Jan. 2, 1855:  Evening Star:  [Wyandot]

            Real Progress.-- There is at this time, in this city, a delegation of the Wyandot tribe of Indians in Kansas, consisting of fire persons, viz.: Tauroomeo, (principal chief of the tribe,) Mathew Mud-Eater, John Hicks, Silas Armstrong, George J. Clark and Joel Walker.  They come to make an arrangement with the Government by which their lands in kansas, now held by them in common, shall be divided out among them in fee as the whites own lands.  Many of them are now sufficiently advanced to cultivate them to advantage when so subdivided out.  This morning they had their first interview with the head of the Indian Bureau.

 

Jan. 11, 1855:  Daily National Intelligencer:  [Cayuga, Oneida, Onondaga, Seneca]

            Interview of the Six Nations of New York with the Commissioner of Indian Affairs.

            On the 9th Instant a delegation of thirteen Indians from the Six Nationas of New York, consisting of five Senecas, four Oneidas, three Onondagas, and one Cayuga, (all of whom, but one, and he was the son of a soldier, were soldiers in the late war with Great Britain,) waited upon Mr Manypenny, the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, and had quite an interesting interview, Peter Wilson acting as interpreter.  Having come to the city as delegates to and to participate in the Convention of the soldiers of the war of 1812, they availed themselves of [th]e opportunity to wait upon the Commissioner, in company with their friend E. W. Benson, Esq. of Fabinua, Onondaga county, New York; and, after the usual introduction'--

            Henry Webster, the venerable chief of the Onondagas, announced the object of their visit.  He said himself and his associates had visited the seat of government as a delegation from the Six Nations, and it afforded them pleasure to take the Commissioner by the hand, first, as is their custom, imploring the blessing of the Great Spirit, the common father of us all, and who made the red man as well as the white.  After saying this, he desired to say a few words as to their object in coming to the city.  In the war of 1812 between this country and Great Britain the people of the Six Nations had fought by the side of our white brethren; and we think we ought to receive some consideration for our services from our Great Father, the President.  We felt, and our people who remain feel, that, for the sufferings and privations we personally encountered in the campaigns on the Canada frontier, we should receive some compensation for services faithfully performed.  Some of our people were killed in that war, and we feel as much for their loss as the white people do for that of our own brethren who fell in the same contest.

            In order to accomplish the trip [after?] great efforts we succeeded in getting enough of funds together to pay our way and enable us to speak to the Great Father and the People of the United States.  When the first and greatest American president made a treaty with the Six Nations he told them that he should hang a large kettle over the fires which blazed where the Great Council met, and that he would be always ready to dip our of it soup for the sustenance and support of his red children when they should visit him.  We think, brother, that Government ought to assist in enabling us to defray our expenses on the present occasion.  We do not come here often to annoy the Great Father by asking favors.  It is a long time since any delegation from the Onondagas visited the seat of the General Government.  We know that treaty stipulations have been made by our fathers and your fathers.  You have those treaties printed in books; we all have them written in our hearts.  These treaties we have, on our part, faithfully observed, and we ask that the Government may be equally observant of its obligations.  We have come on here under the hope that our expenses may be paid in view of the object of our visit.  Therefore, we shall pray to the Great spirit that he may put it into your heart to five us the desired relief.  We shall then go home with a light heart.

            Me. Benson (who is an adopted member of the Seneca nation, and whose Indian name is Yo-an-ja-gwa-goh, of "the whole world") then addressed the Commissioner.  He said he appears as the representative of these people.  He knew them to be poor but honest and worthy men, who labored for a living and that they were, with a single exception, and that was the son of a soldier, soldiers of the war of 1812.  he came to ask, on their behalf, that justice be done to their nation and people.  He asked that means be furnished them to defray their expenses on their return to their homes.  The soldiers of the Six Nations, unfortunately, although they served faithfully, were not mustered out of service in the regular way, and consequently ask that government may enable them to make such proof as the peculiar condition of their case requires.  All they could recollect of the person who mustered them out of service is that it was "Mr. Comasay."  They were used as long as they were needed, then dropped, and permitted to find their way to their homes as they best could.  They can prove their service by living witnesses, and they should be paid as well as white soldiers, in land or money, or in both, as the case may be.

