1851 Delegations
President in 1851: Millard Fillmore
Commissioner of Indian Affairs in 1851: Col. Luke Lea
April 7, 1851: Sun [Baltimore]: [Chickasaw]
Indian Delegation to Washington.--On Saturday [April 5] evening a delegation of Chickasaw Indians, s. Folsom, Jackson Frazier and Winchester Calbert, arrive[d] in our city and took quarters at Smith's American Hotel. They go to Washington on business connected with the government. They are accompanied by Fletcher Frazier, Lewis Harkins, Isaac Jefferson and Robert Pierson, four Indian youths, who are going to Penfield, Connecticut, for the purpose of being educated. They are an intelligent looking set of youths.
May 9, 1851: Daily National Intelligencer [Apache] (no copy)
From New Mexico.
...A letter dated Santa Fe, March 31, communicates the interesting intelligence of the arrival of a delegation of six chiefs of the Jicarilla and Mescalero tribes of apaches, for the purpose of making a standing treaty of peace and obtaining a donation of public lands for cultivation. ... [Delegation may not have been to Washington, D.C.]
June 19, 1851: Daily National Intelligencer [Cherokee] (no copy)
From the Cherokee Nation.
The Tahlequah Advocate states that the Delegation which was sent to Washington to effect a final adjustment of the Cherokee per capita have returned, after accomplishing all that was possible in the matter. Instructions are to be soon given to the Superintendent of the western Territory as to the manner of procedure for the payment of the moneys, and the [ce?]nsus of both parties is to be taken very nearly in accordance with the wishes and views of the people of the nation. The "Old Settlers" and Emigrant's moneys will be paid out this summer , or early in the fall. It is also said that the census of what are termed the North Carolina Indians will be taken immediately by the United States Government.
Sept. 5, 1851: Daily National Intelligencer [Chippewa]
Yesterday, between one and two o'clock, the parley or conference between the commissioner of Indian affairs and the deputation of Chippeway Indians now in this city took place. these Indians arrived here in the early part of the week. They number six, including their interpreter. The object of their visit is not very clear, but might be drawn from their addresses to the Commissioner. The conference was held in the Commissioner's room, in the Indian Bureau. it was announced by the interpreter, whose Indian title is Ennegahbowh, that three of the Chiefs would speak. Accordingly, Iaskwekkshig, or Crossing sky, the principal Chief, advanced, and, shaking hands with the Commissioner said:
"My Father, the business which brought me here, and which we talked of a little yesterday, I will now speak to you about more particularly. Before I left my country every Indian gave me counsel, and told me what to say to you and to our Great Father, (the President,) and when I return they will look to me for a reply. I come here to talk to you because I feel that I have done no wrong, and committed nothing evil, either against the whites or my own people. I have come a long way, and have been very anxious to see you, my father, and my Great Father. These wampums were present before many chiefs, and the words that I now speak are the words they wished me to say. Our people have become much troubled and very anxious in their minds, for fear their Great Father is going to take away their land, and they look all around in every direction, and they look to the Canada side. We look around. We have no refuge, no shelter. We look to the ocean; we must be driven to its shores; perhaps we shall be drowned. Some of our chiefs have wished to go to Canada, and some have determined to die in their native land. They have a great expectation from me, that I shall get a good reply from our great Father. I am going to say a few words respecting payments. We were informed by our agent that we should be furnished a farmer, a blacksmith, and a teacher among our people. I have often asked for all these things. I have asked our father. It is now almost fifteen years since we have received annuities, and all this time we have had no teacher. I am very anxious. Before the time comes that we shall be driven from our country we wish to learn the ways of the whites. I have come a great distance, and wish to get good news, from our father. And about our timber I want to speak. Last winter I went down to ask the Governor about our timber, and I got no satisfactory answer. I wanted to get white folks to come into our country, and to put up saw-mills in our country. we are anxious and ready to build, but we can't build without boards/ I am weak and poor, truly weak, you have great strength. You can move great things. I leave this with you." (Spreading the wampum on the table before the Commissioner and retiring.)
