454                               HISTORY OF MINNESOTA.
betrayed into inaccuracies; and yet it is interesting to note the impression produced by an intelligent mind at that period—when the country was still in possession of savages.
The winter of 1837-38 was one of suffering among the Dahkotahs of the Upper Minnesota. Famine, and the loathsome disease small-pox, made its appearance at Lake Traverse, and produced wailing, weeping, and gnashing of teeth. The disease was communicated by some who had been on a steamboat on the Missouri, and they were swept off by scores. In addition to famine and pestilence, the war whoop was again raised.
On the first of August, 1838, a small hunting party left Lac qui Parle, accompanied by Mr. Gideon H. Pond, who was desirous of becoming more thoroughly acquainted with Dahkotah modes of life. In the fall of 1837, Hole-in-the-day, a distinguished Ojibway chief, father of the young man who now bears that name, had smoked the calumet with the Dahkotahs, and promised to meet them the next spring, and make them presents for the privilege of hunting on their lands.
After travelling for a few days, the hunting party separated, and a portion proceeded in advance. Three lodges of men, women, and children remained. The afternoon of the day of the division of the party, eleven Ojibways came to the advance lodges. They were received as friends: two dogs were killed, and they feasted. Hilarity ended, the Dahkotahs lay down to sleep. When all was silent, the guests arose and scalped men, women, children, and infants, nearly the whole camp. Among those who escaped, was a mother. While fleeing, her babe was shot in her arms, and she was wounded.