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The Provisional Government of Nebraska Territory and the Journals of William Walker Provisional Governor of Nebraska Territory 348 family, with various others, names unknown, set out on their long and lonesome journey. About bed time the sky clear and the Heavens bespangled with stars. Friday, 7.--Notified of the meeting of the National Convention on to-morrow. Saturday, 8.--Attended the Convention above alluded to. The Principal Chief presided. The object of the meeting having been stated: that of authorizing the Council to take measures for the ratification of that part of the Treaty of April, 1850, which was suspended by the President and Senate. After an animated discussion of some four hours, a vote was taken and the measure was carried by two thirds majority. The next question was voting money to defray the expenses of a delegation to go to Washington. Carried. Convention adjourned. Thursday, 13.--Burning our log heaps to-day. High winds. Heard yesterday that there were cases of Cholera in Westport, and one death. John Lynch called here to-day. He complained of bad health: "Be me troth and its meself that's had the chill every day and och! but I'm after getting very wake intirely, so I is." Friday, 14.--A young Doctor Rice, brother of Dr. Rice of Kansas, called to-day and spent the day with us. The Cholera is in our land--several deaths near and in Westport. It is awfully destructive among the Mormon emigrants. The Shawnee Chief, Jackson, died yesterday of this complaint. Saturday, 15.--M. Mudeater called to-day for despatches for Major Moseley, composed of triplicate receipts for Mr Isaac Baker and myself for our quarter's pay. The former as Assistant Blacksmith, and myself as ----- so and so. Also for the school fund for the first half year of 1852. At about 4 o'clock P. M. we had an awful rain accom- 349 panied with hail, which lasted about two hours and a half. For the first time my cellar was inundated with water five inches deep. Dr. Gemundt fled from the storm and took up quarters with us for the night. Sunday, 16.--Mr Garrett found a horse with a woman's saddle on, which was recognized as belonging to the Widow [of] Robert Coon, and shortly afterwards a child was found in Jersey Creek, drowned. Immediate search was made for the mother and [she was] found some distance below in the creek, her clothing having become entangled in a snag. The child was bro't to our house and our women dressed it and laid [it] out. When the mother was found, the corpse was taken to the Council house. There is no doubt but she attempted to cross Jersey Creek on Saturday evening after the storm, when it was at its highest; for it rose in a short time 10 or 11 feet. Monday, 17.--John Bigsinew died yesterday of Cholera or, what is more probable, [of] Delirium Tremans. Tuesday, 18.--This being a Council day, I must attend, as Major Moseley has sent word over that he would be here. There is every appearance of a clear day, but whether it will be a warm day is somewhat doubtful. Went to the Council to meet Major Moseley. Done up some public business. Wrote out the instructions for the deputation going to Washington. Major M. returned home, and I did the same. Previous to leaving, a gang of Muncies were arraigned for Horse stealing from some of our Wyandotts. They are a great set of Scamps. Tuesday, 25.--11 o'clock A. M., still raining. No more ploughing to-day "So lay by the shovel and the hoe 350 We are doomed to be without fruit this year. 12 o'clock M., Raining still. Shall the rains forever devour? I wish Thompson, the Scotch Poet, and author of "THE SEASONS" had flourished in this day and resided in this country,--I mean Upper Missouri, and was now writing his Seasons. I think it would afford some amusement to read his descriptions of Missouri Seasons. I fancy he would, in a short time, hie back to his Caledonian Hills and bid an eternal adieu to this Humid, murky, rainy, stormy, inconstant, dismal, Labradorian climate. Wednesday, 26.--About 8 o'clock A. M. the shining face of Old Sol was seen thro' the misty clouds, but a repulsive frown from old Boreas soon caused him to withdraw behind a dark cloud. Raining. Wm. Mulkey called and spent an hour, and returned. Doctor Gemundt called to see Mrs W. for whom he is prescribing. Yesterday the Wyandott delegation for Washington set out on board the Elvira. Thursday, 27.