Elkhart and South Bend |
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| Genocide, Extermination, “The Final Solution” are, perhaps, words and phrases
too strong to describe the United States Government’s answer to the problem
created by the mass immigration of Caucasians from Europe into the lands of
a people not technologically or numerically capable of defending what was theirs.
Ethnic Cleansing, however, describes exactly what took place by the order of
the United States Government—and endorsed by President Andrew Jackson—from
1826 to 1838 and beyond. Again, “Bataan” is, perhaps, a word too strong to use to describe the march of the Pottawatomies from their homes in and around South Bend and Elkhart, but “Trail of Tears” and “Trail of Death” are phrases the Pottawatomie—and other Native Americans—coined to describe the suffering they endured on their march to a reservation west of the Missouri River. |
| RDTaylor |
|
Address of Representative Daniel McDonald of Plymouth, delivered in the
House of Representatives, Indianapolis, Friday, February 3, 1905,
on the bill to erect a monument to the Pottawatomie Indiana at
Twin Lakes, Marshall county, published by direction of the House
of Representatives. The bill to erect a monument to the memory of the Pottawatomie Indians at Menominee village, in Marshall county, being under consideration, Representative Daniel McDonald said: |
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Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: In order that a fair understanding may be had in regard to the subject matter embraced in this bill, I desire to submit the following: The question of the extinguishment of the Indian titles to the lands of the Pottawatomie Indians in northern Indiana and southern Michigan and their removal to a reservation to be provided for them west of the Missouri river, was one of the most important and delicate questions the government had to deal with in the early settlement of this part of the Northwest Territory. General treaties were made from 1820 to 1830 between the government agents and the chiefs and headmen of the Pottawatomies by which large tracts of land were ceded to the government, and numerous reservations made to various bands of Pottawatomies Indians in northern Indiana and southern Michigan. Later these reservations were ceded back by treaty by the Indians for a stipulated amount, and in all the treaties it was provided that the Indians should remove to the reservation west of the Missouri river within two years from the date thereof. The dates of these treaties were about all in the year 1835 and in 1836, the last date for removal expiring about the first of August, 1836. The territory now included within the boundaries of Indiana, Illinois and Michigan, which was the home of the Pottawatomie Indians for many years prior to the time they were removed to the reservation west of the Missouri river, was in the early days of the history of America owned and occupied by the Miami Indians, originally known as the Twightwees. It was clamed by France from the time of the discovery of the mouth of the Mississippi river by La Salle, in 1682, to 1763, when it was relinquished by treaty to the government of England and held by it until 1779 as a part of her colonial possessions in North America. The state of Virginia extended its jurisdiction over it until 1783 when it became by treaty of peace and by cession from Virginia the property of the United States. In 1787 an ordinance was passed by Congress creating the territory northwest of the river Ohio, which embraced the territory of the state above mentioned. The Pottawatomie tribe of Indians, the owners and inhabitants of the territory now comprising northern Indiana, belonged to the great Algonquin family, and were related by ties of consanguinity to the Ojibways, Chippewas and Ottawas. The first trace we have of them locates their territory in the Lake Superior region on the islands near the entrance of Green bay, holding the country from the latter point to the headwaters of the great lakes. Subsequently they adopted into their tribe many of the Ottawas from Upper Canada. About 1817 it was estimated that there were in the region north of the Wabash river and south of Lake Michigan something more than two thousand Pottawatomies. They were located in villages on the Tippecanoe; Kankakee; Iroquois; Yellow river; St; Joseph of the Lake Michigan; the Elkhart; Maumee or Miamis of the Lake; the St. Joseph emptying into it; the St. Marys; Twin lakes; Maxinkuckee; and Lake Kewanna. At that time they had no uniform abiding place of residence. During the fall, winter and part of the spring they were scattered in the woods hunting and fishing. Their wigwams were made of poles stuck in the ground and tied together with strips of bark, slender hickory withes or raw hide strings. They were covered with bark or a kind of mat made of flagweeds. There was an occasional rude hut made of logs or poles, but nearly all the dwellings were wigwams hastily put up as here described. They raised some corn, but lived principally on wild game, fish, fruits, nuts, and were clothed with blankets and untanned skins. From the date of the treaty of peace at Greenville in 1795 to 1832, all the lands in possession of the Pottawatomie and Miami Indians were ceded to the United States. Nearly all the titles to the lands in this part of the country reserved for various bands by the treaty of 1832 were extinguished by United States Commissioner Able C. Pepper, who seems to have been well fitted for the difficult task assigned him. In 1831 the legislature of Indiana passed a joint resolution requesting an appropriation by Congress for the purpose of the extinguishment of the remaining titles of lands held by the Indians with the state. The appropriation was made and three citizens—Jonathan Jennings, first governor of Indiana; John W. Davis and Marks Crume—were appointed by the secretary of war to carry into effect the law authorizing the appropriation. The commissioners assembled with the several Indiana chiefs concerned at a place called Chippewayning on the Tippecanoe river where the Michigan road crosses that stream two of three miles north of Rochester and sixteen miles south of Plymouth, where they concluded a treaty October 27, 1832, by which the chiefs and warriors of the Pottawatomies of Indiana and Michigan Territory ceded to the United States their title and interest to all the lands in Illinois south of Grand river. From this general treaty a large number of small individual reservations were made. Among them was a reservation of two sections to Naswagee, and one section to Quashqua, both on the east shore of Lake Maxinkuckee, and twenty-two sections to Menominee, Pepinawa, Nataka, and Mackatawmaaw, adjoining the town of Plymouth on the west and extending south to Twin Lakes, a short distance north of Lake Maxinkuckee; several sections in the vicinity to Aubenaube and other chiefs making in all 160 section. These reservations were all ceded back to the government between 1834 and 1837, mostly under treaties negotiated by Abel C. Pepper. All of these treaties contained the following: |
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Article 3.—-The United States further agrees to convey by patent
to the Pottawatomies of Indiana a tract of country on the
Osage river, southwest of the Missouri river, sufficient
in extent and adapted to their wants and habits, remove
them to the same, furnish them with one year’s subsistence
after their arrival there, and pay the expenses of the
treaty, and the delegation now in this city. |
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The first removal under these treaties took place in July, 1837, and within
the two years from the date of these treaties to August 1837, all had
gone peaceable, or had been removed without force, except Menominee
and his band, whose village was on the north bank of Twin lakes. On
the 6th of August, 1838, the time stipulated in the treaties for the
Indians to emigrate having expired, and Menominee and his band declining
to go, a council was held at his village, at which Col. Able C. Pepper,
agent of the Government, was present, and most of the chiefs in that
part of the country, as also many white residents of the surrounding
country. The treaty was red wherein it was shown that in ceding their
lands the Indians had agreed to remove to the western reservation within
the time specified and that the date was then at hand when they must go.
It was plain to those present who were familiar with the Indiana character
that there was great dissatisfaction among them and a spirit of rebellion
growing which if not soon suppressed would probably lead to serious results.
The leader and principal spokesman for the Indians was Menominee. By the
treaty of 132 twenty-two section of land had been reserved to him and three
other chiefs, vis., Pepinawa, Nataka and Mackatawmaaw. The last three named
chiefs entered into a treaty with Col. Able C. Pepper on behalf of the
government August 5, 1836, by which they ceded all their interest in the
reservation above described for which the government paid them $14,080 in
specie, and they agreed to remove to the country west of the Missouri river
provided for them within two years from the date of the treaty. Chief Menominee
refused to sign the treaty and persistently declined to release to the
government his interest in the reservation. When Col. Pepper had made his
final appeal and all had had their say, Menominee arose to his feet, and,
drawing his costly blanket around him, through and interpreter he addressed
the council as follows: |
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Members of the Council—The President dose not know the truth.
He, like me, has been imposed upon. He does not know that you
have made my young chiefs drunk and got their consent and
pretended to get mine. He does not know that I have refused
to sell my land and still refuse. He would not by force drive
me from my home, the graves of my tribe, and my children who
have gone to the Great Spirit, nor allow you to tell me your
braves will take me tied like a dog if he knew the truth. My
brothers, the President is just, but he listens to the word
of young chiefs who have lied; and when he knows the truth
he will leave me to my own. I have not sold my lands. I will
not sell them. I have not signed any treaty and will not sign
any. I am not going to leave my lands, and I don’t want to
hear anything more about it. |
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Describing the scene, one who was present said: |
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Amid the applause of the chiefs he sat down. Spoken in the
peculiar style of the Indian orator—although repeated by an
interpreter—with an eloquence of which Logan would have been
proud, his presence the personification of dignity, it presented
one of those rare occasions of which history gives but few
instances, and on the man of true appreciations would have made
a most profound impression. |
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Considerable time was spent in trying to persuade Menominee and his following
to accept the inevitable and remove peaceable to the reservation provided
for them, and that if they did not, the government would be compelled to
remove them by force. Without accomplishing anything, however, the council
disbanded. Menominee was a wise and experienced Chief, and he knew the final
consummation was near at hand. Soon as the council had disbanded there began
at once to fire the hearts of his followers, with a determination to resist
the government officers in their evident intention to remove them, peaceably
if they could, forcibly if the must. The consequence was the Indians became
desperate, intoxicating liquors were drank to excess; threats of violence were
freely made, and the white settlers in the immediate neighborhood became greatly
alarmed for the safety of themselves and families. In this alarming condition
of affairs, a number of white settlers of Marshall county, early in August, 1838,
petitioned the governor of Indiana for protection against what they believed would
result in the certain destruction of their lives and property. In his message to
the legislature December 4, 1838, Governor David Wallace said: |
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By the conditions of the late treaty with the Pottawatomie Indians
in Indiana, the time stipulated for their departure to the west of the
Missouri expired on the 6th of August last. As this trying moment
approached a strong disposition was manifested by many of the most
influential among them to disregard the treaty entirely, and to
cling to the homes and graves of their fathers at all hazard. In
consequence of such a determination on their part, a collision of
the most serious character was likely to ensue between them and
the surrounding settlers. Apprehensive of such a result, a view
to prevent it, the citizens of Marshall county, early in the
month of August, forwarded to the executive a petition praying
that an armed forced might be immediately sent to their protection.
