American Soldiers

     Oshkosh saw the first American soldiers land from their steamboats at Green Bay in 1816, when Fort Howard was constructed. Prior to 1827, a young halfbreed was hunting up Hell creek east of Green Bay. As he glided by the tall rushes on the margin very early in the morning, he noticed the rushes move which he thought was caused by a deer and raised his gun and shot. Hurrying over to the spot, to his horror, he found an Indian in a canoe, which was half drawn on shore, drooping lifeless over its side, with a shot through his head. As the killing was accidental he had no wish to conceal it, so placing the body in his own canoe, he brought it to the camp at the Bay.

On landing he went to Oiscoss the chief, and told him of it, who being drunk, plunged his knife into the unfortunate Indian, who was related to the Jourdains. Oiscoss was arrested, but acquitted by the civil court. The tribal, law, however, was not satisfied. Mrs. Jourdain could take a pipe and war club, lay them at the feet of any of the chiefs of the Menomonees and insure punishment of death. But wishing to be made chief at Little Buttes des Herts he went to her and begged forgiveness and life which she granted, after informing him in strong language of her opinion of him.
    

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Story of Oshkosh

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