Boot, s. dim, —— ais.
Born, part. pass. Ni´gi.
Bosom, s. Okâ kigun.
Bottle, s. Omôdi.
Bottle, s. dim. Omôdins. Aphial.
Bough, s. Wudikwon´.
Boulder stone, Mushkosiswâbik.
Bounteous a. Kishaiwâ dizzi.
Bow. s. Mittigwâb´. Dim in ais.
Bowstring, s. Utshâb´.
To bow, v. Shugushki.
Bowels, Onugizh´.
Bower, s. Uguhwâ´taioon.
Bowl, s. Onâgon.
Bowl, s. dim, Onâgons´.
Bowl, s. dim. & local, Onâgoning.
Box, s. Mukkuk´.
Box, s. dim. Mukkukais. Little box.
Box, s. der, Mukkukish. Bad box.
Box, s. local, Mukkuking. In the box.
Box, s. dim, der, & local, Mukkukaisishing. In the little bad box.
Boy, s. Kwi´wizais.
Boy, s. der, Kwi´wizaisish. Bad boy.
Bracelet, s. Pizoon´.
Brain, s. Winindib.
Branch of a plant, Wudikwon.
Branch of a tree, Ningitow itig´.
Branch of a river, Ningitow itig-wyâ´.
Brand, a torch, Wuswâ´gun.
Brandy, s. ´Shkôdaiwâ´bô, or Ish-kôdaiwâ´bô. Any strong liquor, from
fire and liquor.
Brass, s. Ozawâbik. Yellow metal.
Brass kettle, Ozawâbikwukik.
Brave, a. Sôngidaiai.
Bread, s. Bukwai´zhigun. That, that is cut.
Bread, s. dim. Bukwai´zhigons. Biscuit, cake.
To break, v. a. Pigoobizh. To break him.
To break, v. in. Pigoobidôn. To break it.
Breast, s. Tôtôsh. Plural in un.
Breast liquor. Tôtôshâ´bô.
Breast bone, Odusinakai.
To breath, v. Naisai.
Breath, s. Naisaiwin.
Breechcloth, A´ziân.
Breeze. Nowoi´a.
Brethren, s. Nikâ´nisidoog. A general term.
Bride, s. Nân´gunikwai´.
Applied also to daughter-in-law.
Brier, s. Agâ´wuzh.
Bright light, Wassaiâ.
Bright metal, Washkaiâ.
Brimstone, Ozâ´wussin.
Brindled, a. Kidugizzi.
Brisk. See Active.
Brittle, a. Kâ´pun.
Brittle axe, Kápá´bikud.
Brittle ice, Kâpizzigwai.
Brittle stone, Kâpâ´bik.
Bristle, s. Obi´wy.
Broad, a. an. Mungudaizi.
—— a. inan. Mungudaiâ.
Broadcloth, s. Monidowâi´gin. Spirit cloth, or skin.
To bring, v. an. Pizh. To bring him.
—— v. inan. Pidôn´. To bring it.
Brooch, s. Sugâkwuhoon.
Brook, s. Sibins.
Diminutive of river.
Brook trout, Mâzhimâg´woos.
Broom, s. Jishud´yigun.
Jishudyigai, To broom, to sweep.
Broth, s. Nâbôb´.
Brother, s. Osyai´emâ.
My elder brother, Nisyai´.
My younger brother or sister, Nishimai´.
Brush, s. Shôshkwy´igun.
Brute, s. Awai´si.
Buckskin, s. Iâbiwai´gin.
Bucket, s. Nimibâgun.
Buckle, s. See brooch.
Bud, s. Wunamik.
Buffalo, s. See bison.
Buffalo robe, Pizhihiwai´gin.
Bug, s. Monitôs´.
To build, (a house or fort,) Wakyi´gai.
Builder, (of a house, &c.) Waiakyigaid.
Building, s. Wakyigun.
To build, (a lodge, &c.) Ozhigai´.
Builder, &c. s. Waizhigaid.
Bugle, s. Mudwaiwai´chigun.
Bullet, s. Unai´.
Bullrush, s. Onâ´gonushk.
Bullfrog, s. Dain´dai.
Bundle, s. Ningoodwupidai.
Buoy, (of a net) Kundi´kund.
Bur, s. Wazhuskwai´do.
Burthen, s. Obim´iwunân.
To burn, v. n. Châ´gi.
To burn, v. an. Châ´gizoo.
To burn, v. inan. Châ´gidai.
Burner, s. an. Chyâgizzoowaid.
Burner, s. inan. Chyâgidaid.
Burrow, s. Wâzh.
To Bury, v. Niugwâ´.
Bury him, Ningwuh.
Bury it, Ningwâun.
Bush, s. Sugikobâ´.
Bustard, s. Mississai´.
But, conj. Unishâ´.
Butter, s. Pimmidai´.
Butterfly, s. Mâimai´ngwâ.
Butterfly, s. dim. Mainiaingwâs.
To buy, v. an. Gish´pinudôn.
To buy, v. in. Gish´pinuzh.
Buzzard, s. Winon´gai.
By, prep. Chig. Cheeg.
By (the) tree, Chigâ´tig.
By (the) rock, Chigâ´bik.
By and by, Pâ´nimâ´.
[Circumstances prevent the insertion of the remainder of this
vocabulary.]
III. OFFICIAL REPORTS.
OFFICIAL REPORTS.
1. Letter to E. Herring, announcing the return of expedition.
2. Letter to Gov. Porter, subject of Sauc disturbances.
3. Letter to E. Herring, transmitting report on vaccination.
4. Letter to E. Herring, transmitting report on population and trade.
5. Statistical tables of population, &c.
6. Report on the political state of the Indians on the U. Mississippi.
7. Dr. Houghton’s report on vaccination.
ADDENDA.
1. Letter to the Dept., transmitting plan and estimates for the
Expedition of 1832.
2. Instructions.
3. Letter to Gen. Street, Indian Agent at Prairie du Chien.
4. Report of the previous Expedition of 1831, as laid before
Congress.
5. Speech of six Chippewa chiefs on the Sioux war.
[In the arrangement of the above reports and letters, the order of
dates is observed.]
OFFICIAL REPORTS.
I.
OFFICE INDIAN AGENCY }
_Sault Ste. Marie, August 15th, 1832_. }
ELBERT HERRING, ESQ.,
Office of Indian Affairs, Washington.
SIR: I hasten to inform you that I yesterday returned from my
expedition to the northwest. On reaching the Mississippi I found
the state of the water favorable for ascending. No difficulty was
experienced in reaching the highest point, to which this stream has
hitherto been explored. At this point, I procured canoes of the
smallest class, and ascended, with Indian guides, to its actual source
in Itasca Lake.
Upwards of two thousand Chippewas have been met in council, in
their villages, or in detached parties on the way. At every point,
vaccinations have been made, under the authority of the act of the
last session of Congress. No opportunity has been omitted to enforce
the objects of the instructions respecting their hostilities with each
other, and to point out and make clear to their comprehension, their
true relation to the United States. The efforts made to procure the
assent of the Chippewas to the advice given them on this head, were
stated to the Sioux in a council to which I invited them at the Agency
of St. Peter’s.
The acquisition of data respecting the trade and population, and the
geographical distribution of the bands, has been, with other details,
resulting from my instructions, at all times, kept in view. I shall
devote the earliest attention I can spare from the accumulated duties
of the office, in drawing up a detailed report.
I am, Sir,
very respectfully,
your ob. serv’t,
HENRY R. SCHOOLCRAFT.
II.
OFFICE INDIAN AGENCY, }
_Sault Ste. Marie, August 15, 1832_.}
His Excellency GEORGE B. PORTER,
Governor of the Territory of Michigan,
and Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Detroit.
SIR: I have the honor to inform you that I returned from my visit to
the Chippewa bands on the Upper Mississippi, yesterday evening. The
state of feeling among them, partakes of the excitement growing out of
a knowledge of the disturbances existing near their southern boundary.
But their friendly position with respect to the United States,
is not altered by events, thus far. Such of them as had received
invitations to join in the Sauc league, have refused their assent.
And notwithstanding the complacency with which some of the bands
regard the hostile efforts of a people, with whom they are connected
by the ties of language, and the decided preference others feel, and
have expressed, for the counsels and government of Great Britain,
as exercised in the Canadas, I feel a confidence in pronouncing the
nation, as a whole, uncommitted in any negotiations with the hostile
Indians, and satisfied to remain in their present pacific attitude.
Several of their most influential chiefs are quite decided in this
policy, and would view it as foolish and desperate in the extreme, to
entertain propositions to give aid to the enemy.
The only portion of them, of whom there were reasons to apprehend
hostilities, are the villages of Torch Lake, comprising the Chippewa
population on the heads of the Wisconsin, Ontonagon, and Chippewa
rivers. These bands murdered four of our citizens at Lake Pepin, in
the spring of 1824. Several of the persons implicated were imprisoned
at Mackinac, whence they escaped. And it has not been practicable to
carry into effect the measures of punishment, which were determined
on. Their position, on the head waters of remote streams, is an almost
inaccessible one, and the offence has ceased to be the subject of any
further efforts by the Department. They have never, however, been
relieved from the fears entertained on this account, and these fears
have confined them very much to their particular villages and hunting
grounds.
A war message was transmitted to the Torch Lake (or du Flambeau)
Indians by the Black Hawk, or his counsellors, in 1830. This message
was repeated in 1831, and again in 1832. They were reminded by it,
of their affinity by blood, their ancient alliance, and their being
arrayed as common enemies of the Sioux. It was addressed to the
whole Chippewa nation, and they were invited to take up arms. It is
not known that this message has been accepted. The recent death of
Mozobodo, their first chief, and a man of understanding, has diminished
my confidence in his band. It has been stated to me, very lately,
by neighboring chiefs, that the Lac du Flambeau Indians were not in
alliance with the malcontent tribes. That section of country has not
been within the track of my recent journey. I have seen and conversed
with some of the Indians, including one of the minor chiefs. Little, or
no definite information has, however, been obtained.
I feel convinced that should the Black Hawk pursue his flight thither,
he would, from obvious circumstances, be received with, at least,
negative friendship. He would be allowed to recruit his followers and
succor himself upon their hunting grounds towards the Mississippi
borders, where there is a comparative abundance of deer and elk. And it
is not improbable that some of the young men would follow his fortunes.
I think, however, the policy of Black Hawk has been to bend his course
westward after passing the Wisconsin, with the view of crossing the
Mississippi, at some point where this stream is wide and shallow, (say
between the Painted Rock and Lake Pepin,) and withdrawing to the plains
of the Des Moines, where he has resources.
I have found the Chippewas, generally, not inclined to be communicative
on the subject of the disturbances. But in cases where information
has been obtained, it evinces a full knowledge of passing events.
Kabamappa, a decidedly friendly and respectable chief of the St. Croix,
informed me that the league consisted originally of nine tribes. I
requested him to name them. He commenced by mentioning Saucs, Foxes,
and Iowas, and added cautiously, and with a pause that allowed
him to double down a finger at each count, Kickapoos, Flatheads,
Earthlodges,[27] Pottawattomies, Winnebagoes, and after some inquiry of
the interpreter, Osages. Another Indian met on Lake Superior, said that
the hostile Indians claimed to have killed 200 persons, since the war
commenced.
Evidence has been furnished to me, that the Saucs who appear to be
the principals, have taken much pains to form a league against the
government,—that several tribes have assented to it, who have not
boldly joined his standard, and that information favorable to their
success, has been rapidly spread by them, among the northern Indians.
This information they are prone to credit. Even the Sioux, whom I met
in council at St. Peter’s, on the 25th of July, have been accused of
being lukewarm in the contest, and rather favoring, than opposed to
their active enemies. This, the Petite Corbeau, their venerable chief,
pointedly denied. He said the insinuation was untrue—that the Sioux,
who went to the theatre of the war, had not returned from friendly
feelings to the Saucs; and that they stood ready to go again, if
officially called on.
The British band of Chippewas near this place were formally invited to
unite in the war. A painted war club and pipe accompanied the message.
