When they were all seated, (all on the floor but one, who looked most uncomfortable, mounted on a high chair), the agent introduced the subject, and it was discussed for a while; the Dahcotahs paying the most profound attention, although they could not understand a word of what was passing; and when there was a few moments' silence, the chiefs rose each in his turn to protest against the Winnebagoes passing through their country.

They all spoke sensibly and well; and when one finished, the others all intimated their approval by crying "Ho!" as a kind of chorus.

After a while Shah-co-pee rose; his manner said "I am Sir Oracle." He shook hands with the commanding officer, with the agent and interpreter, and then with some strangers who were visiting the fort.
His attitude was perfectly erect as he addressed the officer.
"We are the children of our great Father, the President of the United States; look upon us, for we are your children too.

You are placed here to see that the Dahcotahs are protected, that their rights are not infringed upon." While the Indians cried Ho! ho! with great emphasis, Shah-co-pee shook hands all round again, and then resumed his place and speech.
"Once this country all belonged to the Dahcotahs.

Where had the white man a place to call his own on our prairies?
He could not even pass through our country without our permission! "Our great Father has signified to us that he wants our lands.