--Mr Muir is to be united to Miss Mary Rankin this evening. Rec'd a letter from my Attorney, F. Hereford, informing me that my A | c against the Estate of C. Graham, dec, was allowed by the County Court, minus $2.50 for "Wintering a Steer." Friday, 28.--In the afternoon the girls came home from the party at the Union Hotel, accompanied by W. Mulkey and a Mr King from Georgia. Sunday, 30.--Went to Church and heard a sermon by Mr Dofflemeyer. Heard of the death of Mr Preston Knight, late P. M. in Kansas. JUNE, 1852. Tuesday, 8.--My execration upon my neighbors' swine. They commenced taking up my Corn. I will have one of 351 two things to do,--either Kill the young ones or lose my crop. I will do the former, "that's flat." Attended the session of the Council. Came home in the evening and found the dolorous and weeping and inconsolable and never to be consoled (till married again) Widow Graham. And like the weeping Philosopher her tears still flow like the tail race of a mill, as tho' never did woman lose a husband before but herself FAUGH!!! Wednesday, 9.--Replanted our field which has been taken by Mrs A's Pigs. While doing so, we Killed three of them. Thursday, 10.--Nearly the whole Nine acres were destroyed by the accursed swine. During this forenoon we Killed two more. Friday, 11.--Messrs. Elwell and Watkins, (the former a Daguerreotypist and the latter a Telegraph Operator) called upon us this afternoon. The latter Gentleman furnished me with a late Daily St. Louis Republican in which are given briefly the ballotings of the National Democratic Convention. On the 49th ballot Gen. Pierce of N. H., never named as a candidate for the Presidency, heretofore, was declared the nominee, to the great dismay and consternation of the old Fogies, the young Americas, the young Africas, &c. The same paper contains information of the passage thro' Congress of the Bill granting the right of way and the adjacent public lands to the Pacific and Hannibal and St. Joseph Rail Roads. Visited my Corn field and found three pigs in it taking up the Corn just replanted. I killed two of them with a Club and the third made his escape. Too bad, too bad! Sunday, 13.--Clear and beautiful morning. To-day the Funeral Sermon of the late John M. Armstrong is to be preached by the Northern Preacher, Mr Whitten, at the Brick Church. 352 One death in K. by Cholera last night--a stranger. All went to Church and Mr W----- preached from Psalms. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints." A large congregation attended, and many Citizens of Kansas were in attendance. Just heard of the death of AARON COON. Mr and Mrs Dofflemeyer dined with us to-day. Tuesday, 15.--I have resting on me to-day, to my great annoyance, not the spirit of heaviness "nor" the spirit of prophesy," (except that I prophesy we shall have no rain to-day), but the genuine spirit of indolence. So inveterate is it, that not even the Odic force of the Spiritual rappers can move me, or set my symmetrical frame into motion. I feel much inclined to the twin brother of my complaint, Somnolency. Wake up! Wake up!! Addressed a communication to Major Moseley on et ceteras. Thursday, 17.--Wrote a communication for Cist's Advertiser on St. Clair's defeat. Friday, 18.--Mr N-----. replanting corn and Killing pigs. I am resolved to extirpate every infant or minor swine that I may detect destroying my Corn; no matter to whom they belong; my own shall share the same inexorable sentence. Saturday, 19.--William Clark and Lady from Canada arrived to-day. Also, Adam Brown, who went to that country as refugee from justice.1 The Quarterly Meeting of the M. E. Church, South, commences to-day. 1) It was hardly so bad as that. This trouble was the quarrel spoken of by Governor Walker between Abelard Guthrie and Adam Brown. Guthrie was on the defensive at all times, and wished to be on good terms with his father-in-law. He brought the matter to the attention of Major Moseley, who submitted it to the Council with a recommendation to that body to intercede. I have Major Moseley's letter on the subject. Brown had shot at Guthrie. Brown's friends urged him to go to the Wyandots in Canada and remain awhile, which he did. It is more than probable that he went with the knowledge and consent of Guthrie and the Council. When he returned all parties to the quarrel became friends. 