Trail of Tears, September 26 & 27, 1838

 Potawatomi Trail of Death - Diary of Jesse C. Douglas, Enrolling Agent under General Tipton, 27 Sept.1838: 

"Traveled 14 mi to, Long Point, Ill.  Indian men procuring so much game that rations not needed, camp is full of venison."


Journal entry of Father Benjamin M. Petit; Sept. 27, 1838:  

“I have for two successive days the happiness of celebrating Holy Mass among my good savage children. I administered to several who were dying and baptized a few more infants. We will leave six graves in the shadow of the cross when we quit this camp.”

“We find ourselves on the grand prairies of Illinois under a burning sun and without shade from one camp to another. They are as vast as the ocean and the eye seeks in vain for a tree. Not a drop of water can be found – it is a veritable torture for our poor sick, some of whom die each day from weakness and fatigue.”  

Drawing of Nene Ngot by Candi Wesaw.



Potawatomi Trail of Death - Diary of William Polke, 26 Sept. 1838:

“Left our encampment at the crossing at 8 o’clock in the morning and proceeded on our route. The sick appear somewhat recruited. We have reason to believe that the health of the camp is returning.”

“The weather still continues delightful—the roads, however, are again becoming dusty. Provisions and forage seem not so scarce as farther back.”

“The country through which we are now passing is more thickly settled.Distance travelled today fourteen miles. We are now encamped near Decatur, Ill. Forty miles from Springfield. A child died after dark.” 

Painting of Cha-co-to, a Potawatomi Chief by James Otto Lewis.


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