            Mr. Manypenny said he was exceedingly glad of this unexpected visit from his friends of the Six Nations.  He believed, with his aged and venerable friend who first spoke, that we are the children of the same Maker and Common Father, and that the red man and the white man who served his country should be treated alike, and that even-handed justice should be dealt out to all.  In regard, however, to the claim of the six Nations for military services in the late war with Great Britain, it was not in the power of the Indian Office to grant the relief asked for.  That could only e done by Congress; and it could be seen by reference to his lat annual report that he had anticipated their wishes in this respect, and called the attention of the Secretary of the interior to the subject, and recommended the passage of a law placing the Indian claims for military services upon the same footing with the whites.  (Commissioner Manypenny, calling for the report, then read the passages bearing upon the subject for the information of the delegation.)

            The request, however, for money to defray the expenses of the delegation to Washington somewhat embarrassed him, as he could not see how, under the laws passed for his government he could give it his assent.  Although, as his venerable friend remarked, a large pot was hung up here for the purpose of relieving the necessities of his red brethren, and was well supplied with soup, yet he could not, without express authority of the great Council of the nation, dip in his ladle to take soup out of the pot.  There is at the disposal of the office a small contingent fund; but, notwithstanding the increased demand upon it owing out of our new relations with the Indians on the [....], and the enlargement of our territorial possessions, this fund is now no larger than it was many years ago.  If the state of that fund was such as to justify it, he would most cheerfully comply with the request of the delegation for means to defray the expenses of their journey; or, had the authorities of the Six Nations apprized him of the projected visit, he would have admonished them that, under the circumstances, they could not rely upon the Indian Office for means to defray the expenses of their visit.  The Indian appropriance [sic] bill, which has passed the House, is now before the Committee of Indian Affairs of the Senate.  If the respectable delegation now present will call upon the chairman of that committee and present the matter to him, the committee might possibly favorably entertain the proposition and make provision for defraying the expenses of the trip.  Col. Manypenny then read from his late annual report a short paragraph relating to the affairs of the Six Nations, to show that he had reflected upon their condition and was not unmindful of their welfare and happiness.

            He also remarked that he had been long anxious to visit them at their reservation, and had hoped to have done so lat fall, on his return from a trip to the Northwest, but circumstances then permited, and still permit, the accomplishment of the cherished object.  He had, however, understood something of the difficulties which divided and distracted the confederated tribes, and had read much upon the subject.  The result was a conviction that, unless they lived harmoniously and like brothers, and kept together like a bundle of sticks, which, until separated and taken apart, nothing could break, they could never enjoy the happiness and prosperity which could be desired.  Your true policy is to settle down peaceably, engage in industrious pursuits, ad cease all controversies about mere forms of government.  People outside of your reserve, not understanding your condition, wants, and circumstances, either through ignorance or design, are too apt to give bad or impracticable advice, and to widen, instead of lessening, the breach between the contending parties.  Their interference should therefore be guarded against and discoutenanced.[sic] If everything goes well, the Commissioner said he hoped to visit them on their reservation next spring; and had nothing more to say than to repeat his suggestion that the delegation call upon the Senate committee in connexion [sic] with the object of their visit.

            Henry Webster said:  Brother, you have given as good advice as to the manner of proceeding, and we shall follow it.  Poverty has courage to ask for what it wants.  You may therefore expect that we will call upon the Government for the relief so much needed.

            Mr. Benson said he had the honor to serve with the Indians present in the late war with Great Britain, and could testify to their patriotism and their services.  They were richly entitled to all they asked of the Government.

            Mr. Manypenny said he would like to hear a word from some of the delegation as to advice which he had given them about their domestic troubles and internal dissensions, so destructive of their peace, prosperity, and happiness.

            Henry Webster.  Brother, i respect to the dissensions amongst our people to which you refer, I believe the Great Spirit made us all.  He gave to the red man one sort of government and religion and to the white man another.  He intended that each should have institutions suitable to their condition.  He charged me, as the chieftain of my people, with certain duties in protecting and guarding their rights, and I will not prove recreant or abandon my pot.  The Great Spirit put feelings in my heart that I should take charge of the interest of my people, and that the religion and laws of our ancestors should prevail.  Our Great Father, the first President of the United States, after concluding a treaty with us, said we should be always free and independent to make our own laws; that we should have free and separate governing ourselves, and that we must never unite.  He also said we should have exclusive charge of our internal affairs, and that the pale faces should not interfere in our domestic concerns.  Notwithstanding this, white persons have interfered, and from that interference may be dated the commencement of our dissensions.

