Scrapbook of newspaper clippings, 1863-1864

[front cover of book]

[label drawing of a bird

AMERICAN COOT

Chilson Room F 655 .T59x S3

Herman P. Chilson Western Americana Collection

442719

I. D. WEEKS LIBRARY

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THE SAINT PAUL PRESS, TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1868.

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Communication from J. Le May.

The Sioux War Not Yet Ended.

Editors of the Press:

Availing myself of your polite invitation, I hereby submit such facts as were considered undisputable in the vicinity of Pembina, on the Red river of the North, when I left that settlement on the 16th of last month.

At that time between four and five thousand Sioux were encamped in the immediate vicinity of Devil's Lake. Of this force, about two thousand were warriors, and divided into three corps; the others, women and children. Little Crow was there with a portion of his fugitive bands, but a large portion of the encampment was made up from the Missouri bands of that tribe. The very great disproportion between the numbers of warriors and that of the women and children was regarded as an evidence of comtemplated hostility, even if there were no other or stronger indications.

These facts and others which follow were ascertained by half breeds from St. Joseph, who have actually visited the encampment at Devil's Lake, and gained the information both through their own observation and conversations held with the Sioux at that point. These visits were made under pretence of trading for horses, and in this they were very successful, obtaining large farm horses, of which the settlers had undoubtedly been plundered, in exchange for Indian ponies.

While at Devil's Lake these half-breeds saw two white women and a number of children belonging to the same race who were held as prisoners. One of the children was the son of that poor woman, whose name I have not learned, but who was left for dead by the Sioux at the "old crossing" of the Otter Tail River about the 1st of September last, and afterwards crawled fifteen miles to Breckenridge, where she was recovered by a squad of troops from Fort Abercrombie. They found the Sioux to be possessed of large numbers of cattle and horses, and an abundance of [ground?] corn, all of which was admitted to the fruits of the rapine [community?] in the white settlements. The savages at the Lake were sporting ear rings, fashioned out of ten and twenty dollar gold pieces, and their horses' ears were garnished with rings made from the brass wheels of clocks. One of Messrs. Burbanks' stage coaches was seen at the same point, drawn by yokes of oxen.

About three weeks before I left, a message was sent from the Devil's Lake encampment to Gov. Dallas. at Fort Garry, in which their English Fathers (as they were termed) were informed, that some five or six hundred of their Sioux children [were?] about to pay them a visit, in order [procure] a supply of ammunition with which to continue the war with their enemies, the Americans, in the Spring. The good Governor, Bishop Tache, and other distinguished gentlemen of that settlement, returned and requested them not to come, that no ammunition could be furnished them for the purpose intended, as their acts already committed were highly disapproved of by them, and that at most they could not afford protection to more than five or six of their number at a time. The halfbreeds at St. Joseph likewise sent them a message requesting them not to come in such large numbers, as it would be impossible to supply them with provisions without reducing the settlement to a state of starvation. To these requests they made reply that they had an abundance of cattle and could supply their own provisions, and that [they] would make the journey to Fort Garry even if it should cost them their [lives]. In pursuance of this declaration they were expected to arrive at St. Joseph on their way to Fort Garry. The [next] day after my departure from Pemina the people were in a state of terror and alarm. It was not however, anticipated that any acts of hostility would be committed by the party while on their [march] to the Fort but it was the universal opinion of the settlement that both [Pembina] and St. Joseph would be plundered and reduced to ashes on their re[turn].

A Chippewa half-breed who is married a Sioux woman and who has been with his wife's tribe [for nearly] thirty years and is still remaining with them, told Father Andre of St. Joseph that he felt almost certain that such would be the course pursued and such the result. He stated that the Sioux had all the time confidently expected to be able to continue to traffic and trade with those in the British Possessions and to procure all the ammunition desired from that quarter. He gave it as his opinion, therefore, that as soon as it becomes proven to them that they cannot procure supplies in this way, they will immediately attempt to take by force what they cannot obtain by trade, and will wreak vengeance upon all the settlements within the scope of their power. Such is the opinion of this man who should be well acquainted with the feelings and characteristics of their tribe, and it agrees in every particular with the universal belief of the Settlement.

Devil's Lake is within four days' travel of St. Joseph with ox teams, and about one hundred and ten miles southwardly from Pembina. From two to four Sioux have arrived at St. Joseph nearly every day for several weeks previous to my leaving Pembina. They frequently stated that the Americans or whites at that point would soon get cleaned out. The few American traders at that place had consequently packed all their goods and were ready to move down to Fort Garry in order to get under the shielding wing of Queen Victoria. One of these men has a keg of powder placed by his bedside, and

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is determined, in [case] [space blank] so that no means of escape should be left, to apply a match to the powder and thus end his own life and as many of his enemies as possible. The population of St. Joseph and Pembina aggregate, is between fifteen and seventeen hundred.

