President in 1854:  Franklin Pierce

Commissioner of Indian Affairs in 1854:  George Washington Manypenny 

Feb. 9, 1854:  Evening Star:  [Stockbridge]

            The Stockbridge Indians.

            There is a delegation from this tribe now in Washington.  These Indians, the remnant of the once celebrated Mohican tribe, number not more than one hundred and fifty souls.  According to a tradition among them, New York City was once the site of their chief town.  From thence they removed to Stockbridge, in Oneida County, New York.--Civilization pressing upon them there, they went West to a new home on the St. Mary's river, in Indiana.  In 1828, they again fled before the face of the white man, seeking a refuge in Wisconsin.  Not long since they treated with the Government for the exchange of their lands there for others in Minnesota.  The tribe are now, however, anxious to remain in Wisconsin, having, in almost all things, adopted the pursuits and habits of the whites.  The delegation now here are negotiating with the Indian Bureau for the annulment of the treaty last above mentioned.--Washington Star

 

Feb. 13, 1854:  Alexandria Gazette:  [Stockbridge]

            [Reprint of Star Feb. 9 story]

 

March 2, 1854:  Daily National Intelligencer:  [Omaha, Oto, Missouri]

A Mixed Delegation of Otoe, Omaha, and Missouria Indians arrived here on Tuesday [Feb. 28] evening.  They will wait on the Commissioner of Indian Affairs this morning at 10 o'clock.  Their object is to negotiate a sale of their lands to the Government.  The interview to-day will be preliminary only to further negotiations.  It is understood that the treaties reported to have been made by Agent Gatewood are without authority from the Department.

 

March 2, 1854:  Evening Star:  [Omaha, Oto, Missouri]

Indian Delegation.--We gave, yesterday, an account of a poor family of Indians of the tribe of Menominies, who had been so shamefully treated, they must not be confounded however with the specimens of another race of Indians who are now on a visit to Washington.  These latter, numbering sixteen, are chiefs of the various tribes inhabiting Nebraska, such as the Omahas, Missouria, and the Ottoes.  Their object in coming here is to have a talk with their "great father," and in pursuance of this an interview took place to-day with the Commissioner of Indian Affairs about the transfer of their lands and their removal to some more distant quarter.  Yesterday, the Indian braves, dressed in their savage costume, were present in the hall of Representatives where they excited much curiosity.  They are under the charge of Major Gatewood, who arrived with them at Washington on Monday night, and they are quartered at Mr. James Maher's, where they will not fail to be well treated.

March 2, 1854:  Washington Sentinel:  [Oto, Omaha, Missouri]

            Arrival of Nebraska Indians.--It will be recollected that, during the last summer, the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Major Manypenny, visited the Indian tribes west of Missouri and Iowa, for the purpose of procuring their assent to the settlement of our citizens on the lands reserved by them and of extinguishing their title in whole or in part to their soil.  The commissioner held a council with every tribe which he visited.  With but few exceptions, they refused to sell.  Treaties were, therefore, deferred until the present season, with the hope that the Indians might, in the mean time, see that their permanent interests required an entire transfer of all their lands, and their removal to a new home.

            The condition of the Indians west of Missouri and Iowa is not as prosperous as is desired.  In several of the tribes are to be found some educated and intelligent men, and others who are able by the cultivation of the soil to subsist themselves.  Among them, too, are some professors of religion.  But the mass of the Indian tribes are indolent and intemperate, and many of them are degraded and debased, as we learn from the report of the commissioner.

            On Monday [Feb. 27] night Major Gatewood arried in this city, bringing with him sixteen chiefs of the tribes, respectively, of the Omahas, the Missourias, and the Ottoes.  These red men are quartered at Jemmy Maher's, the home of Indians from every direction visiting Washington, who never fail to honor him with the title of "father," on account of the kind of treatment which they never fail to receive at his establishment, while, of course, they express a due measure of gratitude to his excellent wife for her hospitable and "motherly" care of them.

            From what we can learn the delegation want to hear what their "great father" has to say to them about parting with their lands in the Nebraska country, and to drive the bet possible bargain in the way of treaty.

