Indian Tribes of Indiana and Illinois, 1822

Our table shows what tribes inhabit, or rather did once inhabit, these states. The most of them have sold their lands and are either still lingering on them, unwilling to take a last look over the fertile fields, which they once called their own, and at the mounds which contain the bones of many generations of their ancestors; or they are scattered, and roaming without a home in the territories of strangers. Not many years since, we could point to the populous villages of these Indians, and knew where to direct our efforts for their benefit. Now we may ask the question ” Where are they ?” and there is no one among us who is able to give an answer. The most of them, however, are already gone, or are going, beyond the Mississippi, to some spot selected, or to be selected, 1 for their future “permanent,” residence. 2

Descriptive Eloquence

“This charming country,” speaking of a part of Virginia, “belonged to the Indians; over these fields, and through these forests, their beloved forefathers once, in careless gaiety, pursued, their sports and hunted their game.”

This important change in the situation of these tribes is now in operation, and till it shall be completed, nothing definite can be either said or done as to their civilization or religious instruction. Very valuable information relating to some of the tribes who have inhabited, and are still within the limits of these states, I have recorded in the appendix, in hope that while it answers the enquiries of the Government, it may come into use, when these Indians shall have found, if they ever do find, an unmolested home.

(a) The Palachos, Eamuses and Kaloosas were the ancient Possessors of Florida; all extinct.


Citations:
  1. Appendix U.[↩]
  2. I cannot deny myself the melancholy gratification of inserting here the following pertinent and touching specimen of Descriptive Eloquence written above.[↩]

Topics:
History,

Collection:
Morse, Rev. Jedidiah. A Report to the Secretary of War of the United States on Indian Affairs, Printed by S. Converse, 1822.

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