Kapewenint, or Safe-guide then rose, and shaking hands with the Commissioner, said:
"My Father, many head-warriors gave me the words I now give to you. Our last payment was poor. Every way you could hear wailing of children and women and men. We received what provision our Great Father sent, but it was poor, we thought. There were many deaths in our party. After payment was over, only one blanket was left to me. After our people left the paying ground many of our people were seen lying down and frozen to death. We are very poor. We received no money; many of our people died. In our village were many poor, very poor." He then laid a calumet on the table and retired.
Magamegahowh, or Stand Before, then rose, and with a stentorian voice addrssed the Commissioner thus:
"My Father, we are in a strange country, but I hope you will listen to the few words I have to say. Last summer we went down to St. Peter's, and we had a council with some other tribes. The tribe was the Sioux tribe. We had a council with them lat summer at Fort Snelling. When we were all together we saw our great father, the Governor of the Minnesota Territory, and we talked with him. We are always ready to hear our father. when he sent for us, we all came down. When all the wrongs are taken account of between our tribes, it will be found the Chippeways have done the least wrong. We had councils. We could not decide. We left it then to our great father; he could not decide. He said he would send it to our Great Father here. He told us he would get an answer in three months. We expected after we got an answer to have had reparation for the wrongs the others had done us. We gave our hands lands to our father. We did no damage; we did no wrong; we touched no man. We are always willing to obey our Great Father. As soon as we had got home to our wigwams the news came that the Sioux had stricken our children. It is the Sioux, the tribe that had stricken our children."
To these addresses Mr. Commissioner Lea replied, "That he had listened with pleasure to what the chiefs of the Chippeways had said. H always listened with pleasure to what they had to say. Of many things they had mentioned he could say a good deal, but he did not think it necessary to say much. The Chippeways had made a treaty, by which they sold a good deal of land to the Government, and had agreed to go back. The Chippeways are well known to be a brave, war like, honest people, and when they make a bargain they will stick to it. (Here arose a simultaneous ugh, ugh, of satisfaction.) The Government wants not to deprive them of a home, but to give them better than they now have, and in every way to improve their condition. The Chippeways are very widely spread, their game is scarce, and from their great country they get but little good. Before the whites got there they could live happily in Indian style, but that was no longer the case. Almost all the Indians, who one occupied all this vast country where we now are, found it necessary to sell out their land to the whites, in whole or in part. So must the Chippeways. The Government thinks, and their Great Father desires, that they will collect all together so that they will be able to have houses and saw mills, and farms and schools, and have white improvements all about them. It is impossible to introduce white improvements so long as they live in their present scattered state. The whites could not have farms, and schools, and shops, and all such things, if they lived in the way that the Chippeways do.
One of the chiefs this afternoon spoke of the payment of the annuity last year, and the sickness that prevailed at that time. The Government and their Great Father was very sorry to hear of it, and it was one of those things that could not be avoided. The best that the circumstances permitted had been done. So long as the Chippeways remain so scattered, such things as these cannot well be avoided. If they lived closer together there would not be so far to travel for a few dollars a piece and a little provision. The time ahs come when the Chippeways must do as the other Indians; they must depend for their support upon the cultivation of the soil, and not solely upon the chase. In the country reserved for them in Minnesota there might be much land, not rich, but still there is enough for all their purposes, if they will depend upon cultivating the soil, upon agriculture, and not upon hunting and fishing. If they would do this, they would soon find themselves better off than they have for years. I have (said the Commissioner) been lately in Minnesota, and made treaties with the Sioux, and they say that the Chippeways have made war upon the Sioux, just as the Chippeways say the Sioux have upon them. And whilst I was there, and not very far from the place, a party of Chippeways came and killed many women and children of the Sioux. The Sioux were very angry at this, and were going to make war parties, and I had a great deal of trouble to permit them from going to fight the Chippeways. (Ugh! Ugh!) I told them that they must not go; that they must be at peace with the whites and Chippeways, and all other tribes. And in the same way the Great Father expects the Chippeways to act towards the Sioux. There was much difficulty in setting the accounts between the Sioux and the Chippeways. Governor Ramsey had examined the matter, and he said that money was now due the Chippeways. This money has been paid to the Chippeways with their other money The Sioux thought the Chippeways ought to be made to pay them. They complained at what I had done for the Chippeways. I had fifteen hundred dollars paid over to the Chippeways for those scalps they took. Taking scalps is not good. To take the scalps of women and children is what no man ought to think of doing. it is a bad business. The Great Father--yes, and the Great Spirit, too, are against it. I talk to you as I talked to the Sioux. War must be stopped. It does no good to either party. Both must quit it; it must be stopped. The Chippeway country is a great way off. The Government would do its bet, but it was as hard for their Great Father to keep all his chiefs always obedient as it was for them to keep their young men from ever doing wrong. This was a great country--thousands and millions of people were in it. Their Great Father must have agents to employ over so great a people. he tries always to get good men under him, but he is sometimes mistake, as you and every body else is liable to be.