            They are dressed in the usual savage style, including heavy earlobs, head-dresses, necklaces of the claws of the grizzly bear, and such like adornments.  Their faces are painted

red--a color to which they are especially partial.  Some of these Indians wear blue b[l]ankets, others white, and several of them red.  They attracted much attention yesterday on the promenade, and caused somewhat of an excitement on their visit to the gallery of the House of Representatives, while that honorable body was engaged in electing a public printer.

            We presume that, in the course of a few days, they will have a talk with the Commissioner of Indian Affairs in relation to the business which has induced their visit to Washington.

 

March 3, 1853:  Daily National Intelligencer:  [Omaha, Oto, Missouri]

[Note:  Name translations taken from March 15, 1853 treaty signed in Washington, D.C]

The Nebraska Indians.--The interview yesterday held at the Bureau of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs between that officer and a delegation from the Indians occupying the country immediately north and south of the Great Platte river, in Nebraska, was an interesting occasion.  The Indians present were Omahas, Otoes, and Missourias.  They are the first with whom any thing like negotiations have been undertaken with a view to the organization of the new territory.  As we said yesterday, although treaties have been made with them by their resident agent, we hear that it was without authority.  Were the party civilized persons, this circumstance would (if in that case it could have happened) be of little importance; but, being untutored children of Nature, some difficulty may be encountered in getting them properly to understand the matter.  We have every confidence that, whatever may be ultimately arranged, the Government will do for its poor wards the best and kindest, not to say the most just, which their case demands.  We are too well assured of the generous disposition of the people of the United States towards the little remnants of once mighty and numerous tribes to believe that any thing short of truly liberal terms with them will be satisfactory,  And, in carrying out this policy, we have every confidence that the existing administration of the Indian Department will not fall behind public expectation.

The Indians presented themselves in the Commissioner's room at about half-past 10 o'clock, headed by their agent, Major Gatewood, and their two interpreters.  An array of ladies were seated, awaiting their arrival.  On entering, the Agent introduced the sixteen Indians to the Commissioner, each by name, as follows:

Omahas--Logan Fontinelle, Joseph La Fleche, Yellowsmoke, Standing Hawk, Little Chief, Villaage Maker, Wahnokeegee [Noise]; Louis Sans Souci, Interpreter.

Otoes--Buffalo Chief, Kickapoo [He-cah-po], Big Soldier, Shangahoa [Medicine Horse], Akeekeetah [Stay By It]; Louis Fafah, Interpreter

Missourias--Missouri Chief [Ah-hah-cha-ke-saw-ke], Mitscha [White Water]

It would be tedious to publish all the conversations at this interview, which was intended to be no more than introductory to serious business meetings hereafter.  Several amusing hits and misses of wit and repartee transpired between the Commissioner and his Indian guests, which showed how much capital diplomatic tact and readiness are hil [sic] sway under the dusky skins of these "outside barbarians."

The Commissioner of Indian Affairs opened preceedings[sic] by expressing his pleasure at meeting his Indian friends in good health and spirits, after their long journey to commune with their Great Father at the capital of the Union.  As they did not intend to go into business matters to-day, he should be glad to hear from them on the subject of their journey, and such matters.

Akeekeetah rose, and, shaking hands, expressed his satisfaction at the speed and success of their travel to Washington.  He was glad to see his Father, (the Commissioner;) had to come a great way; had a fine time.  He wished to be pleased all through, that his Father would be pleased, that he himself would be pleased, and all would go home pleased and happy.  Buffalo Chief spoke to the same effect, as did several others.

The Commissioner, in the course of the numerous little conversations with the Indians, threw in fragments of advice as to what the Indian should do to attain, in some degree, the comforts and conveniences of the whites.  Industry, of course, was the chief quality insisted upon.

At the close of the interview, and after the usual shaking of hands, the Indians were taken to the President's and introduced to him.  The President graciously received them and addressed some remarks to them, much to their gratification.

They did not present themselves at the Indian Office yesterday en costume, out of a desire to please the Commissioner, who has on all occasions advised them to change their blankets and other Indian habiliments for the white man's dress, as best fitted for the purposes of regular labor.

A few days will probably elapse before the more serious concerns connected with their mission will be opened up in council.  They are stopping at Mrs. Maher's, on the avenue, near 13 1/2 street.

