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Thayer, Crawford B. Massacre at Bad Axe . Banta Company, 1984. [format: book], [genre: history; narrative; diary; letter]. Permission: Public domain
"it was discovered by two Winnebeagoes hunting by torchlight, that the hostile Indians were escaping down the Wiskonsin in small parties in elm bark canoes" 219
(Fort Crawford Weather Report) Captain Gustavus Loomis reported the situation on the Mississippi river to General Henry Atkinson: "Fort Crawford / MT / [Michigan Territory] / July 28, 1832. "Sir/ I recieved General [Henry] Dodges letter of 22d. Inst. on the 25th. by Captain [James B.] Estes, which I answered on the same day, a copy is enclosed, which gives information of the course which I have pursued. The Steam Boat is again up the river with about 40 of the 4th Infy. and a Six Pounder, to order down the Winnebagoes, who are on Black River. There is a good road from near Pine River of the to Black River of the Mississippi, which enters the Mississippi about 90 miles above this [place, Prairie du Chien].
"My express boat up the Ouisconsin say that near the English Prairie, 220 they saw some canoes filled with Indians, that as soon as they, the express boat, was discovered the canoes pulled ashore, and the Indians scattered. Joseph Brisbois went up in the express Boat, he says they were not near enough to determine whether they were hostile Indians or not, tho' his men say they were Sacs & Foxes. "Near English Prairie he; (Brisbois) saw a large trail of horses crossing the Ouisconsin — he thinks they were Indians as he did not see any tracks with Shoes, they crossed from the South to the North side. "I am desirous of communicating with the army — that I may not unnecessarily keep the Steam Boat employed. "I send a report of the Provisions on hands a this Post. 221 About the 1st. next month I expect 10 — or 15,000 rations more for Extra supply to Indians. "I would request advise how to dispose of the 4th. Infty — Whether to send them above or below or to report at Head Qrs. & where: — Whether it will be advisable to keep the Steam Boat in the service with a Six Pr. [Pounder cannon] or not — Whether I shall keep a guard Boat at the mouth of the Ouisconsin. General Joseph M. Street, the Agent for Winnebago Indian Affairs, also reported to General Atkinson: "U.S. Ind. Agency at Prairie du Chien. 28. July 1832. "Br. Genl. H. Atkinson "Sir, I have little Indian news to communicate — the Winnebeagoes remain quiet. There are about 280 or 300 now leying [lying] in front of the Agen[c]y within 200 yards where I can observe them. Mr. Burnette [Thomas P. Burnett] (Sub Agent) went up last night in the S. B. Enterprise to Prairie Le Cross & Black River to learn if possible if the Sacs & Foxes took that direction, and to secure all the Winnebeagoe canoes & bring down the Winniebagoes. The chief Waugh-Kon Decorri & a party of 6 or 7 Inds went with them. They will return tomorrow I think the Winnebeagoes under my agency will remain firmly our fri[e]nds. "Respectfully yours, &c. Jos. M. Street U.S. Ind. Agent." 222 "If the Indians have re-crossed to the South of the Ouisconsin are they not likely to cross the Mississippi below Platt and Grand [Grant] Rivers. "I have the honor to be Very respectfully Your. mo. obt. Servt. G: Loomis Cap. 1t Infy comm'g "Genl: H. Atkinson Commanding." 223
"Mr. [John] Marsh and my eldest son [Thomas P. Street who wanted to see his uncle, Brigadier General Alexander Posey] left here [Prairie du Chien] on the 28th. inst. Express" with dispatches to you [Atkinson], going up on the South side of the Wiskonsin." 224 Captain [Gustavus] Loomis's letter today to Colonal James M. Strode of Galena was extracted in the August 1 issue of The Galenian: "JULY 30. — We have been favored with a copy of a letter from Captain LOOMIS, commanding officer at Fort Crawford, M.T. [Michigan Territory] to Col. [James M.I STRODE, [commander of the troops] of this place [Galena] dated July 28, from which we make the following extract: "‘I have required the Winnebagoes above this [place, Prairie du Chien], on the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers, to come down to the Prairie with their canoes, that the hostile Indians may not have them to assist them in crossing — and have stationed a Flat, and a Mackinac boat, with a six-pounder, and 25 men at the mouth of the Wisconsin.’ "By the same letter we learn that Capt. Loomis, kept the steam boat Enterprise coasting above and below Prairie du Chien, a few days, to prevent the Indians crossing the river. — We think the course Capt. L. has pursued is strictly correct and highly laudable, as some fears were entertained that the Indians might cross the Mississippi, and protract the war for months." 225 Meanwhile the steam boat Enterprise had reached the mouth of Black River. "When Mr. B. [Burnett] arrived at their upper villages many were out in the land hunting, and after the delivery of my [Street's] message, and duly impressing them with the importance of a speedy compliance with my requisition — the Indians promised to send for the hunters, and come in, the moment they arrived, which could not they said, exceed six days. — In all the measure adopted for the bringing down the Winnebagoes and their canoes from the Mississippi to prevent the Sacs and Foxes from using them to cross the Mississippi, I [Street] cheerfully acknowledge the efficient aid of Capt. Loomis, as far as his influence extended." 226
After the Enterprise returned in mid-afternoon, Burnett wrote his report: "U.S. Indian Agency at Prairie du chien 28th: "Genl. Joseph M. Street U.S. Indian Agent: "Sir; In obedience to your order of the 27th; inst. I went on board the Steam Boat Enterprise last evening for the purpose of ascending the Mississippi to visit the Winnebago villages at Prairie La Crosse River. We arrived early this morning at the entrance of the lower mouth of Black River, and found the Winnebagoes encamped on the shore between that and Prairie La crosse River. I took Wa-Kon Decari & went on shore immediately to see the Indians. I found the one eye Dcari [Decorah] Tcha-tarnar & the Little Thunder at the lodges & upon enqu[i]ry I was informed that the whole Band had left the village some time since — that Winnoshik and Wau-mar-nar-sar with about fifte[e]n men & their families had been gone near a month, to hunt and dry meat about fifty miles up Prairie La Crosse and Black Rivers, and that the rest of the Band were all present at the Camp. I told them that you wished to see them all at this place [Prairie du Chien] as soon as they could possibly get here — that the Americans under Genl. Dodge, had defeated the Sacs & Foxes on the Wisconsin and after killing a great many had driven them across the River — that the defeated Indians were endeavoring to make their escape to the Mississippi for the Purpose of crossing over and regaining their own country; and that it was probable they would attempt to reach that point that they might get the Winnebago Canoes to cross them over the Mississippi] River and that they [the Winnebagoes] must get away from that place before the S & F [Sauk and Fox Indians] should arrive. They said that they would come down immediately upon the return of the absent party — that they were afraid of the Sacs, and did not wish to leave a small part of their Band behind who were too few to resist if they should meet them. I then told them to send two of their best young men on horseback to bring in the hunting party. They verry promptly complied with this requisition and in a verry short time the young men were mounted and on their march. I charged the Express to carry to the absent Indians, the message I had delivered there and to tell Winnoshik specially that his presence was required at the Agency. "the chiefs present told me that they though[t] they would be all here, certainly in six days and probably sooner. I told them that it was of great importance to them to come as soon as possible and bring with them all the Canoes on the River — that if the Sacs should come to that point, they [the Winnebagoes] were not strong enough to prevent them [the Sacs] from taking their Canoes (if they did not kill them) and crossing over — that should they effect their passage to the west side of the of the River at any point above this place within their country, they would be suspected for assisting them, and if it should be ascertained that they had done so they would loose [lose] their annuities and be treated as allies of the Sacs & Foxes. They promised to start for this place immediately upon the return of the absent party, and to bring all the Canoes with them. From the anxiety manifested upon the subject, I think they will be here in three or