Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1818-07-10
0xR o &gSss a. 81
INDIAN AEFAIRS


INDIAN AFFAIRS.
lFrom the Enigrant, paper printed at 81. Louis,
Missouri Territory
The following we consider an lBteres sting pa
per. Actnated by curiosity, and a desire 10
communicate interesting circumstances rsla.
tive to Indian affairs, we requested OF MIR
OFallon, on his return from his agency an ex-
tract from his journal. This we are in hopes
yet to ohialn. Ia The mean time we are favor
ed with copy of "a letter now presented TO the
pubic. 1t would be unjust To Mr. o Fallon to
withhold the opinion iliat mach has been effect.
ed by his industry and decision in his ageucy;
more especially 20 from Ills youth aud the no.
Yelty OF his situation little wa, expected from
him. The prompt arrest of the notorious Colo.
mel Dickson will, doubtless, be properly est-
mated by those who witnessed his peruicious
activity during ;lIe late war. We learn that
he was taken between the rivers s.. Peter and
ST Croix, whence lie was brought to ST Louis
and surrendered 10 tile proper authority. lie
has since been suffered 10 return, on eit ing
Donus toi ms personal appearance. Whether
he VIII stand his trial forfeit his recosnjzaace
remains to be seen. In any event il may be
fairly calculated, that his arrest having been
made in presence of the Indians of the Upper
mississippi, his influence in that quarter is now
ieSsensd or entirely destroyed.
We do not wish to conceal the fact, that we
feel personal interest in the following letter.
as 1t communicates circumstances in confirna-
zion OF points laid down III editorial articles,
formerly Published in this paper, on the fur
trade; viz. LIST. The injury on this trade, from
me cuptdity and Vaccinations of numerous
traders, with separate interests, and acting in
violent opposition, with the advantage to he
derived from embodying one large company
embracing all the individual traders now en-
gagged, or those who may hereafter wish to en-
ter, IN general interest; I'd. atirbutins most
Oh the indian hostility 10 this dabocal spirit;
3D. the loss TO Americans from the superior
j,tnds and address of the British; 9TH. the crea-
tioi OF an anil Americas spirit by personal in-
IereSis IN tins trade, which might be effectuaiy
prevented by the plan proposed:
AN opiiiioa was also expressed in the ESSAYS
ON Me tr trade, as to the conduct of the Hud-
snu's Bay Company III their controversy with
the north west Company. From Mr.. O'fallon's
letter, the psb'fC will be enabled to form some
idea OF the prOpriety of our remarks on that
occasion, and we shall be grailfie1 to see the
iet!er published in those papers that have 90.
pied the essays alluded to, or if another mode
he preferred, such an abstract made as william
swer the same end.
ETtractof Il letter TO Ninian Edtray9s Governor
o. Illinois Territory, and superintendent Of IN.
dian affairs, dated
Prairie du Chen February 10, 1918
Dear ST--Although have not as yet had any
fntinaton OF your having received my last |
resume my pen to address you ON a subject
Which has given me much concern.
ION have, presume, hear of lord Selkrk
having passed through that tract of Indian
country within the limits of my superintend-
ance, without authority from an authorized a.
gent OF the United States, in consequence OF
which caused him TO be reported to the com
manding general at Belle F0ntaine.
On his arrival here, knowing that lie must
have had mach in his power was induced to
put to him many questions, all of which he an.
swered without hesitation, but | ar fearful
without conilnlng himself strictly to trnth. He
told me that he had not counseilcd with an In
dian or Indians within our territory. am in
formed by both whites and reds that he did,
fhnt he had invited the different bands with
whom he met to Withdraw from the Americans,
10 dasert their native conntry, the sod that CO.
yers the bones OF their fathers, and reside in
ms own. where they can listen to the words Of
tue British Dickson, who Is AT this lime resid-
ing near the head waters of the st. Peters.
what do you suppose, sir, has been the result
or TIE passage through my agency OF this Brit
Ish nOblemaU? Two entire bands and part of A
third, all Sioux, have deserted US and Joined
DICKSON, who has distributed TO them large
quantities OF Indian presents, together with
flags, medals, &c. Knowing this, what must have
been my feelings on hearing that his lordships
had met with favorable reception at ST Louis.
The newspapers announcing his drTirdi, and
" genteei ScOtttd appearance" all tend to discom
pose me, believing, as do that he is plotting
with his friend Dickson, oar distraction, sharp
eniDg the savage scalping knife, and cOloniZing
tract ct country so remote as that of the Red
river, Tor the purpose, no doubt, of mouopoIi-
zlng the fur ard peltTy trade of this river the
MISSOURI, aud their waters-a trade of the
FIRST Importance to our western states aud ter
FItOries.
courier who arrived few DAYS since, con-
flrms the belief, that Dickson is cndeavoring to
undo what have done, mdiie steep that hiH orer
'c!itch hare TO efiDlb, secure 30 the British 60.
vernment the affections of the Sisux, and sub.
Ject the north west company to his Ordship's
terms.
Why are we so tame, so uUsuspecting, when
a clond is perceptibly gathering to tie north
and north wcstS Why do the heads Of depart.
plents view with indifference the Indian lie
partmeDt, while the Missouri and northern In
dians. have yet to count their numbers, be- Sc
duccd by British and Spanish influence and
we have yet 10 Try their strength BE assured
sir, The day is not far distant whcH we shall
look upon dat promising country as n father
does upon his fields, when they have been ra-
wages by storm.-Say that our government
VIII not take more energetic measures in this
remote country, and we have only to take re-
Prospective view ~ what has passed, 10 prog
D0sicate WHIT IS TO come.
Ot ail the Indians ~ this quarter, I think the
Foxes most disposed for peace, most inclined
~ follow the path IN which have placed them
30 i'nltaio the whites, md receive the good ell
fleets Of civilization.
have, since last wrote Won, held two conn.
oils With the Sioux Of the plains, aud took occa-
500 % explain TO them tic object Of our beae-
VIOLENT government in establishing q u. States
factory al this place. Tie, appeared 10 be sa.
fisiied that il was intended solely for the good
OF tie redskins.
DnriDe nv tour through my agency have
discovered among fbe lrSian traders more Of
Systematic tiilauy than could have been sus
pecl"d I nave found ihese men, generally
speaking, Indifferent 70 their countrv's inter.
este 1nd cnur0ssed iu ihnir GWp. Jhey have
destroyed 'he object iOi s!dch hs u. states