On receipt of this petition I repaired as speedily as circumstances
would permit to the scene of difficulty in order to satisfy myself
a personal examination whether their fears were justified of not.
On my return to Logansport a formal requisition awaited me from the
Indian agent, Col. A. C. Pepper, for one hundred armed volunteers
to be placed under the command of some competent citizen of the
state, whose duty it should be to preserve the peace and to arrest
the growing spirit of hostility displayed by the Indians. The
requisition was instantly granted. I appointed the Hon. John Tipton
to this command and gave him authority to raise the necessary number
of volunteers. He promptly and patriotically accepted the appointment,
and, although sickness and disease prevailed to an alarming extent
throughout northern Indiana, yet such was the spirit and patriotism
of the people there that in about forty-eight hours after the
requisition was authorized the requisite force was not only mustered,
but was transported into the midst of the Indians before they were
aware of its approach or before even they could possibly take steps
to resist or repel it. The rapidity of the movement, the known
decision and energy of General Tipton, backed by his intimate
acquaintance and popularity with the Indians, whom it was his
business to quiet, accomplished everything desired. The refractory
became complacent; opposition to removal ceased, and the whole
tribe, with a few exceptions amounting to between 800 and 900,
voluntarily prepared to emigrate. General Tipton and the volunteers
accompanied them as far as Danville, Illinois, administering to them
on the way whatever comfort and relief humanity required. There they
were delivered over to the care of Judge Polke and the United States
removing agents. Copies of all the communications and reports made
to the executive by General Tipton while in the discharge of this
duty I lay before you, from which I feel assured you will discover
with myself that much credit and many thanks are due not only to him
but to all who assisted him in bringing so delicate an affair to so
happy and successful a termination. |
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David Wallace served as governor of Indiana from 1837 to 1840. The most important
act of his administration was his order to remove the remaining Pottawatomie Indians as
set forth in his message herein quoted. After his term as governor expired, he was
subsequently elected to Congress. He was made a member of the committee on ways and
means, and in that committee gave the casting vote in favor of assisting with a donation
to Professor Morse to develop the magnetic telegraph. This vote was ridiculed by his
political opponents and cost him many votes the last time he ran for Congress. But he
lived to see the telegraph established in nearly all the countries of the world and the
wisdom of his action acknowledged by all. General Tipton recruited and organized the company of soldiers authorized by Governor Wallace immediately after the requisition was made. These recruits were nearly all from Cass county, at Logansport, and in the vicinity. They started from Logansport the latter part of August, marching along the Michigan road through Rochester, across Tippecanoe river, and then along the old Indian trail northwestward until they came to Menominee village at Twin lakes, five miles southwest from Plymouth. A great many of the white settlers in the neighborhood turned out to welcome the soldiers and to render such assistance as might be necessary. The Indians were surrounded before they realized that the soldiers had been sent to remove them. Such arms as they had were taken from them and preparations at once commenced for the starting of the caravan. Squads of soldiers were sent out in every direction for the purpose of capturing the straggling bands encamped in various places in the county, and such others as might be found hunting and fishing in the neighborhood. Several days were occupied in getting everything in readiness. The names of heads of families, and other Indians were registered, and when the list was completed it showed a total of 859. On the day prior to the exodus a meeting of the Indians was held at the little graveyard, a short distance from the village, at which a final farewell of the dead was taken by those who were to leave the following morning, never to return. Addresses were made by chiefs present and several white settlers. (An address of some length was delivered by Myron H. Norton of Laporte which was afterwards printed, but unfortunately no copies of in can now be found.) The scene is said to have been affecting in the extreme. Weeping and waling, which was confined to a few at first, became general, and until they were finally induced to disperse, it looked as though a riot would surely ensue. In solemn reverence they turned their weeping eyes from the sleeping dead never to look upon the graves of their kindred again. The Indian chapel which was used as General Tipton’s headquarters while preparing for the removal was situated on the north bank of the middle Twin lake about twenty rods west of the Vandalia railroad. It was erected by Rev. Stephen Theodore Badin, the first Catholic priest ordained in the United States. He was born at Orleans, France, in 1768, ordained May 23, 1793, and died a Cincinnati, April, 19, 1853. The chapel was erected about 1830 and was built of hewn logs and covered with clapboard. It was about 30 by 40 feet, the west half being two stories high. There was a hallway through the center. The room for the missionary was over the west end of the chapel which was reached from below by means of a rustic ladder. The furniture was of the most primitive kind; and the food, corn, and wild meat and such fruits and vegetables as were suitable to eat during the summer season. The chapel was torn down many years ago. Bishop Brute, of Vincennes, under whose supervision this mission was established, writes as follows in regard to the Indians, their village and chapel: |
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A large number of their huts are built around their chapel,
which is constructed of logs with the bark on with a cross erected behind
and rising above it, and filled with rudely made benches. The Indians
begin and end their work without hammer, saw or nails, the ax being their
only implement, and bits of skin or bark serving to fasten the pieces
together. The room of the missionary is over the chapel, the floor of the
one forming the ceiling of the other. A ladder in the corner leads to it,
and his furniture consists, as did the prophets, of a table and chair, and
a bed, or rather a hammock swung on ropes. Around the room are his books,
and the trunks which contain the articles used in his chapel, as well as
his apparel. He spends his life with his good people, sharing their corn
and meat, with water for his drink, and tea made from the herbs of his
little garden. He abjures all spirits, as all Catholic Indians are forbidden
to touch that which is the bane of their race and he would encourage them
with his example. I attended at the evening catechism, prayers and canticles,
and in the morning said mass, at which a large number attended. |
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At the time the arrangements for the removal were being perfected, Farther Benjamin
Marie Petit was the missionary in charge of the chapel. He was about twenty-five
years old, and had been born and reared in France. This ardent youthful spirit
evinced an intense enthusiasm from first to last in the work of his chosen field,
and in an outburst of fervency he tells something of his feelings and of his
ministrations: |
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How I love these children of mine, and what pleasure it is for
me to fine myself among them. There are now from 1,000 to 1,200
Christians. Could you see the little children when I enter a cabin
crowding around me and climbing on my knees—the father and mother
making the sigh of the cross in pious recollection, and then coming
with a confiding smile on their faces to shake hands with me—you
could not but love them as I do. |
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Of the chapel exercises he gave the following interesting account: |
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At sunrise the first peal was rung; then you might see the
savages moving along the path of the forest and the borders of the
lakes. When they were assembled the second peal was rung. The
catechist then, and animated manner, gave the substance of the
sermon preached the evening before; a chapter of the catechism
was read and morning prayers were recited. I then said mass, the
congregation singing hymns the while, after which I preached, my
sermon being translated by a respectable French lady, seventy-two
years old, who had devoted herself to the missions in the capacity
of interpreter. The sermon was followed by a pater and ave; after
which the congregation sang a hymn to Our Lady, and quietly dispersed.
The next thing was confession which lasted till evening, and sometimes
was resumed after supper. At sunset the natives again assembled for
catechism, followed by an exortation and evening prayers which
finished with a hymn to Our Lady. I then gave them my benediction—the
benediction of poor Benjamin. In the first three weeks of my pastorate
I baptized eighteen adults and blessed nine marriages. |
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About this time officer and soldiers arrived at the chapel and village to arrange
for the departure of the Indians. Father Petit again wrote as follows: |
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One morning I said mass and immediately afterward we began
removing all the ornaments from my dear little church. At the moment
of my departure I assembled all my children to speak to them for the
last time. I wept, and my auditors sobbed aloud. It was indeed a heart
rendering sight, and over our dying mission we prayed for the success
of those they would establish in the new hunting grounds. We then with
one accord sang: “O, Virgin, we place our confidence in Thee.”