four days at farthest, though they said it might be six. I have no hesitation in saying that they will conic as soon as it is possible for them all to do so. "The Sioux Chief, L'Arc, who left this [place, Prairie du Chien] on the evening of the [2]5th: inst:, passed Black River this morning before our arrival, and will reach his people with the news, (which he received here,) today. After effecting every practicable measure with the Winnebagoes, we left them at 10 oclock A.M. for this place which we reached a few minutes after 3 P.M." 227 Lieutenant Samuel Torrence, ranking officer of the two U.S. Army Companies from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, ordered Lieutenant Robert Buchanan to submit to Captain Loomis the official military report of their trip: "Fort Crawford M. T. [Michigan Territory] July 28th. 1832. "Sir/ In obedience to an order from Lt. Torrence to me I have the honor to report: That in pursuance of S. [Special] order No. 22 dated July 27th. 1832 from this Post, the Battalion of the 4th Inf. under his command, proceeded up the Mississippi up to the mouth of Black River. Upon our arrival there I was directed by Lieut. Torrence to proceed in company with the Sub Agent [Burnett] of the Winnabagoes, an Interpreter, and two Indians, to Winoshek's encampment, with instructions to order him and his band down to Prairie du Chien. "When we reached the village we found that Winosheck was absent. The Sub Agent proceeded to hold a talk with the chief called One eyed Decorry or something like it. "After some time I found that the Sub Agent was not making much progress in the execution of his orders, inasmuch as he appeared more disposed to persuade than to order them down. "I immediately directed the Interpreter to enquire where Winoshek was, which the Sub Agent had neglected to do. The Chief told me that Winnoshek and another chief called (I think) Wakau, were out hunting among the hills. "I asked how long it would take to hear from them and if he could not send an express after them to inform them that they were wanted below.
"He replied that it would require three days to hear from them, but that he could send an express immediately. He had previously stated to the Sub Agent, that it would take them 7 or 8 days to hear from Winosheck and get down to the Prairie, and the Agent seemed willing to allow them that length of time. "I directed the chief to send off his express immediately. He did so, and they started before we left the ground. I then told him that he Winoshek and all of the band must come down forthwith to the Prairie. That they had no choice in the affair, and that if they delayed, they should be treated as friends of the Sacs and Foxes, and punished accordingly. I also enquired the shortest possible time that they required to get to the Prairie in. As soon as I told him this the Chief promised to be at the Prairie in three days or four days at the farthest. I granted him that time and returned to the Steam Boat. The Battn. [Battalion] then returned to Fort Crawford. "I have the honor to be Sir Yr. obt. Servt. "To/ Capt G. Loomis 1st. Inf comdg. Fort Crawford." 228 General Street wrote a status report to his superior: "24 [actually 28] July 1832 229 "Genl. Wm. Clark Supt Ind Affrs [Superintendent of Indian Affairs] St Louis "Sir Genl Dodge has again come in contact with the Socs & Foxes and given a good acct of them. He came upon the main body about half an hour after five oclock in the evening of the 21st. inst: near the Soc Prairie on the Wisconsin, engaged, defeated, & pursued the Indians untill 7 oclock, when he drew off on acct. of the darkness of the night; 42 Indians were killed, with the loss of one white man killed & 8 wounded. "Genl Dodge came upon the trail of the Indians, as he passed south East from the Portage going towards the Wisconsin [the Indian trail going] in a Northern direction. He immediately pursued the trail, and after following it about 100 miles, he came upon the Indians in a line drawn up for Battle, having selected his ground. Night was approaching and Genl Dodge had march 40 miles that day, but he resolved to give battle immediately. After a moments examination, Genl. Dodge with a detachment of mounted men, under cover of a ravine turned the enemies flank & at a concerted signal from the flanking party, charged him with his remaining forces in Front. The