The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-07-26
ce Of the Minnesota Pioneer.
TREATY GROUND,

Traverse des Sioux, July IL, 1851
This has been an avenllul day in camp. More
arrived of the approach OF large numbers oil the remote
bands Ii small matter 10 assemble the entire peo
Pile OF vast extent of country like this which is nhab
tied by scattered bands, destitute OF food and without
roads TO trsyea country larger than the whole State OF
Pennsylv ania, or Virginia, or New York. Meantime.
our able commissioners are losing no opportunity OF con-
ca,ng the bands that are present. and informing them
selves of their condition and expectations.
About noon the marriage OF David Farnbau with
Nancy Winona Mcclure took place IN the markee OF
the commissioners, in the presence OF all the party OF the
camp and of several friends OF The parties 10 be married
The bridegroom is a large, handsome man, about thirty
years DID, and the bride fresh young girl OF fourteen,
large of her age, educated in secuson at the mission
house, and almost wholly unacquanted with the society
of the whites. She came into the markee trembling like
young fawn, blushing like the opening bud OF dewy
pony in ,be glare OF sunshine.
The marriage ceremony-in the Episcopal form-was
performed by Alexis Ballly, esq justice OF the peace in
and Tor this county; after which, the bridegroom pro-
duced abundance OF lemonade. which loaned and
spark led joyousy II il had been champagne uncorked
in any OF the brown-front palaces OF New York. After
The wedding all went 10 dine together and alter dinner
ioasts and speeches appropriate to the occasion flowed
freely.
Among the toasis given by Joseph La Fran
BOISE one OF the oldest and intelligent pioneers OF
the valley OF the ST. Peters, as follows;
"Co Lea the able and sagacious head of the Indan de
paItment Of government We thank him for the spe.
Gal favor he has shown US in coming 50 lar 70 see US and
Indian and white alike trust ih- be and Gov Ramsey
will treat us to IA good treaty
To which Col Lea responded in a neat speech in sub
stance as follows:
GrsrIEmES / appear here under somewhat cxtraor-
binary circumstances Placed at the head OF that depart
ment which has under it's all the red children OF our
Great Father, IT is departure from the ordinary
OF things that have been despatched here by him 10 JOIN
his trusted friend Gov. Ramsey in etecing treaty with
the Dakota nation. Persons disconnected with the
ecuiive branch Of the government at Washington have
generally been selected for this business and the Pres
dent could Just well have placed the conduct OF the
entire negotiations the hands OF his trusted friend Gov
Ramsey who has his confidence, see he has OF the
whites and Indians OF Minnesota
But, gentlemen there was reason Tor my coming
which think it well TO mention to you who live and
whose interests among the Dako,as or who are
nec,ed with them by ties of blood. Understanding what
say, you tell again 10 them in their language.
The Dakotas not unknown to their Great Father.
He has often heard ut them. He knows them 10 be
great nation and he finds II written in records what
should be their great boast that they have always been
the friends of the white Though lar off, their
cd he wants TO do what is best for tnem and wants them
TO do what is best for themselves.
When their Great Father learned, therefore, tina, the
Dakotas desired to sell their landthat the game had
nearly all disappeared from iand that hunger and star
walton. like wolves, often in their lodgeshe con-
cuded TO show them and their nation particular respect
by sending TO treat with them of his principal officers,
who being him knows his mind. This is the reason
have come over two thousand miles TO meet them here
in council, and help to treat with them for their land
They have great deal Of it, and spare the most OF
II and their Great Father is willing to pay them fair
price for IT, to enable the Dakoas TO live happier and in
greater plenty than has often heretofore been The case
He has no WISH have no wish and am sure my friend
Governor Ramsey has no WISH to take any advantage OF
them in any way nor, in any of the provisions OF the
proposed treaty do aught but what fair and just beth
TO the Indians and their frends-to red man and white
man.
This s what the Great Father OF both Indians and whites
has sent me here for and he would be displeased and
would deprive us Of our high Offices were we to act 9TH