Fort McKay, Sept. 16, 1814.

Sir: --- Some Puants camped a short distance below the entrance of the Ouisconsin, having, in defiance of the orders they have received to the contrary, killed, within this day or two, an ox belonging to a citizen of this place; you are requested to go immediately, with one interpreter and four of the volunteers, to order them away from this, and take what beef they may have remaining.

			Yours, etc., 
				Thos. G. Anderson, Capt. Comd'g.

At 6, Lieut. Brisbois returned, bringing with him a little dried meat, and some tallow. I gave the meat to those that had been to bring it, and the tallow I kept for the use of the guns. Lieut. Brisbois brought word that the Puants expected to have been taken, and confined in the garrison. They said they were surprised that we complained that they killed an ox; that we would be more surprised when their Father arrived from Mackinaw, for then they would neither leave an ox, cow or horse in the village.

Saturday, September 17th. --- Lieut. Graham, when at Rock river, found some of the Missouri Indians there, who came with an intention to see the superintendent; and finding that they behaved themselves so well in the action, he promised them some trifling articles from the King's store. I, accordingly, mustered what I could, and set off interpreter, Guillroy, with them, ordering, at the same time, that he should remain with the Sauks in case any news should be received of the enemy's coming up, to get occular information, and immediately to bring me word.

Sunday, September 18th. --- At 10, assembled the troops as usual, and read to them the contents of Lieut. Col. McDouall's letter as far as it regarded them. I then spoke to them in the following manner: "After reading the contents of Lieut. Col. McDouall's letter to you as far as it regards Michigan fencibles, volunteers, etc., I now take the opportunity to thank the detachments in general that defeated the eight American gun-boats at the Rock river, for their good and spirited conduct during their absence from this place, and do not make the smallest doubt but they will receive the thanks of Lieut. Col. McDouall. I also take this opportunity of explaining to you all, the orders of the day, in which you will find the demands made upon the different corps; and as it is for the preservation of this place in general, and for the good of His Majesty's service, I have not the smallest doubt but my demands will be executed without a murmur. From your good conduct, and attention to your duties since the Michigans and volunteers so nobly possessed themselves of this fort, and delivered the citizens of this place from an enemy, the presence of which was most aggravating to them, I have every reason to believe I shall not be under the necessity of going to extremities, a most disagreeable task to one who wishes his fellow-soldiers and volunteers everything that is good and glorious."

At 12 o'clock, a Sioux woman from above, brought word that a party of Gens de Feuille, with some Yanktons of the Riviere des Moines, numbering about forty men, were near the Feuille's village, destined for the war path; but they did not know where the Feuille, or Leaf, was; and having been notified not to go alone, he went with his warriors to know what were the intentions of this party. No news since.

About 2 o'clock, hearing that Winosheek, an old Puant, was in possession of a pipe and wamhum for the Sioux, I inquired what was the intention of it. The old man brought it to my room, and showed it to me, saying it was to ask permission of the Sioux to winter on their lands between this and the Riviere des Sioux; not to go to war on the Sotrax [Sauteurs, or Chippewas], but, on the contrary, to request all Indians, of what Nation soever, to join hands, and not allow an American to come this far. How true this is, I know not.

Monday, Sept. 19th. --- Five Sauks arrived about 10 o'clock with news that the enemy were at the entrance of the Riviere des Moines, but uncertain what were their number, or whether they were making a fort, or on their way up here. I, therefore, await interpreter Guillroy's return, to decide what I will do --- whether to go and meet them, or wait their arrival here. At 12, sent off interpreter Renville to notify the Sioux to keep themselves in readiness, and to assemble from the Prairie a La Crosse downwards to hunt till further orders.

Tuesday, Sept. 20th. --- Nothing of consequence. A party of militia at work at the fort. Engaged Charles La Pointe at ten shillings a day to oversee and finish the doubling of some part of the garrison [pickets] where they are weak. The three guns kept constantly drilling. Bought a horse to draw the six-pounder.

Wednesday, Sept. 21st. --- At 2 p.m., the barge arrived from portage with the ordnance stores, and powder and tobacco for the Indian department. A case of round shot for the three-pounder wanting, and nearly a keg of powder; and one-third of a roll of tobacco belonging to the Indian department missing. About 4 o'clock in the afternoon six Renards, of the Barboulliers' band arrived from above to learn the news. They brought a pipe, and the following speech from the Barboullier:

"My Father, why have you not confidence in me? I am yours. In everything you do I wish to be with you. I can only die once, and the only death I look for is along side of you. I expected you would have sent me word to tell me the enemy were coming up. I send you my pipe to tell you my ideas, and at the same time to know yours.

"My father, if there are any bad birds, do not, I beg of you, number me with them. I have hold of your hand, and will never let it slip; but will follow your road as long as I live. Send me word what you intend doing. I am ready to follow you. When I went to meet the bad dogs last time at the Rock river, I had but a few mouthfuls to give my warriors, but now I have really too much --- what might make a good feast. My young men are numerous, stout and hungry."

I replied: "My brethren you must not call me Father. You have only one Father in this country, that is the Red Head, Robert Dickson, the others are all your brethren. The moment that the Sauks arrived from below, and told me they had seen the enemy, they supposed, on their way up here, I sent off an interpreter with them to inform all the Indians he should see on his way up, till he should meet the Little Corbeau, of the news the Sauks brought. At the same time to request all to repair to Prairie a la Crosse, to await the return of interpreter Guillroy, whom I sent down some days ago to gain certain information of the enemy. That on his return I would again send and notify all the Indians whether I would go, and meet the enemy below, or await them here; and that I had not the smallest doubt, from their courageous conduct heretofore, but they would be all ready at a moment's warning." I then informed them of the news from Mackinaw, etc. Capt. Dease gave them a little powder and tobacco, and they went off at 7 o'clock in the evening. In the course of the day, I went out to the inhabitants to purchase flour, but could procure none. There are only two days' rations of that article in the garrison.

Thursday, Sept. 22d. --- Capt. Dease assembled the inhabitants at this place, and appealed to them to try and procure flour. Want of horses, mills and time were the reasons they gave for not supplying that article. They promised to furnish what they can spare as fast as possible; but not with that energy generally shown by British subjects on like occasions. Capt. Dease preferred to go with ammunition to the Sauks.

Friday, Sept. 23d. --- Capt. Dease set off at 9 o'clock in the morning with three men, accompanied by Thomas, the Sauk chief. Fired a few rounds from the guns to practice.

Sunday, Sept. 25th. --- Assembled the troops as usual, and immediately after went out and practiced at the target. Shot six rounds with the six-pounder, five with each of the three-pounders, and five with a swivel. Confined Demairaix, a Michigan private, for refusing to do his duty when on fatigue, and one of the volunteers for absolutely refusing to mount guard. Duncan Campbell made the best shot at the guns.

Monday, Sept. 26th. --- Two men of the volunteers, Kennet and Grignon, were confined in the guard-house by the officer of the day, for fighting when on guard. Established a court of inquiry to be held to investigate the conduct of the men in the guard-room. Not being able to inflict corporal punishment, this method is adopted in case they are found guilty and merit punishment. They will be detained in confinement till an occasion offers to send them to Mackinaw. At 12 o'clock, the court of inquiry not finding Demairaix and Grignon guilty of the crimes they were charged with, I had them released.

Tuesday, Sept. 27th. --- At 10, a court martial was held, when Pierre Emare, private in the volunteers, was found guilty of neglect of duty in refusing to mount guard; but the court after condemning him to be sent to Mackinaw in irons, to lose his pay from the time of his engagement, and to lose his share of the prize money, recommended him to the mercy of the commanding officer. Finding his crime proceeded entirely through ignorance, and in consequence of his former good conduct, I ordered him to be released from confinement to-morrow morning, and return to his duty. At 2, a canoe arrived from below, with six Renards, among them Bardack, a chief, with news that the Americans, seen at the Riviere des Moines, were those driven back from the Rock river, who put ashore to bury some of their dead.

They also complained hard of Capt. Dease not giving them any powder on his way down. They also came to inquire about a report circulating amongst them, that the Sioux were assembled to go to war against the Renards and Sauks. This report was fabricated by the bands of the Jeune Homme, or Young Man, and Tonnerre Noir, or Black Thunder, Renard Yankee chiefs, to irritate those Nations against the Sioux, and by this means to disaffect our Sauks and Renards. I contradicted the report, and told them it sprung from the Little Corbeau having sent word to the Tonnerre Noir and Jeune Homme, when they heard of his coming down the river, to be out of the way, for his Father at Mackinaw told him to cut down everything American that he found in the road, no matter what color or size. In the evening interpreter Renville arrived from above. The Little Corbeau, with 100 of his warriors, would not remain above to hunt, lest his presence might be necessary here sooner than word could reach him from me. He therefore will be here to-morrow, and appears to be determined to remain till his Father arrives from Mackinaw.

Wednesday, Sept. 28th. --- At 11 o'clock, the Little Corbeau arrived with 100 men and their families. With all his young men, he called upon me, gave me a soldier's pipe and every assurance of his fidelity, and insists, that when Robert Dickson arrives, he will go to work with his warriors, to exterminate those Indians about here that adhere to the Americans. It was with much difficulty that the Feuille or Leaf with the assistance of Mr. Renville, who I sent up for that purpose, prevented Little Corbeau's falling upon the Renards above this. However, he promises to be quiet till his Father, Robert Dickson, arrives; then he, with the Feuille, will insist upon beginning with the Gens de la Feuille.