It was often interrupted by sobs and but few voices were able to finish
it. I then left them. |
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When General Tipton and his soldiers had arranged everything in readiness to move,
the teepees, wigwams and cabins were torn down and destroyed and Menominee village had the
appearance of having been swept by a hurricane. Early on the morning of September 4, 1838,
orders were given to move, and at once nearly one thousand men, women and children, with
broken hearts and tearful eyes took up the line of march to their far western home. General Tipton accompanied the Indians as far as Sandusky Point, Illinois, at which place the caravan arrived on September 18, 1838, two weeks after the departure from Twin lakes. From that point he made a lengthy report to Governor Wallace, giving a historical sketch of the occurrences that led up to the removal, together with a copy of his daily journal in which is shown in detail all that occurred during the time he had charged of the caravan. The report is too lengthy for insertion here in full, and only brief extracts can be given. He says: |
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The arrival of the volunteers in the Indian village was the first
intimation they had of the movement of men with arms. Many of the Indian
men were assembled near the chapel when we arrived and were not permitted
to leave camp or separate until matters were amicably settled and they
had agreed to give peaceable possession of the land sold by them. |
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As has been stated heretofore, Menominee, the principal chief in the ownership of the
reservation which bore his name, never signed the treaty executed by the three chiefs
associated with him in the reservation, vis., Pepinawa, Nataka and Mackatawmaaw. The
reason he did not sign this treaty was because he new from past experience that the
amount of money received from the government by these chiefs would all be spent for
whisky and riotous living before the two years expired stipulated by the treaty that
they should remove to the west. His worst fears were realized. The $14,080 the
government paid them to sign them to sign the treaty had all been squandered for
spirituous liquors and trinkets of one kind or another purchased at enormous prices
from the white traders that gathered about them like crows about a dead carcass until
their money was all gone. Menominee declined to sign the treaty, and never did sign it,
but there was at no time any danger of an uprising. The Pottawatomies as a tribe were
always friendly with the white settlers, and in northern Indiana never caused any
disturbance expect in individual cases where they were driven into it by white traders
and other designing persons who sold and gave them whisky for the purpose of getting
them drunk and robbing them of their lands and annuities paid them the government. At the time of the removal none of these Indians were armed for defense or warfare, and had only a few rifles which they had purchased from the white traders at exorbitant prices, and the bows and arrows for killing game for food. Menominee, the head of the band, was a religious man, and an exhorter. He taught his followers to avoid the use of intoxicating liquors; not to cheat, or murder, or lie, or steal, or quarrel with one another, or the white settlers, although they might have ample provocation, but to live in peace with all men. They were completely under his control, and that of their priest, Father Petit. No trouble ever occurred between them and the whites except that related by General Tipton in his report to Governor Wallace, as follows: |
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On the 5th of last month, the day on which the Indians were to have
left the reservation, the whites demanded possession which they—the
Indians—absolutely refused. Quarrels ensued and between the 15th and
20th the Indians chopped the door of one of the settlers—Mr. Watters—and
threatened his life. This was followed by the burning of ten or twelve
Indian cabins which produced a state of feeling bordering on hostilities. |
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Having made a thorough and exhaustive investigation of this subject a few
years ago when many of the settlers were still living and several who were there at the
time and participated in the removal and knew all about the circumstances leading up to
the removal, it is but the truth to say that the origin of the trouble was not with the
Indians, but with Mr. Watters, who had settled in the reservation without authority, a
few months previous, and desired the Indians to leave so he could preempt 160 acres of
the reservation under the laws of Congress passed in June of that year. He was the
disturbing element, and set about deliberately to work up the disturbance so that the
Governor would be compelled to remove them. The information on which Governor Wallace
based his action was that received from Mr. Watters and a few other white settlers in
the vicinity that allowed him to be the spokesman. The Indians were not consulted and
had no say in the matter. Further along in his report General Tipton, speaking of the Indians, said: |
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Most of them appeared willing to go. Three of their principal
men, however, expressed a wish to be governed by the advise of their
priest (Mr. Petit, a Catholic gentleman), who had resided with them
up to the time of the commencement of the quarrel between the Indians
and the whites, when he left Twin lakes and retired to South Bend
[Notre Dame]. I addressed a letter inviting him to join the emigration
and go west. He accepted the invitation and I am happy to inform you
that he joined us two days ago and is going west with the Indians. It
is but justice to him to say that he has both by example and precept,
produced a very favorable change in the morals and industry of the
Indians; that his untiring zeal in the cause of civilization has been
and will continue to be eventually beneficial to these unfortunate
Pottawatomies, when they reach their new abode. |
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On the 16th of September Father Petit rejoined his flock near Danville, Illinois.
He found them moving onward, enveloped in clouds of dust, and surrounded by the soldiers who
hurried of their march. Behind came the wagons in which were crowded together the sick, the
women and the children. The scene as described by Father Petit was one of the most mournful
description; the children overcome by heat were reduced to a wretched state of languor and
exhaustion. By this time General Tipton had begun to understand something of Father Petit’s
worth, and treated him with marked respect. The chiefs who had hitherto been treated as
prisoners of war were released at the priest’s request and took their places with the rest
of the tribe. First went the flag of the United States born by a dragon; after which came
the baggage; then the vehicle occupied by the native chiefs; next followed the main body of
the emigrants, men, women and children, mounted on horses, marching in file after Indian
fashion, while all along the flanks of the multitude might be seen dragoons and volunteers
urging on unwilling stragglers, often with the most violent words and gestures. The sick were
in their wagons under an awning of canvas, which, however, far from protecting them from the
stifling heat and dust, only deprived them of air. The interior was like an oven, and many
consequently died. Six miles from Danville, Illinois, there was a halt for two days. “When
we quitted the spot,” Father Petit said, “we left six graves under the shadow of the cross.”
Order had been so thoroughly restored through the presence of the good priest that the troops
now retired and Father Petit was left with the civil authorities to conduct the emigrants to
their destination. Having seen the emigrants safely landed on their reservation on the Osage
river southwest of the Missouri river, such as had not died and escaped on the way, Father Petit
started on the return trip. As St. Louis he was taken sick from fatigue and malarial fever and
died. His remains were afterward removed to Notre Dame, Indiana, where they lie buried beneath
a beautiful chapel at that place. Of the onward journey after leaving Sandusky Point, Illinois, where the caravan was placed in charge of Judge Polke, we have only the general statement that 150 persons were lost on the whole way by death and desertion. What amount of suffering fell to the lot of these poor Indians every day of this horrible journey, no tongue can tell. Hundreds of them were daily burning with the terrible malarial fever so universally prevalent during the warm part of 1838. These hundreds were crowded into common rough wagons and compelled to bear the down pouring rays of a sultry sun, and the only beverage to quench the prevailing thirst was dipped from some mud stream just drying up. The food was of beef and flour cooked as might be while encamped for the night. Alas, how those poor little dusky infants must have suffered. No wonder that their little graves marked the daily journey. In the southern part of Indiana, the legislature two years ago authorized the erection of a monument to the memory of the pioneers of that section of the state who were massacred by the Shawnee Indians during the period of the War of 1812 with England. The massacre was cruel and inhuman and without excuse, but in the history of that most deplorable event, the Indiana side of the question that led up to the culmination of the dispute has never been written. The monument at Pigeon Roost, while it commemorates the memory of the murdered dead, also perpetuates the worst feature in the Indian character. On the other hand the state, though its legislature, is now asked to authorize the erection of a monument to mark the dawn of civilization in northern Indiana; the rebuilding of the first house of Christian worship in the entire great northwest, east of the Pacific coast, and to perpetuate the memory of the Pottawatomie Indians, the owners and first inhabitants of the country north of the Wabash river, whose written history is entirely the work of the white people, the government agents, traders, and schemers who wrote from the white man’s selfish and prejudiced standpoint. I stand here to-day, in this magnificent presence, to plead for the Pottawatomie Indians; to give their side of the story which has never before been told. As I stand here to-day I wish you to imagine that the spirit of the good Indian Menominee has come back after nearly three-quarters of a century to tell you the truth in regard to the cruel and inhuman manner in which he and his tribe were treated by the government agents who dispossessed him of his property against his will, without compensation, and forced him and his people into captivity beyond the great Missouri, where he was never heard of again and where he undoubtedly died of a broken heart. They are now all gone—not one is left to tell the story. But whether the legislature authorizes the erection of this monument or not the Pottawatomie Indians will not be forgotten. Their memory has been preserved and will continue to be perpetuated for all time to come in the rivers, lakes and various localities bearing their names. Aubenaube and Kewanna, and Tiosa, in Fulton county, perpetuate the names of noted Indian chiefs; and the beautiful Tippecanoe, with its rippling waters of blue; and the picturesque Manitou, and the lovely Maxinkuckee, the St. Joseph, and especially the famous Wabash, where: |
