Kenosha tribune & telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1856-1859, 1857-04-30
nates 81 Advertia,nk.
Terrible Indian Massacres In Minnesota-.
Great Excitement Among the Settlers.

n Terrible Indian Massacres In Minnesota
Great Excitement Among the Settlers.
Correspondence of the Dubuqu Tribune.
MANKATo April 18th, 1857.
Mr. EDITOR I'm our last we endeavored to
I inform the public, through your columns, of the
statesof affairs on the Des Moines, and particu-
larly at Spirit Lake. The messengers which
had been dispatched fto Fort iRidgley, together
with the soldiers left here on the morning of
The 22d, and proceeded to Springfield, on the
, Des Moines, 10 miles from the scene of depre-
dations. They reached Springfield on the;moru-
ing of the fourth of April the soldiers, still in
doubt as to the correctness of the report, but,
upon entering the town, what was their surprise
to find that the Indians had been there; that ON
Tuesday April I'd, band OF Sioux had attacked
The town, killed seven, wounded three, and car
ried four women inte captivity. The Captain
ediately dispatched company TO the Fort
for reinforcements and provisions Among the
killed was William Wood, George NJ Wood, Mr..
Church, and Josiah Steward. The attack was
without provocation, and unexpected by the set
| tiers. William Wood was an old resident Of
| Mankato, and trader at Springfield. 1t appears
| that in the commencement, he went ont to the
| bank of the river to talk TO the Indians, and as
he turned about TO 60 home, he was shot dead.
and Immediately set on FIRE; his body, when
! found, being awfully buried. Several citizens
we're temporarily absent but have since retained.
| Those that fortified themselves, escaped being
| murdered Two Indians were killed one was
SHOT by Mrs Church, who loaded guns for tho
men in one of the houses. The names Of the
women we do not know, with the exception of
| .wo-Mrs. Marvel and Miss Gardner. Mr..
Jhefiins, the messenger, who was sent first to
he Fori, has since returned from Springfield,
md says he buried FIVE men in one grave the
lay before he left. He reached Isaac Slocum's
~ the Watonwan river, - miles from Mankato'
On Thursday last, and reached this place on FRI
lay evening. Mr.. Slocum sent down to Man
kate for assistance, Gas he anticipated danger)-
by Mr. Chefins, who brought the sad intelligence
Of the massacre
A large meeting was Immediately held, and
IS volunteers, well equipped were sent to their
assistance. They reached Slocum's on Saturday
night, and lound Indians there. Dr. w. +.
Lewis was chosen Captain, and with a few men
vent over Ia the tents, where they found nine
Indians, who Immediately ran at the appearance
# the whites, throwing their hatchets into the
lir, and firing at the whites. The whites imme-
lately charged upon them, and killed four
None of the whites were injured with the excep-
ton of one man, who received slight wound in
fhe hand This II appoars, a signal, and
Immediately on the return of the whites to the
house, it was surrounded by $50 Indian warri-
ors. A messenger who has just arrived, brings
he above statement, which is correct. Word
was sent to Traverse de Sioux and ST. Pete.s for
assistance and this morning fifty of the citizens
IF st. Peters arrived, under Captain Dodd's COM
nand, and will probably reach the scene of bat
lie tonight, as they lett Mankato at 3 o'clock
ihis afternoon. Another reinforcement will be
up from Traverse in the morning to join the par
ty. The settlers from that neighborhood, and in
act all through the country. are alarmed. and
1eeing into town with their families. The ae-
count from the town of Springfield is later from
Mr. Cheffins, who, we stated before. accom-
panied the soldiers there, the is correct. The
other is corroborated by different messengers
who are going TO aud from Slocum's and this
place. Unbiased by fever and excitement and
alarm, if spared will give you further intelli-
gence as SOON as received.
LArRR.-The Shacopee Herald of the 9th says.
FIFTY THREE PERSONS REPORTED KILLED We
indebted to Henery Kinds for the privilege OF
copying the following portion of letter, dated
TRAVERSE D 4 Sioux, April - 1857.
''Great excitement in the towns along the river,
from expected attack OF the Sioux Indians The
inhabitants were awakened early yesterday morn
ing by messenger from Mankato, who reported
that all the inhabitants have been killed far as
Watunwsn. on the west The whole number re-
ported killed was fifty three and four girls taken
prisoners company was Immediately formed here
and at ST. Peters, numbering about 200; a portion
advancing Immediately. Mr.. Mcleod and myself
efi on horses, at o'clock, L. NJ. for Mankato,
where we arrived at five o'clock. Another message
mas just reached US, that skirmish was had with
body of Sioux Indians, 20 miles above Mankato and
several of the Mankato band killed. The Indians
were killing and burning everything before them.
We left Madkao just before mid night, and reached
home at one this morning. The bells were rung
and meeting called Immediately, and another com
psny formed which marches at eleven. Who wo.
men and children aae fortified in several stone build.
ings in town. The forces all under the command
" f'' ' j. KINDS
THE VERY LATEsT.-We learn from the w.
ID. Paddock. a resident of Mankota, who arrived
on the Equator on the 10TH that on Saturday
last the citizens of Mankota, learning of the out
rsges committed by the Indians OH the Waton-
wan, mustered nearly fifty men and started for
that point: On Sunday morning they discov
cred new traces the Indians near the residence
of a Mr.. Slocum- As they approached, the In-
dams showing a disposition to 6ght the Man
kota men fred upon them, killing some, but the
uumper is not known. The Indians retreated
to a grove and hid behind the trees. Another con-
hict occurred when five Indians were killed, no
whites. The Indians then retired to block
house, and on one Of them making his appear
ance he was shot by Mr.. Johnson. just as
the boat was leaving 81. Peters q messenger ar
rived bringing intelligence of battle on the
Watonwan, about thirty miles above Mankota,
between the volunteers under the command 0:
Gen. Dodd and the Indians III which the latter
lost nineteen, whites none Intelhgenbe was
received from the same source that George
Fletcher was fortifying his mill, fearing an at
tack from the Indians, who have hitherto been
on friendly terms with the whites. On learning
that party of Sioux had arrived at the other
agency, he had sent out one hundred Winnie
bago warriors to arrest Them, and in the event
of their refusing to come to shoot them dowH-~e
Mr. Rddocs informs us that there are fsty-three
persons missing and four women taken prison.
crs. He had been informed by the Indians
weeks ago that g when the grass should grow
and the green leaves the trees they
would sweep the whites from the Blue Earth
settlement / learn from a passenger IA. iha =
Alhambra (from Fairbaut) that Gen. Shields,
with a company of volunteers left Fairbault
the 18th for the seat of war. There is much sr-
citcment along the river towns.
G.. p MELLEN.