I only said to him, that his having been to Mackinaw, rendered it unnecessary for me to give him any advice, or tell him his Father's orders; but requested him not to permit his young men to injure the people here in killing what few Americans yet remain. The Bardack, or Renard, that I yesterday requested to remain to hear the news from the Little Corbeau himself, being present, he told them that what he had said respecting the American Indians was true; but as to speaking in general terms against others, he intended to say, that he regarded every Indian and white soldier, no matter of what color, as long as they were British subjects, as his brother --- the rest his inveterate enemies, and would act with the greatest vigor towards both accordingly. He then said: "I wish to talk with my friend, the Bardack; but as I am only on a visit in the house of a brother soldier, I can say nothing; however, I will thank you not to go away to-day, and I will do myself the pleasure to invite you and talk over the affairs of our Nations in general, at my own wigwam or lodge." I gave them each a glass of whisky, and among the whole, forty loaves of bread, which I got with much difficulty.

Thursday, September 29th. --- At about 3 in the morning, it began to rain excessively, and thundered and lightened very much. At 10, the Little Corbeau sent for me to visit his lodge with the Renards. He related to the Renards all the talks he had got from his Father, saying he looked upon all people, no matter of what Nation, so long as they were British subjects, as his brethren. "I sent word," said he, "to the Renards, at the Riviere des Ayovois [Iowas], when they heard of my coming down, to be out of the way, that my Father told me to strike everything American that came in my way; but the soldier you see here, together with the advice of the Feuille, have made me withhold my war-club till my Father arrives; then if he says, strike, I will do so with the greatest good will and violence; and if he tells me to withhold it, I will do it, but never without his request. My opinion is, the nearer we are related, the better we ought to love each other; and when relations fall out, our revenge ought to be the more violent." Presenting the Renards with a pipe, he said: "Take this soldier's pipe, and report to all the Sauks and Renards my discourse and my determination, and tell them from me that it is not a good time to be idle or sporting, but every man must follow my example. If any are my enemies, let them show themselves, and let my friends do the same."

He then gave them the pipe, and we ate a mouthful, after which the Renards answered as follows: "As to my Father's talks, we know that all that comes from his mouth is true and good. In every village we find some fools. I have frequently spoken to our relations, the Jeune Homme and Tonnerre Noir, but have not been able to bring them to reason. I shall go to-morrow with your pipe, and deliver them your discourse. I hope they may open their ears; but let the consequence be what it may, this is the last time I shall counsel them. If they listen to me, so much the better; but if they absolutely persist in evil conduct, and will not leave it in our Father's power to give life to their women and children, I shall then be ready with you to follow our Father's directions. I have killed Americans, and am always awake, with my cass-tete or tomahawk in my hand for that purpose."

I then told them I was happy to see them give such friendly proofs of their relationship, and that as long as they continued in the same sentiments they should not want; that I was not left here to give advice or counsel with my red brethren, but to take care of this fort and the people about it; that I listened to everything that was going forward, and wrote it down, that their Father might see it, and that I had not the smallest doubt but their Father would be pleased with their present discourse. I then turned to the Renards, and told them when they heard the Little Corbeau speak, they heard the talk of the whole Sioux Nation, and that he must be respected and hearkened to.

Friday, September 30th. --- Nothing material, except two men, having been out hunting, saw three Puant lodges at the entrance of the Ouisconsin, who told them that they had heard by other Indians that Robert Dickson was near the portage, and that the Puants were assembling at the portage to meet him.

Saturday, Oct. 1st. --- At 7, Duncan began to make the chimneys. He is to have a man to assist him continually, and to get 400 livres for each chimney, to be finished the 15th, and should be supplied with 100 pounds of pork, and three pounds of powder. At 8, two men, by the names of Pierre Vasseur and Jacques Hebert, were confined in the guard house; also a man by the name of Pierre Provancall, of the volunteers, the two former for having got out of the fort, through a port-hole, after 8 o'clock at night, the latter for having fallen asleep on his post when on guard; the whole to be examined on Monday next before a court of inquiry, to be appointed for that purpose. It appears that Pierre Vasseur made use of mutinous language in the fort. At 12, a Folle Avoine arrived from the portage, who brought word that an express had arrived there ten days ago, with news, that Robert Dickson was at the bay, when the courier from the bay left that place; that he was bringing a great number of barges and soldiers, and that no word was mentioned of the Puants.

Sunday, Oct. 2d. --- The troops assembled as usual; practiced firing; fifteen shots were fired; only one struck the target; Manaiger, a private of the Michigans, made the best shots.

Monday, Oct. 3d. --- All hands on fatigue. The Sioux played at la crosse all day; several got sore wounds from the ball and the hurl sticks. At 7, Antoine Brisbois arrived with a boat load of corn. Rained excessively.

Tuesday, Oct. 4th. --- Nothing new. Got word that the Renards from above wished to come and deliver themselves up. This proceeds from the Little Corbeau's threats, and the same time having given a pipe to the Bardack, telling him his determination, as soon as his father arrives, to begin and strike on all those that are the American's friends. The Jeune Homme arrived in the village, but did not show himself where I was. The Sioux continued playing at la crosse. Yesterday we buried an old woman by the name of Marie. She died the night before last. She had been poisoned. A great loss to this village, she being an excellent old doctress, particularly for children. She was of the Sioux Nation, but had been a long time amongst the white people. Hazy weather.

Wednesday, Oct. 5th. --- Several canoes of Renards arrived from above. Called upon me with their flag twisted, in consideration of the Little Corbeau's pipe. I gave them my hand, and at the same time told them the reason why I did so. The Sioux finished playing at la crosse. It is with the greatest difficulty the commissary procures provisions for the troops.

Thursday, Oct. 6th. --- A beautiful morning. At 9 o'clock one canoe with six men arrived from the Feuilles' band for a little powder and tobacco. Though much in want of those articles, I have none to give them, and Capt. Dease's long stay below, obliges them to return in the morning without this very necessary assistance.

Friday, Oct. 7th. --- The Feuilles' young men did not depart, in expectations that Capt. Dease would return. At 12, released Pierre Vasseur and Jacques Hebert from the guard house, as also Pierre Provancall; but confined them to the square on hard labor, the first for eight days, the second for six days, and the last for four days. The numerous Indian tribes about the village, quite destitute of tobacco and ammunition, are, in a manner, in distress, and Robert Dickson's arrival is much wished for by all ranks and colors.

Saturday, Oct. 8th. --- Capt. Dease's unexpected long absence obliges me to order Lieut. Graham to issue a little tobacco to the Sioux, who are absolutely in want.

							Fort McKay, Oct. 8, 1814.
Lieut. Graham ---

			I am, etc., 
				Thos. G. Anderson, 
					Capt. Com'd'g.

Sunday, Oct. 9th. --- At 8, yesterday morning, Capt. Dease arrived from below. Brought interpreter Guillroy with him, who had been at the American fort at the rapids of the Riviere des Moines, and brings word that they have built a fort exactly opposite that river; that it is about fifty yards square; that they saw three men about the fort, two of whom he supposed were looking for honey; the other was about their boats. They have uncovered their boats for lumber to cover their houses.

Some of the volunteers refused to take corn for their rations; and when the troops were all assembled, I ordered those that had refused their rations out of the ranks, took away their guns and forbid every person giving them any support, or, at their peril, to harbor them, and gave orders to the officers of the Indian department to tell the Indians, that if any of them were found any distance from here, to bring them back, dead or alive. The(y) were much surprised at the sentence, and immediately wished to apologize for it, but I would not hear them. I, at the same time, thanked the others for not allowing themselves to be led into such a disgraceful plot.

Monday, October 10th --- Capt. Dease distributed powder and tobacco to the starving Indians here about; and in order to provide flour for the garrison, he at the same time was under the absolute necessity of exchanging powder for that article. The inhabitants not being able to thrash their wheat for the want of time, I was obliged to exempt them from working at the garrison.

Tuesday, October 11th --- Employed the day in writing letters to Mackinaw, etc.:

				Prairie du Chien, Fort McKay,
						Oct. 11, 1814.

Sir --- I have the honor to communicate to you that yesterday a discovering party, I had sent off some time ago, returned with news that five of the eight gun-boats, that were driven back from the Rock river (the other three are supposed to have continued their route to St. Louis) are at the entrance of the Riviere des Moines; and the Americans have built a fort there, on the east side of the Mississippi, about 140 leagues from this, and about half way from this to St. Louis, two leagues below the fort of the Rapids. Interpreter Guillroy, who headed this party of eight Sauks, reports to have been within musket shot of the fort for a whole day, and discovered three men, two of which he supposed were looking for honey; and wishing to take them prisoners, prevailed upon the Indians not to fire upon them. By this means they unfortunately made their escape. The third man was walking about the boat, all of which they have uncovered, and made use of the boards to cover their houses.

The fort is about fifty yards square, and is picketed in with very large oak pickets, about twelve feet high, and is situated on a high hill that terminates at the water side where their boats are hauled up. They have cleared all the trees and brush from the back part of their fort to the distance of musket shot; but in front, to the water side, they have left a thick wood standing, I suppose to cover their going for water. At the north side of their fort, about 700 or 800 yards distance, is a small hill or elevation, which rather exceeds the fort in height, and entirely covers the approach of troops till the extremity of the hill is attained. The Mississippi at this place is about 1000 or 1200 yards wide, and clear from islands. From the expeditious manner in which they have forwarded their work in so short a time, I am led to believe they must be about 500 strong. What their real plan is, I cannot say; but I conceive that their object is to assemble a strong force with a large supply of provisions, and either to attempt to come up here this fall late, or make a grand attack in the spring, and use every means to destroy the Indian tribes on the borders of the Mississippi.

A Pottawatamie Indian, having been taken prisoner some time ago by the Americans, made his escape about the time the eight gun-boats left St. Louis for this place, and reported to the Sauks, that an expedition of 500 men left St. Louis at the same time, with the eight gun-boats, to proceed up the Missouri ¹⁴ under a pretence of friendship with our Indians on that river, offer them terms of accommodation, give them a few goods and at the moment the Indians would be distributing the goods among themselves, the Americans were to fall upon them and cut them to pieces. This was also the plan they were to have adopted at the Rock river, when they hoisted their white flag. This news, coming by an Indian to the other Nations, has a good effect, because it is firmly believed; and convinces them what dastardly enemies they have to contend with; and did the Americans really wish or intend to come to terms with them, the Indians will be too apprehensive of treachery, to admit them to come to a parley.