            Brother, as far as I can understand it, it was the pale faces produced our dissensions, set out people at variance, and tore down the great council house of the Confederated Nations of New York.  Therefore, brother, allow us to settle these differences among ourselves, and then out union will be more permanent and lasting.

            Brother, another cause of our dissensions is that your pale-faced brothers, people who wear black coats, have come to reside among us, live on our land, and have disturbed the religion handed down to us from our ancestors.  It is also your pale faced brothers who have manufactured strong drink--fire-water--and have introduced it among us to reduce the mind of the Indian and debase him.

            I think fully of my situation.  The Great Spirit which made you a white man made me an Indian, with my religious creed.  The Great spirit gave us all souls.  Every man must work his own way through--must do right, act justly, and take care of the poor who cannot help themselves.  This is what the Great Spirit requires at our hands.

            Brother, it has always been my intention to lead an exemplary life, and so live that, when i died, my memory should be respected by those who come after me, and that the Great Spirit might permit me to enter upon his happy hunting grounds in the land of spirits.

            Brother, I love the pale-faces.  I love them as well as the red man.  I love all alike, the poor as well as the rich.  It is reserved to the Great Spirit alone to be able to bring all to one common level, and that he will eventually do.

            Brother, you have already informed us, by reading extracts from your annual report, that our condition has occupied much of your thoughts.  This could only proceed from the most friendly feelings.  Be assured we feel truly grateful for the interest which they manifest on our behalf, and, in my own name and that of my colleagues, I sincerely thank you for the same.  We shall, therefore, pray to the Great Spirit that he may move the hearts of your great council to pass a law for our relief.  He also assured of the gratitude of our people at home.  We all feel that we are fortunate in your appointment to the high position which you so faithfully fill for, with such a friend to guard their interests and rights, here the red man may come, tell his wants, and obtain the necessary relief.

            Now, brother, you gave us good advice.  You advise harmony and union among our people, and that they should, in a spirit of compromise, settle their difficulties.  I know your heart sympathizes with us in our troubles, and that your advice proceeds fro your goodness of heart.  We shall therefore hearken to what you say and endeavor to profit by it.

            John Seneca, war chief of the Senecas, rose and addressed the commissioner.  He said the red men here were rejoiced at the pleasure of making his acquaintance, and hoped the Great Spirit would long spare him to preside over the business of the Indian office.  They were also rejoiced at the reference made by him to the unpleasant concessions which prevailed among the New York Indians.  They had expected a visit from him some time ago and regretted the disappointment, but were rejoiced to know that they might expect his presence in the spring at the reservation.  They know the multiplicity of business which engrossed the Commissioner's time and attention and therefore attributed their disappointment to the proper cause.

            The difficulties among the New York Indians were not settled the past year, owing to the fact that all attempts to arrange them were deferred until the Commissioner of Indian Affairs should visit the reservation  They had a high opinion of his wisdom and of the importance of his counsel and co-operation, and therefore postponed the consideration of propositions for adjustment until his arrival amongst them.  They therefore hoped to have his opinion touching the matters in dispute in writing, if he could not come himself, in case he had any propositions to make.  The words spoken by him had made a deep impression in their hearts, because they knew it proceeded from the love and affection which he felt towards them; for, if he did not love the Indians, he would not give them advice.  In conclusion, he hoped the Great Spirit  would incline the hearts of the great Council to give the relief asked for.

            Mr. Manypenny said, as he hoped to visit the Six Nations in the spring, he would decline giving a written opinion touching the unfortunate dissensions by which they were divided.  He would prefer that mode of communicating his views to that of writing. [sic]  He thought it the proper way.  He would like to talk to all respecting those difficulties, which are so serious a drawback to their prosperity and happiness.  Before concluding, he must say a word or two respecting some remarks made by his aged brother.  Although not disposed to enter into a theological or political discussion, he could not altogether agree with the reasoning of his friend.  He is getting old, and indeed we are all getting old, and must soon, in the order of Nature, be called home.  The great questions which occupy our attention are not of so much consequence to ourselves as to those who shall come after us; and hence we should ponder will upon their probable influence and bearing upon our posterity.  I agree with the aged brother [........] be well to consider, in view of the fact, whether the Great Lawgiver made one system of laws for the government of the red man and another for that of the white man; whether, in other words, the Great Spirit does not govern this world and his creatures by general and not by partial laws.  Now, in relation to political affairs, we white people believe in progress.  It is said that in a certain section of our country people used to go to mill with a bushel of wheat in one end of a sack and a stone in the other so as to balance the burden on the horse's back, and that when asked the reason of the foolish practice, their apology and defense was that "such was the custom of their ancestors; their fathers did it before them!"  Now, while we should never abandon an old or time-honored custom until it has been shown to be injurious, we should, on the other hand, never resist improvement or adhere to an old custom after experience has shown that a new practice is better and more profitable.  Your affairs are in a most critical condition, and it will require perfect union and harmony to avoid impending evils.  A great deal depends on union among your people.

