THE RED MEN OF IOWA.
CHAPTER XVIII.
SOON after the commencement of our civil war, in the spring of 1861, there began to appear unmistakable indications that Indians living near the northwestern borders of Iowa were determined to take advantage of the troubled condition of the country, and commit serious depredations against the sparse settlements in that region. The regular troops had been generally withdrawn from the posts on the upper Missouri, leaving the settlements on the frontier in an exposed condition, and rendering it necessary for the settlers to organize themselves for defense. Marauding bands of Indians from southwestern Minnesota, Dakota
and northern Nebraska began to cross over into Iowa and commit depredations in the settlements along the Little Sioux and Floyd rivers. Horses were stolen, cattle and other stock killed, and gardens and fields were robbed. These facts coming to the knowledge of Governor Kirkwood, measures were at once taken by the State authorities to co-operate with the citizens of the frontier in protecting the settlements. Hon. Caleb Baldwin, of Council Bluffs, as the governor's aid, with the rank of colonel, was authorized to effect a military organization in the western counties for border defense. His authority for that purpose was in the following communication from the governor:
"EXECUTIVE OFFICE, IOWA,
"April, 25, 1861.
"HON. CALIB BALDWIN, Council Bluffs, Iowa:
"Dear Sir--I am informed that some uneasiness exists on the frontier, lest the border counties suffer from attacks by Indians, or lawless men from other States. There are not at present any arms to send you, but the people should organize as minute-men, and arm themselves as soon and as well as they can with private arms. I authorize you to make any such arrangement as you may think the safety of the border requires, in the way of organizing companies, and perfecting a system of communication with each other, in case of need.
"You are also authorized to call any of these companies into service, if, in your judgment, the public safety requires it, and continue them in service as long as there may be any necessity therefor.
"I leave the whole matter to your discretion, confident that you will, in all respects, act with due regard to the safety of the frontier and the public interest.
"I send you herewith blank commissions for military companies in the western counties of Iowa. Please fill
Previous Pages:
Introductory Page| Portrait of MA-KA-TAI-ME-SHE-KIA-KIAH (Black Hawk)| Title Page| Page 2|
Preface (pages 3 - 6)| Illustrations (page 7)| Contents (pages 8 - 17)
Chapter One| Chapter Two| Chapter Three| Chapter Four| Chapter Five
Chapter Six| Chapter Seven| Chapter Eight| Chapter Nine| Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven| Chapter Twelve| Chapter Thirteen| Chapter Fourteen| Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen| Chapter Seventeen
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