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‘Round my Indiana homestead wave the cornfields, In the distance loom the woodlands clear and cool; It was there I spent my days of early childhood— It was there I learned the love of nature’s school. I can here my mother’s voice call from the doorway As she stood there years ago and watched for me; I can hear the birds sing sweetly in the spring-time, On the banks of the Wabash, far away Oh, the moon is fair tonight along the Wabash. From the fields there comes the breath of new-mown hay, Through the sycamores the candle-lights are gleaming On the banks of the Wabash, far away. |
|
All these names will perpetuate for all time to come the memory of the Pottawatomie
Indians, the first owners and inhabitants of all the beautiful country north
of the Wabash river and south of the great lakes. |
|
The Indians all have passed away, That noble race and brave, Their light canoes have vanished From off the crested wave. Amid the forest where they roamed There rings no hunter’s shout— But their name is on your waters— You can not sash it out. |
| While the House of Representatives showed its appreciation of the eloquence of Mr. McDonald
by ordering his address published in pamphlets form (the only address of the session so honored), yet
the members were not prepared to pass his bill for the erection of the modest memorial which he
requested. It is gratifying, however, to know that Mr. McDonald was returned to the general assembly
for the session of 1907, and that his bill was re-introduced during that session and became law by
the approval of the governor, March 12, 1907. The memorial to the great Menominee will be no less a
monument to the noble hearts and wise head of his advocate and defender, the Hon. Daniel McDonald. In 1840, Alexis Coquillard, the first white man to establish a trading post on the site of the city of South Bend, was commissioned by the general government to remove certain bands of Pottawatomies who still remained in St. Joseph county. They had agreed to go peaceably with “the Pottawatomie Chief,” as Mr. Coquillard was called by the Indians, who had much admiration and affection for this distinguished pioneer. These last Indians were removed by Mr. Coquillard without trouble, and in a most humane manner. There was in this case none of the sadness and suffering so graphically described by Mr. McDonald in being all in wagons. The only regrettable circumstance connected with this last Indian emigration is the fact that Alexis Coquillard was defrauded by his partner, a man named Alverson, who appropriated to himself the large sum of money, $40,000 and over, which the general government had appropriated and paid for this important service. The defalcation of his partner, for a time, weighed heavily upon the spirits and fortunes of Mr. Coquillard, but only for a time. The same indomitable energies that made his fortunes restored them. He was a fine type of those business men that followed him, men who refused to be suppressed by adverse circumstances and who have made the business enterprises of St. Joseph county known to the people of the world. With this last removal of the primitive inhabitants, but two of three Pottawatomie families were left I St. Joseph county, and now there is not an Indiana of full blood where once the race was in absolute possession. As said by Mr. McDonald, in closing his notable speech in the state house at Indianapolis: “They are now all gone—not one is left to tell the story.” (Howard, A History of St. Joseph County Indiana, 1907 vol. 1) |
| Of an Emigrating Party of Pottawattomie Indians, From Twin Lakes, in Marshall County, Ia. [Indiana], to Their Homes on the Osage River in the We [stern] Terri- tory. Conducted by Wm. Polke, Esq. Property of Judge Polk if called for. |
| S. M. |
| Thursday 30th. August, 1838. Commenced collecting the Indians at Twin Lakes Encampment, Marshall County Indiana, and succeeded in gathering by night time, about one hundred and seventy. |
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| Friday, 31st. Aug.. Received considerable accessions to the numbers of yesterday. The day was employed in bringing in the Indians and their baggage. |
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| Sunday, 2nd Sept.. Loaded thirteen wagons with the Baggage belonging to the Indians and prepared for a march. |
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| Monday, 3d Sept.. A party of forty-two Indians were brought into camp, and the business of the emigration so arranged as to expedite our departure on to-morrow. |
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| Tuesday, 4th Sept. Left Encampment at Twin Lakes at half past 9 o’clk A. M. leaving behind on account of sickness of the chief San-ga-na, with his family consisting of thirteen persons, three of whom are very sick, and proceeded on our march. Messrs, Wheeler & Hopkins agree to furnish provisions during the sickness of the family, and until such time as San-ga-na may be able to report himself at the agency at Logansport, preparatory to his emigration west. The day was exceedingly sultry, and the roads choked up with dust. Traveling was attended with much distress on account of the scarcity of water. Reached Chippeway at sunset having travelled a distance of twenty-one miles further than it was the intention of the Conductor to have gone, but for the want of water. The number of horses belonging to the Indians is estimated at two hundred and eighty-six—the number of wagons engaged in the transportation twenty-six. Provisions and forage rather scarce and not of the best quality. |
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| Wednesday, 5th September. Fifty-one persons were found to be unable to continue the journey, the means of transportation not being at hand—they were therefore left, the most of them sick, the remainder to wait upon them. Proceeded on our route, and reached at half past 12, at noon, the point determined upon as the location of our second encampment, a distance of nine miles from the encampment of the day before. The scarcity of water in the country again retarded the progress of the emigration—the distance being either too great or too short between the watering placed. A child died on the vening of this day, and buried on the morning of the 7t. A child was also born during our encampment. A party of three Indians joined us today shortly after coming into camp. Subsistence generally of beef and flour, and that very difficult to acquire—having in most cases to ransport it from Logansport, a distance form the furthest point of 46 miles* *During the night of the 4th instant at the encampment at Chippeway, twenty persons affected their escape—stealing two horses from the Indians remaining behind, and have not since been heard of. |
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| Thursday, 6th Sept. Left the Encampment at Una Creek at 9 in the morning, and traveled encountering fewer difficulties on our route, than on either of the previous days, to the encampment settled upon in the immediate vicinity of Logansport, having accomplished on our third day’s march, a distance of seventeen miles. During the Evening of our arrival, nine of those left at Chippeway came up. |
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| Friday, 7th Sept. Two wagons with the thirteen person left at Chippeway arrive in camp today. Kock-coch-kee, with his party consisting of fifteen persons, as also Co-co-ta, Che-shaw-gen Way-wa-he-as-shuk and Pawk-shuk, with their families, making in all eighteen persons, came into camp today. A child died this morning. |
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| Saturday, 8th Sept. A child three years old died and was buried—The chief We-wiss-sa came in with his family consisting of six persons, to join the emigration,—himself sick. Two wagons that had been sent to Chippeway returned bringing with them twenty-two persons, the whole of the number of those left behind, save the few who had effected their escape, and others who wished to remain until they are better able to travel. C. Martin has agreed to furnish them while sick at that place. |
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| Sunday, 9th Sept. Physicians came into camp today, and reported three hundred cases of sickness, generally of a temporary character, and which they are of opinion, may be removed by a two-day course of medicine. A kind of Medical hospital has been erected to-day, which is likely to facilitate the course of medical regime proposed by the physicians. A child died to-day. The priest formerly attached to the Catholics among the Pottawattamies, asked and obtained leave to say mass to-day and perform the ceremonies of his church in camp. The rites are now being performed. This Evening Sidney Williams and Wm. T. Polke, who had been dispatched in pursuit of the Indians who escaped from Chippeway, returned, having reconnoitered the village and cornfields on the Reserve without receiving any intelligence of the fugitives. They brought into camp three Indian horses which they had found on the road. A child died since dark. |
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| Monday, 10th Sept. The morning was early employed in preparations for a removal. Nothing of any note occurred during the morning. At 10 o’clk, we got under way and proceeded on our journey, leaving behind us of sick and attendan[ts] twenty-one. The day was hot—we had the advantage [how]ever, of being in the vicinity of water, our route lying on the northern bank of the Wabash, the whole distance. We reached our encampment at Winnemac’s old village, at about 5 o’clk, a distance of perhaps ten miles from the camp at Logan. Provisions of the same character of those of yesterday and the day previous. Bacon is not to be had—beef and flour constitutes generally our provisions. A child died since we came into camp. A man also died tonight after several day’s sickness. |
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| Tuesday, 11th Sept. Left Winnemac Encampment at 10 A. M. and journeyed westward. Our route lay through an open, champaign, country, which circumstance rendered the traveling more pleasant than that of any previous day. The sick along with us appear to be recruiting and everything bids fair for a comfortable and prosperous emigration. If we may be allowed to judge from the gayety of our encampments—the bright smiles that gild the sunny faces of our unhappy wards, and the contentment which seems to mark the sufferance of imposed restrictions, we may safely calculate upon the pleasantest and happiest of the emigrations west. We reached our present encampment (Pleasant Run) at 5 o’clk—having accomplished a distance of seventeen miles. Provisions beef and flour, bacon difficult to be procured. A source of considerable expense is the foraging of Indian horses. We generally, however, manage to pasture during our encampments, as cheaply as possible. |
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| Wednesday, 12th Sept. At half past 8 o’clk. we struck our tents and started on the march. At 11 we reached and forded the Tippecanoe river. A little after 12 we passed the Battle Ground and at 1 arrived at our present encampment (Battle Ground) Distance from the Encampment of yesterday fifteen miles. Immediately after our arrival the Indians were collected, and Dry Goods consisting of Cloths, Blankets, Calicoes, etc., to the amount of $5469 81 were distributed among them. Nothing of importance occurred during the remainder of the day. The Indians appeared to be well satisfied with the distribution of the Goods. A very old woman—the mother of the chief We-wiss-sa—said to be upwards of a hundred years old, died since coming into camp. |