            Samuel George, war chief of the Onondagas, rose, and, addressing the commissioner, informed him that the Six Nations were divided into several clans, which he enumerated' and it was the desire of those present that he should be adopted into one of them, and desired him to name the one he preferred.

            Mr. Manypenny replied that he would leave the selection to his venerable friend Henry Webster, upon which Samuel George addressed him in the substance as follows:

            Brother:  we have here met this day at the seat of the General Government, where now burns the central fires of this great Republic.  The Great Spirit has appointed days and years for the regulation of time, and ordained that one generation should follow another.  Now, according to the internal organization of the Six Nations, those who have distinguished themselves by their virtues, talents, or conduct, in peace or war, are honored with the highest offices as rulers among our people.  When a male child or warrior is born among us, he must, according to custom, have a name that he may be known and distinguished from others.  Now, it is the unanimous desire of this delegation that the honorable and distinguished brother, the commissioner of Indian Affairs, shall be equally and honorably adopted into one of the tribes of the Six Nations.  It was the will of the Great Spirit that he should have charge of the red men as their guardian and friend.  Now, therefore, be it known that, in virtue of the power vested in me, I this day confer upon our pale-faced brother the name of Hoe-waw-gum-e-zo, or Peace Maker, or Pacificator, by which name he shall be hereafter known among us.  (Upon which Mr. George took the Commissioner by the hand, and moved to and fro, and sung or muttered in an undertone a song in which the other Indians joined.)

            Henry Webster then rose, and, addressing the Commissioner, explained the custom and ceremonials attendant upon baptism among his people and the clan to which the Commissioner belonged.  He said he now belonged to the same clan as he did, "the White Herring clan," and bore towards him the relationship of "nephew," while he would be considered the "uncle" of Mr. Wilson, the interpreter, the latter being his junior in years.  In addition to this new relationship thus created, Mr. Webster said, as might be seen by his complexion, that he was related also by the blood of the pale-faces which coursed in his veins. 

            Mr. Manypenny said he would remember his name and office, that of peace-maker, and hoped that this accidental, and to him wholly unexpected, meeting would prove the precursor of much good, and lead to the establishment of peace and harmony among the people of the Six Nations.

            The delegation then took their leave of the commissioner and departed for their lodgings, apparently much pleased and gratified with what had taken place.

 

Jan. 24, 1855:  Washington Sentinel:  [Wyandot]

            The Wyandots.--There has been, for several weeks past, a delegation of the Wyandot Indians in the city, who are engaged in a negotiation with the Commissioner of Indian Affairs for the sale of their lands in the Territory of Kansas.  The delegates are farmers, and educated men, and thoroughly understand the business with which they are entrusted by their tribe.

 

Jan. 25, 1855:  Daily Union:  [Choctaw]

            The Choctaw Delegation.

            Meeting, a few days since, with Col. Peter P. Pitchlynn, of the Choctaw nation, we learned from his that he is a member of a delegation of that tribe, now here for the purpose of adjusting important matters with the government.  The delegation consists of himself, Samuel Garland, Israel Folsom, and Dickson W. Lewis, all educated and intelligent men of high standing and influence among the Choctaws.  Pitchlynn being not only an old acquaintance, but a schoolmate of ours in former years, we could not but feel some interest in the object of the mission of himself and colleagues, which is to close up all unsettled matters between the government and the Choctaws, and to make arrangements for the adoption by the latter of a more advanced and elevated position, by availing of the privilege of uniting themselves in a territorial organization with the government, according to the plan devised by Senator Johnson, of Arkansas.  The members of the delegation speak in high terms of the merits of this new and benevolent plan of Indian policy; and, in common with the great body of their people, feel under great obligation to that distinguished and amiable gentleman for his efforts for the advancement and welfare of their race.

