History of the Pawnee Indians

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1893. Excerpt: ... THE HISTORY OF THE PAWNEE WAR. In giving to the reader a history of the Pawnee expedition in July, 1859, I feel a degree of hesitancy in attempting the description, not feeling myself able to do the justice the case demands. In the first place I take into consideration in the introduction, the habits and character of the Indians and what the Pawnee Indians had to contend with--their natural enemy, the great Sioux nation. In the winter of deep snow, in 1833, the Sioux in large numbers, came down upon their village on the south side of the Platte river, opposite what was once known as the "Lone Tree" station, now Central City, pouncing upon them, butchering a large number, not even sparing the squaws or papooses, and no doubt the intention was to exterminate them, or at least weaken their tribe. The next great loss was of their ponies, driven off by the Sioux at the same time. With their depleted numbers they removed to Southern Bluffs south of the Platte river, about three miles from Fremont. So said Mr. Allis, their early missionary and interpreter, and later, Judge Gillis, interpreter at the Pawnee reservation. Knowing the disposition of the Indians, they, the' Pawnees, were ripe for revenge, and made raids upon the Sioux fo» ponies to replenish their stock and to more securely hold them, made a large stockade in the center of their village for the night, though it is not natural for an Indian to make raids only at the early dawn. In the summer of 1858, twelve of the young bloods of the Pawnees started out on the war path, evidently to steal ponies, smarting under the whip of their defeat in former years. Going to the far westward the eagle-eye of the Sioux sighted them, and divining their object they turned loose at night the same number of old hor...