 

March 3, 1854:  Daily Globe:  [Oto, Omaha, Missouri]

            The Nebraska Indians and the commissioner of Indian Affairs.--Tuesday [Feb. 28] evening, Major Gatewood, of the Council Bluffs Agency, arrived in this city, in company with sixteen Indians from Nebraska Territory, of whom fourteen are chiefs, and two interpreters.  Thee chiefs are of the following tribes:  Omahas, Ottoes, and Missouris; seven of the former, four of the second, and three of the latter.

            Yesterday, on an invitation from the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, they visited the Indian Department, a little after ten a.m., in company with Major Gatewood.  The visit was one of a social character, preliminary to those which are to follow on business.

            In the Commissioner's room, about a dozen ladies and several gentlemen were assembled, waiting the arrival of the Indian delegation  at about half past ten, these fourteen chiefs and two interpreters made their appearance, dressed in the apparel of the whites, except moccasins, which several of them wore, having put off their blankets and other Indian apparel at the suggestion of the Commissioner; and four of them were even elegantly dressed, of fine form and intellectual appearance.  As they came in, Major Gatewood introduced them, one after the other, to the Commissioner, who took each by the hand and bid them to be seated, except the two interpreters for the Ottoes and Omahas.

            The conversation between the Indians and the Commissioner was listened to with much satisfaction by the ladies and others present, and some of the remarks made were the occasion of much merriment.  Each chief was introduced to the Commissioner, in turn, and addressed him in their peculiar style, some of them being very animated, and enforcing their ideas with gestures peculiar to themselves; while others had but little to say further than to express the gratification of having an opportunity to see their great father.  The Commissioner endeavored to enforce upon all the necessity of labor, in order to raise them from the savage state in which they now were, urging them to notice particularly the comforts of civilized life, and telling them it was labor alone which gave to the whites more comforts than the Indians.  He pointed to their delicate hands, that were not rough and hard like those of the working white men; told them he was sorry to see the Indian women compelled to labor while the men were doing nothing; and pointed to the ladies in the room to show that white men treated women differently.

            One old chief of the Missouris, as he came forward to the Commissioner, embraced him, instead of saluting him in the usual mode of shaking hands; and gave, as a reason for doing so, that it would cause him to dream about the Commissioner, and longer to recollect the interview than simply saluting him in the ordinary way.

            This interview was not one of business, and was so understood.  Negotiations between the Indians and the Commissioner will take lace at an early day.  The reported treaty by major Gatewood, by which eleven millions of acres in Nebraska Territory were to be ceded to the Government, was not negotiated by authority of the Department.

 

March 3, 1854:  Washington Sentinel:  [Oto, Omaha, Missouri]

            The Delegation of Indians from the west of Missouri and Iowa, yesterday visited the president of the United States, in company with the Commissioner of Indian Affairs and Major Gatewood, who has charge of them.  They were in citizens' dress.  The conference partook more of a complimentary than a business character, and was quite interesting.

 

March 4, 1854:  Alexandria Gazette:  [Oto, Omaha, Missouri]

            The Nebraska Indians had a formal interview, on Thursday,  [March 2] with the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, in the presence of a number of ladies and gentlemen.  Sevral of the Chiefs responded, through an interpreter, to an address of the commissioner, expressing their satisfaction at safely reaching Washington, their desire to settle their business to the satisfaction of all hands, and promising to adhere to the dress of the whites.

 

March 13, 1854;  Daily National Intelligencer:  [Omaha, Oto, Missouri]

The Indian Delegation now in Washington have had almost, if not quite, daily conferences with the Commissioner of Indian Affairs at his office.  We have understood that the apprehended difficulty to reconcile them to the conclusion of a new treaty was overrated, but that some considerable exertion is necessary to induce their acceptance of such terms as are best fitted to their feeble moral condition, with passions and appetites almost uncontrolled by reason.  Their tendency to improvidence is such, and their weaknesses have been so practised upon by the traders, that were, they to have their own way in the treaty, for a few years they would revel in money, and then for the rest of their existence as individuals and a tribe they would be left penniless beggars.

 

March 14, 1854:  National Era:  [Omaha, Oto, Missouri]

            The Indian.

            A morning paper of this city says:

            "The Indian delegation now in Washington have had almost, if not quite, daily conferences with the Commissioner of Indian Affairs at his office.  We have understood that the apprehended difficulty to reconcile them to the conclusion of a new treaty was overrated, but that some considerable exertion is necessary to induce their acceptance of such terms as are best fitted to their feeble moral condition, with passions and appetites almost uncontrolled by reason.  Their tendency to improvidence is such, and their weaknesses have been so practice fd upon by the traders, that were they to have their own way in the treaty, for a few years they would revel in money, and then for the rest of their existence as individuals and a tribe they would be left penniless beggars."

