The Indians of Wisconsin, p. 7

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near the Arctic Sea, have the same peculiar system of consanguinity and affinity. It is elaborate and complicated, and affords the strongest evidence yet obtained of the unity of origin of the Indian tribes within that region.

There must have been great differences in the condition of these tribes in different portions of the country, and in different times in their past history; but these differences may be accounted for by local circumstances. We are therefore to regard the ancient mound builders as well as the Mexicans, and Peruvians, as tribes or nations of the same (American) race of men, though much advanced in knowledge of some of the arts.

No longer ago than 1821, Wisconsin and Northern Illinois were only inhabited by Indians. On the occasion of a treaty held at Chicago in August of that year, they assembled from all quarters to the number of three thousand souls. Straggling parties were seen everywhere proceeding to the appointed place, usually on horseback, and decorated according to the Indian taste, with medals, silver bands, and feathers. "The gaudy and showy dresses of these troops of Indians," says Schoolcraft, "with the jingling, caused by the striking of their ornaments, and their spirited manner of riding, created a scene as novel as it was interesting. Proceeding from all parts of a very extensive circle of country, like rays converging to a focus, the nearer we approached, the more compact and concentrated the body became; and we found our cavalcade rapidly augmented, and consequently the dust, confusion and noise increased at every by-path which intersected our way. After crossing the south fork of the Chicago and emerging from the forest that skirts it, vast numbers appeared on the extensive and level plain that stretches along the shore of the lake."

Having thus shown what Indian tribes were found upon our soil, their numbers, and some general characteristics of the race of red men, it remains to give the details of the