Letter from General William Clark
"Superintendency of
Indian Affairs.
"St. Louis, May 28, 1831.
"Sir: I have the honor to inclose you a copy of a letter of 26th inst.,
just received from the Governor of Illinois, by which you will perceive he
has thought it necessary to call out a force of about 700 militia for the
protection of the citizens of that state, who reside near Rock River, and
for the purpose of removing a band of Sacs which he states are now about
Rock Island.
"As the commanding general of this division of the army, I have thought it
my duty to communicate to you the above information; and for the purpose
of putting you in possession of the views of the government in relation to
this subject, as well as to inform you of the means which have been
heretofore employed for the removal of the Sacs now complained of, I
enclose to you herewith copies of my correspondence with the war
department and with the agent for those tribes, also extracts from such of
their reports as had immediate relation to the subject.
"The Sacs and Foxes have been counseled with on the subject of their
removal from the lands which they had ceded to the United States. The
prospect of collisions with the white settlers who were then purchasing
those lands, and the interminable difficulties in which they would be
involved thereby were pointed out, and had the effect of convincing a
large majority of both tribes of the impropriety of remaining at their old
village. They, therefore, acquiesced in the justice of the claim of the
United States and expressed their willingness to comply with my request to
remove to their new village on Iowy River, west of the Mississippi, all
but parts of two bands headed by two inconsiderable chiefs, who, after
abandoning their old village, have, it appears, returned again, in
defiance of all consequences.
"Those bands are distinguished and known by the name of `The British
Party,' having been for many years in the habit of making annual visits at
Malden in Upper Canada for the purpose of receiving their presents, and it
is believed to be owing in a great measure to the counsels they have there
received, that so little influence has been acquired over them by the
United States agents.
"In justice to Keokuk, Wapello the Stabbing Chief, and, indeed, all the
other real chiefs and principal men of both tribes, it should he observed
that they have constantly and zealously co-operated with the government
agents in furtherance of its views, and in their endeavors to effect the
removal of all their property from the ceded lands.
"Any information in my possession which you may deem necessary in relation
to this subject will be promptly afforded. With high respect, I have the
honor to be
"Your most obedient servant,
" WILLIAM CLARK.
"Major-General Edmund P. Gaines, Commanding Western Department, U. S. A.
"P. S. The agent for the Sacs and Foxes (Mr. St. Vrain) has received his
instructions and will perform any service you may require of him with the
Sacs and Foxes."
Early Settlements of Rock County
Source: Historic Rock Island County, pub. Kramer & Company, Rock Island, Illinois, 1908