Sioux, immediately upon their ontbreak, that they (the Sioux) would exterminate the Winnebagoes unless they joined them in a raid against the white people, the Winnebagoes have lived in fear of an attack from the Sioux, and have almost daily implored me for protection. * * * To further assure them, I requested of the Governor of the State that two companies of United States infantry be stationed here in their midst, which has allayed their fears. * * * Notwithstanding the nearness of the belligerent Sioux, and the unfriendly feelings of the white people, and other unfortunate circumstances, I am confident that my Indians will remain loyal to the last. * * * They have been informed that, notwithstanding their fidelity to the Government and the people, the people of this State are memorializing Congress to remove them out of the State—which they consider very unjust under the circumstances, for they have become attached to this location and would not leave it willingly, and think their fidelity ought to entitle them to respect and kind treatment.”
The “popular demand” of the people of Minnesota triumphed. In February, 1863, Congress passed an act authorizing the “peaceful and quiet removal of the Winnebago Indians from the State of Minnesota, and the settling of them on a new reserve.” It was determined to locate them “on the Missouri River somewhere within a hundred miles of Fort Randall, where it is not doubted they will be secure from any danger of intrusion from whites.” All their guns, rifles, and pistols were to be taken from them, “securely boxed up,” labelled “with the names of their respective owners.” The Department impressed it on the agent in charge of the removal that it was “absolutely necessary that no time should be lost in the emigrating of these Indians.” The hostile Sioux were to be removed at the same time, and to a reservation adjoining the reservation of the Winnebagoes. The reports of the Indian Bureau for 1863 tell the story of this removal.[1]
- ↑ See Appendix, Art. VI.