"Our Great Father wishes it, and I give instructions to all agents to be faithful, honest, and kind to the Indians. This is what the Government requires. sometimes an agent will not do right; then, if I find him out, I will remove him, and put a good man in his place who will do his duty. When I was in Minnesota I inquired of every body, and found the agent to be a good, true, and faithful man. It is far from Minnesota here. It takes long to hear from thence, and then when we do hear we have different accounts, and do not always know which to believe. Of this you may be sure: your Great Father is your friend, your best friend, and you will do best to obey him and the Government always. Sometimes you will think it hard, but it is always best for you to submit, and then, after awhile, you will see how much better it is for you and your children."
The Commissioner being informed by the principal Chief that they were entirely moneyless, said that it was not customary for the Government to pay expenses of Indians, but in this case they would consent to pay their way home.
Crossing-Sky again addressed the Commissioner, praying for a saw-mill, and asking if he might sell some of his timber to erect one?
This, the Commissioner said, the agent in the Territory would settle for them.
Crossing-Sky concluded in a complimentary address, speaking of the pleasure he had derived from his visit, and how much gratified he would be to see his Great Father. They had seen so much that his people would not believe when they told them. Would not their father send a white man with them, that they might believe him?
The conference terminated in an arrangement to allow them an interview with their Great Father, the president, in a day or two, and a general shaking of hands all round.
Sept. 5, 1851: Alexandria Gazette: [Oneida]
There arrived in Washington, on Wednesday [Sept. 3], three elderly Indian widows, dressed in black, accompanied by two boys. They belong to the Oneida tribe. In a late disbursement of money by a United States agent in the State of New York to the chiefs of that tribe, the latter omitted to pay eighteen persons belonging to it; and these widows were of that number. The Commissioner of Indian Affairs promised that he would immediately inquire into the subject, with a view of affording them satisfaction. The Indians left the city for their homes on Thursday afternoon.
Sept. 8, 1851: Daily National Intelligencer [Chippewa]
Interview of the Chippeways with the President. The interview with the President promised by Mr. Commissioner Lea to the Chippeways on Thursday last [Sept. 4], took place on Saturday morning. It began with the Commissioner introducing Mr. Johnson, or Emmegahbowh, the Interpreter, to the President. Mr. Johnson then introduced the other Indians severally by name.
The President was informed whence they had come, and received some particulars as to their condition at home; the number (over forty) of the bands composing the Chippeway Nation; and that they were not united under one principal head or chief, but lived in a sort of Confederacy.
Crossing-Sky, the leading Chief of the deputation, first spoke. His address was in substance much the same as the one of Thursday, restating how far he had come to see his Great Father, an expressing his admiration of the many wonderful things he had seen on his journey, and of the way in which the whites live. He interated the poverty and weakness of his own people and the wealth and power of the whites, ascribing the difference to the agriculture, the schools, but especially to the white book, (the bible, a copy of which was lying before the President,) and saying that they (the Chippeways) wanted it. He wanted a saw-mill, and hoped his Great Father would help him. He acknowledged his gratitude for the means granted them to return home, and trusted that protection might be rendered them when within the Indian territory, so that they might reach their own people in safety. He asked to be able to carry home intelligence that would satisfy his people, and requested a white paper, or new guaranty of the friendship and consideration of the government.