It was transmitted by the Saucs, and given, by one of their emissaries
to one of the northern Chippewas at Penetanguishine. It was received
here (St. Mary’s) by the Little Pine, (alias Lavoire Bart) a chief
who co-operated with Tecumseh, in the late war, by leading a party
of warriors from this quarter. He determined not to accept it, and
communicated the fact to me in January last. He said the message was
very equivocal. It invited him to aid them in fighting their enemies.
He said he did not know whether the Sioux or Americans were intended.
Visits from the Indians within our lines to the British posts in Upper
Canada, continue to be made. The Ottawas of L’arbre Croche, and the
British band of the Chippewas of Lapointe, Lake Superior, have made
their usual journey to Penetanguishine, during the present season. More
than the ordinary numbers from this vicinity, have joined them.
I have the honor to be, Sir,
very respectfully,
your ob’t servant,
HENRY R. SCHOOLCRAFT,
U. S. Indian Agent.
III.
OFFICE INDIAN AGENCY, }
_Sault Ste. Marie, October 20, 1832_. }
SIR:
I herewith transmit a report for Dr. Douglass Houghton, who was
employed to vaccinate the Indians, in the progress of the recent
expedition to the sources of the Mississippi. I refer you to its
details for the manner in which, so much of the instructions under
which I acted, as relate to the subject, has been carried into effect,
trusting that the result will prove as satisfactory to the Department,
as it is to me.
I am, Sir,
very respectfully,
your ob’t serv’t,
HENRY R. SCHOOLCRAFT.
E. HERRING, ESQ.
Office Indian Affairs,
War Department,
Washington.
IV.
OFFICE OF INDIAN AGENCY, }
_Sault Ste. Marie, November 21, 1832_. }
SIR:
In obedience to such parts of the instructions of the third of May
last directing me to proceed to the country on the heads of the
Mississippi, as relates to the Indian population, and to the condition
of the fur trade, I have the honor herewith to enclose a series of
statistical tables which exhibit the geographical distribution of the
lands, the name of each village or permanent encampment, its course
and distance from the seat of the agency, the number of men, women and
children, expressed in separate columns, the number of the mixed blood
population, and the total population of districts. Also, the names and
position of the trading posts established under the act of Congress of
May 26th, 1824, the number and names of the clerks, and the number of
interpreters and boatmen employed in the trade under licences from the
Indian office, the amount of goods bonded for, agreeably to duplicates
of the invoices on file, together with an estimate of the capital
vested in boats and provisions, or paid out in men’s wages, and an
estimate of the returns in furs and peltries, based on the outfits of
1832.
An examination of these tables will shew, that the entire Indian,
mixed and trader population, embraced within the consolidated agency of
St. Mary’s and Michilimackinac, is 14,279, of which number 12,467 are
Chippewas and Ottawas, 1553 persons of the mixed blood, and 259 persons
of every description engaged in the fur trade. That this population is
distributed in 89 principal villages, or fixed encampments, extending
by the route of Lakes Huron and Superior, through the region of the
Upper Mississippi, to Pembina on Red River. That 302 of the whole
number live in temporary encampments, or rather, migrate, along the
bleak shores of Lake Huron west of the 2nd, or Boundary Line Detour;
436 occupy the American side of the straits and river St. Mary’s; 1006
are located on the southern shores of Lake Superior between the Sault
of St. Mary’s and Fond du Lac; 1855 on the extreme Upper Mississippi,
between Little Soc River, and the actual source of this stream in
Itasca Lake; 476 on the American side of the Old Grand Portage, to
the Lake of the Woods; 1174 on Red River of the North; 895 on the
River St. Croix of the Mississippi; 1376 on the Chippewa River and its
tributaries, including the villages of Lac du Flambeau and Ottawa Lake;
342 on the heads of the Wisconsin and Monominee rivers; 210 on the
northern curve of Green Bay; 274 on the north-western shores of Lake
Michigan between the entrance of Green Bay, and the termination of the
straits of Michilimackinac, at Point St. Ignace; and 5,674, within the
peninsula of Michigan, so far as the same is embraced within the limits
of the Agency. The latter number covers an estimate of the Ottawa and
Chippewa population indiscriminately.
For the accommodation of these bands, there have been established
thirty-five principal trading posts, exclusive of temporary trading
stations, occupied only in seasons of scarcity. These posts are
distributed over six degrees of latitude, and sixteen degrees of
longitude, and embrace a larger area of square miles, than all the
states of central Europe. Much of it is covered with water, and such
are the number and continuity of its lakes, large and small, that it
is probable that this feature, constitutes by far, its most striking
peculiarity. Its productions are fish, wild rice, and game. But such
are the precariousness and dispersion of the supply as to keep the
whole population of men, women, and children, in perpetual vacillation,
in its search. The time devoted in these migrations, is out of all
proportion, to the results obtained by agriculture, or by any other
stated mode of subsistence. And the supply is after all, inadequate.
Seasons of scarcity and want are the ordinary occurrences of every
year; and a mere subsistence is the best state of things that is looked
for.
Traders visit them annually with outfits of goods and provisions, to
purchase the furs and peltries, which are gleaned in their periodical
migrations. These persons purchase their outfits from capitalists
resident on the frontiers, and make their payments during the spring or
summer succeeding the purchase. They employ men who are acquainted with
the difficulties of the route, and with the character and resources of
the people amongst whom they are to reside. These men act as boatmen
and canoe-men on the outward and inward voyage; they erect the wintering
houses, chop wood, fish, cook for the _bourgois_, and are employed on
_durwin_, or as runners during the hunting season. Much of the success
of a trading adventure depends on their efficiency and faithfulness.
In the prosecution of this trade, the laws which have been prescribed
by Congress for its regulation, are substantially observed. I am of
opinion, however, that more efficiency would be given to the system,
if a general revision of all the acts pertaining to this subject, were
made. A legislation of thirty years, some of it necessarily of a hasty
character, has multiplied the acts, which it is made the duty of Indian
Agents to enforce, and the number of clauses which are repealed and
modified, leave the original acts mutilated, and they do not, present
as a whole, that clearness of intent, which is essential to their due
and prompt execution. Some of the provisions have become obsolete;
others are defective. A thorough and careful digest of the entire
code, including the permanent treaty provisions, would present the
opportunity for consolidation and amendment, and while leaving the laws
easier of execution, adapt them more exactly to the present condition
of the Indians, and to a just supervision of the trade.
The unconditional repeal by Congress, of every former provision
relating to the introduction of ardent spirits, is a subject of
felicitation to the friends of humanity. Of all the acts which it
was in the power of the government to perform, this promises, in
my opinion, to produce the most beneficial effects on the moral
condition of the north-western tribes: And its enforcement is an
object of the highest moral achievement. My recent visit, as well
as former opportunities of remark, has afforded full proofs of the
entire uselessness of ardent spirits as an article of traffic with the
Indians, and I beg leave to add my voice, to the thousands which are
audible on this subject, that the government may put into requisition
every practicable means to carry into effect the act.
I have the honor to be, Sir,
very respectfully,
your obedient servant,
HENRY R. SCHOOLCRAFT.
E. HERRING, ESQ.
War Department, Washington.
V. STATISTICAL TABLES of the Indian population, comprised within
the boundaries of the consolidated Agency of Sault Ste Marie and
Michilimackinac, in the year 1832, together with the number of
Trading Posts established under the act of Congress, of May 25,
1824, and other facts illustrating the condition and operations of
the Fur Trade. Prepared under instructions of the War Department of
the 3d May, 1832, for visiting the sources of the Mississippi.
NATURE AND GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF THE POPULATION.
---------+-----------------------------+-----+-----+-----+------+------+------
| NAME OF THE VILLAGE OR | No. | No. | No. |No. of| Popu-|Popu-
GEOGRA- | PERIODICAL ENCAMPMENT. | of | of | of | per- |lation|lation
PHICAL | | Men.| wo- |chil-| sons | of |of
DISTRICT.| | |men. |dren.|of the| vil- |geogra-
| | | | |mixed |lages,|phical
| | | | |blood | &c. |dist-
| | | | | all | |ricts.
| | | | |ages &| |
| | | | |sexes.| |
---------+-----------------------------+-----+-----+-----+------+------+------
N. W. {Michilimackinac } 18| 29| 51| 146 | 238}|
COAST { (_See note A._) } | | | | |
OF {St. Martin’s Islands } | | | | }|
LAKE {Chenos } | | | | }|
HURON {Drummond Island 16| 18| 23| 7 | 64}| 308
| | | | |
ST. {Mineeshco river (_B._) } | | | | |
MARY’S {Muscoda Sagi (_C._) } | | | | |
RIVER, {Sugar Island } 58| 73| 144| 161 | 436 | 436
_American{Little Rapids } | | | | |
side_. { Kinibitunoong (_D._) } | | | | |
{Sault Ste Marie (_E._) } | | | | |
| | | | |
{Misconabies Creek } | | | | |
{Tacquimenon } | | | | |
{Heart’s blood Lake } | | | | |
{Manistic River } 42| 46| 98| | |
{White Fish Point (_F._) } | | | | |
{Shelldrake River (Onzig) } | | | | |
{Two hearted River } | | | | |
{Grand Marais } | | | | |
SOUTHERN {Miner’s River and | | | | |
SHORES { Pictured Rocks | | | | |
OF L. {GRAND ISLAND 7| 6| 23| 14 | 50 |
SUPERIOR.{Presque Isle and Granite Point 4| 54| 12| 20 | |
{Huron Bay 4| 6| 4| 14 | |
{Keweena Bay (_G._) 31| 38| 43| 28 | 140 |
{Ontonagon (_H._) 29| 32| 76| 15 | 152 |
{Mouth of Montreal River } | | | | |
{Mauvais River } | | | | |
{Lapointe of Chegoimegen(_I._)} 32| 40| 113| 28 | 213 |
{Fond du Lac (_K._) } 44| 46| 103| 38 | 231 | 1006
| | | | |
{Sandy Lake. 70| 83| 127| 35 | 315 |
{Pine River and Red Cedar Lake 20| 19| 33| 6 | 78 |
{Pierced Prairie and | | | | |
{ Noka Seepi (_L._) 22| 26| 52| 12 | 112 |
EXTREME {Peckagama Falls (Mississippi.) 4| 6| 14| | 24 |
UPPER {Lake Winnepec (_M._) 20| 18| 41| 10 | 89 |
MISS- {Turtle Lake 20| 21| 44| 14 | 99 |
ISSIPPI.{Cass Lake (_N._) } 40| 51| 66| 11 | 168 |
{Lac Traverse and Itasca } | | | | |
{ Lake(_O._) | | | | |
{Leech Lake. Mukkundwas (_P._) 139| 194| 373| 34 | 730 |
{Bear Island of Leech Lake 26| 32| 44| | 102 |
{Mille Lac } 38| 43| 57| | 138 | 1855
{Rum River (_Q._) } | | | | |
| | | | |
OLD GRAND{Old Grand Portage (_R._) 12| 11| 27| | 50 |
PORTAGE {Rainy Lake 38| 40| 65| 16 | 159 |
TO THE L.{Vermillion Lake 37| 40| 48| 7 | 132 |
OF THE {Lake of the Woods 31| 34| 61| 9 | 135 | 476
WOODS, { | | | | |
_American{ | | | | |
side_. { | | | | |
| | | | |
RED RIVER{Red Lake 84| 74| 100| 32 | 290 |
OF THE {Pembina (_S._) 142| 150| 288| 304 | 884 | 1174
NORTH. { | | | | |
| | | | |
{Falls of St Croix } 80| 88| 133| 38 | 339 |
ST. CROIX{Snake River } | | | | |
RIVER OF {Yellow River (_T._) } | | | | |
THE UPPER{Rice Lake and Lac Vaseux } 106| 114| 120| 42 | 382 |
MISS- {Nama Kowagun 30| 32| 33| | 25 |
ISSIPPI.{Lake of the Cross of | | | | |
{ the Namakagun 6| 6| 14| | 26 |
{Pukwaewa (Odabossa’s V.) 11| 14| 28| | 53 | 895
| | | | |
CHIPPEWA{Rice Lake of Red Cedar fork 46| 38| 58| | 142 |
RIVER {Red Cedar Lake of Lac Chetac 19| 20| 31| | 70 |
OF THE {Lac Courtoreille (Ottowa L.) 117| 136| 195| 56 | 504 |
UPPER {Red Devil’s band of the | | | | |
MISS- { Ochasowa. 49| 37| 66| | 152 |
ISSIPPI.{Lac du Flambeau 112| 137| 168| 50 | 457 |
| | | | |
SOURCES {Trout Lake and Tomahawk Lake 15| 15| 21| | 51 | 1376
OF THE {La Lac or Upper Wisconsin.(_U._) 30| 30| 60| | 120 |
WISCONSIN{Plover Portage and Post Lake 18| 23| 36| | 77 |
AND {Metawonga 28| 30| 43| 10 | 111 |
MONOMONES{White Clay Portage 8| 9| 14| 3 | 34 | 342
RIVERS. { | | | | |
| | | | |
NORTHERN {Bay de Nocquet } 29| 34| 60| 15 | 138 |
CURVE OF {Wcequaidons } | | | | |
GREEN BAY{White Fish Creek 16| 18| 38| | 72 | 210
| | | | |
{Mouth of Manistic } | | | | |
N. W. {Mille au Coquin } | | | | |
COAST {Choiswa } 46| 54| 120| 14 | 234 |
OF LAKE {Straits of Michigan } | | | | | 274
MICHIGAN.{Point St. Ignace } | | | | |
| | | | |
{River au Sable (Arenac.) | | | | |
{Thunder Bay | | | | |
{Cheboigon | | | | |
PENINSULA{L’Arbre Croche, Upper and | | | | |
OF { Lower(_V._) 1350| 1566| 2384| 374 | 5674 | 5674
MICHIGAN.{Grand Traverse Bay | | | | |
{Rivière au Becsie | | | | |
{Maskegon | | | | |
{Grand River | | | | |
-----+-----+-----+------+------+------
3,144|3,571|5,752|1,553 |14,020|14,020
STATISTICAL FACTS RESPECTING THE FUR TRADE.
