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I have for myself, a lonesome time. No one is with me who feels interested in the
enterprize beyond his own immediate comfort, or with whom I can indulge as an
associate. The Indians are exceedingly careless and improvident. Willing to do
anything I tell them, but will not put themselves to the trouble of thinking.
Like children, some of them think the distance great and appear to be somewhat
home-sick. I almost daily show them on the map where we are, and whither we are
going. Were it not for this, some would be ready to fancy themselves near the
edge of the World. Upon the whole, however, they are generally cheerful. The two
white men hired as packmen &c. are poor sticks & give me trouble. Scarce
a day passes that I have not to reprove one of them, and sometimes threaten to
discharge them there in the wilderness, I think however, that they are rather
improving in their ways. Chandonois performs his part well, and is my main
dependence.
Friday Sep. 12.
Our venison being exhausted, I informed the men that we must lie here until they
could take more. Four hunters went out early & remained till after seven
without even seeing any
BARNES: EXPLORING EXPEDITION OF 1828 251
game. This is remarkable since it has been so plenty in the country through which
we have travelled, We suppose the cause is the proximity of Hunters, which has
made the game scarce. Hunting & rain made it half past ten before we left
camp. We proceeded Southwest in order to find a branch of Neosho river. Travelled
thro. prarie. It rained on us considerably. At the distance of about 12 miles
reached the stream we sought, a large creek with deep water, but at a ripple, at
which we cross [ed] there was not enough running water to turn a common grist
mill. Timber today seen only in small patches until we came to this stream. Here
might be a farm on each side of the river at the distance of half a mile. The
country high, and very rich, stone less. We encamped on the southwest hank, at 3
oclock, after our men had shot four raccoons on one oak tree which they had
ascended for the sake of the fruit, one of which was lost in the river.
Sent out three hunters who returned at dark without game. Our company, except
myself supped bountifully on their raccoons.
We have now left the Osage river. The water in it and its tributaries is too
stagnant. Streams for mills are abundant, but mills would be still in the dry
season of the year. From our Saturday's encampment upward-a distance of 70 miles
on a straight line, there can be no want of spring & well water. below spring
water appeared scarce, Timber is in plenty to admit a tolerably dense population
for 75 miles west of Missouri State afterwards more scarce. The country promises
health, except on the immediate banks of the larger streams, where it will be
subject to Agues & fevers. The soil is almost universally fertile, and the
whole supplied abundantly with limestone. It is the most sightly country I ever
saw. I have seen no coal, but have not had time to search. I examined two banks
which at a distance appeared to contain coal, but they were slate.
Saturday Sep. 13
Sent out two hunters who returned unsuccessful. Left camp a [t] half past 8.
proceeded southwest in order to reach another large branch of Neosho. In the
course of 4 miles we crossed a pretty large creek in which Wesauogana shot a
fish, as they said, for my supper. This creek is pretty much wooded, two other
streams with timber are in sight, so that the country here will allow a tolerable
settlement. We had left the creek about a mile when a large gang of Elk about 20
in number were discovered. A halt was called, and a brief council held, the
result of which was that I & the two pack-men returned to the creek with six
horses and all the baggage, and the other seven men, thus lightened, went on
252 THE KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
horseback in quest of the Elk, & while we wait by the baggage I make this
note.
At dusk our hunters returned, having taken one elk, and having enjoyed fine sport
in chasing and shooting. No set of men could be better pleased than were those.
And I was not much less so, for we were in want of meat, and I was very desirous
that they should be allowed thus to enjoy themselves. This circumstance will go
further in commending the country to them than a million of acres of rich land.
Sunday We remain in camp. The men happy that they have Sep. 14 meat and marrow
bones to the full. Religious Services morning and evening as usual on Sundays.
Monday Sep. 15.
Rose at daylight & left camp at 7 oclock. The wolves stole some of our elk
meat last night, but we still have as much as we can take with us. We had
proceeded a few miles when we discovered an Elk, all the men joined in the
effort, to take him except Mograin & I. Four of them fired at him, but he
escaped unhurt, for which I was not sorry as we should have been unable to save
the meat. Saw a wolf, & again saw an Antelope, an animal few of us had ever
before seen. Shawaunukwuk tried to take him but failed. At half past One reached
a large branch of Neosho, which might be compared with St. Marys at Fort Wayne,
though something larger. My map appears to be incorrect so that I am not able to
decide which branch of Neosho this is. I supposed it to be a middle fork, but
Mograin says it is the main Southern branch. We ate a little, and turned to the
N. West & encamped on a large creek not many miles from the main river. We
travelled W. S. W. until we reached this stream. On Thursday we beleived we
travelled 15 miles, on Friday 12 miles, Saturday 4, and this day 27 miles. Gosa
shot deer a little before we encamped. We crossed many small creeks today. The
country to our left sufficiently timbered to admit a good settlement, but to our
right was chiefly prarie. We passed over the same kind of high, limestone, rich
country that I have heretofore described, water found in almost all watercourses,
even those that are very small. The Bottom lands of this river appear to be full
three miles wide. Deer abundant, elk sign plenty.