The President replied, substantially, by stating the pleasure he experienced in thus meeting his red children. he was always glad to hear of their welfare. Since they had been in this great country they had witnessed how the whites lived. Once this vast country was inhabited by none but the red men; a few whites came, they were weak whilst the red man was strong; to some extent the whites had to lean upon their red brethren. But the whites had increased, had grown strong, whilst the red man had grown weak. In great measure the cause of this was to be ascribed to the difference in the means of procuring a living; the whites live by agriculture, the red men by the chase. They saw the strength and numbers of the whites, and how they came to be so; let the Chippeways imitate the whites, and it will be well for them likewise. it is the wish of the Government to protect and assist the Indians in whatever tends to improve their condition. Crossing-sky had spoken of a saw-mill that he would be glad to get. He (their great Father) would see that this wish should be attended to. He was glad to see the desire for improvement. he was also glad to hear reference made to schools, and to education, and the Bible. These were things which also helped to make the white man strong, and it would be well if the Indians would adopt them. Happiness and strength would follow if they did. Their Great Father wanted no obstruction in the way of the Indians welfare, but wished to see them good and happy. Their father, the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, would give them the paper they desired In conclusion, the President recommended them and their people to be good and faithful to the Government, to put an end to war, to love peace, and then they should have the protection of their Great Father and the Government.
Mevetowawe, or Spirit-see, a young warrior, then addressed the President. he had, he said, but little to say, but he hoped to be listened to by his Great Father. Then laying down a string of wampum before the President, he requested his acceptance of it.
The President expressed his gratification at receiving this testimonial. It should be placed, with the memorial fro Crossing-Sky in the Indian Department, there to be looked upon as a memento of the friendship and good understanding subsisting between the Chippeways and the whites.
The President then shook hands with them, wishing each "farewell," which was duly interpreted by the Interpreter. Hon. Wm. A. Graham, Secretary of the Navy, was present during the interview. At closing the President told the Indians that was the Chief who had under him the management of the great ships. They shook hands with Mr. Graham, and retired evidently much pleased at all they had seen and heard.
Before leaving the White House, they were shown the East room, around which they arched, eyeing themselves in the mirrors, and remarking with much vivacity and humor. One or two of them tried the embroidered chairs, but seemed hardly to know how to sit in them.
They left on Saturday evening for their homes. We have heard that whilst at or near Niagara, Jenny Lind made them a present of five hundred dollars."
Sept. 9, 1851: Alexandria Gazette: [Chippewa]
[From the Republic]
Visit of the Chippewas to the President
On Saturday [Sept. 6] morning, at ten o'clock, the delegation of Chippewas, from Minnesota Territory, accompanied by the Hon. Luke Lea, the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, proceeded to the president's House, in accordance with a previous arrangement. The Indians, in their wild, native costume, appeared with extra trimmings, including a profusion of gay-colored ribands [sic], having procured them for this occasion, as they were now to be admitted into the presence of their great father, of whom they had heard so much, but had never seen.
The Indians having been conducted to an upper chamber and seated, the president of the United States shortly afterwards entered, when Mr. Lea introduced to him John Johnson, the interpreter, who introduced each of the delegation by name: Crossing Sky, safe Guide, Stand Before, Spirit Seen, (the head warrior,) and Breast. They severally shook hands with their great father, and resumed their seats, and seemed to be highly pleased.
The Commissioner remarked to the president that those Indians were Chippewas, and that they had called to pay their respects to him.
The resident made inquiries as to their country and condition. In the course of the conversation it was stated that their band is what is called the Mississippi band, and that over forty different bands constitute the Chippewa tribe in the United States. Here is no principal chief having authority over all the bands, but the chiefs in each band bind the whole nation. Although jealousies and disturbances may exist among themselves, they are all united against "outsiders."
Crossing Sky arose, and, after shaking hands with the President and the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, spoke as follows, the address being interpreted by John Johnson:
My Great Father: I want to say a few words to you, and ask you to listen to me. I have travelled in a strange country to get good, and to form an indea [idea] of how the whites live.--I mentioned my special business to our father, (the commissioner,) and wish to say a little more.
My great father, you see me how I am; how many men are here. We are poor, poor indeed. You are strong; your nation is strong. I have one particular request to make to our great father. We want a saw-mill' we want to improve. We like the ways of the whites--what we have seen. I feel confident that our father and our great father will have mercy on us, and give us our request. I know, my great father, that there is no way we can get along in the world. Game is getting scarce; we must go to the ground and till the ground.
