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The Provisional Government of Nebraska Territory and the Journals of William Walker Provisional Governor of Nebraska Territory 364 same effect as that sent verbally by S. Armstrong. He must be in earnest, and in a hurry. Saturday, 16.--Went down to attend, by invitation, the Council. The subject up was the Annuity payment. Came home in the evening. Sunday, 17.--Sent a dispatch to Major Moseley by Sheriff Gibson. Martha and [I] rode down to Kansas to hear Bishop Payne preach the dedication sermon for the new Church. A very large Congregation. The Church being in debt, a subscription was raised, payable the first day of January next, and upwards of One thousand dollars was subscribed. We came home. At 8 o'clock P. M. the Sheriff returned with a dispatch from Maj. Moseley, fixing upon Tuesday for the payment. Monday, 18.--M. R. Walker returned last night from Cass County. I went to the Council House, and finding nobody there, came home again. Tuesday, 19.--To-day Major Moseley pays out the Wyandott Annuity. Creditors and debtors have much to do business on hand. Went down to the Council House and found Major Moseley on the ground ready with his dust. Commenced 12 M. paying out, and without finishing, adjourned at sunset. Sent Henry Warpole to the Calaboose for drunkenness and disorderly conduct. Wednesday, 20.--Resumed the payment of the Annuity and closed the Pay Roll at 2 P. M., and Major Moseley delivered a short valedictory to the Council and the nation not expecting to pay another Annuity. Mrs W. went to take a Boat for Richfield to see her Physician. The Council proceeded to settle up their public liabilities. Adjourned till next Tuesday. 365 Thursday, 21.--I am tortured with the Rheumatism in my left hip. Mrs Dofflemeyer spent the day with us. Writing a long letter to Sophia. Friday, 22.--Rode out to Mrs Rankin's to settle up some money matters. Came home and found the Widow Squeendehtee. I settled up my money agency with her also, to her great satisfaction. Old Connecticut sick again this evening with what he calls the dumb ague. Saturday, 23.--On going out I found that my old ox, Brindle, had broken into my Garden and committed divers mischievous acts upon my fruit trees and shrubbery. Sunday, 24.--Mrs W. came home, escorted by James Patton. Tuesday, 26.--Went to attend the settling off [of] the public national accounts. Were engaged all day without finishing. Adjourned till to-morrow. Wednesday, 27.--Went down to resume the auditing of the public accounts. Closed about sunset. Friday, 29.--We, that is, I and Mrs W., have in contemplation a visit to our Estates in Cass County; but the weather being so forbidding that we must wait for a change, as we are both invalids. A gloomy day, well calculated to generate ennui in a Frenchman. Blue devils, green devils. Sunday, 31.--Our folks gone to Church. Mrs Hannah Norton called in and handed me a letter sent over from the P. 0. It proved to be one from my Agent, Col. Goodin, enclosing a draft for $133.64. Mr Guthrie called and dined with us. We discussed politics, especially the election of delegate for Nebraska Territory. 366 NOVEMBER, 1852. Monday, 1.--Mrs W. and I rigged up our horses and set out for Cass County to see to our Estates. Went as far as Westport and staid all night at Wesley Garrett's. The Shawnee payment going on. Tuesday, 2.--Resumed our journey--a cold morning. Reached Mr Richard Berry's, 18 miles, [and] being fatigued, staid all night. In the morning, the 3rd,* raining; wind from the N. E. Notwithstanding the weather looked so unpromising, we set out on the boundless prairie. In the afternoon the sky became clear and the wind fell, and it became a pleasant afternoon. Reached the Farm about sunset, distance, 23 miles. * Here I have committed a Faux pas. Wednesday, 3.--Rained and stormed the whole day. I had no chance of riding out and visiting the neighbors. We kept close quarters all day. Our tenant has raised a fine crop of Corn and plenty of vegetables. I am better pleased now than before, with my farm. Thursday, 4.--The storm continues furiously. I was desirous of visiting my Grand River land, but to ride out on such a day would be martyrdom. Kept housed up all day. Entered into another bargain with Mr Shipley for two year's farming at $40. per annum, he keeping the land clear of taxes. Friday, 5.