            We would ask any of the Pro Slavery.....[rest not copied]

 

[March 15, 1854:  Treaty signed in Washington, D.C. with the Oto and Missouri]

 

[March 16, 1854:  Treaty signed in Washington, D.C. with the Omaha]

 

March 18, 1854:  Daily National Intelligencer:  [Omaha, Oto, Missouri]

Treaties With The Omahas, Ottoes, and Missouria Indians.--The Indian Bureau has at length made treaties with the delegates from these tribes, now in Washington, on the basis of the views which the Secretary of the Interior and the Commissioner of Indian Affairs have entertained with reference to their affairs with those tribes.  These conventions supersede those made by Major Gatewood some time since, without authority of law.  The new treaties were signed, one yesterday and the other on the day before.

 

March 20, 1854:  Daily National Intelligencer:  [Omaha, Oto, Missouri]

The Treaties With the Omahas, Otoes, and Missourias having been so soon concluded and made ready for ratification by the Senate, it is to be expected that further negotiations will be again early undertaken with other tribes.  The Iowas will probably come next in council, as soon as a duly authenticated delegation can be sent on.

 

March 22, 1854:  Daily National Intelligencer:  [Omaha, Oto, Missouri]

            The Indian Treaties.--We understand the probability is that all the negotiations between the Indian tribes of Nebraska and the Government for the transfer of their reservations will be conducted by delegations in Washington.  No one can hesitate as to the preference of this policy over that of conducting these negotiations in the respective tribes, especially as having reference to the interests of the Indians themselves.  Our only doubt was as to the expense of bringing them severally hither, but we are informed that practically it is found cheaper to treat with them here than at their homes.

 

March 27, 1854:  Evening Star:  [Omaha, Oto, Missouri]

Nebraska Indians.--The deputation of Nebraska Indians, comprising the Omahas, Missourias, and Ottoes, who have been for some time sojourning in Washington on business connected with their tribes and the United States Government, left for home on Saturday [March 25] afternoon, going by way of Wheeling and St. Louis.  They expressed themselves, previously to their departure, as highly satisfied with the treatment that they had received.

 

March 29, 1854:  Evening Star: [Delaware, Kickapoo, Sauk, Fox, Shawnee]

Indian Delegations.--Delegations of other Indians, from Nebraska, in addition to those that have left, are expected in Washington shortly, to negotiate with the Government, for the sale of their lands.  They will be from the following tribes:  the Kickapoos, Shawnees, Sacs, Foxes, and Delawares.

 

April 8, 1854:  Evening Star:  [Caw/Kansas] 

Indian ambition.  A couple of quite young Caw Indians, from the Kansas, [sic] made their appearance at the Indian Bureau, redolent with paint and savage ornaments a few days since.  One said his father and grandfather were chiefs and he had come, with his friend, to have their great father make them chiefs.  They had probably heard of Ke-o-kuk, made a Sac chief by Gen. Scott.  It appeared, however, that they had been decoyed away, as is sometimes the case, by a speculating white man, and have been giving Indian dances and songs, till their employer made all he could, and they were then set a drift. 

   Col. Manypenny, after giving them a reprimand, which they deserved, for their conduct with his usual kindness, provided for their wants and sent them home, without, however, making them chiefs.  Their names are Gus-ho-wa and Ne-po-na.

 

 

April 10, 1854:  Daily National Intelligencer [Caw/Kansa, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek,

                                                Kickapoo, Delaware, Potawatoni, Dakota: Mdewakanton]

            Indian Matters.--During the week two Indians of the Caw or Kansas tribe of Indians, located near Council Grove, in their tribal costume, called upon the Commissioner of Indian Affairs at his Bureau, soliciting him to make them chiefs.  They represented themselves as having been a portion of a party enticed by white men from their homes for the purposes of exhibition, and abandoned at Louisville, Kentucky.  Although their ambitious longings were not gratified by the Commissioner, he sent them away homeward with means sufficient to find them food during the journey, at the same time sharply admonishing them against repeating their visits to Washington unbidden by the Department.  Some legislative interference should be had to permit the frequent enticement by white men of Indians from their homes.

