The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-05-06

= of pieuver and Democrat

Nh'" w IN", -cth Apih, 1000
Arriving here this noon from 81. Cloud |
was told Of the shocking massacre of Chip.
pewa family by the Sioux, which occurred
at one O'Clock last night. feel il duty TO
write you the facts, though it will hardly be
possible for verbal rumors to exaggcratc the
sickening brutality Of the deed.
Ottawa, Chippewa past middle age, had
been out with his family for several days
making maple sugar Hearing that the
Sioux were about, they came into town with
what sugar they had being over two hundred
pounds. This was quickly disposed of for
whiskey. Their lodge was on the island at
the mouth OF Crow Wing River, just oppo-
site the place and was very much exposed
TO any steal,hy attack. In fact Ottawas
friends had advised him to move from the
island on account of the suspicious proximl
~ of the Sioux But he replied that "he had
spear and could kill Sioux, At about
one last night the report Of guns at their
lodge, and the cries of the murdered were
heard on this side of the river II was dir
covered early this morning that the whole
family, eleven in all, were horribly batchered.
Nine were dead, oil were scalped, and the
heads Of some Gu, olr-and carried away.
The youngest. a child with i,s stomach cut
open, was yet alive, but It's tor,ures wcrc
ended by the friendly blow of u Chippewa.
The mother, the squaw, was stabbed shot
and scalped She fingers yet, conscious OF
the calamity, hu, il kindly taken care OF at
the house Of Mr.. Fairbanks.
The tragedy occupied but few moments.
II appears there were about lorty Sioux in
the company. though it s thought only
dom wen, upon the island. These came
up on the east side OF the Mississippi and
crossed in u largo canoe, which was at the
lower end Of the village They were scfu'
pnIous enough 90 leave the canoe, where
they found II bu, in their fear of pursuit
they left two scalps in it, A few miles dis
tant they left quantity Of cooking utensils,
and about forty pairs Of moccasins
The cause Of this monstrous crime was
revenge. Notwithstanding the numerous
peace treaties made between thc Chippewas
and SiouSs, there are some weak and vicious
p'rsoB in each nation, who will not resist
The temptation Of taking al Indian scalp,
when they can steal on their foe in ambush.
aud are 10 no danger Of detection. lfa
Sioux IA found scalped, the Chippcwas are
Immediately suspected Of the ofIcDcc, aud i,
is rctaIiated on some QUE OF their number
And if Chippewa is waylaid, the Sioux
are held accountable.
Whoever has given the subject Of Indian
affairs thoughtful attention will recall the
frcqacn, reports, which proceed from the
whole Indian country, concerning the differ.
ent tribal wars. II is not alone from the
Pawnes, the Crows, and the Backitc, that
thc-c tales Of woe and havoc come The
consequence of the wars between the differ.
ent tribes. Ia felt other wise than in their Dc.
vastaton and bloodsbed If there ia time
Of peace. it is peace 80 full Of alarm and ap
prebebsion, that neither tribs can ieel safe in
,hc solitary labor Of husbandry.
The three tribes of Indians 10 Minnesota
are destined 70 remain here. n We DO not
wish their conduct TO prejudice the State
abroad. We should insist on their obeying
treaty stipulations. There should he better
discipline than now exists among the Sioux
and Chppcwas. The laws relating 70 them
should be cnforood aud the agents should
b. men Il upright and moral character
zealous in their epdeavors. exemplary in
their Influence. Such only should he ap-
I,olntsl and when appointed they should
no, be di-plaosi for mere hungry politicians.