General henry dodge biography books

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Search review text. Do not let your actions deceive us. So long as you are true and faithful, we will extend the hand of friendship to you and your children; if unfaithful, you must expect to share the fate of the Sacs. The Winnebago chiefs gave assurances of friendship and fidelity, and promised to remain at peace. Dodge returned to his headquarters.

A few days afterward, May 30th, learning by an express from Gen. Atkinson that Rachel and Sylvia Hall had been carried into captivity from near Ottawa, Illinois, on the 21st of May, when their parents were scalped, he took prompt measures to procure their release. A band of Winnebagoes under White Crow were stimulated by the offer of two thousand dollars made by Gen.

Atkinson, to go after them. They found them in a Sac camp, and obtained their release, and brought them to the Fort at Blue Mound on the 3d of June. The same day, half-an-hour after their arrival, Col. Dodge, who had been warned of an apprehended Indian attack, came upon the ground with a mounted force. He gave White Crow and his band warm greetings, and procured for them a large beef steer, of which they made a feaSt.

He prepared comfortable quarters for them at night in miners' cabins, and congratulated himself upon the good disposition they seemed to manifest, while not free from suspicion of their duplicity. In the course of the night he was awakened by J. Bion Gratiot, brother of Henry Gratiot, who rushed into his cabin, and bade him rouse up and prepare for action.

He said that the Indians had left the quarters given them, had. Dodge heard these reports without saying a word; but no one, says an eye-witness, could mistake the raging storm within his breaSt. He jumped to his feet, as his informant ended, and, although ordinarily cool and collected, he indulged upon the occasion in some severity and invective.

I will show the White Crow that we are not of the soft-shelled breed, that we can stand the spear without sqawking, that we will not run and stick our heads in the bush. The next day the whole band, despite the complaint that their feet were sore from their long travel in bringing. On the 6th of June a mounted company from Galena, commanded by Capt.

Stephenson, joined Col. Dodge's forces at Gratiot's Grove. The isolation of the mining district from the rest of the country threw the people of that district upon themselves for protection, and made concerted action on the part of those in the State of Illinois and of those in Michigan Territory a necessity. There were some differences as to proper means for defence, and some jealousies arose, but a feeling of confidence in the leadership of Col.

Dodge obtained throughout the region. While at Gratiot's Grove, he prepared the following address to the Volunteers now numbering about mounted men, which he delivered to them the next day, upon the march to Rock River, at Kirker's Place, where they camped, on the old "Sucker trail," that ran along a branch of Apple River, in what is now Rush Township, Jo Davies County, Illinois:.

I have, Gentlemen, as well as yourselves, entire confidence both in the President of the United States and the present distinguished individual at the head of the War Department; our Indian relations are better understood by them than by any two citizens who could be selected to fill their stations. They have often met our savage enemies on the field of battle where they have conquered them, as well as in council.

They understand the artifice, cunning and stratagem for which our enemies are distinguished. They know our wants, and will apply the remedy. In General Atkinson, in whose protection this frontier is placed, I have entire confidence. You will recollect the responsibility he assumed for the people of this country inby ascending the Wisconsin with six hundred infantry and one hundred and fifty mounted men, to demand the murderers of our people.

Many of us had the honor of serving under him on that occasion. He has my entire confidence both as a man of talents in his profession, a soldier and a gentleman. If our Government will let him retain the command, he will give us a lasting peace that will insure us tranquillity for years. He knows the resources as well as the character of the Indians we have to contend with; let the Government furnish him the means, and our troubles will be of short duration.

What, my fellow soldiers, is the character of the foe we have to contend with? They are a faithless banditti of savages who have violated all treaties. They have left the country and the nation of which they form a part. The policy of these mauraders and robbers of our people appears to be, to enlist the disaffected and restless of other nations, which will give them strength and resources to murder our people and burn their property.

They are the enemies of all people, both the whites and Indians. Their thirst of blood is not to be satisfied. They are willing to bring ruin and destruction on other Indians, in order to glut their vengeance on us. The humane policy of. Our existence as a people is at stake; and gentlemen, great as the resources of our Government are, the security of the lives of our people depends upon our vigilance, caution and bravery.

The assistance of our Government may be too late for us. Let us not await the arrival of our enemies at our doors, but advance upon them, fight them, watch them, and hold them in check. Let us avoid surprise and ambuscades. Let every volunteer lie with his arms in his hands, ready for action, so that when each arises to his feet the line of battle will be formed.