            A delegation of Choctaws from the country west of Arkansas, numbering four, are now in the city on business with the Department.  A delegation numbering six, from the Chickasaws, arrived on Friday last [April 7], of which the worthy Col. Pickens is a member.  The Chickasaws and Choctaws are a united tribe, but the former desire a disruption of the connexion, which the latter resist, and successfully hitherto, as they are much the most numerous.  A settlement of these differences forms one of the objects of the present visit.

            In a short time it is understood that a delegation of Creeks will likewise be in Washington.  Nothing has been heard of the expected deputation from the Nebraska tribes, Kickapoos, Delawares, Pottawatomie, &c.

            Whilst at Pittsburg, on their route hither, the Chickasaw delegation fell in with a Sioux chief, Little Crow, journeying to Washington to confer with the Government on his own responsibility.  He is now here staying at Mr. Maher's.

 

April 11, 1854: Daily Globe [Dakota: Medwakanton, Caw/Kansa, Choctaw, Chickasaw,

                                                Creek, Kickapoo, Delaware, Pottawatomi]

            Indian Visitors.--We have at present in our city a distinguished chief of the Sioux tribe of Indians in Minnesota, who, accompanied by his private interpreter, is visiting the country of the pale-faces, for the purpose of inspecting our public works, and the various sights of interest in which our metropolis abound.  He is not a guest of the Government; but being well to do in the world, or, in other words, having ample pecuniary means, he travels on "his own hook," determined to see all that is to be seen.  We learn he is a chief of great influence among his red brethren, and renowned as a brave and skillful warrior.

            During the past week a couple of sprightly looking young Indians from the Caw or Kansas tribe, located near Council grove, decorated with all their savage and fantastic finery, presented themselves before the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, and solicited him to make them chiefs.  From their story it appeared that they had been decoyed from their forest home by a white man, by whom they had been exhibited until he had made all the money he could from their performances, when he turned them adrift.  Their ambitious request was, of course, not granted; but they were furnished with funds sufficient to supply them with food on their route homeward, and at the same time sharply reprimanded for their conduct in coming here unbidden by the Department.

            A delegation of four Choctaws and six Chickasaws are also in the city on business connected with the Department.

            It is understood a delegation of Creeks will shortly be in Washington.  Nothing has been heard from the expected deputation from the Nebraska tribes, Kickapoos, Delawares, and Pottawatomies.

 

April 12, 1854:  Evening Star:  [Dakota:  Mdewakanton]

Little Crow.--This Indian brave, who is a Chief of the Sioux, resident in the Minnesota Territory, and the son of a late Chief known as Big Crow, is at present in Washington, having arrived here the other day with Col. Gorman, the Governor of the above named territory, and paid his respects yesterday to the President.  He is said to be very intelligent, and expresses a great desire to civilize and otherwise improve the condition of his people.

 

April 21, 1854:  Evening Star:  [Dakota: Mdewakanton]

Little Crow.--This celebrated Sioux Chief is still in our city, at Mr. James Maher's.  We observed, yesterday afternoon, the Indian brave, very comfortably taking his "siesta" outside the house, on a bench, wrapped up in his blanket.  If we could loan a few thousand of such to the British or Russian Government during the Eastern war, on the same principal, as the Elector of Hesse, in Germany, used to let out his Hessian subjects to Great Britain, during the wars of the latter power, at so much per head, it would be a good speculation for both parties.  The Indian warriors would have fighting enough to their heart's content; the belligerent powers would have additional soldiers, at a cheap rate, and Uncle Sam would get rid of a good many neither "citizens" nor "subjects," nor "foes," nor "aliens," whom he is very much troubled what to do with.  Little Crow, we will be bound, would make a brave and perhaps skilful [sic] general.

 

April 27, 1854:  Evening Star:  [Dakota:  Mdewakanton]

An Indian Bibliopolist.[sic]--We were much amused the other day at the eagerness with which the possessor of a splendid work on the Indians, in several handsomely bound volumes, was attempting to obtain a purchaser for it at Jemmy Maher's.  Of all the people in the world, he had got hold of the Sioux Chief, Little Crow, and was endeavoring to effect a bargain with him.  Little Crow, however, exhibited very great indifference to the volumes and their contents, until he was shown a portrait of his predecessor and relative, "Big Crow."  At the sight of the picture of the late chief, the Indian's curiosity was excited, and he immediately manifested a wish to have the volume containing the portrait.  The difficulty was to make him understand that he could not purchase one volume, without purchasing the others; this the Indian could not comprehend, and when we went off, no bargain had been made between the two parties.