The Sioux have declared their intention to destroy all the mail facilities enjoyed in that region, supposing that if there was no mail communication the American troops would not become aware of the locality of their camp of instruction, and would not be aware of their intentions until another great blow should be struck. As the post office was kept in the same building occupied by me, I felt that I was running a double risk—one from the fact that I was an American citizen and the other from my propinquity to the post office. Before leaving I took my family to Fort Garry for safety, removed from my house books, papers, records, and had them sent to a place of safety to be kept during my absence. I intend to return as soon as my business at this place can be transacted, and I will be agreeably surprised, indeed, if I find my house still standing.

If the Government does not intend that its fifteen hundred subjects at this point should be mercilessly put to death, and their settlement revert to a wilderness condition, something must be done speedily—immediately if possible.

It is comparitively easy to perform great acts when it is too late to meet with opposition, or to be beneficial in consequence. It will probably be easy to send an imposing army into that region at some time next summer, after everything there valuable has been destroyed and the enemy has made his escape to some other point of the frontier If it is intended merely to send out an imposing funeral procession to follow Little Crow and bury his dead, this will be sufficient; but if our own people are to be protected against him and his band of murderers, more speedy measures must be adopted.

I came to this place by the Crow Wing road, and on the journey, I conversed with the traders at Red Lake and Leech Lake, and I found them all firmly in the belief that the Chippewas were making preparation for joining the Sioux in the Spring, or to make an attack upon the settlement in conjunction with them. They, and the settlers, expressed themselves as feeling so certain of this that they were going to leave the country as soon as the snow would melt from the ground.

The Chippewas have all summer tried to obstruct the free navigation of the Red River, and the steamer International was scarcely ever permitted to land at Pembina without being stoned and having its windows broken. Thousands of dollar's worth of goods have been forcibly taken by members of the same tribe, while our communication with the rest of the world was cut off by the Sioux demons; and by these several means three-fourths of the British traders are left without their winter supplies.

It is frequently asked, is a post necessary at Pembina?

In my judgement, it is indispensable to the safety of our people and the protection of our interests at that place and vivinity, and there should have been a miltary post established in that region of country a long time since. It is situated not only upon the extreme fronteir, but really beyond it, being cut off from every other portion of our people by a wilderness inhabited only by wild beasts and savage men. It is the rendezvous and summer abode of great numbers of Indians from the different tribes of the Assinboines, Crees, Chippewas , &c., who collect in consequence of the great abundance of fish afforded by the waters in the vicinity, and are constantly begging of the settlers, and taking by force what is denied them. Scarcely a summer passes without two or three battles being fought between the Half Breeds of the settlements and the Sioux.

Such excessive and impudent beggars have they become, that if you inform them that yes [page torn] of the article demanded, they will immediately tell you that you lie.

A post is necessary to encourage the Half Breeds to till their farms, for they do not feel inclined (and who would,) to expend their time and labor to raise products which they must either give away or have taken from them by force.

A post is necessary for the protection of citizens—their commerce—the navigation of the river, and the execution of the revenue laws, as well as those regulating the traffic in ardent spirits with the Indian tribes.

As matters now are, and have been, whatever the protection is received by our people at that point, is from the British Government, and Governor Dallas has already taken means to have a force of four hundred British soldiers sent to that point, fearing that promp action would not be taken by our Government.

I have heard some half breeds laughing and saying that the Sioux told them the Americans were so stupid that the Sioux did not need either guns or ammunition to kill them—that a stick was sufficient. My blood boiled within me at hearing the sufferings of our murdered, butchered friends this spoken of derisively; but I will feel doubly chagrined and vexed, if these 400 soldiers should arrive from England, pass through St. Paul and beyond our lines and offer us safety under the banner of St. George, before an attempt has been made by our own authorities to relieve us. God grant that I may not have to submit to so great a humiliation!

I will not say, "Lo! the poor Indian," for that is played out, except in some parts of New England, and with that class of persons whose sympathies are

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always more enlisted in favor of great criminals than their own fellow citizens who suffer without a crime; but I will say, "Lo! poor Minnesota! She has lost many of her noblest sons on the battlefield in a glorious cause. It is necessary that such should be, and although we mourn, we are content.

But she is losing and will lose other thousands of her noblest citizens, in such a manner as leaves us no consolation for their loss. She will lose her immigration for years to come, and instead of being the terminus of immigration she has become its starting point. She will lose her commerce with our British neighbors, as the legtter of Bishop Tache, herewith transmitted will show.

If these things are to be counteracted, the war against the Sioux must be conducted in such a manner that that tribe will not again think of using the scalping knife as long as one the tribe lives. No better opportunity for crushing their power can be expected than will be presented during this winter. Let that big nest of devils at Devil's Lake be attacked and cleared out. It will not be a holiday excursion, I admit, but the advantages to be gained [are so great] [line torn] for the attempt. The Indians are there with their winter's provisions, and many of their families. With these incumbrances, it would be impossible for them to fly. They must either fight or abandon their stores; and as the latter would be death, at this season of the year, they will prefer to fight or surrender. They are now all together, and one decisive battle will end the war. But wait until grass grows in the spring when the campaign can be commenced in a gentlemanly manner, with ease and comfort to all concerned, and they will probably have brought other tribes to their assistance; but whether so or not, you will see our frontier attacked at half a dozen different points at once, the soldiers will have to fly hither and thither to act again on the defensive, and the Indians, after committing all the depredations that they think profitable for that season, will retreat beyond the Missouri, to show to other bands the spoils that they have capture, and thus induce them to join with them on the next occasion. Such is my opinion, and as I charge nothing for it, I expect it to be taken for what it may be worth.

