. The moment the Indians entered her room she believed they came to kill her, .liid immediately passed into and through the parlor, and crossed the hall into the store to her brother, where she found Duncan Graham, who had been in the country about forty years as a trader, and was known by all the Indians as an Englishman. He had been a captain in the British Indian Department during the War of ]81'2, and a part of the time was commandant at Prairie Du Chien. The Indians followed Mrs. Lockwood into the store, and Mr. Graham by some means induced them to leave the house.

They then proceeded to McNair's Coulee, about two miles from the village, at the lower end of Prairie Du Chien, where lived Rijeste Gagnier; his wife was a mixed blood of French and Sioux extraction, with two children; and living with him was an old discharged American soldier by the name of Solomon Lipcap. The Winnebagoes commenced a quarrel with Gagnier, and finally shot him, I believe, in the liouse. Lipcap, at work hoeing in the garden near the house, they also shot. During the confusion, Mrs. Gagnier siezed a gun, got out at the back window with her boy about three years old on her back, and proceeded to the village with the startling news. The cowardly Indians followed her a part of the way, but dared not attack her. On her arrival at the village a party went to the scene of murder, and found and brought away the dead, and the daughter of Mr. Gagnier, about one year old, whom the mother in her fright had forgotton. The Indians had scalped her and inflicted a severe wound in her neck, and left her for dead, and had thrown her under the bed, but she was found to be still alive. She got well, and arriving at womanhood got married, and has raised a family of children; -he is yet alive and her eldest daughter was but recently married.

The people had decided not to occupy the old ,Dit, as a report had been circulated that thelnlianshad said that they intended to burn it if the inhabitants should take refuge there. During the lay of the 27th, the people occupied themselves in making some breast-works of the timber about Mr. Brunet's tavern, getting the swivel and wall pieces from the fort, and the condemned muskets and repairing them, and concluded they would defend themselves, each commanding, none obeying, but every one giving his opinion free'y.

About sunset one of the two keel-boats arrived that had a few days previously gone to Fort Snelling with supplies for the garrison, having on board a dead Indian, two dead men of the crew and four wounded. The dead and wounded of the crew were inhabitants of Prairie Du Chien who had shipped on the up-bound trip. They reported that they had been attacked the evening before, about sunset, by the Winnebago

*Inrlians, near the mouth of Bad Ax river, and the boat received about 500 shots, judging from the marks on its bow and sides. The Indians were mostly on an island on the west of the channel, near to which the boat had to pass, and the wind blowing strong from the east, drifted the boat towards the shore, where the Indians were, as the steering oar had been abandoned by the steersman. During this time, two of the Indians succeeded in getting on board of the boat. One of them mounted the roof, and fired in from the fore part; but he was soon shot and fell oi5 into the river. The other Indian took the steering oar and endeavored to steer the boat to the island. He was also shot and brought down in the boat where he fell. During all this time the Indians kept up a hot fire. The boat was fast drifting towards a sand bar near the shore, and they would all have been murdered had it not been for the brave, resolute conduct of an old soldier on board, called Saucy Sack (his surname I do not retnember), wlio, during the hottest of the fire, jumped over at the bow and pushed the boat oif, and where he must have stood the boat was literally covered with ball marks, so that his escape seemed a miracle. They also reported that early the day before the attack, they were lashed to the other boat drifting, and that they had grounded on a sand bar and separated, since which time they had not seen or heard anything of the other boat, and thought probably that it had fallen into the hands of the Indians.

*Ex-Gov. Reynoldg, of Illinois, in his volume of his Life and Times, thus states the immediate cause of this attack. That somewhere above Prairie Du Chien on their upward trip, they stopped at a large camp of Winnebago Indians, gave them some liquor freely and got them drunk, when they forced six or seven squaws, stupelied with liquor, ou board the boats, fiir cnmipt and brutal purposes, and kept them during their voyage to Fort Snellingand on their return. When the Winnebago Indians became sober, and fuUy conscious of the injury done tbera, they mustered all their forces, amounting to several hundred and attacked the foremost of the descending boats in which their squaws were confined. But this story has since been proven to be without foundation.

turned, the men becoming too much alarmed to proceed. That night sentinels were posted by the inhabitants within the breast- works, who saw, in imagination, a great many Indians prowling about in the darkness; and in the morning there was a great variety of opinion as to what was best to be done for the safety of the place, and appearances betokened a great deal of uneasiness in the minds of all classes.