--Started for home. A cold, raw, windy morning. Suffering with Rheumatism. Came to Berry's and staid all night. Our Host is a Case-quisical, jocular, garrulous and humorous: a man well fitted for a frontier life. Here I have committed an egregious blunder. Thursday and Friday we staid at the Farm, and, as already stated, it stormed all the time. We did not start home on Friday, as stated above, but on --- 367 Saturday, 6.--And [we] came to Mr Berry's. Sunday, 7.--Reached home at 4 P. M. Found all well. Truly glad to get home. Friday, 19.--I learned on yesterday that Doctor Clipper, the Northern Preacher, and his lady arrived on Tuesday last. He succeeds Rev. James Witten as preacher in charge of the pitiful faction here. I hope the Doctor will demean himself, as a preacher of the Gospel, better than his degraded "predecessor," who rendered himself notorious as wanting the jewel, veracity. Poor degraded man he is sent to another field of labor. He could not be tolerated here any longer. He became known, hence he was shipped to another field,--whence he could, at least, for twelve months impose upon the ignorant, his "base coin." 1 Saturday, 20.--Went to Kansas in company with A. Guthrie. Rain, snow, sleet. In the evening the storm increased in violence, and I came home in the midst of a perfect "pour down," after dark. DECEMBER, 1852. Wednesday, 1.--This day at 2 o'clock P. M., my old and tried friend, James Washington2, departed this life--aged 65. 1) This is an injustice to Mr. Witten. He was a good man of more than average ability. He was a Virginian (born in Tazewell County), and his family was closely related by blood to that of Lord Baltimore. He was a close kinsman to William Cecil Price of Springfield, Mo.; his mother was a Cecil. He remained in the M. E. Church, after the division, and this caused many of his relatives, who were slave-holders, to condemn him. His brother Thomas was one of the founders of Portland, Oregon. "Died of pneumonia at his residence in Wyandott, December 1, at the hour of 2 P. M., James Washington, one of the oldest Councilors of the Wyandott Nation, in the 65th year of his age. The subject of this brief sketch was a full-blooded Wyandott belonging to that subdivision of the nation into tribes or clans known as the 'Beaver tribe', From my first acquaintance with him as an official member of the Church I found him a firm, inflexible and consistent Christian. Rarely if ever, cast down with discouragement and as rarely carried away with any excess of excitement--not on the hill top 368 Tuesday, 7.--Rec'd a summons from the Principal Chief, ordering a meeting of the Legislative Committee. The Committee convened and organized by the appointment of Jacob White-Crow as Chairman, and then proceeded to the usual preliminary business. Saturday, 11.--Went to attend the Council, and there learned that a murder had been perpetrated the night before, in a drunken brawl, by John Coon, Jr. and Martin Big-Arms, upon the person of Curtis Punch. Both [were] committed for trial. John Hicks, Jr. was elected to supply the vacancy in the Council caused by the death of James Washington. Wrote to A. Guthrie. one day and in 'the slough of despond' the next. In his religious profession he was truly like an even spun thread. "I have been kindly furnished by an intimate friend of the deceased with a Biographical sketch; from which I will make [excerpts]. 'I became acquainted with my friend in the summer of 1814. He did not manifest a disposition to take part in the councils of the nation, but on the contrary shun'd public notice, prefering his former pursuit, the chase, to that of listening to the eloquence of chiefs and councilors or making any attempts at public speaking himself--prefering the quite camp fire with a few of his friends in the deep dark forest to the noise and bustle of the council fire. He was, however frequently elected by the chiefs of that day as confidential messenger or bearer of important speeches in their diplomatic intercourse. The old chiefs looked upon him as, (to use their own peculiar expression,) he was a discreet and prudent young man. Sometime in the winter of 1822 & 23, he was bro't under serious awakenings thro' the ministry of Rev. J. B. F. and sometime after was rec'd into the Church. At what time he experienced a change of heart and obtained the evidence of his acceptance I know not. As the first I knew of the change that