Chapter XXVIII — The Return of Father Schoenmakers.
Chapter XXVIII
The Osages find several refugee Indians — They remain faithful to the Union — Return of Father Schoenmakers to the Mission.
The damages suffered by the Osages during last spring, from the passing of troops, were in great part compensated to them in the fall-hunt, which proved to be a very successful one. Meanwhile, that fighting and plundering were the order of the day on the borders of Missouri and Kansas, the Osages were having a good time on the plains. Buffaloes were met in every direction, They killed a large number of them. In October they began to move homeward, but being overloaded they advanced slowly, and at reaching the junction of the Ninisca (Ninnescah) with the Arkansas, finding that the valley between two, offered a very good grazing for their wearied horses, they concluded to stop there to rest themselves, and to let their horses enjoy the good pasture till the end of October.
And now as the men are roaming around in search of fresh game, they unexpectedly came across a band of most destitute and wretched looking Indians, belonging to different tribes, such as Creeks, Wichita’s, Chitciais (Choctaw ?) and (?). These poor savages had fled the reservation down south, to avoid being complicated in the war with the white people. Their flight had been so precipitous that without thinking of purchasing to themselves a supply of needed provisions leaving before leaving, without having any preconceived plan among themselves about the place where they would go, taking with them no more than what they could grab in the hurry of the moment, men, women and children abandon their wigwams with what little fortune they had, and struck for the far west. After wandering for over one month, not knowing where they were going, and suffering most terribly for want of food, at last guided, it would seem by natural instinct, but more correctly by divine providence, they gradually met together and formed themselves into a company for mutual protection. Their appearance was most distressing! Their bodies were extremely emaciated. The little stock of bread stuff and ammunition they had at their start having been completely exhausted, now over 3 weeks they supported their life by eating, or rather chewing, slippery elm bark! Their condition could hardly be any worse, and they were bound to die of starvation had they not met at last with the Osages.
These (Osages) had plenty, and according to their liberal nature, willingly divided with their brethren all they had, nay not satisfied of supplying them with an abundance of dry meat, they also gave them bows and arrows, that they might go around hunting on their own account.
Delayed by this circumstance longer than they were calculating, the Osages left the Ninnescah by the first of January and after few days reached their winter quarters of the Neosho. On the 5 of February the principal Chiefs came to pay us a visit, accompanied by the small band of refugees they had met on the plains. We wonder at the sight, those unfortunate people are exhibiting! For they are so destitute that they do not even have a blanket to cover themselves, all their clothing being reduced to a scanty piece of dirty buffalo robe tied around their loins. We approach them with familiarity, and invited them all to come in our house, to have some refreshment. The Osages do not need a second call, for they always are at home with us. But the strangers do not seem to trust us, and keep looking at one another without saying a word, No sooner however we bring them a basket full of meat and bread, they give of us most sincere signs of friendship and gratitude. They appear to be very much pleased, they divide the contents among themselves and are happy.
The chiefs of the Osages were now embarrassed about these people, and did not know what to do with them. We advised them to bring them up on the Neosho, at a certain point between the towns of Iola and LeRoy, where quite a number of straggler Indians, of most every nation in the west, were cared for by the government. The chiefs did accordingly, and these poor refugees found themselves under a good shelter and comfortably provided with all they needed.
Since the beginning of the war both belligerent parties tried by all means to allure the Indians on their side. To this effect the Osages were frequently visited by commissioners, and sub-commissioners, by regular army agents, and pseudo-agents, all declaring that they were sent by the Grand Father from Washington, all promising them large bounties if they would enlist, and fight for their cause.
But the Osages by this time had gained some experience, and knew whom they could trust, consequently they remained faithful to the Union. The news of their loyalty having spread all over the country, President Lincoln was so much pleased with them, that he sent them great many presents. Events were now succeeding themselves with rapidity, and the newspapers every day brought us some startling information of bloody battles having been fought, sometimes with favorable result to the Union Army, at other times to that of the Confederacy. On our grounds we never had any battle, but skirmishes, raids and guerrillas surprises had become most frequent, even in our vicinity. This state of affairs kept every one in a continual suspense, not knowing what might come next.
