The Evansville journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ind.) 1866-1870, 1869-08-27
DAKorAH CRY. July q, 20

DAKoTAH Cry, July p. 100 {
Our tents are pitched on the broad
prairie In the suburbs of Dakotah
City, in the Territory of Dakotah.
The Red River of the North winds
past US, between banks shaded by
lofty elms and oaks and wide spread
ing naples.
THE CITY. EAra
The city contains one house, but
has a population of fourteen persons
The Mayor and head of the family is
a French Canadian, Mr.. Merehaud,
whose Indian wife has made him the
happy father of twelve children. He
is to be our guide on our return. Mr..
Battineau, who has broughtus hlther,
will 60 on to the Missouri.
THE GUIDES.
Take a look at Battineau as he
stands before the camp FIRE cleaning
his rife. He is tall, we'll formed,
with features which show both his
French and Indian parentage. He
has dark whiskers, broad, flat nose,
a wrinkled forehead. and is In the
| full prime of life. His name is known
throughout the NOTWITHSTANDING
Americans, Canadians, and Indians.
| The Chippewa is his mother tongue,
though he can speak several Indian
dialects, and is fluent in French sud
English lie was born not far from
Fort Carey, and has traversed the
vast regions of the Northwest in
every direction. He was Governor
Stevens guide when he made the first
exploration for the Northern Pacific
Railroad, and has been guide to a
great many Government trains since
then. He was with General Sully In
| his campaign against the Indians.
| He has the instinct of locality. Like
the honey bee which flies straight
| from the flower to its hive, over fields,
| through forests, across ravines or in
| tervening hills, so Pierce Battineau,
by instinct, knows just where to go
when out on the boundless prairie,
with no landmark 10 guide him. Re
is never lost-not IN tie darkest night
or foggiest day.
There is no man living, probably,
who has made more enemies than he,
for the whole Sioux nation of Indians
are his sworn foes. They would take
his scalp instantly if they could only
get a chance. He has been in many
fights with them-has killed six of
them-has had narrow escapes, aud
TO hear him tell of them makes your
stand on end. He is going to con-
duct a portion Of our party through
the Sioux country. The Indians are
friendly now and the party viii not
be troubled, but If q Sioux buffalo
hunter comes across this guide, there
will be quick shooting on both sides,
and ten to one the Sioux will 90 down.
for Battineau is keen sighted, has
| steady hand and Is quick TO act.
OUR JOURNEY.
Ia letters already forwarded have
spoken Of the beauty and fertility of
the country in general terms, but I
dare say there are many who have
been turning over the question Of en-
| igration in their minds who would
| like to have more specific information,
and | purpose therefore to go over the
ground once more to speak of the
characteristics Of this Northwest sec
1 ton of Minnesota, now specially in
viting to the emigrant, 10 prospect of
| the Immediate opening of the North
ern Pacific Railroad.
| A railroad is already completed
| from st. Paul up the Eastern bank of
| the Mississippi, about eighty miles, to
Sank rapids, just below which, on the
Eastern bank of the stream, stands
st. Cloud, a smart, thriving town, and
the present point of departure for all
the carts and wagons bound for the
Red River country and Huds0n's Bay