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During the summer of 1826, the Ojibways came to visit the Indian agent at Fort Snelling, and encamped on the eastern shore of the Mississippi nearly opposite to the fort. Soon they were attacked by the Sioux. Henry H. Snelling, in a letter published in April, 1856, in the Saint Paul Pioneer and Democrat, wrote: "From the tower of the fort I witnessed the battle that ensued, and it is needless to say that the Chippewas though favored by numbers, were entirely routed, and men, women, and children indiscriminately butchered. The Sioux returned triumphantly. A large portion landed under the walls of the fort, and proceeded to the prairie, about a quarter mile northwest of it, where they performed the war-dance around the scalps of their victims.

On the 28th of May, 1827, the Ojibways again visited the fort, and as a precautionary measure encamped near its walls. Flat Mouth, with seven warriors and about sixteen women and children, composed the party.

They were told by Colonel Snelling and agent Taliaferro that as long as they encamped under the flag, and near the walls of the fort, they would be secure. During the afternoon some Sioux visited the camp, and were feasted and smoked the pipe of peace.

That night, as some officers were on the porch of Capt. Nathan Clark's quarters, which was one of the stone houses that used to stand outside of the gates, a bullet whizzed by, and rapid firing began. The Sioux, after their profession of friendship, had returned and attacked the unsuspecting Ojibways, killing two and wounding six. A little daughter of Flat Mouth was pierced through both thighs