Post by Cliff Krainik on Nov 21, 2004 23:09:09 GMT -5
Indian Agent Joseph M. Street [1] writes to General William Clark [2] informing of his delay to arrive at St. Louis, 1827
Shawnee Town, Illinois 8 Sep. 1827
Sir,
On the 26th of August last I recd. the letter of the Secretary of the War department announcing to me that the President had appointed me Indian Agent at Prairie du Chien in the place of Nicholas Boilvin decd. requiring me to repair with as little delay as possible [words missing] An unfortunate [words missing] through a high [words missing] temporarily [words missing] has disabled me from riding longer than I expected, and no Steam Boat dirct [sp] has offered since my appointment. I am however much recovered, and hope to be in St. Louis to receive your orders in 12 or 15 days at furthest. The moment I can bear to ride I will set off making short stages. I shall come by the way of Kaskaskia, to see the District Judge or attorney.
With unfeigned respect I have the
honor to be
Sir
Your obt St
Jo M. Street
Genl William Clark
Superintendent of Indian Affairs
St. Louis [words missing]
Genl Clark
8 Sep. 1827
Single page letter, written on both sides - 9.75 by 7.75 inches approximately.
Original document held in the KRAINIK - WISCONSIN TERRITORIAL COLLECTION
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1. "Joseph Montfort Street (1782-1840) - a native of Virginia, he settled in Shawneetown, Illinois in 1812 and served as a brigadier general in the Illinois militia. In 1827 he was appointed Indian agent at Prairie du Chien. Soon after reaching his agency, he tried unsuccessfully to move Henry Dodge and other settlers from Winnebago lead mines. Early in the Black Hawk War, Street used his influence to keep the Winnebago quiet, and it was to him that they brought Black Hawk, the Prophet, and other captured prisoners." Whitney, The Black Hawk War,Vol II, Part 1, 10.
2. "William Clark (1770-1838) - born in Virginia, participated in several Indian wars, served in the Regular Army, 1792-1796. He rejoined the army in 1803 on invitation of Capt. Meriwether Lewis and helped lead the famed Lewis and Clark expedition to Oregon. He took an active part in the War of 1812 , during which he built Fort Shelby near Prairie du Chien in 1814. As territorial governor (Missouri), Clark was ex officio superintendent of Indian affairs for the territory." Whitney, The Black Hawk War, Vol II, Part 1, 8.
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Cliff Krainik [/b]