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364 by inflicting repeated blows on the Ojibways of Red River. On the death of Shappa, the war again raged on the whole frontier between the two belligerent tribes. Wa-nah-ta led a large party of his warriors into the Ojibway country, towards Red Lake. He was accidentally met by a war party of his enemies, headed by the chief, Wash-ta-do-ga-wub, and at the entry of Goose River into the Red River, a severe fight ensued, which lasted nearly a whole day, and which resulted in the retreat of both parties with severe loss. Two scouts of the Ojibways, who always kept ahead of the main body while on the march, were suddenly fired on by the Dakotas, and one killed. In the sanguinary battle which ensued, the Ojibways were so hard pressed by the superior numbers of their enemies, that they were forced to dig holes in the ground for shelter and defence against their missiles. An Ojibway warrior named "Black Duck" distinguished himself for bravery in this fight. He fought in the foremost ranks, recklessly exposing his person, and with his own hand killed and scalped seven Dakotas.

The summer following this eventful year in the annals of the Ojibways, the farce of a temporary peace was again enacted on Platte River, a short distance below Crow Wing. The scouts of a large camp of Ojibways discovered a Dakota war party approaching their encampment, evidently for the purpose of attack. On account of their women and children, who would be the main sufferers in case of a battle, the Ojibways determined on a bold manœuvre, which, if it failed, they were determined to fight to the last. A piece of white cloth was attached to a pole, and a brave warrior, who offered himself for the purpose, sallied out singly to meet the enemy. He saw them stealthily approaching the encampment, and when perceived by them, he dropped his gun, and with nothing but his flag he fearlessly rushed into their ranks. He was