We had rain today which is disagreeable enough in these praries. About the time
we reached the river, we crossed a trail of foot men going south, might suppose
them to be 20 or 30 in number. Sign not recent. Supposed by Mograin to be a war
party gone against his people, who mostly reside on this river below.
BARNES: EXPLORING EXPEDITION OF 1828 253
Tuesday Sep. 16.
Left camp quarter after 8. proceeded up the creek on which we had s[l]ept, north,
about 9 crossed & passed between forks of nearly equal size, Saw three
antelopes lying on the side of the hill, stopped the company & three went to
take them, but failed. These animals appear remarkably nimble in running. At 11
reached the Santa Fe road, and followed it eastward. Halted at a creek between 12
and one. I wished to ascertain at what point on the road we were and must
therefore return until I find distances to correspond with the map. But in
following the trail I left the surveyors marks, the latter being that only which
would explain the map; we left the trail & bore N. east, separating, in order
to find the mounds raised by the surveyors, but we did not succeed, then, bore
due east. Near 5 oclock, an elk was discovered a little beyond the creek on which
we intended to encamp. The men went in chase, there was a large flock, some of
them ran near us. They killed a very large male Elk & one wounded a large
Deer. The elk they pronounced too lean & old for use, tho. in fact it was
pretty good, but we were not in great want, & brought only the horns to camp.
This elk chasing kept us till nearly dark before we encamped. Our Indians are
wonderfully delighted with their evening's sport.
Mograin is a good natured, simple old man, of no manner of use to us than to add
one to our number, & to be our interpreter should we come in contact with
Osages or Kanzas, unless we add his capacity for lightening the loads of the
packhorses which carry the provision. He says he never before travelled through
this country which we are exploring. I am my own pilot solely. Yesterday we
recrossed the Indian trail which we crossed on monday, & which Mograin
pronounced the trail of a war party. Today I alighted and examined the trail
myself and found it to be made in part by horses-am sure therefore it is not the
track of a war party, but of a hunting party, no doubt of Kanzas as it comes from
that direction.
The country today not quite so well timbered as heretofore, though sufficiently
so to allow considerable population. In respect to soil, limestone, and
situation, it resembles what we have heretofore described.
Wednesday Sep. 17.
Four men went to search for the Deer wounded yesterday, but did not find him. It
was near 10 before we could leave camp. We proceeded east until we again reached
the Santa Fe road, which we kept until I supposed I had ascertained the point at
which we were, which was 122 miles, due west, from the western boundary of State
of Missouri. Here we steered north,
254 THE KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
from 12 till five o'clock, when we encamped as I beleived on the waters of
Ne[os]ho which we had descended about two miles. Poor old Mograin is fairly lost,
and supposed we were here on the waters of a large Creek we crossed the third
day's travel from Harmony.
This day's journey lying across the land dividing Neosho & Osage rivers from
Kanzas, I had expected to find the country almost wholly destitute of wood. In
this I have been happily disappointed. Timber is more scarce than formerly but
the country will admit a tolerable settlement the whole way. The country rises to
the dividing lands. Then descends towards Kanzas. Still high, rich, and abounding
in limestone. One of our horses lame, so that one man has to walk. Tuesday we
travelled, we suppose 17-today 20.
We have now left Neosho waters, which country needs no other description than to
say it resembles that on the Osage, rather less timber, & perhaps better
watered. It may justly be pronounced an excellent country so far as I saw it.
Thursday Sep. 18.
Left camp before 8. In an hour's ride fell in with a Kanza hunting, by whom
learnt we were not far from a village. We found much difficulty in crossing a
large Creek & some other branches. On the top of a high natural mount we
discovered an artificial mound of stone, apparantly constructed from the same
principles on which our earthen mounds are to the east.