And Lo! On the 20th of February about noon a great uproar of joyful voices is arising from the Mission yards. Every one is shouting hurrah, hurrah for Father John Schoenmakers! The good Father has just come from St. Mary’s Mission, after nine months absence. The joy his return has brought is universal. The Osages near and far soon hear of it, and all hasten to come to congratulate him. So far large belligerent parties had kept a distance from us, but now with the opening of May it seems that the whole of the Indian Country is to be turned into a great battle field. Full regiments are now frequently marching through our mission, and wherever they pass, indeed they leave their mark. Poor Indian cottages, as well as rich half-breed plantations, towns and missions, schools and churches that happen to be on their way are plundered and next burned to the ground. No quarters are any longer given to prisoners, no property is any longer respected, all is doomed to destruction. But in the midst of such desolation, Osage Mission is spared. And this, next to divine providence, is due to the liberal and accommodative spirit with which good Father Schoenmakers is managing the whole.
The men of both parties know, that the Father is a real gentleman, with no prejudice of any sort, always ready and willing to offer his services, and give assistance to very one, without questioning whether he be a native or a foreigner, a Roman Catholic or a Protestant, a Union man or a Confederate soldier. No, not even does he want to know the name of those on whom he is lavishing his hospitability; but with true Christian charity, he is doing good to all. Hence, our mission is considered as a sacred ground, on which the flag of truce is always hoisted.
The damages suffered by the Osages during last spring, from the passing of troops, were in great part compensated to them in the fall-hunt, which proved to be a very successful one. Meanwhile, that fighting and plundering were the order of the day on the borders of Missouri and Kansas, the Osages were having a good time on the plains. Buffaloes were met in every direction, They killed a large number of them. In October they began to move homeward, but being overloaded they advanced slowly, and at reaching the junction of the Ninisca (Ninnescah) with the Arkansas, finding that the valley between two, offered a very good grazing for their wearied horses, they concluded to stop there to rest themselves, and to let their horses enjoy the good pasture till the end of October.
And now as the men are roaming around in search of fresh game, they unexpectedly came across a band of most destitute and wretched looking Indians, belonging to different tribes, such as Creeks, Wichita’s, Chitciais (Choctaw ?) and (?). These poor savages had fled the reservation down south, to avoid being complicated in the war with the white people. Their flight had been so precipitous that without thinking of purchasing to themselves a supply of needed provisions leaving before leaving, without having any preconceived plan among themselves about the place where they would go, taking with them no more than what they could grab in the hurry of the moment, men, women and children abandon their wigwams with what little fortune they had, and struck for the far west. After wandering for over one month, not knowing where they were going, and suffering most terribly for want of food, at last guided, it would seem by natural instinct, but more correctly by divine providence, they gradually met together and formed themselves into a company for mutual protection. Their appearance was most distressing! Their bodies were extremely emaciated. The little stock of bread stuff and ammunition they had at their start having been completely exhausted, now over 3 weeks they supported their life by eating, or rather chewing, slippery elm bark! Their condition could hardly be any worse, and they were bound to die of starvation had they not met at last with the Osages.
These (Osages) had plenty, and according to their liberal nature, willingly divided with their brethren all they had, nay not satisfied of supplying them with an abundance of dry meat, they also gave them bows and arrows, that they might go around hunting on their own account.
Delayed by this circumstance longer than they were calculating, the Osages left the Ninnescah by the first of January and after few days reached their winter quarters of the Neosho. On the 5 of February the principal Chiefs came to pay us a visit, accompanied by the small band of refugees they had met on the plains. We wonder at the sight, those unfortunate people are exhibiting! For they are so destitute that they do not even have a blanket to cover themselves, all their clothing being reduced to a scanty piece of dirty buffalo robe tied around their loins. We approach them with familiarity, and invited them all to come in our house, to have some refreshment. The Osages do not need a second call, for they always are at home with us. But the strangers do not seem to trust us, and keep looking at one another without saying a word, No sooner however we bring them a basket full of meat and bread, they give of us most sincere signs of friendship and gratitude. They appear to be very much pleased, they divide the contents among themselves and are happy.
