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The Provisional Government of Nebraska Territory and the Journals of William Walker Provisional Governor of Nebraska Territory 380 likes to bear himself talk, took the floor, and with his usual wild and uncouth ranting and horrid screams soon came near driving his audience out of the House, when S. Armstrong interposed and took the floor from him and delivered a short address in Wyandott, after which I followed in English. Tuesday, 17.--At 12 M. went down to attend the trial of Thomas Mononcue. The jury empanelled and sworn. J. W. Gray Eyes, Prosecutor. M. R. W. and myself for the defence. The case was submitted to the jury at 6 o'clock, and I came home. Wednesday, 18.--Just learned that the Jury bro't in a verdict of "Man Slaughter in the Second Degree." The Court unjustly and tyrannically sentenced him [to] four years solitary confinement. Sunday, 22.--Went to Church and heard a very good sermon preached by Rev. Thos. Ashby. Invited him and his lady to dine with us. Tuesday, 24.--Major Moseley and lady came and staid all night, by way of a farewell visit; he having been superseded in the Kansas Agency by a Mr Robinson, of Polk County, Mo Thursday, 26.--Diable! Those drunken vagabondish ferrymen have the lost Ferry Boat. They say some one or two broke the lock last night and took the Boat, no one knows where. This is too provoking. The rascals have been drunk and lost the Boat themselves. Now we have another Embargo. Sunday, 29.--To-day a Union Sunday School celebration comes off in Kansas. Our Ferry Boat was found and recovered near Randolph. Monday, 30.--Major Moseley came over in company with Major Robinson, his successor in office, and introduced him to us employees and such others as were present. Beautiful. evening, tho' cool. 381 Tuesday, 31.--Sent a copy of the Ohio State Journal containing my vindication of the Wyandotts, for republication in the "Missouri Democrat." Mrs Priestley & Mrs Dofflemeyer [came] on a visit [to us] and dined. Wrote to David Preston & Co., of Detroit, on the subject of Bounty lands. JUNE, 1853. Monday, 6.--Mrs W. and I went to Kansas to attend to some indispensable business. While in Kansas we found that "the Campbells" were not only "coming," but had actually come. We had a regular family interview. Saturday, 11.--Dressed out my Hominy Corn. Harriet, Miss Armstrong, Miss Hunter & Miss Ninnie went up to Muncie town and staid all night. Sunday, 12.--Our Clergyman being absent, there were no religious services at the Church. And as a consequence we all staid at home. A strange sort of Genius called upon me to-day, an eccentric, wild and impulsive German. He was making researches into the various Aboriginal dialects. I exhibited to him such works as I had on hand, from which he made extracts, His English was bad and, if possible, his French was worse, He was in the outward man, rough and filthy. Friday, 17.--In the evening Harriet found two swarms of bees hanging [to] a walnut tree. We turned to and prepared a couple of Gums and secured them. In the night we removed them to the Garden where they may accumulate as much honey as they please. Sunday, 19.--Mr Dofflemeyer and Lady returned last evening from Platte County. The Northern Quarterly Meeting going on. Wednesday, 22.--Mrs Nancy Pipe is very sick. Having had a paralytic stroke on her left side, rendering her insensible. 382 Thursday, 23.--Mrs Nancy Pipe continues insensible. Friday, 24.--Harriet just returned from sitting up with the sick. Nancy no better. Riddlesbarger Charivari'd last night. Saturday, 25.--At dark news came that Nancy Pipe was dying. Harriet and I went over. She died at 20 minutes past 10 o'clock P. M. We sat up all night. Sunday, 26.--After breakfast we returned to the afflicted family. A large concourse of our people assembled, and Rev. Mr Dofflemeyer delivered an address. Funeral to take place at 10 o'clock tomorrow. Monday, 27.--Attended the funeral. The burial took place at 12 M. Thursday, 30.--Mr & Mrs Clement arrived. A happy meeting among the folks. JULY, 1853. Tuesday, 12.