Main entry: Clark, William, 1770-1838.

Title: William Clark papers, 1809-1854

Dates: 1809-1854

Size: 15 items

 

Brief biography:

William Clark was an explorer--famous for the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Governor of Missouri Territory, and an Indian agent.  He was a brother of George Rogers Clark.  He was appointed Governor of Missouri Territory in 1813; received delegations at his home, held councils with chiefs of American Indian groups, appointed agents and factors; sent messages to the various tribes, and tried by a series of treaties to reconcile the western American Indians.  He was instrumental in subduing uprisings and in 1825 attempted to bring about a permanent peace by the Treaty of Prairie du Chien, which defined the tribal boundaries and arranged for conciliation among the tribes.

 

Description of the collection:

The letters are written mainly after the War of 1812 when Clark was greatly occupied with American Indian affairs.

 

List of selected items in the collection:

1809 Apr. 27

To Robert Brent, U.S. Army, regarding the erection of an establishment and payment of militiamen in Missouri so that he can make certain arrangements with the Indians in that region.

 

1810 Nov. 14

Statement by Gomo, chief of a band of Pottawatomies, regarding the killing of two white men; influenced by the Prophet…

 

1810 Nov. 15

Report of horse thefts by American Indians along the Illinois River

 

1812 Apr. 12

Kickapoos and Pottawatomies fired upon on the Illinois; they are greatly alarmed; wait your communication before trying to talk to them …

 

1812 Aug. 10

To the Secretary of War; Three Western Territories apprehensive of large hostile American Indian force preparing to attack them; .. if a large force should attack the frontiers, alarm and confusion will spread among the citizens and a great number will leave the Territories … if Gen. Hull is successful … many of the Indians will abandon the project of War … but the Prophet and his brother Tecumseh by their intrigues and interference … have created much confusion and difference of feeling … influence is becoming more formidable … suggest that a body of 6 or 7 hundred militia should march from the nearest part of Kentucky … joined by Rangers and mounted Riflemen … [detailed plan of operation].  An establishment at Prairie du Chien is especially necessary … it will have a powerful influence on the Indians, both friends and foes …

 

1812 Aug. 16

To Gov. Edwards re sending regulars and militia; news of the fall of Mackenack and abandonment of Chicago …

 

1815 Sept. 16

Treaty of Peace concluded by William Clark, Ninian Edwards, and Auguste Choteau with the Iowa Indians; signed by 17 chiefs.

 

1816 Apr. 24

License signed by Clark, issued to John Cleves to trade with the Fox tribe of American Indians residing on the west side of the Mississippi and the bands of Sioux who may have entered into a treaty with the U.S.

D.S., 1 p. (33 x 20 cm.).

 

1819 Jan. 19

To Gov. Ninian Edwards re Major O’Fallon’s trip to Washington; proposed company to trade with American Indians; sketchy description of system for American Indian agency policy west of the Mississippi.

 

1834 May 19

Paternal advice to his son.

 

Other papers and diaries of Clark are in:

Missouri Historical Society,

Wisconsin Historical Society, Draper Collection (also Eva Emory Dye papers contain genealogical information),

Kansas Historical Society.