=========+==========================+=======+======+========+=======+==========+
| |Trading|Number| Number | Total |Amount of |
| | posts | of | of |number | goods |
GEOGRA- | NAME OF THE VILLAGE OR |estab- |clerks| inter- | of | bonded |
PHICAL | PERIODICAL ENCAMPMENT. |lished | lic- |preters,| white | for, |
DISTRICT.| | by |ensed |boatmen |persons|agreeably |
| |Indian | to | &c. |engaged| to |
| | Dept. |trade.|employed|in the |duplicates|
| | | | by the |trade. | of the |
| | | |clerks. | | invoices |
| | | | | | on file |
| | | | | | in the |
| | | | | | Agency |
| | | | | | Office. |
=========+==========================+=======+======+========+=======+==========+
N. W. {Michilimackinac, } | | | | |
COAST {St. Martin’s Islands, } | | | | |
OF {Chenos, } | | | } |
LAKE {Drummond Island, 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 } |
HURON { | | | } |
| | | } |
ST. {Mineeshco river, } | | | | |
MARY’S {Muscoda Sagi, } | | | | |
RIVER, {Sugar Island, } | | | | |
_American{Little Rapids, } | | | | |
side_. { Kinibitunoong, } | | | | |
{Sault Ste Marie, } | | | | |
| | | | |
{Misconabies Creek, } | | | | |
{Tacquimenon, } 1 | 1 | 4 | 5 | |
{Heart’s blood Lake, } | | | | |
{Manistic River, } | | | } |
SOUTHERN {White Fish Point, } 1 | 3 | 19 | 22 } |
SHORES {Shelldrake River, Onzig. } | | | } $5,701,59|
OF L. {Two hearted River, } | | | | |
SUPERIOR.{Grand Marais, } | | | | |
{Miner’s River & } | | | | |
{ Pictured Rocks, } | | | | |
{Grand Island, 1 | 2 } 8 | 10 { |
{Presque Isle & Granite | } | { |
{ Point, | | | } |
{Huron Bay, | } | { |
{Keweena Bay, 1 | 3 } 16 | 19 { |
{Ontonagon, } 1 | 1 } 10 | 11 { |
{Mouth of Montreal river, } 1 | 1 } 3 | 4 { |
{Mauvais River, } | } | { |
{Lapointe or Chegoimegon, } 1 | 2 } 4 | 6 { |
{Fond du Lac, } 1 | 1 } | { |
| | | | |
{Sandy Lake, 1 | 1 } | | |
{Pine River and Red Cedar | | | | |
{ Lake, 1 | 1 } | | |
{Pierced Prairie & Noka | | | | |
{ Seepi, 1 | 1 } | | |
{Peckagama Falls, | | | | |
EXTREME { (Mississippi.) | } | | |
UPPER {Lake Winipec, 1 | 2 } | | |
MISS- {Turtle Lake, | } 74 | 88 |$13,817,00|
ISSIPPI. {Cass Lake, } | } | | |
{Lac Traverse & Itasca } | } | | |
{ Lake, } 1 | 2 } | | |
{Leech Lake, (Mukkundwas.) } 1 | 5 } | | |
{Bear Island of Leech Lake, | } | | |
{Mille Lac, } | } | | |
{Rum River, } 1 | 2 } | | |
| | | | |
OLD G. {Old Grand Portage, 1 | 1 } | | |
PORTAGE {Rainy Lake, 1 | 3 } | | |
TO THE L.{Vermillion Lake, 1 | 1 } | | |
OF THE {Lake of the Woods, 1 | } | | |
WOODS, { | | | | |
_American{ | | | | |
side_. { | | | | |
| | | | |
RED RIVER{Red Lake, 1 | 1 | | | |
OF THE { | | | | |
NORTH. {Pembina, 1 | 1 | | | |
{ | | | | |
| | | | |
{Falls of St. Croix, } | } | | |
ST. CROIX{Snake River, } 1 | 2 } 8 | 10 | |
RIVER OF {Yellow River, } 1 | 1 } 4 | 5 | |
THE UPPER{Rice Lake & Lac Vaseux, } 1 | 1 } 2 | 3 | |
MISS- {Nama Kowagun, | | | | |
ISSIPPI. {L. of the Cross of the | | | | |
{ Namakagun, | | | | |
{Pukwaewa, (Odabossa’s V.) | | | | |
| | | | |
{Rice Lake of Red Cedar | | | | |
{ Fork, | | | | |
CHIPPEWA {Red Cedar Lake of Lac | | | | |
RIVER { Chetac, 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | |
OF THE {Lac Courtoreille, | | | | |
UPPER { (Ottowa L.) 1 | 2 | 9 | 11 | |
MISS- {Red Devil’s band of the | | | | |
ISSIPPI. { Ochasowa, | | | | |
{Lac du Flambeau, 1 | 1 | 7 | 8 | |
{Trout Lake & Tomahawk Lake, | | | | |
| | | | |
SOURCES {La Lac Or Upper Wisconsin, 1 | 1 | 4 | 5 | |
OF THE {Plover Portage & Post Lake, | | | | |
WISCONSIN{Metawonga, 1 | 1 | 6 | 7 | |
AND {White Clay Portage, | | | | |
MONOMONES{ | | | | |
RIVERS. { | | | | |
| | | | |
NORTHERN {Bay de Nocquet, } | | | | |
CURVE OF {Weequaidons, } | | | | |
GREEN BAY{White fish Creek, | | | | |
| | | | |
{Mouth of Manistic, } 1 | 1 | 4 | 5 | $1000,00|
N. W. {Mille Au Coquin, } | | | | |
COAST {Choiswa, } | | | | |
OF LAKE {Straits of Michigan, } | | | | |
MICHIGAN.{Point St. Ignace, } | | | | |
| | | | |
{River au Sable, (Arenac.) 1 | | | | |
{Thunder Bay, | | | | |
PENINSULA{Cheboigon, | | | | |
OF {L’arbre Croche, Upper & | | | | |
MICHIGAN.{ Lower, 1 | | | | |
{Grand Traverse Bay, | | | | |
{Rivière au Becsie, | | | | |
{Maskegon, 1 | 1 | 4 | 5 | $994,00|
{Grand River, 1 | 5 | 14 | 19 | $5000,00|
---+------+--------+-------+----------+
35 | 53 | 206 | 259 |$26,512,59|
=========+==========================+==========+==========+==========+========+
| |Estimated |Aggregate |Estimated |Computed|
| | amount |amount of |amount of |distance|
GEOGRA- | NAME OF THE VILLAGE OR |vested in | capital |returns in| of the |
PHICAL | PERIODICAL ENCAMPMENT. | boats, |vested in | furs and |trading |
DISTRICT.| | or paid |the trade | peltries | Post |
| | in men’s | within | computed |from the|
| | wages, | the | on the |seat of |
| | &c. | Agency. |outfits of| the |
| | | | 1832, at |Agency. |
| | | |the quoted| |
| | | | New-York | |
| | | |prices of | |
| | | | 1831. | |
=========+==========================+==========+==========+==========+========+
N. W. {Michilimackinac, | | | | Miles. |
COAST {St. Martin’s Islands, | | | | |
OF {Chenos, | | | | 12 |
LAKE {Drummond Island, | | | | 40 |
HURON { | | | | |
| | | | |
ST. {Mineeshco river, | | | | |
MARY’S {Muscoda Sagi, | | | | |
RIVER, {Sugar Island, | | | | |
_American{Little Rapids, | | | | |
side_. { Kinibitunoong, | | | | |
{Sault Ste Marie, | | | | |
| | | | |
{Misconabies Creek, | | | | |
{Tacquimenon, | | | | 120 |
{Heart’s blood Lake, | | | | |
{Manistic River, | | | | |
SOUTHERN {White Fish Point, | | | | 130 |
SHORES {Shelldrake River, Onzig. | $5,701,59| $11,403,1|$15,204,24| |
OF L. {Two hearted River, | | | | |
SUPERIOR.{Grand Marais, | | | | |
{Miner’s River & | | | | |
{ Pictured Rocks, | | | | |
{Grand Island, | | | | 180 |
{Presque Isle & Granite | | | | |
{ Point, | | | | |
{Huron Bay, | | | | |
{Keweena Bay, | | | | |
{Ontonagon, | | | | 500 |
{Mouth of Montreal river, | | | | 410 |
{Mauvais River, | | | | 479 |
{Lapointe or Chegoimegon, | | | | 500 |
{Fond du Lac, | | | | 590 |
| | | | |
{Sandy Lake, | | | | 740 |
{Pine River and Red Cedar | | | | |
{ Lake, | | | | 800 |
{Pierced Prairie & Noka | | | | |
{ Seepi, | | | | 940 |
{Peckagama Falls, | | | | |
EXTREME { (Mississippi.) | | | | |
UPPER {Lake Winipec, | | | | |
MISS- {Turtle Lake, |$13,817,00|$27,634,00|$36,845,33| |
ISSIPPI. {Cass Lake, | | | | |
{Lac Traverse & Itasca | | | | |
{ Lake, | | | | |
{Leech Lake, (Mukkundwas.) | | | | |
{Bear Island of Leech Lake,| | | | |
{Mille Lac, | | | | |
{Rum River, | | | | |
| | | | |
OLD G. {Old Grand Portage, | | | | |
PORTAGE {Rainy Lake, | | | | |
TO THE L.{Vermillion Lake, | | | | |
OF THE {Lake of the Woods, | | | | |
WOODS, { | | | | |
_American{ | | | | |
side_. { | | | | |
| | | | |
RED RIVER{Red Lake, | | | | |
OF THE { | | | | |
NORTH. {Pembina, | | | | |
{ | | | | |
| | | | |
{Falls of St. Croix, | | | | |
ST. CROIX{Snake River, | | | | |
RIVER OF {Yellow River, | | | | |
THE UPPER{Rice Lake & Lac Vaseux, | | | | |
MISS- {Nama Kowagun, | | | | |
ISSIPPI. {L. of the Cross of the | | | | |
{ Namakagun, | | | | |
{Pukwaewa, (Odabossa’s V.) | | | | |
| | | | |
{Rice Lake of Red Cedar | | | | |
{ Fork, | | | | |
CHIPPEWA {Red Cedar Lake of Lac | | | | |
RIVER { Chetac, | | | | |
OF THE {Lac Courtoreille, | | | | |
UPPER { (Ottowa L.) | | | | |
MISS- {Red Devil’s band of the | | | | |
ISSIPPI. { Ochasowa, | | | | |
{Lac du Flambeau, | | | | |
{Trout Lake & Tomahawk Lake| | | | |
| | | | |
SOURCES {La Lac Or Upper Wisconsin,| | | | |
OF THE {Plover Portage & Post Lake| | | | |
WISCONSIN{Metawonga, | | | | |
AND {White Clay Portage, | | | | |
MONOMONES{ | | | | |
RIVERS. { | | | | |
| | | | |
NORTHERN {Bay de Nocquet, | | | | |
CURVE OF {Weequaidons, | | | | |
GREEN BAY{White fish Creek, | | | | |
| | | | |
{Mouth of Manistic, | $1000,00| $2,000| $2,666,66| |
N. W. {Mille Au Coquin, | | | | |
COAST {Choiswa, | | | | |
OF LAKE {Straits of Michigan, | | | | |
MICHIGAN.{Point St. Ignace, | | | | |
| | | | |
{River au Sable, (Arenac.) | | | | |
{Thunder Bay, | | | | |
PENINSULA{Cheboigon, | | | | |
OF {L’arbre Croche, Upper & | | | | |
MICHIGAN.{ Lower, | | | | |
{Grand Traverse Bay, | | | | |
{Rivière au Becsie, | | | | |
{Maskegon, | $994,00| $1,988,00| $2,650,66| |
{Grand River, | $5000,00|$10,000,00|$13,333,33| |
+----------+----------+----------+--------+
|$26,512,59|$53,025,18|$70,700,22| |
=========+==========================+======+==========================+========
| |Course| Names of the persons who | Total
| |of the|have received licences to | popu-
GEOGRA- | NAME OF THE VILLAGE OR | post |trade, and executed bonds,| lation
PHICAL | PERIODICAL ENCAMPMENT. | from |with sureties, under the |resident
DISTRICT.| | the |several acts of Congress, |within
| | Ag- | regulating trade and | the
| |ency. | intercourse with the | agency
| | |Indian tribes, during the |in 1832,
| | | year. |exclud-
| | | | ing
| | | | inhab-
| | | | itants
| | | |of M. T.