 

May 3, 1854:  Evening Star:  [Iowa, Kickapoo, Sac & Fox]

The Nebraska Indians.--The delegation from the Kickapoos, the Missouri Sacs and Foxes and Iowas, who are here from Nebraska to treat for the relinquishment of their present homes to the Government, had their first interview with the Indian Affairs Commissioner this morning.  It was one of ceremony merely as they say they want rest after their long journey before going to business.  The Iowas and Sacs and Foxes were in full paint and other tribal costume.

The called at the White House, and had an interview and talk (at 11 a.m., this morning.) with their great grandfather," as they term the President.  A profusion of compliments, of course, was passed, that being the style of particular politeness in savage, as well as civilized society.

 

May 3, 1854:  Evening Star:  [mixed, unid.]

Indians.--Jemmy Maher's headquarters for the Indian delegations, never, perhaps, contained a more singular and varied collection of Indians than those at present lodged there.  They appear to be of different grades of civilization, some being evidently further advanced in the state of society than others.  We noticed, the other day, one of them who wears some description of savage ornament suspended from the nostrils, a manner of ornamenting that we thought peculiar to the savage African and Abyssinian.  Others, however, appear to be more civilized, and are not so uncouth in their demeanor--the moustache is worn on the upper lip by some of them, but although wild and savage in their appearance, they conduct themselves with great propriety.  We met a party of them, the other day, going two and two, in regular order, through the streets, and were it not for their dress and general appearance, their manners would not have excited any particular attention.  They were a delegation of Nebraska and Kansas Indians, but from the vast difference among them, we should have thought that they belonged to widely different nations.  At all events, they are dissimiliar to all Indians with whom the United States Government have hitherto had to treat.  A party of them were present at the meeting of the American Scientific Association yesterday, and excited much attention.

 

May 3, 1854:  Daily Globe:  [Iowa, Kickapoo, Sauk, Fox]

            Indian Visitors.--A delegation of fourteen Indians, at present stopping in this city on business connected with the sale of lands to the Government, accompanied by their agent, Major D. Anderson, yesterday morning paid a visit to the Smithsonian Institution.  The delegation is composed of representatives from the Kickapoos, Sacs, and Foxes, and Iowas, arrived in Washington evening before last [May 1], having been thirteen days on a journey of two thousand miles.

            These red men of the forest are the chiefs and most influential persons of their respective tribes, and a prouder, loftier, or nobler looking body of Indians has seldom been seen in out city.

            On being conducted through the Institution, they manifested the greatest interest, apparently taking particular note of every object.  The preserved specimens of animals, snakes, lizards, &c., seemed particularly to attract their attention; but when shown into the gallery of paintings their surprise knew no bounds, and especially when several of their number recognized upon the walls the dusky faces of friends whom they had met in their distant homes.  As our readers are probably aware, it is not customary for any Indian to express any surprise whatever, no matter how excited may be his curiosity, but under the present circumstances, it seemed almost impossible to resist; and they accordingly, with the most evident satisfaction gave vent to their astonishment in very decided grunts of approbation--ugh! ugh! ugh!

            We learned from their gentlemanly agent, Major Anderson, that two of the delegation fought at the battle of the Thames against our troops, and being anxious to make inquiries into the circumstances, we questioned one of them as to whether he was wounded or not, when he replied in a characteristic manner, "No! when Tecumseh, he fall, I got scared, run like debbil [sic]"  No doubt he did, for none of them are very sanctimonious looking.  The delegation will remain several days."