The chiefs of the Osages were now embarrassed about these people, and did not know what to do with them. We advised them to bring them up on the Neosho, at a certain point between the towns of Iola and LeRoy, where quite a number of straggler Indians, of most every nation in the west, were cared for by the government. The chiefs did accordingly, and these poor refugees found themselves under a good shelter and comfortably provided with all they needed.
Since the beginning of the war both belligerent parties tried by all means to allure the Indians on their side. To this effect the Osages were frequently visited by commissioners, and sub-commissioners, by regular army agents, and pseudo-agents, all declaring that they were sent by the Grand Father from Washington, all promising them large bounties if they would enlist, and fight for their cause.
But the Osages by this time had gained some experience, and knew whom they could trust, consequently they remained faithful to the Union. The news of their loyalty having spread all over the country, President Lincoln was so much pleased with them, that he sent them great many presents. Events were now succeeding themselves with rapidity, and the newspapers every day brought us some startling information of bloody battles having been fought, sometimes with favorable result to the Union Army, at other times to that of the Confederacy. On our grounds we never had any battle, but skirmishes, raids and guerrillas surprises had become most frequent, even in our vicinity. This state of affairs kept every one in a continual suspense, not knowing what might come next.
And Lo! On the 20th of February about noon a great uproar of joyful voices is arising from the Mission yards. Every one is shouting hurrah, hurrah for Father John Schoenmakers! The good Father has just come from St. Mary’s Mission, after nine months absence. The joy his return has brought is universal. The Osages near and far soon hear of it, and all hasten to come to congratulate him. So far large belligerent parties had kept a distance from us, but now with the opening of May it seems that the whole of the Indian Country is to be turned into a great battle field. Full regiments are now frequently marching through our mission, and wherever they pass, indeed they leave their mark. Poor Indian cottages, as well as rich half-breed plantations, towns and missions, schools and churches that happen to be on their way are plundered and next burned to the ground. No quarters are any longer given to prisoners, no property is any longer respected, all is doomed to destruction. But in the midst of such desolation, Osage Mission is spared. And this, next to divine providence, is due to the liberal and accommodative spirit with which good Father Schoenmakers is managing the whole.
The men of both parties know, that the Father is a real gentleman, with no prejudice of any sort, always ready and willing to offer his services, and give assistance to very one, without questioning whether he be a native or a foreigner, a Roman Catholic or a Protestant, a Union man or a Confederate soldier. No, not even does he want to know the name of those on whom he is lavishing his hospitability; but with true Christian charity, he is doing good to all. Hence, our mission is considered as a sacred ground, on which the flag of truce is always hoisted.
Some Reference Information.
The sketch at the right illustrates Fr. John Schoenmaker's quandary during the war. The Mission was isolated and between forces. Fort Scott was 35 miles northeast; and Fort Blair (Baxter Springs) was not fully operational until 1863. Confederate sympathizer John Mathews operated a store/blacksmith shop 25 miles south near present-day Oswego. The Missouri State line was barley 30 miles east. Fr. Schoenmakers had few options. The Mission was a government facility and he morally objected to slavery. Also he was responsible for several orphaned Osage children — abandoning the mission would amount to abandoning them. His only choice was to maintain tenuous neutrality. The fact that he was successful is the reason St. Paul exists today. Click on the sketch for a link to Chapter 8 of Our Story - A Dangerous Balance — The Civil War.
The sketch at the right illustrates Fr. John Schoenmaker's quandary during the war. The Mission was isolated and between forces. Fort Scott was 35 miles northeast; and Fort Blair (Baxter Springs) was not fully operational until 1863. Confederate sympathizer John Mathews operated a store/blacksmith shop 25 miles south near present-day Oswego. The Missouri State line was barley 30 miles east. Fr. Schoenmakers had few options. The Mission was a government facility and he morally objected to slavery. Also he was responsible for several orphaned Osage children — abandoning the mission would amount to abandoning them. His only choice was to maintain tenuous neutrality. The fact that he was successful is the reason St. Paul exists today. Click on the sketch for a link to Chapter 8 of Our Story - A Dangerous Balance — The Civil War.
