The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-06-25
From The 81. Paul (Dfnnesofa) Clron. and Register.
Council at Fort Smelling,
Between the Siour aud Chippe,ca Indians.

Bet,ceen the Siour aud Chippeloa Indians.
The Sioux appeared at the fort about ~ o'clock
on Tuesday, June 18th, decked out in the most
characteristic manner, and numbering about 300
souls. Some were mounted on horses; and as they
galloped over the plain, shouting and yelling ter
rihcally, sight was presented which was really
picturesque and beautiful.
There was much excitement exhibited among the
comparatively few Chippewas on the arrival of
their old enemies, which arose in great measure
from the consciousness of their superiority in num-
bers, and also from their mutual instructive en-
nifty.
After some delay, caused by the time necessarily
occupied in posting sentinels, arranging prelimi-
naries, &c, &C., deputation of both sides ad-
vanced towards each other, meeting half way; aid
the ceremony of shaking hands was got through
with evidently, however, without much cordially
bon govt; for while their hands were casped,
they eyed each other in a suspicious manner, and
tried to force smile; but it terminated in mutual
grin of hate
The chiefs and bead men were then invited into
the presence of the governor and large concourse
of our male and female citizens. The chiefs OF both
parties having seated themselves ps Uis to each
other the governor proceeded to address them
follows, through interpreters. The governors
speech lasted some length of time he laboring I'M
der great disadvantage in being obliged TO wait
between each sentence till the two interpretations
were made:
CHIPPEWA AND DAKOTA CHIEFS AND HEAD
MEN: We have been called together to if an
arrangement can be effected to forget the past &C.
currences and atfairs-to bury the Ratchet Of war
forever, and sustain permanent, endurin and
beneficial peace.
respected; but there is wrong on both sides. The
Great Father has sent agents to gather information
of your mutual wrongs. He thinks, as well asmy-
SELF that the old difficulties might be settled and
new state of things entered into. He could enforce
an adjustment of these difficulties; but he prefers
that you should do that amicably among yourselves.
You all entertain the opinion that you are natural
enemies, and cannot therefore live in peace. This
ia an Two al Ia
same thing; they were continually at war, contin-
ually quarreling. Il alludc to the French and
English.) But they are now at peace and as hrm
friends as nations generally can be. II Is for you
to bear and appreciate this truth. The whites have
been once like you; but having turned their atten-
ton TO other things, happiness and prosperity has
followed them You are all aware OF the uncertain
system of your warfare that frequently the scalps
taken Of your friends. Three fourths of
the scalps taken of women and children, who
are perfectly harmless, and would not hurt you If
they could. Among the whites, man who would
take female life would be looked upon lcss than
dog. The Great Father does not allow it among
them, and he certainly will not allow the red chill
dren to do such things; and he has determined to
put stop TO it, The treaty OF lS43 has been made,
and if you do not abide by that must be
made, and by that you must abide. should be
pleased, well as others here, To let our Great
Father know permanent peace has been effected.
know there many sore and bleeding hearts
here; but all must be forgotten and forgiven by a
agreement. therefore recommend that you
appoint limited number Of your mutual friends,
TO make such resolutions and take such action as
may be satisfactory; but you are not bound TO
ceve their counsels adopt what they have agreed
upon, unless IL suits your ideas"
The Indians on both sides then chose their men
the Chippewas appointing MIR. Warren, Mr.. c.
Beauleu, Rev Mr.. Gear, and Captain Todd, 10 ne
gotiate for them; and the Sioux selecting Mr..
Forbes. Mr.. o. Faribault, Captain Monroe, and A.
Faribault, as their representatives.
Bad Hail, Of the Sioux, then shook hands with
Governor Ramsey, saying that he never knew a
council 20 terminate in day, and il being late
in the day. he asked leave TO adjourn for consdera
ton His proposition being acceded To by the
Chippewas, an adjournment was ordered.
Some Of the American ladies having seated them
selves in the council, the Sioux and left the
tent in a very ungaant manner, a thought
but they afterwards stated the 10 have been
the terminationo Of the talk, but some Of them said
that they did not council with women, and conse
quently left Hole in tho Day requested that the
ladies mi gh remain and cheer his tribe, which gal
lantry was acknowledged by many Of the ladies in
a substantial manner.
Wednesday morning the two tribes again met in
council. II was announced that the agents APP
pointed the day previous had not been able 20
agree upon any plan Of settlement. proposition
was submitted by Hole-in- the Day, which was
read by his friend, Mr.. Warren, stating that the
Chippcwas felt compelled 10 demand Of the Sioux
twenty nine thousand dollars, indemnity for the
Apple river massacre. This, however, is not their
ultimatum.
Bad Hail, the principal orator ON the part Of the
Sioux, ia lengthy and animated speech, de
nounced this demand for indemnity, and gave the
Chippcwss 70 understand that his people would not
grant dollar. After considerable talk, the coun-
Gil adjourned till five O'Clock, p. IN.
Upon the asscmblagc in council at five O'Clock, IL
was agreed that armisticc should exist between
the two tribes until the questions involved could be
submitted TO the authorities at Washington. The
council was then adjourned sine de.