CPN Julie - People of the Place of the Fire

 Potawatomi Trail of Death - Diary of William Polke, Oct. 31, 1838: "Left Encampment this morning at half after 7 o'clock—the company under Capt. Hull being attached to the emigration—and at 12 o'clock passed through Independence. At 1 o'clock we reached our present encampment two miles south of Independence, and ten miles from the camp of yesterday. After reaching camp in the evening a small quantity of shoes were distributed among the emigrants." Drawing of Quehme, artist unknown. (I love this drawing).

Potawatomi Trail of Death - Entries from the diary of Jesse C. Douglas, Enrolling Agent under General Tipton, 30 Oct. 1838: Traveled 14 mi. to Blue Ridge. Warm day, pleasant journey."  Drawing  "Mjoquis wife". The drawing is on the CPN website but it doesn't explain who Mjoquis is. Artist unknown.

  29 Oct. 1838  Diary of William Polke “At eight o’clock we resumed our journey—the morning being delightful and fine for travelling. At 12 we reached Prairie Creek, 10 miles from Schuy Creek. Subsistence flour, corn-meal, beef and pork and game of every kind. Forage, corn, hay and fodder.” “About five o’clock Capt. Hull arrived in camp with the Indians left at Logansport and Tippecanoe, numbering in all some 23. They are tolerably good health and spirits and will perhaps accomplish the remainder of the journey in the company of our party.”

 Potawatomi Trail of Death - Dairy of William Polke, 28 Oct, 1838: "Remained in camp another day. We have performed a good week's travel, ferrying two rivers in the time. Health of the camp as good as it has been."  "This morning the Indians with Ash-kum at their head, came to Head Quarters and informed the conductor of some difficulties which they were fearful might occur in the exercise of the unrestricted power claimed by I-o-weh, whom they did not choose to acknowledge as a chief of the blood. They also requested information in regard to their annuities, etc. I hoped that they would cease to speak of a subject which could not be of benefit to them, but on the other hand might affect the progress of the emigration. When the journey was completed they were at liberty to speak and decide among themselves. I had yet some tobacco, which I should offer them in hopes that they would still continue in peace and harmony. I also informed them what I knew of their annuities

Potawatomi Trail of Death, 27 Oct. 1838: They stayed encamped at Little Shuy Creek. There was a notation about the Mormon conflict in William Polke's journal but nothing more. Potawatomi Trail of Death - Diary of William Polke, 26 – 28 Oct. 1838: “At sunrise the ferry boats were busily plying from shore to shore at Missouri River at Lexington (MO). As fast as the emigrants reached the southern bank they were hurried on their journey. At two o’clock the party were all over the river, and hastened to join the front of the emigration. At four o’clock the front of the party reached our encampment at Little Schuy Creek, eight miles from last night’s camp.” “Much excitement over bloodshed, house burning, etc.” (He is referring to Missouri governor’s executive “Extermination Order” in the Missouri Mormon War leading up to Haun’s Mill massacre of Mormons).  Drawing by Candi Wesaw.

 Potawatomi Trail of Death - Entries from the diary of Jesse C. Douglas, Enrolling Agent under General Tipton, 25 Oct. 1838: "Camped near Snowden's farm. Town of Richmond's request for assistance against possible attack by Mormons was turned down."  Painting of Me-te-A by Samuel Seymour.  Chief Metea or Me-te-a was one of the principal chiefs of the Potawatomi and frequently acted as spokesman at treaty councils. His village, Muskwawasepotan, was located on the St. Joseph River near the present-day town of Cedarville, Indiana. Potawatomi Trail of Death - Diary of William Polke, 24 Oct. 1838: “This morning before leaving camp a quantity of shoes were distributed among the indigent and barefooted Indians, the weather being too severe for marching without a covering to the feet.” “At eight o’clock we left Thomas’ encampment, and at 12 reached Carrollton, near which place we are now encamped. Distance 12 miles. Nothing occurred on the way. The cold was intense on the prai