            The measure, as was probably to be expected at first, has been regarded with considerable doubt by many of the Indians intended to be embraced by it, arising, doubtless, from its novelty and the changes which it proposes in their governmental organization and relations with the United States.  It is, however, rapidly gaining ground in their estimation.  The Choctaws are willing to be the first to try the experiment, being influenced, in no slight degree, by their confidence in the judgment, good will, and disinterestedness of the originator and advocate of the plan.  But they appear to consider it a necessary and essential prerequisite that all their unsettled business and matters of controversy with the government shall first be finally adjusted and closed, so that their people may, as far as possible, be freed from all embarrassment, and thrown directly upon their own energies and resources, unimpaired by the evil and injurious influences and effects arising out of a reliance upon unsettled claims and demands against the United States.

            The delegation has been for some time laboring to effect this all-important object.  We understand that they intend making an earnest appeal to the President for the purpose of invoking his interest and interference in their affairs; and we feel well assured that there are circumstances connected with the pat history of the Choctaws which will enlist the warmest sympathies of one whose nature inclines him to generous impulses.

 

[Jan. 31, 1855:  Treaty signed in Washington, D.C. with Wyandot]

 

Feb. 15, 1855:  Evening Star:  [Chippewa]

The Chippewa Delegation.--This noble-looking body of Red Men arrived in our city last evening, in charge of Major D. B. Herriman, their agent, and took lodgings at Baker's Hotel,

C Street, between 4 1/2 and 6th.  Their names are Pah-go-way-ghe-Zhik, or Hole In the Day, the great war chief of the nation; Crossing-Sky, Bad-Boy, Swift-Sailor, Crow-Feather, and Dying-Echo.  This delegation is here to confer about disposing of a large body of land that immediately surrounds the head waters of the Mississippi.

 

Feb. 16, 1855:  Evening Star:  [Winnebago]

The New Picture.--Powell's celebrated picture of "De Soto discovering the Mississippi," was uncovered in its place in the rotundo [sic] of the Capitol, to day, for the first time, and up to this time has attracted a crowd of wandering admirers.  We saw among them the delegation of the Winnebagoes, who reached Washington on the night before last.  They were in full feather, of course, and were lions in the Capitol all the morning.

 

Feb. 20, 1855:  Evening Star:  [Winnebago and/or Chippewa]

Initiated.--Last night, two of the Indian delegation now in this city, having taken in an over supply of fire water, became so weakened by carrying the heavy freight, that they fell in the streets and rolled about shouting and singing, probably their "death song" until they were picked up by some kind persons who carried them to the guard house, where they were retained till this morning, when they were dismissed.  When they got outside the door, they stood still for a moment looking at each other, then burst into a laugh, and started for their lodgings.

 

[Feb. 22, 1855:  Treaty signed in Washington, D.C. with Chippewa]

 

[Feb. 27, 1855:  Treaty signed in Washington, D. C. with Winnebago]

 

March 19, 1855:  Daily National Intelligencer [from the New York Mirror]:  [Chippewa]

The delegation of Chippewa Chiefs, who have recently been in Washington for the purpose of negotiating a treaty with the United States Government for the sale of a body of land near the headwaters of the Mississippi, arrived in New York a day or two since, and have been busily occupied in seeing the most prominent objects of curiosity there.  On witnessing the operations of a power printing press, which they saw for the first time, they gave vent to their astonishment by sundry expressive Indian gesticulations and a series of guttural sounds which are not to be found in any of our vocabularies.  These sons of the forest, fifteen in number, exhibit a striking specimen of the remains of aboriginal life.  The treaty which they have completed with the Government cedes about 12,000 acres to the United States, for which they are to be paid $1,210,000 in thirty annual installments.--New York Mirror.

 

April 10, 1855:  Daily Union:  [Ottawa]

            Indian Bureau.--A delegation of three Indians, of the Ottawa tribe, are now in this city transacting business at the Indian Bureau.  They are from Emmet county, Michigan.

 

April 16, 1855:  Evening Star:  [Chippewa, "Missionary" (Ottawa?)]