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| Thursday, 13th Sept. We commenced our journey this morning about 9 o’clock, and after traveling until 4 this afternoon, reached the encampment near Lagrange—some eighteen miles from the camp of yesterday. With the exception of the sultry heat of noon-day and the excessive dust of the road, our marches are very pleasant. This Evening two neighboring Physicians, Drs. Ritchie & Son were called into camp (the situation of the sick demanding it) and have visited and prescribed for most of those indisposed. They report 106 cases of sickness. |
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| Friday, 14th Sept. Left Lagrange encampment at an early hour and proceeded at a quick pace on our journey—passing over a dry and seemingly unhealthy portion of the country. Our party continues to mend in health. Occasionally however, and indeed not unfrequently, persons thro’ weariness and fatigue take sick along the route. This occupies much of our time. We place them in the wagons which are every day becoming more crowded and proceed. Reached our camp ground near Williamsport at 4 P. M. As we advanced farther into the country of he prairies water becomes more scarce—the streams are literally dried up, and we have to fear that unless soon refreshed with rain, our future marches will be attended with much pain, and suffering. To-day we made 18 miles. Two deaths took place this evening. |
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| Saturday, 15th Sept. Early on this morning we were on our way, and traveled without interruption until 12 o’clk. M. when we arrived at an unhealthy and filthy looking stream, at which, from the reports of the citizens of the country, we were forced to encamp. The young men among the Indians during the afternoon, to the number of twenty-five, were permitted to go on a hunting excursion-a permission which they have for some time seemed to covet. We traveled to-day about 10 miles. Two small children died along the road. |
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| Sunday, 16th Sept. At 8 o’clock we were loaded and in our saddles. Seven persons were left sick in camp, among the number a woman who was about to be confined. A few minutes travel brought us to the Grand Prairie, a portion of which we passed over, arriving at our present Encampment at Danville, Ill., at about 3 o’clk. P. M. The heat along with the dust is daily rendering our march more distressing. The houses are jaded the Indians sickly and many of the persons engaged in the emigration more of less sick. The whole country through which we pass appears to be afflicted—every town, village, and hamlet has its invalids. We traveled to-day fifteen miles, passing the dividing line between the two states at about 11 ½ o’clock. We find provisions and forage, the further we advance, demanding most enormous prices. It is worthy of remark, perhaps, that such a season for sickness in this country is almost unparalleled. In the little town, adjoining which we are now encamped, containing a population of from eight hundred to a thousand four persons died yesterday. |
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| Monday, 17t Sept. Left the encampment at Danville at 9 in the morning, and proceeded to Sandusky’s point—a distance of six miles, where we encamped for the remainder of the day and night. Soon after our arrival in camp, Joseph Mouland who was left as Interpreter for the sick remained at the camp of Saturday last, came up with his part, it having received an accession by the birth of a child. Provisions and forage we find scarce. Subsistence generally beef and flour. A young child died directly after coming into camp. |
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| Tuesday, 18th Sept. The accumulation of business, together with the discharge of a number of troops in service, rendered it necessary that we should remain in camp a day or so—beside which the weak condition of many of the emigrants demanded rest. During the evening a woman and a child died. A child was also born today. The health of the emigrants continues very bad. Scarcely a day but new cases are reported. In the main however, a daily improvement may be calculated upon. Dr. Jerolaman, the physician to the emigrants arrived in camp to-day, and commenced the discharge of his dut[ies]. He is assisted for the time by Dr. James H. Buell of Williamsport, Ia. whose service were enlisted during the absence of Dr. Jerolaman. In their report of to-day they say, “there are at this time sixty-seven sick—of that number there are forty-seven cases of intermittent fever—thirteen of continued and three of diarrhea, and two of scrofula. Of the whole number eight may be considered dangerously ill. Provisions and forage still continue to be scarce. |
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| Wednesday, 19th Sept. The business for which we remained yesterday in camp, is but half concluded. The sick require active treatment such as they cannot receive whilst on the march. We remain to-day. To-morrow morning most of the volunteers will be discharged, when we expect to proceed on our way. The report of the physicians varies but little from that of yesterday. They report six or eight cases as very dangerous. A child of six or eight years old died this Evening. Also late at night an adult person. |
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| Thursday, 20th Sept. At 3 o’clock we were up and busily preparing the discharge of the volunteers. At sun rise they were mustered and marched to Head Quarters, where, after being addressed for a few moments by the General in command, they were discharged and paid off. Sixteen of the mounted volunteers, upon a requisition of the Conductor of the emigration were retained in service and are now under the immediate charge of Ensign Smith. At 9 o’clk. a few hours before which an elderly woman died, we prepared for our march. We left the camp at half past 9, and reached our present encampment at about 2 P. M. During the march of the party, Gen. Tipton who has heretofore been in command of the volunteers, and superintended the removal of the present emigration, took his leave, and left us in charge of the Conductor, Wm. Polke, Esq. While on the march a child died on horseback. A death has also occurred since we came into camp this Evening. We are now encamped at Davis’s Point, a distance of ten miles from the camp ground of yesterday. To-morrow we expect to reach Sidney, which is reported to be a good watering place. |
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| Friday, 21st Sept. Left Davis’s encampment at half-past 9. At a little before 2 we reached Sidney, near the spot selected for encampment. The health of the Indians is the same—scarcely a change—the worst of the cases in most persons proves fatal. Physician reports for yesterday, “their condition somewhat better. There are yet fifty sick in camp—three have died since my last.” The farther we get into the prairie the scarcer becomes water. Our present encampment is very poorly watered, and we are yet in the vicinity of timber. A child died since we came into camp. This morning before we left the Encampment of last night, a chief, Muk-kose, a man remarkable for his honesty and integrity, died after a few days’ sickness. Distance traveled to-day 12 miles. Forage not so scarce as a few days ago. Bacon we occasionally procure—beef and flour, however, constitutes our principal subsistence. |
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| Saturday, 22nd Sept. At 8 o’clock we left our Encampment, and entered the prairie at Sidney. The day was exceedingly cold.—The night previous had brought us quite a heavy rain, and the morning came in cold and blustery. Our journey was immediately across the Prairie, which at this point is entirely divested of timber for sixteen miles. The Emigrants suffered a good deal, but appeared to be cheerful. The health of the camp continues to improve—not a death has occurred to-day, and the cool bracing weather will go far towards recruiting the health of the invalids. A wagoner was discharged to-day for drunkenness. Dissipation is almost entirely unknown in the camp. To-night, however, two Indians were found to have possessed themselves of liquor, and become intoxicated. They were arrested and put under guard. Some six or eight persons were left at Davis’s Point this morning, for want of the means of transportation. They came in this evening. We are at present encamped at Sidoris’s Grove, sixteen miles distant from Sidney. Water quite scarce. |
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| Sunday, 23rd Sept. Left our encampment at 9 o’clk. Having been detained for an hour at the request of the Rev. W. Petit, who desired to perform service. The day was clear and cold. Our way lay across another portion of Grand Prairie, which, as was the case yesterday, we found without timber for fifteen miles. Physicians report the health of the camp still improving. “The number of sick” the report says “is forty. There have been two deaths since my last report, and four of five may be considered immediately dangerous.” A child died early this morning. One also died on the way to our present Encampment. Distance traveled to-day fifteen miles. We are at present encamped on the Sangamon river, along the banks of which our route to-morrow lies. Subsistence, beef and flour—better, however, than usual. |
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| Tuesday, 25th Sept. To allow the sick left at Pyatt’s Point yesterday time to join us, and to give the emigrants generally a respite, and to bring up the business of the emigration, it was determined to remain in camp to-day. The baggage wagons were weighed and reloaded during the day and the matters of the emigrants made more comfortable. Sometime in the afternoon the sick left at the encampment of yesterday arrived. Directly after their arrival a woman among the number died. The rest were but little if any improved. A child died this evening. The farther we advance the more sickly seems the character of the country. It is very difficult to procure provisions and forage owing to the general prostration of the husbandry…Most of the Indian men were permitted to go on a hunting excursion to-day. They brought in a considerable quantity of game. |
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| Wednesday, 26th Sept. Left our Encampment at the Crossing at 8 o’clock in the morning and proceeded on our route. The sick appear somewhat recruited. Owing to the indisposition of our physicians no report has been made since Monday. We have reason to believe that the health of the camp is returning. The weather still continues delightful—the roads, however, are again becoming dusty. Provisions and forage seem not so scarce as farther back.—the country through which we are now passing is more thickly settled…Distance traveled to-day fourteen miles. We are now encamped near Decatur, Ill. Forty miles from Springfield. A child died after dark. |