had taken place in my friends life was at a prayer meeting at a private house. As I approached the house I was astonished and amazed at recognizing my friend's Lion like voice employed in the delivery of an animated and stirring exhortation. He gave indisputable evidences of genuine piety and was at the proper time placed in charge of a class, and continued [in] that position the remainder of his life. In 1832 he was elected a councilor and served one term as principal Chief of the nation. Afterwards continued as Councilor of the nation till his death. I have been associated with him in public life for twenty years and can say with truth, he was a man you could with safety confide in. I have seen him often placed in situations the most trying to a man's integrity and veracity, situations which would determine the stuff and material he is made of, but Washington invariably came out triumphant and at the same time came unscathed. He was one of nature's noblemen, hallowed and purified by the Christian religion.' Such briefly is the account given by his friend of his early history. Washington died as he lived enjoying the confidence in peace with God and his fellow men. He exhorted all who visited him to perseverance and faithfulness especially Brother J. D. Brown. the present principal Chief, who called to see him when very low. He committed his poor blind wife and his family to the God of the fatherless and widow, gathered up his feet and departed from among men to enter upon his reward." 369 Monday, 13.--Old Connecticut sick again. Attended a night session of the Legislative Committee. Came home at 11 o'clock. Tuesday, 14.--By my nocturnal labors and exposures I have bro't my old complaint back again. I have a most acute Rheumatism in my right shoulder. Attended the joint meeting of the Council and Legislative Committee and elected Nicholas Cotter Ferryman for 1853. I notified Bryan Shehea, a roving, vagabond Irishman to leave the Territory Wednesday, 15.--Went over and notified Jonny O'Bludgeon to leave the territory within fifteen days. Mrs Mary Ann Garrett and Miss Sarah Zane spent the afternoon with us. Friday, 17.--Went to attend the trial of John Coon. Was appointed by the Council public prosecutor, and S. Armstrong was retained as counsel for the defence. The case was submitted to the Jury about dusk, and I came away. Saturday, 18.--Staid at home all day. Quarterly Meeting, commenced to-day. Sunday, 19.--The old widow Mononcue1 died last night. Went to Church. There learned that the verdict of the Jury was, "murder in the first degree." This was wrong, It is not in accordance with the evidence. He could not be convicted of anything more than "Manslaughter." But such is the verdict. Monday, 20.--Mr Duffle[meyer], Mr Barker & Son, Jonny O'Bludgeon, John Pipe and Mrs Guthrie called upon us this Morning. Company enough for one morning. Sent my letters by Jonny to the Westport P. 0. Went down in the evening to attend the session of the Legislative Committee. No quorum appearing, we adjourned at 9 o'clock. 1) The wife of the Monocue spoken of so often by Finley in his "History of the Wyandot Mission." 370 Sunday, 26.--Old Connecticut was found by our niggers lying in the mud about fifty rods from the House stiff and nearly dead. Mr Garrett and Mr Cox yoked up the Oxen and hauled him down to the House. He was then placed before the fire and thawed out. It took the whole night to bring him to consciousness. And then the impudent beast denied being drunk--said he had a fit. I being absent at the time, Mrs W. ordered him to leave the house--he refused to go; she thereupon made complaint to the Principal Chief, who ordere[d] the Sheriffs to take him and set him across the line, which was accordingly done. So ended our connection with Old Connecticut.1 He is without exception the greatest glutton--beast, and the most uncivilized white man I ever saw. Monday, 27.--Attacked violently with the winter fever. Dr. Wright attending on me--blisters, nauseating doses. 1853 JANUARY, 1853. Sunday, 9.--Went to Church to hear M. Scarritt's funeral sermon on James Washington. Monday, 10.--Went up to write John Hicks' will. He is fast sinking and cannot survive much longer. Tuesday, 11.--Drew up a petition to the Council praying that body to restrain Dr. Clipper from opening a Missionary Establishment in our territory as unnecessary and useless. Thursday, 13.