Daniel Dunihue Journal of Occurences
August 1832
This "Journal of Occurences" was maintained (as required by government regulation) by Daniel R. Dunihue during the period he was engaged to help conduct the removal a group of Seneca and Shawnee from near New Lebanon, Ohio to Missouri in 1832. The removals resulted from treaties negotiated at Lewistown and Wapaghkonnetta by Dunihue's cousin James B. Gardiner, a specially appointed Commisioner and Indian agent John McElvain. Dunihue, who was 21 at the time, eventually became a businessman in Bedford, Indiana.
This account was provided to Conner Prairie by Rebecca Lyon of Indianapolis. Dunihue also maintained a personal diary
. Letters written by Dunihue during this same time were published in the Indiana Magazine of History (vol. 35, 1939). Taken together they form a valuable account of the day to day travails of Indian removal.
Journal of Occurrences for the Mixed Band of Senecas and Shawnees of Lewiston Commenced 20th August 1832
By Daniel R. Dunihue
Adj. Condr [Conductor]
Aug 20th 1832
Agreeably to previous notice given them, the Senecas & Shawnees this day assembled at Lewistown, Logan County, Ohio, to receive rations. At their request, provisions for four days were issued to them. The proper officers of the detachment, formed by them, were present, and inspected the provisions and issues, both of which were satisfactory. The utmost harmony prevailed throughout the day; and in the evening, the Indians returned to their homes well satisfied with the manner of drawing, and with the quantity & quality of their food. Each family drew separately.
Since there was no definite time set for the commencement of their journey, and their houses thought the most proper places for them to remain while rendered unwell from the effects of vaccination, it was considered most expedient for them to continue their former manner of living until they should recover their health after being vaccinated, and a time fixed for their departure.
The physicians will commence vaccinating them next Monday if no impediment steps in the way.
Tuesday, August 21st
The head chief and some of the principal men of the nation were called together, by the request of Lieut. Lane, Disbursing Agent, to ascertain whether there was a possibility of prevailing on them to go by water. They say what they have said before, that "They depended upon Col. Gardiner to carry their understanding of the treaty into effect. They are ready, willing and anxious to go – and always have been – but it is useless to try to persuade them to go by steam boats." They say that some of their old and infirm women say – "We will not go in steam boats – nor will we go in waggons – but we will go on horseback - it is the most agreeable way to us; and if we are not allowed to go so, we can, and will remain here and die, and be buried with our relatives – it will but a short time before we leave this world at any rate, and let us avert from our heads as much unnecessary pain and sorrow as possible." In the evening they departed expressing a desire to hear the final conclusion of the President and Secretary of War with respect to the route which it is wished they should pursue. They ardently hope they will be permitted to go by land on horseback.
Wednesday, August 22nd
The Indians remained at home today - and in the evening send word to their conductor, Col. McPherson, that they would meet at this house tomorrow. For some purpose which they did not explain.
Thursday, 23rd August
The Indians met this morning agreeable to their appointment yesterday, and made known the business for which they assembled. It was for this purpose, viz. A young man (a friend of theirs) had just arrived from the Big Spring Reservation to inform them that the Indians of the Grant Reservation were drawing up writings in a secret manner, to establish a claim to the avails arising from the Big Spring Reservation, which were affirmed to be unjust by the Indians of the Big Spring Reservation and by the Lewistown Indians, their friends and relative – They (the Lewistown Indians) wished the interference of Col. McPherson and Major Pool, the Asst. Agent, in this favour & their cooperation with Col. Gardiner to protect their rights – they requested that Gardiner should be informed immediately of this claim and use his exertion to avert its intended diliterious effects to them & their property… They were assured that they might rely upon the interposition of those officers in their favour to protest their rights. They then departed for their homes in peace & confidence.
Friday 24th
The Indians this day collected at a grove near the house of Co. McPherson and received their rations for 4 days. They were well satisfied. Civil John saw that the tribe should be collected at this house next Monday to be vaccinated.
Saturday 25th
The Indians all remained at home & eat their bread and meat for all I know!!!
Sunday 26th
The Indians (as yesterday) remained at home as quiet as hived bees in the winter.
Monday 27th
This day Dr. Lord with his assistant proceeded to Lewistown and vaccinated about 120 of them, being nearly half. They were well satisfied with the operation.
Tuesday, 28th
The Indians assembled at Lewiston and received rations for three days. Order reigned. Dr. Lord & asst to-day finished vaccinating them.
Wednesday 29 Aug ’32
This day the Indians remained at home with but a few exceptions. Probably half a dozen came to trade with Squali-kee-quoh (Col. McPherson). Bring deer skins, etc.
Thursday 30th
The Indians remained at home in quietness
Friday 31st
The Indians assembled at Lewistown and received rations for 4 days. They were told to take to Bellefontaine about 20 horses to be shod in the morning.