| | | |at Sault
| | | | Ste.
| | | |Marie &
| | | |Michili-
| | | |mackinac
=========+==========================+======+==========================+========
N. W. {Michilimackinac, | | |
COAST {St. Martin’s Islands, | | |
OF {Chenos, | N.E. | |
LAKE {Drummond Island, | N.E. | |
HURON { | | |
| | |
ST. {Mineeshco river, | | | 306
MARY’S {Muscoda Sagi, | | | 436
RIVER, {Sugar Island, | | |
_American{Little Rapids, | | |
side_. { Kinibitunoong, | | |
{Sault Ste Marie, | | |
| | |
{Misconabies Creek, | | |
{Tacquimenon, |N.N.E.|William Johnston. }|
{Heart’s blood Lake, | |Edward Cadotte. }|
{Manistic River, | |Ecstache Raussain. |
SOUTHERN {White Fish Point, |N.N.E.|Samuel Ashman. }|
SHORES {Shelldrake River, Onzig. | |Richardson May. }| 1087
OF L. {Two hearted River, | |William Johnston }|
SUPERIOR.{Grand Marais, | | |
{Miner’s River & | | |
{ Pictured Rocks, | | |
{Grand Island, |N.N.W.|Louis Nolin. B. Marvin. |
{Presque Isle & Granite | | |
{ Point, | | |
{Huron Bay, | |John Holiday. |
{Keweena Bay, | |William Holiday. |
{Ontonagon, | N.W. |Jean Bᵗ. Dubay. |
{Mouth of Montreal river, | N.W. |George Bartlet. J. Brown. |
{Mauvais River, | N.W. |Michael Cadotte, jun. |
{Lapointe or Chegoimegon, | N.W. |L.M. Warren. M. Cadotte. |
{Fond du Lac, | N.W. |W. Aitkin. W. Davenport. |
| | |
{Sandy Lake, | N.W. | |
{Pine River and Red Cedar | | |
{ Lake, |W.N.W.|John H. Fairbanks. |
{Pierced Prairie & Noka | | |
{ Seepi, |W.N.W.|Benjamin F. Baker. |
{Peckagama Falls, | | |
EXTREME { (Mississippi.) | | |
UPPER {Lake Winipec, | N.W. |Alfred Aitkin. }|
MISS- {Turtle Lake, | N.W. |Jean Bt. Belonger. }|
ISSIPPI. {Cass Lake, | N.W. |James Ermatinger. |
{Lac Traverse & Itasca | | |
{ Lake, | | |
{Leech Lake, (Mukkundwas.) | N.W. |Pierre Cota. }|
{Bear Island of Leech Lake,| |J. W. Abbott. G. Bungo. }|
{Mille Lac, | |Charles Chabattio. }|
{Rum River, | |A. Morrison. Jean Bt. Roy | 1870
| | |
OLD G. {Old Grand Portage, |N.N.W.|Ambrose Davenport. |
PORTAGE {Rainy Lake, | |J. Cadotte. S. Lecomble. }|
TO THE L.{Vermillion Lake, |N.N.W.|V. Roy. [P. Craphesa. }|
OF THE {Lake of the Woods, |N.N.W.|F. Brunet & A. Belonger. | 481
WOODS, { | | |
_American{ | | |
side_. { | | |
| | |
RED RIVER{Red Lake, | N.W. |J. Bt. Dejardin. }|
OF THE { | |L. Dufault. }|
NORTH. {Pembina, | N.W. |David Aitkin. | 1250
{ | | |
| | |
{Falls of St. Croix, |W.S.W.| |
ST. CROIX{Snake River, |W.S.W.|Thomas Connor. | 349
RIVER OF {Yellow River, |W.S.W.|Souvraign Dawnee. |
THE UPPER{Rice Lake & Lac Vaseux, |W.S.W.|Louis Ladabouche. | 387
MISS- {Nama Kowagun, |W.S.W.| | 95
ISSIPPI. {L. of the Cross of the | | |
{ Namakagun, |W.S.W.| | 26
{Pukwaewa, (Odabossa’s V.) |W.S.W.| | 53
| | |
{Rice Lake of Red Cedar | | |
{ Fork, |W.S.W.| | 142
CHIPPEWA {Red Cedar Lake of Lac | | |
RIVER { Chetac, |W.S.W.|Louis Corbin. | 74
OF THE {Lac Courtoreille, | | |
UPPER { (Ottowa L.) |W.S.W.|Benjamin Cadotte. | 515
MISS- {Red Devil’s band of the | | |
ISSIPPI. { Ochasowa, |W.S.W.| | 152
{Lac du Flambeau, |W.S.W.|Charles H. Oaks. }| 465
{Trout Lake & Tomahawk Lake|W.S.W.|Paul Grignon. }| 51
| | |
SOURCES {La Lac Or Upper Wisconsin,| S.W. |G. D. Cameron. | 125
OF THE {Plover Portage & Post Lake| S.W. | | 77
WISCONSIN{Metawonga, | S.W. | | 118
AND {White Clay Portage, | S.W. | | 34
MONOMONES{ | | |
RIVERS. { | | |
| | |
NORTHERN {Bay de Nocquet, | S.W. | |
CURVE OF {Weequaidons, | S.W. | |
GREEN BAY{White fish Creek, | S.W. | | 210
| | |
{Mouth of Manistic, | S. |Joseph Troque. |
N. W. {Mille Au Coquin, | S. | |
COAST {Choiswa, | S. | | 239
OF LAKE {Straits of Michigan, | S. | |
MICHIGAN.{Point St. Ignace, | S.E. | | 40
| | |
{River au Sable, (Arenac.) | S.E. | |
{Thunder Bay, | S.E. | |
PENINSULA{Cheboigon, | S. | | 5,698
OF {L’arbre Croche, Upper & | | |
MICHIGAN.{ Lower, | S. | |
{Grand Traverse Bay, | S. | |
{Rivière au Becsie, | S. | |
{Maskegon, | S. |George Campeau. |
{Grand River, | |Rix Robinson. }|
+------+Joseph Daily. }|
| |Francis Lacroix. }|
|William Lesley. }|
+--------------------------+--------
14,279
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
(_A_) Michilimackinac is the seat of justice for Mackinac county,
Michigan Territory, is 300 miles NW. of Detroit, has a U. S. circuit
court, a population of 1053, by the census of 1830, has a military
post, an Indian agency, a collector’s office, a flourishing missionary
school, &c.
(_B_) This river enters the head of Muddy Lake, and is partly the
boundary between Michilimackinac and Chippewa counties.
(_C_) This is a tributary of the south branch of the St. Mary’s, and is
much resorted to by the Indians in their periodical fishing and hunting
excursions.
(_D_) Indian gardens at this place, two miles below St. Mary’s.
(_E_) This place is the site of Fort Brady, is ten miles below the
foot of Lake Superior, and ninety by water NW. of Mackinac. The Indian
Agency of Vincennes, Indiana, was removed to this place, in 1822, and
consolidated with the agency of Mackinac, in 1832. It is the seat of
justice for Chippewa county, M. T. and has a population, by the census
of 1830, of 918.
(_F_) The trading post, at this place, is occupied as a fishing
station, during the autumn, by persons who proceed with boats and nets,
from St. Mary’s. Bonds are taken by the Indian Office, and licences
granted in the usual manner, as a precaution against the introduction
of ardent spirits.
(_G_) It is thirty leagues from Keweena Post to Ontonagon, by the most
direct water route, but seventy-five leagues around the peninsula.
(_H_) The population enumerated at this post, includes the villages of
Ocogib, Lake Vieux Desert, Iron River and Petite Peche Bay.
(_I_) The Chippewas of La Point have their gardens on this river, and
reside here periodically. This is a good fishing station. A mission
family has recently been located here.
(_K_) This is the most western bay of Lake Superior.
(_L_) Replaces the post of the Isle des Corbeau, which is abolished.
(_M_) The route of Rainy Lake, begins at the post on this lake, which
is an expansion of the channel of the Mississippi, about ten miles
across. Clear water and yields fish.
(_N_) This lake has been so named in honor of the present Secretary of
War, who terminated his exploratory journey there, in 1820.
(_O_) Itasca Lake is the actual source of the Mississippi, as
determined by myself, in the expedition, which furnishes occasion for
this report.
(_P_) This is a very large expanse of water, clear and pure in its
character, and yields fine white fish. It was deemed the head of the
Mississippi by Pike, who visited it in the winter of 1806, but it is
not even _one_ of the sources, as it has several large tributaries.
(_Q_) Named Rum River by Carver, but called _spirit_ river by the
Indians, not using this word in a physical sense.
(_R_) This route from Old Grand Portage to the Lake of the Woods, is
chiefly used by the British traders, and the gentlemen connected with
the Hudson’s Bay government; but has fallen into comparative disuse, as
a grand channel of traders since the introduction of goods direct from
England into the Hudson Bay.
(_S_) The estimate of population at Pembina, includes all who are
believed to be south of latitude 49 deg. and therefore within the
limits of the United States.
(_T_) Embraces all the population of the Fork of St. Croix, connected
by a portage with the Brulé River of Lake Superior.
(_U_) The Indians on these streams, rely much on wild rice. Their
encampments are temporary. They come into contact with the Winnebagoes
and Monomonees, who are their neighbors on the south.
(_V_) The Indian population of the peninsula of Michigan, consists of
Ottawas, Chippewas and Pottawattomies, who are not widely separated by
language and habits. The Ottawas are however the most agricultural. No
Pottawattomies are included in the estimate, and only that portion of
Ottawas and Chippewas living north of Grand River, and northwest of
Sagana, as the limits of the Mackinac and St. Mary’s joint agency, do
not extend south of these places.
☞ The data respecting the fur trade, in the schedules, excludes the
business transacted on the Island of Michilimackinac, and the village
Sault Ste. Marie, these places being on lands ceded to the United
States, and over which the laws of the Territory of Michigan, operate.