enemy broke & gave way immediately & fled in great confusion, carrying off many wounded from the ground The retreat led through a bottom of high grass loaded with wet, (having rained hard nearly 6 hours) which with the closing in of night rendered it prudent to draw off the pursuit. It is believed that two hours more of day light would have enabled Genl Dodge to have completely cut up the Enemy. Genl Dodge encamped near the field, and moved in search of the enemy early on the 22nd, in going about 1 mile he came upon the camp, which had been deserted the previous night, he pursued the trail to the Wisconsin about 40 miles west of the portage, where the whole body of the hostile Inds: had crossed to the North bank of the Wisconsin. "When the messenger left on the 24th Genl. Dodge was concerting measures to cross the Wisconsin in pursuit having despatched Express to Genl Atkinson Fort Hamilton, & this place. "Since which time we have not been able to learn any thing about the Indians or Genl Dodge or the rest of the Army. "A Citizen of the Prairie [Joseph Brisbois] with 5 or 6 men in a canoe, passed up the Wisconsin within sight of English Prairie (60 miles from P du Chien) & got home last night. He saw no hostile or other Indians untill he came in sight of English Prairie. He there saw 9 canoes of Indians that he took for Soc & Foxes, crossing from the South to the North of the Wisconsin. They were in canoes of Elm bark newly striped [stripped] from the trees & were painted red. finding they were discovered they made a rapid retreat and saw no more of them. About 50 miles above the mouth of the Wisconsin — they say [saw] a trail cross the sand from the south to the North about 7 days old, bu[t] could not say whether Indians or whites. "Capt Loomis has had the S Boat Enterprise ru[n]ning up & down the river from Cassville to Bla[ck] river for 2 or 3 days, with a cannon in the bow. [He] also has a 12 pounder 230 in a flat Boat anchor[ed] in the mouth of the Wisconsin, and a macki[nac] Boat with 25 men on board, & 12 men at the ferry on the Wisconsin, 6 miles above the mouth, where at his request I have placed a Winnebago Interpreter. Mr. Burnett informs me that in 2 days more the whole of the Winnebagoes up the Missi., will be here to see me in obedience to my message. This course has been pursued at the request of the coming [commanding] Officer of Fort Crawford, who was apprehensive the hostile Indians would seize the Winnebago canoes and cross. I continue to assure you upon the faith of a man, who, knows and understands the ground on which he speaks that the Winnebagoes of my Agency [north of the Wisconsin river] will remain quiet, and that you owe it to my untiring zeal in the duties of my office to say so to the Government. Because suspicion has arisen as to some Winnebagoes and these have been confounded with the Winnebagoes south of the Wisconsin "While I am finishing this hasty sketch, (not expecting until 15 minutes ago that the boat would go for 2 days) a Frenchman reports that he heard the cannon at the mouth of the Wisconsin and then a rapid discharge of small arms, & saw the smoke rise I dont believe it (by and by) as the Canadians are very scarry, & given to false reports. However had I command here, I should send the Steam B now just ready to put off, to see. it is only 3 miles." 231 "On the return of the S. Boat to the Prairie on the evening 232 of the 28th., understanding that the S. Boat Warrior would be at the Prairie on the 29th. or 30th., I [Loomis] discharged the Enterprize." 233 "The Enterprise, being a slow boat, 234 was dismissed...." 235 "The Winnebeagoes have behaved admirably. [On July 28] it was discovered by two Winnebeagoes hunting by torchlight, that the hostile Indians were escaping down the Wiskonsin in small parties in elm bark canoes." 236 "The Ferry Guard, the same night [July 28] fired upon some Canoes passing...." 237 "Five canoes were abandoned Saturday night so soon as the Ferry-Guard fired upon them while descending." 238 "Their Canoes are all made of Elm bark and very frail and clumsy." 239
Thayer, Crawford B. Massacre at Bad Axe . Banta Company, 1984. [format: book], [genre: history; narrative; diary; letter]. Permission: Public domain Persistent link to this document: http://lincoln.lib.niu.edu/file.php?file=massacre.html |
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