Diary of William Polke Monday, 10 Sept. 1838 “The morning was early employed in preparations for a removal. Nothing of any note occurred during the morning. At 10 o’clock we got under way and proceeded on our journey, leaving behind us of sick and attendan[ts] two. The day was hot—we had the advantage [how]ever, of Read More »

Diary of William Polke Sunday, 9 Sept. 1838 “Physicians came into camp today, and reported three hundred cases of sickness, generally of a temporary character, and which they are of opinion, may be removed by a two-day course of medicine. A kind of medical hospital has been erected today, which is likely to facilitate the Read More »

Diary of William Polke Friday, 7 Sept. 1838 “Two wagons with the thirteen persons left at Chippeway arrived in camp today. Kock-koch-kee, with his party consisting of fifteen persons, as also Co-co-ta, Che-shaw-gen, Way-wa-he-as-shuk and Pawk-shuk, with their families, making in all eighteen persons, came into camp today. A child died this morning.”

Diary of William Polke Wednesday, 5 Sept. 1838 *During the night of the 4th at the encampment at Chippeway, twenty persons affected their escape—stealing two horses from the Indians remaining behind, and have not since been heard of. “Fifty one persons were found to be unable to continue the journey, the means of transportation not Read More »

Diary of William Polke Tuesday, 4 Sept. 1838 “Left encampment at Twin Lakes at half past nine o’clock a.m. leaving behind on account of sickness of the chief San-ga-na, with his family consisting of thirteen persons, three of whom are very sick, and proceeded on our march. Messrs. Wheeler & Hopkins agree to furnish provisions Read More »