Coming in sight of two houses about two miles from the principal village, the
inhabitants became alarmed, some of the women & children hid in the brush,
and one man came running to a wood towards us for the purpose of securing his
horses. He did not reach his horse until we were within fifty yards of him. I
sent Mograin to speak to him who soon allayed his fears. We halted to take some
refreshment half a mile from the houses, & sent the man, with some tobacco to
inform the main village that we were coming to smoke with them. A woman presently
came from the two houses with a kettle of boiled corn. After an hour we proceeded
and after much delay to wait Mograin's tedious, & tiresome talkativeness to
every one of the many Indians that met us, we encamped a mile & a half from
town & went upon foot to talk, leaving the baggage in charge of the two hired
men. At camp and every where else, men, women, children & dogs swarmed about
us. We were shown into a large bark hut, which was immediately crowded as thick
as it could be, with exception of a little room at each fire, such a scene of
crowding, of men women & children, talking, scolding, crying of children, a
few good mothers singing to quiet them, dogs fighting & the con-
BARNES: EXPLORING EXPEDITION OF 1828 255
quered begging aloud for quarters, I never before witnessed. Boiled corn in two
large wooden bowls, supplied with a few Buffalos horn spoons & ladles, were
placed before us.
Sixteen Pawnees had been there, who on hearing of our approach had left except
three. I enquired for them, & as they were in a hurry to be gone, I gave them
some tobacco, and a little friendly talk, to which they replied in similar
friendship, and they departed. The Pawnees & Osages are hostile to each
other. The Kanzaus are identified in language & friendship with the Osages.
They are indeed a band of the same tribe, they are afraid of the Pawnees, but
appear to dread them less than do their brethren. I suppose these Pawnees thought
I had some Osages in company, & on this account left as they did, leaving
three of their numbers to learn the circumstances of our visit &c.
We smoked with the Kanzaus, & gave them some tobacco, & a little
friendly talk. We were obliged to extend our voices in order to be heard amidst
the continued noise & confusion.
I then went to view the river. I should judge it to be over a quarter of a mile
wide at this place, deep, the water of a milky appearance, & running slowly
between sand banks. It much resembles Missouri, tho. so much less, & is less
rapid, & muddy. It passes between pretty high hills, & the country, as
might be expected, is more broken & hilly near the river. The land fertile,
no limestone seen, but. plenty of freestone, Timber too scarce but sufficient to
allow a very considerable population.
It was dark when I reached camp, the principal Chief & his wife both aged
people, and many others came to camp. I had the chief to eat supper with me, gave
his wife also, and a little to some others, gave the chief two or three pounds of
flour at his request. And on preparing for rest, they all left us. One old fellow
on our arrival had offered his service to assist in the work, &c. We accepted
his offer merely for his gratification, & rewarded him with food &
tobacco.
The Kanzas appear to be more wretched than even the Osages. Men generally naked
with exception of the small cloth & sometimes a blanket thrown over their
shoulders. The women with a ragged piece of cloth about the middle, and some of
them with a narrow piece of cloth passing awry over one shoulder & under the
other arm, to conceal the breasts, which is commonly held over them with one
hand. But many of the women were wholly uncovered above the waist & below the
knee. Boys entirely naked, girls, with a piece of
256 THE KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
cloth about the middly. They were much pleased with our visit, & very
friendly.
I am instructed to pass thro. the country north of this river; but, it is
remarkable that, I cannot hear of one single canoe, or other craft for crossing
anywhere on the river. These people, if ever they cross, swim or cross on rafts,
With my lazy company I do not think we should be able to construct rafts, &
get ourselves, &c. across in less than four days. I cannot lose this time.
Indeed the time allowed me is so far gone that I must bend my course towards St.
Louis. This is the upper Indian town on the river, & consists of about 15
houses. It is 125 miles due west of Missouri State.
Friday Sep. 19
Left camp before 8, took a road down the river, a few miles from it, towards
other villages. In the course of 10 miles passed between two small villages,
travelling a little north of east. At one oclock, stopped to dine, sent some
tobacco to the principal Kanzau village, now in sight, say 7 miles off, by
two Indians who have accompanied us from above. While we left the road & bore
south east, in order to see the country on some large creek, which lay before us,
and, to endeavor to procure some meat. It was dusk when we reached a suitable
camping place.
We had travelled five or six miles after we parted with the messenger sent with
tobacco to the village, when an Indian came riding to us at full speed, from the
village, which now must have been seven or eight miles distant, He was entirely
naked from head to heels except the breech cloth. Had no other business he said
than to get a little tobacco. This we gave him and went on. An old chief he said
had started with him, but finding the chase too long had become discourage[d],
& went back.
