Treaty with the Sioux and Chippewa, Sacs and Fox, Menominie, Ioway, Winnebago, and a portion of the Ottawa, and Potawattomie Tribes.
The United States of America have seen with much regret, that wars have for many years been carried on between the Sioux and the Chippewas, and more recently between the confederated tribes of Sacs and Foxes, and the Sioux; and also between the Ioways and Sioux; which, if not terminated, may extend to the other tribes, and involve the Indians upon the Missouri, the Mississippi, and the Lakes, in general hostilities. In order, therefore, to promote peace among these tribes, and to establish boundaries among them and the other tribes who live in their vicinity, and thereby to remove all causes of future difficulty, the United States have invited the Chippewa, Sac, and Fox, Menominie, Ioway, Sioux, Winnebago, and a portion of the Ottowa, Chippewa and Potawatomie Tribes of Indians living upon the Illinois, to assemble together, and in a spirit of mutual conciliation to accomplish these objects; and to aid therein, have appointed William Clark and Lewis Cass, Commissioners on their part, who have met the Chiefs, Warriors, and Representatives of the said tribes, and portion of tribes, at Prairie des Chiens, in the Territory of Michigan, and after full deliberation, the said tribes, and portions of tribes, have agreed with the United States, and with one another, upon the following articles.
Article I. There shall be a firm and perpetual peace between the Sioux and Chippewas; between the Sioux and the confederated tribes of Sacs and Foxes; and between the Ioways and the Sioux.
Article II. It is agreed between the confederated Tribes of the Sacs and Foxes, and the Sioux, that the Line between their respective countries shall be as follows: Commencing at the mouth of the Upper Ioway River, on the west bank of the Mississippi, and ascending the said Ioway river, to its left fork; thence up that fork to its source; thence crossing the fork of Red Cedar River, in a direct line to the second or upper fork of the Desmoines river; and thence in a direct line to the lower fork of the Calumet river; and down that river to its juncture with the Missouri river. But the Yancton band of the Sioux tribe, being principally interested in the establishment of the line from the Forks of the Desmoines to the Missouri, and not being sufficiently represented to render the definitive establishment of that line proper, it is expressly declared that the line from the forks of the Desmoines to the forks of the Calumet river, and down that river to the Missouri, is not to be considered as settled until the assent of the Yancton band shall be given thereto. And if the said band should refuse their assent, the arrangement of that portion of the boundary line shall be void, and the rights of the parties to the country bounded thereby, shall be the same as if no provision had been made for the extension of the line west of the forks of the Desmoines. And the Sacs and Foxes relinquish to the tribes interested therein, all their claim to land on the east side of the Mississippi river.
Article III. The Ioways accede to the arrangement between the Sacs and Foxes, and the Sioux; but it is agreed between the Ioways and the confederated tribes of the Sacs and Foxes, that the Ioways have a just claim to a portion of the country between the boundary line described in the next preceding article, and the Missouri and Mississippi; and that the said Ioways, and Sacs and Foxes, shall peaceably occupy the same, until some satisfactory arrangement can be made between them for a division of their respective claims to country.
Article IV. The Ottoes not being represented at this Council, and the Commissioners for the United States being anxious that justice should be done to all parties, and having reason to believe that the Ottoes have a just claim to a portion of the country upon the Missouri, east and south of the boundary line dividing the Sacs and Foxes and the Ioways, from the Sioux, it is agreed between the parties interested therein, and the United States, that the claim of the Ottoes shall not be affected by any thing herein contained; but the same shall remain as valid as if this treaty had not been formed.
Article V. It is agreed between the Sioux and the Chippewas, that the line dividing their respective countries shall commence at the Chippewa River, half a day’s march below the falls; and from thence it shall run to Red Cedar River, immediately below the falls; from thence to the St. Croix River, which it strikes at a place called the standing cedar, about a day’s paddle in a canoe, above the Lake at the mouth of that river; thence passing between two lakes called by the Chippewas “Green Lakes,” and by the Sioux “the lakes they bury the Eagles in,” and from thence to the standing cedar that “the Sioux Split;” thence to Rum River, crossing it at the mouth of a small creek called choaking creek, a long day’s march from the Mississippi; thence to a point of woods that projects into the prairie, half a day’s march from the Mississippi; thence in a straight line to the mouth of the first river which enters the Mississippi on its west side above the mouth of Sac river; thence ascending the said river (above the mouth of Sac river) to a small lake at its source; thence in a direct line to a lake at the head of Prairie river, which is supposed to enter the Crow Wing river on its South side; thence to Otter-tail lake Portage; thence to said Ottertail lake, and down through the middle thereof, to its outlet; thence in a direct line, so as to strike Buffalo river, half way from its source to its mouth, and down the said river to Red River; thence descending Red river to the mouth of Outard or Goose creek: The eastern boundary of the Sioux commences opposite the mouth of Ioway river, on the Mississippi, runs back two or three miles to the bluffs, follows the bluffs, crossing Bad axe river, to the mouth of Black river, and from Black river to half a day’s march below the Falls of the Chippewa River.
