cross to an island. A warrior will
duly appreciate the embarrassments I labored under--and whatever may
be the sentiments of the white people in relation to this battle, my
nation, though fallen, will award to me the reputation of a great brave
in conducting it.

The loss of the enemy could not be ascertained by our party; but I am
of the opinion that it was much greater, in proportion, than mine. We
returned to the Wisconsin and crossed over to our people.

Here some of my people left me, and descended the Wisconsin, hoping to
escape to the west side of the Mississippi, that they might return
home. I had no objection to their leaving me, as my people were all in
a desperate condition, being worn out with traveling and starving
with hunger. Our only hope to save ourselves was to get across the
Mississippi. But few of this party escaped. Unfortunately for them, a
party of soldiers from Prairie du Chien were stationed on the Wisconsin,
a short distance from its mouth, who fired upon our distressed people.
Some were killed, others drowned, several taken prisoners, and the
balance escaped to the woods and perished with hunger. Among this party
were a great many women and children.

I was astonished to find that Neapope and his party of spies had not
yet come in, they having been left in my rear to bring the news, if the
enemy were discovered. It appeared, however, that the whites had come
in a different direction and intercepted our trail but a short distance
from the place where we first saw them, leaving our spies considerably
in the rear. Neapope and one other retired to the Winnebago village,
and there remained during the war. The balance of his party, being brave
men, and considering our interests as their own, returned, and joined
our ranks.

Myself and band having no means to descend the Wisconsin, I started over
a rugged country, to go to the Mississippi, intending to cross it and
return to my nation. Many of our people were compelled to go on foot,
for want of horses, which, in consequence of their having had nothing
to eat for a long time, caused our march to be very slow. At length we
arrived at the Mississippi, having lost some of our old men and little
children, who perished on the way with hunger.

We had been here but a little while before we saw a steamboat (the
"Warrior,") coming. I told my braves not to shoot, as I intended going
on board, so that we might save our women and children. I knew the
capt