Timber of the Kanza river is sufficient to allow a dense settlement for four or
five miles on each side. It appears well watered. Small creeks, & rivulets
are numerous, and wooded, and watered.
Saturday Sep 20
The rain which commenced in the night continueing the men were not called up
early. It was so wet that they seemed disinclined to hunt. Chandonois killed a
turkey near camp, & at 10 we proceeded on our way, eastwardly crossed a large
creek near camp. On this creek we find both limestone & free stone. The wind
blew all day so severely that travelling in the prarie was almost impracticable.
About the middle of the afternoon a violent wind and rain overtook us. We were
favored in being at that moment in a wood, & being able to secure most of the
baggage from wet.
BARNES: EXPLORING EXPEDITION OF 1828 257
Six of the men were hunting three came to us half an hour after the storm. The
other three were a little lost, but reached us afterwards with a fine deer. We
are much favored by providence, in being allowed to stop at a place favourable
for resting on tomorrow, being well supplied with grass for horses, and we are
now well supplied with meat.
The country continues the same in appearance. Except that the lands, though
excellent, I think are not quite so rich as on Neosho. Wood scattered in streaks
& groves all over the country. We are now about 70 miles due west of State of
Missouri, & 15 south of Kanza river Yesterday I suppose we travelled 30
miles, and today, 20.
Since we left Neosho, Mograin has said he supposed, from the circumstance of our
seeing antelopes, &c. that we were near to the Buffaloe. He says he was
afraid to tell us so at the time lest we should be inclined to go further west,
which he was afraid to do, lest we should fall in with enemies. He had all along
given it as his opinion that it was a long distance to Buffalos. The night we lay
farthest west some ravens were croaking about us till pretty late in the evening.
The old man said that from that circumstance he judged that enemies were near.
Sunday Sep. 21.
Remained in camp, religious Service morning & evening as usual on Sabbaths.
Monday Sep. 22.
Left camp at 8 Steered eastwardly, but at length found the hills so steep &
rocky, and the brush & vines so thick, that we bore to the south west in
order to head some branches. We were in sight of Kanza river, tho. perhaps ten or
12 miles distant. About 12 oclock we fell into the Santa Fe road unexpectedly
for, by the map the road at this place was 35 miles from the river, and we had
been turned off from the river by the broken land which bordered there on. The
road appears not to correspond with the map. We followed it till after 4, a south
east, or rather S. S. east. course when we turned to the North east, found an
encamping place & halted. While in the road we were on the dividing ridge
between Kanza & Osage rivers. The country descended with gentle slopes toward
Osage, but broke of[f] in abrupt hills towards Kanza. The hills are generally two
or three times as high as the trees in the low grounds, very steep & rocky
the vales covered with timber, stretching frequently to the tops of the hills.
From the hilltops the land passes off beautifully rolling-level enough for
cultivation. Between the
258 THE KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
hills on which we were & Kanza there appeared a large tract chiefly prarie,
150, or 200 feet lower than the hills. Along the hills facing Kanza is more wood
than is common at the sources of the streams. We are encamped in a tract of
woodland along side of which I think we have travelled ten miles. This woodland
lies across the sources of many small rivulets. Wood today has been much more
plenty than we have heretofore seen it. The country high, healthy, & rich
with abundance of limestone. This excellent tract of Kanza land lies adjoining
the better parts of Osage, which we were on about the 7th 8th & 9th
September. Much sign of Elk & Deer, Hunters brought in three turkeys in the
evening.
Tuesday Sep. 23
Left camp at 8 and by the compass travelled all day North east, stopped at 12
rested ¾ of an hour and encamped at 5. In the forenoon we had freestone, and
land somewhat sandy, In the afternoon limestone. Crossed many small creeks, &
lesser streams in all which was water. Country high & rich resembling the
better part of Osage. Timber about as plenty as seen on the more plentiful days.
Wednesday Left camp at quarter past eight. Rested ¾ an hour Sep. 24 at noon.
Followed a trail made in the summer until about 11 oclock when we fell into an
old Indian road which we kept until 3 oclock we reached the first Shawanoe
village. The men mostly were absent, hunting, &c. We gave them some tobacco
& proceeded to another settlement of Shawanoes on the line of Missouri. Sorry
that Shane the Interpreter was absent. His wife, who is a member of the Church at
Carey, was absent in the neighborhood. We pitched our tents a little way off.