There is not the smallest doubt but the enemy aim at this place, and their first object will be (as they have now no hopes of making peace or destroying the Indians by their vile statagems) to drive them, if possible, off the borders of the Mississippi, to insure for themselves a free passage or communication with their boats to this place. This object obtained, they would with ease overcome our Indians, and in a short time make themselves very formidable here. To obviate this, I take the liberty to observe that our Indians ought to be amply supplied with ammunition; and some troops with a heavy gun would be indispensably necessary to destroy their gun-boats, and make a breach in their forts.

The forts they build are constructed in such a manner, that 300 or 400 men knock up one in the course of three weeks, composed of wood, earth and stone, so strong as to bid defiance to the small guns that are here; and without regular troops to cover the guns, and to show the example in scaling or making a breach, no attacking party can hope for success. For this purpose, in my opinion, a twenty-four pound carronade, being light, would be the most proper gun.

Our troops are now on rations of corn one day, and flour and pork the next; but the latter will, in a few days, be at an end. There are still a few cattle remaining; but I think it advisable to keep them for the present in case of an attack. The numerous bands of Indians that are daily assembling here, are anxious for Robert Dickson's arrival, not only in hopes of receiving supplies of ammunition, etc., to support them during the winter, but in hopes that there may be an expedition sent down the Mississippi. The satisfaction afforded the Indians on hearing Robert Dickson's talk to them through Capt. Dease, was very great, and animated them exceedingly.

The mechanics I have employed about the garrison, etc., being poor people that live by their daily labor, I get them paid at short intervals by Mr. Brisbois, who has been very obliging in that way, and has furnished everything in his power for the use of the government. I am particularly under obligations to him for furnishing flour to the troops during the time the inhabitants were getting in their harvest. The militia in general have been attentive, and have assisted, when occasion required, to work at the garrison. The crop of wheat, and Indian corn, has, by no means, been so good as was expected; and if the troops are all obliged to winter here, there will be a deficiency of those articles.

Four Sauks have this moment arrived from the Rock river, and report that a party of their Nation and Kickapoos, that had been at war on the Missouri, returned six days ago to their village. After having attacked an American gun-boat about thirty leagues below the Riviere des Moines, and could make nothing of it, they proceeded to the Missouri, where they took two scalps and on their way back, saw six gun-boats coming up, but cannot say whether they are destined for the fort at Cap au Gris, twenty leagues above St. Louis, or the one at the Riviere des Moines. The Sauks, since Capt. Dease took them the supply of gunpowder, are daily detaching themselves by small parties to lay in wait for the workmen about the new fort.

On examining the ordnance stores, sent out by Lance Corporal Haywood, there proves a deficiency of a whole case of three-pound round shot, thirty rounds less than mentioned in Sergt. Pilmore's account. I take the liberty to enclose to you three different lists of officers and men that were here present, or on command on the 24th of July, the 24th of August, and the 24th of September, and remark in the margin at what dates certain officers and men left this place. Not having the regular forms to make out the pay lists, etc., I trouble you with those lists to give an idea of the forces here.

The principal expenditures have been for mechanics, flour, and Indians, the whole of which will not exceed £350 currency, the exact amount of which I will transmit as soon as I get the regular form. This garrison is much in want of a flag, and the articles of war.

			I have the honor to be, etc., 
					Thos. G. Anderson,
						Capt. Comd'g.

Wednesday, Oct. 12th. --- Raining all day excessively, prevented Lieut. Graham's marching.

Thursday, Oct. 13th. --- Weather cleared up at 10, and at 4 in the afternoon Lieut. Graham set off. In the evening, he having forgot some things, sent back a man with interpreter Berthe.

Friday, Oct. 14th. --- Nothing of consequence, except that the vagabond, the Tonnerre Noir, arrived. He neither showed his flag, nor called upon me.

Saturday, Oct. 15th. --- Having borrowed a keg of gun-powder some days ago from Mr. Giard, for use in case of necessity, and finding no other means of encouraging the farmers to make flour, I gave it to Capt. Dease to exchange for flour or other provisions.

Sunday, Oct. 16th. --- Practicing at the target was the means of expending much ammunition, left it off; but had the men drilled. In the evening two Folles Avoine women arrived from Green Bay, one month on the passage. They say Robert Dickson was to be at the bay about the 1st of October; that he was bringing with him a number of Court Orielles, all the Folles Avoines, and upwards of 100 soldiers; that the Nancy had taken two American vessels, and that the Sarcel was the first Indian that got on board, for which he got a wam-pum collar.

Monday, Oct. 17th --- Began the northeast block-house. The Renards made a straw man, or a man of straw, and challenged the Sioux to strike upon him, which they did, and gave them a number of their arms, utensils and fineries. Bought six cords of wood from Champegne, which I have not yet paid him for. In the evening Lieut. Graham returned, bringing with him Mr. Rolette, from Mackinaw, who brought me letters from Col. McDouall, etc. As time will not admit of my copying, they are filed in the desk.

Tuesday, Oct. 18th. --- Began to write letters, to send off Lieut. Graham with them. At 4 o'clock in the afternoon, fired a royal salute for the good news from Mackinaw.

Wednesday, Oct. 19th. --- As I received orders from Col. McDouall to discharge the Green Bay volunteers, I did so. I got money from Mr. Rolette to pay them off. I issued a proclamation that neither provisions nor lead should go out of this post, knowing that an order was sent here from Green Bay, and the demands we had for those articles for the government, were my reasons.

Thursday, Oct. 20th --- The little Corbeau called a council, when he notified us that part of the Sioux were going to return home. Mr. Dease, knowing that I had received four kegs of gun-powder for the Indians, asked me for one to give the returning Siouxs. Finding it requisite, I consented, and gave it to him. Explained to them in a few words what Col. McDouall had ordered me to do. Finished my dispatches for Mackinaw. My letters being too long to copy, I have filed them with other papers.

Friday, Oct. 21st --- Louison Berthe, interpreter in the Indian department, having been confined some days ago, by order of Capt. Dease, for having refused to obey orders, requested to speak with me, or to get permission to come and apologize for his past bad conduct. I sent him word I had nothing to do with him.

Sunday, Oct. 23d. --- Assembled the troops as usual, and informed them that they were to be mustered, and paid off to-morrow.

Monday, Oct. 24th. --- Mustered the troops, and paid the volunteers up to the 24th inst., Mr. Rolette having furnished the necessary money for that purpose.

Tuesday, Oct. 25th. --- Paid off the detachment of Michigan Fencibles up to the 24th inst., Mr. Rolette having furnished the necessary money for that purpose.

Wednesday, Oct. 26th. --- Capt. Dease having received a letter from Mr. Dickson, agent and superintendent of the western Nations, wherein he mentions to him to allow no person to interfere with him with respect to the Indians, I gave up to him everything in my charge belonging to the Indian department, for which I received his receipt.

Thursday, Oct. 27th. --- Mr. Rolette having, since his arrival, kept selling rum to the troops, etc., I was under the necessity of putting up a proclamation forbidding the sale of spirituous liquors; for as long as this custom of allowing the men to get drunk lasts, nothing can be done about the fort. Mr. Aird arrived in the evening.

Friday, Oct. 28th, --- Mr. Aird brought news that Lieut. Graham was promoted to captain in the Indian department, and Sergt. Keating as a lieutenant in the provincial volunteer artillery, but as this was only verbal, I made no orders on that score.

Saturday, Oct. 29th. --- Mr. Rolette having been ordered to supply one of his horses for fatigue today at the fort, and refusing to obey the order, Capt. Dease requested me to send a guard for the horse, which I did, because Mr. Rolette having refused, showed a bad example, and prevented a number of the inhabitants that were ordered to-day, from doing their duty.

Sunday, Oct. 30th. --- In the evening a party of Renards from below, at the Riviere du D'Inde,¹⁵ brought some deer meat, which they disposed of in the village.

Monday, Oct. 31st. --- Mr. Aird having brought with him a keg of wine tapped it the day after his arrival, and was very obliging, it being an article not common in this place, in making almost a general business of it, till there was no more. To-day the commissary got quite drunk, and was very abusive to every person, no matter who. A drunken man is always annoying to a sober one, and as Mr. Honore came into my house quite drunk, with an intention to be as abusive to me as to others, I put him out of doors; and as I had not drank a drop of liquor for some days, I could not put up with his abuse, and sent for the guard to take him away; but before the guard arrived, he was conveyed to his quarters.

Tuesday, Nov. 1st. --- Being all Saint's Day, no work was done. Three Puants arrived from Ouisconsin. No news.

Wednesday, Nov. 2d. --- Put up an advertisement to procure wood and candles for the use of the garrison, as the season is advancing fast. Mr. Honore persisting in his obstinacy, I was under the necessity of depriving him of his employment as commissary, for which purpose I wrote him a note, desiring him to deliver everything he had belonging to the commissary department, and deliver it to Lieut. Brisbois.

Thursday, Nov. 3d. --- Rainy weather has been a great detriment to advancing the work of the fort.

Friday, Nov. 4th. --- Mr. Rolette sent off a barge to get provisions, to accomplish which, I was obliged to let him have six men of the volunteers.

Saturday, November 5th. --- Three men of the volunteers got permission to return to their homes. Bought them a canoe and gave them rations. To conduct them, interpreter Honore got permission, with John Campbell, to accompany them till they meet Robert Dickson.

Sunday, November 6th. --- Nothing of consequence.

Monday, November 7th. --- Tried every means to purchase wood for the fort. Mr. Rolette having offered to take the contract at the extravagant rate of twenty shillings per cord of wood delivered here, I deferred entering into the contract till I got very particular information from every individual about the place.

Tuesday, November 8th. --- Got a calash and went out to the farms to try and get the wood necessary for the fort, contracted for in small quantities, to give an opportunity to every person of gaining something during the winter; but not finding any person that would undertake even a cord, I was obliged to contract with Mr. Joseph Rolette for 300 cords, at twenty shillings per cord.

