Trail of Tears: September 23 & 24, 1838
Potawatomi Trail of Death - Diary of William Polke, 23 Sept. 1838 “Traveled 15 mi. to Pyatt’s Point (now called Monticello, Illinois). Left our encampment at 8 o’clock, having been detained for an hour at the request of the Rev. Petit, who desired to perform service. The day was clear and cold. Our way lay across another portion of Grand Prairie, which we found without timber for 15 miles. Physician report: “the number of sick is 40. There have been 2 deaths since my last report, and 4 or 5 may be considered immediately dangerous.” “A child died early this morning. One also died on the way to our present encampment. We are at present camped on the Sangamon River, along the banks of which our route tomorrow lies. Subsistence, beef and flour - better than usual. 29 sick persons behind in camp.” Watercolor of Iowah, emigrant on the Trail of Death; George Winter Potawatomi Trail of Death - Diary of William Polke, 24 - 25 Sept. 1838 “At 9 this morning we left Pyatt’s Point, Ill. and pr...

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