--When shall we behold the sun again? Friday, 14.--Cloudy as usual. Well, I incline to the opinion that the sun has taken his departure and located himself on the other side of the Sierra Nevada, in the region of California, attracted thither no doubt by the Gold that abounds in that country. We had a new moon on last Sunday, but it has not been seen. What has become of it? gone too? Went and spent the evening with M. R. W. Clear night and for the first time, got a sight of Old Luna. 1) A Mr. Porter. 371 Saturday, 15.--Presley Muir came and cut and hauled some wood. I went to attend a night session of the Council, where the arrangements were made for the public execution of John Coon, Jr., on Tuesday, the 18th instant. Came home at 11 o'clock at night. Sunday, 16.--All feeling unwell, none went to Church but Harriet. Monday, 17.--Went in company with M. R. W. to select the ground for the public execution of the criminal. P. Muir butchered our hogs--Aggregate weight 698 lbs, Attended an extra night session of the Council. Tuesday, 18.--Clear and cold morning. Attended at the Council House. At 1 o'clock the procession was formed at the Jail, the prisoner bro't and placed in a Wagon and proceeded to the place of execution. At 1/2 past 3 o'clock P. M., the executioners, James Barnet, Tho. Pipe, Isaac Zane, H. C. Long, Louis Lumpey and Joseph White, under the command of M. R. Walker and Philip Brown, took their position ......... the signal was given and [the executioners] fired--the prisoner fell and was buried. Such was the fate and end of John Coon, Jr., a badly raised boy. He may be justly said to be the victim of a wicked and ungodly mother. Wednesday, 19.--Wrote to Major Moseley at Sarcoxie, upon matters appertaining to the Agency, especially about the movements of the Northern Missionary. Thursday, 20.--John Lynch came and made some alterations in our chimney to prevent its smoking. He succeeded to admiration in Curing the evil. Friday, 21.--Wrote to A. Guthrie. Monday, 24.--Commenced yesterday a communication for Cist's Advertiser. Finished it to-day. Attended the night session of the Legislative Committee. Adjourned at 12 o'clock. Clear and moonlight. 372 Tuesday, 25.--At 1 P. M. went to attend the session of the Committee. Wednesday, 26.--Sent by Sonny O'Bludgeon for our mail. But he had not returned last evening at dark. We greatly fear he has got into a sprey. Thursday, 27.--Clear arid cold morning. No Jonny O'Bludgeon yet. The rascal has got into a drunken frolic, and has probably lost our mail. Mrs Z. Armstrong, Miss Hunter, and the Misses Garret [came] on a visit to spend the afternoon with us. Friday, 28.--Paid M. R. W. a visit. Heard of the death of Fighter. P. Muir called. No news of "Mister O'Bludgeon." Monday, 31.--Wrote to A. Guthrie. Attended the night session of the Legislative Committee. W. Mulkey supposed to be married to-day to Miss D. FEBRUARY, 1853. Tuesday, 1.--Mrs W. gone to K. and Harriet and Mary Garrett to Mr Mulkey's infair at Esquire W. Al. McGee's Mansion. Wednesday, 2.--Harriet returned from the party at McGee's. Thursday, 3.--At 2 P. M. went to attend the session of the Committee, but found no quorum. Came home. Sunday, 6.--Paid a visit to M. R. W. Found his maimed foot getting well. The Kansas River frozen over above the Ferry. Mr Dofflemeyer called this evening in company with John D. Brown, for the purpose of having written what was seen by the latter while in "a trance" last fall during his illness. I accordingly wrote what was seen. It smacks very much of transcendentalism and wild insanity. But enthusiasts will and must have their whims. Tuesday, 8.--Rec'd a letter from Nimrod McKnight, an 373 nouncing the death of Mrs Hannah Barrett, aged 79. Heard that Edmund F. Chouteau died on Monday at 2 A. M. Thursday, 10.--Went to attend the session of the Legislative Committee. Came home with a severe nervous headache. Wrote to N. McKnight and Thomas Moseley, Indian Agents. Sunday, 13.--In the evening went with [the] family to witness the nuptials between Isaiah P. Walker and Miss Mary Williams, at 4 o'clock, at the house of Silas Armstrong. A very respectable company was assembled and everything passed off very agreeably. Monday, 14.