I heard an officer from Fort Abercrombie say, "Had we been assured of [the] fine weather, we would have crossed [the] plains and been at Devil's Lake." But why did they not go when I wrote to an officer at that post some two or three months ago, informing him that the Sioux were establishing their camp at that point, and that our settlements were becoming alarmed in consequence?

Why did our worthy Governor in his message to the last Legislature at its extra session recommend to memorialize Congress to have the sum of $50,000 appropriated for the construction of a fort at or near Pembina, upon which we were building our hopes, expended to complete Fort Abercrombie, for the protection of the frontier citizens?

What a nice protection that would be! Pembina is situated 215 miles further in the Indian country than Fort Abercombie. The Sioux might take our scalps a dozen times, and afterwards make their escape beyond the Missouri before assistance could reach us from that fort. Considering the facilities of travel and the means of communication, a fort at St. Louis would be as much protection to St. Paul against the Indians, as Fort Abercrombie to Pembina. An abundance of hay and other forage for horses can be easily procured in the vicinity of Pembina during the present winter, and troops need not be withheld in consequence of any fears on that subject.

I should have mentioned, that ever since last summer the Sioux have been trying to make peace with the Red River halfbreeds, because they wanted to obtain a retreat in that locality. At the time Fort Abercrombie was attacked last summer, four [old?] Sioux came to St. Jo to solicit the half-breeds to join them in hostilities against the Americans. They were [assured] such would not be the case, and they asked that the half-breeds would not [in-] terfere on either side. Such of the [page torn] as half [page torn] St. Joseph have [page torn] [page torn] Chippewas, to try [page torn] them to join in the extermination of the whites, but so far have not succeeded. So far as know, the Chippewas usually concealing themselves so as not to be seen, but not endeavoring to commit act of hostility upon hereditary enemies.

Some reliable companies of half-breeds might be raised, if they were not required to report themselves at some very distant point.

They cannot at present be induced to leave however, 1st, because most of them have no means to leave with their families, and 2nd, because as soon as the Sioux would learn that they had enlisted to fight on the sides of the Americans and had left their families, they would immediately revenge the act by attacking their defenceless families.

For these reasons the half-breeds dare not leave their homes until assistance reaches them; and indeed there is every reason to fear that every one will be needed at that particular point.

The annexed letter from James Whitehead, an old trader in the region will show, that it is not considered impossible to [make] a winter journey to the Pembina settlement. JOSEPH LEMAY. LEECH LAKE, Dec. 1, 1862.

JOSEPH LEMAY, ESQ.: Dear Sir—Having understood by J. McFerridge, that a large number of those hostile Sioux in company with Little Crow had assembled at Devil's Lake, intimidating, and by their presence very much retarding the progress of business in the settlements along the Valley of the Red River, would you be kind enough to inform me whether

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they have established themselves there for the winter or not—if you have an accurate estimate of their numbers, and what disposition they manifest.

I sincerely hope that the Government will take the same view of the matter that I do, and send troops in pursuit of them the present winter—the only time, in my opinion, that we could make a general capture of them. If we allow the spring to open before we attack them, they will harrass our border settlements again [during] the ensuing summer in spite of our best efforts.

What chance would there be for getting hay from the teams, if the troops should be sent through there this winter?

Yours respectfully, JAMES WHITEHEAD.

LETTER OF BISHOP TACHE. ST. BONAFACE, RED RIVER SETTLEMENT.

TO MR. LEMAY. DEAR SIR:—Having heard that you intend to start in a short time for St. Paul, I beg leave to call your attention to the following considerations:

The population of Pembina, and of St. Joseph, are certainly very much exposed to the fury of the Sioux. On different occasions these establishments have been already troubled by these savages, and the dreadful massacres committed by them last Summer render evident what may be dreaded of their treachery and of their cruelty. It seems to me that during your stay at St. Paul, you should use your utmost endeavors to obtain troops who would preserve the frontier.

Moreover, if the United States do not use forcible and efficacious means to protect the transportation of goods, between St. Paul and this place, all [page torn] should take another direction.

I feel convinced that these reasons will be taken into consideration by the competent authorities, and that you will obtain the establishment of a military post at St. Joseph, and at Pembina.

Meanwhile I remain Your's truly, ALEXANDER, Bishop of Bonaface.

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Sioux City Register S.P. YEOMANS,......Editor.

SATURDAY, Jan. 3, 1862.