Wednesday, November 9th --- Being ration day, and the conductor having nothing but bustards, the Michigans did not wish to take one pound of that meat for their day's rations. However, as it is good, wholesome food, and agreeable to Mr. Rolette's contract with the government they were obliged to accept it.

Thursday, November 10th --- Nothing new. Continual rain and cold.

Friday, November 11th --- John Campbell, who went from this place with interpreter Honore to meet Mr. Dickson, returned, saying he had been to the portage, and getting no news of the re-inforcement, therefore returned.

Saturday, November 12th --- Violent rain. The Little Corbeau called a council and meditated going off; but Mr. Dease and myself, thinking it best that his band should remain a few days longer, in case Mr. Dickson should arrive, and might be wanted, they agreed to stay, and Mr. Dease gave them twelve bushels of corn and forty loaves of bread.

Sunday, November 13th --- At 12 o'clock, three men, of the Gens de la Feuille, arrived under the "Buffalo that Plays;" they were received as secret enemies, and got no assistance from us.

Monday, November 14th --- A Folle Avoine canoe arrived and told us Mr. Dickson would probably be here in two or three days.

Tuesday, November 15th --- A violent storm of rain all day. Nothing new.

Wednesday, November 16th --- Cold north wind. Not able to plaster in the fort.

Thursday, November 17th --- Continued very cold. Being ration day, I ordered one and a half pounds bustard meat be issued; one pound of that meat not by any means being equal to that quantity of venison or beef. Bought a keg of high wines of Mr. Brisbois, at $14 the gallon, so by reducing it to be able to give, in this cold weather, a gill of whisky to each man on fatigue, etc.

Friday, November 18th --- Paid the masons for making two chimneys, £49, 16s., 8d. At 10 o'clock three Sauk canoes arrived, bearing each a flag. They are all in winter quarters at the Riviere des Ayouais; that is part, of three different Nations, Sauks, Kickapoos and Renards. They bring word that the American fort, at the foot of the Riviere des Moines Rapids, was abandoned about the 20th of October. The Americans had burnt the fort and proceeded to the Illinois.

Saturday, November 19th --- Continual rain and cold. A report was spread that the Sauks had turned against us, and that those seventeen Sauks that arrived on the 18th were come with an intention to take away the women from this place. After making every inquiry, found the report to be groundless.

Sunday, November 20th. --- At 10 o'clock the Sauks called a council, when they pressed very hard to get a trader to their village; but we told them we were not masters of the traders, and, at any rate, there was only one, who bought a few goods merely to support the troops of this post; but I was in daily expectation of seeing their Father, when no doubt they would receive ample support for the winter. But in the event of their Father's not coming, I would even go so far as to take powder from the big guns, to assist them.

Monday, November 21st. --- Last evening the Feuille, with twenty-one of his young men, arrived, in hopes of seeing Mr. Dickson. This evening twenty of the Gens de la Feuilles arrived --- bad Indians, rather American inclined.

Tuesday, Nov. 22d. --- Called a council of all the Indians and whites here, wherein I told the traders to sell no powder to the Gens de la Feuilles; that in the event of Mr. Dickson's not coming, we should want all the powder the traders had, to furnish a little to our allies. The Feuille and Little Corbeau both spoke and approved of what I had done, and abused the Gens de la Feuilles very much for their bad conduct in adhering to the Americans.

Wednesday, Nov. 23d. --- The Little Corbeau called a council of all the Sauks, Kickapoos and Renards present, and gave them a pipe, assuring them of his friendship towards them, and his determination to support them in the war against the Americans.

In case of an alarm, two shots will be fired from the six-pounder, when every man, the militia not excepted, will immediately repair to the garrison.

When any British flag arrives, or leaves this post, a swivel will be fired to salute such flag, unless otherwise ordered by the commanding officer.

August 11th. --- Ordered that an interpreter and twelve of the volunteers go off early to-morrow morning, in order to bring up the barges that went adrift from this place, and, according to Indian reports, are lying on sand-banks a few leagues below. Seven men of the Michigan fencibles, with the artillery men, take lessons at the cannon daily, that is, immediately after parade, at 6 o'clock in the morning, and before parade in the evening. Three of the Michigans will be daily employed in making leaden balls for the guns and swivels. One of the officers, taken from the roster, with three interpreters, militia, or privates will do patrol duty every night. The patrol will be appointed by the officer of the day, and will walk around the village every two hours during the night, and will take up any stragglers that may be going about after ___ o'clock, no matter who or what he may be, unless he can give the countersign.

A countersign is to be given every night, by the commanding officer, to such officers as he may think necessary, and to the officer of patrol, and sergeant of the guard. Any officer or private, to whom the commanding officer may give the countersign, on being convicted of having divulged it to any person whatever, will be immediately put in close confinement, and kept there till an opportunity offers to send him into Mackinaw for his trial, as the enormity of the crime would be out of the reach of any court-martial that can be held here for the present.

August 12th. --- No Indian, man, woman or child, will be allowed to enter the fort without orders from the commanding officer. This is ordered in consequence of there being, among the Renards particularly, many Indians who are bad subjects, and cannot be distinguished by some of the officers of the day.

August 13th. --- The absolute necessity of lending every assistance to save the harvest, makes it absolutely requisite to allow the farmers to keep at their work, and not to assemble, as ordered, to-morrow at 10 o'clock; but they will make it a point to appear under arms every Sunday after this, at 10 o'clock in the morning, before the fort door, unless some urgency may require it to be otherwise ordered.

August 14th. --- Lieut. Brisbois having brought word that a fine large American boat, covered as a gun-boat, was lying a little above Fort Madison, on the shore quite near the water, ordered that Lieut. Graham, with one interpreter and six men, go for the barge. When they reach the Rock river, or at any time during the voyage, if Lieut. Graham gets any certain news of the enemy's approach, he will either come back himself with the men, or send back, as he finds most requisite. When he gets to the Rock river, he will give a carrot of tobacco to the chiefs, soldiers and braves, and request of them, as many as he thinks fit to go with him, not only to assist in bringing up the barge, but to guard him against any of the Sauks, etc., that may be ill-disposed, from the Missouri; and if he can prevail on the Indians to assist him in bringing the barge up here, they shall be well paid when the re-inforcement arrives from Mackinaw; otherwise to try and run her up into the Rock river, that I can send for her from here. In case he can find no means of getting her up, he will set fire to and burn her, to prevent her falling into the enemy's hands.

August 15th. --- Ordered that a fatigue party will, to-morrow, if the weather will permit, be employed in repairing a small breast-work at the lower end, and one at the upper end of the village; and that carpenters be employed in mounting a half-pound swivel.

August 16th. --- The patrol will be suspended for the present, as a party has gone down below, and will keep directly in the enemy's way; but the principal object of this is, to afford every means possible to assist in getting in the harvest. We have only a very short allowance of flour, three barrels remaining. To-morrow the artificers will be employed in widening the passage through the fort, in order to run out the guns on three field carriages.

August 17th. --- The artificers will commence, to-morrow, making scaffolds for the sentries, to elevate them above the pickets. Ordered that the volunteers, when on guard, if they are not attentive to their duties, as sentries ought to be, shall be assigned to the same duty the next day, and so continue till they are attentive.

August 18th. --- To-morrow morning at 6 o'clock, a party of officers and interpreters are to begin and practice the use of the three-pounder, commencing at 6 o'clock, until otherwise ordered, the exercise to be of two hours duration daily.

August 19th. --- Ordered, that the commissary take every means to get in flour as fast as possible. As there are no articles in the store, that will answer the inhabitants in exchange for their flour, he will give orders on Michael Brisbois, Sr., for any flour he may purchase, till further orders.

August 20th. --- Having the other three-pounder mounted, it is ordered that the two guns drill in brigade, twice every day, Sunday excepted, and to practice sham battles. The bombardier will be active in getting all the guns and swivels in the highest order, as expeditiously as possible.

August 21st. --- Ordered that black-smiths be employed to do such work as is necessary about the guns.

August 22nd. --- Ordered, that all accounts, of flour and other articles borrowed, be settled, or made out, by the 25th inst.

August 23rd. --- Ordered, that as Chesier, the black-smith, is idle, and does not work as he ought to do, another black-smith be employed, and having no tools, will make use of Chesier's shop, etc., till the work necessary about the guns be finished.

August 24th. --- Ordered, that two lieutenants of the Indian department, namely, Lieut. Graham and Lieut. Brisbois, and three interpreters, Augustin Rock, I. B. Guillroy, Francois Bouchre dit La Malice, with Bombardier Keating, eight Michigan fencibles, and sixteen of the volunteers, with a brass three-pounder, and two swivels in the gun-boat, and a barge, be all ready to march the 27th inst., on an expedition against the Americans, in order to meet them on their way up here at the Rock river, and assist the Sauk Nation of Indians in the preservation of their wives and children.

Lieut. Graham will take the command. The commissary will issue fifteen days full rations of pork, and five days full rations of flour. Interpreter Renville will leave this place early tomorrow morning, and proceed with all haste to the chief of the Feuilles, and inform him of the expedition going below, and tell him that I request he will come down immediately, with as many of his young men as he can possibly spare, and go down and assist the Sauks; and at the same time to tell him to send word to the Little Corbeau, etc., to move this way immediately; but to remain about the Prairie a La Crosse, till further orders, and as soon as the Little Corbeau arrives there, he will send word and let me know, and Mr. Renville will return here as soon as possible.

August 25th. --- Ordered, that the Sauk chief, Thomas, leave this place to-morrow morning, for the Sauks at Rock river, to inform them, that an expedition will leave here on the 27th, for that place. Lieut. Graham will have everything ready to march at 8 o'clock on that day. The men in general, going on the expedition below, are destitute of shirts. It is, therefore, ordered, that the commanding officers will give to such as he finds in absolute want, an order on Mr. Brisbois, to furnish them such necessities, and it will be deducted from their pay, when they are paid.