353 John S. Bearskin, one of the chiefs, called here to-day. We got no mail. "The Blue's up. Sunday, 20.--Had a visit from the Clergy, Revs. John F. Peerey, Dofflemeyer and Wallace. We went to Church. Mr Wallace preached. Dr. Ready and Mr Funk come home with us to dinner. Received a letter from Maj. Moseley. Monday, 21.--Waiting for news by Telegraph from the Whig National Convention. Went to Kansas and learned that Gen. W. Scott was the nominee of the Whig National Convention, and Wm. A. Graham of N. C., Vice P. JULY, 1852. Friday, 2.--The corpse of Gov. Calhoun, who died on the road from Santa Fe to Kansas was bro't in for burial. He is to be buried with Masonic Honors. What train bro't the remains in is yet unknown. Saturday, 3.--Wrote a letter to Scott and Bascom of the "Ohio State Journal." Mr N----- gone to Kansas to bring our Mail, should we be so fortunate as to get one from the East; and provided always, "The Blue" is not up. Tuesday, 13.--Went to attend the National Convention to nominate candidates for the ensuing election. For Principal Chief. Council. 354 Legislative Committee. Saturday, 17.--Sent my letters to the P. O. by H. C. Long.1 Rec'd a letter from Major Moseley. Friday, 30.--The day set for the trial of Killbuck Standingstone, charged with the murder of Isaac Peacock, who came to his end in a drunken brawl, but by what means is not yet known. The Council sent for me to attend the trial, but the family being quite ill, I begged off. Mr Barker spent the day with me in social chat. Saturday, 31.--Heard that the Court failing to get a Jury, the trial of the accused was postponed. AUGUST, 1852. Tuesday, 3.--The council in session; sent me a written request to prosecute Killbuck Standingstone at the ensuing trial. Replied that I would attend. Wednesday, 4.--Attended the trial and entered upon my duties as Prosecutor. After empannelling the Jury, proceeded to examine a large number of witnesses; opened my Case and concluded my argument, and was followed by J. W. Gray Eyes for the defence. The case was then submitted to the Jury [at] 5 o'clock P. M., then [I] came home. Thursday, 5.--Daniel McNeal came to go to work for me. 1) Henry Clay Long wag a son of Alexander Long, and a brother of Irving and Isaac Long. Alexander Long was born in October, 1793, came West with the Wyandots and died in the "Wyandot Purchase," October 13, 1851. H. C. Long married a Miss Hunter, sister to Zelinda M. Hunter, the second wife of Silas Armstrong. He did not remove to the Indian Territory with the Wyandots when they resumed their tribal relations, but remained in Wyandotte County, Kansas. His property increased in value and made him wealthy. He died in California about 1886, and was brought home and buried in Huron Place Cemetery, but afterwards removed to the Wyandot Cemetery, near Quindaro. He was a member of Wyandotte Lodge No. 3, A. F. & A. M. 355 Learned that the Jury in Killbuck Standingstone's case remained cooped up all night without agreeing. The Jury rendered their verdict to-day, Manslaughter. Sunday, 8.--Mr Watkins called this evening and spent an hour. "Old Bullion is elected to Congress." Tuesday, 10.--This being the second Tuesday in August, our National election comes off to-day, with a Barbecue. Attended the election and Barbecue. The following is the result of the election: John D. Brown, Principal Chief. Councillors. [Legislative] Committee. Sheriffs, Magistrate. Wednesday, 11.--Went to Kansas for a Doctor and some family stores. Arrived at Kansas, Agent Chenault, with a large deputation of Sacs and Foxes on their way to Washington. Learned that Clark and Mudeater landed yesterday evening at the upper landing. What has become of their colleague and conductor? Saturday, 14.--Mr A. Guthrie called upon us to-day. Isaiah Walker called in the evening and delivered our mail. 1) The name Lumpy was formerly written Lump-On-The-Head, and is a name belonging to the Deer Clan and refers to the horns on the head of the deer when they first begin to grow; they are then two large lumps. 356 Sometime about midnight he returned and informed us that Mrs Garrett was attacked with a bleeding at the nose which could not be arrested. Harriet got up, dressed and went over and he went after Dr. Wright, but failed in finding him. Sunday, 15.