DAKOTA CORRESPONDENCE OF THE REGISTER.

The Legislature—Bills Passed—Apportionment Bills—Now Code—Christmas Day—A Pen Picture of the Members and Miniature of Mr. Gleason.

YANKTON, Dec. 30th, 1862. Dear Register:—All is quiet and harmony at the Territorial Capitol. The two branches of the Legislature are forwarding business with the true parliamentary dispatch. The House, which at my last advice, was far behind the Council [in the] business of the session, has already arrived close upon the heels of that body, and now promptly clears the clerks table of all bills and messages received from the Council during the day. Several important bills are under way, among which I notice the old notorious "Apportionment bills." Mr. Harlan has introduced one of these "critters," which gives to his own county (Clay) one fourth of the entire Legislature. This is a very modest grab for the "Country of Stampede," which at the time of the Indian excitement, disgorged itself upon the neighboring islands of Nebraska and the borders of Iowa, leaving but four solitary souls in the county. By this bill, Yankton county, to which may be justly awarded the credit of standing firm, and saving the Territory in the time of peril, is allowed two-thirds as many members as the "County of stampede." But when this bill becomes a law "Logroller" will stop writing and run for the Legislature.

A new criminal and Justices' Code are under consideration in the Council, also, several other very important bills, of which I will speak when passed.

Outside of the Legislature the city is as busy as life; the hotels are crowded, merchants are trading; farmers are marketing, ladies are chatting and skipping from street to street, purchasing ribbons or rags for the next ball, or the next "surprise party." Divine service is held every sabbath at the Capitol building by the chaplains of the House and Council, Revs. Hoyt and Paine. On Christmas the town was right, though I saw but one fight which was between ad Todd man and Jayne man. On the second round the Todd man threw up the [sponge], and the Jayne man, like Heenap, broke his thumb, Also, on the same day, Ole Somebody— not Ole Donaldson—was knocked over by a Councilman. By the way, "Ole Donaldson" is a great character here, and is one of the leading members of the House. In the "third house" the two leacing members are "Much as Eversou" and "Ever as Much as son;" while in the "fourth house" the leading spirits were "Ole Puettson" and "Ole Jayneson."

Now let us go to the Council Chamber and see what they are doing. We enter the hall door and ascend the stairs, where upon reaching the landing, we are shown to a back seat by the Sergeant-at-Arms. In front of us, at the far end of the chamber, on a raised platform sits the President, a very plain, pleasant, impartial gentleman, who taps his rule lightly upon the table and says—"The Secretary will proceed to read the Journal"—whereupon the members become as attentive as tho' they were listening to the ticking of a clock. That is the Hon. Enos Stutsman, of Yankton, by profession a lawyer and Democrat. But who is this sharp looking, black eyed gentleman, who is immediately upon our left and submits to a series of reports from the Committee on Judiciary? This is the Hon. John H. Shober, of Bon Homme, the most active and laborious man in the Council. By his side, and at the same desk, sits the Hon. Jacob Deuel of Clay county, one of the most punctual and faithful members in the body. But who is that at the next table who rises and stands leaning upon his cane to address the President, with a report from the committee on Federal Relations, to whom has been referred the Governor's Message? This is Hon. W. W. Brookings of Sioux Falls, and he accompanies his

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report with quite a severe and cutting speech upon the action of his colleague in the Lower House, who has sneered at the message as "unworthy of notice." By his side sits the Hon. John W. Boyle of Cole county, a man of the best judgment, clearest head, and coolest action of any member on the floor. But hark! there rise a gentleman away in the corner of the Hall at the left of the President, as chairman of the Committee on Finance, which is the most important committee in the Council. After submitting his morning reports, this gentleman states to the President in a jocular vein that he desires to introduce a divorce bill, and that he "holds in his hand an instrument for the releif [relief] of the unforunate woman," and begs the consent of the Council to present it.— Judge Tufts, the virtuous Secretary, bites his lips and files the bill for its second reading. The gentleman who has just had the floor is the Hon. D. T. Bramble, who is the most bold, outspoken, independent member in the body, and who works with, if not leads the majority of the Council. At the same table is a vacant chair, the seat of Hon. J. S. Gregory of the Fort Randall District, Chairman of the committee on Military affairs, who is now absent on business to the Ponca Agency.— At the next desk on our right, and the last one in the chamber, are seated two gentlemen, the one of which is the oldest, and the other the best looking man in the Council. The one is a perfect, inimitible wit, and is the life and pride of the assembly—the other is a shrewd, silent, attentive scrutinizer of all the minutes of the proceedings of the body. The one is the Chairman of the Committee on agriculture; the other of the Internal Improvements. The first gentleman is the Hon. A. Cole, of Cole county; the second is James Me Fetridge, of Red River.

