Trail of Tears, September 19, 1838

Potawatomi Trail of Death - Diary of William Polke, 19 Sept. 1838:

"The business for which we remained yesterday in camp, is but half concluded. The sick require active treatment such as they cannot receive whilst on the march. We remain today. To-morrow morning most of the volunteers will be discharged, when we expect to proceed on our way. The report of the physicians varies but little from that of yesterday. They report six or eight cases as very dangerous. A child of six or eight years old died this evening. Also late at night an adult person.” 

Sketch of Sun-Go-Waw, George Winter. Several entries from George Winter journal: "Sun-go-waw was among the several Warriors, Chiefs, and Headmen who were made prisoners at the Catholic Mission at the Twin Lakes.”

“Sun-go-waw was one of Father Petit’s converts, and of great usefulness to the Priest in his godly purposes and work in the Pottawattamie people. He acted in the capacity of Interpreter to the good father, with marked usefulness and ability.”

“Sun-go-waw was among the principal men of those who were carried prisoners (in waggons) at the head of the column of the emigration.”

“About one week after the departure of the Indians, Sun-go-waw was released, and sent back to Logansport, with a despatch to Genl. John Tipton, by Genl. Morgan, in command of the Indians. This commission was a post of honor, which Sun-go-waw greatly appreciated. I remember the day he appeared at Logansport.  He enquired of me as I stood at Capt. C. Vigus' Hotel corner, for Genl. Tipton's residence, which was about a mile distant from the bridge, eastward, up the Wabash, which he readily found.Sun-go-waw faithfully performed the duty confided to him.  He received an answer from Genl. Tipton, and on the following day he returned, alone to overtake the emigration, which he had left several days previously.  This was the last time that Sun-go-waw was seen on the 'loved Wabash.'"


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