Trail of Tears, September 16 & 17, 1838

Potawatomi Trail of Death - Diary of Jesse C. Douglas, Enrolling Agent under General Tipton, 17 Sept., 1838

6 mi., Sandusky’s Point, Illinois. Remained in camp due to illness. The sick left behind yesterday caught up, had new baby. 3 children and 2 adults died. A child was born. Dr. Jerolaman assisted by Dr. James Buell of Williamsport.

Letter excerpt from Father Petit: “I found the camp, under a burning noonday sun, surrounded by soldiers – a scene of desolation with sick and dying people. Nearly all the children, weakened by the heat, had fallen into a state of complete languor and depression. 

Watercolor "Pottawatamie Equestrians" by George Winter

Potawatomi Trail of Death - Diary of Jesse C. Douglas, Enrolling Agent under General Tipton, 16 Sept. 1838

“Travelled 15 mi., crossed state line at noon, camped at Danville, IL. Left 7 persons in camp, one is a woman about to give birth. Whole country afflicted with sickness. Father Petit baptized dying babies.” 

Painting of Kaw-Kawk-Kay, George Winter, 1838.

Journal notes by George Winter: “Kaw-kawk-kay (also spelled Kar-kar-kay) was an old and venerable chief. He wore a red shirt and no ornamentation. He leaned on a long staff, which was an ever necessary prop to his somewhat enfeebled person. He was not invited to the council and felt left out, no longer a chief but a dog, as he said to George Winter. He always walked, said he never rode a horse in his whole life. On the day of the Emigration setting forth from the grove at Horney’s mill near Logansport in the fall of 1838, the old patriarchal chief, leaning upon his staff, was observed making good time with those who were mounted and prepared for the long journey to Kansas west of the Mississippi River.”






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