Aug. 26th. --- Ordered, that the commissary augment the rations for the expedition going below, giving each man then ounces of pork, and one and a half pounds of flour. Those that remain here, will have six ounces of pork, and two pounds of flour.

Aug. 27th. --- Ordered that ____ ____ do the duty of interpreter, from this date, till further orders, and that he receive the pay and allowances that other interpreters do. The Sioux and Renards will leave this place to-morrow morning, to go and join the expedition to the Rock river. The commissary will furnish the Sioux six bushels of wheat, and the Renards four, for their provisions, till they reach the Sauks.

Aug. 28th. --- Ordered that Capt. Grignon prepare himself to leave this place, to-morrow morning at 10, for Mackinaw, with dispatches, and that an interpreter go, expressly to notify the Little Corbeau's band that the enemy are coming up, and direct him to camp somewhere about the Prairie a La Crosse, till further orders. The militia having been ordered to parade at 10 o'clock this morning, many of them came without guns, and some of them did not come at all. It is, therefore, ordered that when in future the militia are called out, if they do not all appear at the hour appointed, with their arms, those disobeying such orders shall be liable to a fine of fifteen dollars, to be levied on their goods and chattels, otherwise to be confined in the guard house, during the commanding officer's pleasure.

Aug. 29th. --- Ordered that, as Capt. Grignon is now gone, and no officer of the bay volunteers here, what few of his company remain be included in Capt. Anderson's company, till further orders.

Aug. 30th. --- That two men be employed sawing boards and planks for the use of the garrison.

Aug. 31st. --- Ordered that interpreter Frenier, with three men, set off to-morrow morning, to go and inform the Little Corbeau, as mentioned in orders of the 28th inst., lest the express the Feuille sent should fail.

Sept. 1st. --- Ordered that the commissary tell the inhabitants, if they do not be more active in making flour for the use of the troops, that men will be placed in their barns and mills by the commanding officer to thrash and grind their wheat, for the use of the garrison. That the men so employed will be paid from the produce of their flour, and for the balance the government will be accountable to be different individual owners.

Sept. 2d. --- Ordered, that interpreter Grignon leave this place to-morrow morning with four men to take flour to the detachment gone to the Rock river.

Sept. 3d. --- Ordered, that the commissary exchange with the inhabitants, as often as the opportunity may offer, whisky for flour or wheat, till further orders.

Sept. 4th. --- Ordered, that no person be allowed to go into the fort, except those accustomed to do duty, without the permission of the officer of the day.

Sept. 5th. --- Ordered, that a mare and colt, belonging to one Fontaine, a Canadian, who left here three years ago, and ever since has resided in Illinois, be taken and broken in, for the use of the garrison.

Sept. 6th. --- Ordered, that the fort gate be shut every evening at 8 o'clock; and the guards be changed at 7 o'clock in the morning, till further orders.

Sept. 7th. --- Ordered, that the four Sauks, who brought letters from Lieut. Graham, leave this place to-morrow morning, to return to the Rock river.

Sept. 14th. --- Ordered, that a barge leave this place under interpreter Rock's command, with eight volunteers, and the three men that came in the wooden canoe from the portage, to go and bring the ordnance stores, etc. Also, that Lance Corporal Heywood be attached to the guns, under Sergt. Keating, and that the officers and men, from the detachment to the Rock river, return to their duty in the garrison, as usual.

Sept. 18th. --- Ordered, that the Michigan fencibles, and Lance Corporal Haywood, of the 10th Volunteer band, with ten volunteers and seven militia, will be attached to the guns, and be drilled daily, and now and then practice firing, under Sergt. Keating, of the Royal artillery. A sufficient number of men will be selected from the volunteers and militia, as mentioned above, to man the six-pounder, and the two three-pounders. Such men will be exempt from other duty till otherwise ordered.

Ordered, that eight of the volunteers, including one sergeant and one corporal, mount guard daily; that the guards be relieved at 7 o'clock every morning. That the guards take up their quarters, in the garrison, for the time being, and not absent themselves, on any pretense, without the permission of the officer of the day, whose business it will be to attend when the guards are relieved and see that all the men are as clean as circumstances will admit of; and see that they have on them a cartouch-box and bayonet, that their guns are in good order, and that the sentries are regularly relieved by the corporal.

Ordered, that carpenters be employed, and a party of the volunteers, when not otherwise on duty, together with a party of militia, be kept on fatigue, in order to repair the fort. When any of the inhabitants or militia are ordered with a team of horses or oxen, a reasonable allowance will be made them for such team. The militia, when on fatigue (provisions being scarce), will furnish themselves with food, for which an equivalent in pay will be made them. All men on actual duty will receive one gill of whisky per day, till otherwise ordered.

Lieut. Porlier, of the volunteers, and Lieuts. Graham and Brisbois of the Indian department, will each in turn, do the duty of officer of the day, having an eye on the garrison in general, keeping everything in order, and reporting to the commanding officer, the state of the new guards when mounted, as well as every other material circumstance coming to his knowledge.

Sept. 19th. --- Ordered, that the men drilling at the guns, under Sergt. Keating of the Royal artillery, be all present, at the hours of 7 o'clock in the morning, and 3 o'clock in the afternoon; and should any be absent, Sergt. Keating will report them to the officer of the day, who will report them to the commanding officer.

Ordered, that the commissary attend at 7 o'clock every morning at the fort, to issue rations of whisky, agreeable to a requisition signed by the officer of the day.

Sept. 23rd. --- Ordered that four shots be fired from each of the three guns, every Sunday, till otherwise ordered. A target will be placed in a convenient place to prevent any accident, and at the same time so placed as to be able to recover the round shot.

Sept. 26th --- Ordered, that a court of inquiry be held in Fort McKay, at 10 o'clock this morning, to inquire into the conduct of Pierre Emerie, of the volunteers, and Solomon Demairaix, of the Michigans, both privates, who were confined in the guard house yesterday, for disobedience of orders. Also to examine Pierre Kennet and Pierre Grignon, Jr., both privates in the volunteers, for quarreling and fighting while on guard this morning. The court to consist of Lieuts. Graham and Brisbois, of the Indian department, and Lieut. Porlier of the volunteers, Lieut. Graham to be president.

Ordered, that no whisky be exchanged for any other article; but what whisky now remains will be kept for the use of the guards and fatigue parties, unless the commissary may receive other orders from the commanding officer.

The court of inquiry finding that Demairaix, of the Michigans and Kennet and Grignon of the volunteers, who had been confined, were not guilty of a crime to merit punishment, they are therefore released from the guard-house. But Pierre Emerie, of the volunteers, acknowledging his crime, a court martial is ordered to be held to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock for his trial. The court to consist of Lieut. Graham, of the Indian department, president, and Lieut. Brisbois of the Indian department, and Lieut. Porlier, of the volunteers, members.

Sept. 28th. --- A court martial, for the trial of Pierre Emerie, of the volunteers, having been held this day, of which Lieut. Graham was president, and Lieuts. Brisbois and Porlier, members, where he, the said Emerie, was found guilty of disobedience of orders, in refusing to mount guard. The court condemned the prisoner to be sent in irons to Mackinaw, to lose his pay for the time of his service, and to lose his share of the prize money taken in the capitulation of Fort McKay. But being recommended to the clemency of the commanding officer, and the court being of the opinion that his disobeying orders proceeded more through ignorance, than a wish to be mutinous, the commanding officer, therefore, orders, that he be released from confinement, and immediately return to his duty.

October, 1st. --- Ordered, that on Monday next, every man not on guard, etc., be employed on fatigue, to finish as soon as possible, the repairing of the fort. Also that a court of inquiry be held on Monday next at 12 o'clock to examine into the crimes, for which Pierre Vasseur and Jacques Hebert, of the Michigans, were confined this morning, Lieut. Duncan Graham to be president, and Lieuts. Brisbois and Porlier, members.

Oct. 3d. --- Ordered, from to-morrow morning, only half rations of liquor will be issued to the troops.

Oct. 7th.    Ordered, that Pierre Vasseur and Jacques Hebert, both privates in the Michigan fencibles, be released from the guard-house, and both confined to the square at hard labor, the former for eight days, and the latter for six from this date. And that Pierre Provancall, of the volunteers, who was confined for having allowed the above mentioned Michigan fencibles to go out of the garrison at night without leave, be released from the guard-house, and confined to hard labor in the square for four days, after which, all shall return to their duty, as soon as their respective terms of hard labor have expired.

Oct. 8th. --- Ordered, that one day's rations be issued as usual to the troops, and one of hulled Indian corn; that is, every other day one quart of corn be issued, in place of pork and flour, till further orders.

Oct. 11th --- Ordered, that Lieut. Graham, with interpreter Berthe, and five men, namely, E. Piche, Bourdon, Langlos, La Honde and Le Mire, leave this place to-morrow morning with dispatches for Mackinaw, to be delivered to Lieut. Grignon at Green Bay, from whence they will return here immediately.

Ordered, that there will be no more practicing with the guns at a target, till further orders.

Oct. 15th. --- Ordered, that an ox be bought and that four day's rations be issued at a time, that is, one pound of beef, and two pounds of flour, for one day, and one quart of corn for the second day, and so on alternately.

Oct. 18th. --- Ordered, that at 4 o'clock this afternoon, a royal salute be fired, and that all the troops and Indians be present. Immediately after which, a council will be held to inform the troops and Indians the news from Mackinaw. ¹⁶

Oct. 20th. --- Ordered, that the troops be mustered, on the 24th inst., at 10 o'clock in the morning; and on the 25th, as Mr. Rolette has offered to furnish money for that purpose, they will be paid up to the 24th.

Oct. 21st. --- Ordered, that Lieut. Brisbois, of the Indian department, act as overseer of the workmen at the fort, for which he shall be entitled to receive an additional allowance of pay, until further orders, of five shillings per day.