They also exclude any amount of trade that may have been carried on, by
the white inhabitants of Red River settlement, who may be located south
of the national boundary on the north, as this place is too remote to
have been heretofore brought under the cognizance of our Intercourse
laws.
Office of Indian Agency, Sault Ste. Marie,
November 21, 1832.
HENRY R. SCHOOLCRAFT, Indian Agent.
VI.
OFFICE INDIAN AGENCY,}
_Sault Ste. Marie, December 3, 1832_.}
ELBERT HERRING, ESQ.,
Office of Indian Affairs, Washington.
SIR:
The condition of the Indians, situated in the area of country traversed
by the St. Croix and Chippewa Rivers, has not essentially varied
since the date of the report, which I had the honor to address to the
Department, on the 22nd of September, 1831.[28] I beg leave now to
solicit your attention to the observations made during my recent visit
to the bands living northwest of that point in our geography.
From a very early period, war has existed between the Chippewas and
Sioux, and although the condition of independent bands, separated by
local position and local interests, has produced internal discord among
themselves, they have united as nations, in defending their respective
frontiers, and have not hesitated to make inroads, into the hunting
grounds of each other, whenever circumstances have favored them.
The Chippewas assert, that their warfare has been one of self defence,
and that their inroads have been the inevitable consequence of the
determination to maintain their territorial rights. The Sioux complain
that their hunting grounds have been intruded on, and that they cannot
restrain their warriors. Each party lays claim to forbearance and
generosity. Neither appears to omit any opportunity of inflicting
injury on the other. Every blow is a fresh invitation to aggression. A
state of perpetual insecurity and alarm is the consequence. Time has
exasperated their feelings. And much of the severity of their present
condition, is directly owing to the pertinacity with which the contest
has been kept up.
In this state, the Chippewas, who are particularly the object of this
report, were found by our government in 1806, who had, the year before,
directed the late General Pike, to visit the Upper Mississippi. Owing
to their remote position, little attention was, however, bestowed
upon them till the summer of 1820, when the present Secretary of
War, who then administered the government of Michigan, conducted an
expedition through the country. By his recommendation a military post
and agency were established on the avenue of their trade, at the foot
of Lake Superior, and the usual means adopted to regulate the trade
and intercourse of our citizens with them. They were counselled to
remain at peace, to intermit their visits to the Canadian posts, and to
pursue their usual occupations on their own lands. It was immediately
found, however, that the force of their hostilities fell upon their
western frontiers, where they border on the Sioux, and where the
dispute respecting territorial boundaries gave scope to continual and
afflicting aggressions.
In 1825 the Chippewas were invited to meet the other tribes in a
general council at Prairie du Chien, which, after a full discussion,
resulted in a treaty of territorial limits. This treaty was fully
assented to, by the northern Chippewas convened at the treaty of
Fond du Lac in 1826. The following year, deputations of this nation
attended, and became one of the parties at the treaty of Bude des
Morts. At this treaty the subject of boundaries was finally carried and
adjusted between themselves and the Monomonees and the Winnebagoes.
With the latter tribes there has been no subsequent controversy
respecting limits. But the delineation on paper of the extensive line
between them and the Sioux, without an actual survey and marking of
it, gave rise to further difficulties. What could not be plainly seen,
might be easily disputed, and the pretext was thus given for renewed
aggressions. Several instances of this have constituted the subject of
specific reports to the Department. The hardships of a people destitute
of resources, were not only thus increased, but those of our citizens
who had been licensed to trade among them complained of losses and want
of protection. Many of the Indians, and several of the traders fell,
either in actual conflict, or the consequences deducible from them.
During the summer of 1830, I was directed by the Department personally
to visit the Indians, to endeavour to restore peace. The instructions
were not, however, received until late in the year, and it was not
practicable to carry them into effect until the following year. It
was employed in visiting the bands situated intermediate between Lake
Superior and the Mississippi, being south of St. Anthony falls. It was
found impracticable to visit the more northern bands. Instructions were
however received for this purpose in the spring of 1832. I immediately
organized an expedition, and employed the summer season in visiting
the remotest bands on the Upper Mississippi, and I will now proceed to
detail such of its results, not heretofore communicated, as pertain to
the present condition of the Indians.
It will be recollected that during the previous visit, general councils
were held with the Chippewas at Chegoimegon on Lake Superior, and at
Yellow River, Lac Courtorielle, and Rice Lake, in the region of St.
Croix and Chippewa Rivers: that the subject of the treaty of peace and
limits of 1825 was distinctly brought home to the chiefs, and their
promise obtained to use their influence in keeping their warriors at
peace: that messages were despatched by them to the principal Sioux
chiefs, expressive of these sentiments, accompanied by messages from
myself: that a Chippewa war party was encountered, and its object
frustrated: and the subject of limits on the Red Cedar fork presenting
itself as an obstacle to a firm peace on this border, was amicably
referred by them to the President, with a request, by them, that
he would use his influence to keep the Sioux at peace. From which
auspicious results were anticipated.
I had the satisfaction to find, in the progress of this year’s visits,
that these measures had been productive of good effects; that the fall
and winter of 1831 had passed, without any war party’s going out of
the region of the Chippewa and St. Croix, and that a peace-council had
been held by the Chippewas of the Folle Avoine, and the Sioux of the
Petite Corbeau’s band, which was also attended by the Upper Snake River
Indians, and by deputations of the Mille Lac and Fond du Lac Chippewas,
and that my counsels and admonitions had been extensively spread.
Other facts disclosed on my passing through Lake Superior may be
adverted to. On casually meeting a party of Indians and traders at
the Portail (June 11th), I heard of the existence of a feud at Lac
Courtorielle, which had, during the previous winter, resulted in the
murder of a Canadian named Brunet at Long Lake, and the murder of an
Indian boy by the son of Mozojeed, the chief of the band. That the
murderer had been apprehended by the Chippewas and traders, and brought
out as far as the carrying-place on the head of the Mauvais River,
where he had escaped.
On reaching the trading post at Kewena Bay (14th), I met Pezhicki,
the chief of La Pointe, with several men going out to visit me at the
sault. There was also, at this place, the speaker Mizi, being on his
way, with a considerable retinue, to Penetanguishine, the British post
on Lake Huron. I here learned the death of Mozobodo, the chief of Lac
du Flambeau, and that his brother the White Crow, a man of inferior
merit, had succeeded to the chieftainship, and was forming a war-party
to descend the Chippewa River against the Sioux.
I reached the Ontonegon on the 19th, and found at this place
Mushcoswun, or the Moose’s Tail, an elder brother of the White Crow of
Lac du Flambeau, and Mozojeed, the chief of Lac Courtorielle, encamped
with their followers, being all on their way to visit me at the sault.
No further information was obtained of the state of affairs at Lac du
Flambeau, except that a trader had clandestinely visited that post from
the Mississippi with whiskey. Being nearest the theatre of the Sauc
disturbances, I felt much anxiety to be particularly informed of the
state of feeling in this numerous, warlike, and hitherto disaffected
band. This I was, however, left to infer from the studied silence, or
affected ignorance of Mushcoswun.
Mozojeed gave me reason to be satisfied that the Chippewas of his
quarter were quite friendly, and that no disposition was felt to
sanction, far less to aid, the confederated Saucs and Foxes in their
schemes. He regretted, he said, the murders which had taken place in
his vicinity, during the winter, which, he affirmed, arose wholly from
private jealousies and bickerings. He said, he lamented the folly of
the young men of his village who had committed the murders. He could
not prevent it. He could not see through the distant forests, alluding
to the difficulty of foreseeing and governing the acts of people at
a distance. He could not absolutely govern those in his own village;
but these murders were committed at Long Lake, and not at Ottowa Lake,
where he lived.
He said that the murderer of Brunet had been apprehended, by the
joint advice of himself and those who had grown old in wearing medals
(meaning the elder chiefs). But he had escaped on the Mauvais portage.
From that point the chief called Misco Monedo, or the Red Devil, and
his people had returned, saying that they would punish the fugitive.
With respect to the murder committed by his son, he said that he had
come out to give himself up for it, to be dealt with as might be
dictated. He stood ready to answer for it. And he awaited my decision
respecting it, as well as the other murder. He concluded his address by
presenting a pipe.
Soon after passing Presque Isle river (20th), we met Mr. Warren,
a trader, and his brigade of boats, on his annual return from his
wintering ground. He confirmed the reports heard from the Indians,
and added, that a trader from the Mississippi had entered the St.
Croix River, and introduced ardent spirits among the Chippewas of
Snake River. Mushcoswun followed me, with others, to Chagoimegon,
or Lapointe, became a sharer in the presents distributed there, and
expressed himself during the council in a speech of decidedly friendly
terms.
At the mouth of the River Broule I encountered Ozawondib, or the Yellow
Head, and Mainotagooz, or the Handsome Enunciator, two Chippewas from
the Cassinian source of the Mississippi, being on their way to visit me
at the seat of the agency. They reported that the Indians of Leech Lake
had raised a war-party, and gone out against the Sioux of the Plains.
Both these Indians returned with me to Cass Lake. The former afterward
guided me from that remote point to the source of this river.
On reaching Fond du Lac (23d), I found the Indians of that post
assembled, preparatory to the departure of the traders of the Fond du
Lac department. Mr. Aitkin represented that the Hudson’s Bay clerks had
been well supplied with high-wines, during the season of trade, which
were freely used to induce our Indians to cross the boundary in quest
of it, and that if the American government did not permit a limited
quantity of this article to be taken by their traders, that part of
their hunts would be carried to their opponents. His clerks from Rainy
Lake presented me a pipe and ornamented stem, accompanying a speech
of general friendship from Aissibun, or the Racoon, and another, with
similar testimonials, from the son of the late chief Ainakumigishkung,
both of the Rainy Lake band.
Mongazid, or the Loon’s Foot, the second chief and speaker of the Fond
du Lac band, confirmed what I had previously heard, of a peace council
having been held on the St. Croix, with the Petite Corbeau’s band of
Sioux. He said that Kabamappa was at the head of the Chippewa party,
and had been the prime mover in this pacific attempt. That he had
himself been present, with a deputation of eleven men of the Fond du
Lac band, including the elder chief Chingoop.
Dr. Borup, a clerk in the A. F. Company’s service, added, in relation
to affairs on the Rainy Lake border, that five chiefs have been
invested with medals and flags, by the _British traders_ of Rainy Lake.
That eighty kegs of high-wines were exhibited to the Indians at that
post during the last season—that it was freely sent over the American
lines, even within _a few hours’ march_ of Leech Lake—having been sent
_west_ of the portage into Turtle Lake.
We had now reached the head of Lake Superior. Our route thence to the
Mississippi was up the river St. Louis, and across the Savanne portage.
We reached the trading-house at the junction of Sandy Lake River with
the Mississippi during the afternoon of the 3d of July, and remained
at that place until 6 o’clock in the evening of the 4th. The Indians
have confirmed the reports of a war-party’s having gone out from Leech
Lake. All accounts from that quarter indicated a state of extreme
restlessness on the part of that band, and also among the Yanktons
and Sessitons. Inineewi, or the Manly Man, acted as the speaker at
the council which I held on the west banks of the river. He mingled,
as is common, his private affairs with his public business. He said
that he was not possessed of the authority of chieftainship, but that
his father Kabigwakoosidjiga, had been a chief under the English
government; that Chingoop, the chief of Fond du Lac, was his uncle,
and Chamees, our guide, his nephew. He said that the Grosse Guelle,
and most of the chiefs and hunters of the place, had dispersed from
their encampment, and were now passing the summer months in the country
near the mouth of L’aile de Corbeau, or Crow-wing River. That he would
forthwith convey my message to them, &c.; confirming his words with the
present of a pipe.
Having determined to ascend the Mississippi from this point, and
being satisfied from my Indian maps that I could make a portage from
Cass Lake into Leech Lake, and from the latter into the source of the
Crow-wing river, so as to descend the latter to its junction with the
Mississippi, I transmitted a message to the Grosse Guelle to meet
me, with the Sandy Lake Indians, at Isle de Corbeau, in twenty days,
counting from the 4th. I then deposited the provisions and goods
intended for distribution at the council at Isle de Corbeau, with the
person in charge of Mr. Aitkin’s house, making arrangements to have the
articles sent down the Mississippi, in exact season to meet me there.