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| Thursday, 27th Sept. At 8 this morning we were loaded and on our horses. We traveled until 2 p. m. and reached our present encampment, Long Point, about fourteen miles from the camp of last night. During the march, and indeed for the last three days, a considerable number of the Indian men were scouring the prairies in search of game. Their success has been such as to upercede entirely the necessity of issuing rations. The camp is now full of venison. Mr. Shields, one of the Assistant Conductors, left us this morning on account of indisposition. A substitute, it is thought, will not be necessary as the emigration is already far advanced on its route. We find no difficulty in procuring water, and we have every reason to believe that the greater portion of our route will be found to furnish a sufficiency for the party. Physician still indisposed. Forage and subsistence the same. We find less difficulty in procuring sufficient quantities. |
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| Friday, 28th Sept. Left Long Point at a little before 8 and crossed the prairies intervening. At 2 o’clk. P. M. we reached the Sangamon (on the banks of which we have encamped for the last five days) after crossing which we pitched our tents. We are now within a few miles of Springfield, which place we shall pass through to-morrow. Judge Polke, the Conductor, on the occasion of passing through a village of the character of Springfield, requested I-o-weh, one of the principal chiefs, so to arrange and accouter the Indians as to insure a good appearance. The chief was delighted with the proposition and no doubt the emigration to-morrow will present quite a gaudy appearance. As an inducement they were promised some tobacco, which they have been much in want for several days. The day has been very warm, which added to the length of our march, fatigued much the emigrants. The illness of the camp in disappearing gradually, and we may safely calculate upon a great diminution in the number of sick at the next report of the physician. Forage and provisions becoming plenty, as we nearer approach the settled portions of the state. Distance traveled to-day Eighteen miles. Two children died during the night. |
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| Saturday, 29th Sept. In order to pass Springfield at as early an hour as possible, we rose before light, and at 8 o’clock were on our way. The Indians amongst whom a degree of pride was excited, arranged themselves into line with an unusual display of finery and gaudy trumpery marched through the streets of Springfield. The wayfares were covered with anxious spectators, so indeed as to threaten for a time to impede the progress of the Emigration. We passed clearly through however, and that too without the detention of a single Indian. A 3 we reached our present Encampment, McCoy’s Mill, distant from last night’s camp seventeen miles. This morning, Dr. Jerolaman on account of his continued indisposition, requested leave to remain in Springfield a few days to recruit. Permission was granted. Our march today was through a very dry region of Country. We are now encamped on a stream affording little water. |
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| Sunday, 30th Sept. We left McCoy’s Mills at about 9 o’clk. and at 12 reached Island Grove, the place of our Encampment 6 miles distant from the Camp of last night. Our march was made necessarily short on account of the scarcity of water—this being the only watering place nearer than ten or fifteen miles. The death of a child occurred a few hours after our encampment. Health of the sick still improving. Provisions and subsistence good and healthy. The Indians still bring in large quantities of game—sufficient for their subsistence—and they greatly prefer such provisions as they acquire by the chase. One of the Dragoons was dismissed last night for intoxication— Nothing of the king is permitted. |
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| Monday, 1st October. Early in the morning we left Island Grove—travelled over a dry prairie Country, seventeen miles, we reached our encampment near Jacksonville, at 3 o’clock in the afternoon. Nothing occurred during our march save that a child fell from a wagon, and was very much crushed by the wheels running over it. It is thought the child will die. To-night some of the chiefs reported two runaways, who left this morning. During the Evening we were much perplexed by the curiosity of the visitors, to many of whom the sight of an emigration of Indians is as great a rarity as a traveling Caravan of wild animals. Late at night the camp was complimented by a serenade from the Jacksonville Band. |
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| Tuesday, 2nd Octr. We struck our tents at 8 this morning, and prepared for a march. Owing to the very great curiosity manifested by the citizens generally, Judge Polke, after being solicited, marched the emigration into the square, where we remained for fifteen or twenty minutes. Presents of tobacco and pipes in abundance were made by the citizens to the Indians, who appeared quite as much delighted with the favor shown them as with the excellent music of the Band which escorted us around the square. We continued our journey, and at 3 o’clock reached our present encampment about sixteen miles from Jacksonville. The day was excessively warm and the dust very afflicting, added to which water was scarcely to be found on the route. Provisions and forage we find in considerable quantities, without difficulty. |
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| Wednesday, Oct. 3d. Left Exeter encampment at a little before 8 o’clock, and without any occurrence of note reached the Illinois river at about 11—9 miles distant from last night’s camp. Preparations were made for ferrying the river, and we embarked in keel and flat boats directly after our arrival. The day was spent in crossing and recrossing the stream, and by 9 p. m. we succeeded in landing the last of the baggage wagons. We are now encamped on the opposite shore from Naples, where we shall perhaps remain to-morrow, to recruit the fatigues of the past few days. A child died directly after our arrival at the river. |
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| Thursday, 4th Octr. Although the ferriage of the river was completed last night before we slept, it was thought advisable by the Conductor to remain in Camp to-day. The Indians made use of the opportunity thus afforded, to furnish themselves with moccasins, wash their blankets and clothes, and do many other things necessary to their comfort and cleanliness during the remainder of the journey. The health of the Indians is now almost as good as before we commenced our march from Twin Lakes—a few days more will entirely recruit them. A young child died in the Evening. |
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| Friday, 5th Oct. Left Encampment opposite Naples at 8 o’clock, and reached at a little after 12 our present encampment, at McKee’s creek, twelve miles from the Illinois river. We were forced to-day to leave the Road and travel a considerable distance to find water—even such as it is—standing in ponds—The streams are nearly all dry. Subsistence, beef and flour. Forage of a good character. |
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| Saturday, 6th Oct. At a little before 8 in the morning we left the encampment of last night. During the night we were visited by a fall ran which rendered the traveling to-day unusually pleasant. The dust has been completely allayed, and the air much cooled. Water on the route was only to be found in stagnant ponds. At 3 o’clock we reached our present encampment, which from the barreness of the spot in everything save grass, brush and weeds, we have appropriately named Hobson’s Choice. Beef and potatoes were issued to the Indians this Evening. Forage, corn and hay. A child died since we came into camp. Distance traveled to-day eighteen miles. |
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| Sunday, 7th Oct. We were on the march this morning at half past 7 o’clk. The journey was pleasant and the road better than usual supplied with water. The distance to Quincy, of which we are now within six or seven miles, was too great for one day’s journey; we therefore encamped at Mill-creek, but twelve miles distance from Hobson’s Choice camp. To-morrow we shall reach Quincy at an early hour, and soon as possible cross the river on the opposite bank of which we expect to remain two of three days to allow the teamsters and others engaged in the service, sufficient time to repair their wagons, etc. A child died shortly after we arrived in camp. |
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| Monday, 8th Octr. In order to reach Quincy and forward the ferriage of the river as much as possible, parties of the emigration were detached and sent a-head at 7 o’clk. At 10 a great portion of the emigrants had reached the river, seven miles from the camp of last night. A stream ferry-boat which had been previously employed, was in waiting for, and the Indians were immediately put on board. By night we succeeded in crossing all the Indians, horses, and several wagons. The remainder will be brought over as early as convenient, to-morrow. It is with the utmost difficulty that many of the Indians are restrained from intoxication. A guar has to be kept under arms in every town through which we pass.—Tomorrow will be employed in the payment of the officers and troops. Three children died since morning. |
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| Tuesday, 9th Octr. The wagons belonging to the emigration were early engaged in ferrying the river, and by night time all were over. During the day the officers were busily employed in making out the accounts of the of the officers, laborers and wagoners engaged in the emigration most of whom will be paid and settled with up with up to the 30th ult. Two Dragoons Messrs. Kelly & Smith declined going further with the emigration—they were accordingly discharged. Dr. Jerolaman came into camp to-day—his health is still very delicate. Several of the chiefs assembled to-day, and requested of the Conductor liberty to remain in Camp each succeeding Sabbath for devotional exercises. Leave was granted. The health of the Indians is still improving. We shall continue in camp to-morrow. Mr. H. Barnett, a dragoon, was also discharged to-day, at his own request. |
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| Wednesday, 10th Oct. The settlements of yesterday was concluded to-day, and every person engaged in the service, save the Officers of the emigration, was paid up to the 30th ult. In order to allow the wagoners an opportunity of repairing their wagons, shoeing their horses and making other repairs necessary for the safe prosecution of the journey, much extra ferriage was done during the two days of our encampment at the river. This might have been avoided by remaining on the Quincy shore, but the dissolute habits of the Indians and their great proneness to intoxication, forbid such a step on the part of the agents of the government. At sunset all the wagons that had been repairing, were in camp, and we were prepared for next day’s journey. |
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| Thursday, 11th Octr. At 9 o’clock the emigration moved from the encampment of the last two days. The rest of yesterday and the day before had much recruited the health and spirits of the Indians. The march was pleasant and without the occurrence of any difficulties. We are encamped at Pleasant Spring, near Palmyra, Mo. Capt. J. Holman, of Peru, Ia. Arrived in Camp to-day. He serves in the capacity of Assistant Superintendent, having received his appointment at the suggestion of reports unfavorable to the health of the officers attached to the emigration. A woman died shortly after we encamped today. An ox wagon engaged in the transportation of Indians, having lost its cattle was forced to remain behind with its load. The wagon along with those left to hunt the oxen will be up to-morrow. Distance traveled to-day thirteen miles. |