After a few miles in the morning, wood has been plenty though it might be said
that we were in the wood of the river, extending 8 or 10 miles therefrom, tho.
not in a solid body. The country high & rich with Limestone in abundance
Travelled on Monday 27 miles-Tuesday 25-Wednesday 28.
I have now returned to the border of the Indian Territory. It is proper therefore
to take a retrospect of our tour therein.
I have been favoured, in general with good health-have been favoured with
pleasant weather, have been comfortably supplied with food, and not allowed to
meet any material accident or loss. Our horses look nearly as well as when we
left St. Louis.
The country we have explored, I am ready [to] pronounce excellent. It is admitted
that timber is too scarce, but by a judicious
BARNES: EXPLORING EXPEDITION OF 1828 259
arrangement in settlement, a vast population can be conveniently situated. There
is great sameness in appearance of the country. High, rich, healthy in
appearance, stone for building, & for lime in abundance. Water without
scarcity all over the country, for common use of man & beast. Mill streams in
abundance but all fail in the dry season. We might expect water-works to stand
still for want of water, in general, 4 or 5 months in the year. There is scarcely
a quagmire in all the country. I saw only one pond of water, & that covered
about an acre of land. Most travellers seek the higher and more open lands,
because it is exceeding troublesome getting thro. the timber, brush, & vines,
along the watercourses. The hills rise generally once, twice, & thrice, as
high as the trees in the low grounds. The sides of the hill are often abrupt, and
on the top becomes sufficiently level for cultivation. On these accounts one may
pass at a short distance from a grove of timber at a water course, the streak of
wood one fourth, one half-or even a mile in width, and scarcely [MS. illegible]
the bough of a tree. The country therefore has been reported to be more scarce of
wood and water than is the fact. It is remarkable too that because there is but
little timber on the uplands, travellers looking over prarie as far as sight
could reach, have fancied the country to be level, when, if the whole country
were timbered they would report it to be as high & rolling as the middle
counties of Kentucky. The ri [vers?] are broader & the slopes of tillable
land more gradual than generally in Kentucky.
Notwithstanding there is so little wet land in the country, yet grass for hay can
be obtained in abundance especially on Osage & Neosho.
In settling the country, lands should be so laid out that to each home should be
allowed 50 or 80 acres of wood-land, and then as much prarie back as should be
necessary. Hogs will thrive in any country while new, but this country will not
be particularly favourable to the growth of that kind of stock after the country
becomes thickly settled, it is too high & open. It will always be remarkably
well adapted to the growth of sheep & cattle. This will be the principal
business of farmers. On the settling of Indians there, a small field to each will
be sufficient. That is, a little larger than will, in that fertile soil, be
enough to furnish his bread and vegetables. The extensive grazing & hay of
the praries will supercede the necessity of farm pasturage and meadows.
I extended my tour west of Missouri State 140 miles on a direct
260 THE KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
line as measured on the map. Say 160 miles the nearest way that could be
travelled, and within 60 miles as measured on the map, of the place where the
Santa Fe road crosses Arkansas river, [16] and not more than 50 miles from that
river at a point lower down. I think I have been enabled to form a pretty just
estimate of the country 80 miles in width, and 150 from east to west, making
12,000 square miles or 7,680,000 acres. How much further west the country is
inhabitable I am not able from observation to say.
The country of the Shawanoe, near the mouth of Kanzas river is best supplied with
timber. On the upper branches of the creek of Kanzas named on the map Wahusa,
[17] and opposite, south, & near thereto on Osage river, is the most
desirable country for a good settlement, & in that region I am inclined to
hope for a mission Station, & perhaps the seat of government of the Indian
Territory, say from 30 to 70 miles due west of Missouri.
And now, O thou father of the fatherless & friend of the poor. Grant that in
these deserts, where, with a few, I have been allowed the privilege of bowing the
knee, and lisping a song, prayers & praises may arise from the thousands of a
people Saved by Thee! and all the glory-all the Glory shall be Thine.
The Shawanoes arrived in this country last Spring late. They consist chiefly of
about one half of those who resided at Waupaugkonetta in Ohio, some from
Merimack, in this State, some from Lewistown, O. & elsewhere. With some aid
from government, chiefly in food & clothing, & farming utensils, they are
in three or four settlements or villages putting up with their own hands very
neat log cabbins.
Thursday Sep. 25
Took breakfast with our sister Shane, happy to hear her of her own accord readily
speak of religion, and lament that there was not much of anything like it in
their country. I find too that she maintains an excellent character.