Potawatomi Trail of Death - Diary of William Polke, 23 Oct. 1838 “The morning was early employed in ferrying the remainder of the wagons across the Grand River. By 12 o'clk. all were across, and we prepared for the continuation of our journey. The bottom lands of the Missouri being too flat and wet to encamp upon an hour longer than was essentially necessary” “At 1 o'clk. we left Grand River Encampment, and passing over prairies (the cold being severe) arrived at Thomas' Encampment at a little after 4, a distance of ten miles. Subsistence beef, flour and corn. Forage corn and corn fodder."  Painting of Mas-Saw (Potawatomi and great-grandmother of Jim Thorpe) from George Winter. Potawatomi Trail of Death - Diary of William Polke, 22 Oct. 1838: “At an early hour this morning we left our encampment, and passing through Keatsville (Keytesville), journeyed towards the Missouri River. At two o’clock p.m. we reached Grand River, preparations for the ferriage of which had befo

Potawatomi Trail of Death - Entries from the diary of Jesse C. Douglas, Enrolling Agent under General Tipton, 21 Oct. 1838: "Stayed in camp. Apples and cider given to Indians."  Painting of Ma-Ga-Zee from James O. Lewis.  

 Potawatomi Trail of Death - Diary of William Polk, 20 Oct.1838:  "Left Chariton encampment at 8 o'clock this morning. The road was quite muddy, and the air very cold. At 12 we reached our present encampment on Grand Chariton, two miles from Keatsville (MO). To-morrow being the Sabbath we shall remain in camp. "The health of the Indians is almost completely restored. There are perhaps scarcely a dozen cases in camp. Subsistence beef and flour—of which the Indians are becoming tired. Bacon and pork cannot be procured. Forage hay and corn. Distance travelled to-day eleven miles."  Potawatomi Chief Kaw-kaw-kay, by George Winter

 Potawatomi Trail of Death - Entries from the diary of Jesse C. Douglas, Enrolling Agent under General Tipton, 19 Oct. 1838: "Traveled 18 mi. to Middle Chariton Mo. Our march was unusually long—water being scarce throughout the country. Travelling was difficult. The road being exceedingly slippery, and the snow falling so fast as to render very cold and unpleasant the whole journey. "The Indians travelled without complaint, and seemed greatly to approve of the exertions of government to place them at their new homes. Indians anxious to reach their destination."  This art work shows the Potawatomi conception of heaven. Date unknown.

  Potawatomi Trail of Death - Diary of William Polke, 18 Oct. 1838: "Stayed longer encamped as promised. The day was quite cold—last night having frozen water in camp. Health still improving. Subsistence flour and beef. Forage corn and hay. The snow at night changed to rain, which almost inundated the encampment. More straw was procured, which generally distributed throughout the camp rendered the Indians tolerably comfortable for the night." Picture of Potawatomi Chief Topinabe, original artist unknown

Potawatomi Trail of Death - Entries from the diary of Jesse C. Douglas, Enrolling Agent under General Tipton, 17 - 18th Oct, 1838: Traveled 13 mi. to Huntsville, MO. Snow and rain. Will remain in camp for 2 days. Indians were handed straw for beds.  Painting of Potawatomi Chief Kee-O-Tuck-Kee by James O. Lewis.

 Potawatomi Trail of Death - Entries from the diary of Jesse C. Douglas, Enrolling Agent under General Tipton, 16 Oct. 1838: "Traveled 18 mi. to Burkhart's Encampment. Water scarce. Health still improving."  Painting of Pottawatomie Chief Sun-A-Get by James O. Lewis

  Potawatomi Trail of Death - Dairy of William Polke, 15 Oct. 1838:  “According to a promise made the chiefs a few days ago, we remained in camp. In the evening the chiefs Ash-kum, I-o-weh and others, along with a number of the Indians, assembled at Head Quarters, and shook hands for a talk. “They came, I-o-weh said, to demand the dismissal or suspension of Dr. Jerolaman, the physician for the emigration, whom they had ceased to like, and did not wish him longer to accompany the emigration. I answered and informed them that their request was one of so much importance and so unusual in emigrations, that I hoped I might be allowed time not only to decide but to counsel with my officers. The Indians then retired, with the understanding that an answer would be given them to-morrow evening. “At 8 o'clk. this morning we were on the march. The day was very windy, which rendered our passage across the prairie very disagreeable. Many of the Indians suffered a good deal. At noon we reached o