--Attended the nominating Convention. The following is the result: John D. Brown vs Tauromee. Matthew Mudeater vs John Arms. John Sarrahess vs Geo. I. Clark. John S. Bearskin vs John Hicks. John Gibson vs Thos. Pipe. Wednesday, 13.--Capt. Black-Sheep called upon us today. Friday, 22.--Martha gone to Kansas and Harriet to Muncie town.1 Monday, 25.--Cool and cloudy morning. Resumed cutting my grass. Warm thro' the day. Sent Harriet to Kansas for some medicines for Mr C. who has every other day a chill. In the evening three Gentlemen rode up and enquired if 1) Now Muncie P. 0. Wyandotte County, Kansas. 383 W. W. resided here. Upon being answered in the affirmative they stated they wished to stay all night. I sent them to Mr C. B. G.'s. They said they were delegates to the Rail Road Meeting, in Nebraska, on the 26th inst. I would gladly have entertained them, but owing to family sickness I was compelled to send them where I did. Tuesday, 26.--Very cool and clear. Went over to C. B. G.'s and got my scythe ground. Warm and sultry. On yesterday morning One Hundred Snakes Standingstone died of Mania a potu. At noon a messenger was sent for me to attend the Rail Road Convention. I saddled my horse and rode up to the Wyandott Council House, where I found a large collection of the habitans of Nebraska. The meeting was called to order and organized by the appointment of Wm. P. Birney, of Delaware, President, and Wm. Walker, Sec'y. A Committee was then appointed to prepare Resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting. James Findley, ----- Dyer, and Silas Armstrong were appointed. In accordance with the Resolutions adopted the follow- [sic] officers were elected as a provisional government for the Territory: For Provisional Governor, Wm. Walker; Sec'y of the Territory, G. I. Clark; Councilmen, R. C. Miller, Isaac Mundy, and M. R. Walker. Resolutions were adopted expressive of the Convention's preference of the Great Central Rail Road Route. A. Guthrie, late delegate, was nominated as the Candidate for re-election. Adjourned. Thursday, 28.--Clear and cool morning. M. R. Walker very kindly come to my aid with his hand 384 and team and hauled and stacked my hay in excellent order. A. Guthrie called upon and dined with us to-day. Rec'd the printed proceedings of the Nebraska territorial Convention. Great credit is due to the Proprietors of the "Industrial Luminary" in Parkville for their promptitude in publishing the proceedings in hand bills in so short a time. Friday, 29.--Staid at home all day and rested by reading and writing. Saturday, 30.--Clear and warm. Prospect of a warm day. Well, by action of the Convention of Tuesday last I was elected Provisional Governor of this Territory. The first executive act devolving on me, is to issue a Proclamation ordering an election to be held in the different precincts, [for] one delegate to the 33rd Congress. At 10 o'clock A. M., a smart shower. This will in some degree, cool the ardor of the spectators of the exhibition of the Managerie of living animals in Kansas to-day. AUGUST, 1853. Monday, 1.--Issued my proclamation for holding an election in the different precincts in the Territory on the second Tuesday in October, for one Delegate to the 33rd Congress. Attended at a Council of Wyandotts, Delawares, Shawnees, and Pottowotomies, in Delaware. Came home at midnight. Then [we] had a heavy rain. Wednesday, 3.--At the request of a friend, I wrote my own brief Biography. While doing so, I was visited again by the crazy German mentioned under the date "Sunday, June 12." While engaged in making extracts from my books, he was taken with a chill. He is evidently partially insane. During the paroxysm of the chill, we discovered that the poor fellow was sans schme. He left in the evening. 385 Saturday, 6.--To-day Senator Atchison holds forth in Parkville, but I cannot go. Monday, 8.--Geo. I. Clark, Sec'y of the Territory, called this morning and delivered the printed Proclamation (200 copies) for circulation. Tuesday, 9.--Yoked up my oxen to see how "Old Brin" would work with his new partner, Darby. Well, they work charmingly. I am pleased with my team. This is the day appointed for the Wyandott National election and Green Corn feast. Wednesday 10.--" The Dog Star rages." Therm. 