Small pox among the Indians. : Letter from the Secretary of War, upon the subject of the small pox among the Indian tribes. March 30, 1832. Read, and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Date:
1832
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Small pox among the Indians. : Letter from the Secretary of War, upon the subject of the small pox among the Indian tribes. March 30, 1832. Read, and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    in hunting, are passing wampum with Menominees, and evidently prepar- ing for a spring campaign against the Sacs and Foxes, and have, in their en- campments, declared as much. The Menominees are collecting from the Lakes, between Black and Chip- pewa rivers; not far from the falls of the former, they now have assembled to the number of about .300, and about 50 more are dispersed in the vicinity. The Chippewas are also near them, with whom a peace has been lately con- cluded. Their avowed intention is to go against the Sacs and Foxes in the spring, if the murderers of Prairie du Chien are not, before that time, given up. They have given wampum to the Sioux, which had already passed through the hands of the Ottawas and Poitawatamies, and is now gone among the upper Sioux. ° These measures strongly indicate an extensive combination, which is gaining ground from an impression that the Government will not interfere. How this latter opinion has obtained credit, I am unable to find out; though it is traced to the Menominees from Green Bay. The Winnebagoes con- tinue to assure me they will not join in the war, so long as I advise them not. They say they made peace with the Sacs and Foxes, and promised to be at peace to their G. F. at St Louis, and will keep their word. I can only remark, in much haste, that the information now given, in con- junction with that previously forwarded, will show the necessity of an early interference, if any is intended. In a conversation with Col. Morgan, I understood him to say that he would not feel authorized to use force against Indians going to war with each other any distance from this place. I have the honor to be, sir. Your most obedient servant, JOS. M. STREET, U. S. Indian agent. Gen. Wm. Clabk, Superintendent Indian Affairs at St. Louis. Cantonment Leavenworth, Feh. 3, 1832. Sir: Major R. P. Beauchamp has just returned from the Ottoe blacksmitli shop; at which place he had an’interview with laton, the principal chief of the Ottoes, who informed him that the Sac and Fox Indians of the Missis- sippi had sent an invitation to the Ottoes and loways, and to the Sacs of Mi.ssouri, to join them in war against the Americans. The latoji said, as a friend to the whites, he gave this information with a view of putting them on their guard. He further informed Major B., that the Ottoes, loways, and Sacs of Missouri, had all, without hesitation, re- fused to accept the invitation, or to have any. thing to do in a combination of any kind whatever against the American people. I give you this information, believing it my duty; although it is probable, should there be any truth in this report, that you have ere this been apprized of it by way of the Mississippi. I have the honor to be, Very respectfully. Your obedient servant, JNO. DOUGHERTY, Ind. Agent Gen. Wm. Clark, Superin’t Indian Affairs.