been separated from his body, was still wreathed in a smile.
Such a high notion did the Dakotas entertain of his bravery, that they cut out his heart, which, being cut into small pieces, was swallowed by their warriors raw, in the belief that it would make them equally "strong hearted." The length of time which the "Big Ojibway" had retarded the pursuit of the Dakotas, enabled his little war party to make their escape, and they always attributed their salvation on this trying occasion to the manly courage and self-sacrifice of their chief, whose name will long be remembered in the traditions of his people.
In the year 1798, a handful of Ojibway warriors fought a severe battle with a large party of Dakotas, at Prairie Rice Lake. As this lake has been the scene of several engagements between these two tribes, a brief description of its position, size, and advantages will not be considered amiss. On Mons. Nicollet's map, it is named Mille Lacs, and empties its waters into Red Cedar, a tributary of Chippeway River. Mr. Nicollet, who has given us a map which may be considered as generally correct, must, however, have been misinformed in the name, and somewhat in the position of this lake. It has always been known to the Ojibways by the name of Mush-ko-da-mun-o-min-e-kan, meaning Prairie Rice Lake, and to the French as Lac la Folle. During a two years' residence (in 1840–41) in the vicinity of this lake, and especially during a tour which the writer made through this district of country, in the summer of 1850, circumstances happened which made him fully acquainted with this lake, and the country surrounding it.
It is situated about forty miles directly north of the lower rapids on Chippeway River, where the extensive establishment known as Chippeway Mills is now[1] located.
- ↑ A.D. 1852.