Article VI. It is agreed between the Chippewas and Winnebagoes, so far as they are mutually interested therein, that the southern boundary line of the Chippewa country shall commence on the Chippewa river aforesaid, half a day’s march below the falls on that river, and run thence to the source of Clear Water river, a branch of the Chippewa; thence south to Black river; thence to a point where the woods project into the meadows, and thence to the Plover Portage of the Ouisconsin.
Article VII. It is agreed between the Winnebagoes and the Sioux, Sacs and Foxes, Chippewas and Ottawas, Chippewas and Potawatomies of the Illinois, that the Winnebago country shall be bounded as follows: south easterly by Rock River, from its source near the Winnebago lake, to the Winnebago village, about forty miles above its mouth; westerly by the east line of the tract, lying upon the Mississippi, herein secured to the Ottawa, Chippewa and Potawatomie Indians, of the Illinois; and also by the high bluff, described in the Sioux boundary, and running north to Black river: from this point the Winnebagoes claim up Black river, to a point due west from the source of the left fork of the Ouisconsin; thence to the source of the said fork, and down the same to the Ouisconsin; thence down the Ouisconsin to the portage, and across the portage to Fox river; thence down Fox river to the Winnebago lake, and to the grand Kan Kanlin, including in their claim the whole of Winnebago lake; but, for the causes stated in the next article, this line from Black river must for the present be left indeterminate.
Article VIII. The representatives of the Menominies not being sufficiently acquainted with their proper boundaries, to settle the same definitively, and some uncertainty existing in consequence of the cession made by that tribe upon Fox River and Green Bay, to the New York Indians, it is agreed between the said Menominie tribe, and the Sioux, Chippewas, Winnebagoes, Ottawa, Chippewa and Potawatomie Indians of the Illinois, that the claim of the Menominies to any portion of the land within the boundaries allotted to either of the said tribes, shall not be barred by any stipulation herein; but the same shall remain as valid as if this treaty had not been concluded. It is, however, understood that the general claim of the Menominies is bounded on the north by the Chippewa country, on the east by Green Bay and lake Michigan extending as far south as Millawaukee river, and on the West they claim to Black River.
Article IX. The country secured to the Ottawa, Chippewa, and Potawatomie tribes of the Illinois, is bounded as follows: Beginning at the Winnebago village, on Rock river, forty miles from its mouth and running thence down the Rock river to a line which runs from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi, and with that line to the Mississippi, opposite to Rock Island; thence up that river to the United States reservation, at the mouth of the Ouisconsin; thence with the south and east lines of the said reservation to the Ouisconsin; thence, southerly, passing the heads of the small streams emptying into the Mississippi, to the Rock river at the Winnebago village. The Illinois Indians have also a just claim to a portion of the country bounded south by the Indian boundary line aforesaid, running from the southern extreme of lake Michigan, east by lake Michigan, north by the Menominie country, and north-west by Rock river. This claim is recognized in the treaty concluded with the said Illinois tribes at St. Louis, August 24, 1816, but as the Millewakee and Manetoowalk bands are not represented at this Council, it cannot be now definitively adjusted.
Article X. All the tribes aforesaid acknowledge the general controlling power of the United States, and disclaim all dependence upon, and connection with, any other power. And the United States agree to, and recognize, the preceding boundaries, subject to the limitations and restrictions before provided. It being, however, well understood that the reservations at Fever River, at the Ouisconsin, and St. Peters, and the ancient settlements at Prairie des Chiens and Green Bay, and the land property thereto belonging, and the reservations made upon the Mississippi, for the use of the half breeds, in the treaty concluded with the Sacs and Foxes, August 24, 1824, are not claimed by either of the said tribes.