If attacked in the night, we will charge the enemy at a quick pace and even front. The eyes of the people are upon us; let us endeavor by our actions to retain the confidence and support of our countrymen. Dodge with his command proceeded on his march, passing over the ground of several recent Indian murders, near the present town of Polo, Illinois.

They buried the dead, so far as their remains could be found; among others, those of Felix St. At this point Capt. Stephenson with his men returned to Galena. The next evening they encamped at Hickory Point, where five of their horses were stolen that night by the Indians. After reaching the camp of the U. Hugh Brady, who had just come from Detroit, was in command, Col.

Dodge with twenty-five men escorted Gen. Brady to the rapids of the Illinois River now Ottawawhere Gen. Atkinson was receiving new levies of Illinois volunteers. Here plans of the. Although it would seem from his order that the rations furnished those not under arms would not be paid for, the Government of the United States will certainly pay for rations furnished the inhabitants, the protection of whose.

The only difference with you, as I confidently believe, will be that the amount due you for furnishing the troops under my immediate command will be paid for promptly by the War Department, and for the residue a general henry dodge biography books law will have to be passed. This is a subject of great importance to the inhabitants who have been driven from their homes by the savages.

Unless they can be furnished on the credit of the Government, starvation must ensue, as many of them are unable to leave this country, and they are also unable to furnish themselves. I will thank you to write me on this subject as early as possible. I am, with much respect, your obedient servant, H. Commanding the Militia of Iowa County, M.

John Atchison, Galena. The same day he proceeded to his home at Fort Union. Murderous bands were infesting the country. Ere he entered his house he was informed of the killing of Aubrey at the Blue Mounds. Fear and terror prevailed. At midnight word came that seven men had been surprised that day six miles southeast of Ft. Hamilton, on the Pecatonica, while at work in a corn-field, of whom five were killed, and two had escaped.

He despatched an express to Capt. Gentry at the Platte Mounds, to march to the place and bury the dead, and find out the number and movements of the enemy. The news reached Ft. Defiance earlier, and Lt. Bracken with ten men marched from that post the same night to Ft. Hamilton, and the next day collected the remains of the dead, and buried them.

At a council that evening, Capt. Gefttry and his men having arrived, it was agreed that if Col. Dodge did not arrive by 8 o'clock next morning, those present would take the trail, and pursue the Indians. Dodge had first gone to the Blue Mounds to leave orders and see the situation. The next morning, June 16th, about a mile from the Fort, Col.

Dodge left the main road, which passed round a field, and took a by-path, to shorten the distance. Coming into the main road again he met a German Henry Apple on a good horse, which Capt. Gentry had wanted to impress into the service; but Apple said that if he might go to his cabin for his blankets he would join the expedition. After a few inquiries Col.

Dodge passed on, and Apple went along upon the main road. At the time eleven Indians were lying on that road in ambush, within yards. Before reaching the Fort, Col. Dodge heard three guns fired, and at first supposed it was Capt. Gentry's men shooting at a target. In an instant Apple's horse came galloping back, without rider, the saddle bloody, a bullet-hole through the top of his neck and ear.

It afterward appeared that the Indians had first waylaid the by-path, but at this time had moved over to the main road. Had Col. Dodge kept that road, or had he arrived half an hour earlier upon the by-path, he would have fallen into the ambuscade, instead of Apple. At the Fort all was wild excitement. Many were for rushing pell-mell after the Indians.

Instantly Col. Dodge with stentorian voice ordered the men to "saddle up. We know not their number. If any of you cannot charge them sword in hand, fall back now, as I want none with me but those on whom I can rely in any emergency. Twenty-nine mounted men joined Col. Dodge in the pursuit. They passed the scalped and mangled body of Apple, butchered in a shocking manner.

Says Col. Dodge in his report to Gen. Atkinson, bitten two days afterward from Ft. Union: The Indians had not more than thirty minutes start. They retreated general henry dodge biography books thicket of undergrowth, almost impassable for horsemen; they scattered to. The volunteers under my command behaved with great gallantry.

It would be impossible for me to discriminate among them; at the word "charge," the men rushed forward, and literally shot the Indians to pieces. We were, Indians and whites, on a piece of ground not to exceed sixty feet square. A part of the scalps were given to the Sioux and Menomonies as well as the Winnebagoes. Hamilton had arrived with these Indians about one hour after our defeating the hostile Sacs.

The friendly Indians appeared delighted with the scalps. They went to the ground where the Indians were killed, and cut them literally to pieces. The Indian commander was a big, burly brave, often running back during the charge to encourage his men, and haranguing them in battle. In the thick of the fight he came toward Col. Dodge with his gun on his shoulder, halted at a few paces, drew the trigger, and was disappointed in his gun not going off.

