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Appendix 4: “A Sketch of the Seat of War between the Chippeways and Sioux”
- Michigan State University Press
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Appendix 4. "A Sketch ofthe Seat ofWar Between the Chippeways and Sioux" In 1824, Henry Schoolcraft sent the following account to Lewis Cass along with "A Sketch of the Seat of War between the Chippeways and Sioux." These two documents provide an interesting picture of the lands occupied by the Chippewa in northern Wisconsin, the homelands of some of children at the Mackinaw Mission . Detroit Oct. 14th 1824. Sir, I inclose you a Sketch of the Seat of war between the Sioux and Chippeways, embracing that part of the country which is inhabited by the individuals who have perpetrated the recent murders on the Mississippi. The following explanations of references, will be necessary to enable you more fully to understand my sketch, and to appreciate the importance of particular points. No. 1. The trading post at the foot of Kewiweenon [Keweenaw] bay. The Indians at this place are connected with those at View Desert [Lac Vieux Desert]; and there is an Indian path leading to the latter place by a march of two days. This is an important point for any force destined to act against the Ontonagon Indians. No.2. Mouth of the Ontonagon river. This river cannot be ascended for any considerable distance either by boats or canoes. There is a small village here, and two village chiefs, but their authority over the Indians at View Desert is scarcely felt or acknowledged. No.3. Mouth of Montreal river. This river cannot be ascended by water. It is the route of communication however for the goods destined for the trading post of 173 BATTLE FOR THE SOUL Lac de [dul Flambeau. A portage of 80 miles connects this point with one of the principal branches of Chippeway river. No.4. Mouth of Mauvaise river. This is an important point. It is the route through which the goods for Lac Courterriele [Lac Court Oreillesl are transported. The communication is easy, &: free from rapids. A very Short portage connects the waters of this river, with those of the Chippeway: and it affords the most speedy, practicable, &: safe route of transportation between lake Superior &: the Mississippi . No.5. The post of La Pointe, or Chegoimegon. This post is fixed upon Montreal [Madelinel Island; the innermost of a groupe of islands which characterize this part of the lake shore. Here was an old French post; and it was formerly the seat of the Chippeway nation. It commands, by a day's march, the communication between Fond du Lac and St. Peters through the Broule &: St. Croix, as well as the one before mentioned through the Mauvaise &: Chippeway. This is also one of the best fishing stations on the lake. No.6. Lac Courterriele. This is an important trading station, where trade has been carried on with surrounding villages from the earliest times. All the goods for this post are carried through the Mauvaise river. No.7. This post, like the preceding one, is one of the old French selections, and has been the resort of a number of petty bands in the vicinity from the earliest times. The goods which supply it, are transported across the Montreal portage. It is a central &: important paint, where a large number of Indians can be concentrated on short notice. No.8. This is the residence of Keewaynokwet, the war chief who conducted the late expedition down the Chippeway river. It is also the residence ofKaukaubeeshaa, who was the first man that fired, &: who captured the flag. No.9. This is a fine, rich country of land, and destined hereafter to sustain a heavy population. The number of Indians at present inhabiting the St. Croix is estimated at 400. Many parts of this country abound in wild rice, and the streams in fish. The Chippeways of this river, are not however, known to have conducted a war party down this stream. They go to war with the Lac Courterriele &: Lac de Flambeau Indians. 174 [3.236.111.234] Project MUSE (2024-03-19 09:46 GMT) APPENDIX 4 No. 10. Mouth of the river Broule. This is an important point. The goods for the posts in the St. Croix are transported up this river, and entered into the principal source of the St. Croix. No. 11. Fond du Lac Post. Here the American Fur Company have a permanent trading house. It is one of the regular posts established under the recent law of Congress. The Indians of this post conduct their own war parties, and are connected with those of Sandy lake &: other...