95o. Hauled a part of our effects to the Camp Ground. I am almost sorry I consented to Camp, the weather being so oppressively hot. Thursday, 11.--I have lost a day. My reckoning is wrong, but let it pass. Hauled a part of our effects to the Camp Ground to-day, not yesterday. Friday, 12.--Located among "the tents of Israel," but in order to accomplish this, I suffered in the flesh. Saturday, 13.--Public preaching by Rev. F. Ashby. In the evening we had a shower with a heavy wind creating a considerable clatter among the clap boards of our Shantee. Sunday, 14.--At 11 o'clock a very large congregation assembled in the Brick Church, filling it to its utmost capacity. Rev. F. Ashby preached an able sermon from the 1st Psalm. In the evening a very warm and interesting meeting. The Church members seemed to enjoy the exercises with great gusto. Monday, 15.--Religious services at short intervals, continued. The ordinance of Baptism administered to Mr and Mrs Priestly, and a large number of children. 386 At night a warm and devotional prayer meeting. Tuesday, 16.--Broke up and all moved home. Thursday, 18.--Commenced a long letter to Presley Muir [who is] in California. Got my Kansas mail. Two Whigs elected from Missouri, Lindsey and Caruthers. Sunday, 21.--I am vexed and tormented by my neighbor's hogs. A more devilish and unruly set of swine I never saw. Preacher's children and live stock, from such, "Libera nos, 0 Domine Deo"! Thursday, 25.--Rec'd a letter from Major Robinson on official business. Saturday, 27.--I must to-day collect some school statistics for Major Robinson. Sunday, 28.--There being no services at the Church, all having gone to the Delaware Camp Meeting, we staid at home. Monday, 29.--Mrs W., Mr Clement and myself went to Kansas. Getting sickly in this place. Many pale faces. Wednesday, 31.--Mr Guthrie called upon us to-day. All sick. SEPTEMBER, 1853. Friday, 2.--Mrs W. very sick. Our physician is very attentive to us in our afflictions, but our uncouth and clownish preacher attaches but little value to our spiritual interests, as he has never called to see us. Tuesday, 6.--Mr Commissioner Manypenny came over in company with Rev. Thos. Johnston to pay the Wyandotts a visit. The Council being in session, I introduced him to the Council, to which body he made a short address. Thursday, 8.--Harriet gone to Lexington and our eminent divine to the Conference in St. Louis. Dr. Wright called to see us. 387 Saturday, 10.--The Territorial Council met and adopted rules and regulations for the election of delegate to Congress from this Territory. Sunday, 11.--A shower in the morning. It turned out a pleasant day, but a dull and lonesome day. Not a soul called upon us thro' the day. Wrote the Indian's experience in Spiritual Rappings. Tuesday, 13.--Attended the session of the Council. There met with Major Robinson, Indian Agent. Came home in the evening. Friday, 16.--Tauroomee, N. Cotter and Philip Brown called to get some writing done. The two latter [are] going to California. Tuesday, 27.--D. Dofflemeyer returned from St. Louis. Conference, that's all about him. OCTOBER, 1853. Tuesday, 4.--Attended the session of the Council. Harriet returned home from Lexington, Mo. A. L. Gilstrap, Bloomington, Mo. The above is the address of a Gentleman who called upon me and spent the evening. He has been exploring Nebraska Territory with a view of settling. Thursday, 6.--Rec'd a letter from Maj. Robinson, informing me that Com. Manypenny wished to have an interview with the Council to-morrow. Friday, 7.--Attended a Council called by the Com. of Indian Affairs. Speeches were passed between the parties on the subject of the Territorial organization, selling out to the Gov't. Saturday, 8.--Completed my second Epistle to the Ohio State Journal on Territorial Affairs. Then hunted up my villainous horses. Harriet. gone to Kansas for our mail. Attended a called National Council. 388 Sunday, 9.--Harriet went to Sabbath School. M. R. W., Mrs M. Garrett, and Sarah Garrett called upon us and spent an hour in social chat. Monday, 10.--Went to attend a special session of the Council. Tuesday, 11.