Let me be permitted to ask you, my great father, what makes you a great and powerful nation? It is that white book on the stand, (the Bible.) We want schools that we may learn to read that book, and do good, and be wise.
I am very much pleased that I have been permitted to see and talk to our great father. I am happy that our father will send us back home. I have one request more to make--that when we land in our territory, we wish our great father to aid us that we may get home safely. Our children are anxious, and wait for our return from our great father. They expect that we will carry them something that will satisfy them.
As I have said before, we are very glad, and we shall long remember our interview with our great father.
Another request, my great father. I wish you give me a white paper, to show to my friends when i get home.
The orator then presented the President with wampum; and, after further proceedings,
The President of the United States responded to the address:
It gives your father great pleasure to meet his red children on this occasion. He is much gratified to learn that you have taken a long journey among strangers for the purpose of seeing how white people live. (The Indians listened with marked attention, and responded by a hearty 'a-ugh,' which they repeated at the conclusion of every succeeding sentence as it was interpreted to them.) Many years ago the red children of this country covered the whole face of it. The whites then came among them, a very weak band, depending in some measure on their red brethren for support. But the whites have grown great and strong, as you say, while our red brethren have grown weak and few. One cause of this difference between the red man and the white man is, that the whites cultivate the ground, while the red men seek their living by the chase. I hope therefore, when you return to your people in the wilderness, you will tell them of the improvements of the white men, their number and strength, and encourage them to pursue the same occupations and cultivate the soil.
Though the white man be strong and the red man be weak, the white man feels bound to protect the red man and do justice by him.--And this is the chief desire of your great father.
In regard to your request for means to build a saw-mill, it will give your great father pleasure to aid you in the laudable undertaking.
Your great father is much gratified to learn from you that you desire education, and to be taught to read and write, and to know the great truths of the Bible. This education is another means of happiness and strength to my red children.
I conclusion, I hope that you will have a safe return to your friends, the Chippewas, and that you will meet with no obstructions on the journey. I doubt not that all the whites will treat you with all consideration and respect. It is the desire of your great father, the President, that they shall do so.
Your father, the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, will do what he can to aid you to return' and will furnish you that white paper which you desire.
I thank the Great Spirit for the opportunity I have had to confer with my red children.
I hope to hear of the safe return to your friends, and prosperity hereafter.
Be good and faithful citizens; maintain peace among yourselves and white brethren, and you may rely on the protection of your great father. I have nothing more to say.
Spirit Seen (after the usual preliminaries) addressed the President:
My Great Father and my Father: I want to say a few words. The great Spirit hears what I have to say. Here is the wampum I am about to present, and leave here, that all ay see we have truly visited you. This is all I have to say by great father, and my father.
The President.--I receive the wampum as a token of friendship, and, together with the wampum presented by Crossing Sky, it will be placed in the Indian Department, that my red children and white brethren may always recollect that it is a token of friendship.
The Indians then rose to depart, when [sic]
Commissioner Lea pointed out to them the Secretary of the Navy, who was among the few pale faces present.
The President informed them that Secretary Graham had control of the great vessels which sail on the ocean.
The Indians shok [sic[ hands first with the President of the United States, and then with all who were present on the occasion, and took their leave, bowing and scraping in their best style; and two of them carried their politeness to such an extent as to take off their head-dresses for a few moments.
On Saturday evening [Sept. 6] the delegation left the city for their homes in Minnesota. --Republic
[Sept. 17, 1851: Treaty signed at Fort Laramie, Indian Territory with the Sioux, Cheyenne, Arapaho, Crow, Assiniboin, Gros Ventre, Mandan and Arikara]
Oct. 20, 1851: Daily National Intelligencer [Arapaho, Assiniboin, Cheyenne, Crow, Oto, Sioux]
The Indians of the Western Prairies.
Accounts received at St. Louis , by persons direct from the scene of the great Indian Council lately held near Fort Laramie, state that treaties were finally concluded by the United States Commissioners with the various Indian tribes in attendance. No particulars are given. A delegation of tribes who have entered into treaties are soon to visit this city.
Oct. 21, 1851: Alexandria Gazette: [Arapaho, Assiniboin, Cheyenne, Crow, Oto, Sioux]
[Reprint of Oct. 20 DNI article]
Oct. 30, 1851: Daily National Intelligencer [Arapaho, Assiniboin, Cheyenne, Crow, Oto, Sioux]
The Treaty with the Prairie Indians.
