DAHCOTAH; OR, LIFE AND LEGENDS OF THE SIOUX AROUND FORT SNELLING. BY MRS. MARY EASTMAN, WITH PREFACE BY MRS. C. M. KIRKLAND. ILLUSTRATED FROM DRAWINGS BY CAPTAIN EASTMAN. TO HENRY SIBLEY, ESQ., HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. It was my purpose to dedicate, exclusively, these pages to my beloved parents. What correctness of sentiment appears in this book is mainly ascribable to a principle they endeavored to instil into the minds of their children, that purity of heart and intellectual attainment are never more appropriately exercised than in promoting the good of our fellow-creatures. Yet the sincere sentiments of respect and regard that I entertain for you, the remembrance of the many acts of friendship received from you during my residence at Fort Snelling, and the assurance that you are ever prompt to assist and protect the Indian, induce me to unite your name with those most dear to me in this dedication. An additional inducement is, that no one knows better than yourself the opportunities that presented themselves to collect materials for these legends, and with what interest these occasions were improved. With whatever favor this little work may be received it is a most pleasing reflection to me, that the object in publishing it being to excite attention to the moral wants of the Dahcotahs, will be kindly appreciated by the friends of humanity, and by none more readily than yourself. Very truly yours, MARY H. EASTMAN. New London, March lst, 1849. PREFACE.