--At 12 o'clock Meridian the venerable John Hicks1 departed this life [aged] upwards of 80 years. He 1) The following biographical sketch was written by Governor Walker: "Died at his residence in Wyandott Territory, on the 14th inst., at 12 o'clock M., John Hicks, aged upwards of 80 years. The subject of this brief sketch was a half blood. His father was a German, captured during the old Indian wars in some part of Maryland, it is supposed, and was in due time regularly adopted into the Wyandott Nation, where he remained all his life. His son John Hicks, was in his youth, accidentally wounded very severely in the right thigh, which, owing to mismanagement, rendered him a cripple for life. "In the year 1810, he with Between-the-logs, Mononcue, Matthew Peacock and George Punch, was called to the Council -Fire by Tarhee, the then ruling Sachem of the nation. In this important post he soon distinguished himself for wisdom, firmness and decision. He often detected and exposed the intrigues and machinations of Tecumseh and the Prophet, previous to the late war, in their operations with the Northwestern tribes. He continued in this important post with increased usefulness till the death of Tarhee, when by hereditary right, Da on quot succeeded him as the ruling Chief. Hicks continued in the same relation to the new Chief until the death of the latter in the summer of 1825. It was during his administration that Methodism was first preached among the Wyandotts. Being strongly imbued with the superstitions incident to heathenism, it was sometime before he could be convinced of the truth and reality of this 'New doctrine,' for it was indeed 'New' to him; as all his preconceived notions of the Christian religion were derived from the Romish Church, and not a very promising believer at that. Possessing an inquiring mind and a thirst for knowledge and a disposition to 'Prove all things and hold fast that which is good,' he availed himself of all opportunities when he could get the aid of a good Interpreter, of conversing with well informed Protestants upon religious subjects. In the year 1819 he, with his colleagues above named (except Da on quot who opposed this new religion bitterly). was received into the Church under the ministry of Rev. James Montgomery. From this period until the close of his pilgrimage he has continued unwavering and steadfast in his religious integrity, showing by his daily walk that the salvation of his own, and the souls of all within his reach was the chief business of his life. His conversation upon religious subjects showed unmistakably that he was in earnest--that he meant and felt what he said. He was exact and punctual in his attendance upon all the means of grace and a 374 was the last of the hereditary Chiefs of the Wyandott nation. He has been for thirty-five years a member of the M.. E. Church. Tuesday, 15.--Mrs W. and Harriet rode over to pay a visit to our old friend and neighbor E. T. Peerey, who is laying very low with the Winter Fever. Attended the joint session of the Committee and Council. Both bodies adjourned to attend the Funeral of the late John Hicks. In the evening snowing, and continued till late in the night. Wednesday, 16.--Went to attend the session of the Committee. Presented to the Council the last Will and testament of John Hicks for probate. cardinal maxim with him was to "Have no communion with the unfruitful works of darkness but rather to reprove them;" and in reproof he was proverbially severe; yet none acquainted with him could take offence. The ungodly, the persecutor and scoffer have often been made to writhe under the lacerating reproof administered by him. As an Exhorter he was fluent, eloquent and impressive. His mind maintained its vigor till within two or three years ago. Last fall a year, he was selected by the Chiefs to deliver, at the Church, an address on the life and character of a deceased Chief with whom he had been intimate many years. It was in this effort, discovered that his mental faculties were indeed falling into 'the sere and yellow leaf,'--and the gigantic Oak was dying at the top. Mentally and physically, it was evident, he was sinking under the pressure of the hand of time. "Father Hicks was ill about seven weeks before he died. I visited him about ten days previous to our last Quarterly meeting, when he expressed a desire to have administered to him for the last time, the sacrament of the Lord's Supper at that time. His wife remarked that she did not think he would live that long. He seemed to be suddenly roused and said, 'I feel confident that the