.MTM1OA.MTE1MDI3

261 of them. Had they deserted or left him before he pleased to be rid of them their lives might have paid the penalty. and the husband had been exhonerated [sic]. his wife or squaw is his and he can dispose of her as he sees fit. A Dakota squaw on one occasion tired of her husband and eloped with another man. she was gone some time and was finally discovered by her former husband. he upbraided her roundly for the desertion and told her to [?] her feet putting one foot upon the other. he then taked his gun and shot a bullet through both feet telling her she could run if she wanted follow the other man. It is difficult to understand what refinements of cruelty the indian mind is not capable of. and we who sit at home about our comfortable fire side. and read with [?engaging?] interest the tales of Cooper must not forget the fact. and remember that condition of these who live on the frontier and whose lives are every minute in Jeopardy. The condition of the western frontiers to day is the same as was the condition in New England when every man at the place had his gun. and rode armed to the teeth. with his life in his hand when he attended "meeting" The character of the indian is that of a wild animal and he must be curbed and trained be the means what they may. some are docile and kindness will reach them. the majority are wild and bust be broken. and the sooner he is reduced to the proper realization of his status and position in the scale of civilization the letter for her [three unclear words] and the lives of hundreds of white men.