--At the dawn of day I went over; but she had succeeded in stopping it. Dr. Gemundt called upon us to-day, having recovered from his illness. Wednesday, 18.--My Ox "Brin" Committed a breach upon my corn field last night. After having gorged himself sufficiently, he quietly gave himself up to repose. I awakened him with a heavy charge of Coarse Salt in his flank, which had somewhat of a stimulating effect upon his Cuticle; and while smarting, snorting rearing and pitching, I gave him a second, which instead of quieting him only made him worse. I have now got the Maurauder chained up to the Bar post, where he can quietly digest his Corn. Friday, 20.--The Girls went over to Kansas for some medicines and other supplies; but as usual got no mail. My execrations upon these infamous Mail Contractors! Mr and Mrs Dofflemeyer gone to the Shawnee Camp Meeting. Three Gentlemen, travelers, called this evening and wished to stay all night, but owing to our illness we advised them to stay at Mrs Garrett's. They accordingly went there. Saturday, 21.--They called over this morning and proved to be Mr McDaniel of St. Louis and two Brothers by the name of Thompson. Monday, 23.--Heard of the death of B. A. Moseley, who died at sea, on his return from California. Thursday, 24.--Major Moseley called and stayed all night. There is some mistake about the death of Beverly A. Moseley. 357 Learned that Joel W. Garrett had arrived. Saturday, 28.--Mrs W. and I made preparation to go to Kansas. We set out about 9 o'clock and returned at 2 p. m. somewhat fatigued. Learned while gone that the widow G. D. Williams died this morning at 4 o'clock. The Delaware Camp Meeting going on. Sunday, 29.--There being no Clergyman to officiate at the Church, we all staid at home. In the evening Mrs Hannah Norton called and spent an hour with us. Monday, 30.--Joel W. Garrett and Isaiah [Walker] called over and spent an hour with us. Night--And no doctor. Well, let them take my execrations and maledictions instead of a fee. Tuesday, 31.--12 o'clock M., Mr Dofflemeyer returned from the Delaware Camp Meeting. Mr Muir and McNeal working at the Camp ground, building us a shantee. The weather is now remarkably dry and the face of nature now begins to assume the livery of autumn. Autumn leaves around me falling remind me that I am nearing "the sear and yellow leaf" of life. Evening-No Doctor to visit Mr Gilmore. Fears are entertained that his Fever will assume the Typhoid form, and if it should, he being so very weak, it will run him hard. SEPTEMBER, 1852. Thursday, 2.--Nature has this morning put on her gay green livery. The Sun rising in Golden Splendor. Cool and pleasant day. Mr Gilmore continues sick. His fever seems to have assumed, as I feared, the Typhoid form, and growing weaker every day. My own health is poor. Friday, 3.--Mr G. some better this morning, but this is all delusive, nothing permanent. 358 Our folks all in a bustle, house up side down, moving to the Camp ground, Cooking utensils, provisions, Bed clothes, &c. In the evening I went to the consecrated ground and found a very comfortable shantee erected. Staid all night. Saturday, 4.--Splendid morning. Interesting religious exercises, with short intermissions, during the day. Splendid weather:--clear blue sky, pure air, good for invalids and the infirm. Sunday, 5.--At the Camp ground. The great Conch1 shell was Sounded as the Signal to rise from our beds and prepare for morning devotions and breakfast. At 11 o'clock A. M. a large Congregation assembled under the Arbor prepared for the occasion and was addressed by a Rev. Mr Love of St. Louis in a sermon of great eloquence and ability. The weather continued beautiful thro' the day. Devotional exercises were continued thro' the day, and till a late hour in the night. Several new members were received into the Church. Monday, 6.--Weather fine. Meeting continued. Some [time] in the night our negro boy, Henry, left his bed and mysteriously disappeared. He had been complaining of illness. When daylight appeared a general alarm was raised and search instituted. His track was at length found, [and indicated that he was] making his way west. About 8 o'clock A. M. John Sarrahess bro't him in. He had wandered off three miles. He could give no rational account of himself, He must have been deranged at the time he went out. Meetings were kept up thro' the day. Mrs Garrett of Ohio, and family, arrived this evening. Tuesday, 7.