Lord will spare me till then--yes, I shall live that long.' Upon our arrival at the time appointed for that purpose, we found him drowsy and stupid; but upon hearing our voices, he woke up and recognized us both--Knew our business and was inclined to converse with us, but was too weak. Brother Peerey administered to him the sacred emblems. "Suffering much and long, he evinced great patience and resignation. In his conversation with all who visited him he invariably stated he was ready to obey the summons at any moment--exhorted his friends to faithfulness in the cause. Thus departed this veteran from his post on the watchtower. The last of the hereditary Chiefs under the old regime of the Wyandott Nation. "His age and feebleness extreme, 375 Friday, 18.--Went over to C. B. G.'s and spent some time in social chat with Major Kirby. Monday, 21.--Went up to appraise White-Wing's farm. Came home. Raining. Tuesday, 22.--Went and attended the last session of the Committee. Passed the Annual Appropriation Bill and adjourned sine die. Hired Monsieur Brouseau to work a while. Wednesday, 23.--Attended the sale of John Hicks Estate. Came home in the evening. Friday, 25.--Major Moseley set out for Delaware. Went at candle-light to attend a Temperance meeting at the Council House. Pretty fair turn out. Saturday, 26.--Mr Brouseau. and Dudley commenced haulng in our corn from the brickyard Field. Wrote an obituary of John Hicks, Sen.1 MARCH, 1853. Thursday, 3.--The worthless Congress will be disbanded to-night at 12 o'clock. I pray Heaven this Republic will never be again cursed with such another Congress. Received two letters from Sophia informing us that her health was poor, and [that she] wanted to come home. Rec'd one from. A. Guthrie upon the subject of our territorial organization. Friday, 4.--This day Gen. F. Pierce is inaugurated President, of the U. S. Friday is an ill day, a day of bad omen. Saturday, 5.--My birthday! Fifty-three years old! that cannot be. I daily see men who are fourteen and fifteen years my juniors, who look as though they were as many years my seigniours. I am not yet, I trust, "in the sere and yellow leaf;" but how natural for men, when somewhat advanced in life, to vainly imagine they are still in "the dew of their youth." 1) The biographical sketch given in note 1, p. 373. 376 Monday, 7.--Attended, at night, a temperance Meeting at the Church. Came home at 11 o'clock. Tuesday, 8.--Mr Broseau went home after dinner; being too stormy to work. Sent by him my letters to the P. 0.; one to Judge C., Ph.........a; one to Rev. B. H. Russel, California. Wednesday, 9.--Sent Dudley to K., who shortly afterwards returned and reported that the ice above the ferry had broken loose and stove in the ferry boat and carried her of down the river, with a negro on board. Thursday, 10.--Sent Dudley again to K. He bro't our mail, with a Telegraphic dispatch announcing Gen. Pierce's Cabinet: Secretary of State, Marcy, of N. Y.; Treasury, Guthrie, Ky.; Interior, McClelland, Mich.; War, Davis, Miss.; Navy, Dobbin, N. C.; P. M. G., Campbell, Penn.; Att'y Gen'l, Cushing, Mass. Friday, 11.--Sent Dudley after my Frenchman to come to work. Found the rascally Bullfrogeater in Kansas chopping wood in the Street. Went over to sit up with Cyrus Garrett, who is very sick with the Erysipelas. Staid all night. Heard of the death of Henry Warpole and Ann White-Wing. The former died in the woods while hunting. Saturday, 12.--Sent Sophia's letter to J. Walker for him to enclose $40 to her. Dudley returned from K. bringing our mail. One letter from Sophia. Her health improving. Rec'd Senate bill organizing Nebraska Territory.1 Sunday, 13.--Went over to see Cyrus; found him improving. Staid till quite late. Monday, 14.--Cold and cloudy morning. Therm. 18o. I am apprehensive [that] cold weather is likely to continue thro' this New Moon. 1) I have been unable to learn anything of this bill. This entry would indicate that it was not the Hall-Richardson bill. But I can come to no other conclusion than that it was. 377 Answered M. Edwards' letter. Just heard that Tom Coke had inflicted a mortal wound upon Solomon Kayrohoo, with an Iron poker. Tuesday, 15.--Clear and cold. Therm. 10o. Attended a special session of the Committee. Unpleasant day. Heard of the death of Dr. Gemundt. Wednesday, 16.--Commenced the copying [of] the Wyandott laws. Warm wind from the south. Cyrus Garrett is still very sick. Typhoid Fever. Therm. 