Post by pshrake on Sept 4, 2004 22:20:54 GMT -5
Larry raises an interesting question regarding the mounted nature of the Menominee Warriors.
Juliette Kinzie had a first hand encounter with Stambaughs column and noted in her book Wau-Bun:
"A company of about twenty-five horsemen, with banners flying, veils fluttering from their mast, and army glittering in the sun, rode into our midst, and, amid greetings and roars of laughter, inquired into the nature and reasons of our singular state of confusion.
They were Colonel Stambaugh and Alexander Irwin, of Green Bay, with a company of young volunteers, and followed by a whooping band of Menomonees, all bound for the seat of war. We comforted them with the assurance that the victories were by this time all won and the scalps taken; but expressing hope that there were yet a few laurels to be earned, they bade us adieu, and rapidly pursued their march."
In his Report of August 18 Stambaugh noted that before hearing of the isolated band of Sauks from Atkinson when he was about 27 miles from Prairie du Chien he was concerned over the condition of his warriors:
"They were almost out of provisions – much fatigued & some of them destitute of moccasins; were very lame."
Then, after hearing from Winfield Scott, in making preperations for the persuit of the Sauks he wrote:
"The main body of the Menominees had succeeded in crossing the ferry at about 11 O’clock A.M. when the order arrived. After allowing them a short time to [rest], I ordered a party of the most active to get in readiness, with three days rations for this expedition, directing the old men and those who were unable from sore feet to march rapidly, to remain at the ferry."
Then during the persuit he noted:
"At 11 o’clock A.M. of the day of the 18th inst, we struck the trail of the Sacs. We made three of their encampments within a few hours, every one exhibiting signs of habitation more fresh than the last gave new life to the movement of the Menominies. The Officers could scarcely keep pace with them, on horseback."
Later near the end of his report he wrote:
"Justice as well as sound policy will recommend that the Inds who marched at the call of the Govt should be paid and well paid for every day they were in service."
I think Larry is correct in stating that the majority of the Menominees were not mounted. Kinzie seems to indicate that 20 or more persons in the column were mounted but does not specify exactly who was riding.
I also think Larrys point of appeaseing the Menominee is correct. The Menominee warriors had at least three emotional councils with three different Indian Agents where they bitterly complained about the massacre at Prairie du Chien in 1830. They had been calling for revenge for some time and on at least one occasion they had been promised military help to even the score.
Pete
Juliette Kinzie had a first hand encounter with Stambaughs column and noted in her book Wau-Bun:
"A company of about twenty-five horsemen, with banners flying, veils fluttering from their mast, and army glittering in the sun, rode into our midst, and, amid greetings and roars of laughter, inquired into the nature and reasons of our singular state of confusion.
They were Colonel Stambaugh and Alexander Irwin, of Green Bay, with a company of young volunteers, and followed by a whooping band of Menomonees, all bound for the seat of war. We comforted them with the assurance that the victories were by this time all won and the scalps taken; but expressing hope that there were yet a few laurels to be earned, they bade us adieu, and rapidly pursued their march."
In his Report of August 18 Stambaugh noted that before hearing of the isolated band of Sauks from Atkinson when he was about 27 miles from Prairie du Chien he was concerned over the condition of his warriors:
"They were almost out of provisions – much fatigued & some of them destitute of moccasins; were very lame."
Then, after hearing from Winfield Scott, in making preperations for the persuit of the Sauks he wrote:
"The main body of the Menominees had succeeded in crossing the ferry at about 11 O’clock A.M. when the order arrived. After allowing them a short time to [rest], I ordered a party of the most active to get in readiness, with three days rations for this expedition, directing the old men and those who were unable from sore feet to march rapidly, to remain at the ferry."
Then during the persuit he noted:
"At 11 o’clock A.M. of the day of the 18th inst, we struck the trail of the Sacs. We made three of their encampments within a few hours, every one exhibiting signs of habitation more fresh than the last gave new life to the movement of the Menominies. The Officers could scarcely keep pace with them, on horseback."
Later near the end of his report he wrote:
"Justice as well as sound policy will recommend that the Inds who marched at the call of the Govt should be paid and well paid for every day they were in service."
I think Larry is correct in stating that the majority of the Menominees were not mounted. Kinzie seems to indicate that 20 or more persons in the column were mounted but does not specify exactly who was riding.
I also think Larrys point of appeaseing the Menominee is correct. The Menominee warriors had at least three emotional councils with three different Indian Agents where they bitterly complained about the massacre at Prairie du Chien in 1830. They had been calling for revenge for some time and on at least one occasion they had been promised military help to even the score.
Pete