Relieved of this portion of the burden of transportation, we proceeded
with more alacrity. We passed the falls of Pukaiguma on the 7th, and
encamped at the trading-post at Lake Winnipec, above the savannas, on
the 9th, having pursued the side route through Bogotowa Lake. While
encamped at Point aux Chenes, in the savannas, a Frenchman arrived from
Leech Lake, on his way to the post at Sandy Lake. He reported that the
war-party had returned to Leech Lake, bringing three Sessiton scalps,
having, in their engagement, lost one man, a brother-in-law of the
Guelle Plat’s. That the Guelle Plat had led the party, and encountered
the Sioux coming out against them. He also reported, that the Sioux
had scalped a Chippewa girl near Pembina. That they were immediately
pursued by a party of Chippewas, overtaken in the act of constructing a
raft to cross a stream, and four of the number killed and scalped.[29]
Finding the waters favourable for ascending, and that our progress had
been much accelerated thereby, I sent a verbal message by this man, to
have the canoes with supplies destined for Isle de Corbeau set forward
two days earlier than the time originally fixed.
The clerk in charge of the trading-post of Lake Winnipec, communicated
a number of facts respecting the location and number of the Indians
living in the middle grounds between that post and Rainy Lake. I
proposed to him the following questions, to which I have annexed his
answers.
1. Do the Hudson’s Bay clerks cross the American lines from the post
of Rainy Lake, for the purposes of trade? _Ans._ No. They furnish goods
to Indians who go trading into the American territory.
2. Do the partners or clerks of the H. B. Co. present flags and medals
to Indians? _Ans._ Yes.
3. Do they give such flags and medals to Indians living within the
American lines? _Ans._ No. I have heard that they took away an American
flag given to an Indian on the U. S. borders of Rainy Lake, tore it,
and burnt it, and gave him a British flag instead.
4. Was the H. B. Co.’s post on Rainy Lake supplied with ardent spirits
last season? _Ans._ It was. They had about 60 kegs of high-wines, which
were shown to some of our Indians, who went there, and Mr. Cameron, who
was in charge of the post, said to them, that, although their streams
were high from the melting of the snow, they should, swim as high with
liquor, if the Indians required it.
5. What is the strength of the high-wines? _Ans._ One keg is reduced to
four.
6. Have the Indians sent out on _derwin_ by the H. B. Co. approached
near to your post? _Ans._ They have come very near, having been on the
Turtle portage with goods.
7. Did they bring liquor thus far? _Ans._ No. The liquor is kept at
Rainy Lake, to induce the Indians to visit that place with their furs.
8. Did the disposition made of the liquor, which the Secretary of War
permitted the principal factor of the Fond du Lac department, to take
in last year, embrace the post of Winnipec? _Ans._ It did not. It
was kept chiefly at Rainy Lake, and on the lines, to be used in the
opposition trade.
On reaching Cass Lake, or _Lac Cedar Rouge_ (July 10th), I found a
band of Chippewas resident on its principal island. They confirmed
the reports of the murder and subsequent affray at Pembina, and of
the return of the war-party which went out from Leech Lake. Some of
the warriors engaged in the latter were from the island in Cass Lake,
including the person killed. His widow and her children attended the
council, and shared in the distribution of presents which I made there.
While encamped on this island, two of the Sioux scalps, which had been
brought in as trophies on the late excursion, were danced with the
ceremonies peculiar to the occasion, on an eminence adjacent to, and
within sight of, my encampment. This painful exhibition of barbaric
triumph was enacted without consulting me.
Finding it practicable, in the existing state of the waters, to visit
the principal and most remote source of the Mississippi, above this
lake, I determined to encamp my men, and leave my heavy baggage and
supplies on the island, and to accomplish the visit in small canoes,
with the aid of Indian guides. As the details of this expedition afford
no political information of a character required by my instructions,
beyond the observation of some evidences of a Sioux inroad in former
years, and the statistical facts heretofore given, they are omitted.
It will be sufficient to remark that the object was successfully
accomplished, under the guidance of Oza Windib. I planted the American
flag on an island in the lake, which is the true source of the
Mississippi, 149 years after the discovery of the mouth of this stream
by La Salle. I was accompanied on this expedition by Mr. Johnston of
the Department; Dr. D. Houghton; Lieut. Allen, U. S. A.; and the Rev.
W. T. Boutwell.
On returning to my encampment on the island in Cass Lake, I explained
to the Indians, in a formal council, the object of my instructions
from the Department, so far as these relate to their hostilities with
the Sioux. I invested Oza Windib with a flag and medal, finding him
to be looked up to as the principal man in the band, and there being,
at present, no one who claimed, or appeared to be as well entitled,
to the authority of chieftainship. Neezh Opinais, or the Twin Birds,
who received a medal from Gov. Cass, through the intervention of his
principal guide, in 1820, was formerly resident at this lake, but
is now incorporated with the band at Red Lake. I sent him a flag,
accompanied with a formal message, by his son, and acknowledged the
receipt of a peace pipe and stem, from Waiwain Jigun of Red Lake, sent
out by him through another hand. These attentions to the ceremonial
messages of the Indians are of more importance, so far as respects
their feelings and friendship, than might be inferred.
Cass Lake is about 15 miles long, in the direction that the
Mississippi passes through it, and may be estimated to be twelve miles
wide, exclusive of a spacious prolongation or bay, in the direction
to Leech Lake. It is the second large lake below the primary forks of
the Mississippi, and is decidedly the largest expanse assuming the
character of _a lake_, in its entire length, covering a greater square
superficies than Lake Pepin.
The Mississippi is but little used by traders going North West, and not
at all beyond Lac Traverse. It is found to take its rise south of west
from Cass Lake. In consequence, its source has seldom been visited,
even by the traders, whose highest point of temporary location is
Pamitchi Gumaug, or Lac Traverse, estimated to be forty miles W.N.W. of
Cass Lake. And this point has been found to be the extreme N.W. point
attained by its waters.
Representations having been made to the Department, on the subject of
foreign interference in the trade on this frontier, I have addressed a
number of queries on the subject to a clerk[30] engaged in the American
trade, who has been many years a resident of Red Lake, and is well
acquainted with the geography and resources of the adjacent country.
I inquired of him, whether the American traders on that border were
strenuously opposed in their trade by the inhabitants of the Red River
colony, or by the partners and clerks of the Hudson’s Bay Company. He
replied, that the inhabitants of Pembina made temporary voyages of
trade to Voleuse, or Thief River, south of the parallel of 49°, but
that they had not built, or made a permanent stand there. He said,
that the open nature of the country about the Red River settlements
gave great facilities for making short excursions into the Indian
country, on horseback and in carts. But he did not know any place where
permanent outfits had been sent, except to Rivière Souris, or Mouse
River, west of Red River. He believes that this traffic was carried on
exclusively by the inhabitants of the colony, and not by the Hudson’s
Bay Company,
I asked him, whether the Indians of the Lake of the Woods visited the
post of Red Lake, and whether our traders were annoyed in their trade
from that quarter, by the servants of the H. B. Company. He replied,
that the Lac du Bois Indians came across to Red Lake ordinarily; that
it is a three days’ journey, but that no annoyance is experienced in
the trade of that post from the H. B. Co. factors. He is of opinion,
that they do not send outfits into any part of the territory south of
the national boundary, beginning at Rat Portage, on the Lake of the
Woods.
Assurances being given by the Indians that the portages of the overland
route from Cass Lake to Leech Lake were not only practicable for my
canoes and baggage, but that by adopting it a considerable saving
would be made both in time and distance, I determined on returning
by it. The first portage was found to be 950 yards. It lies over a
dry sand plain. A small lake, without outlet, is then crossed; and a
second portage of 4100 yards terminates at the banks of another small
lake, which has a navigable outlet (for canoes) into an arm of Leech
Lake. We accomplished the entire route, from the island in Cass Lake
to the Guelle Plat’s village in Leech Lake, between ten o’clock A.
M. and ten P. M. of the 16th July. Although the night was dark, and
the Indians had retired to their lodges, a salute was fired by them,
and an eligible spot for encampment pointed out. It was so dark as to
require torches to find it. The next morning, I found myself in front
of a village, numbering, when all present, upwards of 700 souls. They
renewed their salute. The chief, Guelle Plat, sent to invite me to
breakfast. During the repast, the room became filled with Indians, who
seated themselves orderly around the room. When we arose, the chief
assumed the oratorical attitude, and addressed himself to me.
He expressed his regret that I had not been able to visit them the
year before, when I was expected. He hoped I had now come, as I had
come by surprise, to remain some days with them. He said they lived
remote, and were involved in wars with their neighbours, and wished my
advice. They were not insensible to advice, nor incapable of following
it. They were anxious for counsel, and desirous of living at peace, and
of keeping the advice which had heretofore been given to them. They
had been told to sit still on their lands. But their enemies would not
permit them to sit still. They were compelled to get up and fight in
defence. The Sioux continued to kill their hunters. They had killed
his son during the last visit he had made to my office. They had never
ceased to make inroads. And he believed there were white men among the
Sioux who stirred them up to go to war against the Chippewas. He named
one person particularly.
It was necessary, he continued, to take some decisive steps to put
a stop to their inroads. This was the reason why he had led out the
war-party which had recently returned. This was the reason why I saw
the stains of blood before me.
He alluded, in this expression, to the flags, war-clubs, &c. which
decorated one end of the room, all of which had vermilion smeared on
them, to represent blood. I replied succinctly, stating the reasons
which would prevent my making a long visit, and notified him, that in
consequence of the length of my route yet to perform, I would assemble
them to a general council at my camp as soon as I could be prepared,
that notice would be given them by the firing of the military, and that
I should then lay before them the advice I came to deliver from their
great father the President, and offer them at the same time my own
counsel on the subjects he had spoken of.
During the day, constant accessions were made to the number of Indians
from neighbouring places. Among them were a party of nine Rainy Lake
Indians, under the leadership of a man named Wai-Wizh-Zhe-Geezhig,
or the Hole-in-the-Sky. He represented himself and party as resident
at Springing-bowstring Lake; said that he had heard of my passing
Lake Winnipec, with an intention to return by Leech Lake, and came to
express his good will, in the hope that he would not be overlooked,
&c. I presented him publicly with a flag, and clothing and tobacco for
himself and party, committing to him a short address to be delivered to
the Rainy Lake Indians.
The Muk Kund Wai, or Pillagers, being present, with their chiefs and
warriors, women and children, I displayed the presents intended for
this band, on blankets spread out on the grass in front of my tent. I
called their attention to the subjects named in my instructions, to the
desire of the government for the restoration of peace to the frontiers,
and its paternal character, &c.; reminded them of their solemn treaty
of peace and limits with the Sioux, signed at Prairie du Chien in 1825;
enforced the advantages of it in relation to their hunting, their
trades, &c. &c. I presented the presents, in bulk, to the chiefs, who
immediately directed their distribution.
Aish Kee Buggi Kozh, or the Guelle Plat, was their speaker in reply.
He called the attention of the warriors to his words. He thanked me
for the presents, which reminded him, in amount, of the times when the
British held possession in that quarter. He pointed across an arm of
the lake in front to the position occupied by the North-West Company’s
fort. He said many winters had now passed since the Americans first
sent a chief to that post to visit them—alluding to Lieutenant Pike’s
visit in the winter of 1805-6. He remembered that visit. I had come to
remind them that the American flag was flying in the land, and to offer
them counsels of peace, for which they were thankful. They had hoped
I was to spend more time with them, to enter more fully into their
feelings, but as they must speak on the instant, they would not lose
the opportunity of declaring their sentiments.
He thought that the advice of the Americans resembled a rushing wind.
It was strong and went soon. It did not abide long enough to choke up
the road. He said, that at the treaty of Tipisagi, it had been promised
that the aggressor should be punished. But that they had even that very
year, and almost yearly since, been attacked by the Sioux, and some of
their nation killed. He said that they had even been fired on under the
walls of the fort at Ishki Buggi Seepi,[31] and four of their party
killed. He had himself been present. He handed to me a small bundle of
sticks, which, he said, exhibited the number of Leech Lake Chippewas
who had been killed by the Sioux since they had touched the quill[32]
at Tipisagi. The number was forty-three.