--After the Morning Meeting, the Camp 1) This shell is now in my possession. It was in the possession of the Wyandots for centuries. It is much worn and decayed, so much so that it can be sounded only with much difficulty. 359 Meeting was adjourned sine die. The tents were struck and [soon] all [were] homeward bound. Dr. Gemundt paid us a visit. Saturday, 11.--Just learned that poor Jacob Charloe was dead. Alas! we could easier have spared a better man. Sunday, 12.--Wrote to Rev. John F. Peerey on Church matters. Reading Schoolcraft's "THIRTY YEARS AMONG THE INDIAN TRIBES." I am disappointed in the character of the work. It is made up from extracts from his journals and his correspondence. Conversations with distinguished men, literary men, on Indian philology, etc--nothing Historical--nothing new on Aboriginal History. Mrs Nancy Garrett called over this evening and took tea. Jacob Charloe was buried to-day at 11 o'clock. Tuesday, 14.--We have had no rain to-day, tho' it has been cloudy all day. Rec'd a dispatch from Maj. Moseley, informing me of the death of Mr Perkins, the Shawnee Blacksmith. Thursday, 16.--Mrs W. set out for a little town down the river, called by some Richfield, and by others St. Bernard, to visit a Dr. Carter who has the reputation of being skillful in all sorts of Cutaneous diseases, for the purpose of being treated for a fiery and angry irritation [that is] breaking out upon her face. M. R. Walker returned this morning [from] the Circuit Court and reports that Isaiah Zane, indicted for the murder of John Kayrohoo, was sentenced to ten years imprisonment in the Penitentiary. He deserved no less than this. Sunday, 19.--Engaged in writing a long epistle to the Northern Bishop who is to preside at the Northern Conference in St. Louis, upon their Missionary operations among the Indians. 360 Monday, 20.--In the evening F. A. Hicks and John D. Brown called and spent the evening in interesting chat. Tuesday, 21.--Rec'd a communication from Major Moseley enclosing some blank receipts to he signed by the assistant Smith and the Ferryman. No money to pay Mr Interpreter. Thursday, 23.--Dofflemeyer [is] running round the country like an insane man. No one can understand his movements. To-morrow he and his spleeny . . . are off for Platte. What takes them there, is beyond my power of divination. Nor am I much concerned, whether he be sane or insane. His conduct, to say the least of it, is quite strange. Could he have had an over gorge of Saur-Kraut? He came over to pay me a visit at candle-light and staid till a late hour. I think he is sane. Friday, 24.--Cloudy and raining. My Rheumatism a little better. Learned that George Punch, of Ohio Penitentiary memory, has the small pox. Finished my letter to the Bishop, making sixteen pages, in which I have attempted to show up these canting Methodist Abolitionists in their true colors. The preachers of the Northern Methodist Church prowling round on this frontier are the most contemptible, hypocritical, canting set of fellows that ever disgraced Christianity. Saturday, 25.--Mr and Mrs Dofflemeyer started for Platte this morning. Sunday, 26.--McNeal came home from Kansas. In the dumps. Went off in the evening; where he went, I know not. But suppose be is "on a burst." Monday, 27.--McNeal came home this morning, bearing all the appearances [of] a night's debauch. Informed me he was going to quit. I told him I was very well satisfied. His clothes were packed up and he put out. Poor fellow! he is one of the most indolent, trifling, worthless young men I have ever seen. 361 Presley Muir called over this evening in company with his Father, who has come out on a visit. "A fine old Gentleman, all of the olden time." Tuesday, 28.--Rec'd a dispatch from Maj. Moseley, by P. D. Clark, informing me that he had received orders from the Superintendent to repair to St. Louis for the Annuity due his Agency. Wednesday, 29.--Mrs W. and I went to Kansas, made some purchases of family stores, medicines, etc. Dined at Mr Geer's. F. Cotter died this forenoon. Came home in the evening somewhat fatigued. OCTOBER, 1852. Friday, 1.