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| Friday, 12th Oct. Early this morning we prepared for marching, and at 8 ½ o’clock were under way. We passed through Palmyra at 10, and had little difficulty in preventing the excesses of the Indiana. After we arrived in camp, however, two or three Indians were found to have procured liquor, and became much intoxicated. They were immediately arrested and put under guard. We are now encamped on See’s creek, thirteen miles from Pleasant Spring, the camp of last night. The health of the Indians is considered so good that Medicine has not for some time been administered to them. Subsistence beef and flour. Forage corn and corn fodder. The Indian horses are suffered to graze through the woods. The wagon left behind yesterday came up this evening after dark. Gen. A. Morgan, who has heretofore been acting in the capacity of Assistant Superintendent in the emigration gave notice that he should offer his resignation to-morrow. |
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| Saturday, 13th Oct. This morning as we were on the eve of leaving our encampment, a number of the Indians headed by the chief Ash-kum came up to Head Quarters, and requested an interview with the Conductor and Gen. Morgan. Ash-kum arose and in a short talk informed the Conductor that the Indians were unwilling that Gen. Morgan whom they had been taught to recognize as principal in the emigration, should leave them. They felt, he continued, that Gen. M. was near to them pledges upon which they depended, and the fulfillment of which induced them in part to consent to their emigration. The Indians also requested throu’ Ash-kum liberty to travel less and remain longer in camp. Judge Polke answered. He informed them that Gen. Morgan had voluntarily offered his resignation, and that he had been appointed to conduct them to their new homes, with the consent of Gen. M. etc. etc. Gen. Morgan also responded and returned his thanks to the Indians for the interest which they manifested in his welfare. The chief I-o-weh dissented in strong terms from the sentiments expressed by Ash-kum. He stated that these men (alluding to Ash-kum and his associates) were not chiefs—that they were not entitled to respect as such. He wished that Judge Polke should conduct them to their new homes, and that Gen. Morgan should return. He was contented with the Officers remaining with the emigration. The emigration left at 9 o’clock. Gen. Morgan having previously departed, The day was very windy, and the dust exceedingly afflicting. At 3 o’clock we arrived in camp at Clinton—a distance of seventeen miles from See’s creek. To-morrow we shall remain in camp. |
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| Sunday, 14th Octr. To-day according to a promise made the chiefs a few days ago, we remained in camp. The Indians attended service during the day, and seemed quite to enjoy themselves. In the Evening the chiefs Ash-kum, I-o-weh and others, along with a number of the Indians, assembled at Head Quarters, and shook hands for a talk. They came, I-o-weh said, to demand the dismissal or suspension of Dr. Jerolaman, the physician for the emigration, whom they had ceased to like, and did not wish him longer to accompany the emigration. Judge Polke answered and informed them that their request was one of so much importance and so unusual in emigration, that he hoped he might be allowed time not only to decide himself but to council with is officers. The Indians then retired, with the understanding that an answer would be given them to-morrow evening. |
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| Monday, 15th Oct. At 8 o’clk. this morning we were on the march. The day was very windy, which rendered our passage across the prairie very disagreeable. Many of the Indians suffered a good deal. At noon we reached our present encampment, near Paris, twelve miles distant from the camp of last night. During the evening the chiefs, according to arrangement of last night, along with a large number of the Indians, came up to Head Quarters, and repeated their request of last night. The Speaker said that he did not demand it for himself or for his associates alone, but for every man, woman and child in camp—they all united in soliciting he discharge of Dr. Jerolaman. The Conductor briefly informed them that Dr. J. had received his appointment from government—that he felt a delicacy in discontinuing an officer of government—that the Indians were not compelled to receive the services of Dr. J.—they were free to choose for themselves—that he through it his duty to retain his services as physician for the officer of the emigration, and that viewing their request in the light he did, he could not consistent with his duty, grant their request. He hoped they would forget their prejudices, and still continue friendly with Dr. J.—and that his decision might not affect the feelings of unity which had so far subsisted between the officers and their red brethren. In conclusion he informed them that he had purchased, in the hope of allaying their discontent, a keg of tobacco, which he wished them to smoke in token of continued friendship. The Indians then retired, not without, however, first requesting leave to renew the subject again. Subsistence, beef, corn and potatoes. Forage corn & hay. |
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| Tuesday, 16th Oct. Left Encampment at Paris this morning at 8. Our march was unusually long—water being scarce throughout the country. At 3 o’clk. we arrived at Burkhart’s Encampment, eighteen miles from Paris. The day was quite cold—last night having frozen water in camp. Health still improving. Complaints of sickness are scarcely to be heard. |
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| Wednesday, 17th Octr. Although the appearances of the weather were unfavorable, we were at an early hour preparing for the day’s journey. At 8 the snow commenced falling very fast, and continued during the greater part of the day. Travelling was difficult, the road being exceedingly slippery, and the snow falling so fast as to render very cold and unpleasant the whole journey. At 3 o’clk. we reached our encampment near Huntsville, about thirteen miles fro Burkhart’s. The Indians traveled without complaint, and seemed greatly to approve of the exertion of government to place them at their new homes. Subsistence flour and beef. Forage corn and hay. The snow at night changed to rain, which almost inundated the encampment. A quantity of straw was procured, which generally distributed throughout the camp rendered the Indians tolerable comfortable for the night. |
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| Thursday, 18th Oct. To-day owing to the continued rain we were forced to remain encamped. Added to which the state of the roads forbid our travel. Nothing occurred during the day, save the drunkenness of a few of the Indians who had procured liquor at Huntsville. To-morrow we expect to move. Provisions and forage the same as yesterday. |
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| Friday, 19th Octr. Early this morning the Indians were busily engaged in making preparations for a march. At 8 o’clock we were on the way. At 12 we reached encampment on Middle Chariton, eleven miles from the camp of last night. The day was cold and clear—the journey, however, was accomplished without the distress of Wednesday. The Indians still seem to be anxious to reach their destination. |
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| Saturday, 20th Octr. Left Chariton Encampment at 8 o’clock this morning. The road was quite muddy, and the air very cold. At 12 we reached our present Encampment on Grand Chariton, two miles from Keatsville. To-morrow being the Sabbath we shall remain in camp. The health of the Indians is almost completely restored. There are perhaps scarcely a dozen in camp. Subsistence beef and flour—of which the Indians are becoming tired. Bacon and pork cannot be procured. Forage hay and corn. Distance traveled to-day eleven miles. |
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| Sunday, 21st Oct. To-day we remained in camp to allow the Indians, according to a request made by them, an opportunity for worship. During the day a considerable quantity of apples and cider was purchased and given to the Indians. The health continues good. One or two of the Officers have within the last few days been much indisposed. |
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| Monday, 22nd Oct. At an early hour this morning we left our encampment, and passing through Keatsville, journeyed towards the Missouri River. At 2 o’clk. P. M. we reached Grand River, preparations for the ferriage of which had before been made, and immediately commenced its crossing. By dark all the Indians and many of the wagons were over. The remainder will cross in the morning early and by 12 we hoped to be able to continue our journey. Distance traveled to-day fifteen miles. |
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| Tuesday, 23rd Octr. This morning was early employed in ferrying the remainder of the wagons. By 12 o’clk. all were across, and we prepared for the continuation of our journey. The bottom lands of the Missouri being too flat and wet to encamp upon an hour longer than was essentially necessary, at 1 o’clk. we left Grand River Encampment, and passing over prairies (the cold being severe) arrived at Thomas’ Encampment at a little after 4, a distance of ten miles. Subsistence beef, flour and corn. Forage orn and corn fodder. |
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| Wednesday, 24th Octr. This morning before leaving Camp a quantity of Shoes were distributed among the indigent and bare footed Indians, the weather being too sever for marching without a covering to the feet. At 8 o’clock we left Thomas’ encampment, and at 12 reached Carrolton, near which place we are now encamped. Distance twelve miles. Nothing occurred on the way. The cold was intense on the prairies. The country through which we passed to-day is very much excited. Nothing is heard—nothing is talked of but the Mormons and the difficulties between them and the citizens of Upper Missouri. Carrollton is nightly guarded by its citizens. |
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| Thursday, 25th Octr. Having an unusually long journey before us, across a prairie, we moved from Carrollton encampment at half past 7 o’clk. and without meeting with difficulty or obstructions, but somewhat fatigued, we arrived at Snowden’s near whose farm we encamped. The journey was made unnecessarily long ecause of the scarcity of water and timber, and the absence of provisions and forage. Sometime after jour encampment the Conductor was waited upon by a gentleman, who it appeared had been delegated by the citizens of Richmond (a village near us) to request assistance as they really anticipated an attack from the Mormons tonight. Judge Polke informed the gentleman that such a step on his part would be entirely without the line of his duty. His duties were particularly delegated to him by the government, to which he was responsible for the faithful performance of the same. He hoped that the excitement would abate, and the aid which he required be rendered unnecessary. Provisions and forage as usual. |