https://indiancountrytoday.com/archive/native-history-the-astonishing-1902-order-to-cut-native-hair-AplQqjZHkUO1gmie37AeYw   Another little-known fact about how Europeans tried to suppress Native tradition. Source: Indian Country Today What was Commissioner of Indian Affairs William Atkinson Jones worried about in January of 1902? Hair, long hair on Native American men to be more precise. On January 11, 1902, he sent a letter to superintendents of federal reservations and agencies suggesting they force Native men to cut their hair by withholding rations and employment. “The wearing of long hair by the male population of your agency is not in keeping with the advancement they are making, or will soon be expected to make, in civilization,” Jones says in the order. “The wearing of short hair by the males will be a great step in advance and will certainly hasten their progress towards civilization.” The letter talks about eradicating traditional habits at boarding schools, and

 Potawatomi Trail of Death – Diary of William Polke, Oct. 13, 1838: "This morning as we were on the eve of leaving our encampment, a number of the Indians headed by the chief Ash-kum came up to Head Quarters, and requested an interview with the Conductor and Gen. Morgan. Ash-kum arose and in a short talk informed the Conductor that the Indians were unwilling that Gen. Morgan whom they had been taught to recognize as principal in the emigration, should leave them. They felt, he continued, that Gen. M. was near to them as a protector—he had made them pledges upon which they depended, and the fulfilment of which induced them in part to consent to their emigration.” “The Indians also requested thro' Ash-kum liberty to travel less and remain longer in camp. Judge Polke answered. He informed them that Gen. Morgan had voluntarily offered his resignation, and that he had been appointed to conduct them to their new homes, with the consent of Gen. M. etc. etc. Gen. Morgan also responded

Potawatomi Trail of Death - Entry from the diary of Jesse C. Douglas, Enrolling Agent under General Tipton, 11 Oct. 1838: "Traveled 13 mi. to Pleasant Spring near Palmyra, Mo. A woman died." Note: Nishnabe Gishek wabek (The People’s Day tomorrow - or Natives Day - or First people’s...) 

Potawatomi Trail of Death - Diary of William Polke, 10 Oct.1838: “The settlement of yesterday was concluded today, and every person engaged in the service, save the officers of the emigration, was paid up to the thirtieth. In order to allow the wagoners an opportunity of repairing their wagons, shoeing their horses and making other repairs necessary for the safe prosecution of the journey, much extra ferriage was done during the two days of our encampment at the river. “This might have been avoided by remaining on the Quincy shore, but the dissolute habits of the Indians and their great proneness to intoxication, forbid such a step on the part of the agents of the  government. At sunset all the wagons that had been repairing, were in camp, and we were prepared for next day’s journey.”                  NOTE: Roots of the epidemic of alcohol-related problems among Native Americans is a direct response to European arrival. Evidence from historical records show that alcohol was deliberatel

 Sorry I don’t know the artist to give attribution to 

 Potawatomi Trail of Death - Entries from the diary of Jesse C. Douglas, Enrolling Agent under General Tipton, 9 - 10 Oct. 1838.  "Quincy, Illinois. Continue to steam ferry across river to enter Missouri.  3 children died."

 Potawatomi Trail of Death - Diary of William Polke, 8 Oct. 1838 “In order to reach Quincy and forward the ferriage of the river as much as possible, parties of the emigration were detached and sent a-head at seven o’clock. At 10, a great portion of the emigrants had reached the river, seven miles from the camp of last night. A steam ferry-boat which had been previously employed was in waiting for, and the Indians were immediately put on board.” “By night we succeeded in crossing all the Indians, horses, and several wagons. The remainder will be brought over as early as convenient, tomorrow. It is with the utmost difficulty that many of the Indians are restrained from intoxication. A guard has to be kept under arms in every town through which we pass. Tomorrow will be employed in the payment of the officers and troops. Three children died since morning.” Potawatomi's at the Wabash by George Winter.