--Attended the election for delegate to Congress, for Wyandott precinct. Fifty-one votes only were polled. A. Guthrie, 33 Tom Johnston, 18 The priesthood of the M. E. Church made unusual exertions to obtain a majority for their holy brother. Amidst the exertions of their obsequious tools, it was apparent [that] it was an up-hill piece of business in Wyandott. Executed a Commission to J. B. Nones as Commissioner and Notary Public for Nebraska Territory. Thursday, 13.--Went down to Kansas to see Mr and Mrs Clement on board a Steamer on their return to Ohio. A pleasant trip to ye. Farewell. Thursday, 27.--Just getting over a most wanton and unprovoked attack of the Bilious Diarrhea which bro't me ,close to death's door. Friday, 28.--Hired Isaac Big-Tree and James Arm, strong to chop wood. In the evening they went home. In the evening the Mrs Garretts and Miss Garrett called and staid till bed-time. Monday, 31.--I suppose we may safely set down Thomas Johnston's election for delegate as certain. It is not at all surprising, when we look at the fearful odds between the opposing candidates. Mr Guthrie had only his personal friends to support him with their votes and influence, while the former had the whole power of the Federal Government, the presence and active support of the Commissioner of In- 389 dian Affairs, the Military, the Indian Agents, Missionaries,, Indian Traders, &c. A combined power that is irresistible. NOVEMBER, 1853. Saturday, 5.--Rec'd a line from J. Walker informing me that Maj. Robinson, Indian Agent, had landed with the Annuity, and intended paying out on Monday. Sunday, 6.--Wrote all day in copying the Pay Roll, having to make triplicates. Monday, 7.--Attended at the Council House at an early hour, tho' in poor health. The Agent having been furnished with only $17,500.00, leaving out $5,000.00 due under the Treaty of 1850, the Council refused to receive it. So ended the payment. The whole [matter] was adjourned indefinitely. The Territorial Council, Sec'y and Governor then proceeded to open the returns of the Territorial Election. After canvassing the Returns it appeared that Thomas Johnston had received the highest number of votes, and was declared duly elected delegate to the 33d Congress. Came home having P. D. Clark as a guest. Tuesday, 8.--J. W. Garrett, Deputy Secretary, attended at my House, and we issued the Certificate of election to Thomas Johnston, delegate elect to the 33rd Congress. Friday, 11.--Beautiful, warm morning. This is "Indian summer." Yoked up my Oxen and hauled home the Cabbage we bought from Mrs Rankin; then all hands went to work and we made a 1/2 Barrel of Saur Kraut, as good as ever was stowed away in the stomach of Governor Von Twillerer, or Peter the Headstrong. Saturday, 12.--Mr Guthrie called and examined the election returns for delegate, and intends taking copies of them. Sunday, 13.--Finished two letters. One to Mr O. H. 390 Browne, of Maryland, and the other to Mr Gilstrap, Editor of the "Bloomington Republican, both on TerritoriaI Affairs. Monday, 14.--Went out to hunt my villainous horses, but could find nothing of them and gave up the chase. Mrs W. then went out for the same purpose, but returned fatigued and equally unsuccessful. C. B. Garrett returned from Ohio. Thursday, 17.-- Rode out to hunt for my ox, but could not find him. Harriet gone to Kansas to see a sick friend, Miss Martha Smart. Friday, 18.--Went out again to hunt my runaway ox. Travelled over "hill and dale," through jungles and thickets, swamps and morasses, but could find nothing of the old Scamp. Sunday, 20.--Yesterday and to-day appointed for Quarterly Meeting; the weather being so unfavorable, there will not be much of a "turn out." The rainy appearance of the sky prevented us from going to Church. Monday, 21.--Went down to attend the Annuity payment. After much parleying and delay, the payment commenced. By omitting, for the present, ten deceased persons, the $17,500 netted $30 per capita to 585 persons. Not getting through, it was adjourned till to-morrow morning, 10 o'clock. Tuesday, 22.--Resumed the payment of the Annuity, and closed at candle-light. A tedious job we have had of it. Wednesday, 23.