Trail of Tears

Potawatomi Trail of Death - Diary of William Polke, 15 Sept. 1838


“Early on this morning we were on our way, and travelled without interruption unit 12 o’clock. When we arrived at an unhealthy and filthy looking stream, at which, from the reports of the citizens of the country, we were forced to encamp. The young men among the Indians during the afternoon, to the number of twenty-five, were permitted to go on a hunting excursion—a permission which they have for some time seemed to covet. We travelled today about 10 miles. Two small children died along the road.”

Painting of Potawatomi's camping by George Winter.

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