Potawatomi Trail of Death - Entries from the diary of Jesse C. Douglas, Enrolling Agent under General Tipton, 7 Oct. 1838: "Traveled 12 mi. to Mill Creek in Illinois. Preparing to ferry across river to Missouri. A child died.”  "Eight Potawatomi Women" by George Winter. Potawatomi Trail of Death - Diary of William Polke, 6 Oct.1838: “At a little before eight in the morning we left the encampment of last night. During the night we were visited by a fall of rain which rendered the travelling today unusually pleasant. The dust has been completely allayed, and the air much cooled. Water on the route was only to be found in stagnant ponds. “At three o’clock we reached our present encampment, which from the barrenness of the spot in everything save grass, brush and weeds, we have appropriately named Hobson’s Choice. “Beef and potatoes were issued to the Indians this evening. Forage, corn and hay. A child died since we came into camp. Distance travelled today eighteen miles.” 

 Potawatomi Trail of Death - diary of Jesse C. Douglas, Enrolling Agent under General Tipton, 5 Oct. 1838 Traveled 12 mi. to McKee's Creek. Subsistence: beef & flour. Had to hunt for water, found only in stagnant ponds.  Drawing titled "Mikesen" (shoe) by Candi Wesaw.

 Potawatomi Trail of Death - Diary of William Polke, 4 Oct.1838:  "Although the ferriage of the river was completed last night before we slept, it was thought advisable by the Conductor to remain in camp today. The Indians made use of the opportunity thus afforded, to furnish themselves with moccasins, continue to wash their blankets and clothes, and do many other thing necessary to their comfort and cleanliness during the remainder of the journey."  "The health of the Indians is now almost as good as before we commenced our march from Twin Lakes - a few days more will entirely recruit them. A young child died in the evening."  (NOTE: They spent 9 hours fording Illinois River. It is believed that Phillips' Ferry from Valley City, a few miles south of Naples, was hired to do the ferrying.).  Drawing "Abakweshk Naken" meaning Cattail Mat by Candi Wesaw.

 Potawatomi Trail of Death - Diary of William Polke, 3 Oct. 1838: “Left Exeter encampment at a little before eight o’clock, and without any occurrence of note reached the Illinois River at about 11 a.m. – nine miles distant from last night’s camp. Preparations were made for ferrying the river, and we embarked in keel and flat boats directly after our arrival.” “The day was spent in crossing and re-crossing the stream, and by nine p.m. we succeeded in landing the last of the baggage wagons. We are now encamped on the opposite shore from Naples, where we shall perhaps remain to-morrow, to recruit the fatigues of the last few days. Able to wash clothese & make mocasins. 2 children died directly after our arrival at the river.”  Drawing by Candi Wesaw.

 Potawatomi Trail of Death - Diary of William Polke, 2 Oct. 1838: “We struck our tents at 8 this morning, and prepared for a march. Owing to the very great curiosity manifested by the citizens generally, Judge Polke, after being solicited, marched the emigration into the square, where we remained for fifteen or twenty minutes.” “Presents of tobacco and pipes in abundance were made by the citizens to the Indians, who appeared quite as much delighted with the favor shown them as with the excellent music of the band which escorted us around the square. We continued our journey, and at three o’clock reached our present encampment about sixteen miles from Jacksonville.” “The day was excessively warm and the dust very afflicting, added to which water was scarcely to be found on the route. Provisions and forage we find in considerable quantities, without difficulty." Picture of Abram Burnett, member of the Trail of Death.

 Potawatomi Trail of Death - Diary of William Polke, 1 Oct. 1838: “Early in the morning we left Island Grove—travelled over a dry prairie country, seventeen miles, we reached our encampment, near Jacksonville, at 3 o’clock in the afternoon. Nothing occurred during our march save that a child fell from a wagon, and was very much crushed by the wheels running over it. It is thought the child will die.” “Tonight some of the chiefs reported two runaways, who left this morning. During the evening we were much perplexed by the curiosity of visitors, to many of whom the sight of an emigration or body of Indians is as great a rarity as a travelling caravan of wild animals. Late at night the camp was complimented by a serenade from the Jacksonville Band." Painting of "Pe-che-co, a Pottowattomie Chief" by James Otto Lewis.