Trail of Tears September 8 & 9, 1838

Potawatomi Trail of Death - Diary of William Polke, 8 Sept. 1838: 

49 of those left at Chippeway caught up. 4 children died. Mass conducted by Father Petit. Physicians report 300 cases of sickness so medical hospital erected.”


Potawatomi Trail of Death - Diary of William Polke, 9 Sept. 1838: 

“Sidney Williams and Wm. T. Polke, who had been dispatched in pursuit of the Indians, who escaped from Chippeway, returned, having reconnoitered the villages and cornfields on the reserve without receiving any intelligence of the fugitives. They brought into camp three Indian horses which they had found on the road. A child died since dark.”  Com-no-sa-qua, a Potawatomi chief



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