He lifted up four American medals, attached by a string of wampum,
and smeared with vermilion. He said they were bloody. He wished me to
wipe off the blood. He said he was himself unable to do it. He found
himself irretrievably involved in a war with the Sioux. He said he
believed that it had been intended by the Creator that they should be
at war with this people. He was not satisfied with the result of the
late war-party. His warriors were not satisfied. He complimented their
bravery. He disclaimed any merit himself. He said that they had looked
for help where they did not find it. They were determined to revenge
themselves. If the United States did not aid them, he had it in mind to
apply elsewhere for aid. He clearly referred to, but did not name, the
English government in Canada. His warriors were in a restless state.
He had sent out his pipe and invitations to the neighbouring bands to
continue the war. Circumstances controlled him. He could not avoid it.
His own feelings were enlisted deeply in the contest. When the enemy
killed his son, he had resolved never to lay down the war-club. He had
sought for death in battle, but had not met it. All he now could say
was, that perhaps he should not lead the next war-party. He thought
some other person would.
He accused persons on the waters of the Upper Mississippi, of giving
advice to the Sioux to go to war against the Chippewas. He said it was
the interest of persons in the trade to induce the Sioux to extend
the territorial boundary. He evinced a familiarity with persons and
places. He did not exempt some persons officially connected with the
general government in that quarter, from participating in the course of
mal-counsel.
He complained of the traders. He criticised their conduct with
severity. He thought their prices exorbitant, and said that they were
so intent on getting furs, that they did not deem it necessary to use
much formality in their dealings with the Indians. He complained of
the exclusion of ardent spirits, but at the same time admitted, that
formerly it was brought in to buy up their wild rice—a practice that
left them, at the beginning of cold weather, in a destitute situation.
Much of the sentiment of this address appeared to be uttered for
popular effect on the young warriors, who stood an eager, gazing group
around, and made loud responses of approbation at every pause. Such
parts of it as were not given as a reply to my remarks, or contained
allusions entitled to notice, I replied to, aiming to keep their
attention fixed on the leading principles of the pacific policy which
dictated my public instructions; and not meaning that they should
forget them, nor mistake them, in any bursts of feeling, or appeals
to the passions or prejudices of the young men, who only looked to
the war-path as the avenue of personal distinction. I brought these
principles back to their minds, and enforced them by obvious appeals
to facts. I told the chief that his political sentiments should be
faithfully reported to the government, whose object it was, in the
employment of subordinate officers, to accumulate facts, which might
form the basis of future action.
So far as related to the traders withdrawing the article of whiskey
from the trade, I felt it due to say that no hard feelings should be
entertained towards them. That it was excluded by the office. That
the Indians should, in justice blame me, or blame the government, and
not the traders. I was satisfied that the use of whiskey was very
hurtful to them in every situation, and felt determined to employ every
means which the control of the Agency of the North-West gave to me,
to exclude the article wholly and rigidly from the Chippewas, and to
set the mark of disapprobation upon every trader who should make the
attempt to introduce it.
Having an engagement to meet the Sandy Lake Indians on the 22d
(after a lapse of five days), and an unknown route to explore, I
terminated the council by the distribution of provisions to the
Rainy Lake Indians, guides, and chiefs, requested fresh guides for
the route into the Ka Ga Gee, or De Corbeau River, and immediately
embarked. We encamped on the southern shore of Leech Lake. During the
following day (18th), we accomplished the whole route from this lake
to the head waters of the De Corbeau. It consists of five portages of
various length, separated by ten small lakes and ponds. The last of
the portages terminates on the handsomely elevated banks of a lake
called Kagi Nogum Aug. This lake is the source of this fork of the
Mississippi. The Guelle Plat, with the secondary chief of his band,
overtook me at the commencement of the fourth portage, and accompanied
me to my encampment. He said he had many things which he still wished
to consult me on, and spent the evening, until twelve o’clock, in
conversation. I found him to possess a reflective intelligent mind.
He stated to me his opinions on the Sioux war, the boundary line, the
trade, location of trading-posts. &c. He evinced the gratified feelings
created by the circumstances of my visit to his people, and said he
should visit me at the agency, next year, if his life and health were
spared.
We commenced the descent of the De Corbeau on the 19th. The channel is
at first small and winding. It expands successively into eleven lakes,
of various dimensions, and acquires considerable breadth and velocity
before it forms its upper forks, by the junction with Shell River. We
encountered in this distance no Indians, but observed, as we had the
previous day, traces of the recent war-party. In passing out of the
tenth of the series of lakes, the men observed a camp-fire on shore,
but no person appeared. It was conjectured to indicate the presence
of Sioux, who, perceiving the character of the party, had fled and
concealed themselves.
The next day afforded no certain evidences of a fixed population. We
observed continued traces of the recent war-party, and other signs of
temporary occupancy, in the standing camp-poles and meat racks which
frequently met the eye in our descent. We passed the entrance of Leaf
River, a large tributary from the right, having its source near the
banks of Otter Tail Lake; and the next day, had our attention directed
to the entrance of Prauie River, on the same shore. The latter is
also a tributary of the first class. It is the war-road, so to say,
between the Chippewas and Sioux, having its source in a lake, which is
designated in the treaty of Prairie du Chien as one of the points in
the boundary line between these two nations.
The day following (21st), the monotony of vegetable solitude was
broken by meeting a Chippewa and his family in a canoe. He informed me
that we were within a few hours’ journey of the mouth of the river—that
the Sandy Lake and Mille Lac Indians were assembled there, awaiting my
arrival, and that they expected me this day. I found this information
to be correct. We entered the Mississippi about noon, and saw the
opposite shore lined with lodges, with the American flag conspicuously
displayed. The long-continued firing and shouts of the Indians left me
no reason to doubt that my arrival was both anticipated and desired. I
was gratified on being told, within three hours of my arrival, that the
canoe, with the goods and supplies from Sandy Lake, was in sight. And
in a few moments found the event verified, in the safe arrival of the
men, and the landing of the packages.
I determined to lose no time in assembling the Indians in council,
addressed them on the objects of the expedition, and caused the
presents to be prepared and distributed. I was addressed, in reply, by
the elder chief, Gross Guelle, and also by the brother of the Strong
Ground, by Waub Ojeeg, and by a young man called Nitum E’gabo Wai.
Peculiarities in the address of each only require to be adverted to.
The Gross Guelle deemed it important that the line between them and
the Sioux should be surveyed and marked. He said that much of it was a
land line, and it could not be told by either party where it ran. This
was true of it, in the section of country immediately west of them.
The Sioux were in the habit of trespassing on it; and when their own
hunters went out in the pursuit of game, they did not like to stop
short of the game, and they saw no marked line to stop them. He said
that it had been promised at the treaty that the line should be run,
and he wished me to refer the subject to the President. He was in
favour of peace now, as he had been at Tipisagi, and at Fond du Lac.
Soangikumig, or the Strong Ground, expressed his sentiments through the
medium of his brother, who was the more ready speaker. He said he had
taken a part in defending the lines, and he hoped that they might be
made plain, so that each party could see them. As it is, a perpetual
pretence is given for crossing the lines. It must be expected that
peace would often be broken when it could be so easily done.
Waub Ojeeg, or the White Fisher, said that he had given his influence
to peace counsels. He had been present at the treaty of Fond du Lac.
But the Sandy Lake Indians had been lately reproached, as it were,
for their pacific character, by hearing of the Leech Lake war-party’s
passing so near to them. He hoped that the same advice that was given
to them would be given to the Sioux. If the Sioux would not _come_
over the lines, the Chippewas would promise not to _go_ over them. He
thought the lines might have been differently run, but as they had been
agreed to by their old chiefs, who were now gone, it would be best to
let them as they do. Their hunters, however, always came out of the
mouth of Sauc River, which had been given up to the Sioux.
The young man said that he was the son of Pugu Sain Jigun, who had
died recently at Sandy Lake. He said that the medal which he wore had
been given to his father by me, at the treaty of Prairie du Chien in
1825, in exchange for a British medal, surrendered by him. He did not
profess to have any experience in political affairs. He had inherited
his medal, and hoped to be considered by me worthy of it. He expected
the respect due to it. He expressed his friendship, and confirmed his
speech with a pipe.
Ascertaining the trading-house to be near my encampment, after closing
the council, I descended the Mississippi about eighteen miles, and
encamped at Prairie Piercée.
The distance from the mouth of the De Corbeau to St. Anthony’s Falls,
may be computed to exceed 200 miles. The line between the Chippewas
and Sioux crossed from the east to the west of the Mississippi, so as
to strike and follow up the Wadub, or Little Soc River, which is the
first river on the west banks of the Mississippi, above the mouth of
Soc River. We passed several Chippewa hunters, with their families,
along this part of the Mississippi, but encountered no Sioux, even on
that portion of it lying south of their line. I was informed that they
had in a measure abandoned this part of the country, and I observed no
standing Sioux camp-poles, which are, with the people, a conspicuous
sign of occupancy, and which were, in 1820, noticed to extend as high
up the river as Little Rock. (_Les Petite Roches_).
I passed the portage of the Falls of St. Anthony, and reached Fort
Snelling on the 24th July. There being no agent, nor sub-agent
present, Captain Jouett, the commanding officer, on whom the charge of
the agency had temporarily devolved, afforded me every facility for
communicating to the Sioux the object of my visit to the Chippewas, and
requesting their concurrence in its accomplishment. For this purpose
the Wahpeton Sioux were called together, at the agency-house, on the
25th. I stated to them the object of the visit, and the means which
had been used to persuade the Chippewas to give up war, and to confine
themselves within their lines. I reminded them of the anxiety of their
great father the President, to bring about a firm peace between them
and the Chippewas, and of the numerous proofs he had given them of
this anxiety, by calling them together at several councils, which had
this object particularly in view. They had men of wisdom among them,
and they would quickly see how utterly useless it would, however, be
for the Chippewas to remain quiet, during any single season, if the
Sioux did not also, at the same time, sit still. I appealed to them to
resolve on peace; to take the resolution now; to take it sincerely, and
to adhere to it firmly and for ever.
I stated to them the request made by Grosse Guelle, and other Chippewa
chiefs, respecting the marking out of the lines, and invited them to
express their opinion on this subject.
I announced to them the exclusion of whiskey.
The aged chief Petite Corbeau uttered their reply. I recognised in
this chief one of the signers of the grant of land made at this place
26 years ago, when the site of the fort was first visited and selected
by the late General Pike. He adverted to the agency, which he had
exercised for many years, in managing the affairs of his people. They
lived upon the river. They were constantly in sight. They were in
the habit of being consulted. His ears had always been open to the
Americans. He had listened to their counsels. He would still listen
to them, although they were, at present, in a depressed situation.
He adverted particularly to the existing war with the Saucs, and the
accusations which had been thrown out against the Sioux party, who had
gone down to join the American standard, but had returned. He denied
that they felt any friendship for the Saucs and Foxes. He said they
were willing to go against them again, if requested by the commanding
officer.
He spoke on the subject of the Chippewa wars at some length, adverting
to a time when this people did not approach so near to the river—when
they dared not to approach so near to it. He thought the lines were
drawn too close upon them, on the St. Croix—that the young men
could not go out hunting, but quickly they found themselves beyond
their lines. He thought they might even now be driven back, were it
undertaken in earnest.
He said the chief of Leech Lake was wrong to appeal to me to wipe the
blood off his medal. He ought to be able to wipe it off himself. It
was pitiful to make this appeal, for men who were able to do a thing
themselves. He referred to the late Chippewa war-party, and said that a
relative of his had been killed. Blood would call for blood. He did not
rule the Lessitons. He thought they would repay the blow.
His own advice had been pacific. He had received my wampum last year,
and smoked the pipe with the St. Croix Chippewas. They were their
neighbours. They were now at peace. They wished to remain so. They
would act by my advice. He thanked me for the advice.
He warmly approbated the proposition to run out the lines. He said
it had been mentioned at the treaty. And although the lines were not
adjusted to the full satisfaction of all, perhaps they could never be
settled better. He therefore united in requesting that the President
might be asked to direct white men to establish them. It would be
necessary, however, to have both parties by.