Mograin now chose to return home, & I had no further need of his services. I
therefore paid him. But his horse had left the company last night, and having no
bell on, could not be found this morning. I was anxious to proceed to the town of
Liberty, to which place I had directed all my papers to be sent. At 11, 1
therefore took one man, and leaving the company to search for the horse, set out,
crossed Missouri about six miles below the mouth of Kanza river. The Kanzas do
not pronounce this as usually written. Their pro
BARNES: EXPLORING EXPEDITION OF 1828 261
nunciation is truly Kan'-zau, & for Osages Wos-soshe'. We travelled 21 miles
& reached Liberty at sun-setting. No news of the southern Indians. Seven
letters from various members of my family, and one from Rev. Cone.18 Thankful to
hear of the health & comfort of my family. Cone manifests his usual interest
in our affairs, and assures me of his readiness to co-operate in carrying forward
our designs.
Friday Sep. 26
I remained at Liberty. In the evening the company arrived having found Mograins
horse. The old prophet & other Shawanoes called on our people after I left
them and had considerable talk, some of our Indians accepted an invitation of the
Shawanoes to attend a dance with them that night. I left tobacco for the
Shawanoes, some of which I left in care of Shane.
Saturday Sep. 27
Left Liberty about 8 oclock and travelled about 28 miles to near Richmond
(Martin's)
Sunday Sep. 28
Did not travel.
Monday Sep, 29
Set off at 7 crossed Missouri, travelled till 5, and made 32 miles. Lodged at
Estis'.
Tuesday Sep. 30
Left at 7 oclock, travelled 32 miles to Shackleford's.
Wednesday Oct. 1
It was a half past 9 before we could be ready to travel, Crossed Missouri Near
Chanton and reached Fayette sun an hour high. I sent the company on a few miles,
as we had only travelled 21 miles today, and because it is unpleasant stopping
them in a town where there is whisky, which Chandonois and the hired hands are as
much inclined to drink, as the Indians.
Hoping that I and Mr. Lykins with our families will be able to come to this
country next Spring for the purpose of commencing our missionary operations in
the west. It is desirable that we, ere that time, have some place selected at
which we may temporarily locate our families while we prepare houses for them in
the wilderness, and that we have a friend to whose care we may, if we choose,
direct some property. I had hoped to find an eligible situation nearer the
frontier, but was discouraged in the attempt by the apparent sickliness of the
country above. Pleased with the situation of this town and country I have stopped
here tonight to attend to that business. I engaged Mr. Wm. Wright of this place,
& he commends a Mr. Samuel of Franklin as consignee.
262 THE KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Thursday Oct. 2.
I set off very early. In about 4 miles overtook my company, breakfasted with them
and proceeded about in all today, 33 miles, to Wilburn's, where I stopped very
much fatigued. I feel much worn down with my journeyings, and greatly in want of
rest.
Friday Oct. 3
Resumed our journey at a half past six, and travelled 39 miles to McMurtry's.
Saturday Oct. 4.
Set off at 7 and made 42 miles, to Taylors. Today I met A. Shane, Interpreter for
Shawanoes, on his way home. Sometime ago I heard that Shane was much dissatisfied
with me. In my absence to the east in 1823-4 Mr. Polke, then a missionary,
employed Shane to accompany him to see the Ottawas on Grand river, and encouraged
Shane to expect a situation, in the mission which circumstances afterwards did
not admit of. Shane left his place 40 miles east of Fort Wayne, & brought his
wife and children to Carey, where I found them on my return, but about that time
they concluded to return. Neither Shane, nor any one else, told me the amount of
his expectations. I paid him for his services to Mr. Polke to the extent of the
agreement. Mr. Polke did this with the best intentions, but fact proved it to be
an unfortunate plan and I was sorry to hear that Shane, who has influence with
the Shawanoes in this country should be dissatisfied with me. Yesterday I
conversed with him on various subjects, & I mentioned what I had heard he had
said in Ohio respecting me, and let him know that I was confident that I had
always acted as his sincere friend. He appeared abashed, as well he might be. Did
not deny, nor pretend to justify what he had said, nor even repeat the reasons
for his dissatisfaction. But said, "We'll drop it," reached to me his hand in
token of friendship, of which he re-iterated assurances, and declared that he had
always spoken well of me in this country.
I am glad to have this matter settled, which was one (& I viewed it as a
serious one) of the difficulties which had grown out of the circumstance of
employing unsuccessful missionaries.
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