Page:The Green Bag (1889–1914), Volume 09.pdf/43

 22

Mississippi. The Indians, assailed from each quarter, finding themselves in extremi ty, sought peace. They sent out a party of thirty warriors, unarmed, bearing a white flag carried in the hands of Red Bird, the murderer. When they came near the mili tary, on the opposite bank, they stopped, and singing was heard in their band. Those of the troops familiar with the chant of Indian music, said : " It is Red Bird, sing ing his death song." The officer of the guard was sent to meet them on the bank of the river. They answered that they had come to deliver up the murderers. The party of Indians were then taken into the camp. There Cari-mau-nee, a prominent chief of the Winnebagoes, said, pointing to the three murderers, "They are here. Like braves they have come in. Treat them as braves. Do not put them in irons." Red Bird and his two accomplices stood in the center. He was a model of symmetry, tall, straight as an arrow, with a face full of pride and Indian dignity. He was dressed in a suit of elk-skin, white and soft, and daintily fringed. On each shoulder was a preserved red bird as an epaulette. A collar of blue wampum encircled his neck, and the rim of his collar was formed of the claws of the wild cat. On his breast hung his war-pipe, trimmed with dyed horsehair and the feathers and bills of birds. In one hand he bore the white flag, in the other, the calumet or pipe of peace. His appearance, says an old chronicle, won the admiration of all. He stood in calm dignity; not a muscle of his features moved. Cari-mau-nee then ex plained that the Winnebagoes disclaimed the murderous act of the three Indians, whom they gave tip to the white man's vengeance. He offered horses as a commutation for the lives of the white people killed. Major Whistler told them they had done well to bring in the wrong-doers, and promised that the prisoners should not be manacled. Then Red Bird stood forth, surveyed calmly the troops and his own people, and said, " I

am ready. I do not wish to be put in irons. I give my life away — (stooping and taking some dust between his thumb and finger and blowing it away) — like that. I would not take it back. It is gone." Red Bird, Chic-hon-sic and We-Kau were taken to Fort Crawford, on the Mississippi, at the mouth of the Wisconsin. The proud young chief soon died of the confinement and humiliation of his prison. The accom plices were tried at the September term, 1828, before Judge Doty, and sentenced to be hanged, but were afterwards pardoned by President Adams, as a conciliatory measure. This Cari-mau-nee, the Winnebago chief above mentioned, was a man of great im portance in his tribe. He afterwards vis ited Washington to arrange some matters in controversy between the government and his people. On his return, he and his fel low traveler stopped at a prominent settler's tavern at Blue Mounds, and thus accosted him : " How, how! Brigham." Pointing to the house, "Brigham, dinner." Pointing to the barn, "Brigham, horse, corn. Big man, me." After dinner, the old chief made a display of much silver coin, and said, "Brigham, horse." The horses were brought out. The Indians mounted and without payment rode off at full speed, merely saying, "Brigham, good-by." Judge Doty, the first judge of this wild region, was too marked and distinguished a citizen to be retired when his court was abolished. He was delegate to Congress from the Territory in 1838 and in 1841, and its governor from 1841 to 1844. His efforts and tactful management established the capital at Madison, in the beautiful " Four Lake Country," where it is now situated. On leaving the office of governor to his suc cessor, he explored the State and the indef inite region known then as Upper Michi gan. He equipped himself in woodsman's style, with a Canadian pony, a rifle, small axe, tin cup, blanket, and, with a single In dian guide, he plunged into the forest, follow