--Mrs W. and Martha set out this morning for Parkville, this [being] their first visit to that place. Went to meet the Council and Maj. Robinson. Bo't of P. D. Clark an Osage Pony for $28.00. Came home wearied of the bustle and turmoil of an Indian payment. Our folks returned from Parkville about sunset. 391 Thursday, 24.--Wrote a communication to Col. Manypenny, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, correcting an error in a communication published in the Missouri Democrat by Mr A. Guthrie in relation to a speech delivered by the former to the Wyandott Council. Friday, 25.--Mr P. D. Clark sent my Osage Pony by his man "Friday." Saturday, 26.--Rode out to Matthew Barnett's to recover my runaway ox, but could not find him. Returned home. In the evening the Ladies from C. B. G.'s, accompanied by Mr Edgar Garret, came over and spent the evening with us. Monday, 28.--Went the second time in pursuit of my ox. Found him at the Widow Kayroohoo's and had much trouble and difficulty in getting him home. Went to attend the session of the Wyandott Council. Met Maj. Robinson there. Learned that the Widow Ronucay died yesterday. Came home in the evening. J. Walker purchased the Agency buildings and other improvements at $500.00. Wednesday, 30.--Turned out my Osage Pony, and my two horses took turns in chasing her round the pasture. I then expelled one of them, supposing the other would then become more friendly and sociable with her; but no. He continued racing her round the pasture. I was compelled to put her in the stable for protection. DECEMBER, 1853. Thursday, 1.--Went to Church to hear Professor Southwick of Chapel Hill Academy, a Cumberland Presbyterian preacher. That portion of the sermon I heard was very good. Saturday, 3.--Just heard that a deputation of Seneca 392 Chiefs had arrived, on public business with the Wyandott Council. Attended the Council. Found seven Senecas, a deputation of Shawnees, and one of Delawares. John Hatt, the Wyandott Principal Chief, opened the usual ceremonies, when the Senecas delivered a speech embracing the object of their Embassy. The amount was to remind the Wyandotts that they were once appointed the keepers of the Council fire, and it was the wish of the Six Nations that they should re-kindle the fire in the West. They were replied to thro' the Shawnees, that the Council fire had been rekindled in the West five years ago last October, and the reason why they (the six nations) were not invited to attend and assist in the ceremonies must be plain and obvious to them, viz: they did not belong to the Ancient Confederacy of N. W. Indians, but to the Iroquoise Confederacy; therefore could claim no rights, nor have any voice in it. Sunday, 4.--To-day the members of Congress, instead of going to Church and say[ing] their prayers, are busily engaged in canvassing and intriguing about the Speakership and Clerkship of the House. Monday, 5.--Rec'd a proposition to purchase our Piano, from Rev. Scarritt for his Select School in Westport. Lowest figure, $200.00. The matter considered. Beautiful day. Indian summer. To-day Congress meets. To-day a fearful struggle takes place in the House of Representatives among the Candidates for Speaker and for Clerk. If the House gets organized to-day, the President's message will be delivered. Sold our Piano Forte to Rev. N. Scarritt, Principal of the Westport High School, at $200.00, 9 months credit. Tuesday, 6.--Mr Dofflemeyer came with his Wagon to 393 take the Piano to Westport. We packed it up and shipped it off. Farewell, dispenser of sweet, concordant sounds! The Council sent the Sheriff after me to attend their session. Well, I promptly and very decidedly refused. I thought it was time to have a short cessation of these public gatherings, and time to attend to my long neglected domestic affairs. Friday, 9.--Finished reading "The Tenant of Wildfeld Hall." I consider it one of the best written things of the Kind I have ever read. I like its terse and vigorous style of the pure old Anglo-Saxon dialect. Wednesday, 14.--This evening a Cotillion party is to come off at the "Modie House" in Westport, but I cannot go, tho' invited, owing to my crippled condition. Thursday, 15.