The Indian village was about three miles distant back from the shore or
river's mouth. There the Indians had a large settlement of about seven
hundred people in all at that time. At one time their village had
contained nearly three thousand. Since all tribes had been at peace many
of their Braves had gone among other tribes to visit and hunt. This
tribe was of the Ottawas, mixed with the Ojibewas or Chippewas. In times
of war each had been a powerful nation. Most of these had lived in the
Lake Superior region. After peace was declared part of the tribe
wandered away to the southward seeking new hunting grounds. The present
Chief's father had been a great warrior as well as his father before
him. Chief Ossawinamakee (Big Thunder), was a peaceful man, ruling his
people with great kindness. He was a noble looking man of fine personal
appearance.