Trail of Tears, November 3, 1838

Potawatomi Trail of Death - Diary of William Polke, 3 Nov.1838:

“At an early hour we left our encampment at Oak Grove, and travelled until two o’clock when we reached a settlement of Wea Indians on Bull creek, and camped adjoining Bulltown.”

“Our journey was pleasant, and was marked by the anxiety of the Indians to push forward and see their friends. During the evening an attempt was made to enroll the Indians, but not very successfully. They did not seem (or would not) to understand or appreciate the object.”

“Late in the evening several of the chiefs came to headquarters and requested to remain in camp tomorrow. But the journey being so nearly completed, and the scarcity of forage and provisions induced the conductor to deny their request, and insist upon travelling.”


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