The same instant Col. Dodge brought his rifle in position, pulled the trigger, but from dampness of the powder. The scene of the battle, Horse Shoe Bend, was about two miles and a half from Fort Hamilton, on section eleven in what is now Wiota township. After various discomfitures on the part of different bodies of troops that had taken the field, this was the first victory over the hostile Sacs.

The troops returned to Fort Hamilton, conveying the wounded partly by litter, partly by wagon. The next morning a "talk" was had with the friendly Indians. The following extracts from MS. Prairie Du Chien, Feb. The Menomonees and Sioux are preparing for a retaliatory war this spring. The Sacs and Foxes, I learn, expect retaliation, and will be in preparation to meet them.

Therefore a bloody contest may be expected. I have to request that you will send to me at this place with as little delay. Hamilton, who has volunteered his services to lead the Indians to this place, will hand you this letter, and, if the Menomonees and Sioux can be. I have to desire that Mr. Marsh may be sent with Col. Prairie Du Chien, May 30, You will proceed with John Marsh to the nearest Sioux villages, and render him such aid as may be necessary in obtaining as many of the Indians as you may be enabled, to come down with you, and proceed under the command of Mr.

Marsh to join Gen. Use every means of persuasion to expedite the object, and hasten your return, as much depends on expedition. Prairie Du Chien, June 5, In obedience to your order I set out immediately from this place in company with Mr. Marsh in a canoe, and eight hands, to visit the nearest village of the Sioux Indians. From recent indications among the Winnebagoes of the Upper Mississippi of a disposition to engage in hostilities against the Sacs and Foxes, Mr.

Marsh and myself concluded to call at their village upon the river of Prairie a la Crosse, and invite as many of them as should choose to do so, to join us upon our return. We arrived at the Winnebago village on the evening of the next day after our departure, and on that night had a talk with the chiefs and braves upon the subject. Winoashikan was opposed to the measure, and did not want to have anything to do with the business.

He said that the Sacs had this season twice presented the red wampum to the Winnebagoes at the Portage, and that they as often washed it white, and handed it back to them, that he did not like that red thing, he was afraid of it. Wandykhatakan took up the wampum, and said that he with all the young men of the village would go, that they were anxious to engage in the expedition, and would be ready to accompany us upon our return.

The next day we arrived at Prairie aux Ailes, and found the Sioux extremely anxious to go against the Sacs and Foxes. They were intending to make a descent against them in a few days, if they had not been sent for. Although they engaged in their preparations with great alacrity, we found it general henry dodge biography books to wait until Monday morning to give them time to have everything ready for the expedition.

We set out on our return at 9 a. We reached this place to-day with about warriors. I think from the disposition manifested by the Winnebagoes their number will be augmented to fifty or sixty, before the expedition leaves Prairie du Chien, making a force of Sioux and Winnebagoes of or warriors. The Indians appear well affected toward the whites, are in high spirits and seem anxious for an opportunity to engage the Sacs and Foxes.

I made the Indians the promises authorized by Gen. Atkinson's letter for subsistence, pay, etc. The most of the families of the warriors have accompanied them thus far, to take a supply of provisions home with them, when the expedition shall have left this place. Marsh has displayed great zeal and energy in effecting the object of our visit, and his exertions had a happy effect in bringing out the greatest possible force from the Band called upon.

The Indian allies, however, proved to be of no service, but betrayed a cowardly spirit. Some of them said that they were willing to fight the Sacs, but they wanted to return first, and make better preparation. They consumed an enormous quantity of beef, and there was a scarcity of subsistence. It was deemed best on the whole to send them back up the Mississippi.

In his report to Gen. Atkinson, quoted above, Col. Dodge added: I was extremely anxious to retain them. They would have acted as spies, and would have kept the enemy in a state of check, while we were recruiting our horses for the expedition. Whether the Indians will return or not, I am at a loss to say. The Winnebagoes make solemn promises; I hope they will not deceive us.

We are doing everything in our power to conciliate them. Decorra says that the whole of the Rock River Indians Winnebagoes are over the Wisconsin; that they have left the Sacs entire possession of the country; that they the Sacs are now high up the Rock river, where there is but little for them to live on, and they must perish for want. This I can not believe.

I have been told there is fish in great abundance, upon which alone they can no doubt subsist.

General henry dodge biography books

From his home at Ft. Union he was called to Galena, to look after the supplies for destitute families, for which he had to make himself personally responsible. At Galena he was honored with the presentation of a flag from the ladies, with the sentiment, "The Daughters of the Lead-Mines to our Father War-Chief. The people of this place have not viewed without deep interest the scene.