 

May 4, 1854:  Washington Sentinel:  [Iowa, Kickapoo, Sauk, Fox]

            [Reprint of May 3 Globe article]

 

May 5, 1854:  Evening Star:  [mixed; incl. Sac & Fox]

The Indians In The "Big Wigwam."--Yesterday afternoon, the delegation of Indians from the far west, who are now sojourning in our city, on business connected with the territory to which they belong, paid a visit to the "big wigwam," that is to say, to the Capitol.  They were habited in their gayest costume, some wearing blankets of red, and others of green, and others of red and white, and nearly all leggings of the former color, which appears to be the most popular.  Their head gear was composed of feathers, ribbons and rosettes in great profusion, and one of them carried a spear decorated with feathers and adorned with bells, which made a jingling noise as he carried it along.  Their faces were painted of a brilliant red, and some wore yellow paint about the lower part of their visage.  They certainly were the queerest looking set of creatures that we ever clapped our eyes upon, particularly the one who carried the spear, and who, we presume, is the "medicine man."  Like the "Mercury" of the ancients, (not of the Baltimore Sun) he wore a kind of wings to the lower part of his leggings, at least such was the idea that they conveyed to us.  They are of the Sacs and Foxes of Nebraska, and some wore a species of pig tail suspended at the back, made of the skins of animals.

They were accompanied by interpreters, habited in citizen's dress, who would not be distinguishable from other people, but for the swarthiness of their complexion, which was very dark.  On their arrival at the Capitol, they proceeded to the rotundo, and examined the pictures, but were more particularly struck with that one representing the baptism of Pocahontas, the daughter of the Indian Chief, Powhatan.  But to our mind what appeared to strike them most, was the piece of sculpture over the south door, representing the conflict between Daniel Boon, the Kentucky pioneer, and the Indians, which they looked at for some time with great intentness.  It was singular, but characteristic of the savage, that they were more pleased with the pictures that presented bright hues; thus, for example, they passed by without noticing it, the picture of the "Declaration of Independence," where there are no particular brilliant colors to attract the gaze.  From the rotundo they proceeded to the Senate, where they had a talk with its President in one of the private rooms.

After some time spent there, they retraced their steps, and proceeded to the House of Representatives, going up into the gallery; but here they separated, for a part got tired with the "pow wow," although the debate had reference to "Utah," and found their way into the east grounds of the Capitol, where they sat down sans ceremonie in the Turkish, or rather Indian style.

The singularity of their appearance had attracted round about them, wherever they went, a large crowd of spectators, who dodged them about everywhere, manifestly to the disquietude of the Indians, some of whom actually bolted off, and when the others had seated themselves down on the grass, their white followers copied their example, presenting a very interesting spectacle of "the happy family."  When we left the spot, one old steady looking Indian was very comfortably fanning himself, under the shade of a tree, seated on the green turf, taking it as easy and if he was at home on the plains of Nebraska.

 

May 6, 1854:  Evening Star:  [Delaware, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Kickapoo, Shawnee,             Stockbridge & others]

The Indian Bureau.--The Commissioner of Indian Affairs is just now understood to be very closely engaged in the work of negotiating treaties with most of the different Indian delegations now in Washington.  There are delegations from eight distinct tribes now here, more of them, being thus represented at this point than ever before.  They are the Delawares, Shawnees, Kickapoos, Stockbridges, Chickasaws, Choctaws, and others.  It is understood that the task of coming to a settlement with the various Nebraska tribes represented, proves to be a very difficult one indeed.  They are said to evince considerable indisposition to the proposed method of payment of their annuities to be agreed on, which the Government conceives to be best for them.  That is, in goods, instruction, farming, tools, &c.  Those who are civilized, and are already far advanced in the white man's arts, habits and customs, complain against it with a show of reason:  urging that they can disburse their funds from the Government more judiciously, as far as their own interest is concerned, than any Government agent can.  In most cases, however, if we are not mistaken, the proportion of uncivilized to the civilized is from ten to one hundred to one.  It strikes us, that under such circumstances, as a general thing, it will be most difficult to disperse with advantage to the tribes at large, with the purpose of so paying their annuities under all future treaties, as to make it certain that the money will not go for whiskey and beads, as heretofore.

 

[May 6, 1854:  Treaty signed in Washington, D.C. with the Delaware]

 

May 7, 1854:  Washington Sentinel:  [Delaware]

 

[May 10, 1854:  Treaty signed in Washington, D.C. with the Shawnee]

 

[May 17, 1854:  Treaty signed in Washington, D. C. with the Iowa]

 

[May 18, 1854:  Treaty signed in Washington, D. C. with the Sac & Fox of Missouri]

 

[May 18, 1854:  Treaty signed in Washington, D. C. with the Kickapoo]

 

May 18, 1854:  Evening Star:  [Dakota: Mdewakanton]