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THE RED MEN OF IOWA.

CHAPTER XXI.

SPANISH GRANTS AND INDIAN TREATIES.

THE territory within the limits of Iowa, prior to 1763, was claimed by France by virtue of the right of original discovery, but in that year, with a vast extent of other territory extending to the Gulf of Mexico, it was ceded to Spain. The latter power claimed the sovereignty until October 1, 1800, when it was ceded back to France. This power transferred it to the United States, April 30, 1803. During the thirty-seven years that Spain held possession several grants of land within the limits of the present State of Iowa were made to individuals, as follows:
The Giard Grant.--In 1795, the lieutenant governor of upper Louisiana granted to Basil Giard a tract of five thousand seven hundred and sixy acres, situated within the limits of the present county of Clayton. Giard was a French trader, and had been the companion of Dubuque at Prairie du Chien. He continued to occupy the land so granted during the time the country passed from Spain to