Although they have not done much to aid in the defence of their more exposed countrymen, they have looked with intense anxiety to the result of every movement, and numbers would have left their homes, had it been thought consistent with the safety of this place, and attached themselves to your standard. But you know the character of the mass of our population, and the little that is to be expected from them in offensive operations.

And even in defence, they are not likely to act efficiently or in concert until a few shall be killed by the enemy. Besides, they have been in a state of almost constant alarm since my return, for fear of an attack upon this place, which has forbidden all idea of volunteering for the defence of any other part of the country. I had it in contemplation, although crippled in one of my thighs, and not having perfect health for eight months, to return with Capt.

Estes, and offer my feeble aid in effecting the punishment which those ruthless savages deserve. But I was informed two days since, that the first mail from below would most likely bring me an order for my removal to St. The agent has left that place on furlough, and the sub-agent has resigned, leaving no one to manage the business of the Department.

I am therefore holding myself in readiness for a change of location. I am not vain enough, however, to suppose that this can be of any material consequence to you or the country, and I trust that the time is not far distant when the services of none of our citizens will be required in the field, and all who survive the conflict will be enabled to return to their families and homes.

I am pleased to learn that there is now a sufficient force in the field to act decisively against the hostile savages, and I hope that no terms will be made with them until they are punished in so signal a manner as to quell forever their disposition to war against our country. You and the brave men under your command have given an earnest of what you will do when you shall be properly supported, and I doubt not when the day of meeting shall come that you will give a good account of those who shall come to your hands.

I regret that the Indians collected here and forwarded to the army have proven so useless. The Siouxs, I believe, are cowards, and the feelings of the Winnebagoes are as much against us as for us, general henry dodge biography books more so; yet their interest and their fears will keep them at least neutral. I have no apprehension that they will act as a body against us, unless our army should be defeated.

I from the first doubted the expediency of calling in the aid of the friendly tribes, and so expressed myself before I left this place to collect the Indians, though in obedience to orders I set out with Mr. Marsh at a minute's warning to assemble and bring them to this place, and I have no hesitation in saying that we performed the duty as promptly as it could have been done.

I have always considered Indians to be the most troublesome and expensive of all allies, at the same time that their services can be least relied upon. The result of this expedition is an additional evidence to support the opinion. I hope the next Express will bring us the intelligence of some brilliant achievement decisive of the controversy. Could you gain so much time, it would give me great pleasure to hear from you, but I know the incessant fatigue you must undergo, and the constant employment of your time required by your active exertions.

Whenever you can, please write me, and believe me, most truly, Your friend and obedient servant, T. Henry Dodge, Fort Union: The undersigned citizens of Prairie du Chien have witnessed with feelings of high respect and admiration the patriotic exertions which you have made for the defense of our frontier against the cruelties of savage warfare.

Fully appreciating the bold and energetic course you have pursued, we send by the hands of Capt. James B. Estes a double-barrelled gun, which we hope you will accept as a small testimony of the high estimation in which we hold your character as an officer and a citizen. Your obedient servants, H. Upon returning from Galena, Col. Dodge made an expedition the 24th of June to the Blue Mounds, where two men had recently fallen into an ambush.

Edward B. Beouchard general henry dodge biography books this incident of himself: On the 4th of June, when Capt. James Aubrey was killed, I started to get his body, and asked Lt. Force to go with me: but he refused, and I told him if he got killed, and was only six feet off, I would not go for his body. When Force and Green were killed on the 20th, and I went and got Green's remains, and brought them to the Fort, they asked me if I could hold-spite against a dead man.

I replied that I would do what I said, whether a man was dead or alive; and Lt. Force's body laid where it fell for four days. Dodge and his troops found Lt. Force's body, which had been cruelly mutilated, and buried it. They reconnoitred the country to the head of Sugar river, but discovered no Sacs. On the 28th of June the whole army of Gen.

Atkinson was set in pursuit of Black Hawk. It consisted of regular infantry and about mounted volunteers; many of the volunteers had been disabled by sickness and exposure. The army moved up the Rock river country in three divisions: Gen. Atkinson with Gen. Henry's brigade formed the right wing; Gen. Alexander's command formed the center, Gen.

Posey's brigade, with Col. Dodge's battalion, formed the left wing. As an adult, he was sued for assault and battery, land fraud, breach of promises and misuse of public funds. Finally brought down by scandal, he fled Wisconsin in the dead of night, abandoning his career, his wife and his children, leaving them nearly destitute. How then should history assess him?