From here we descend the stairs, and, passing through a small ante-room we enter the main hall of the House of Representatives, which as usual, is crowded in every nook and corner with eager spectators, logrollers and officials. We hunt out way to a seat on the wood box in the corner of the hall, and now we behold up on the stage in front of us the Speaker, a small, active gentleman, standing an repeating the words—"As many as are of opinion that the Bill should pass will say aye," &c. That is the Hon. M. K. Armstrong, of Yankton, the condemned "compromiser." By his side sits the Reporter and Chaplain of the House, Rev. J. S. Paine.

At the first table to the right of the Speaker are seated the two polite and genmanly members from Red Rider, the Hons. H. S. Donaldson and J. Y. Buckman, two of the most esteemed members of the Assembly. On the same side of the Hall are seated, at one desk, the Bon Homme delegation, the Hons. C. Gifford and R. M. Johnson, who fought long and hard for their contested seats during the first ten days of the Session. They are now attentive and industrious members.— But who is this tall raw-boned Yankee, who rises with his fists in his pockets, and thunders out at the top of his voice, "Mr. Speaker," and then follows with a lous, fierce speech lashing everybody and everything? This is the Hon. S. P. Waldron, of Sioux Falls, the man who represents the God-or-saken land of rocks and Indians:

"From whose [barrage?] no traveler returns."

He is a fair lawyer. By his side is seated Hon. F. D. Pease, from the notorious county of Charles Mix, where the enormous Republican frauds were committed on the Delegate question. Mr. Pease was three weeks contesting his seat in the House, before it was finally decided in his favor. He is a quiet member and an independent voter. On the opposite side of the Hall and directly in front of us, are seated the Norway members, Bothun, Jacobson and Larson, who are as still as the grave, and seldom utter a syllable, except in answer to the call of the roll, when they respond in rotation, "aye," aye," "aye," or "no," "no," "no." They are true to their constituants. But who is that large portly member who rises yonder on the left of the Speaker, and proceeds with a somewhat lengthy but well delivered speech on the matter before the House, to wit: the Banking Bill.

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This is Hon. A. J. Harlan, of Clay Co., ex-Speaker of the House, and formerly member of the Congress from Indiana. He is the leading member upon the floor. At the same table is seated Hon. N. J. Wallace, of Cole county, one of the most useful and reliable members of the body, and one o whom Cole county may well feel proud. And who is that tall, dark, southern looking gentleman farther down in the corner of the Hall, who rises and calls the ex-Speaker to order for speaking against time and not to the question.— That is Hon. A. W. Puett of Clay county, the best parliamentarian on the floor of the House.

The committee on elections, I am told, will report in favor of Mr. Somers tomorrow.

By the Register received last night, I perceive that our little pop-gun Attorney Gleason is enraged at "Logroller." I hope however that he will retain his linen and not pull his hair out: for his delirous ravings frighten me about as much as the yelpings of a small dog at a bullock's tail. Mr. Gleason loses sight of my article and the charges contained therein, and makes a straight personal plunge at Mr. Armstrong, of Yankton, as "Logroller;" brands that gentleman as a "cowardly calumniator," devoid of "truth," "honor" or "integrity," as a man who has "sold his constituency for green back," "violated his oath," and "trampled upon the rights of the people." Now Mr. Editor this is a matter between the Attorney General and Mr. Armstrong, with which I have nothing to do. It is not proper for correspondents to throw dirt in a newspaper; but as Mr. Gleason has thrown the first handful, I will simply say that it seems a "contemptible quibble" for a a one-horse official, who has not a dollar in the Territory, and is barely able to defray the expense of his board and wash bills to talk of "freshly stereotyped green backs" lent to a man, who is able to buy out every dollar owned in the Territory by the whole pack of Dakota officials. But a penniless pettifogger, like a lewd woman is always looking to the seductive dollars.

Mr. Gleason came into this Territory, an extreme Republican, and in 1861, took a decided stand against Gen. Todd, by calling a midnight convention with Gov. Jayne on James River, and putting in nominartion a full opposition ticker. But last fall, because Gov. Jayne would not consent to Mr. Gleason's being the Republican candidate for Delegate he whirled upon his heel, left his party and hired out to Gen. Todd as his Attorney and stump speaker, and now rooms in the office and sleeps in the bed of Gen. Todd, at Yankton. Mr. Gleason was sent into the Territory as the Attorney for the U. S. and instead of acting as such he has in two instances, left his official post, and went to the other side to defend criminals against his Government, because they were Todd men with "stereotyped green backs." He also advised Mr. Comers to go into the Hall of the House, throw Mr. Frisby from his seat and assume his chai at the desk; but Mr. Somers having better sense than the "law advisers," refused to do as instructed. The whole gist of the matter is that Mr. Gleason is a personal enemy of Gov. Jayne and the feed Attorney of Gen. Todd, and his whole aim has been to push men enough into the Legislature, to pass bitter resolutions upon the Governor and to applaud the course of Gen. Todd. To do this he has written resolutions and handed them to members to submit to the House calling on the "At torney General" to give his opinion as to the powers of the Governor, which opinion was a personal plunge at Jayne. In another instance he drew a report for the committee on Elections, branding the Executive as the prime mover of all the frauds in the Territory, and when the committee refused to submit it to the House, the Attorney instructed the "Todd Chief Clerk" to copy the report entire into the Journal.