--Major Robinson sent for me to attend at the Council House. I went. He had received a communication from the Com. of Indian Affairs upon the subject of the $5,000--explaining the cause of its non-payment. P. D. Clark's Protest was read to the Council. Tuesday, 20.--Harriet and Baptiste set out for Kansas, but on arriving, at the Ferry found the floating ice so thick and running so rapidly the Ferry Boat could not cross. So they gave it up and come home. Mr Dofflemeyer then proposed to Harriet that if she would go back with him, as he wanted to go over, he would venture with the Ferry Boat, and make the attempt to cross. They went and succeeded in crossing. Friday, 23.--F. A. Hicks and Adam Brown called upon me to-day. Finished a long letter in answer to one of enquiry about the general character of Nebraska, from some Ohio Yankees. Saturday, 24.--To-day, the "Sons of Temperance," have a celebration at the Church. In the evening the Division 394 was dismissed after its return to the Lodge Room. They made quite an imposing appearance when marching to, and from the Church. The repast, prepared for the Division and all who attended, was rich and bountiful. A social party at Isaac Brown's. Monday, 26.--Mrs Hicks, Mrs Williams, and Mrs Charloe, all aged and venerable Widows, called upon us to-day to pay us the compliments of the season. They dined with us and took their leave. Shall we ever eat another Christmas Dinner together? Wednesday, 28.--Harriet and our garcon, Baptiste galloping over the country for marketing. I, engaged in issuing cards of invitation. Thus the day passed away. Thursday, 29.--I, and my garcon hauled a load of chips from the woods, amounting to nearly a cord of solid wood. Russell Garrett, in company with Harriet and some other company, gone to the Fair at Westport. Friday, 30.--Mr Dofflemeyer called this morning, and as usual, in a hurry. Our folks who went to attend the Westport Fair, returned at 2 P. M. amidst the storm. Our women up to their "Eyebrows" in culinary operations for to-morrow's "Dinner Party." Saturday, 31.--The last and surviving day of Anno Domini 1853. At 10 o'clock A. M., snowing. A most uproarish and squally day: rain, snow, hail and dust circling in clouds in the wildest confusion and disorder. At 12 M. our guests began to assemble. At 1/2 past 2 P. M., they were seated and the Dinner went off with a fine relish, and enjoyment. At 7 in the evening the young people assembled for a "Social party." The party went off with much hilarity and good feeling. Dispersed at 11 o'clock. 395 1854 JANUARY, 1854. Sunday, 1.--A happy New Year! Clear and pleasant morning for the first day of the year. The house is silent, our Company dispersed. A good time for serious reflection upon the fleeting and unsubstantial enjoyments of this world. The old year, '53, passed out last night amid the moanings and wild and unearthly shrieks of a furious N. W. wind. Pleasant day. Lonesome--no one called upon us to-day. Wednesday, 4.--lnvited to a dinner party at F. A. Hicks's to-day. Attended and found a goodly company. Had a splendid dinner. At night the young people had a party. Thursday, 5.--Went down to attend the session of the Treaty Committee, and in the absence of J. Walker, was appointed Clerk. Proje[c]ts of Treaties were submitted to the consideration of the Committee by Clark and myself. These were discussed till sunset, then adjourned. An awful[ly] cold and windy day. Came home, and glad to reach my own fireside. Sunday, 8.--Wrote a long letter to A. Guthrie. Monday, 9.--Attended the session of the Committee. Came home in the evening. M. R. & J. Walker came over, and staid till bed-time, discussing treaty making matters. Tuesday, 10.--Harriet gone to Kansas on a visit to the Campbells. Sun set clear. Writing a long letter to Joseph Howard in Washington. Wednesday, 11.--Got up too early. We were deceived by our silly Chanticleers tuning up their pipes at an unseasonable hour. Succeeded in extracting a troublesome tooth from my Jaw, with my fingers, instead of Forceps and Turnkeys. Farewell, old grinder! Well, I am getting dismembered. I am | ||||||
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