Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 4.
Frank Moore, Ed.

A large number of Kansas Indians are now in this city awaiting the return of Commissioner Dole from the interior of the State. They came here on various errands — more particularly, however, for the purpose of learning in what manner, and for how long a time they can enlist in the service of the Federal Government.

Yesterday we were visited by a delegation of Indians representing the Weas, Peorias, Miamia, and Piankashaws. Major Battese, the well-known interpreter, and Major G. A. Colton, Agent, accompanied them. The Major has been in Kansas thirty-seven years, is a man of wealth and large experience. He said the number of warriors in these tribes was very small, but they were all loyal. They want to fight, but desire to have their homes protected. They would like to have a Government force act with them.

They had seen Gen. Hunter: he was glad to learn that the Indians wanted to enlist, but said he had as yet received no authority from the Government to muster them into the service.

speech of Y-O-to-Wah.

I came to visit your city, and most of the way on foot. I came to get arms and a force to guard our frontier. I told Gen. Hunter we would gladly fight if our homes and firesides could be protected — that we would fight with white soldiers, and go wherever wanted. Our chiefs say they will go out if the women and children can be protected. They said the Government had not called for them to fight; there was no fence down and no chance to jump over. We are willing to put in our mite and share the same fate with the pale faces. We are on the border; we have been insulted, but the tomahawk is buried under our orchards, and we want to go as men. We don't want to pull the tomahawk-we would rather prune our trees. If I am driven from my little farm, I want to die like a man. Peace is my motto. I will make a child's bargain with the Missouri rebels — if they'll let me alone, I'll let them alone.

I came up here partly for the white men around me. They solicited my aid. They told me to ask Gen. Hunter and the great men around here, to station a guard on the border for their protection. And I wish to thank Gen. Hunter and your citizens, for the aid they extended to me.

Last June my life was assailed by Missourians. I was driven from home, and went to Lawrence and Wyandotte with my family.

I want to harmonize with my chiefs, and do nothing against white man or red man.

Loyal men are accustomed to come to me; they leave their arms and money with my wife to be secreted.

If I have had some troubles, I have had more pleasure from being a Union man.

Our Agent, Major Colton, has encouraged us in agricultural pursuits. He takes pride in interesting me in the ways of the white man. Other agents have never had the care of us that he has.

I give my most cordial feeling to the people of Kansas and to the First and Second Kansas regiments who have fought so bravely for us.

This is my story. You can put in the pinks, and roses, and flowers.

Major Battese and Pe-ke-mon-wah assented to the statements of the speaker.