The Agent Fears Trouble
"Rock Island, June 12, 1831.
"Sir: I have the honor to report to you that, agreeably to my intimation
to you I visited the village of Sac Indians near this place yesterday for
the purpose of persuading off the Winnebago Prophet and some young men of
his band whom I knew had previously been there and, I believe, with an
intention to support the Sac Indians. I found that the Prophet had just
left there for his village, which is within my agency upon Rock River, and
although he had previously promised that he would return home and remain
there, I have reason to believe that his object is to get as many of his
band and of the other bands of the Winnebagoes (who reside at Rock River,
within my agency) as he can, for the purpose of joining the Sacs and of
supporting them in their present pretensions.
"I have recently been at some of the principal villages of Winnebagoes
within my agency, and have ascertained from unquestionable authority that,
although they had been invited to join the Sacs, they had refused to do
so. I think it will be prudent for me to follow the Prophet, to prevent
him from influencing any of the Indians up the river to join him. Should,
I, however, find that any of the warriors have left before my arrival
amongst them, I will (if you think it best) return immediately to this
place, bringing with me three or four influential chiefs, who can be
relied on and who will, with my assistance, I think, be able to control
them.
"In my opinion there are at least 400 warriors at the Sac village which I
visited yesterday, apparently determined to defend themselves in their
present position. On the receipt of your letter on the 4th inst., I
immediately hastened to this place with a view to give you the most
satisfactory information upon the subject of it and tender my services in
any way you may think useful.
"I am, respectfully yours,
"HENRY GRATIOT, Sub-Agent, etc. "Major-General Gaines."
Early Settlements of Rock County
Source: Historic Rock Island County, pub. Kramer & Company, Rock Island, Illinois, 1908