Article XI. The United States agree, whenever the President may think it necessary and proper, to convene such of the tribes, either separately or together, as are interested in the lines left unsettled herein, and to recommend to them an amicable and final adjustment of their respective claims, so that the work, now happily begun, may be consummated. It is agreed, however, that a Council shall be held with the Yancton band of the Sioux, during the year 1826, to explain to them the stipulations of this treaty, and to procure their assent thereto, should they be disposed to give it, and also with the Ottoes, to settle and adjust their title to any of the country claimed by the Sacs, Foxes, and Ioways.
Article XII. The Chippewa tribe being dispersed over a great extent of country, and the Chiefs of that tribe having requested, that such portion of them as may be thought proper, by the Government of the United States, may be assembled in 1826, upon some part of Lake Superior, that the objects and advantages of this treaty may be fully explained to them, so that the stipulations thereof may be observed by the warriors. The Commissioners of the United States assent thereto, and it is therefore agreed that a council shall accordingly be held for these.
Article XIII. It is understood by all the tribes, parties hereto, that no tribe shall hunt within the acknowledged limits of any other without their assent, but it being the sole object of this arrangement to perpetuate a peace among them, and amicable relations being now restored, the Chiefs of all the tribes have expressed a determination, cheerfully to allow a reciprocal right of hunting on the lands of one another, permission being first asked and obtained, as before provided for.
Article XIV. Should any causes of difficulty hereafter unhappily arise between any of the tribes, parties hereunto, it is agreed that the other tribes shall interpose their good offices to remove such difficulties; and also that the government of the United States may take such measures as they may deem proper, to effect the same object.
Article XV. This treaty shall be obligatory on the tribes, parties hereto, from and after the date hereof, and on the United States, from and after its ratification by the government thereof.
Done, and signed, and sealed, at Prairie des Chiens, in the territory of Michigan, this nineteenth day of August, one thousand eight hundred and twenty-five, and of the independence of the United States the fiftieth.
William Clark
Lewis Cass
Sioux:
Wa-ba-sha, x or the leaf
Pe-tet-te x Corbeau, little crow
The Little x of the Wappitong tribe
Tartunka-nasiah x Sussitong
Sleepy Eyes, x Sossitong
Two faces x do
French Crow x Wappacoota
Kee-jee x do
Tar-se-ga x do
Wa-ma-de-tun-ka x black dog
Wan-na-ta x Yancton, or he that charges on his enemies
Red Wing x
Ko-ko-ma-ko x
Sha-co-pe x the Sixth
Pe-ni-si-on x
Eta-see-pa x Wabasha’s band
Wa-ka-u-hee, x Sioux band, rising thunder
The Little Crow, x Sussetong
Po-e-ha-pa x Me-da-we-con-tong, or eagle head
Ta-ke-wa-pa x Wappitong, or medicine blanket
Tench-ze-part, x his bow
Masc-pu-lo-chas-tosh, x the white man
Te-te-kar-munch, x the buffaloman
Wa-sa-o-ta x Sussetong, or a great of hail
Oeyah-ko-ca, x the crackling tract
Mak-to-wah-ke-ark, x the bear
Winnebagoes:
Les quatres jambes, x
Carimine, x the turtle that walks
De-ca-ri, x
Wan-ca-ha-ga, x or snake’s skin
Sa-sa-ma-ni, x
Wa-non-che-qua, x the merchant
Chon-que-pa, x or dog’s head
Cha-rat-chon, x the smoker
Ca-ri-ca-si-ca, x he that kills the crow
Watch-kat-o-que, x the grand canoe
Ho-wa-mick-a, x the little elk
Menominees:
Ma-can-me-ta, x medicine bear
Chau-wee-nou-mi-tai, x medicine south wind
Char-o-nee, x
Ma-wesh-a, x the little wolf
A-ya-pas-mis-ai, x the thunder that turns
Cha-ne-pau, x the riband
La-me-quon, x the spoon