Didn't See the Indians.--It was announced by the pastor of Wesley Chapel, yesterday morning, that, in the afternoon, Rev. Pah-tah-se-ga, a Missionary Indian, and the celebrated chief Maungwudans, and his two sons, of the Ojibway tribe, would speak and sing to the pupils of the Sabbath school.  Both children and adults were invited to be present.

Notwithstanding the juciness of the weather, there was a tolerable large attendance of men, women and children at the hour appointed.  They all wanted to see the Indians--a race of people whose public exhibitions are always regarded with interest by both the risen and the rising generation.

The scholars, in the opening of the exercises, sung several hymns; but the Indians had not arrived.  Every time the door was opened, hundreds of eyes were turned thitherward, in the hope to see the entrance of the red men; but the disappointment continued.  Then a gentleman from New England prayed, and the children again sung in a manner sweet and heart touching; the girls, as usual, excelling the boys in this delightful exercise.

As if to comfort the children for the absence of the Indians, the Rev. R. L. Dawshiel said that they had promised to sing for the Union Chapel congregation after the forenoon exercises, and that the minister of that church had promised to despatch the Indians to Wesley Chapel after dinner.

Mr. Dashiel then related several interesting incidents in the life of Peter Jacobs, (Pah-tah-so-ga,) as recounted by the Indian himself, in a religious meeting on Thursday night; and delivered a brief but welcome address to the auditory.

Next, Mr. Paine, a New England gentleman, wishing that he was an Indian for at least an hour--in order that he might gratify the children with his appearance, imparted some good advice to the little ones.

However, the children didn't see the Indians.  It is unnecessary to say they were painfully disappointed.

 

April 24, 1855:  Evening Star:  [Chippewa]

Indian Exhibition.--We invite the attention of the reader to the advertisement of Maungwudaus, which appears in another column, by which it will be seen that he and his two sons, of the Chippeway tribe, will give an exhibition at Odd Fellows' Hall, Navy Yard, on Thursday evening, and one at Carusi a Saloon, on Friday evening.  They will appear in their native costume, and describe the manners and customs of their people.  The old chief will deliver a lecture on the subject of the origin of the North American Indians.  Their entertainments are both novel and interesting.

 

April 24, 25, [& prob. 26, 27] 1855:  Evening Star:  [Chippewa]

Only For One Evening!  The Celebrated Travelers, Chief Mungwudaus And his two sons, Peewaush and Noodi Nokay, of the Chippeway Nation, who have appeared before most of the Kings, Queens, Nobility, Religious Ministers and people of Europe--also, the late President Z. Taylor, Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce, and the Senators and Representatives of these United States, will deliver an illustrated Lecture and Entertainment at the Odd Fellows' Hall, Navy Yard, on Thursday Evening, April 26, And at Carusi's Saloon on Friday Evening, April 27.  They will appear in their native costume!

Preparatory to the Lecture will be sung, in the Chippeway language, several Hymns.

Cards of admission 25 cents; Children under twelve years of age half-price.  To commence at 8 o'clock.  Doors open half an hour previous to the Lecture.  Front seats reserved for the Ladies.

 

April 25, 1855:  Daily National Intelligencer:  [Chippewa]

It will be perceived by the advertisement that the several Indians of the Chippewa nation, now attracting so much of the public attention, will lecture and sing several hymns at Carusi's Saloon on Friday evening, the 27th instant.

 

April 25, 1855:  Daily National Intelligencer:  [Chippewa]

[Repeat of Ad April 24th]

 

April 26, 1855:  Daily National Intelligencer:  [Chippewa]

[Presumed repeat of Ad April 24th]

 

April 27, 1855:  Daily National Intelligencer:  [Chippewa]

[Presumed repeat of Ad April 24th]

 

[June 22, 1855:  Treaty signed in Washington, D. C. with Choctaw & Chickasaw]

 

July 9, 1855:  Evening Star:  [likely Kaw/Kansa]

Indians About.--Six Indians, including a squaw with her papoose, arrived this morning, with the intention of seeing Washington.  They are from Arkansas, and are dressed in their wild forest costume.

 

July 10, 1855:  Daily National Intelligencer:  [Kaw/Kansa]

Indian Visiters [sic] To Washington.

At an early hour yesterday morning the Office of Indian Affairs was surrounded by a crowd of persons, in the midst of whom were several highly ornamented, yet almost nude Indians who had just arrived in the city by the cars from the West.  They proved to be a party of four men, a lad of about seventeen, professing to be an interpreter, a woman, and a little girl about four or five years old.

