Handwritten copy of a letter from William Clark to Colonel Hunt about arrangements to return a group of Sioux Indians safely to their lands in May of 1807.
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No 12 St Louis May 15 1807 Dear Sir A few days ago a Deputation from Several Bands of the Sieaux In Habiting the border of the Missouri arrived at this place with Mr. Durion Sub Agent (appointed by Genl. Wilkinson) for the Missouri. On their way down they down they were fired on by a party of Indians Supposed to be Ottoes, which has alarmed them very much Those Sieux have requested protection A... Show moreNo 12 St Louis May 15 1807 Dear Sir A few days ago a Deputation from Several Bands of the Sieaux In Habiting the border of the Missouri arrived at this place with Mr. Durion Sub Agent (appointed by Genl. Wilkinson) for the Missouri. On their way down they down they were fired on by a party of Indians Supposed to be Ottoes, which has alarmed them very much Those Sieux have requested protection Asked forgiveness for their past Conduct and wish to be on friendly terms with our Government they also request to be sent in safety to their Country. These bands of Sieoux are numerous and from their Literation and habits it is in my oppinion importent that the UStates accept of their Solicitations and be on the most friendly terms with them. I shall fur nish this deputation with Medals and Flags which they view as raised emblements of Attachment and protection. Also such other Articles as may be necessary at this time to Jolease and give them an entitled oppinion of the paternal effection of our government I have every reason to believe that the Secretary of War had no Expectation that those Savage Bands would seek the protection of our Government as early as this and he has made no arrangements for their returning in safety to their Country. I have no authority to demand a Military protection but under the view you may have of this Subject if you should think yourself justifiable in furnishing a Small Detachment for the protection of those people (residing 1200 miles up the Missouri) to their Country in safety it would signify and most probably facilitate the ends which the Government wishes to promote the perfect harmony with all the Indians in that quarter. The Boats which I have purchased for the Detachment for the Mandans will require thirteen men independent of a Sergeant. With the highest respect I have the honor to be your Most Obed. Servant William Clark Indian Agent Show less
Letter from William Clark to Thomas Hunt in May of 1807 discussing arrangements for the protection of a group of Sioux Indians who wish safe passage back to their lands.
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No 11 St Louis May 15th, 1807 Dear Sir A few days ago a Deputation from Several Bands of the Sieoux inhabiting the borders of the Missouri arrived at this place with Wm. Durion fed. agent (appointed by Genl. Wilkinson) for the Missouri. On their way down they were fired on by a party of Indians supposed to be Ottoes; which has alarmed them very much. Those Sieoux have requested protection, aske... Show moreNo 11 St Louis May 15th, 1807 Dear Sir A few days ago a Deputation from Several Bands of the Sieoux inhabiting the borders of the Missouri arrived at this place with Wm. Durion fed. agent (appointed by Genl. Wilkinson) for the Missouri. On their way down they were fired on by a party of Indians supposed to be Ottoes; which has alarmed them very much. Those Sieoux have requested protection, asked forgiveness for their passed conduct and wish to be on friendly terms with our Government. They also request to be Sent in Safly to theer Country. These band of Sieoux are noumerous, and from their Situations and habits, it is in my oppinion, important, that the U.States accept of theer Solicitations, and be on the most friendly terms with them. I shall furnish this Deputation with medals and Flags on which they view as Sacred emblements of attachment and protection. Also Such other articles as may be necessary at this time to please and give them an exalted oppinion of the paternal Show less