November 3d. --- Ordered, that Mr. Honore, lately acting commissary, for which he received the pay of a lieutenant in the volunteers, be suspended from that duty and pay till further orders. This is ordered, from his having, when drunk, made use of most disrespectful and abusive language to the commanding officer, in defiance of all military order and discipline.

Ordered, that Lieut. Brisbois, of the Indian department, receive to-morrow morning of Mr. Honore, all the accounts and stores lately in his charge as commissary, till further orders.

Nov. 6th --- Ordered, that the militia be exempt from appearing in parade in future on Sundays, till further orders.

Nov. 12th. --- Ordered, that no more drilling be practiced for the present, because the men are continually on fatigue, and the rainy season has made the parade-ground too muddy.

Nov. 17th. --- Ordered, that a keg of high wines be bought, and that the acting commissary issue to each man on actual duty one gill of liquor, till further orders. Also, as bustard meat is not equal in bulk or sustenance to other meat, that one and a half pounds of that meat must be issued per ration, till further orders.

Nov. 28th. --- Ordered, that the troops attached to this garrison, when not on duty may, with the permission of the officers of their respective corps, be allowed to work for the inhabitants of this post, till further orders.

List of Canadian voyageurs who volunteered their services, at Mackinaw, June 21, 1814, to go to Prairie du Chien, on an expedition against the Americans.

Joseph Rolette, Thomas G. Anderson, Joseph Polvin, Benjamin Roy, Ed. Picke, dit W. G. Stursman, Barnabe Sans Soisi, S. St. Germain, Pierre Grignon, Pierre Lambert, Jacques Savard, Jean B. Soyer. Pierre Gauslin, Etienne Dyon, Ant. Gauthern, Amable Tourpin, Jacques Lemire, John Campbell, Ant. Asselin, P. Provancall, Jean B. Emerie, Baptiste Berthe, Antoine Bercier, Louis Provancall, Francois La Chappelle, Gabriel La Londe, Jean M. Ducharme, J. B. Faribault, J. B. Parant, Gabriel Danie, Louis Bourdon, Etienne Serare, Joseph Ouitelle, Luke Dubois, Francois St. Maurice, L. Dejrne, Sol. Bellange, Louis Desognier, Francois Frenere, Emanuel Ranger, Joseph Filion, Henry Fleure, Colin Campbell, Alexis Larose, Amable Gervais, Jean B. Bouchard, Francois Boivin, Jacques Laurent, Michael Gravelle, Pierre Emerie, Colish Veaux, Antoine Felix, St. B. Philip, Joseph Dagenais, Joseph Minette, Prudent Langlois, Pierre Crochier, Amable J. Durans, Antoine Dabin, Louis Genereux, Antoine Asselin, Jean Tivierge, Joseph Tivierge, Pierre Robedeau, Joseph Dechan, Louis Honore, Jacques Joseph Porlier.

The under named men were here present, or on command the 24th of August, 1814:

Bombardier, Royal artillery. James Keating.

Michigan Fencibles. Sergeant: Francis Roy.

Corporal: Noel Bondvielle.

Privates: Michael Donais, Louis Vasseur, Solomon Demairaix, Joseph Lariviere, Jacques Parisiens, Oliver Degerdin, Jacques Hebert, Lacenne Dupuis, Francois, Supernant. Pierre From.

Canadian Volunteers from Mackinaw. Sergeants: Amable Dusang, Henry Fleurie.

Corporals: Antoine Dabius, Jean B. Emerie.

Privates: Manuelle Pichi, Seraphin St. Germain, Pierre Lambert, Jacques Savard, Jean B. Loyer, Jacques Lamire, John Campbell, Antoine Asselin, Baptiste Berthe, Antoine Bercier, Louis Provancall, Francois La Chapelle, Gabriel or William Lalonde, Jean M. Ducharme, Louis Bourdon, Etienne Serare, Luke Dubois, Francois St. Maurice, Louis Dagenais, Solomon Bellange, Louis Desognier, Emanuel Range, Joseph Filion, Colin Campbell, Amable Gervais, Jean M. Bouchard, Francis Boivin, Jacques Laurent, Michael Gravelle, Pierre Emerie, Antoine Felix, Joseph Dagenais, Joseph Minette, Prudent Langlois, Pierre Crochier, Louis Genereaux, Jean Tivierge, Joseph Tivierge, Pierre Robideau, Joseph Dechampes.

Pierre Kennet, a man that volunteered his services for his country on the 2d of August, 1814, at this place, is not included in the list sent to Mackinaw.

Canadian Volunteers from the Bay. Sargeant: Laurent Filey.

Corporal: Amable Grignon.

Privates: Joseph Courvalle, Labonne Dorion, Alexis Crochier, Joseph Deneau, Narcisse Delaune, Pierre Chalifou, Jean B. Latouch, Pierre L'Allement, Etienne Bantiere, Francis Freniere, Pierre Grignon, Jr., Pierre Ochu.

Note of officers, etc., here present, or on command, the 24th of August, 1814.

Captain: Thomas G. Anderson, Com'd'g the volunteers.

Lieutenants: Pierre Grignon, Sr., Joseph Jacques Porlier.

Indian Department. Lieutenants: Duncan Graham, Michael Brisbois.

Interpreter: Louis Honore, Acting Commissary.

Lieutenants: Joseph Renville, Jean B. Guillroy, Pierre Grignon, Jr., Joseph Rock, Sr., Augustin Rock, Jr., Francois Bouche.

Captain: Francis Dease, Prairie du Chien militia.

The above is a correct statement of the forces in Fort McKay, on the 24th of August, 1814.

					Thos. G. Anderson, Capt. Com'd'g.
Fort McKay, Sept. 18, 1814.
[ Endorsed on the back of the paper: ]

						Paul L'Allement,
						Claude Laframboise,
						Michael Armard.


					Michillimackinac, 23d Sept., 1814.

To Captain Anderson:

Sir: --- I have had the honor of receiving your letter of the 29th ult., by Capt. Grignon, communicating the information of the enemy's indicating an intention of attacking your post. I, however, am inclined to believe that their object for the present is confined to revenging themselves on the Sauks by an attempt to destroy their corn fields and villages, and I am sanguine in my hopes, from the formidable body of Indians assembled at the Rock river, that it will be completely frustrated and punished, as it ought.

I greatly approve of your having sent a detachment down the river in aid of the Indian force. I am convinced, it is the best mode of defending your post; and you cannot exert yourself too much in encouraging the Sauks, and affording them every assistance that is in your power to give. By that means you keep the war at a distance; and if the proper spirit is cherished and kept up amongst the Indians, I flatter myself the enemy will not be able to force such a formidable barrier. I fear it will be difficult to preserve unanimity, and that cordial co-operation with each other which is so necessary, and yet so hard to bring about, where they are numerous. You will, of course, see the necessity of making this your constant study. The ammunition sent by Corpl. Heywood will arrive very opportunely, and prove for the present a supply fully equal to the demand; but unfortunately we had neither arms nor tobacco to accompany it. I am in hopes we shall be able very soon to send supplies of those articles with Mr. Dickson, who remains here until the arrival of the Indian presents, which have been delayed in consequence of the attack and blockade of this island. The latter inconvenience we happily got rid of, by capturing, with our detachment of seamen, assisted by soldiers from the garrison, both the vessels which the enemy left for that purpose; for us a very fortunate event, which, I trust, will enable us to not only receive our Indian goods, but an adequate supply of provisions. As I am expecting a re-inforcement in the course of a week or ten days, in which, I trust, I shall not be disappointed, it will then be in my power to detach an officer and about thirty men to Fort McKay to winter.

You will observe that it will wholly depend on my getting the men which I wrote for, and fully expect. With them I shall strain every nerve to furnish you with whatever can be spared from this place, as well as Indian supplies, as arms, powder and tobacco.

Mr. Rolette has contracted to supply the garrison, to the number of sixty men, with provisions for a year. When more, for any unforeseen emergency, is required, it must be provided on the best terms you can procure, taking care that you strictly conform to the mode pointed out for your guidance by Mr. Asst. Dept. Com. Gen. Monk, at this place; and that the utmost accuracy is observed in your certificates as to the number of men victualed. To enable Mr. Rolette to fulfill his contract, you will transfer to him the salt now in possession, in whatever way you deem best, as you in your capacity of commandant must regulate everything as will most tend to the good of the service. What chimneys, fuel, or other indispensable articles may be required, you will direct to be furnished accordingly, never deviating from the established rule of procuring everything at the most reasonable rate. Mr. Rolette has been advanced £200, on account of his contract, the terms of which are sent you, and which must be scrupulously adhered to . You will, of course, ascertain that strict justice is done to the troops; and that the bills drawn upon the commissary here, are in conformity to the exact amount of provision supplied.

The dissensions and disaffection, which you mention as existing among some of the Indians, must ever be expected among so many different tribes, and where the enemy are making continual efforts to seduce them. Our efforts must be as great to reclaim such as have erred; or when that cannot be effected, to take any precaution to prevent their doing mischief. But above all you must not fail to pacify the murmuring and loyal part of them, who faithfully adhere to our interest, by pointing out to them the solid advantages which cannot fail to result from a perseverance in such praiseworthy conduct; that the numerous forces and fleets of their Great Father, the King, are attacking the enemy with decided advantage along the whole line of their sea coast; that in the Canadas our troops are embodied in great numbers; that the American army at Fort Erie is surrounded by the British, with scarcely the possibility of escaping, and this campaign has not only the prospect of ending gloriously, but the next still more so, there being little doubt that Detroit and Amhertsburgh will again fall into our hands.

You will represent these particulars to them from me, in the most impressive manner you can, telling them my firm conviction that they will oppose the most determined resistance to the shameful encroachments of the enemy, and signalize themselves in defense of their wives and children, and of the lands with which they are intrusted from their forefathers. You may assure them of my doing everything in my power to support them in so just a cause, and that from the recent circumstances of our blockade, I cannot this season supply their wants as I could wish.

