[112] In spite of their villainous character the Sioux pitied the apparent misfortunes of the Inkpaduta band and explained their unhappy lot as follows: "Long ago some chiefs and principal men of the Iowas returned from Canada to Prairie du Chien in the winter, and attempted to pass through the Dakota territory to their own country. They were kindly received and hospitably entertained by the Wabashaw band, who sent messengers to the Wahpekutas, then encamped at Dry Wood, requesting them to receive the Iowas in a friendly manner and to aid them in their journey. The Wahpekutas returned a favorable answer and prepared a feast for the Iowas, but killed them all while they were eating it." Thereafter, these Wahpekutas were very unfortunate, many were killed, and the band nearly perished. Their wickedness on this particular occasion was held to account for all their calamities of the future. In this connection read Pond's _The Dakotas or Sioux in Minnesota as They Were in 1834_ in the _Collections of the Minnesota Historical Society_, Vol. XII, p. 425.
[113] Lee's _History of the Spirit Lake Massacre_, p. 14.
[114] Hughes's _Causes and Results of the Inkpaduta Massacre_ in the _Collections of the Minnesota Historical Society_, Vol. XII, p. 264.
[115] The term _gens_, as here used, implies descent in the male line. It is also well in this connection to recall the fact that the Sioux were in no sense a nation but acted as bands, each band being entirely separate, distinct, and independent from any other.--See Dorsey's _Siouan Sociology_ in the _Fifteenth Annual Report of the Bureau of American Ethnology_, p. 213 ff.
[116] Richman's _The Tragedy at Minnewaukon_ in _John Brown among the Quakers_, pp. 207, 208; Hodge's _Handbook of the American Indians_, Pt. II, pp. 891, 902; Robinson's _A History of the Dakota or Sioux Indians_ in the _South Dakota Historical Collections_, Vol. II, pp. 215, 216; _House Executive Documents_, 1st Session, 35th Congress, Vol. II, Pt. I, p. 359.
[117] _House Executive Documents_, 1st Session, 35th Congress, Vol. II, Pt. I, p. 359; _The Spirit Lake Massacre and Relief Expedition_ in the _Roster and Record of Iowa Soldiers_, Vol. VI, p. 887.
[118] Robinson's _History of the Dakota or Sioux Indians_ in the _South Dakota Historical Collections_, Vol. II, pp. 204, 216.