En-im-e-tas, x the barking wolf
Pape-at, x the one just arrived
O-que-men-ce, x the little chief
Chippewas:
Shinguaba x W’Ossin, 1st chief of the Chippewa nation, Saulte St. Marie
Gitspee x Jiauba, 2d chief
Gitspee x Waskee, or le boeuf of la pointe lake Superior
Nain-a-boozhu, x of la pointe lake Superior
Monga, x Zid or loon’s foot of Fond du Lac
Weescoup, x or sucre of Fond du Lac
Mush-Koas, x or the elk of Fond du Lac
Nau-bun x Aqeezhik, of Fond du Lac
Kau-ta-waubeta, x or broken tooth of Sandy lake
Pugisaingegen, x or broken arm of Sandy lake
Kwee-weezaishish, x or gross guelle of Sandy lake
Ba-ba-see-kundade, x or curling hair of Sandy lake
Paashineep, x or man shooting at the mark of Sandy lake
Pu-ga-a-gik, x the little beef, Leech lake
Pee-see-ker, x or buffalo, St. Croix band
Nau-din, x or the wind, St. Croix band
Nau-quan-a-bee, x of Mille lac
Tu-kau-bis-hoo, x or crouching lynx of Lac Courte Oreille
The Red Devil, x of Lac Courte Oreille
The Track, x of Lac Courte Oreille
Ne-bo-na-bee, x the mermaid Lac Courte Oreille
Pi-a-gick, x the single man St. Croix
Pu-in-a-ne-gi, x, or the hole in the day, Sandy lake
Moose-o-mon-e, x plenty of elk, St. Croix band
Nees-o-pe-na, x or two birds of Upper Red Cedar lake
Shaata, x the pelican of Leech lake
Che-on-o-quet, x the great cloud of Leech lake
I-au-ben-see, x the little buck of Red lake
Kia-wa-tas, x the tarrier of Leech lake
Mau-ge-ga-bo, x the leader of Leech lake
Nan-go-tuck, x the flame of Leech lake
Nee-si-day-sish, x the sky of Red lake
Pee-chan-a-nim, x striped feather of Sandy lake
White Devil, x of Leech lake
Ka-ha-ka, x the sparrow, Lac
Courte Oreille
I-au-be-ence, x little buck of Rice lake, Ca-ba-ma-bee, x the assembly of St. Croix
Nau-gau-nosh, x the forward man lake Flambeau
Caw-win-dow, x he that gathers berries of Sandy Lake
On-que-ess, the mink, lake Superior
Ke-we-ta-ke-pe, x all round the sky
The-sees, x
Ottawas:
Chaboner, x or [Chambly]
Shaw-fau-wick, x the mink
Potawatomies:
Ignace, x
Ke-o-kuk, x
Che-chan-quose, x the little crane
Taw-wa-na-nee, x the trader
Sacs:
Na-o-tuk, x the stabbing chief
Pish-ken-au-nee, x all fish
Po-ko-nau-qua, x or broken arm
Wau-kau-che, x eagle nose
Quash-kaume, x jumping fish
Ochaach, x the fisher
Ke-o-kuck, x the watchful fox
Skin-gwin-ee-see, the x ratler
Was-ar-wis-ke-no, x the yellow bird
Pau-ko-tuk, x the open sky
Au-kaak-wan-e-suk, x he that vaults on the earth
Mu-ku-taak-wan-wet, x
Mis-ke-bee, x the standing hair
Foxes:
Wan-ba-law, x the playing fox
Ti-a-mah, x the bear that makes the rocks shake
Pee-ar-maski, x the jumping sturgeon
Shagwa-na-tekwishu, x the thunder that is heard all over the world
Mis-o-win, x moose deer horn
No-ko-wot, x the down of the fur
Nau-sa-wa-quot, x the bear that sleeps on the forks
Shin-quin-is, x the ratler
O-lo-pee-aau, x or Mache-paho-ta, the bear
Keesis, x the sun
No-wank, x he that gives too little
Kan-ka-mote, x
Neek-waa, x
Ka-tuck-e-kan-ka, x the fox with a spotted breast
Mock-to-back-sa-gum, x black tobacco
Wes-kesa, x the bear family
Ioways:
Ma-hos-ka, x the white cloud
Pumpkin, x
Wa-ca-nee, x the painted medicine
Tar-no-mun, x a great many deer
Wa-hoo-ga, x the owl
Ta-ca-mo-nee, x the lightning
Wa-push-a, x the man killer
To-nup-he-non-e, x the flea
Mon-da-tonga, x
Cho-wa-row-a, x
Witnesses:
Thomas Biddle, Secretary
R. A. McCabe, Captain Fifth Infantry
R. A. Forsyth
N. Boilvin, United States Indian Agent
C. C. Trowbridge, Sub Indian Agent
Henry R. Schoolcraft, United States Indian Agent
B. F. Harney, Surgeon U. S. Army
W. B. Alexander, Sub Indian Agent
Thomas Forsyth, Agent Indian Affairs
Marvien Blondau
David Bailey
James M’Ilvaine, Lieutenant U. S. Army
Law, Taliaferro, Indian Agent for Upper Mississippi
John Holiday
William Dickson
S. Campbell, United States Interpreter
J. A. Lewis
William Holiday
Dunable Denejlevy
Bela Chapman