Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1841-08-31


quested me TO attend TO the business which
was the object Of my visit The colored
persons, by name. Tom, Jim, Joe, and
Toby, came into the room, and Gov. Dodge
then explained, that when they had volun-
tarlly come with him from Missouri, 10 this
Territory, he had promised them, that as
soon az 1t could be conveniently done, and
they should request it, he would execute to
them deeds or a deed of manumssion,
(thcy having belonged to him in the State
OF Missouri that owing to the Indian
difficulties, and the necessary absence of
himself, for long time, on public service,
1t had been announcement before that time,
10 comply with the promise made to them
That he was then anxious to redeem his
pledge, and consumate the agreement be-
tween them. He stated at the same time,
that he had during their residence with
him this Territory, treated them as freed
men, and friends; and had made them rea-
sonable compensation for their services to
him and family. All these statements were
readily and cheerlulIy acquicsced in by
Tom, Jim, Joe and Toby.
then drew up the deed Of manumission,
freeing each Of the colored persons named,
including q woman called Leah, who had
been married and was living with her hus.
band in the neighborhood, but was not
present at the time. The deed was DELHI
erately read and explained by me, to the
colored persons present, Tom, Jim, Joe and
Toby. The Governor then signed, sealed
and acknowledged it before me, in my Off
cal charactcr. The freed persons express
ed much satisfaction, and declared TO me,
that the Governor had never deceived them
in any instance, that he had complied with
every promise to them, and had always been
their kind friend. One Of the men, Joe
spoke very ieelingly Of the hardships and
tolls he had shared with the Gov. in the
Camanchee and Rocky Mountains expedi-
tons. And particularly Of the fact. that
when provisions were very scarce, the Gov.
divided with him his last small morsel Of
bread and meat.
After the deed Of manumission had been
acknowledged, certified and delivered, the
colored men, Tom, Jim, Joe and Toby,
requested that an agreement made between
the Governor and them, should be reduced
TO writing, and signed by the parties. The
agreement was reduced to writing, by me,
and signed, sealed and acknowledged in
my presence, as a witness, and after, de-
ivered to me fer safe keeping.
The substance Of the agreement is, that
Tom, jim, Joe and Toby, hire themselves
10 Gov. Dodge for the period Of twenty
one months from the 18th April 1888; at
the expiration OF which term, in conside-
ration of their services, he agrees to pay
to Tom horse Of the value of $50,
good mich COW, and a breeding sow. |
would here remark that Tom is an old
man. To Jim, Joe and Toby, he binds
himself, TO convey by good and sufficient
deed, in fee simple, fifty acres of good
farming land each, in this Territory and
within the mining region; and TO each one
yoke Of oxen, one good mich COW, and q
breeding SOW. And during the said term
Gov. Dodge is TO furnish Tom, Jim, Joe
and Toby, with good clothing, suitable to
the seasons, healthy sustonance, and ne
cessary medical aid, in case Of sickness.
will now conclude the account Of the
present situation Of those freed persons,
by remarking that the Governor has pro-
cured their deed Of manumission 10 be re-
corded in the proper office, at his own cost
and as am informed, has given the ne
cessary bond, that they shall be Of good
behavior, and not become q township
charge.
AS you entertain favorable opinion Of
Gov Dodge, and seem anxious TO obtain
such information as will enable you to
form Just estimate Of his worth, and ar
rive at correct knowledge Of his true
character, ] will make some statements to
you which may be acceptable. became
acquainted with his character, by repuic,
as oary as 1908, at Louisville, where
was then at school, boy about nine years
Of age. Harry Dodge, as he was then ia
military called had resided in Louisville for
some time. His mother was then resi-
ding there. Shortly before my going to
Louisville, that enterprsng, bold and man
lv spirit, which has marked his conduct
through life, had induced him to seek no.
norable employment in the new but flou-
rishing Missouri country. He had left be-
hind, among the citizens Of Louisville, cid
and Young, impressions of the most tavo-
rablc character. He was considered man
ly, firm, honorable and just. Always TO
be found on the side Of the oppressed
against the opprcssor; on the side Of the
weak against the strong
In the spring of 1919, | migrated to H.
linois, and fixed my temporary residence
at Kuskaskia. Gov. Dodge then resided
on the opposite side OF the Mississippi RI
yer, in the village Of st. Genevieve, and |
became acquainted with him in that year.
/ had every opportunity of acquiring
knowledge Of his standing in the commu-
nitv where he resided; and can say, with
truth, that no man sustained better cha
racter. lie was esteemed honorable, firm,
generous, just and highly useful in public
IL IL ~ Il