--Wrote to I. C.--on a mystery. 4th Street, St. Louis. Went to Kansas and assisted Mr Geer P. M. in making out the Account for his P. 0. Did not get done. Came home in the evening. Cloudy and damp all day. Mr Porter commenced work to-day. Saturday, 2.--Learned yesterday that my worthy neighbor and present Pastor, D. Dofflemeyer was reappointed to this charge, and Rev. Mr Barker to the Delaware Mission and Rev. John F. Peerey, Presiding Elder. At 4 P. M. F. A. Hicks called for Sophia, who owing to ill health, intends spending the winter with her relations in Hardin County, Ohio. Altho' it was raining, yet she and Miss Huldah & Harriet boarded his carriage and put out. Miss Huldah is going to Harrisonville to spend her winter. Sophia will go in company with Mr J. S. Dawson who is going into that County. She will reside with her Uncle and Aunt, Mr and Mrs Smalley. Sunday, 3.--Raining. After breakfast the sky became clear. I then concluded I would go to Kansas and attend the dedication of the new Methodist Church by Bishop 362 Payne. We rigg'd up and set out, Martha accompanying me. The Bishop did not arrive, but a sermon, and an able one was preached by Mr McAnelly, Editor of the St. Louis Christian Advocate. Turned out to be quite a pleasant day. Monday, 4.--Went to Kansas and learned that Mr Dawson and Sophia got off this morning at 4 o'clock on board the "Brunette". Came home in the evening. John Brown still very sick. Tuesday, 5.--Cloudy morning and red in the East. Went up in company with M. R. Walker to the Council held at Matthew Mudeater's to make out the Annuity Pay Roll. Adjourned at sunset without completing our Roll. Came home sick; had a high Fever. Wednesday, 6.--Went again to M. M.'s to resume the Pay roll, and completed it in the afternoon. J. D. Brown getting better. Thursday, 7.--Commenced Copying the triplicate Pay rolls. F. A. Hicks bro't home our Parlor Stove. Friday, 8.--Resumed Copying the Pay Roll. Sent Porter to Kansas for some family stores. He came home sick. In the evening I had a severe chill which was succeeded by a burning fever, which lasted nearly all night. Oh! such a night! no poor devil suffered more than I did. Continued copying the Pay Roll. Saturday, 9.--Mrs W. and Harriet went down to Kansas. On their return, gave us information of an atrocious and bloody recontre between Mr Alfred Dale and a man, name unknown, a stranger, which took place this forenoon. Mr Dale received a horrible gash in the lower part of the abdominal region, letting out his intestines. His wound is regarded by the physicians as mortal. Finished my Pay Rolls. Sunday, 10.--Mr Gilmore set out this morning for Kansas, 363 in company with P. Muir, intending to take, the Stage for Independence; there to remain under the medical treatment of Doctor Twyman for the Intermittent Fever. Heard, on the return of Mr Muir, that Mr Dale was alive yet. This evening I escaped my chill and passed a quiet and comfortable night. Monday, 11.--Cloudy and threatening rain. 1 o'clock P. M., our folks came home in the midst of a shower. They report that Mr Dale is still alive and getting better. Tuesday, 12.--Mr Porter tore up our hearth, refilled, reset and contracted the width of the fire place to cure it of its smoking propensity. It has in some degree obviated the difficulty. Attended the election for delegate to Congress from Nebraska Territory. A. Guthrie received the entire vote polled. Came home chilled and fatigued; took my last dose of quinine and spirits. The Doffles got home. Now, stay at home. Wednesday, 13. -Wrote to Wm. Flemming on business, and to Lyman C. Draper of Philadelphia on Indian History. Mr Porter set up our Stove in the parlor. Doffle off again. What a fellow! Thursday, 14.--Expecting Major Moseley to land at Kansas to-day, I went down and waited till evening, but no Boat. While there, I called upon Mr. Dale and found him in a fair way of recovering. Came home after dark. Friday, 15.--Armstrong called this morning and informed me that he had seen Major Moseley since his arrival and [that he had] sent word requesting me to send the Pay Rolls over to his House. I accordingly employed Samuel Rankin to go as Messenger. Shortly after Samuel left, Peter D. Clark arrived bearing a dispatch from him to the | ||||||
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