Col. Mitchell and Major Fitzpatrick, the Commissioners, accompanied by several private gentlemen and fifteen Indians from the Western Plains who are on their way to this city, arrived at St. Louis on the 21st instant.
The Treaty was concluded and signed by the Commissioners and Indians on the 17th September. it guaranties to the latter the payment of $50,000 annually, in money or goods, for fifty years, upon their faithful compliance during that time with the terms of the treaty. The Indians are required to abstain from hostile depredations upon the whites, whether emigrants or otherwise, and to pay due regard to the advice and requirements of the Untied States Superintendent of Indian Affairs.
There were between six and seven thousand Indians in the council, representing the following tribes, viz. Cheyennes, Sioux, Arapahoes, Crows, Snakes, Assiniboines, Grosventres, Arickaras, and Mandans. The council was in session twelve days, and about sixty thousand dollars worth of goods were distributed among the Indians before it was dissolved.
The Delegation which is on its way to this city consists of three Cheyennes, three Arapahoes, four Sioux, one Assinioine and two Ottoes, each with their squaws. They have with them two interpreters. There was a Crow brave in the delegation who came as far as Brunswick, when whilst the boat lay up during the night, he suddenly left, without notice to any one, and no trace could be obtained of him. The supposition entertained was, that he had become home-sick or tired, and would attempt to return to his nation.
With the exception of one of the Arapahoes, none of these Indians had before seen the white settlements, and consequently their journey (as we learn from the St. Louis Republican, whose Editor was one of Col. Mitchell's party) has been one of great wonder, and in some cases of alarm and fear. Except what they had seen at Fort Laramie and Fort Kearny they knew nothing of the white man's lodges; but their greatest astonishment was in seeing a steamboat, and their fears were excessive upon going upon it. They called it the fire-horse, and it was a considerable time before they could reconcile themselves to "the noise and confusion" of blowing off steam, the steam whistle, ringing the bell, &c. At first the moat made some of them sick; but they are among the most intelligent of their respective tribes, and in time became reconciled and quieted. They were highly delighted when they saw the "fire-horses's brother, (another steamboat,) with a papoose" (the yawl) hitched to his tail, ascending the river. thus far, as soon as their apprehensions of danger had subsided, they became quite inquisitive, and highly delighted with everything they met with. They were to remain a few days in St. Louis before coming Eastward.
Oct. 31, 1851: Sun [Baltimore]: [Arapaho, Assiniboin, Cheyenne, Oto, Sioux]
The Treaty with the prairie Indians.--Col. Mitchell and Maj. Fitzpatrick, the commissioners, accompanied by several private gentlemen and fifteen Indians from the Western Plains, who are on their way to Washington city, arrived at St. Louis on the 21st instant. The treaty concluded by the commissioners with the Indians guaranties to the latter the payment of $50,000 annually, in money or goods, for fifty years, upon their faithful compliance during that time with the terms of the treaty. The Indians are required to abstain from hostile depredations upon the whites, whether emigrants or otherwise, and to pay due regard to the advice and requirements of the United States Superintendent of Indian Affairs:
There were between six and seven thousand Indians in the council, representing the following tribes, viz.:--Cheyennes, Sioux, Arapahoes, Crows, Snakes, Assiniboines, Grosventres, Arickaras and Mandans. The council was in session twelve days, and about sixty thousand dollars worth of goods were distributed among the Indians before it was dissolved.
The delegation, which is on its way to Washington, consists of three Cheyennes, three Arapahoes, four Sioux, one Assiniboine, and two Ottoes, each with their squaws. They have with them two interpreters.
