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Archer, Edward R., fl. 1830-1917 to Mr. Gates & Mr. Leater

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01896.010 Author/Creator: Archer, Edward R., fl. 1830-1917 Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph manuscript signed Date: 1838/01/28 Pagination: 4 p. : Height: 32 cm, Width: 20 cm Order a Copy

After an Indian named Ocula Powell accosted General Thompson and accused him of intruding in his country, Thompson arrested Powell, confined him to the guard house, and demanded an apology and assurances of his future good conduct. After he initially responded with rage, Powell eventually promises friendship toward whites but the General doesn't believe him and asks for his words to be backed by a more trusted Chief. Powell agrees to sign but Thompson believes him insincere since he had been coerced into doing so, and so lets him go back to his people to return in 10 days when he is more sincere. Powell returned 10 days later with 25 other Indians and signed the treaty. He acted in a friendly and kind manner afterward, and was later given a rifle in appreciation. But a little while later, Powell returned to kill his white captors including Thompson [who died months later from his wounds] with the very rifle awarded to him for his peaceful actions. The Indian was disgraced and exacted his bloodlust revenge after things had calmed down.

; Partial appropriation for the Suppression of Indian H[?] for the year 1838.

Thompson (general), fl. 1838
Powell, Ocula, fl. 1838
Archer, Edward Richard, 1834-1918

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