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| Friday, 26th Octr. At 8 o’clock we left our encampment, and at 10 reached the Missouri river, opposite Lexington. We immediately commenced ferrying, and shall perhaps be able to get the wagons all over before night. We found the ferry engaged in transporting females who were flying from their homes. Great excitement prevailes. Reports are rife throughout the country of bloodshed, house-burning, etc. The people seem completely crazed. By sunset all the wagons save a few on the opposite bank of the river. Early in the morning we shall proceed to cross the Indians. |
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| Saturday, 27th Octr. At sunrise the ferry boats were busily plying from shore to shore. As fast as the Emigrants reached the southern bank they were hurried on their journey. At 2 o’clk. the party were all over the river, and hastened to join the front of the emigration. At 4 o’clock the front of the party reached our encampment at Little Schuy creek, eight miles from last night’s camp. |
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| Sunday, 28th Octr. To-day we remained in camp. We have performed a good week’s travel, ferrying two rivers in the time. Health of the camp as good as it has been. This morning the Indians with Ash-kum at their head, came to Head Quarters and informed the conductor of some difficulties hich they were fearful might occur in the exercise of the unrestricted power by I-o-weh, whom they did not choose to acknowledge as a chief of the blood. They also requested information in regard to their annuities, etc. Judge Polke hoped that they would cease to speak of a subject which could not be of benefit to them, but on the other hand might affect the progress of the emigration. When the journey was completed they were at liberty to speak and decide among themselves. He had yet some tobacco, which he should offer them in hopes that they would still continue in peace and harmony. He also informed them what he knew of their annuities, etc. The Indians then retired apparently contented. A child died after night some time—the first for the last four weeks. |
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| Monday, 29th Octr. At 8 o’clock we resumed our journey—the morning being delightful and fine for traveling. At 12 we reached Prairie creek ten miles from Schuy creek. Subsistence flour, corn-meal, beef and pork and game of every kind. Forage, corn, hay and fodder. About 5 o’clock Capt. Hull arrived in camp with the Indians left at Logansport and Tippecanoe, numbering in all some twenty-three. They are tolerably good health and spirits and will perhaps accomplish the remainder of the journey in the company of our party. |
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| Tuesday, 30th Octr. We marched from Prairie creek this morning at a little before 8, and at 1 p. m. reached our present encampment at Blue River, fourteen miles from this morning’s camp. The journey was unusually pleasant—the day warm, and the emigrants in the company of their friends, who came up yesterday evening, very gay and cheerful. Some time after our encampment Capt. Hull reported himself to the conductor and the number and condition of the emigrants under his charge. They number in all twenty-three, having five horses and three transporting wagons in company. They will be attached to the emigration nder the charge of Judge Polke to-morrow. |
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| Wednesday, 31st Octr. Left Encampment this morning at half after 7 o’clock—the company under Capt. Hull being attached to the emigrants—and at 12 o’clock passed through Independence. At 1 we reached our present encampment two miles south of Independence, and ten miles from the camp of yesterday. After reaching camp in the evening a small quantity of shoes were distributed among the emigrants. Many Indians came into camp during the afternoon much intoxicated. |
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| Thursday, 1st Novr. Left camp Independence at a little after 9—one hour or so having been allowed the Indians for their religion exercises. At 3 o’clk. we reached our present encampment on Blue River, sixteen miles. Te journey was exceedingly pleasant—the weather being warm and the road very good. Subsistence and forage of a good and healthy character, and to be had in abundance. To-morrow we shall cross the state line, and thereafter experience some difficulty in provisioning—the country being almost an entire wilderness. |
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| Friday, 2nd Nov. This morning broke upon us rainy and disagreeable. The conductor being anxious, however, to complete the journey now so near at an end, gave the word for a move, and at 8 o’clock we were on the road—the rain increasing as we advanced. At 9 we crossed the boundary line, and found ourselves in the heart of a prairie, with scarcely any trace to mark our route. The journey was continued and at 12 a large portion of the emigrants on horseback came detached from the wagon, and wandered over the prairie four hours in search of the trace of the wagons. It was found at length, and we reached the camp ground set-out for a 3 o’clock, having traveled a distance (it was computed) of twenty-five miles from the encampment of yesterday. Our encampment is known as the North fork of Blue river. Subsistence beef and corn. Forage corn. |
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| Saturday, 3rd Nov. At an early hour we left our encampment at Oak Grove, and traveled until 2 o’clock when we reached a settlement of Wea Indians, on Bull creek, and camped adjoining Bull-town. Our journey was pleasant, and was marked by the anxiety of the Indians to push forward and see their friends. During the evening as attempt as made to enroll the Indians, but not very successfully. They did not seem (or would not) to understand or appreciate the object. Late in the evening several of the chiefs came to Head Quarters, and request to remain in camp to-morrow. But the journey being so nearly completed, and the scarcity of orage and provisions induced the conductor to deny their request, and insist upon traveling. |
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| Sunday, 4th Nov. Left Bull-town encampment this morning at 9 o’clk. two hours having been allowed the Indians for devotional purposes. At 2 we crossed the Osage, where the Indians were met and welcomed by many of their friends, and at half after 3 reached Pottawattomie creek, the end of our destination. The emigrants seeming delighted with the appearance of things—the country—its advantages—the wide spreading prairie and the thrifty grove, the rocky eminence and the meadowed valley—but particularly with the warm and hearty greeting of those who have tested (and but to become attached to,) the country assigned them by Government. The evening was spent in preparing for some settlements of to-morrow. The distance of to-day’s travel is computed at twenty miles. Mr. Davis the Agent, we found absent. |
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| Monday 5th Nov. The day consumed in making settlements with the Officers. During the afternoon a considerable number of the Indians, assembled at Head Quarters, and expressed a desire to be heard in a speech. Pe-pish-kay rose and in substance said:--That they had now arrived at their journey’s end—that the government must now be satisfied. They had taken been from homes affording them plenty, and brought to a desert—a wilderness—and were now to be scattered and left as the husbandman scatters his seed. The Agent, Mr. Davis, they knew not, and his absence would not afford them an opportunity of deciding what they might expect from him. The Indians did not think such treatment of a character with that promised them in their treaties. They hoped Judge Polke, their friend, would remain with them and see that justice should be rendered. Judge Polke informed them that considering their request too important to be disregarded, he would return from Independence, whither it was necessary he should go to attest the settlement of the emigration, and remain with them until Mr. Davis’s return. He would leave his son (Mr. B. C. Polke) who would in company with them visit and select such localities in the country as might please them. They returned for answer that they would reply in the morning. The Council then broke up. Quite an old man died after coming into camp last night. Beef and corn were delivered to the Indians in the afternoon. During the evening, a wagon belonging to and owned by Andrew Fuller, a Pottawattomie, containing six Indians, came into camp. They had traveled from Michigan with the intention of becoming citizens of the Western Territory, and borne their expenses for the whole route. They came without any instructions from the Agent at Logansport. |
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| Tuesday, 6th Novr. We were early preparing to move on our return—the Officers and wagons generally expressing much anxiety to hasten their return. The Indians assembled again, and after a repetition of the requests and arguments of yesterday, informed the Conductor that they were willing he should leave them, but they should expect his return. In the meantime they hoped that Judge Polke would nterest himself in their affairs. They had confidence in him, and hoped he would not abuse it. Immediately we left our encampment, and proceeded on our return. Much feeling was manifested at our departure. On our way we passed a wagon containing two dead persons. A sick family of Indians had been left a Bull-town—two of the sick had died. They reached the camp of the Indians before night. We arrived at our encampment of Saturday last at 3 o’clock. To-morrow we shall proceed to Westpoint. |
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| Wednesday, 7th Nov. Travelled from Bulltown encampment to McLean’s Grove, a distance of twenty-five miles. It had snowed the night previous and continued most of the day, which was windy and excessively cold. But a small number of the Team kept in company—most of them selecting their own routes. |
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| Thursday, 8th, Nov. Left McLean’s Grove and traveled to Westpoint a distance of nine miles to breakfast. After breakfast we continued o our way, and arrived at Camp near Independence at 5 o’clock. Several of the teams were already in camp, and others coming in. To-day we traveled a distance of twenty-one miles. |
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| Friday, 9th Nov. During the day the wagons left behind us came into camp. The settlements with the teams will be commenced to-day and perhaps be concluded to-morrow. |
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| Saturday, 10th Nov. The settlements with the teamsters and officers concluded to-day. To-morrow we set out for home every thing having resulted as well and happily as could have been anticipated by the most sanguine. I believe the foregoing Journal to be correct in every thing pertaining to distances, localities, etc., etc. |
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| J. C. Douglas, Enroll. Agent. |
| SCALE OF DISTANCES |
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From Logansport to Quincy……………………………….339 miles From Quincy to Independence…………………………….213 From Independence to Pottawattomie Creek, W. T………...66 From Naples, Ill. to Quincy………………………………....49 From Springfield, Ill., to Naples…………………………….59 From Springfield to Danville, Ill…………………………..126 |