With the exception of one of the Arapahoes, none of these Indians had before seen the white settlements, and consequently their journey (as we learn from the St. Louis Republican, whose editor was one of Col. Mitchell's party,) has been one of the great wonder, and in some cases of alarm and fear. Except what they had seen at Fort Laramie and fort Kearny, they knew nothing of the white man's lodges; but their greatest astonishment was in seeing a steamboat, and their fears were excessive upon going upon it. They called it the fire-horse, and it was a considerable time before they could reconcile themselves to "the noise and confusion" of blowing off steam, the steam whistle, ringing the bell, &c. At first the motion of the boat made some of them sick' but they are among the most intelligent of their respective tribes, and in time became reconciled and quieted. They were highly delighted when they saw the "fire-horse's brother, (another steamboat,) with a papoose" (the yawl) hitched to his tail, ascending the river. Thus far, as soon as their apprehensions of danger had subsided, they became quite inquisitive, and highly delighted with every thing they met with. They were to remain a few days in St. Louis before coming eastward.
[Nov. 3, 1851: DNI report from near Ft. Laramie in re treaty negotiations = have copy; not transcribed]
Nov. 10, 1851: Daily National Intelligencer [Arapaho, Assiniboin, Cheyenne, Crow, Oto, Sioux]
Major Fitzpatrick arrived at Louisville November 7th, on his way for Washington, accompanied by a Delegation of thirteen chiefs and two squaws, representing four tribes of the Indians of the Prairie. It appears that the Crow Indian, who composed a part of this Delegation, and who was missed from the steamer at one of the landings on the way to St. Louis, committed suicide. His body has been found about half a mile from where the boat was lying, with a deep stab in the neck, over the left shoulder, made with a knife which he had borrowed from one of the other Indians. Being the only one of his tribe who was in the company, and the Indian agent having pledged himself for his safe return, it is the more to be regretted that he should have made way with himself.
Nov. 10, 1851: Sun [Baltimore]: [Crow & unid. (but as above)]
Indian Delegation and Suicide.--Major Fitzpatrick arrived at Louisville, Nov. 7, from the Indian treaty ground, en route for Washington.--He is accompanied by a delegation of 13 chiefs and 2 squaws, representing four tribes. The Indian referred to in the following was a portion of this delegation:
Indian Suicide.--A few days ago, we gave an account of the escape of a Crow Indian--one of the delegation that Col. Mitchell is taking to the East--from the steamer Clara, whilst she lay at Brunswick. He left the boat after supper on Sunday evening, 19th instant, and we now learn that his body was found on Sunday last, about half a mile from where the boat was lying. It was evident that he had committed suicide, by stabbing himself in the neck, just over the left shoulder.--He had driven the knife deep in, and then withdrawn it.--St. Louis Rep., Oct. 31
Nov. 19, 1851: Daily National Intelligencer [Arapaho, Cheyenne, Iowa, Oto, Sioux]
Indian Interview With the President.--On Monday [Nov. 17], the deputations from four of the tribes of Indians who arrived hither lat week in charge of Maj. Fitzpatrick, Indian Agent for the Upper Platte, waited upon the President. They first met at the Office of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, where Col. Lea handsomely received them, and embraced the opportunity to address them upon some of the topics which concern their visit from the deep interior of the continent, and to impress upon them the desire of the Government for peace with the Indian--a desire, he told them, as they must have learnt from their journey, not founded on any thing like fear, but in benevolence, and a love of peace for its own sake.
The visit to the President was not accompanied with any set speech making, but consisted merely in introductions. We hear, however, that the result was very satisfactory to these poor untutored sons of the wilderness, for, prior to personally visiting their Great Father, they were under much mental solicitude and constraint, lest in his august greatness he might not be gracious unto them. On returning to their lodging after the interview, the depression they had before exhibited was seen to have left them, and was succeeded by a freedom and joyousness of manner much in contrast with their prior uneasy posture of mind, for where they had apprehended encountering the stern eye and perhaps harsh tones of an exacting authority, they found a friendly greeting, and met with a kindness and condescension which, with their strong native perception, they felt to be unmistakably genuine.
Having learnt incidentally through their interpreter that Mrs. Lea had a wish to see them, they gallantly responded to the invitation, and in the evening marched to the Commissioner's residence, near the General Post Office, literally in full feather. Here, equally amused and amusing Col. Lea's household and a crowd of visitors, they remained about an hour, behaving with great propriety of demeanor.
These Indians are some of those who met Col. D. D. Mitchell this fall at fort Laramie, and are representatives of the tribes of the Arrapahoes, Cheyennes, Ottoes, and most westerly Sioux. There are two or three Iowas with them, but these last are rather interlopers.