He also advised the admittance of Sommers and Kennerly to seats, when the House was broken up and no quorum was present. What cared he for the Legislature,

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provided he obtained from them all that he desired to assist his paymaster in obtaining his seat in Congress. This is the state of affairs, Mr. Editor; and we have come to the pass in this Territory that is a man does not fall upon his belly, but the bust and kiss the feet of Todd or Jayne; why, he is bought with "stereotyped green back." LOGROLLER

The Dakotian

OFFICIAL PAPER OF THE TERRITORY GEO. W. KINGSBURY, . . . EDITOR.

YANKTON, DAKOTA TERRITORY.

Tuesday, : : : : : Jan. 6, 1863.

The Indians in the Northwest

The momentous question of the day to the people of the frontier is the permanent and peaceful disposition of the Indians of the northwest. Especially is this a vital matter to Dakota, containing as she does within her boundaries, a large proportion of all the Indians in the United States.— We are quite aware that the people who rule the country, residing as they do remote from the scenes of rapine, blood and murder; prompted by pity or clemency for an ignorant, degraded and conquered race, view with comparative indifference and disapproval of the summary policy so strenuously demanded by the citizens of the frontir, who, it may be, have seen their wives and husbands, fathers, mothers and children, butchered before their eyes, ravished, crucified or roasted, by these demented monsters in human form.

We are equally aware that some allowance should be made for the friendless red man in advocating so rigid and capital a policy in our future conduct toward them.

After the "Louisiana purchase" by Jefferson, embracing this entire nothwestern country, our Government sent an expedition under the leadership of Lewis and Clark, to notify the Indians of the northwest of the change of sovereignty, and instruct them how to behave toward their new Great father. In those days— only three score years ago—the Indians of the Missouri were pure—ignorant of the intrigues of the white man, upon whom they looked with almost supernatural awe and reverence. The treaties of those times were merely treaties of amity on both sides—the whites paying the Indian a bribe for his good behavior. Later treaties were for the purchase of a portion of their domain, and still later for the total extinguishment of all claims they might have to the soil, and sometimes for their removal far away from their original homes. The schemes, intrigues and rascalities resorted to, to obtain their country, and the rapid succession of their treaties, have gradually excted their suspicion, until finally they have lost all confidence in the stability and fidelity of the government; and now as they behold their inheritance dwindling away year by year, and the grasping power of a stronger race closer around them, they have become perfectly man and distracted. The good intentions of our Government through its past and present policy, by having many inexperienced men as agents, has done much to confuse them in regard to their future good, and this multiplied their distrustfulness; and at various times diseases of a malignant nature have been introduced amond them through their intercourse with the whites, by which multitudes have been swept into the grave. From all these considerations, and others which might be named, they cannot be persuaded otherwise than that their utter extinction is greatly sought after.

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The past policy of the government has been unquestionably of too mild a character for the well being of the Indian. A new and more rigid system must be adopted, and without delay. Nothing but bold coercive means will answer the requirements of the times, and they too of the severest kind. At present it is undeniaable that, with but few exceptions, the entire Sioux Nation together with the Snakes, Bannocks and Assiniboines, are ready to commence a bloody war with the whites along the entire western frontier, and so great is the extent of country, that, unless the government begin at once, and vigorously take the matter in hand, it is to be feared that the country will again witness the re-enacted horrors visited upon Minnesota the season past. God forbid another like event. We have abundant means to prevent a repetition of those fiendish atrocities. The people demand, if the work is to be done, it should be prosecuted without delay. The elements will not shield the people of Dakota and the frontier many moons more, and with the grass a finger high, we must be on the alert against the tomahawk and the scalping knife.

Government has already promised us protection and an expedition to subdue and punish our foes. We already have a commander—a general who bears the honorable scars of many a well fought field, yet full of early manhood for farther deeds of daring, and, we believe, thoroughly master of his duties. We only fear delay on the part of the government. Unless preparations are already going on, the expedition cannot be suitably prepared and transported to the various fields of action before the season is far advanced. We earnestly hope and pray that the authorities are fully alive to the vital importance of the undertaking.

We hear much said about establishing Forts and building Garrisons. Garrisons are a convenient and necessary protection to soldiers, and serve as depots for supplies; but they will not overtake and punish the bands of murderers now roaming, unimpeded, over the prairie.

Fort Randall, we think, should be strengthened by at least a regiment of Infantry and a battallion [battalion] of Cavalry.