22o. Thursday, 17.--Went over to see Cyrus Garrett. Found him improving. Engaged in copying the laws. A perplexing job! Amendments upon amendments come up like "spirits from the -vasty deep"; incoherent, incongruous, and inconsistent with the original laws. Such are the fruits of having Nin-Kumpoops to make laws. Attended a Temperance Meeting at the Church. Delivered a speech at the request of the Society. Came home at 11 o'clock at night. Tuesday, 22.--Attended the session of the Council. Not much done. Wednesday, 23.--Mr Dofflemeyer commenced witewashing our House. C. B. Garrett returned home. Also, Hon. A. Guthrie from Washington. Our house upside down and topsey turvey. Thursday, 24.--Mr D. still whitewashing and painting. At 2 P. M. got through, and [I am] heartily glad of it. Friday, 25.--Cloudy morning; threatening rain. That filthy, greasy, loafing, poverty stricken, lying Frenchman, Broseau, has not returned to work. My execrations upon his pate! Saturday, 26.--Sick. I am unable to tell my complaint. Something like dyspepsia. Feel wretched. Took a dose of 378 Cook's Pills last night. Derived no advantage from them: Sick all day. Resumed recording the Laws--gave it up. Sunday, 27.--I feel some better this morning; but my complaint is not done with yet. "The snake is scotched but not killed." APRIL, 1853. Thursday, 14.--While in Kansas strong suspicions were excited that a gang of desperadoes was lurking about intent upon robbery and plunder; a person was detailed by the citizens to keep a look out. He associated himself with every suspicious person--to chat with each quite familiarly, and [he] finally succeeded in discovering who they were, their plans of operation, and that they had already committed a burglarious robbery upon a store in Parkville. He also ascertained where the goods were concealed, and [that] it was their intention to fire the town of Kansas that night. Prompt measures were then adopted for their arrest. Arrest succeeded arrest till nine were secured. They were sent to Platte City Jail to await their trial. They were a hard looking set of scamps. Saturday, 23.--Commenced writing a review of an editorial which appeared in the "Sandusky Register." It is a most scandalous calumny on the Wyandotts. This is the first instance of any of [the] Corps Editorial in Ohio attacking the Wyandotts. Sunday, 24.--Finisbed my fulmination. Visited by E. Garret and Henry Garrett, who staid [a] couple of hours. In the evening the Rev. Mr Jones called upon us. Wednesday, 27.--M. R. Walker bro't us our mail, among which was a letter from Sophia, announcing to us the astonishing news of her marriage with Mr D. V. Clements, of Hardin County, Ohio, on the 5th instant. Well, perhaps its for the best. 379 Thursday, 28.--Just heard that Tom Coke was killed by Tom Mononcue, while returning from Parkville. Learned, as yet, no particulars. Saturday, 30.--Sent by Adam Brown for our mail, but this was the last we have seen of him. I fear he got on a burst, and perhaps lost our mail and himself, too. MAY, 1853. Monday, 2.--Finished copying the Wyandott Laws1. Felicitatus! A great temperance meeting at the Church to-night. These Temperance promises and pledges may, peradventure, last till "Dog days," but I very much doubt it. They are seldom productive of any permanent good. Tuesday, 10.--Attended the session of the Council. Friday, 13th, appointed for the trial of Thomas Monocue. Heard of the removal of Thomas Moseley from the Indian Agency and the appointment of a Mr Robinson from the South West part of the State. Wednesday, 11.--Wrote a long letter to the California Wyandotts. Wm. Priddee, Presley Muir & Company set out from Wyandott Territory for California, with nearly two hundred head of Cattle. Friday, 13.--This is the day set for the trial of the criminal. 3 o'clock P. M.--Some of the jury and some of the witnesses failing to appear, the trial was postponed till Tuesday the 17th. Mr George Twyman called this evening. Monday, 16.--In the evening attended a Temperance meeting at the Church. The person chosen for speaker at a previous meeting not appearing, Mr D-----2 who always 1) I have searched for this copy of the Wyandot Laws, but have not found them. They are not among the papers belonging to the Council in the Indian Territory. | ||||||
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