Yet in ammunition, it will in some measure be made up, and next year much more will be in our power. Impress strongly on their minds the important fact, that the king, their Great Father, is determined to see justice done them, and not to make peace with the enemy until their lands are restored, and complete security given that they are not again molested or invaded.

These matters must necessarily give them courage. You will present my best wishes for their success to La Feuille and the Little Corbeau, and that I have the fullest reliance upon their zeal and courage in so just a war; and that, if necessary, they will bring down all their young men to your assistance. I shall use every exertion to send Mr. Dickson with the Indian presents, I hope, accompanied by a detachment of troops, as soon as possible after the latter arrive. In the meantime, I send by Mr. Rolette four barrels of powder for the Indians. You will know it from his, that belonging to him being marked with his initials.

With regard to the volunteers, those belonging to the bay being, I understand, greatly wanted, you will, if their services can be dispensed with, permit them to return, of course, omitting them in your pay-list from the day their service ceases. The remainder will certainly be required, at all events, till relieved; but you may render their garrison duty as easy and as little harassing to them, as possible, assuring them all at the same time, that I am highly pleased with their behaviour and services they have rendered. As they so meritoriously contributed to the recovery of the Prairie du Chien and Fort McKay, so , I doubt not, they will as gallantly exert themselves to defend their conquest. I am perfectly satisfied hitherto with your measures, but particularly with sending the gun and detachment to support the Indians.

The war must be kept at as great a distance from you as possible. You must hold a high language to the Indians, such as our great power, and unparalleled successes in general, and our commanding attitude in the Canadas in particular, justify and require.

Let the bright prospect which we may fairly anticipate, leave not a thought amongst any of you but of success and victory, and animate the whole in such a manner as will prevent the enemy from ascending the Mississippi this season.

Next year we shall, I hope, be able to afford more effectual support, and the enemy will then find himself assailed in all directions, and have fully enough upon his hands. I have the honor, etc.

(Signed,)				Rob't McDouall,
						Lieut. Col. Com'd'g.

P.S. As commandant, no person is to interfere with your command. I doubt not but you are well supported by the officers under you, particularly Lieuts. Graham and Brisbois, and Serg't Keating of the artillery. You will not fail to mention to me such as, from their zeal and good conduct, merit my approbation, and such rewards as may heretofore be in my power to bestow.

Capt. Anderson to Lieut. Col. R. McDouall.
	Prairie des Chiens, Fort McKay,
		Oct. 18th, 1814.

Sir: --- I had the honor to receive your favor of the 23d Sept., by Mr. Rolette, and as Lieut. Graham, whom I had sent off with dispatches to you, on the 13th inst., having returned with Mr. Rolette here, affords me an early opportunity of returning you my thanks for your approbation of the measures I have adopted in the defense of this post.

Long ere this you will have received my detail of our successes at the Rock river. Though no prizes were made, yet the favorable result of that expedition has been of the first consequence in the preservation of this country; for had the enemy put their design in execution, and had murdered the Sauks in that inhuman and American-like manner, as was their intention, as mentioned in my letter of the 11th inst., the Indian tribes on the Mississippi would not have been easily brought to understand or believe that our government's intention to support them is real. In fact, the Indian character is such that when a promise is made them, and not fulfilled at the time appointed, they immediately, without paying attention to the circumstances that cause the disappointment, attribute it to design, and a conditional promise with them is construed into a real or positive one.

The unforeseen and unfortunate delay of the Indian goods, notwithstanding Capt. Dease's and my indefatigable endeavors to explain to the Indians from whence it proceeds, is seriously injurious to the confidence placed by them; and if, unfortunately, anything should turn up to prevent Robert Dickson coming out here, and the supplies not reaching us, one-half of the Indians must inevitably starve to death. This last circumstance, which they themselves are continually observing to me, ought and would, to a set of rational beings in their situation, convince them, that without the supplies they receive from the British government, they cannot exist.

Mr. Rolette, having contracted for, and being able immediately to commence the supplying the garrison, is very opportunely; for the commissary store were quite exhausted and the troops began to feed on Indian corn. There is still a barrel of pork remaining, which I kept as a stand-by. I shall, as soon as these dispatches are gone, transfer to Mr. Rolette what small quantity of salt is remaining, say about forty pounds, and will immediately go about putting everything respecting the garrison, etc., in a regular way, according to the forms I have received.

With respect to the payment of the troops, Mr. Rolette has offered to furnish the money for that purpose, they having been paid up to the 24th of August last. The cold weather setting in, and the absolute necessity they are in for some articles of clothing, will make it necessary for me to pay them up to the 24th inst., which I would not otherwise do till I receive your orders to that effect. Whatever disbursements I have been obliged to make, shall be all transferred to Mr. Rolette, in order to give less trouble, being under one head. Mr. Rolette appears to wish to do everything in his power for the good of the service, and says he will at times furnish what money he can for that purpose, and as to his contract, I am convinced he will do everything possible to complete it. The greatest inconvenience will be on account of salt, which cannot be procured here to preserve the summer's supply of meat.

I am putting Fort McKay in as strong and comfortable a situation, and at as little expense, as possible, at the same time omitting nothing that may tend to the safety of the place. The four barrels of powder sent out by Mr. Rolette were received, as also some half-pound round shot, and the case of round shot mentioned as deficient in my letter of the 11th inst.

In conformity to your orders, I sent off the Green Bay Volunteers, and nine of my own company, under Lieut. Graham, of the Indian department. I have given orders to Lieut. Graham to proceed with all possible haste till he meets Robert Dickson; that should he meet the troops previous to meeting Mr. Dickson, to give them every assistance in his power. My motive for doing this is because I understand they are greatly in need; and as there are no appearances of the enemy's approach at present, the men are little wanted here.

The troops here have been almost continually, more or less of them, on fatigue, for which I make them the usual allowance of ten pence per day. The militia, when on fatigue, will have the same allowance; and as circumstances made it necessary for me to oblige them to furnish themselves with provisions, they will have six pence per day for that; and for every team furnished they will receive five shillings --- all of which, as well as every other account, shall be correctly stated, and Mr. Rolette will pay them. With respect to the officers here, I am highly pleased with them all, and assure you they have rendered every service in their power. As to Sergt. Keating, of the artillery, from the zealous, courageous and handsome manner in which he has behaved himself since he left Mackinaw, I conceive him worthy of every advantage that merit in his profession deserves.

Mr. Honore, of the Indian department, has, since we left Mackinaw, acted in the capacity of commissary, without whose assistance I would be badly off in this respect, for which Mr. Rolette informs me he has received your approbation of granting him the pay of a lieutenant, which I hope may not be improper to continue, as his assistance in that capacity is indispensably necessary. It may be proper for me to observe, that the high price of goods at this place would make it impossible for a private soldier to keep himself completely equipped, exclusive of his yearly clothing, even if he had a subaltern officer's pay. It requires two and a half months' pay of a private to buy himself a pair of shoes, and other things in proportion.

The detachment of Michigan fencibles in this garrison have, till now, proved to be good soldiers; but they require severe officers. As this garrison is small, and not placed in an advantageous situation for the defense of the place, it will be necessary for the officer commanding here, as soon as possible, to have the requsite instructions on this head; and if an alteration is allowed to be made, the materials necessary, such as wood and stone, must be got out to the spot on the snow. My determination and wish to act in every respect in conformity to your orders, and as exactly as possible, makes it necessary for me to trouble you much more on some heads than I perhaps ought to do; but as the good of the service requires, as long as I hold my present situation, that I should seek every information in this way, I take the liberty to ask you what authority I have with respect to the Indian department, and whether the necessary provisions, etc., for the Indians are furnished by the garrison, or whether the officers of that department make those purchases themselves?

The Sauks or Mississippi Indian heroes have just arrived, and brought word that a party lately arrived from the Riviere Des Forts,¹⁷ brought in ten scalps, and say they will continue to bring them in as they do ducks from the swamps. The want of provisions has been the cause of my not making an attempt there. Everything must be ready for a start in the spring. Should the re-inforcement of troops reach here in time, I should deem it best to make an attack this fall, as it would be an important point for the defense of this, to obstruct their boats. I am impatient for instructions.

I am informed that representations have been made at Mackinaw with respect to my conduct in the execution of my duty here; but as they proceed from envy and meanness, I do not regard them. My actions have ever been conducted by the purest motives for the good of the service; and if I did not give the command of the expedition to the Rock river to Capt. Grignon, it was because his conduct in the pursuit of the American gun-boat, at the taking of this place, on the 19th of July last, would not authorize me to entrust a command of so much consequence to his charge.

					Michillimackinaw, 28th Oct., 1814.

Sir: --- I was highly gratified on receiving your dispatch, announcing the defeat of another attempt of the enemy to ascend the Mississippi for an attack on your post. I also fully approve of the judicious measures you adopted to counteract their intentions, particularly in affording that prompt assistance to the Sauks which inspired them with such courage and confidence, and in the end was productive of such brilliant results. Capt. Bulger, of the Royal Newfoundland regiment, being appointed by me to command at Fort McKay, and on the Mississippi, in resigning it to him, I should not do justice to the opinion I entertain of your merit, did I not testify my entire satisfaction with your conduct while you held it. I, therefore doubt not that you will exhibit the same zeal for the good of the service, and afford Capt. Bulger the utmost assistance and support which may be in your power, and, in the event of being again attacked by the enemy, that your company of volunteers will distinguish themselves by their gallantry and good conduct, of which, you may assure them, I have a high idea.

I have directed Capt. Bulger to give every facility to you, duly receiving your pay, and the other allowances to which you and your officers are entitled. I have the honor, etc.,

	(Signed)		Rob't McDouall,
				Lieut. Col. Commanding.

				Prairie du Chien, Jan. 3, 1815.