One regiment should leave Fort Laramie, as early as grass will allow, for the South Pass, thence across the country to the Bitter Root Valley in the gold regions, and silence the Snakes and Bannocks who have been troubling the miners and delaying the settlement of one of the most valuable sections of the westeen [western] country. Another regiment should leave the same point, pass back of the Black Hills on to the waters of the Little Missouri Grosventres, and down it to Fort Berthold and there meet with another regiment that should leave St. Paul, or the western border of Minnesota, and cross the country to the point designated by way of Devil's Lake. One regiment should be sent up the Missouri river, by steamers, with supplies, and the several posts along the river should be well garrisoned for a year or two to come. The several land expeditions should be composed entirely of Cavalry, nor should these be embarrassed with wagon;—pack animals will perform the service, and greatly facilitate celerity of movement.

A powerful, systematic and well directed campaign during the coming season, will, we believe, crush the Indian rebellion, and indemnify us with reliable sureties of their good behavior in future.

We shall continue the discussion of this matter in our next paper.

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The Santee Prisoners in Town

The eight prisoners, ransomed from the Santee Indians, by Major Galpin's men not long since, arrived in town last week, and have been stopping at the New England House. The stories they tell of Indian atrocities, are sufficiently horrid to awake a feeling of implacable enmity in the breast of every white man, toward the whole Indiankind. They are too obscene and heinously barberous to put in print. Some time ago we published the names of the prisoners, correctly. They have been spending a few weeks at Fort Randall recuperating, physically and mentally. Several of them were taken sick after reaching the Fort, the effects of rough treatment they had experienced while with the Santees.— The commandant at Fort Randall took every pains to alleviate their condition. On Sunday evening, a collection was taken up for them in church after service, which amounted to over forty dollars, twentyfour of which was contributed by the portion of the company A, Iowa 41st, stationed here. The two ladies—Mrs. Dooley and Ms. Wright are both intelligent. Mrs. Dooley has been peculiarly unfortunate—receiving the worst of treatment from her brutal captors. The husband of Mrs. Wright arrived in town by the last mail. The whole party leave tomorrow morning—Mr. Wright and family for Minnesota, and Mrs. Duley [Dooley] for Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Major Galpin, direct from Washington, passed through Yankton last week, en route for the Upper Missouri country. We are not informed of the nature of the business which calls him in that direction at this time. The trip, taking into consideration the hostile attitude of the Indian tribes in that country, is an extremely perilous one, and none but the most important business, could, we judge, induce Major Galpin to undertake it. He expects to go as far up as Fort Benton. His perfect knowledge of the country and long acquaintance and experience with the Sioux Indians, may enable him to get through with safety.

The Legislature will adjourn on Friday, the 9th inst.

General Orders, No. III

Headquarters, 1st Military District. DEP'T OF THE NORTHWEST. Sioux City, Iowa, Dec. 29, 1862.

I.—The great number of citizens daily seen wearing the uniform clothing of the United States Army, gives rise to the opinion, that in many instances, such clothing has been obtained fraudulently and in an improper manner. This practice also occasions great annoyance and inconvenience to the Military; it is important that the soldier should know who are, and who are not members of the Army. That no soldier is allowed to sell the clothing or other equipage issued to him by the Government, is a fact well known. The troops of this Command are therefore directed to seize all such clothing or equipage whenever they see it worn by citizens and retain possession of the same until the wearer can give a satisfactory explanation of the manner in which it was obtained. Dur report of all such seizures will be made to the Head Quarters.

II—The attention of the Brig. General Commanding has been also called to the fact of Colonels, and even Captains granting furloughs and leaves of absence.— This practive is in direct violation of orders, and all officers hereafter found exercisiDg [exercising] such authority will be punished to the full penalty of the law. Absence from their posts under such authority does not relieve a soldier from the chage [charge?] of deserting.

Enlisted men absent from their Regiments without authority are de facto deserters, and not only forfeit all pay and allowance but are subject to the penalties prescribed for such offences. No plea of sickness, or other cause, not officially established, and no certificate of a physician in civil life, unless approved by some officer acting as military commander, will

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[corner of page folded, first words in lines obscured] [page folded] avail to remove the charge of [page folded], or procure arrears of pay, [page folded] an enlisted man has been mustered as absent from his Regiment without leave.

The names of all officers absent from this District without authority, will be promptly reported to the President for dismissal from the service.

By command of Brig. Gen'l. COOK.

The Legislature

The best interests of our Territory have been receiving the studious attention of the Legislative Assembly during the week just passed. Both Houses have devoted themselves assiduously to the transaction of business, and have accomplished much of an important character. Several welltimed memorials have been transmitted to the various departments at Washington, and many wholesome and much needed laws have been enacted. The lower House though several days behind the Council in the middle of the session, caused by so much time being consumed in settling [the] contested seat cases, have, by [unceasing] diligence, nearly caught up, and when the day of final adjournment arrives, will have little business remaining on its hands in a partially completed condition.

With this session, the term for which the present Councilmen were elected, expires, and the coming fall an enitre new Legislature will be chosen. We are confident, however, that no more devoted friends of our Territory can be found to fill the seats in the council chamber, than those who now so ably occupy them.

To the gentlemen of both Houses we tender our heartfelt thanks for many kindnesses received at their hands, and hope to greet them next winter in the same capacity from which they now retire.

A happy New Year to each and all.