They were promptly admitted into the reception room of the office, and on the arrival of Acting Commissioner Mix they presented themselves before him, and claimed to be a delegation from their tribe; but, owing to the very imperfect knowledge which Ben. Losson, their interpreter, possessed of the English language, it was difficult to ascertain the precise objects of their visit.

Wadengoh, who appeared to be the leader, said he wished that his Great Father would invest him with the dignity of great or principal chief of the tribe, and give him a military coat with epaulets, a horse, bridle, spurs, and a pair of saddlebags, as well as money, alleging as a reason that such things had been done for the Sacs and Foxes when they visited their Great Father at Washington.  He said:  "If you will give me money, or other things, I will take them home."  He was poor; the Kaws were all poor, and wanted money.  In fact "money" was the burden of his song.  He then presented the Acting Commissioner with a head-dress of feathers, which he desired to have hung up in the office and exhibited to those who desired to see it.

Egoshabbee then addressed the Acting Commissioner, urging that the request of his leader might be granted, and expatiating on the poverty of his tribe and their want of money.

Adekanay addressed the Acting Commissioner to the same effect, and was followed by

Theagemoy, who desired that his leader's request might be granted, and that their Great Father would give him "big money, heap," to carry home.

Acting Commissioner Mix then asked them upon what authority they came to the city?  What sort of paper they had brought with them?

Wadengoh said the paper they got from their agent they lost in the river while on board of the steamboat; that it was lost, gone in the water.  It was, he said, a good paper, and it wanted the Commissioner to make him a chief.  He got a paper from Mr. Choteau (their trader) also, which was lost at the same time.  That was also a good paper.

The Acting Commissioner said, as their Great Father did not send for them, they should not have come.  He regretted their presence here without the authority of the Department or the permission of their agent.  As to the chief-making, their Great Father would leave that to the tribe.  The Kaws were alone authorized to confer that title upon such members of the tribe as they might prefer.  When they have selected the man of their choice as chief, their Great Father would then give him the appropriate medals and recognise him as the choice of his people.  If Wadengoh, by his behavior and conduct, shall merit the favor and confidence of his people, and show by his conduct that he is deserving, then his Great Father will recognise his position.  He then desired to know from the interpreter if they had no other object in visiting Washington than to make Wadengoh their chief?

They had none but that and the others already expressed.

The Acting Commissioner then asked them when they intended to go home?

Interpreter.  Whenever our father says so.

Acting-Commissioner.  What is the name of your agent?

The interpreter, after asking the delegates, said they did not know, except that he was called "Major;" was a small man, and had light hair.  (This describes Agent Clarke.)

The Acting Commissioner again asked what they wanted.  Did they not come on other business besides that of making a chief?

Wadengoh.  I want an epaulet and a coat; a big coat and epaulets!  The Kaws have too many head chiefs, and I want to be made the principal chief of the tribe.  I came to see you all, and I want to be paid for it.  I want to see all the chiefs in this city.  If you have any more I want to see them.  I want a horse and saddle-bags, and when I go home I want to be called a chief.

Egoshabbee:  We want to have a chief made of that man, (pointing to Wadengoh.)  We want him to look like the soldiers.  We want him to have a hat and epaulets like the men we met to-day.  (Alluding to an association which had recently passed.)  We know, father, whatever you say you will make good.

Acting Commissioner.  I desire you to go to your boarding-house and stay there until to-morrow, when I will again see you.  I will give you a paper to your father, the agent, to take home with you, and your Great Father will pay your expenses this time, but you must not come again without being sent for.  Your Great Father has sent you one of his white brethren as agent at Council Grove, whose duty it is to watch over your interests and to provide for your wants, and you should always consult him before taking any step like that of coming to this city.  By communicating your wishes through him it will answer every purpose, and save you the trouble of attending here in person.

The party then took their departure, apparently well pleased, though somewhat disappointed in the result of their interview.

The Kaws are located afar off on the Plains, and though not very ferocious and sanguinary, are yet exceedingly troublesome because of their thieving propensities.  Emigrants to Santa Fé often suffer the loss of animals and other effects through their depredations; they, indeed, claim a right to levy such contributions in compensation for the privilege of passing through their country.