Robert Dickson, "agent of the western Indians, and superintendent of the conquered countries," writes under the above date, to Capt. A. H. Bulger, commanding Fort McKay:

Sir: --- The sergeant on guard having informed me that the Indian chief who was then a prisoner in Fort McKay, was sick, I thought proper to sent the Sioux interpreter, Joseph Renville, to visit him, who returned with the following talk delivered by the Indian:

"I am very sick. My Father apparently finds it necessary that I should die here. If I am longer kept a close prisoner, I will most surely die of disease. It troubles my spirit to think that I shall die of sickness. I request of my Father that I may suffer death from the hands of his soldiers. Dying by the hands of his soldiers, will be the means of saving my Nation from destruction; and the Sioux chief, the Little Corbeau, will know the manner of my death. The man who committed the murder of my band; but I understand that it is not altogether for him that I am bound, but for the very bad conduct of my people before this happened --- therefore, I demand to die by the hands of your soldiers."

On being interrogated by the interpreter respecting the man who was first confined, and who had promised to return, he answered: "That he was not a man of his band; and knowing the evil disposition of his people, he was sure that they had killed him." He then added: "I am an old man. It was with difficulty that I got here. You know that I fell down often on the road, and principally when I descended the mountain; but my courage and force were renewed when I reflected that I was going to save the lives of my children by dying for them. Do not let my Father think, that by mean excuses and evasions, that I wish to save my life. No! I am above such baseness. I not afraid of death. My Father has already done me honor in sending his first soldiers to bring me here. I did not think my old body was worth so much trouble."

I think it necessary to make you the above communication, and in an hour hence I shall wait on you in order to give you some information I have just received.

Le Corbeau Francois, on arriving at the gate of Fort McKay, with the prisoner who had killed the two men, said: "My Father! Here is the dog that bit you. In delivering him up, I trust that it will be the means of saving my band from destruction." On coming into the commandant's room he again repeated: "This is the dog that bit you. Do with him as you please; he deserves to die. I have one favor to request of you --- that you will not kill him until I go off; he most surely merits death. In delivering up this bad man, I also give up the marks [gifts insignia of friendship] of the Americans. Although we are not numerous, I think we can act as well as the other Indians, and henceforth I am resolved to follow your counsel. Some time ago you frightened me, and I then thought it was a bad business; but I am now convinced that it was the best thing that could have happened, as it is the means of preserving the lives of our women and children. You are now busy; I will relate to you at another time what the Americans told me, the last time I went to see them."

Le Corbeau Francois' talk January 7th, evening: "The reports that the Indian, lately arrived from the Americans, brought, were these: They told me, said he, that when they got angry that they would bring all the Nations from the Missouri, and sweep away everything in this quarter before them. Notwithstanding this, I have given up their marks and colors. I know what I do, and I shall in future act against them." He then repeated to the interpreter the substance of the letter of Robert Dickson, the superintendent, to Capt. Bulger.

On the trial, being interrogated by the court, and pointing to the prisoner, asked if he was the man who killed one man and wounded the other? He answered --- "He is truly the man." The chief then addressed the prisoner. "Why did you deny the bad act you have done? You ought to speak the truth. The Master of Life will take pity on you. There can be no pardon for you --- prepare for death. You ought not to regret dying after committing the crime you have." To this the prisoner made no answer.

When taken from the court to the guard-house, the prisoner requested to see two Indians, his relations, which was granted. On their coming into the guard-house, the prisoner thus reproached them: "You have betrayed me in bringing me here. I thought at least one of you would have consented to die with me; and far from that being the case, you have not even come to see me." They thus replied to the prisoner: "Do you think we have come so far in the cold for the love we bear you? You killed the people who came to save our lives, without any quarrel. If it depended on us to save your life, you would not live a single moment."

							Fort McKay, 15th January, 1815.
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Sir: --- We beg of you to excuse us for the fault we committed towards your person, and the dignity of your commission; after which we dare flatter ourselves that you would condescend to receive this new address.

							F. B.,
							J. R.

In the name of the inhabitants of the Dogs' Plains.
To Capt. A. H. Bulger, Com'dg Fort McKay.
		Fort McKay, 15th January, 1815.

Sir: --- We, the citizens of the Dog Plains, not knowing in what manner to explain the sentiments with which we are penetrated, we pray that you will receive our thanks and acknowledgments for the protection that you assure to His Britannic Majesty's subjects. Your conduct and activity in rendering justice in an Indian country, which has been exposed to so many misfortunes hitherto, gives us hopes to live in quiet under your command; and permit us at the same time, more and more to testify our zeal and loyalty towards our sovereign. We beg of you to believe us, with profound respect, sir,

					Your very humble servants,
							[Names not preserved.]

To Capt. A. H. Bulger, Comd'g Fort McKay.
	Michillimackinac, 24th Feb., 1815.

To Capt. Anderson ---

Sir: --- I, this day, had the honor of your letter of the 17th ult., stating your having resigned the command of Fort McKay to Capt. Bulger. That gentleman speaks of you in such a manner that I have only to reiterate to you my thanks for the zeal and ability you displayed in your command at a very critical period; and I have to beg of you to give to Capt. Bulger the most friendly and cordial support, and, by every assistance in your power, endeavor to aid in procuring those supplies which will still enable us to retain that most important country, upon which our Indian connection, and even the safety of this island so much depend.

I am fully aware of the sacrifices you have made for the public service, and shall be ever ready, as far as it is in my power, to prove to you how desirous I am of your being recompensed, as you merit. I had before taken this into consideration, and in my last dispatch recommended you to His Excellency to be a captain in the Indian department from the 4th of September. This appointment, I have reason to believe, will afford you those permanent advantages, which, as captain of the Michigan fencibles, you would probably enjoy but a short time. I well know your zeal for the service, and will always be ready to serve you as far as in my power, and in the way most pleasing for yourself.

Every human effort must be made by one and all of you, to preserve your important post, upon which so much depends. Do your utmost to conciliate and animate the Indians, for with their hearty co-operation, I trust that the enemy is again destined to defeat and disgrace. As it is my wish that the utmost harmony should prevail at your garrison during this important crisis, I strongly recommend to you to forget what has passed, with regard to Mr. Rolette, and to be in future, on that friendly footing with him, which may, perhaps assist him in furnishing the supplies, which are of so much consequence in enabling Capt. Bulger to retain his important post.

  		I have the honor, etc., 
	(Signed): 	Robert McDouall,
			Lieut. Col. Com'd'g, and Commanding the Indian Department thereof, and its dependencies.

Answer of La Feuille, or The Leaf, principal Sioux chief, to Thomas,¹⁸ delivered to Capt. Anderson. [No date, in 1814 or 1815.]

My Brother! --- I have heard your words and received your talk, and will use my endeavors to follow your advice. You are near our Great Father at Michillimackmac, who gives us good counsels, and puts us in the road of our ancestors. Who would be foolish enough not to follow his advice?

My Brother Thomas! --- I regard you as a brother. Take this pipe, (holding a pipe in his hand), and with it, talk to the Chippewas near me (the hereditary enemies of the Sioux); they are wild and stubborn. I wish to be as brethren with them. Tell them a parcel of foolish Renards (Foxes) went to war against them, though I used my endeavors to prevent them. It is my wish to be at peace with all Nations. I regard you as a brother, and hold you fast by the hand.

Speech of L'Epervier, or Sparrow Hawk, better known as Black Hawk, principal war chief of the Sauks, delivered before peace was known, at Prairie du Chien, April 18, 1815, and taken down by Capt. T. G. Anderson:

"My Father! --- I am pleased to hear you speak as you have done. I have been sent by our chiefs to ask for a large gun (cannon), to place in our village. The Big Knives are so treacherous, we are afraid that they may come up to deceive us. By having one of your large guns in our village, we will live in safety; our women will then be able to plant corn, and hoe the ground unmolested, and our young men will be able to hunt for their families without dread of the Big Knives."

Taking the war-belt in his hand, and advancing a little, he continued:

"My Father! --- You see this belt. When my Great Father at Quebec gave it to me to be on terms of friendship with all his Red Children, to form but one body, to preserve our lands, and to make war against the Big Knives, who want to destroy us all, my Great Father said: 'Take courage, my children, hold tight your war club, and destroy the Big Knives as much as you can. If the Master of Life favors us, you shall again find your lands as they formerly were. Your lands shall again become green --- the trees green --- the water green, and the sky blue. When your lands change color, you shall also change.' This, my Father, is the reason why we Sauks hold the war club tight in our hands, and will not let it go.

"My Father! --- I now see the time is drawing near when we shall all change color; but, my Father, our lands have not yet changed color --- they are red --- the water is red with our blood, and the sky is cloudy. I have fought the Big Knives, and will continue to fight them until they retire from our lands. Till then, my Father, your Red Children, cannot be happy."

Then laying his tomahawk down before him, he continued:

"My Father! --- I show you this war club to convince you that we Sauks have not forgotten the words of our Great Father at Quebec. You see, my Father, that the club which you gave me is still red and that we continue to hold it fast. For what did you put it in my hands?

"My Father! --- When I lately came from war, and killed six of the enemy, I promised my warriors that I would get something for them from my Father, the Red Head; but as he is not here, and you fill his place, I beg of you, my Father, to let me have something to take back to them.

"My Father! --- I hope you will agree to what I ask, and not allow me to return to my warriors empty-handed, ashamed, and with a heavy heart."

Speech of the Kickapoo chief, the Barbouiller, addressed to Capt. Anderson, at Prairie du Chien, Aug. 3, 1815.

"My Father! --- You suppose within yourself: What has this old fellow got to say? I have not much to say. My chief and warriors sent me to listen to your words, as the voice of our Great Father at Mchillimackinac. I hear the news from below (meaning St. Louis), and from you. From below I hear, but do not retain it; from you I hear with satisfaction, and my ears and heart are open, and retain what you say. The Sauks and my Nation make one; and whatever they say, I hearken to it. The Great Spirit hears us talk to-day under a clear sky, and we must tell truth. I squeeze my Father's hand, am obedient to his word, and will not forget the charity he now bestows upon us."