NARRATIVE OF THE EXPEDITION, 257 



attacked iis, and they have killed my people almost every year 

 since. I was myself present when they fired on a peaceful 

 delegation, and killed four Chippewas under the walls of Fort 

 Snelling. My own sou — my only sou — has been killed. lie was 

 basely killed, without an opportunity to defend himself." A sub- 

 ordinate here handed him, at his request, a bundle of small sticks. 

 "This," handing them to me, "is the number of Leech Lake Chip- 

 pewas killed by the Sioux since the treaty of Prairie-du-Chien." 

 There were forty-three sticks. 



He then lifted up a string of silver medals, smeared with ver- 

 milion. "Take notice, they are bloody. I wish you to wipe the 

 blood off. I cannot do it. I find myself in a war with this people, 

 and I believe it has been intended by the Creator that we should 

 be at war with them. My warriors are brave [looking significantly 

 at them] ; it is to them that I owe success. But I have looked for 

 help where I did not find it."'-^' 



* It is hoped, hei'eafter, to give further sketches of this interview, and of tins 

 chief's life and character. 



17 