O. S. H. A.

The Old Settlers Association met on New Year's Evening, and were called to order by Mr. Shober. A temporary organization was effected by electing Hon. D. T. Bramble, President, James Tfts and James MeFetridge, Vice Presidents, and James M. Allen, Secretary. Spirited speeches were made by Messrs. Shober, Kennerly, Somers, Ash, Tufts and others, relative to the urgency of carrying into effect the objects of the Association; after which, on motion of Mr. Shober, the Association adjourned until half past six o'clock on Thursday eve'g, 8th instant, when all persons coming within the provisions of the charter, can present their claims for membership.

All such, possessing the requisite qualification, are invited to attend.

J. M. ALLEN, Sec'y.

PERSONAL.—Brig. Gen. Cook arrived in town yesterday after an extensive tour through the western portion of the Territory.

Captain Tripp arrived last evening.— He has about 90 men enlisted, a large majority of whom are provided with horses, and the others can get them as soon as they are sure of being mustered in—to effect which the Captain is very anxions [anxious]. Of course, under the present urgent necessity for troops, on our frontier, his company will not remain long "out in the cold."

Geo. Weare. Esq., of the firm of Weare & Allison, and John Currier, Esq., of Sious City, are stopping at the Ash House.

MILITARY.—Capt. A. G. Fuller has commenced the formation of his Cavalry Company. He has provided quarters in town, and, already, has quite a number of men enlisted. He has also a number at Bon Homme, in quarters. Hope he may soon be luxuriating in all the honors, emoluments, and appendages of a full fledged Capt.

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Sioux City Register

S. P. YEOMANS,......Editor.

SATURDAY, JAN. 10, '62 [DAKOTA] CORRESPONDENCE OF THE REGISTER

[page corner folded, first words obscured] [The] Legislature—Somers Admitted—Divorce Bills [—]Apportionment Bills—Banking Bill—Mining [Bill]— Gold Regions and Pine Lands of the Upper Missouri, &c.; &c.

YANKTON, Jan. 6th, 1863, DEAR REGISTER:—This is the laet [last] of my letters for the present session. The Legislature will adjourn sine die on Friday, the 9th inst., after which I will send you a letter embracing the closing scenes and labors of the two Houses.

Nothing of interest has occurred since my last advice, except the rpeort of the Committee on Elections, admitting Mr. Somers of Cole county, to the seat formerly occupied by Mr. Frisby. This is as it should be; and here let me say that no contestant who has presented his claims at the bar of the House during the session, has manifested more true manhood, discretion and self-sacrificing devotion to the common welfare of his District and the Territory, than the Hon. M. H. Sommers. When he saw the torn and tattered Legislature struggling for existance [existence], and the fate of the Territory hang trembling over the gulf of disorganization, ready to be dashed to atoms to glut the damning lust for power with two great men, Mr. S., although urged and goaded on to take his seat by force, at all hazzards, rested his claims in the hands of his friends until the breach was healed and the tumult subsided; then he renewed his petition for his seat and was admitted, and is now one of the most respected and worthy members of the assembly.

The House is now holding two sessions a day and is rapidly drawing its business to a close. Divorce Bills and Apportionment Bills are occupying much of the time of the great law makers of the Lower House. To see the divorce bills presented it would seem that hald the women this side of Hades were tired of their husbands and wished to marry the Dakota Legislature. One of these precious creatures sets forth in her petition that her husband is given to "habitual drunkeness;' another, to "habitual sleeping and snoring;" while a third one avers the want of "natural affinity," and the fourth one states that her husband —"Hast learned to love another, And her heart is lonely now."

Gen. Cook has not yet returned from the upper country. The Iowa Company quartered at this place has been ordered to Fort Randall. It is said that 5,000 troops will be sent into the Territory before May. Maj. Galpin, of the Fur Company, reports that unless troops are ordered to Fort Randall by April, we may look for an avalanche of Indian warriors from the Upper Missouri early in the Spring.

Mr. Galpin has started on his long and dangerous journey to Fort Benton; but if, on arriving at Fort Pierre, he encounters deep snows and large bodies of red skins, it is his intention to return immediately to St. Louis and report the state of affairs to the head quearters of the Company, in order that they may delay their boats in the Spring until the Government orders troops into the valley of the Upper Missouri.

A very important bill has been passed incorporating the "Racine and Armain Mining and Transportation Company," with Mr. Galpin at its head, backed by a list of wealthy St. Louis merchants and bankers, "for the purpose of building and chartering steamboats, packing furs, digging minerals, &c.," and for the general transportation of trade and travel on the Upper Missouri. The general head quarters of the Company will be made in the Territory, at the Capital for the present, at which place the Company will open in the Spring a general Forwarding, Commission and Banking House.

Mr. Galpin states that within 180 miles of his present post (Fort Labarge) there are now 1500 men, making from five to twenty dollars per dar by digging gold on the forks of the Wind river. These men, mostly came over the mountains from the Pacific shore in California and Oregon.