He again adverted to the difficulties between them and the Chippewas.
He thought that these difficulties were kept alive by the visits of the
Chippewas to their post. He said it put bad feelings into the hearts
of the Sioux, to see the Chippewas share the bounties of government,
which the Sioux believed the government intended exclusively for them.
Besides, it was difficult to restrain their feelings of hostility
when they came together. Both parties were mistrustful. It was only
necessary to look back a few years, to perceive what the consequences
had been. He believes that these tribes ought to be kept apart. And one
of the best means of keeping them apart was to draw their lines plain,
and to order presents to be given out on their own lands, and not on
each other’s lands.
He spoke against the location of any trading-post on the St. Croix,
which should be fixed so near to the lines as to bring the Sioux and
Chippewas into contact. He also stated reasons why a post at the mouth
of the St. Croix, which is exclusively in the Sioux country, was
not necessary.[33] He wished to keep his band together, and not to
give them excuses for going hither and yon. He requested me to stop
at his village, and to use my influence in persuading his people to
live in one village, and not to continue, as they now were, in two
distinct villages, which were not, in consequence, so fully under his
control.[34]
Wamidetunkar, or the Black Dog, followed him in a speech containing
sentiments not at variance with those expressed by the Little Crow. Its
distinguishing feature was, however, a reference to the indulgences
formerly granted to the Sioux at this post. He thought it hard that
these indulgences should be withdrawn, or curtailed. And he could not
comprehend how such a course could be consistent with professions of
friendship on the part of officers of the U. States. He referred,
particularly, to indiscriminate visiting at the fort, and the purchase
of ardent spirits from the settlers.
Cohmokar said that he had been present with the Petite Corbeau at
the signing of the treaty of cession at St. Peters, and it was owing
to this act that the American flag was now displayed there. He had
sustained this chief in his public acts, and he concurred with him
in what he had uttered about the Chippewa war, and also the existing
troubles with the Black Hawk. He repelled the idea that the Sioux were
friendly to the Saucs and Foxes in the present controversy. They were
a people who were never at ease. They had often struck the Sioux.
The Sioux war-club had also been often lifted against them, and it
was ready to be lifted again. They were ready to hear the commanding
officer, who was sitting present, say strike.
The details of my route through the St. Croix and Burntwood Rivers,
do not essentially vary the aspect of North Western Indian affairs
given above. Facts communicated expressive of the then existing state
of feeling respecting the said disturbances, were promptly reported to
his excellency George B. Porter, governor of Michigan, in a letter, of
which I have the honour herewith to furnish a copy. The proposition
of running out and marking their territorial lines, as a means of
preserving peace, was approved; the recent meetings on the St. Croix,
for the purpose of renewing pledges of peace, declared to be sincere
on the part of the Chippewas; and sentiments of friendship to the
government, and welcome to myself, expressed at each of the councils
which I held with them.
In submitting to the Department this summary of facts, resulting from
my visit to the source of the Mississippi, I take the occasion to
remark, that whatever may be the present state of feeling of the tribes
on that stream, above Prairie du Chien, respecting the government of
the United States, causes are in silent, but active operation, which
will hereafter bring them into contact with our frontier settlements,
and renew, at two or three separate periods in their history, the
necessity of resorting to arms to quell or pacify them. The grounds
of this opinion I need not now specify, further than to indicate that
they exist in the condition and character of opposite lines of an
extensive frontier population, which will inevitably impel the one to
press, and the other to recede or resist. This process of repulsion and
resistance will continue, if I have not much mistaken the character
of that stream, until the frontier shall have become stationary about
five hundred miles above the point I have indicated. I advert to this
topic, not in the spirit of exciting immediate alarm, for there are
no reasons for it, but for the purpose of calling the attention of
the Secretary of War, through you, sir, to the importance of keeping
up, and not withdrawing or reducing, the north western posts and
agencies. And to express the opinion, that the advice and influence of
the government upon these tribes would fall nearly powerless, without
ready and visible means upon the frontiers of causing its counsels to
be respected. Christianity, schools, and agriculture will do much to
meliorate their condition and subdue their animosities, but it is a
species of influence which has not yet been felt in any general effects
in this quarter. Among the means of securing their friendship, and
preserving peace, I have the honour to suggest, that beneficial effects
would result from following out the system of exploratory visits, by
extending it to the region of Lac des Flambeau, and to that portion of
the peninsula of Michigan lying north of Grand River. A deputation of
the Chippewas from the sources of the Mississippi and Lake Superior to
the seat of government, would also be advantageous.
So far as respects the state of hostilities among the Sioux and
Chippewas, it must be expected that continued efforts will be necessary
effectually to check it. Nothing could, perhaps, now be done, which
would tend so directly to promote this end, as the surveying of the
lines agreed on between themselves at the treaty of Prairie du Chien of
1825.
I am, sir, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
HENRY R. SCHOOLCRAFT.
VII.
_Sault Ste. Marie, Sept. 21, 1832._
H. R. SCHOOLCRAFT, ESQ. }
U. S. Indian Agent, Sault Ste. Marie.}
SIR:
In conformity with your instructions, I take the earliest opportunity
to lay before you such facts as I have collected, touching the
vaccination of the Chippewa Indians, during the progress of the late
expedition into their country; and also “of the prevalence, from time
to time, of the small-pox” among them.
The accompanying table will serve to illustrate the “ages, sex, tribe,
and local situation” of those Indians who have been vaccinated by me.
With the view of illustrating more fully their local situation, I
have arranged those bands residing upon the shores of Lake Superior;
those residing in the Folle Avoine country (or that section of country
lying between the highlands south-west from Lake Superior, and the
Mississippi River); and those residing near the sources of the
Mississippi River, separately.
Nearly all the Indians noticed in this table were vaccinated at their
respective villages; yet I did not fail to vaccinate those whom we
chanced to meet in their hunting or other excursions.
I have embraced, with the Indians of the frontier bands, those
half-breeds, who, in consequence of having adopted more or less the
habits of the Indian, may be identified with him.
-------------------------------+--------------------------------+-------
CHIPPEWA INDIANS. | MALES. |
-------------------------------+-----+-----+-----+----+----+----+------+
|Under| 10 | 20 | 40 | 60 |Over|Males.|
| 10 | to | to | to | to | 80 | |
Bands. | | 20 | 40 | 60 | 80 | | |
+-----+-----+-----+----+----+----+------+
{Sault Ste. Marie, 93 | 22 | 19 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 145 |
{Grand Island, 17 | 9 | 7 | 2 | | | 35 |
LAKE {Keweena Bay, 23 | 11 | 10 | 6 | 1 | | 51 |
SUPERIOR. {Ontonagon River, 7 | 8 | 10 | 3 | | | 28 |
{La Pointe, 37 | 32 | 40 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 118 |
{Fond du Lac, 50 | 21 | 45 | 10 | 2 | | 128 |
| | | | | | |
{Lac du Flambeau, 6 | 2 | 6 | 1 | 1 | | 16 |
{Ottowa Lake, 11 | 4 | 8 | 1 | | | 24 |
FOLLE {YELLOW RIVER, 11 | 2 | 6 | 1 | | | 20 |
AVOINE {Nama Kowagun of } | | | | | | |
COUNTRY. { St. Croix River,} 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | | | 8 |
{Snake River, 14 | 3 | 7 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 30 |
| | | | | | |
SOURCES {Sandy Lake, 75 | 21 | 47 | 10 | 2 | | 155 |
OF THE {LAKE WINNIPEG, 4 | 4 | 10 | 3 | | | 21 |
MISSISSIPPI {Cass or Upper Red } | | | | | | |
RIVER. { Cedar Lake, } 18 | 5 | 11 | 6 | | 1 | 41 |
{Leech Lake, 76 | 43 | 73 | 16 | 4 | 1 | 213 |
-----+-----+-----+----+----+----+------+
Lake Superior, 227 | 103 | 131 | 35 | 7 | 2 | 505 |
Folle Avoine County, 46 | 12 | 29 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 98 |
Sources of the Mississippi, 173 | 73 | 141 | 35 | 6 | 2 | 430 |
-----+-----+-----+----+----+----+------+
Total, 446 | 188 | 301 | 78 | 15 | 5 | 1033 |
-------------------------------+--------------------------------+-------------
CHIPPEWA INDIANS. | FEMALES. |
-------------------------------+-----+-----+-----+----+----+----+------+------
|Under| 10 | 20 | 40 | 60 |Over| Fe- |Total.
| 10 | to | to | to | to | 80 |males.|
Bands. | | 20 | 40 | 60 | 80 | | |
+-----+-----+-----+----+----+----+------+------
{Sault Ste. Marie, 75 | 28 | 21 | 10 | 3 | 1 | 138 | 283
{Grand Island, 12 | 5 | 7 | | | | 24 | 59
LAKE {Keweena Bay, 20 | 12 | 17 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 57 | 108
SUPERIOR. {Ontonagon River, 13 | 5 | 12 | 6 | 1 | | 37 | 65
{La Pointe, 38 | 25 | 28 | 12 | 2 | | 106 | 224
{Fond du Lac, 41 | 18 | 35 | 13 | 6 | 2 | 115 | 243
| | | | | | |
{Lac du Flambeau, 2 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 2 | | 13 | 29
{Ottowa Lake, 10 | 7 | 3 | 2 | | | 22 | 46
FOLLE {YELLOW RIVER, 11 | 3 | 6 | 2 | 1 | | 23 | 43
AVOINE {Nama Kowagun of } | | | | | | |
COUNTRY. { St. Croix River,} 4 | | 3 | 2 | | | 9 | 17
{Snake River, 25 | 3 | 12 | 1 | 1 | | 42 | 72
| | | | | | |
SOURCES {Sandy Lake, 86 | 19 | 48 | 23 | 6 | 2 | 184 | 339
OF THE {LAKE WINNIPEG, 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | | | 5 | 26
MISSISSIPPI {Cass or Upper Red } | | | | | | |
RIVER. { Cedar Lake, } 18 | 3 | 8 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 36 | 77
{Leech Lake, 96 | 41 | 61 | 25 | 2 | 1 | 226 | 439
-----+-----+-----+----+----+----+------+------
Lake Superior, 199 | 93 | 120 | 46 | 14 | 5 | 477 | 982
Folle Avoine County, 52 | 12 | 32 | 9 | 4 | | 109 | 207
Sources of the Mississippi, 201 | 64 | 118 | 55 | 9 | 4 | 451 | 881
-----+-----+-----+----+----+----+------+------
Total, 452 | 169 | 270 |110 | 27 | 9 | 1037 | 2070
But little difficulty has occurred in convincing the Indians of the
efficacy of vaccination; and the universal dread in which they hold the
appearance of the small pox among them, rendered it an easy task to
overcome their prejudices, whatever they chanced to be. The efficacy of
the vaccine disease is well appreciated, even by the most interior of
the Chippewa Indians, and so universal is this information, that only
one instance occurred where the Indian had never heard of the disease.
In nearly every instance the opportunity which was presented for
vaccination was embraced with cheerfulness and apparent gratitude;
at the same time manifesting great anxiety that, for the safety of
the whole, each one of the band should undergo the operation. When
objections were made to vaccination, they were not usually made because
the Indian doubted the protective power of the disease, but because he
supposed (never having seen its progress) that the remedy must nearly
equal the disease which it was intended to counteract.
Our situation, while travelling, did not allow me sufficient time to
test the result of the vaccination in most instances; but an occasional
return to bands where the operation had been performed, enabled me, in
those bands, either to note the progress of the disease, or to judge
from the cicatrices marking the original situation of the pustules, the
cases in which the disease had proved successful.
About one-fourth of the whole number were vaccinated directly from the
pustules of patients labouring under the disease; while the remaining
three-fourths were vaccinated from crusts, or from virus which had
been several days on hand. I did not pass by a single opportunity for
securing the crusts and virus from the arms of healthy patients; and
to avoid as far as possible the chance of giving rise to a disease of
a spurious kind, I invariably made use of those crusts and that virus,
for the purposes of vaccination, which had been most recently obtained.
To secure, as far as possible, against the chances of escaping the
vaccine disease, I invariably vaccinated in each arm.