In the course of a couple of weeks there will be a grand talk or council, when we shall be probably afforded an opportunity to give some idea of the oratorical powers of these children of nature. There might, perhaps, be also a war dance.
Dec. 1, 1851: Daily National Intelligencer [Arapaho, Cheyenne, Oto, Sioux]
The Prairie Indians, consisting of those delegation from the Arrapahoes, Cheyennes, Sioux, and Ottoes, which met Col. Mitchell near Fort Laramie, and who were brought hither in charge of Major Fitzpatrick, have, we are glad to learn, recovered from their rather severe indisposition which has afflicted them for a week or more. They are staying at Maher's Hotel, and appear to be highly pleased with the care, attention, and kindness they receive at the hands of Mrs. Maher, who, as their active and benevolent friend, nurse, and cateress, they call their mother. We called in upon them an evening or two since, and were treated with a specimen of their style of singing, which, though no doubt intended to amuse and delight, had amazingly little like harmony in it. Major Fitzpatrick is staying at Mr. Maher's, a house which we take the liberty of recommending s one where comfort, good fare, and good treatment, to say nothing of its convenience and centrality of position, can be as well secured at moderate prices as at most of the more ambitious and expensive establishments.
Dec. 12, 1851: Daily National Intelligencer [Arapaho, Cheyenne, Oto, Sioux]
Indian visit.--We learn that an appointment has been made by which it is arranged that the Indians of the Plains, now in the city, will pay a visit to-day to the Navy Yard and Arsenal. The occasion will no doubt be an interesting one, not only to our red brethren, but to the whites who may enjoy the opportunity of observing the affect the unwonted [sic] sights and sounds shall have upon these untutored sons of nature. Col. Lea, the able and judicious Commissioner of Indian Affairs, will probably be of the party. Major Fitzpatrick, the veteran Indian agent, will also accompany them.
Dec. 13, 1851: Daily National Intelligencer [Arapaho, Cheyenne, Dakota, Oto]
Indian Visit to the Navy Yard.
The appointment of which we spoke yesterday, by which the Indians of the Great Plains now in the city were to visit the Navy yard and Arsenal, was carried into effect, but so far only as regarded the former place. It was found by the time that the sights, scenes, and kindnesses prepared for them at the Navy yard had been gone through with, that they had become tired and wishes to return to their quarters at Maher's Hotel. So the intended visit to the Arsenal was unavoidably postponed to a future day.
The delegations left their quarters at about 10 o'clock in three omnibuses, preceded by the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Major Fitzpatrick, and Mr. Smoot, of the Indian office, in a private carriage. Arrived at the gateway of the Navy Yard, the party found a body of marines, under the command of Captain Maddox, drawn up in line, with the Marine Band in attendance. The reception was every way handsome. Immediately after this the gallant veteran in command of the yard, Commodore Ballard, appeared and welcomed his white and red visiters [sic] to his busy, interesting, and in many respect beautiful domain.
The party were successively led through the various shops and departments into which the operations of the yard are divided. though sharing, in common with all Indians, that imperturbability characteristic of the race, several of the branches, particularly the foundries and metal lathe-work, strongly and visibly impressed them. Once or twice some of them gave tokens of doubt and alarm; and it was observable that the vast power of the steam engine, which spoke to their minds in the deep humming of the rapidly-revolving wheels and the tremors of the ground upon which they stood, struck a deeper chord than almost any thing else exhibited to them, not excepting the crashing of the 64-pounders. They saw too much, on the whole, to be communicative on the spot, but nevertheless could not restrain the remark that "they were now certain that nothing was impossible to the white people, and that they were next in power to the Great Spirit." It will be a day or two before they will have had time to digest the numerous new ideas they have received, and give fuller expression to their sentiments.
When the various exhibitions had been made to them, they were invited to the commanding Commodore's residence, and there, with the officers of the Indian Bureau who had them in charge, made the recipients of the generous hospitality of Commodore Ballard and his lady, who, with a number of lady visiters [sic], was quite pleased with her guests, as they most evidently were with their entertainers. The day was propitious, and every thing passed off pleasantly.
Jan. 7, 1852: (Final interview of the Prairie Delegation. Individual delegates are identified) = SEE 1852