Time of crisisA Closer Look
My darling Jennie, If I have seemed to neglect you it is not because I love you less, but because I have always such a load of care and work I have no time to do all I could wish. You see by a paper I sent you how busy I have been preparing a paper for the press on the subject of our Indian affairs. We have no knowledge what is to be done with the Indians. There are about 1800 at Fort Snelling where Mr. Hinman goes next week to be their missionary. The 390 condemned have not as yet received any sentences. I suppose the President is examining the proof and will soon decide who are to die…. Faribault, March 4, 1863 My darling Jennie, I was delighted to read your letters to mother… I have had a very hard winter of work, more so than usual but God has taken care of me in danger and protected me…The Indians of whom 1600 are at Fort Snelling are deeply interested in hearin g the Gospel…These are mostly women and children. The government thus far refuses to hear any plea for justice and mercy. They are only busy with robbery. Our people cry for vengeance and with many it is an insane cry which means extermination for the guilty and innocent alike. I have made myself very unpopular by my course but I am glad to say the people are beginning to find out that I am right… The Rev John Johnson Enmegahbowh has gone to Washington with the Chippewa chiefs and will be there some weeks. |
